The United States Agency for International Development/Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission (USAID/ESC) and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic integration within the Caribbean.
The MOU signing occurred on Monday, June 21, 2021 at the offices of the CDF in Barbados. The MOU provides a broad framework for cooperation between the two organizations and strengthening of institutional ties between them.
The MOU also serves as a basis for USAID and CDF to collaborate in the delivery of services to select member states of CARICOM, as the Caribbean seeks to forge closer economic integration within the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
According to a press release, during the signing, Regional Representative USAID/ESC, Clinton White reaffirmed the commitment of USAID. He stated: “In a region with enormous financing needs, a large youth population, and some of the highest-priced energy in the world, among other development challenges, USAID is pleased to partner with the CDF to address these issues and build a better Caribbean for all.”
The CDF supports its member states through a framework known as the CARICOM Cohesion Policy and Country Assistance Programs (CAPs).
Under the MOU, activities will align with the CAPs and center on three broad themes. The themes include: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Capacity amongst CARICOM Member States; Improving access to Financing for Sector-Specific and Community-Level Infrastructure Projects and Medium-Sized Enterprises; and Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship in the CARICOM region.
Commenting on the signing of the MOU, CEO of CDF, Rodinald Soomer said: “This partnership with the USAID will add great value to CDF’s programs of support to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors of CARICOM, by better enabling them to benefit from growth and development opportunities in the CSME, helping address the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and boosting the sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure capacity of the region in the face of climate change.”
The United States and the Caribbean are a community with many shared values and interests. Together, we can make communities more vibrant and expand economic opportunities in the Caribbean – we are neighbors, partners, friends.
