The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is working with the Government of Saint Lucia to address procurement challenges that have been slowing the implementation of development projects. Saint Lucia is the first country selected to pilot an enhanced, hands-on approach aimed at strengthening procurement capacity, improving project execution, and ensuring that approved financing translates into tangible benefits for citizens.

The initiative brings together government executing agencies responsible for projects funded by the CDB and the World Bank for practical discussions and targeted training on procurement procedures, evaluation processes, and challenges that can delay project delivery.

Naomi Akoy-Bouguenon, Acting Division Chief of the CDB’s Procurement Policy Division, explained that the initiative emerged from discussions during a joint portfolio meeting with the World Bank in May, when implementation challenges were identified.

She noted that delays in spending approved financing can affect national development, adding that gaps in understanding procurement requirements and evaluation procedures are among the key bottlenecks affecting project implementation.

Unlike conventional approaches that focus heavily on procurement requirements at the launch of projects, the CDB’s pilot provides direct, practical support to project teams. The engagement allows agencies to identify gaps in their understanding and receive guidance through the procurement process.

Saint Lucia’s selection for the pilot also reflects the need to strengthen procurement capacity across government agencies, particularly in light of a shortage of specialised procurement personnel, which can affect both procurement processes and project evaluations.

Director of Public Procurement in the Ministry of Finance, Anthony Jean, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to deepen public officers’ understanding of procurement and improve implementation efficiency.

He noted that public procurement is essential to translating approved budgets into actual expenditure and that the CDB’s tailored engagement builds on previous efforts to strengthen procurement practices in Saint Lucia.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that development financing is used effectively and that government projects progress in a timely manner. By addressing procurement challenges at the operational level, the CDB and the Government of Saint Lucia aim to improve project execution and deliver intended development outcomes.

Lessons from the Saint Lucia pilot are expected to inform efforts to strengthen procurement capacity and improve project implementation across the wider Caribbean.