President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus “Gene” Leon has pledged to continue supporting priority reforms to advance holistic development in The Bahamas with infrastructure, education and digital transformation among the areas for immediate attention. 

Dr. Leon recently made his first official trip to The Bahamas, where he discussed several high priority policy issues with Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip Davis and Financial Secretary, Mr. Simon Wilson. 

Areas identified for support and collaboration include infrastructure, renewable energy, education, health, water, digitalisation, and transportation. President Leon also utilised the opportunity to discuss ways to boost private sector involvement in key development initiatives in The Bahamian archipelago. 

The CDB President noted, “This timely visit of our delegation to The Bahamas provides the opportunity to solidify our longstanding relationship and determine how the CDB can best support the Government’s ongoing reform efforts to enhance the economic, social and environmental resilience of The Bahamas. We also got a first-hand account from senior officials of the solid progress and impact that ongoing CDB-financed projects are having in various communities.” 

The CDB delegation included Vice-President of Operations, Mr. Isaac Solomon and Director of the Projects Department, Mr. Daniel Best. The team also held meetings with Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin and with senior officials and technocrats of the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Public Works, respectively. 

CDB officials also met with the Chairman of the Bahamas Development Bank, Senator the Honourable Quinton Lightbourne, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration to help advance the Government’s reform priorities. 

A CDB technical team is planning a follow-up mission early in 2022 to update the country engagement strategy and discuss, in further detail, proposals identified as priority projects during the visit.