Dear Compete Caribbean Community,
Thank you for welcoming me to the Compete Caribbean family. Having started with the IDB and Compete Caribbean team in 2013, I am deeply honored to be leading such an impactful program and equally as enthused to nurture and grow the legacy that Sylvia has built over the last twelve years. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring fresh approaches to position our team to support you in successfully navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean region.
The integration of climate action into our private sector development work, initiated through Compete Caribbean, will be a central focus of my leadership. We will work with governments and businesses to identify climate adaptation and mitigation opportunities, to invest in knowledge and scientific research that guide innovative policy design and technology transfer opportunities, to support the development of growth-oriented business models that incorporate green technologies, and help create enabling environments for inclusive, climate-smart economic growth.
We will continue to prioritize innovative programming that creates opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities and that promotes private-sector led economic growth that contributes to social inclusion and job growth throughout the region.
Effective development work requires partnership and collaboration. My approach to leadership emphasizes building consensus around shared goals and priorities. I am committed to strengthening existing partnerships while building new collaborative relationships that enhance our collective capacity to drive positive change. This includes deepening our engagement with government partners, private sector leaders, local and international donor organizations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations throughout the region.
As we embark on this next chapter together, I am excited about the possibilities ahead. Our role at Compete Caribbean is to help unlock our region’s potential through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
I look forward to meeting with partners and stakeholders in the coming weeks and months. These conversations will be essential for understanding priorities, identifying opportunities, and ensuring that our work remains relevant and impactful.
I would especially like to thank our donors and partners – the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Canada – for their continued commitment to Caribbean development. Together we will build on the strong foundation we have inherited and create new possibilities for sustainable, inclusive development throughout the region.
Cheers,
Kayla Grant
Executive Director
Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility
