CDB: Modest growth projected for the Caribbean after deceleration in 2025

Published on March 9, 2026

Caribbean economies recorded slower growth in 2025 amid intensifying global uncertainty, climate shocks, and fiscal pressures, according to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/ the Bank) findings shared Tuesday at the Bank’s Annual News Conference.

Jason Cotton, Acting Deputy Director of Economics, noted that growth across the region decelerated last year as external conditions became less supportive and downside risks materialised.

Excluding Guyana, regional growth slowed to 0.6% in 2025, down from 1.4% in 2024. When Guyana is included, overall growth reached 4.7%, reflecting that country’s continued double-digit expansion, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous year.

Economic performance varied widely across the region. Among commodity exporters, Suriname experienced accelerated growth driven in part by continued oil-related investment, while Trinidad and Tobago recorded muted expansion.

Service-exporting economies saw slower growth as tourism momentum eased. In Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa compounded earlier damage from Hurricane Beryl, resulting in a second consecutive year of economic contraction.

Looking ahead, the Bank projects modest growth for 2026. Excluding Guyana, regional GDP is forecast to expand by 1.1%. Including Guyana where growth is projected to exceed 20%—regional growth is expected to reach 6.2%.