Social Investment Fund - Belize (2015)

Between 1995 and 2002, poverty levels in Belize, as indicated in the Country Poverty Assessments (CPAs), remained constant at about 33 per cent (%) of the population. However, the level of indigence had declined slightly by approximately 2.6%. The pattern and distribution of poverty had also changed, aggravated in part by the challenging global economic environment resulting in unemployment, low incomes of a large segment of the labour force categorized as the “working poor”, and the rising influx of refugee populations from Central America.

Tax Administration and Tax Reform 2005-2012

This evaluation of CDB’s Technical Assistance (TA) initiatives in tax administration and tax reform covers the period between 2005 and 2012 and focuses on six TA projects in four countries (Barbados, Belize, Grenada and Saint Lucia).The overall objective of the evaluation was to assess the development effectiveness of CDB’s TA interventions in the context of the Bank’s increased emphasis on promoting good governance.The specific objectives were to evaluate:(a) the extent that the Bank’s TA programme, in support of tax reform and tax administration, has been strategically relevant to the needs of the BMCs;(b) how effective was implementation of the TAs in achieving results and strengthening institutional capacity;(c) the efficiency of the use of inputs in achieving the objectives of the TA interventions;(d) the sustainability of project achievements over the longer term and alternative ways of achieving results.The evaluation also explores some important lessons learned for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of economic and administrative reform in the fiscal sector and develops general recommendations (15) to inform future TA interventions.

Natural Disaster Management Immediate Response Loan: Tropical Storm Arthur - Belize (2014)

In August 2008, in accordance with the authority contained in the Natural Disaster Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved an Immediate Response Loan (IRL) in the amount of five hundred thousand United States dollars (USD500,000) to the Government of Belize (GOBZ) to assist in financing the clearing and cleaning of debris and restoration of essential services damaged by Tropical Storm Arthur. The use of an amount not exceeding the equivalent of twenty thousand United States dollars (USD20,000) was also approved to assist in financing consultancy services to provide independent inspection and certification of works in connection with the project.

Policy Based Loan - Anguilla (2014)

The adverse effects of the global financial crisis in 2008 resulted in a sharp contraction of Anguilla’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a significant deterioration in public finances. In view of the threat that was posed to Anguilla’s ability to meet its debt obligations, support its fiscal adjustment programme, shore up deteriorating public finances and stave off of a rapid build-up in short-term debt, the United Kingdom Government (UKG) approved Anguilla’s decision to approach the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to request a Policy-Based Loan (PBL) to support its fiscal adjustment programme and to restructure its debt portfolio.

Basic Education Project - Antigua and Barbuda (2014)

In December 1997, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved a loan in the amount of US$10.64 million (mn) to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) to assist in financing the Basic Education Project (BEP); and a grant to GOAB of US$92,000 for consulting services to assist in the implementation of the project. GOAB and the Board of Education (BOE) provided counterpart funding of $0.82mn and $3.12mn respectively to meet the remaining project costs. The total investment cost of the project was $14.67mn.

Disaster Mitigation and Restoration: Rockfall and Landslip - Grenada (2014)

Since the early 1970s, landslides have presented a direct safety hazard to persons living in affected areas or using the major roads along Grenada’s coasts and have posed a threat to the coastal road infrastructure. Three of the major roads in Grenada that form the arteries of the Strategic Highway Network are the Western Main Road; the Eastern Main Road; and the Grand Etang Road. Damage on these roads resulting from hurricanes Ivan and Emily had increased the risk factor (to medium and high) for many of the vulnerable sites where road collapse from landslides and erosion was imminent and posed considerable risk to human life, private and public property, natural assets, economic production, and communication and transportation infrastructure. Given the vital role of the road network and the major impact and disruption caused to the economy and society, GOGR decided to assess and address the risks and vulnerability of 42 sites.

Natural Disaster Management Immediate Response Loan: Tropical Storm Gustav - Jamaica (2014)

Over the period August 28-29, 2008, Tropical Storm Gustav impacted Jamaica. Many communities in Kingston, St. Andrew and Portland were affected by flooding, wind damage and landslides with a few cases of storm surge. Considerable damage was sustained to the main road network, including the collapse of two major bridges. For example, extreme flows in the Hope River caused the Hope River Bridge on the A4 Highway (the main transportation link between the capital city, Kingston and the Parish of Saint Thomas) in Harbour View to collapse. On September 9, 2008 CDB received a formal request from GOJ for an Immediate Response Loan (IRL) for cleaning and clearing of debris and restoration of essential services affected by Tropical Storm Gustav. On October 7, 2008, CDB approved 500,000 United States dollars (USD500,000) to assist GOJ in financing the cleaning and clearing of debris and restoration of essential services; and USD20,000 to assist in financing consultancy services to provide independent inspection and certification of works in connection with the project. The project was also financed by USD520,000 in counterpart funding from GOJ.

Natural Disaster Management Immediate Response Loan: Tropical Storm Gustav - Jamaica (2014)

Over the period August 28-29, 2008, Tropical Storm Gustav impacted Jamaica. Many communities in Kingston, St. Andrew and Portland were affected by flooding, wind damage and landslides with a few cases of storm surge. Considerable damage was sustained to the main road network, including the collapse of two major bridges. For example, extreme flows in the Hope River caused the Hope River Bridge on the A4 Highway (the main transportation link between the capital city, Kingston and the Parish of Saint Thomas) in Harbour View to collapse. On September 9, 2008 CDB received a formal request from GOJ for an Immediate Response Loan (IRL) for cleaning and clearing of debris and restoration of essential services affected by Tropical Storm Gustav. On October 7, 2008, CDB approved 500,000 United States dollars (USD500,000) to assist GOJ in financing the cleaning and clearing of debris and restoration of essential services; and USD20,000 to assist in financing consultancy services to provide independent inspection and certification of works in connection with the project. The project was also financed by USD520,000 in counterpart funding from GOJ.

Social Investment Fund - Jamaica (2014)

In 1996, GOJ established JSIF Limited as one instrument in its poverty eradication programme and to execute the fifty million United States dollars (USD50 mn) JSIF project (JSIFP). JSIFP was financed by GOJ and loan and grant resources from various agencies. The main objective of JSIFP was to enhance the living conditions of poor communities through the provision of basic social and economic infrastructure.

Expansion of the Grantley Adams International Airport - Barbados (2013)

Over the period 1980-1997, aircraft movements and passenger traffic at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) grew at an average annual rate of 2.8 per cent (%) and 1.4%, respectively. The existing airport facilities were originally designed to facilitate up to 2.2 million (mn) enplaning/deplaning passengers annually with a peak hour handling capacity of 1,200 persons. In 1993, due to the size of aircrafts utilized, GAIA had begun to experience peak hour loads of over 1,300 persons. In addition, serious structural deficiencies/distress (extensive cracking and deformation) were identified in the wearing surface runway and main taxiway.