Trinidad & Tobago Assumes Chairmanship of CAF Board

At its first board meeting of 2025, Trinidad & Tobago assumed the chairmanship of the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean’s Board of Directors. Minister of Finance Vishnu Dhanpaul will serve a one-year term, succeeding José Manuel Vicente, Minister of Finance and Economy of the Dominican Republic.

The country was represented by Hassel Bacchus, Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Minister Bacchus remarked, “CAF has long been a key partner in our country’s development, and it’s an honor to be the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to chair the board at a time when the Bank is expanding its Caribbean partnerships.”

CAF’s board consists of representatives from its 22 shareholder countries, including finance ministers, central bank governors, and senior finance officials. The chairmanship rotates among these nations.

Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, emphasized the historic significance of Trinidad & Tobago ‘s role, noting, “This milestone strengthens our partnership with the Caribbean and our commitment to regional integration. We look forward to further collaboration under Trinidad & Tobago ’s leadership.”

During the meeting, CAF approved US$1.45 billion for strategic regional projects, including improvements to infrastructure, education, and business competitiveness. The bank also announced US$8.5 billion in funding through 2030 to promote agricultural development across Latin America and the Caribbean.