The Honorable Michael Halkitis currently serves as the Minister of Finance for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In this capacity, he is responsible for the Government’s fiscal and economic policy agenda, including the preparation and management of the annual budget, revenue administration and tax policy, public debt management, public financial management reforms, and national economic planning.

As Minister of Finance, Minister Halkitis provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Government’s macroeconomic and fiscal framework, advancing policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening economic resilience, promoting sustainable growth, expanding climate and resilience financing initiatives, enhancing fiscal stability, and improving the overall socioeconomic well-being of the Bahamian people.

Born in Nassau, The Bahamas, Minister Halkitis attended St. Augustine’s College and began his tertiary education at the College of The Bahamas, now the University of The Bahamas. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 1995.

He was first elected to the Parliament of The Bahamas in 2002 and has since played an important role in shaping national economic policy and advancing the development of the country’s financial services sector. In his previous capacity as a Senator, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, and Minister of Economic Affairs, Minister Halkitis held oversight of the Government’s economic and fiscal framework, the promotion of financial services and international trade, small business development, consumer protection, and initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in The Bahamas.

Minister Halkitis also serves as Chairman of several regional and international bodies, including the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Committee for Sustainable Development (CIDS) of the Organization of American States (OAS), where he works closely with regional partners to advance sustainable development priorities across the Caribbean and the wider hemisphere.

In May 2026, Minister Halkitis was appointed Minister of Finance, reflecting his longstanding commitment to public service, sound economic governance, and dedicated leadership throughout his political career.

Through his work within both national and regional institutions, he continues to champion initiatives aimed at strengthening economic resilience, promoting sustainable growth, and expanding development opportunities for The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region.

Mr. Best is the 7th President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Region’s sole indigenous multilateral development finance institution based in Barbados. A highly professional and diverse leader, Mr. Best was a Senior Infrastructure and Development Advisor to the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, seconded from his role as Director, Projects Department at CDB. With over 30 years of experience as a Civil Engineer, Project Management Professional, and Development Banker, he is known for his ability to foster strong working relationships and leading teams to success.

Under his leadership, the CDB Projects Department was able to transform the lives of approximately 1.6mn Caribbean people in the areas of education, access to resilient infrastructure and expansion of inclusive opportunities to women and girls. He not only spearheaded the Bank’s collaboration outreach to other regional IFIs but also led the development of the Bank’s first Sustainable Financing Framework and created the window to mobilise private capital for regional development. Mr. Best graduated from the University of Durham with a Master of Business Administration and holds a Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine). He is widely recognised back as a regional authority in the ideation and delivery of resilient inclusive development solutions that meet the transformational needs of the Caribbean. His leadership, professionalism, and understanding of the value of collaborative relationships have been key to his success.

The Honourable Mr Justice Denys Barrow, citizen of Belize, is a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Laws and received a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School. He was admitted to the practice of law in Belize in 1977 and embarked on a career in private practice. In 1990, Mr Justice Barrow was elevated to Senior Counsel and went on to start his own law firm "Barrow and Company".

Mr Justice Barrow's judicial career included service as High Court Judge in St. Lucia, Grenada, Belize and the British Virgin Islands between 2001 and 2005, Justice of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 2005 to 2008 and Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Belize from 2010 to 2012.

For nine years beginning in 2005 he served annually in Geneva, Switzerland as a member and then rapporteur of the International Labour Organisation's Committee of Experts responsible for monitoring the application of international conventions on labour and human rights law. Members of the Committee are selected from across the world from among persons who have distinguished themselves as judges and professors of law.

In 2007, Mr Justice Barrow was selected by the Belize Bar Association for its prestigious Custos Justitiae Award for excellence in the practice of law. In 2012, he was awarded the insignia for Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his distinguished service to Belize and the field of law.

The Honourable Mr Justice Denys Barrow was appointed Judge of the CCJ on June 1, 2017.

Gisela Sánchez, CABEI's current Executive President, has an outstanding career in the strategic and corporate areas. Prior to leading the institution, she held the position of Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at BAC. Her experience includes significant roles at Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) and as a consultant in key areas such as competitiveness, strategy and sustainability for governments, NGOs and companies in the region.

