CMC – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has signalled its intention for deeper involvement in Jamaica’s sustainable development programmes as a senior executive team on Friday completed a week of high-level exchanges with government ministers and other officials.
The mission commenced with a meeting with Prime Minister, Andrew Holness where the dialogue centred on strengthening the partnership between the country and the Barbados-based financial institution to accelerate Jamaica’s economic growth agenda.
Pivotal areas identified for deeper intervention included agriculture, food sovereignty, water security, citizens’ security and capacity building for national institutions.
The delegation also held discussions with Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, and other senior managers from the Planning Institute of Jamaica, which focused on increased support for initiatives to promote resilience and sustainability.
Dr. Henry recognised CDB’s deep understanding of the country’s challenges citing the Bank’s advocacy and advice on measuring vulnerability, and the impact of its expansive operations in Jamaica’s agriculture and water sectors.
The mission agenda also included consultations with government ministers from the ministries of Agriculture, National Security and Science, Energy and Technology.
“Accelerating Jamaica’s development trajectory is an imperative for the CDB as the country is one of our largest shareholders and an important part of the regional development framework,” said head of the delegation, CDB Vice President (Operations), Isaac Solomon.
“As a matter of priority, we are seeking to work more closely with Jamaica to facilitate holistic development that in areas that will resonate with various stakeholder groups throughout the country.”
The Bank’s portfolio in Jamaica includes the £35.5 million Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth and the £16.7 million Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project in Clarendon, also in the south.
The two major infrastructure improvement initiatives are being financed under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund.
Both undertakings will improve agricultural production and productivity, and access to markets for farming interests in the respective parishes.
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