Caribbean Children and the COVID-19 pandemic: A call for data-driven planning

Objective: There are few published reports concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children in the Caribbean. The specific impacts of COVID-19 on Caribbean children aged 0-19 are examined. Method(s): Using standardized online questionnaire , primary data and published reports the burden of COVID-19 among children is evaluated. Result(s): Most islands have pediatric specialists, but few have designated pediatric hospitals. The higher number of cases among children is notable in islands with large populations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The proportion of children among all cases in these islands range from 0.6%- 16.9% compared with a global case rate of 20.2%. As of August 2021, there were 33 cumulative deaths among children in Haiti, Jamaica, in Trinidad and Barbados. The case fatality rates (CFR) for 0-9-year-old and 10-19-year-old were 2.8 and 0.7 for Haiti, 0.1 and 0.2 for Jamaica, and 0 and 0.14 for Trinidad compared with and globally. Higher CFRs in Haiti may be related to the testing strategy, which may not identify all cases. However, low socioeconomic status and a poor healthcare system may have had an impact. Conclusion(s): Overall COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in children were consistent with global estimates. A standardized regional assessment and the multidimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among children warrants further examination in light of limited resources and the potential lifelong impact of secondary effects.

How culture, leadership and engagement helped a small business survive during the pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to investigate how a small catering company has coped with the current Covid-19 pandemic. Initial research was performed in 2014 and repeated in 2018. Given the far reaching business challenges of the pandemic, the authors examined the viability of the organization within the current climate.Design/methodology/approachEmbedded organizational components of culture, leadership and engagement are explored as key elements in the sustainability of the company during the pandemic crisis. Prior research data using the organizational culture inventory is used to assess organizational culture over a four-year period. Employee data and interview analysis within company structure is used to determine how leadership and employee engagement is impacted. Culture research is examined to determine the influence of company culture upon organizational survival.FindingsThis paper identifies workplace culture elements that contribute to company sustainability. Embedded core value systems, strong employee engagement mechanisms and focused leadership styles were observed to be critical influences upon company survival during the pandemic.Originality/valueThis research would assist industry professionals and practitioners in understanding the active workplace culture mechanisms found to be effective for organizational survival during periods of crisis. Companies that adopt similar practices may acquire sustainability advantage during the pandemic.