Recognized for her contribution to corporate social responsibility, Gisela published "10 Cases of Best Practices in Corporate Social Responsibility" and "Guatemala's Competitive Potential" in 2006. Prior to her MBA at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, she worked strategically at Fundación AVINA and Citibank, An industrial engineer with an MBA in Strategy and Marketing, she is a Fellow of the Central America Leadership Initiative (CALI) and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN). Recipient of the Stephan Schmidheiny Sustainability Innovation Award, the John McNulty Award, and the first woman to chair AMCHAM Costa Rica, Gisela is recognized as an Unusual Pioneer and "Intrapreneur of the Year" by the Schwab Foundation in 2022. Forbes included her three times among the 50 most influential women. In her presidency at CABEI, Gisela Sánchez leads with excellence, promoting the bank's strategic role in regional development and consolidating its position as a benchmark in the economic integration and sustainable growth of its member countries. Her leadership marks a historic milestone by focusing on fundamental principles such as transparency, ethics, accountability and austerity, while actively promoting the sustainable development agenda.

Under her vision, the Bank resolutely advances the sustainable development agenda, promoting innovative financial solutions that respond to the region's environmental, economic and social challenges. This new stage of leadership translates into a stronger, more efficient institution committed to improving people's quality of life.

Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, a Saudi Arabian national, was first elected as head of the OPEC Fund for International Development at the institution's June 2018 Ministerial Council meeting. Dr. Alkhalifa officially assumed his post on November 1, 2018. On June 21, 2023 the OPEC Fund's Ministerial Council unanimously re-elected Dr. Alkhalifa for a second five-year term to commence on November 1, 2023. 

Prior to his appointment at the OPEC Fund, Dr. Alkhalifa was Deputy Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) from 2014 to 2018 and advisor to the Secretary General from 2010 to 2014. He has also held a number of leadership positions at the World Bank Group and served the government of Saudi Arabia in various capacities.

Dr. Alkhalifa holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Miami, Florida, and a Master's in Applied Economics from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Timothy N. J. Antoine is an economist and development practitioner from Grenada who has served as the third Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) since 1 February 2016. In February 2026, he was reappointed for a third five-year term.

During his tenure as Governor, Mr. Antoine has championed a transformative agenda focused on financial stability, digital innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic development across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

Mr. Antoine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Master of Science degree in Social Policy and Planning in Developing Countries from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Before assuming the Governorship, he served for 14 years as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Grenada, where he played a pivotal role in economic policy formulation and financial sector reform, including leadership of Grenada's successful Homegrown Programme and the establishment of the Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN).

From 2005 to 2007, he was based in Washington, D.C., serving as Advisor to the Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean at the World Bank Group.

Mr. Antoine has received numerous awards in recognition of his leadership and public service. In 2016, he was awarded the Order of Grenada Gold Award for Excellence. In 2018, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from St. George's University, a Certificate for Outstanding Leadership and Public Service from The University of the West Indies on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, and was named Caribbean Central Bank Governor of the Year by GlobalMarkets. In 2025, he received Grenada's Golden Jubilee Award for Exceptional Contribution to Finance.

Mr. Antoine serves as Chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. He is also a Board Member of the Toronto Centre for Global Leadership in Financial Sector Supervision and is widely recognised for his contributions to economic development, financial stability, and regional integration in the Caribbean.

Toni Pratt is a trailblazer in The Bahamas' energy sector, making history as the first Bahamian woman to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited (BPL) in its 68-year history. With a career dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, she is leading the charge toward a more resilient energy future.

Assuming the role of CEO in October 2024, Mrs. Pratt brings extensive leadership experience, having previously served as BPL's Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Generation and Field Operations across the country. She also spent four years as Vice President of Operations at Grand Bahama Power Company, managing critical infrastructure and service improvements. A proud native of Long Island, she understands the challenges of energy accessibility in the Family Islands. Her perspective fuels her commitment to strengthening reliability and sustainability across all communities.

Mrs. Pratt holds an Associate Degree in Physics and Chemistry from the former College of The Bahamas and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aeronautical Design Engineering from the University of Brighton, England. She began her journey at BPL through the Engineer In-Training program, later rising through leadership roles that shaped the company's infrastructure. She is also a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

Throughout her career, she has led transformative projects, including the Wilson City Power Plant in Abaco and Family Island grid upgrades. Today, she is driving key initiatives such as the Family Island Microgrids and Renewable Energy Projects, New Providence Power Purchase Agreements, and transmission and distribution upgrades integrating solar energy — advancing BPL's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity for all.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Pratt is a devoted mother to her son, Ryan, her greatest source of inspiration.

