There are a few other very well known common problems in the Caribbean that keep sturdy construction from being the standard: generational poverty and a lack of industry outside tourism, a lack of skilled tradesmen (and a plethora of unskilled ones), and an "island time" attitude of getting stuff done whenever instead of according to a strict schedule.
That said, the culture of the Caribbean Islands is built upon a certain blind optimism and carefree attitude. The cruise and resort companies will always throw money at the tourist areas and the locals will resist efforts to tighten up and spend more time in cubicles.
Sometimes, the differences are slim between legitimate reaons and excuses, in the face of known conditions that remain unchanged.