The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica have solidified a comprehensive partnership through a newly established multi-year Action Plan. This strategic framework emerged from intensive deliberations during a recent Country Portfolio Performance Review and Country Engagement Strategy mission conducted in Roseau.
High-level discussions brought together senior Dominican officials, CDB representatives, and national stakeholders to evaluate ongoing initiatives, tackle implementation hurdles, and pinpoint emerging opportunities. The collaborative assessment encompassed critical development sectors including infrastructure modernization, water resource management, agricultural innovation, climate resilience, renewable energy expansion, and educational advancement.
Notable projects under examination included the groundbreaking Dominica Geothermal Project, the transformative Basic Needs Trust Fund, and the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund initiatives. These evaluations informed the creation of the Action Plan, which aligns with Dominica’s aspiration to construct a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic future.
Dr. Isaac Solomon, CDB’s Vice-President of Operations, characterized the agreement as a pivotal achievement in the institution’s partnership with Dominica. He emphasized that the plan embodies a shared vision for delivering concrete, enduring outcomes that enhance living standards while strengthening national resilience. The framework represents not merely operational guidance but a mutual dedication to innovative approaches, accountability mechanisms, and sustainable economic transformation.
The strategic blueprint will direct CDB’s financing allocations through the next triennium, prioritizing youth empowerment programs, micro-small-medium enterprise development, water and sewage system enhancements, and expanded geothermal energy utilization. Incorporated within the plan are robust measures to fortify project execution capabilities and institutional capacities.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre highlighted the essential role of collaborative efforts in realizing Dominica’s Sustainable Development Objectives. He acknowledged CDB’s consistent partnership and expressed confidence in the joint development agenda focused on institutional strengthening, capacity enhancement, and citizen welfare improvement.
As part of the engagement process, CDB delegates and government representatives conducted site visits to pivotal projects, including the Grand Bay/Dubique Multipurpose Facility and the Loubiere to Grand Bay Road Reconstruction Project. These inspections provided tangible evidence of CDB-supported investments generating transformative impacts on communities and infrastructure nationwide.
The Action Plan signifies a reinvigorated commitment from both entities to ensure each investment yields substantial, lasting benefits for Dominican citizens. With concentrated focus on resilience building, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, this partnership aims to forge a more prosperous future for the nation.