Gabriel has over 30 years of experience in the areas of capital markets and other financial activities. As CFO of CAF, his main responsibility is to guarantee the Institution’s financial solvency and the continuity of its operations. Currently, he oversees the management of a liquid portfolio of USD 16 bn, as well as the funding in the international capital markets through the issuance of bonds, commercial paper and deposits for a current outstanding of USD 36bn.

Additionally, Gabriel is responsible for establishing asset and liability management policies, providing financial solutions for its clients, loan syndications and for the relationship with the international rating agencies. In that front, the Institution has stood out for its high ratings and for various improvements thereof, and has been known for a long time as the frequent issuer with the highest ratings in Latin America.

Before joining CAF in 1995, Gabriel was Vice President of Finance at Banco Unión in Caracas, Venezuela.

Gabriel holds an MBA from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores en Administración (IESA) and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad Simón Bolívar. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela.

Jason Cotton currently functions as Lead Economist in the Economics Department at the Caribbean Development Bank. He is an experienced development economist who has led technical teams over the past two decades in the preparation of economic reports and diagnostics, country engagement strategies and policy-based loans in several Caribbean islands. Jason has also coordinated the Bank’s technical research in vulnerability and resilience. Previously, Jason has functioned as a Senior Economist at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Research Officer at the United Nations Development Programme and part-time lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine. He has completed MSc. and BSc. degrees in Economics and is a PhD candidate at UWI, St. Augustine.

Joan Oriol Prats is the Principal Financial Specialist in the Connectivity, Markets and Finance Division at the Inter-American Development Bank, where he leads the Capital Markets and Guarantees product line. He has more than 20 years experience in sovereign risk management, structured finance and development and institutional economics. He leads the Capital Markets and Guarantee product line at the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

He is the Executive Secretary of the LAC Debt Management Group. Before the IDB, he worked in the Spanish public administration, the academia, and as a consultant. He has a BA in Economics and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and an MBA from ESADE Business School

Joshua Grundleger is a Director in Fitch Ratings’ Sovereigns Americas group, based in New York. His coverage includes the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. Prior to Fitch, Joshua worked at Moody’s Investors Service, as a credit analyst on the European sovereign team, covering both developed and developing economies, and in the US Public Finance Group, primarily covering US states and transit enterprises. Before Moody’s, Joshua was an economist and researcher in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Custom Research team. He has a Masters degree in International Relations and Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a BA in Government and Economics from Cornell University.

Lilia Burunciuc, a Moldovan national, is the World Bank Director for Caribbean countries She has extensive experience leading policy dialogue with governments on various aspects of development.

Since joining the World Bank in 1996, she held a range of increasingly challenging positions: Director for Central Asia; Manager in Operations Policy and Country Services; Country Manager for Macedonia; Country Program Coordinator for Southern Africa and Central Asia; Senior Country Officer for Ukraine and Belarus.

Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Burunciuc was a Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (Moldova’s central bank).

She has a Master’s of Public Administration degree from George Washington University (USA) and a degree (Master’s level) in Economics, Management and Planning from the Technical University of Moldova.

The Honourable Ryan Straughn, M.P. is a current Member of Parliament, Barbadian Economist, Politician, and Cabinet Minister in Barbados.

He is one of the key architects of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programme, which has turned economic calamity into economic opportunity. As Minister responsible for Finance in Barbados, he has brought about a significant improvement in the management of the public finances to achieve all the targets set under the BERT programme, which has resulted in the boosting of confidence amongst consumers, businesses and investors in Barbados.

Professionally, Minister Straughn has served as a Central Bank of Barbados economist, as the President of the Barbados Economics Society and as Chair of the Trade and Economic Policy Committee at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Mr. Stefano Capodagli, a native of Italy, is the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbados.

Mr. Capodagli holds an International Executive MBA from Bocconi University School of Management, Milan (Italy and China), and an BA/MA degree in Finance and Banking from “La Sapienza”, University of Rome, Italy. Mr. Capodagli is a Certified Public Accountant and Internal Auditor and Certified Professional Coach and member of IRM UK and AIFIRM Italy.

