Politics of prevention in the periphery: the initial response to COVID-19 on Barbuda and Puerto Rico. (Special Section: Islands of refuge, islands of contagion.)
Island Studies Journal
; 17(1):66-84, 2022.
Article
in English
| CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2040603
ABSTRACT
The islands of Barbuda and Puerto Rico share a history of dispossession and exploitation, occupying a peripheric position in a core-periphery world system. Yet, each island's response to COVID-19, and the subsequent effects of the pandemic, could not be more different. This paper examines how colonialism and neocolonialism affected the islands' ability to respond to COVID-19. Barbuda relied on community traditions of support and self-reliance and was able to restrict all travel to and from the island, including travelers from the diaspora and those participating in its informal economic sector. In doing so, Barbuda effectively isolated itself from infection. On the other hand, Puerto Rico, in a protracted economic crisis, was particularly vulnerable to touristic flows, diasporic movements, and a large informal sector. The Puerto Rican response was shaped by deep politicization in the mainland U.S., which complicated an evidence-based strategy to combat the emergency. These cases show that islands, particularly those located in peripheric or subaltern spaces, cannot isolate themselves from the worst effects of COVID-19 through mere geography. Pandemics are not only driven by biological events but also by the narratives of colonialism, encompassing political, economic, and cultural factors, which determine their trajectories - sometimes with devastating outcomes.
History and Biography [BB500]; Tourism and Travel [UU700]; Social Psychology and Social Anthropology [UU485]; Arts, Entertainment and Cultural Heritage [UU630]; Rural Sociology [UU800]; pandemics; coronavirus disease 2019; colonialism; economic sectors; geography; history; informal sector; politics; property transfers; self reliance; traditions; Puerto Rico; Barbuda; Antigua; Greater Antilles; Antilles; Caribbean; America; high income countries; Latin America; Antigua and Barbuda; Caribbean Community; Commonwealth of Nations; high Human Development Index countries; Leeward Islands; Lesser Antilles; Porto Rico; sectors of production
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
CAB Abstracts
Country/Region as subject:
Puerto Rico
Language:
English
Journal:
Island Studies Journal
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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