Caribbean Nations Seek Resilience Boost Through Stronger Civil Society
Kingston, Jamaica – Civil society organizations (CSOs) across the Caribbean are seeking to bolster their capacity to address pressing regional challenges, from climate vulnerability to economic uncertainty, following a landmark conference held in Jamaica in February. Development leaders are urging increased collaboration, digital literacy, and stronger governance structures to navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The four-day conference, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Global Affairs Canada, brought together 120 participants representing 80 CSOs from 12 countries. Organizers framed the event, coinciding with World NGO Day, as a pivotal moment to harness the “collective power” of community-based organizations (CBOs) in achieving shared development goals.
“Across our borrowing member countries, NGOs and CBOs are often the first responders during crises and the most trusted advocates in marginalized communities,” said George Yearwood, BNTF Portfolio Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank. He emphasized the importance of embedding community voices throughout the project lifecycle – from planning to implementation and monitoring – to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The CDB plans to formalize its engagement with CSOs in its next strategic cycle, focusing on improved dialogue, access to digital tools, expanded financing opportunities, and data-driven programming. This commitment comes as a 2023 CDB assessment revealed significant weaknesses within many Caribbean community groups. The assessment, conducted in Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, found that 69 percent lacked formal constitutions, nearly half lacked clear mission or vision statements, and many struggled with fundraising and understanding the Sustainable Development Goals.
Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mark Berman, underscored the critical role CSOs play in tackling issues like climate change, youth unemployment, and gender inequality. However, he cautioned that weaknesses in governance and strategic planning could hinder their effectiveness. “We can’t do it without CSOs,” Berman stated, adding that addressing these systemic challenges is crucial for organizations to deliver meaningful impact.
The conference addressed these concerns through sessions focused on governance reform, results-based management, financial resilience, and leveraging digital tools – including artificial intelligence – to enhance advocacy and impact measurement. Global Affairs Canada has already invested CAD 1.6 million across 11 projects in seven Caribbean nations through its Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF), supporting initiatives in areas such as crime prevention, workforce development, and environmental protection.
The event concluded with a World NGO Day ceremony recognizing the contributions of NGOs to sustainable development throughout the Caribbean, signaling a growing recognition of CSOs as essential partners in national development efforts. Organizers hope “The Shift” – as the conference was themed – will ensure that these vital community organizations are equipped, heard, and valued as the Caribbean confronts ongoing challenges.
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Inter Press Service