Stefano has over 30 years of top management experience in risk, finance, development finance, and commercial and investment banking in Africa, Central Asia, Eastern, Southern and Western Europe, and the Caribbean. He performed financial and risk roles as Deputy CRO of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and senior financial advisor to the Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States on EU-OACPS 11th EDF financial, risk and results management since 2020.

Previously, Stefano was appointed Group Chief Risk Officer at Hellenic Bank Group of Cyprus and led the risk management team at the time of Cyprus’ post-financial crisis recovery. He also served as CRO at the Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation’s Algerian subsidiary; and Chief Risk Reforms Officer within the newly created Group Chief Risk Officer Vice Presidency of the African Development Bank.

He has extensive experience as a motivational speaker, moderator and professional trainer for Banks, Insurance and Multilateral Development Bank (MDBs) in Risk Management, Development Finance, Banking.

Stefano is the author of several articles published in the UK, Italy and CEE on SME Finance, Development Finance, Banking and Risk management. Last article in course of publication is entitled “Integrating ESG Principles and Risk Management: Enhancing Caribbean Resilience and Sustainability”. He is fluent in English, French and Italian, with basic knowledge of Spanish and Ukrainian.

Stefano Capodagli linkedin profile

Dr. Rae Julien Furlonge is a distinguished transportation planner and traffic engineer, currently serving as Managing Director of LF Systems Ltd, a consultancy specialising in transportation planning and traffic engineering. Over an accomplished career, he has earned international recognition for his contributions to sustainable mobility, infrastructure development and climate-resilient transport systems.

Dr. Furlonge holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, India, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Civil Engineering from The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago. His academic foundation underpins a career defined by technical excellence and strategic leadership in complex, multi-country transport initiatives. 

His professional portfolio spans major regional projects, including advisory roles on national infrastructure and transportation master plans across the Caribbean. He has led or contributed to initiatives funded by organisations such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, addressing mobility planning, decarbonisation, and climate resilience in transport systems. His work includes the development of integrated transport policies, traffic impact assessments, and innovative solutions such as park-and-ride systems designed to influence commuter behaviour. 

In recent years, Dr. Furlonge has played a key role in large-scale highway and urban development projects, as well as climate-resilient urban planning strategies across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. He is also an invited speaker and panellist at major regional conferences on sustainable infrastructure. 

A recognised leader in his field, Dr. Furlonge is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago. He is a recipient of the APETT Career of Excellence in Engineering Award (2023), reflecting his sustained impact on the profession.

Addressing Key Traffic Congestion Experience over the last 10 years:

