Day 1 Speakers

Session I – Welcome and Opening

Anton Edmunds

Anton Edmunds, a citizen of Barbados and Saint Lucia, is the General Manager of the Caribbean Country Department at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). With over 25 years of experience, he has held leadership roles in regional governments, development organizations, and the private sector. He previously served as Ambassador of St. Lucia to the United States, Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, High Commissioner to Canada, and Ambassador to Mexico. At the IDB, he has been an Advisor on the Caribbean in the Office of the Presidency and an Operations Principal Advisor, supporting strategic initiatives for Caribbean development. He holds a Master’s in Political Science from American University and a Bachelor’s in Politics from Catholic University of America.

Gonzalo Rivas

Gonzalo Rivas is the Division Chief of the Competitiveness, Technology and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). An economist from the University of Chile with a Master’s in Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain, he has dedicated his career to productive development and innovation policies. He previously served as Executive Vice President of CORFO, Chile’s productive development agency, and President of the National Council for Innovation and Competitiveness in Chile. He was also President of the Latin American Association of Development Institutions (ALIDE). Mr. Rivas is the author of numerous publications on productive development and innovation policies, and his work focuses on fostering economic growth and competitiveness in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Honourable Jonathan Reid

The Honourable Jonathan Reid is the Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology for Barbados. A graduate of The University of the West Indies, he previously served as an advisor to Prime Minister Mottley and as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. Appointed in February 2025, Minister Reid is focused on leveraging technology and AI for national development, with an ambitious five-year plan for job creation, economic expansion, and modernizing government operations. He is a key figure in accelerating Barbados’ digital transformation and positioning the nation as a regional AI hub and a global leader in technology innovation, aiming to create a robust knowledge economy and foster private sector development.

Hon. Ryan R. Straughn, M.P.

Hon. Ryan R. Straughn, M.P., is the Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment for Barbados. An economist and founder of ABELIAN Consulting Services, he is a key architect of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan. A former economist at the Central Bank of Barbados, he has consistently advocated for economic diversification, innovation, and the use of fintech and digital assets to reshape the nation’s economy. He co-chairs the Global Shield initiative to strengthen financial protection against climate risks and is a vocal proponent of regional integration and South-South cooperation to bolster economic resilience and growth in small island developing states.

Carina Cockburn

Carina Cockburn is the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative in Barbados. A Jamaica Rhodes Scholar with an MBA and a Master of Science from Oxford University, she has over 20 years of experience in economic development and change leadership. Her career at the IDB spans over a decade, with roles in Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Nicaragua, and Washington D.C. She previously served as the IDB Country Representative for Trinidad & Tobago and as a Technical Advisor to the Minister of Finance in Jamaica. Her work focuses on improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean through development financing, with a strong emphasis on economic development, strategic planning, and project portfolio management.

Dr. Preeya Mohan

Dr. Preeya Mohan is a Senior Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. She holds a Ph.D. in Economic Development Policy from SALISES and is a recognized expert in Caribbean growth and development. Her research focuses on climate change, natural disasters, economic diversification, public finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mohan has led numerous research projects funded by international bodies like the Inter-American Development Bank and is the co-editor of the Island Studies Journal. Her work is instrumental in shaping policies for climate-resilient economies and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Dr. Sylvia Dohnert

Dr. Sylvia Dohnert is a Private Sector Lead Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Executive Director of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility. She holds a PhD in Economic Development and Regional Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her work focuses on stimulating private sector development and improving the business climate in 13 Caribbean countries. Dr. Dohnert has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, researcher, policymaker, and manager. She has co-authored significant publications on Caribbean economic growth and firm-level innovation, and her leadership of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility is dedicated to fostering a more competitive and innovative private sector in the region.

Session II – Economic Diversification

Henri Espinoza Peña

Henri Espinoza Peña is the Director of the General Directorate of Strategy, Development, and Strengthening of the CITEs (Centers for Productive Innovation and Technology Transfer) in Peru. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic direction and strengthening of a national network of centers that provide technological services and innovation support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). His work is focused on enhancing the productivity, competitiveness, and innovation capacity of Peruvian businesses, particularly in strategic sectors of the economy. His experience in managing and developing these innovation and technology transfer centers provides valuable insights into fostering economic diversification and private sector growth.

Diana Gaviria

Diana Gaviria is the Executive Director of Connect Bogotá, a non-profit organization that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in Bogotá and the surrounding region. With a focus on building a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem, she has been instrumental in connecting entrepreneurs, businesses, universities, and government entities to foster innovation and drive economic growth. Under her leadership, Connect Bogotá has become a key player in the development of new industries and the strengthening of the region’s innovation capacity. Her experience in ecosystem-building and her work with startups and established companies offer valuable lessons for promoting economic diversification and private sector-led growth in the Caribbean.

Kayla Grant

Kayla Grant is the Executive Director of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility and a Sector Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In her role, she leads a multi-donor initiative dedicated to promoting private sector development, innovation, and a better business climate across 13 Caribbean countries. Her work involves designing and implementing programs that support firms in becoming more competitive and resilient. With her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Caribbean, she plays a crucial role in fostering economic diversification and sustainable growth in the region. Her expertise in private sector development and her leadership at Compete Caribbean make her a key voice in the dialogue on the region’s economic future.

