The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the World Bank (WB), in collaboration with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, have agreed on a set of priority actions aimed at improving project implementation and maintaining alignment with the nation’s development agenda.
The commitments emerged from the Country Project Portfolio Review, held from September 8 to 12, 2025, which brought together senior government officials, representatives from both Banks, and key stakeholders to assess the progress of jointly financed projects. The review emphasized the need to streamline portfolios for greater efficiency, strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, and build the capacity of Project Implementation Units, contractors, and consultants.
As part of the way forward, the parties also agreed to deepen partnerships, maximize resource use, and evaluate local market conditions amid ongoing construction activity and a growing demand for skilled labor. Additionally, CDB and the World Bank committed to fostering more flexible and collaborative approaches within their institutions to better support client needs.
Discussions also centered on national priorities, including disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, resilient infrastructure, education, health systems strengthening, and economic diversification. Lessons learned were drawn from key initiatives such as the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Recovery, Hurricane Beryl Emergency Resilient Recovery, Port Modernisation, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management, and the Caribbean Digital Transformation projects.
CDB Director of Projects (Ag.) L. O’Reilly Lewis emphasized the importance of aligning investments with national goals, noting, “By working alongside the World Bank and the Government, CDB is ensuring that investments are both transformative and sustainable, tackling immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.”
World Bank Director for the Caribbean Lilia Burunciuc echoed that sentiment, adding, “This review highlights the strong collaboration between the Government, the World Bank, and CDB in addressing urgent recovery needs while advancing reforms that support resilience, innovation, and opportunities for Vincentians.”
Following the review, continued dialogue between the Government, CDB, and the World Bank is expected as they move to identify and advance priority development areas for the years ahead.