• The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) engaged us as consultant under a monthly retention contract to provide expert services in the field of Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering for its new expansive highway projects to ensure that all of its upcoming Projects, including the expansive San Fernando to Mayaro Toll Highway Project is not only technically sound but also meets mobility, safety and sustainability objectives. November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026
• Climate-Resilient Urban Development Specialist to Global Factor International Consulting on Preparation of a Multi-Country Strategy, National implementation Plan and associated Pre-Feasibility Studies in the urban sectors of Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. Prime Client was Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). November 24, 2025 to February 20, 2026 •
• Contract for a Traffic Impact Assessment Study at Arnos Vale between Government of St. Vincent And the Grenadines, Ministry of Urban Development, Energy, Seaports, Grenadines Affairs and Local Government and LF Systems Ltd. September 2025 and continuing.
• Invited Speaker and Panelist at the Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference (CSIC) 2025, November 3–5, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Needham’s Point, St. Michael, Barbados.
• Contract awarded for traffic and transport consultancy for the Ministry of Transport and Works in relation to Barbados local Organising Committee for Cricket World Cup 2024. March to July 2024
• Consultancy Services for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): National Infrastructure Investment Plans (NIIP)—Update of the 2017 Comprehensive National Transportation Master Plan (CNTMP) for Belize: Road, Air, Sea, and Decarbonization; and Elaborate interventions arising out of the Barbados Transport and Mobility Plan. March to September 2024
• Consultancy Services for the Application of the Climate Resilience Index in the Road Transport Sector in the Borrowing Member Countries of the Caribbean Development Bank The Roads Sector Resilience Index (RSRI) tool is used to measure the level of resilience in the road network. It takes into account a measure of the level of vulnerability of the road sector (i.e., vulnerable infrastructure and transport assets) and the extent of capacity (policies, plans, strategies, awareness, trained staff) to prepare for and implement adaptation options. May 2023 to September 2024
• Saint Lucia—Formulation of an Integrated, Sustainable Road Transport Policy and Strategic Roadmap for Implementation awarded to LF Systems Ltd by the Government of Saint Lucia. The main purpose of this integrated, sustainable road transport policy was: (a) establishment of a multi-modal transportation system that reduces reliance on any single mode of transport, encourages walking and cycling and promotes EE and environmental sustainability. (b) integration of disaster risk management and climate resilience considerations; (c) integration of gender equality and social inclusion considerations, enabling environment (movement of persons and goods efficiently and safely); and, (d) promotion of public/private partnerships. April 2023 to August 2024.
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project: Preparation of a Draft National Physical Development Plan—Sub-Consultant for Transport and Mobility and Accessibility was Rae J. Furlonge. March 2021 to February 2022.
• Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) Study for the Construction of a New Terminal Building and Associated Works and Upgrade Works of the Existing Terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport. October 2020 to January 2021
• A consultancy to design, operationalize and evaluate a demonstration Pilot Project of a Park-and-Ride initiative for the greater Port of Spain area along the main East-West and North-South transit corridors using parking infrastructure (e.g. sporting stadia facilities) and tools of behavioural economics in order to modify commuters’ choices. Originally from October 2019 to Apr 2020. Because of Covid-19, extended to April 2021
• Traffic Management Consultant Services for development of an interchange project at the intersection of Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Southern Main Road, Trinidad and Tobago. April 2018 to August 2020
• The Barbados Physical Development Plan Update Project required land traffic and transportation analysis and development of infrastructure policies and proposals as a part of the project. ASH Prudentia Inc., Peterkin Road, Bank Hall, St. Michael, Barbados W.I BB 11077. February 2016 to February 2017
• An independent consultancy to provide an assessment of the urban mobility situation in Belize City and to support the formulation of the Action Plan that will address the city’s critical challenges in the sector. Review studies and available information. Characterize mobility in Belize City based on field research and secondary information. Assess the overall urban environment, including the collection of data and information on factors related to public spaces and sustainable mobility. Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). May to December 2016

Mr. William Ashby is the Acting Division Chief in the Economic Infrastructure Division of the Projects Department at the Caribbean Development Bank where he leads teams responsible for the preparation, appraisal and supervision of Technical Assistance and Capital Investment projects across sectors including transport, coastal protection, energy, water and sanitation and urban development.  Mr. Ashby has led transport policy development work on behalf of CDB and overseen the preparation and implementation of several road transport projects, including recent road safety and public transport Technical Assistance initiatives.  With over 25 years of consulting and international development experience, Mr. Ashby is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation. He holds an M.Eng. in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton, an M.Sc. in Concrete Structures from Imperial College, an MBA from the University of Durham and a postgraduate certificate in Sustainable Transportation from the University of Washington.  Mr. Ashby is a Past President of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers and is the immediate past Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board - Barbados. 

Mr. Xavier Ajani Malcolm (known colloquially as “Ajani”) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations from The University of the West Indies, and a Master of Sciences in Economics and International Financial Economics.

Ajani is an Economist with 10 years of experience. In 2014, he joined the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as a research consultant. During his career at the Bank, he completed multiple publications. These publications include a chapter of the IDB book entitled ‘Living Beyond the Means’ which was an analysis of Jamaica’s current account balance. He is also credited with research on the effect of the Ebola Crisis on the tourist industry in Jamaica.

Ajani then left the IDB to join the Bank of Jamaica in February 2016. While at the Bank of Jamaica he first held the position of economist in the fiscal analysis department within the Research and Economic Programming Division. He completed a Debt Sustainability Assessment, analyzing Jamaica’s debt burden. He also completed a working paper on the Optimal level of government spending in Jamaica. Following this, he held the position of Senior Economist in charge of the compilation of the Balance of Payments for Jamaica, playing an important role in informing the IMF during their Article 4 consultations. After serving in this capacity, his most recent position was Senior Economist in the Economic Modelling department, forecasting the financial statements for the Bank of Jamaica to ensure that the institution was on a path of policy solvency in keeping with the revised Bank of Jamaica Act.

