The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) is ramping up efforts to deepen regional partnerships and mobilise sustainable finance for national development priorities.
General Manager Royston Cumberbatch recently represented the bank at the Shareholder Meeting of Heads of National Development Banks, hosted by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
The high-level engagement was held at the Jamaica Convention Centre in Montego Bay as part of the 2025 Caribbean Investment Forum. The event brought together national development banks, multilateral institutions, and regional leaders to explore joint strategies for advancing inclusive, climate-aligned, and sustainable financing solutions throughout the Caribbean.
Positioning Grenada for transformational growth
Cumberbatch delivered a presentation titled “Catalysing Sustainable Growth & Development in Grenada” — outlining GDB’s institutional track record, mandate, and development impact. He highlighted the bank’s achievements across housing, education, and MSME lending, while identifying new opportunities in climate finance, renewable energy, export-oriented MSMEs, and green innovation.
The presentation also emphasised GDB’s:
- Proven capacity to implement high-impact lending programmes
- Expanding pipeline of climate-resilient housing and MSME projects
- Ongoing efforts to modernise banking systems and digitise operations
- Institutional readiness to absorb and deploy concessional and blended finance
Call for collaborative investment
As part of his remarks, Cumberbatch proposed a collaborative financing initiative with CAF and other regional institutions to expand the scope and impact of Grenada’s sustainable development programmes. Key areas for potential joint investment include:
- Affordable, climate-resilient housing
- Renewable energy and energy-efficient infrastructure
- Climate-smart agriculture and food systems
- MSME development and export finance
- Diaspora-linked green investment products
“This meeting with CAF reaffirmed the Grenada Development Bank’s strong commitment to national transformation through innovative finance,” said Cumberbatch. “Grenada’s priorities in MSME growth, climate resilience, and renewable energy are fully aligned with CAF’s development vision. This represents a strategic opportunity to scale impact through regional collaboration.”
GDB as a regional development leader
Cumberbatch underscored that the dialogue not only showcased Grenada’s readiness for deeper engagement but also strengthened GDB’s positioning as a credible regional development finance institution.
He noted CAF’s strong interest in Grenada’s climate finance and housing agenda and emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in enabling Grenada to deliver on its national goals under the 2035 National Sustainable Development Plan.
About the Grenada Development Bank
Established in 1965, the Grenada Development Bank (GDB) plays a pivotal role in advancing Grenada’s economic and social development. The bank provides financial and technical support across key sectors, including housing, education, MSMEs, agriculture, tourism, and climate finance. GDB also offers tailored loan products, financial advisory services, and partners with regional and international institutions to mobilise investment for transformational development.
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