For the sub-category “registering property”; eleven of the thirteen countries had a ranking greater than 105 for the sub-category “closing a business” and five of our CARICOM countries tied for the lowest ranking in the world. The Global Competitive Index for 2010–2011 shows Barbados ranked at 43rd and the rest of the Caribbean ranked between 84th (Trinidad and Tobago) and 110th among 139 countries.
One explanation for our lack of competitive edge is the fact that the Caribbean is lagging behind in terms of access to information technology and affordability. In 2008, it was estimated that broadband penetration in the region was below 8 per cent compared with over 30 per cent in OECD countries.