CDB launches multi-million-dollar program to strengthen communities in St. Vincent.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched the Eleventh Cycle of its Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF 11) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, providing financing to improve access to essential services, strengthen community infrastructure and expand livelihood opportunities.

The CDB said the four-million-dollar, four-year initiative will support investments that respond to community needs, with more than 700 Vincentians expected to benefit from improved road access and community infrastructure.

It said planned works include constructing footpaths, stairs, drainage systems and retaining walls in Golden Vale and Acres Hill, alongside improvements to education infrastructure such as Canouan Primary School. These investments aim to address longstanding access challenges and strengthen facilities for mainland residents.

“This investment…represents far more than financing. Through this new cycle, we can help equip more students with the skills they need to succeed, expand access to community-driven economic opportunities and essential services, and create pathways for individuals and families to improve their livelihoods,” said Dr. Martin Baptiste, the head of the CDB Social Sector Division.

BNTF 11 builds on practical investments in education and community access across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including the extension and rehabilitation of Park Hill Government School, Calliaqua Anglican School and New Grounds Government School, as well as the early childhood development centers in Richland Park and Biabou, among other projects.

“Development must ultimately be measured by the difference it makes in people’s lives. It is measured by the quality of the facilities available to our children, the opportunities afforded to our young people, the capacity of our farmers to sustain their livelihoods, and the ability of our communities to withstand and recover from adversity,” said Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labor Minister, Israel Bruce.

The launch and subsequent workshop brought together government representatives, implementing agencies, development partners and community stakeholders to align priorities and strengthen program delivery.

Discussions focused on implementation strategies and the need to protect essential services, education and livelihoods from climate-related disruption.

“As CDB’s flagship poverty-reduction program, BNTF places community participation at the center of project development,” the CDB said, noting that through BNTF 11, it will continue working with the Government and communities here to turn locally identified needs into investments that improve access, expand opportunity and strengthen resilience.