The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and World Bank Group have agreed on a series of follow-up actions aimed at improving the implementation of development projects in Grenada.

The actions were agreed during a joint Portfolio Review Mission involving officials from both institutions, the Grenada government and various agencies responsible for implementing projects.

The review examined 11 active capital and technical assistance projects financed through the CDB, covering areas including water, healthcare, education, agriculture, coastal protection, renewable energy and monitoring.

Among the projects reviewed were the Geothermal Drilling Project, the Southern St George Water Supply Expansion Project, the Grenada Education Enhancement Project Phase 2, Climate Smart Agriculture Phase 2 and the Health Sector Strengthening Project.

CDB Projects Department Director L. O’Reilly Lewis said there was strong engagement from project teams and government ministries during the review.

“Together with the World Bank, we believe this will translate into tangible development results and stronger resilience for all Grenadians,” Lewis said.

The mission also examined issues affecting project implementation, including procurement, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring and risk management. 

The review took place alongside a separate World Bank Country Portfolio Performance Review.

World Bank Operations Manager for the Caribbean Gail Richardson said the joint exercise was intended to help speed up implementation and deliver development results.

“The World Bank has worked closely with the CDB through this joint review in order to expedite program implementation and the achievement of development results that advance Grenada’s resilience and growth agenda, while expanding opportunities for jobs and livelihoods,” she said.

The delegation also visited four priority projects, including the Southern St George Water Supply Expansion Project at Concord and the Climate Smart Agriculture Phase 2 project.

The water project is aimed at strengthening resilience against persistent water shortages in southern mainland Grenada, while the agriculture project is focused on climate-resilient farming practices, rural livelihoods and food security.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Mike Sylvester said the government welcomed the review and its focus on projects considered important to Grenada’s development.

“The Government of Grenada values this comprehensive review and its partnership with CDB and the World Bank.  The mission has reinforced our shared commitment to delivering meaningful development outcomes and strengthening the implementation of projects that are critical to Grenada’s sustainable growth and resilience,” he said. 

The mission resulted in agreement on actions to improve implementation and disbursement rates, areas for closer collaboration between the CDB and World Bank, and an updated pipeline of future CDB-financed projects for Grenada.

A joint management letter outlining the findings and agreed actions is expected to be shared with the Grenada government in the coming weeks.