Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has departed St. Vincent and the Grenadines to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Nassau, The Bahamas.
The meeting, which runs from June 1 to June 5, is being held under the theme “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times” and will bring together regional leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors, development agencies and private-sector representatives from across the Caribbean.
The annual gathering serves as one of the region’s premier forums for discussing economic development, regional cooperation and strategies to address emerging challenges facing Caribbean nations.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Friday is expected to participate in a series of high-level discussions focusing on regional development financing, climate resilience, debt sustainability, energy transition initiatives and measures aimed at strengthening economic growth throughout the Caribbean.
The Prime Minister will also hold engagements with fellow heads of government, development partners and regional stakeholders on matters of importance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider region.
As Caribbean countries continue to face economic pressures, climate-related threats and global uncertainty, officials say the discussions at this year’s meeting are expected to play an important role in shaping future development priorities and financing opportunities.
Accompanying Dr. Friday to the meeting are Ambassador and Financial Advisor Kevin Hope, Director of Economic Planning Ricardo Frederick, and Protection Officer Corporal Desrick Quashie.
During the Prime Minister’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Major St. Clair Leacock, will serve as Acting Prime Minister.
The Caribbean Development Bank is a major source of development financing for the region, supporting projects in infrastructure, education, climate resilience, agriculture and economic development across its borrowing member countries.