A call to build: CDB President charts path for a stronger Caribbean

Published on June 8, 2026

The Caribbean Development Bank convened its 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors on June 3 in Nassau, The Bahamas, under the theme “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times.”

Speaking before Heads of Government, regional and international finance ministers, development partners, civil society leaders, and youth representatives, CDB President Mr. Daniel M. Best, delivered a landmark address that underscored a pivotal moment for both the Region and the institution.

Returning to The Bahamas, where Caribbean leaders once gathered amidst the uncertainties of independence, and again in 1980 and 2010 during periods of global economic stress, the President drew a direct line between the courage of the Bank’s founders and the resolve needed today.

“The Caribbean has never waited for history to happen to it,” Best asserted. “We have always been at our best when we have had the courage to shape history ourselves.”

Addressing a world marked by geopolitical fragmentation, climate volatility, technological disruption, and shrinking development finance, Best declared that uncertainty must be met not with retreat, but with bold institutional action.

The urgency of that call was amplified by The Hon. Michael B. Halkitis, Chairperson of the Caribbean Development Bank, and Minister of Finance, The Bahamas, with a frank assessment of the Region’s crossroads moment.

“Resilience alone is no longer enough. The future demands strategy. The future demands transformation. The future demands bold leadership and collective action,” Halkitis said.