President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, made his first official visit to the British Virgin Islands during the period January 24-25, 2023.   He was accompanied by Ms Andrea Power, Senior Advisor to the President. 

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Honourable Natalio Wheatley, along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, held bilateral meetings with the CDB delegation to discuss how the Bank can offer technical and financial support.

Premier Wheatley said:

“I was happy to host the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Dr. Leon, and to have the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support given to the Virgin Islands; not just in financing hurricane recovery projects, but with technical assistance in procurement policy, training, and other areas of development.”

The Premier added, “We are a proud member of the bank, and are excited by further sustained engagement in meeting our ambitious development goals which include the establishment of world-class infrastructure, supporting a food security ecosystem, creating climate and economic resilience, and investing in innovation and development.”

The President shared his vision of the Bank and its continued commitment to partnership with its Borrowing Member Countries.

“CDB is pleased to directly engage the Government of the BVI and strengthen our longstanding relationship. Our interactions and dialogue during this visit have created new pathways and opportunities for the Bank and the BVI to further reinforce the solid foundation both have enjoyed.”

Dr. Leon added that the CDB’s timely response to support redevelopment of the Territory subsequent to the 2017 hurricanes, through the issuance of loan and grant facilities to supplement the required funding gap, is evidence of the Bank’s commitment to bolster Borrowing Member Countries.

During the stay, CDB officials also made courtesy calls on the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, and officials from the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).