Building Regional Procurement Capacity: CDB’s Scholarship Programme Transforms Careers and Governance
Scholarship awardees Samantha Marchan and Amoi Romeo
Imagine receiving a scholarship that not only propels your career forward but also empowers you to effect meaningful change in your country. For Samantha Marchan and Amoi Romeo, this moment arrived through the International Master in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) scholarship, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) with support from the Italian Government. The IMPPM, offered at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, is regarded as one of the leading public procurement masters globally.
Samantha Marchan was the first to seize this opportunity, becoming the inaugural recipient of the IMPPM scholarship in 2022. Graduating as valedictorian, Samantha has returned to Trinidad and Tobago, where she serves as a Senior Capacity Development Specialist at the Office of Procurement Regulation. The advanced training and knowledge she gained have significantly enhanced her ability to undertake her duties. Samantha now applies this expertise to develop procurement capacity across public bodies, ensuring that procurement practices are conducted transparently, fairly and efficiently.
“This scholarship has been a game-changer for me; it has equipped me with the skills needed to enhance procurement practices and drive positive change in my country’s procurement processes,”
Following Samantha’s groundbreaking achievements, Amoi Romeo is embarking on her own journey of professional growth with the IMPMM programme. As the current scholarship recipient, Amoi is eagerly pursuing her studies and bringing her unique perspectives to the programme. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Amoi serves as the Technical Advisor to the Secretary of Finance at the Division of Finance, Tobago House of Assembly, where she has oversight for procurement. Having completed four and a half months of in-person instruction in Rome, she has returned to Tobago to focus on her traineeship and dissertation, with the remaining module of the master programme being completed through remote learning. The IMPPM programme has significantly enhanced her skills.
“Throughout my career in public procurement, I’ve focused on fostering a learning environment for my team and promoting competition and vendor inclusion. This programme has further developed my capabilities and allows me to share valuable knowledge with my organisation, advancing our procurement practices.”
The IMPPM scholarship programme is effectively playing a crucial role in the professionalisation of public procurement across the Region.
“By investing in the education of emerging procurement professionals, we are enhancing capacity within the sector and equipping individuals with the skills to implement best practices. This investment leads to notable improvements in transparency, efficiency and accountability in public services.”
Empowering individuals like Samantha and Amoi, and public institutions helps to establish a solid foundation for improved governance and promote more effective delivery of public services. This focus on sustainable and inclusive procurement approaches supports regional long-term development. The programme's expansion this year, with one additional scholarship, reflects CDB’s commitment to building capacity in public procurement throughout the Caribbean.
