On September 14, 2017, a delegation from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) led by President Dr. W^m. Warren Smith, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit.

They discussed opportunities for strengthening the relationship between CDB and Dominica, accelerating the implementation of Bank-funded projects in Dominica, and how CDB could further support the country in meeting its development priorities. After the courtesy call, the Prime Minister and the President briefed media on their discussion and CDB-Dominica relations.

Smith was accompanied by Monica La Bennett, Vice-President (Operations) and Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB. Officials from the Government of Dominica were also present: the Hon. Miriam Blanchard, Minister of Public Works and Ports; the Hon. Dr. John Collin McIntyre, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and Investment; Denise Edwards, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Ports; Gerard Jean-Jacques, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister; and Francisca Pascal, Acting Financial Secretary.

Dominica is a founding Borrowing Member Country of CDB. Between 1970 and 2016, the Bank approved more than USD275.4 million (mn) in loans, equity and grants to support economic and social development in the country.

Recent interventions include a USD30 mn loan approved in December 2015 to assist with reconstruction after passage of Tropical Storm Erika. Under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund, last July, the Bank approved a grant of GBP794,000 to prepare a feasibility study and detailed designs for the rehabilitation of the Loubiere to Bagatelle Road, which was badly damaged during the storm.

Photos provided courtesy the Office of the Prime Minister of Dominica.