The Impact of Central Bank Monetary Expansion on Inflation: A Case Study of Belize, Jamaica, and Barbados, 2000-2026

This paper investigates the link between monetary expansion and inflation in three Caribbean countries, Belize, Jamaica, and Barbados, from 2000 to 2026. By analyzing the historical data on money supply (M2) and inflation rates, we show that the excessive printing of money by central banks has been a major cause of inflation, either to finance budget deficits or to boost economic growth, resulting in a loss of purchasing power. By econometric analysis, we show that there is a positive link between M2 growth and inflation, which emphasizes the role of central banks in causing inflation. Case studies show that even in countries with fixed exchange rates, such as Belize and Barbados, the role of central banks has contributed to inflationary pressures, while in Jamaica, with a flexible exchange rate, the impact is further exacerbated. The forecast for 2025-2026 shows that there are still risks if monetary discipline is not enforced.