This independent evaluation report covers two Jamaica Country Strategy and Programme (CSP) periods (2014-2 - 2016 and 2017-2021), including projects which fall under these CSPs and are completed or still being implemented.This evaluation examines the extent to which the Bank’s programme in Jamaica has achieved its intended outcomes and targets. It is intended to inform the Bank’s new Country Engagement Strategy (CES) which is expected to be finalised in 2023. The evaluation also aims to offer lessons and recommendations that may be used to course-correct CSP interventions that are still under implementation; improve development effectiveness going forward; and to provide options for the Bank’s consideration in its future engagement with Jamaica. It also serves to complement and add depth to the 2017-21 Strategy Completion Report, which was completed shortly before the evaluation started.

The current version of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Environmental and Social Review Procedures (ESRP) document was approved in 2014 and built on earlier experience in the application of the Bank’s Environmental Review Guidelines (1994) and the Guidelines for the Social Analysis of Projects (2004). The ESRP outlines how CDB, within its mandate and operations, ensures that environmental and social risks are managed. The ESRP include eight environmental and social performance requirements (PRs) to:Optimise decision-making with respect to environmental and social impacts, and risks to anticipate, avoid, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people and communities. Assist Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) to build capacity and strengthen their institutions and governance systems to manage environmental and social risks effectively. Provide staff, BMCs, and other development partners with a clear understanding of CDB’s requirements, and procedures, accountabilities for managing environmental and social risks in its operations. The Environmental Sustainability Unit (ESU) is responsible for updating and revising the ESRP, developing other policies/procedures, familiarising and training staff, and providing general guidance. The ESU and the Social Sector Division (SSD) are also involved in project work, coordinating project appraisal and supervision, and providing technical inputs.

This peer review examines the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) evaluation function, which consists of the self-evaluation of the operations and the independent evaluation conducted by the Office of Independent Evaluation (OIE). The main purpose of this review is to provide insight for the renewal of the 2011 Evaluation Policy, as well as to enhance the confidence in and use of evaluations by the Board and Senior Management, with the goal of strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency, and governance of the institution. This review was done using a mixed-methods approach that builds on good-practice principles established by the Multilateral Development Banks’ (MDBs) Evaluation Cooperation Group (ECG), which emphasize independence, credibility, and utility.