ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the World Bank Group (WBG) have concluded a joint Portfolio Review Mission in Grenada, agreeing to a set of follow-up actions to strengthen implementation across the country's active development portfolio.

The recent mission brought together senior officials from both institutions with counterparts from the Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, key line ministries and other implementing agencies, culminating in a meeting with Cabinet Ministers.

The review process examined 11 active capital and technical assistance projects within CDB’s portfolio, spanning coastal protection, water supply, health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and monitoring and evaluation.

Mr. L. O'Reilly Lewis, Director, Projects Department, CDB, underscored the significance of the review and its outcomes, and said, "There was strong engagement from the project teams and line ministries in Grenada during the portfolio review. Together with the World Bank, we believe this will translate into tangible development results and stronger resilience for all Grenadians."

Among the projects discussed were the Geothermal Drilling Project, advancing Grenada's transition to renewable energy; the Southern St. George Water Supply Expansion Project, improving access to reliable water services; the Grenada Education Enhancement Project Phase 2, upgrading school infrastructure nationwide; the Climate Smart Agriculture Phase 2 project, strengthening resilient farming practices; and the Health Sector Strengthening Project, modernising healthcare delivery. 

Discussions also covered cross-cutting issues including procurement, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring, and risk management, alongside a parallel World Bank Country Portfolio Performance Review.

Ms. Gail Richardson, World Bank Operations Manager for the Caribbean, noted, "The World Bank has worked closely with the CDB through this joint review in order to expedite program implementation and the achievement of development results that advance Grenada’s resilience and growth agenda, while expanding opportunities for jobs and livelihoods."

As part of the mission, the team undertook site visits to four priority projects.  At Concord, the delegation joined Government of Grenada representatives to mark progress on the Southern St. Georges Water Supply Expansion Project, which is strengthening resilience against persistent water shortages in the south of mainland Grenada. The team also visited the Climate Smart Agriculture Phase 2 project, which is building on earlier gains in climate-resilient farming practices to support rural livelihoods and food security.

Mr. Mike Sylvester, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, welcomed the outcomes of the mission, and said, "The Government of Grenada values this comprehensive review and its partnership with CDB and the World Bank.  The mission has reinforced our shared commitment to delivering meaningful development outcomes and strengthening the implementation of projects that are critical to Grenada's sustainable growth and resilience.” 

The mission agreed on the following: (i) key follow-up actions to improve implementation rates and disbursement across the portfolio; (ii) areas for deeper collaboration and harmonisation between CDB and WBG; and (iii) an updated pipeline of forthcoming CDB-financed projects for Grenada.  A joint management letter summarising the findings and agreed actions will be shared with the Government of Grenada in the coming weeks.

The Portfolio Review Mission forms part of both Banks’ ongoing country engagement with Grenada.  It also aligns with CDB’s Strategic Plan 2026–2035, which seeks to strengthen institutions and deepen partnerships, and ensure that investments deliver lasting resilience and opportunity across the Region.

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