📋 Tender Overview
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago: As part of its efforts to deepen engagement and accelerate development support, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) has strengthened its on-the-ground presence in Trinidad and Tobago by posting Mr. Alexander Augustine, CDB Portfolio Manager, Economic Infrastructure Division, to the twin-island nation.
This enhanced footprint marks a pivotal step as the Bank and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago advance efforts to strengthen cooperation, reinforce institutional collaboration, and drive progress toward the nations long-term development vision.
said Mr. L. OReilly Lewis, CDB Director of Projects.
The partnership was further reinforced during an introductory meeting between the Dr. The Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, and Mr. Augustine, which marked the official start of his six-month assignment.
said Mr. Augustine.
said Minister Swaratsingh.
During his meeting with Minister Swaratsingh, Mr. Augustine outlined the principal objectives of his assignment, including strengthening CDBs strategic presence through sustained engagement with ministries, agencies, and stakeholders; supporting the Government in reviewing and streamlining the Public Sector Investment Programme; assessing national priorities to identify high-impact areas of collaboration; addressing implementation bottlenecks in the existing portfolio; and contributing to capacity building within the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD).
Mr. Augustines posting follows recent high-level dialogue between the Government and CDB, during which both parties highlighted the need to address longstanding institutional and implementation challenges. With Trinidad and Tobago being one of CDBs largest Borrowing Member Countries and shareholders, the country presents significant potential for expanded development financing across priority sectors.
The assignment is a key step in advancing CDBs Country Engagement Strategy (CES) for Trinidad and Tobago. Following a June 2025 high-level mission after the General Election, the Government and CDB agreed that an in-country presence would be essential to guide the CES. Mr. Augustines deployment will strengthen the Strategys analytic foundation and strategic direction, with progress toward completion expected throughout 2026. It will also enhance CDBs responsiveness and positioning in an increasingly competitive multilateral environment where timely, well-coordinated interventions are critical to achieving national development outcomes.
Over the coming months, Mr. Augustine will continue engaging stakeholders across government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to advance a prioritised project portfolio and solidify CDBs approach for long-term partnership with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
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