Latest Episodes

The EU and CDB: A Partnership for Climate Resilience in the Caribbean

June 22, 2022

When it comes to natural disasters and climate change impacts, the Caribbean is on the front line and the challenges are multi-faceted.

In this episode, we’re joined by colleagues from the European Union to discuss how the EU and the Caribbean Development Bank are working together to build the Caribbean’s resilience to natural disasters through programmes such as CARE – Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement.

Featuring: Ms. Valerie Isaac, Coordinator, Environmental Sustainability Unit, CDB, Dr Yves Personna, Project Manager, Environmental Sustainability Unit, CDB,  Bogdan Stefanescu Team Leader for the Green Economy and Resilience and Pascal Ledroit Programme Manager, Green Economy and Resilience at the EU Delegation to Barbados, The Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM

The 3Rs for Caribbean Economies in 2022

April 18, 2022

After two of the most economically challenging and disruptive years in recent history, what lies ahead for Caribbean economies in 2022? 

In the latest episode of our podcast series, we look at what we can expect, what we have to look out for and what we need to pursue as economies in the Region and around the world try to emerge from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022 economic projections for the Region, the 2021 economic performance and what these will mean in real terms for the average Caribbean person are also discussed.

Featuring: CDB Director of the Economics, Mr. Ian Durant

Collaboration for Climate Action in the Caribbean

January 19, 2021

In this episode, we’re going deeper on the issue of climate resilience. Climate change presents one of the most critical development challenges for the Caribbean which is already one of the most climate vulnerable regions in the world.
During CDB’s 51st Annual Meeting, a high-level panel of experts and leaders shared recommendations on how the Caribbean can continue to advance climate action even amidst a global economy radically reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion came during our seminar entitled ‘Climate Action in a Post-COVID-19 Environment’

Featuring: Professor Michael Taylor, Co-Director, Climate Studies Group Mona, University of the West Indies; Senator Hon. Simon Stiell, Minister for Climate Resilience and the Environment, Grenada; Senator Hon. Cassanni Laville, Minister of Public Works and the Digital Economy, Dominica; Ambassador Fiona Clouder, Regional Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean for COP26, United Kingdom; Ms. Maria Shaw-Barragan, Director of Operations, European Investment Bank; Mr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President of Operations, Caribbean Development Bank; Dr Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre.

KIDS for Innovation and Resilience Building in the Caribbean

November 18, 2021

In this episode, we’re focusing on insights on innovation and resilience.

CDB President, Dr Gene Leon, in his inaugural address to Annual Meeting of the Bank's Board of Governors, outlined a framework for how the Caribbean can drive progress in innovation through KIDS – which stands for Knowledge, Innovation, Diagnostics, and Strategies.

Featuring: Dr. Gene Leon, President, Caribbean Development Bank

GUEST EPISODE: Unspoken Giants from RPC

October 27, 2021

CDB's Head of the Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, Dr Toussant Boyce took part in the latest season of the Unspoken Giants podcast series from global legal firm RPC. In this season, the podcast is bringing together Multilateral Development Banks and International Financial Institutions to discuss the global fight against corruption. Dr Boyce shared how CDB is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to reduce poverty and transform lives in the Caribbean through sustainable, resilient and inclusive development.

Featuring: CDB Head, Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, Dr Toussant Boyce

Climate Change, Concessional Finance and the Caribbean

October 15, 2021

In this episode, we examine the unique challenges which the Caribbean faces when it comes to accessing concessional financing, the impact of climate change on our development needs and explore solutions.
This episode features Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P. in conversation with CDB President Dr Gene Leon, a dialogue which was moderated by Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Timothy Antoine. It was recorded at the second edition of The President’s Chat, a dialogue forum from CDB which brings thought leaders and decision makers together to discuss issues of regional significance.

Featuring: Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, CDB President Dr Hyginus 'Gene' Leon, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Mr. Timothy Antoine

Can Creativity Fuel the Economy in the Caribbean?

August 7, 2019

From reggae to Rihanna, carnivals to compas, the Caribbean is a region of cultural dynamism and creativity. However, when it comes to making money from its creative industries (CI) sector, the Region lags behind the world. Learn more about CDB's Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) created to help the Region build a globally competitive CI sector.

Featuring: CDB Director of Projects Daniel Best, CIIF Coordinator Dr. Marielle Barrow, Lisa Harding, Coordinator of MSME Development