The priorities of Caribbean nations were at the center of discussions at the CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) 2026 Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum, where regional leaders, policymakers, experts, and economic stakeholders took part in crucial discussions on the region’s development challenges and opportunities.
According to a CAF press release, the central themes discussed were building resilience and developing financing strategies tailored specifically to small island economies.
The Forum, now in its second year, was established by CAF to foster regional dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities. The 2026 agenda focused on the Caribbean, highlighting critical issues such as climate resilience, infrastructure development, the energy transition, food and water security, trade, sustainable growth, and the role of culture as a catalyst for economic progress.
More than fifty delegates from Caribbean countries attended the event, reflecting a strong regional presence.
According to the press release, the opening address delivered by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was a highlight of the event. In his remarks, he urged Latin America and the Caribbean to more clearly define their role in the global economy. Citing Jamaica’s recent reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of strong institutions, a regional competitiveness strategy, and a coordinated approach to addressing the uncertainties of the international landscape.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness and CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz Granados following a high-level bilateral meeting in Panama on the sidelines of the CAF International Economic Forum. Photo: CAF
During his visit to Panama, Prime Minister Holness and senior Jamaican government officials held a high-level bilateral meeting with CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados. This was the first meeting of its kind between the Jamaican prime minister and CAF leadership.
The discussions reportedly focused on ongoing coordination between the Jamaican government and CAF, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, and highlighted the role of development financing in supporting resilient reconstruction and sustainable economic recovery. It is worth noting that Prime Minister Holness became the second Caribbean leader to deliver an opening address at the Forum, following Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne in 2025.
The Forum also hosted a closed-door Caribbean ministerial dialogue, organized by the CAF Regional Management Office for the Caribbean. This closed-door session brought together ministers of finance and economic development, as well as senior officials from several Caribbean countries. The dialogue aimed to align CAF’s flexible financing solutions with the development priorities of the participating countries, with a focus on innovative financing mechanisms for small island developing states (SIDS).
Among the participants were prominent Caribbean leaders such as the Hon. Melford Nicholas of Antigua and Barbuda; the Hon. Michael Halkitis of the Bahamas; the Hon. Dennis Cornwall and the Hon. Joseph Andall of Grenada; the Hon. Fayval Williams, the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, and the Hon. Aubyn Hill of Jamaica; the Hon. Alva Baptiste of Saint Lucia; the Hon. Dave Tancoo of Trinidad and Tobago; and Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, among others.
Throughout the Forum, representatives from the Caribbean participated in panels and technical sessions addressing key issues such as regional economic outlooks, the blue economy, relations with Africa, the impacts of global fragmentation on development, and strategies for attracting tourism investment.
These discussions were supplemented by confidential technical consultations aimed at developing practical and concrete solutions for the Caribbean.
On the sidelines of the event, CAF organized an investment forum dedicated to Jamaica, aimed at mobilizing capital from the regional private sector to support the country’s reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa. This high-level meeting brought together representatives of the Jamaican government, institutional investors, construction companies, and private-sector stakeholders to explore investment opportunities aligned with Jamaica’s medium-term reconstruction and development goals. Particular emphasis was placed on public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a means of accelerating investment in priority sectors. CAF, alongside other international development partners, has committed to providing 1 billion U.S. dollars to support Jamaica’s long-term reconstruction efforts.
Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, the CAF Regional Director for the Caribbean and Representative to Barbados, reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that Caribbean perspectives are incorporated into broader regional and global discussions.
«The Caribbean faces unique challenges that must not be overshadowed by the broader geopolitical and economic context. The CAF International Economic Forum provides a space where our Caribbean region can engage in constructive dialogue with leaders from Latin America and other regions to address the multidimensional challenges faced by small, vulnerable states and island economies, particularly access to development financing. Thanks to the participation of dozens of Caribbean ministers, business leaders, experts, and academics, CAF was pleased to use its influence to provide the Caribbean with a platform to make its voice heard on the global stage,» she said.
The 2026 edition of the CAF International Economic Forum was attended by more than 6,500 leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, investors, and policymakers from 70 countries.
