After more than three decades, Belize has stepped back into a key leadership role at one of the Caribbean’s most influential regional development institutions. At the closing session of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)’s 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, held in Nassau, Bahamas, the Central American nation formally assumed the chairmanship of the CDB’s top governing body, marking its first tenure in the position since 1994.
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in Belize’s Ministry of Economic Transformation, accepted the ceremonial gavel on behalf of Prime Minister John Briceño. In his acceptance remarks, Martinez outlined Belize’s core commitments for its 12-month tenure, centering on advancing inclusive sustainable development and targeted economic transformation across the entire Caribbean region. The handover also brings with it the responsibility of hosting next year’s gathering: Belize will welcome regional delegates and global partners for the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in June 2027.
In a pre-recorded address delivered to the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Briceño framed the chairmanship as a rare and meaningful honor for his country. “Our strength has never rested on the size of our individual states. It is our collective action, our shared purpose, and a firm belief in a better future for the Caribbean,” Briceño emphasized, echoing the collaborative mission that underpins the CDB’s work.
As the highest decision-making forum of the CDB, the Annual Meeting draws a wide range of key stakeholders from the bank’s 19 regional and 9 non-regional member countries, including finance ministers, representatives from global development partners, private sector executives, and leaders of major international financial institutions. Over the next year, Belize, in its capacity as chair, will guide and shape the bank’s strategic priorities, with three core focus areas: deepening regional economic integration, expanding access to critical climate finance for vulnerable Caribbean nations, and supporting the development of more resilient, robust economic frameworks across member states.
Belize’s delegation to the Nassau meeting included senior government and financial leaders: Carlos Pol, CEO of the Ministry of Economic Transformation; Henry Anderson, CEO of the Development Finance Corporation; Michael Rudon Jr, Director of the Government of Belize Press Office; and Jerdie King, a government economist.