The Country Strategy Paper outlines the Caribbean Development Bank's partnership with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (The Bahamas) and defines the parameters of the Bank’s support over the period 2013-17.  The Bahamas has historically been a net contributor to CDB and it is anticipated that this Strategy will lead the way in reversing that trend.

The objective of the Strategy is to help the country achieve its overriding development goal of faster, more inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth that is buttressed by macroeconomic stability and citizen security.  The Strategy responds to the country’s development priorities and is consistent with the Bank’s strategic objectives of promoting broad-based economic growth and social development and enhancing environmental sustainability.  The Strategy rests on two pillars - inclusive growth and development and climate change resilience and disaster risk reduction.  To help promote inclusive growth and development, the Strategy is designed to deliver a programme of assistance to achieve the following outcomes: (i) improved access to, and quality of climate-resilient social and economic infrastructure; (ii) enhanced access to quality, and demand-driven post-secondary and tertiary education; (iii) increased social inclusion and citizen security; (iv) strengthened productive and managerial capacities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; and (v) improved public finances and planning.  CDB’s support to promote environmental sustainability will be mainstreamed throughout its interventions, particularly in the area of social and economic infrastructure with a view to achieving strengthened resilience to climate change and improved disaster risk management.  Additionally, where appropriate, the design of specific interventions will embed gender equality components.