BRIDGETOWN – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a programme of assistance of USD172 million (mn) for Jamaica over the period 2017 to 2021. These resources will be augmented by GBP17.5 mn (approximately USD22.2 mn) in grants from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). The programme of assistance, outlined in a new Country Strategy Paper, was approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors today.

The Strategy is built around four key pillars, with cross-cutting themes of citizen security, gender equality and energy security. Enhance educational quality and improve the effectiveness of social protection

CDB-supported interventions will focus on improving access to, and the quality of, education. At the community level, the Bank will continue to support initiatives to strengthen local economic development and expand income-earning opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Enhance governance and citizen security

To strengthen implementation capability, CDB will support initiatives being driven by the Government of Jamaica and other international development partners to enhance performance monitoring and public sector efficiency. The Bank will collaborate and leverage the expertise of key stakeholders to implement a comprehensive crime and violence prevention initiative and will consider support to reduce recidivism; build capacity among vulnerable groups; and expand income-earning opportunities for youth.

 Increase inclusive economic growth and competitiveness

CDB will support inclusive economic growth and competitiveness through reforms to improve business innovation; develop climate-resilient economic infrastructure; and improve agricultural productivity, which remains an important contributor to gross domestic product, employment and foreign exchange earnings in Jamaica. Grants from UKCIF will support agricultural development.(theguardian)…[+]