The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has strengthened its presence in Trinidad and Tobago with the deployment of a senior official to support closer collaboration and accelerate development initiatives.

Alexander Augustine, a Portfolio Manager in the Bank’s Economic Infrastructure Division, has been assigned to the twin-island republic for a six-month period as part of efforts to deepen engagement with the government and key stakeholders.

The move signals a significant step in advancing cooperation between CDB and Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on aligning development priorities and improving the delivery of high-impact projects.

Director of Projects at CDB, L. O’Reilly Lewis, said the in-country presence reflects the Bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the country.

“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,” he said.

The assignment was formally marked during an introductory meeting between Augustine and Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.

During the meeting, Augustine outlined key priorities for his assignment, including enhancing engagement with ministries and agencies, supporting the review of the Public Sector Investment Programme, identifying high-impact areas for collaboration, addressing implementation challenges in ongoing projects, and contributing to capacity building within the ministry.

“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,” Augustine said.

Minister Swaratsingh welcomed the appointment, noting that it will strengthen coordination and deepen the partnership between the government and the Bank.

“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,” he said.

CDB noted that the posting follows recent high-level discussions with the government, during which both sides highlighted the need to address longstanding institutional and implementation challenges.

As one of the Bank’s largest borrowing member countries and shareholders, Trinidad and Tobago is expected to benefit from expanded development financing across priority sectors.

The assignment also forms part of efforts to advance CDB’s Country Engagement Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago.

Following a high-level mission in June 2025 after the General Election, both parties agreed that an in-country presence would be critical to guiding the strategy’s development and execution.

Over the coming months, Augustine is expected to engage with stakeholders across government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners as the Bank works to strengthen its long-term partnership with Trinidad and Tobago.