The Turks and Caicos Islands will host the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Dr. William Warren Smith, CDB President, made the announcement on February 3, during an official visit with the country' Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson. The CDB delegation during an official visit to the Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands on February 3, 2017. From left to right: Dr. William Warren Smith, President, CDB; Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands; Yvette Lemonias-Seale, Vice-President (Corporate Services) and Bank Secretary, CDB; and Volville Forsythe, Assistant Bank Secretary, CDB. Approximately 500 delegates are expected to attend the Meeting, which will take place May 24 and 25, 2017. Participants will include Ministers and Government officials, private sector representatives, members of civil society and academia, and media. The flagship event will highlight the impact of the Bank' investments in its 19 borrowing member countries (BMCs). In addition, stakeholders will take part in strategic discussions on resolving some of the Caribbean Region' most pressing economic and social development issues. “We extend our appreciation and thanks to the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands for agreeing to host the Bank' 47th Annual Meeting. This is the second time that TCI is hosting this event. We see this as a strong show of support for our institution and the work we do in helping to drive economic and social development across the Caribbean Region," said Dr. Smith. The Annual Meeting agenda includes a number of fora for sharing knowledge and ideas on topics of regional relevance. The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, a signature event at which a distinguished speaker makes a presentation on a trending economic and social development topic. VYBZING, the Youth Outreach Programme, through which the Bank engages directly with the youth of Turks and Caicos Islands on regional development issues. The event aims to inspire attendees to take action to build a better Caribbean. Interactive seminars, in which expert panellists and presenters share research findings and data that can improve policymakers' understanding of and, therefore, ability to, respond more effectively to critical development challenges. This year, the seminars will focus on Tourism sector reforms, and enhancing productivity and economic growth. During the Meeting, the Bank will also convene the annual Governors' Roundtable. At this event, Governors receive an update on critical operational developments that could have implications on CDB' day-to-day management, and consider strategic shifts that could enhance the Bank' effectiveness and responsiveness to its BMCs.