While at the Caribbean Development Bank he has continued to develop, completing a course in debt forecasting with the IMF, contributing to a paper on the impact of the Venezuelan incursion on CDB Borrowing Member Countries and coordinating the Country Engagement Strategy for Dominica. Ajani enjoys reading, particularly nonfiction books about history and politics, and has a book club which meets regularly to discuss books. He is also capable speaking and writing in French at an advanced level, having been self-taught in the language and has visited Senegal to help immerse himself in a francophone culture.

Oronde is an Economist with more than 18 years experience in fiscal and monetary policy development. He holds a PhD in Economics from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS), Georgia State University. Dr. Small currently serves as Economist in the Economics Department at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Prior to joining CDB, he served as Director, Debt Strategy and Analysis in the Ministry of Finance, Jamaica, before taking a position as Senior Research Economist at Bank of Jamaica (BOJ).

Prior to joining GCF, Kristin was head of the division covering the public sector in Latin America and the Caribbean within the International Partners Department at the European Investment Bank (EIB), where she had worked since 2000. She covered a wide array of matters, including capital markets, securitisation, climate action and the evaluation of operations. She represented EIB as Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund, a fund co-managed with EBRD which included both EU countries and private sector companies as participants. Prior to joining the EIB, Kristin started her career working in Latin America equity research at Morgan Stanley in New York and in global custody at Bank of New York where she covered African, European, and Middle East financial markets. She is a graduate of School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University (MIA) and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service (BS).

Dr. Isaac Solomon is the Vice-President (Operations) at the Caribbean Development Bank, where he provides strategic leadership for the Bank’s economics, projects, strategy, development effectiveness, and private sector operations. He also served as Acting President from January 2024 to January 2025. Dr. Solomon is a strong advocate for climate action, inclusive development, and digital transformation across the Caribbean. His expertise spans corporate strategy, financial management, policy development, and regulatory affairs. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and professional CPA and CFE designations.

Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, a seasoned development leader and global policy strategist, is the inaugural Executive Director of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD). His appointment marks a fundamental milestone in the operationalization of the Fund, which aims to deliver critical financial support to developing countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

An experienced strategist with three decades of expertise in climate action, finance, and multilateral diplomacy, Mr. Diong is uniquely positioned to steer FRLD’s operationalization and ensure equitable support for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. His career spans across disciplines, combining public service as a policy maker in Senegal, executive leadership roles in public and private finance, and high-impact roles in international organizations such as the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Diong served as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director General of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, a specialized agency of the African Union, where he spearheaded institutional reforms and scaled ARC’s work in disaster risk financing across Africa. Before joining the ARC Group, he served, amongst other senior roles, as a Special Representative of the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, Manager at the World Bank Group, Minister, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Permanent Secretariat of Energy of Senegal, Director General of International Cooperation of Senegal, Senior Africa Banker at BNP Paribas, Chairman of the National Airlines of Senegal, and Africa Director at Booz. Allen & Hamilton.

Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese, Mr. Diong holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs, specialized in international finance and environmental policy from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University.

Ms. Asha-Gaye Cowell has a diverse academic background, which includes a BSc. Economics and Statistics with first class honors, MSc. International Public and Development Management and a Visiting Fellowship Certification from the University of Oxford where she studied Behavioral Economics along with Strategy and Ethics. Complementing her academic prowess is a cross-section of professional experiences, including work with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UNECLAC, USAID, the Permanent Missions of Jamaica to the UN, among others. With extensive civic involvement, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships, Ms. Cowell is very passionate about leadership, international and regional development, economics, youth and climate change. 

Mr. Kiran Halkitis serves as the Caribbean Development Bank’s Future Leaders Network Representative for The Bahamas. He is a young policy, research, and innovation professional with experience in sustainable development, financial regulation, youth leadership, artificial intelligence, and regional development. Mr. Halkitis currently works as an Officer – Policy and Research at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, where he supports regulatory benchmarking and policy analysis. He has also served as a National Sustainable Development Youth Ambassador in the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, representing youth voices in local and international forums and supporting initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Halkitis holds an Honours Specialization in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, with a Major in Spanish, from Western University, where he was recognised on the Dean’s Honour List. He is also the founder of AI-Cademics, a digital start-up designed to help underprivileged students access scholarship and university planning tools. Through the FLN, Mr. Halkitis brings a strong commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, inclusive development, and advancing practical solutions for Caribbean resilience.