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 nation’s long-term development vision.

“Deploying an in‑country presence underscores CDB’s commitment to enhancing our partnership with Trinidad and Tobago. It ensures we are better positioned to unlock high-impact investments and ensure stronger alignment between national priorities and CDB’s development framework,” said Mr. L. O’Reilly 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. 

“CDB’s in‑country presence allows us to better understand national priorities, build deeper institutional relationships, and ensure that our support is timely and impactful. I look forward to working closely with our partners in Trinidad and Tobago to advance high‑quality projects that deliver meaningful and sustainable development outcomes,” said Mr. Augustine. 

"The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago warmly welcomes the assignment of Mr. Alexander Augustine to the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development. His extensive expertise will greatly support enhanced coordination with the Caribbean Development Bank and strengthen our ongoing partnership in advancing national development priorities. We recognise the significant contributions of the CDB across key areas, including climate resilience, poverty assessment and institutional strengthening and we look forward to leveraging this collaboration to achieve more effective delivery of programmes and projects that benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago," said Minister Swaratsingh. 

During his meeting with Minister Swaratsingh, Mr. Augustine outlined the principal objectives of his assignment, including strengthening CDB’s 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. Augustine’s 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 CDB’s 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 CDB’s 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. Augustine’s deployment will strengthen the Strategy’s analytic foundation and strategic direction, with progress toward completion expected throughout 2026. It will also enhance CDB’s 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 CDB’s approach for long‑term partnership with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. 

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Photo caption: (L-R) Mr. Alexander Augustine, CDB Portfolio Manager, Economic Infrastructure Division, and Dr. The Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, pose for a photo during their introductory meeting.