The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has agreed to provide capacity-building support for local government in the Caribbean.
Managing shrinking resources
The bank has recognised the need to develop the capacity in local government to manage limited shrinking resources, particularly in light of economic set-backs and resultant strain on finance and service delivery due to national responses to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
CLGF Caribbean will function as project and workshop facilitator for this CDB initiative which is designed along the concept of public financial management.
Inclusive plannng and financial management
This project aims to build capacity at the local level in improved and inclusive municipal planning and financial management, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Capacity building for professionals responsible for municipal finances will enable municipal councils to better support more effective service delivery in the context of key national and local priorities, as well as relevant governance concepts. Seven (7) of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) with active municipalities will be targeted, namely: The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Developmental local government
The two-year project will involve consultations between the CDB and the Local Government sector in the seven countries. Owing to border closures, these consultations will be hosted virtually to discuss developmental local government at the ministry and municipal levels. Guided by the development priorities identified in the virtual consultations, the CDB will provide a week of training (next year) for each country to enhance the capacity of local government personnel in municipal planning, budgeting, and financial management. The CDB will also engage professional services to assist with the development of business plans for municipalities who need this support.
CLGF Regional Programme Manager for the Caribbean, Ms Sandra Singh said: “This is an exciting and very welcome opportunity and we look forward to working closely with the Caribbean Development Bank.”
