Belize Assumes Caribbean Development Bank Chairmanship

Belize has secured a prominent leadership role within the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), officially assuming the Chairmanship of the Bank’s Board of Governors for the next year.  The transition took place at the conclusion of the Fifty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors held in Nassau, Bahamas. Representing Prime Minister John Briceño at the ceremony was Minister of State for Economic Transformation and Belize’s Alternate Governor to the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Osmond Martinez, who formally accepted the Chairmanship on the country’s behalf.  The appointment places Belize at the forefront of regional development discussions and decision-making within the CDB, the region’s premier development finance institution. Over the next twelve months, Belize will help steer conversations among finance ministers, governors, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations from the Bank’s twenty-eight member countries.  The Board serves as the highest governing authority of the Caribbean Development Bank, overseeing major policy decisions, approving financial operations, and guiding the institution’s long-term strategic direction.  Prime Minister Briceño, in recorded remarks marking the occasion, described the appointment as both a significant honor and a major responsibility for Belize as it works alongside regional partners to advance shared development goals.  The announcement comes with additional good news for the country as Belize has also been selected to host the Fifty-Seventh Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in June 2027. The gathering is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from across the Caribbean and beyond, providing Belize with an opportunity to showcase its development progress, investment potential, and growing leadership within the region.  The 2027 meeting will be especially significant as it will mark the first time in more than thirty years that Belize hosts the prestigious event. The last occasion was in 1994, when Belize also served as Chair of the Board of Governors.  Belize’s delegation to this year’s annual meeting was led by Dr. Osmond Martinez and included Chief Executive Officer Carlos Pol, Development Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Henry Anderson, Government Press Office Director Michael Rudon, and Economist Jerdie King.  Belize’s tenure as Chair takes effect immediately and will culminate next year when the country hosts the annual meeting and hands over leadership of the Board to the next member state.