CDB Official in Belize to Review

The Caribbean Development Bank is currently reviewing its projects in Belize, focusing on key development and financial strategies. Major infrastructure projects like the Coastal Highway Project, Philip Goldson Highway, and the Eighth Road Project are under examination, with presentations from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. Dr. Martin Baptiste, an official from the Caribbean Development Bank, is in the country to review the bank’s portfolio and discuss ways to improve processes with the government. He provided detailed insights into these areas.

 

Dr. Martin Baptiste, Chief, Social Sector Division, C.D.B.

“We came to discuss with our colleagues here, Ministry of Economic Transformation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and Technology and all of our partners to discuss how the projects are progressing to look at the status of each and to co-create and to discuss solutions so that we can improve the implementation rate so that in the end, the portfolio that we have here in Belize would continue to be a high performing portfolio so that the development outcomes that we want for each of them can be realized in a timely manner.”

 

Marion Ali

“What have you found so far?”

 

Dr. Martin Baptiste

“Well, Belize is one of the countries where we do significant work and the work that we have been doing over the years is progressing quite well. And so we were able to identify where there are successes. We are able to identify any success factors and lessons learned. And so we identify some of the areas where we will continue to engage with our partners here to make sure that the projects and programs that we’re implementing can continue to be done in a way that would realize the outcomes which the Government of Belize has for this country as well as our work as a development partner.”

 

Marion Ali

“Can you share maybe a couple of the successes that you spoke of or areas where we have strengths and weaknesses as well?”

Dr. Martin Baptiste

“Well, we have very good implementation units here in Belize and so in terms of the procurement, contract management, looking at supervising the work that is to be done, there are very good stories here and we encourage that that kind of engagement will continue to be expanded so that across all of the projects and programs, we can continue to have a very excellent relationship and deliver on the projects that have been approved and are under implementation.”

 

Marion Ali

“And we need help in what areas?”

 

Dr. Martin Baptiste

“Well, certainly, across the region, one of the areas that we continue to support countries is in the area of procurement. It’s one of the areas where the countries are building out the procurement systems, so that we can have timely engagement of consultants, suppliers, and contractors. And in doing so, you’re able to maintain the implementation period so that you don’t have too many delays. And so when a project is approved and you are promising the impact to the beneficiaries within a timeframe, you’re able to deliver on those outputs in a timely manner. Contract management is a really important matter, and of course it is something that across the region we are working with our countries and our partners to continue developing.”