Grenadian Leader, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, calls on the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to be more aggressive in its approach to helping Grenada and other CDB member states address developmental challenges.
Dr. Mitchell reportedly held an introductory virtual call yesterday with the new CDB President, Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon and senior members of his team.
Sheena Phillip-Lynch has been following the story.
REPORT:
The conversation was rather cordial in nature which addressed several critical issues, relating to the operations of CDB and its support to member States.
The Prime Minister called for more innovation in the execution of the CDB’s mandate, noting that these are tough times for the region and the CDB and its personnel have to become even more innovative in serving member states and that it cannot be business as usual in this time of crisis.
The pandemic has created enormous challenges but it has also opened up immense opportunities, Dr. Mitchell says, and according to him, “we must find a way to harness these for the benefit of the region’s development.”
Dr. Mitchell, who has served on the CDB Board of Governors in the past, said from his experience, the bank tends to be too bureaucratic and dealing with the bureaucracies of regional governments compounds the problem.
Prime Minister Mitchell is said to have referenced the fact that Grenada has been seeking the bank’s support for an assessment of hazards across the country for many years, particularly as it relates to loosened boulders rolling down from hillsides and posing a threat to motorists and others. And says, “If those who sit at the top do not change the structure and demand accountability, it may not happen.
The Prime Minister expressed full confidence, though, that Dr. Leon, with his wide experience at the International Monetary Fund, will serve the CDB and the region well.
Dr. Leon for his part, thanked the Grenadian leader and his OECS counterparts for rallying behind his nomination and placing immense trust and confidence in him, pledging his full commitment to the task ahead.
On the subject of innovation, , Dr. Leon is hoping he gets the full cooperation of all members as they work together to advance the CDB and the region, that in the next 50 years, min looking back, it could well be said, definitely, the CDB made a difference.
