Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service, Honourable Allen M. Chastanet, is currently attending a high-level dialogue between Eastern Caribbean nations and the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA).

The purpose of the two-day meeting, being held at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami, is for strategic dialogue on the priorities for Saint Lucia and collectively for the region, as well as how support from the World Bank Group aligns with current and future priorities.

Forming part of Saint Lucia’s delegation is Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Honourable Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economics Claudius Emmanuel, Ag. Director of Financial Administration Nadia Wells Hyacinth and National Integrated Planning and Programme (NIPP) Unit Director Howard Wells.

Among the issues for discussion are: Prospects and drivers of growth in the OECS, Upcoming medium term regional strategy and the Energy mix in the Caribbean and the prospects for Renewable Energy.

The IDA’s aim is to reduce poverty by providing loans and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions. In addition to concessional loans and grants, IDA provides significant levels of debt relief and supports a range of development activities that pave the way toward equality, economic growth, job creation, higher incomes, and better living conditions. IDA receives funding from donor countries through a replenishment process every three years. The 19th replenishment of IDA, or “IDA19” special themes include: Climate Change, Fragility, Conflict and Violence, Gender and Development, Governance and Institutions as well as Jobs and Economic Transformation.