Eliana Prada

Eliana Prada is a Sector Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Her work focuses on supporting the development of the creative industries in Latin America and the Caribbean. She has been involved in research and projects aimed at understanding the economic potential of the creative economy and identifying successful examples of its development in the region. Her expertise in this area provides valuable insights into how Caribbean countries can leverage their cultural assets and creative talent to drive economic diversification and create new opportunities for growth. Her work highlights the importance of the creative industries as a strategic sector for the region’s future.

Tenisha Brown

Tenisha Brown is a Tourism Sector Specialist in the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Her work focuses on the global tourism sector and its implications for the Caribbean. She analyzes new developments and trends in the industry and provides insights into how the region can enhance its competitiveness and sustainability. Her expertise is crucial for a region heavily reliant on tourism, and her work helps to inform policies and strategies aimed at strengthening the sector and ensuring its long-term viability. Her insights into the evolving demands of the global travel market are essential for the Caribbean to adapt and thrive in a changing world.

Andrea Burgess

Andrea Burgess is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Export Barbados, the national trade promotion organization of Barbados. In this role, she is responsible for supporting the growth and development of Barbadian exports and helping local businesses to access international markets. Her work is focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Barbadian firms and promoting the country as a hub for international business. With her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing exporters in a small island developing state, she plays a crucial role in driving economic diversification and private sector growth in Barbados. Her experience in trade promotion and export development is highly relevant to the regional dialogue on economic diversification.

Session III – Economic Diversification (Continued)

Gustavo Crespi

Gustavo Crespi is a Principal Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). An expert in the economics of innovation and productivity, his work focuses on promoting economic diversification through regulatory reforms and policy dialogue. He has extensive experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, where he has led research and projects on topics such as firm-level innovation, science and technology policy, and the impact of digitalization on productivity. His insights into the success factors and lessons learned from regulatory reforms and policy dialogues are highly valuable for Caribbean countries seeking to promote economic diversification and private sector-led growth.

Claudia Stevenson

Claudia Stevenson is a Lead Private Sector Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). She has extensive experience in designing and implementing projects to support private sector development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her work focuses on improving the business climate, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship. As a moderator for the roundtable discussion on strategic sectors for economic diversification, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the private sector in the region. Her expertise is crucial for guiding a productive dialogue on how to unlock new sources of growth and create a more dynamic and resilient economy.

Laura Levy

Laura Levy is the Programme Director of the Growth Inducement Programme at the Planning Institute of Jamaica. In this role, she is responsible for leading a national strategy aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation in Jamaica. Her work involves coordinating efforts across various government ministries and agencies to implement reforms and initiatives that support private sector development and improve the business environment. With her deep understanding of the Jamaican economy and her experience in managing large-scale development programs, she brings a valuable perspective to the discussion on economic diversification. Her insights into the challenges and successes of Jamaica’s growth inducement strategy are highly relevant to other Caribbean countries.

Krista Lucenti

Krista Lucenti is a Lead Specialist in the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Her work focuses on identifying opportunities for growth in the global services sector in the Caribbean. She has extensive experience in trade policy, export promotion, and private sector development. Her research and analysis help to inform policies and strategies aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the Caribbean’s services sector and expanding its reach in international markets. Her insights into the potential of global services to drive economic diversification and create high-value jobs are crucial for the region’s future development.

Senator the Honourable Michael Brian Halkitis

Senator the Honourable Michael Brian Halkitis is the Minister of Economic Affairs for The Bahamas. A seasoned politician and financial expert, he has held several key positions in the Bahamian government, including Minister of State for Finance. In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing the country’s economic policy and driving initiatives to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. His experience in public finance and his deep understanding of the Bahamian economy make him a key voice in the regional dialogue on economic diversification. His insights into the challenges and opportunities facing a small island developing state heavily reliant on tourism and financial services are highly relevant to the discussion.

Captain Gerry Gouveia

Captain Gerry Gouveia is the President of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana, a leading advocacy group for the business community in the country. A successful entrepreneur and a veteran of the aviation industry, he is a passionate advocate for private sector-led growth and economic diversification. As President of the Private Sector Commission, he plays a crucial role in shaping the policy dialogue between the government and the business community. His experience as a business leader and his deep understanding of the Guyanese economy provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities for private sector development in the Caribbean.

Senator, the Honourable Michael Joseph

Senator, the Honourable Michael Joseph is the Junior Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs in Antigua and Barbuda. While his primary portfolio is in health and the environment, his participation in the dialogue on economic diversification highlights the interconnectedness of these issues. A healthy population and a sustainable environment are essential for long-term economic prosperity. His perspective as a junior minister provides a valuable insight into the priorities and challenges of a small island developing state seeking to balance economic development with social and environmental concerns. His presence underscores the importance of a holistic approach to national development.

Session IV – Innovation and Productivity

Marieke Gotsch

Marieke Gotsch is a Sector Specialist in the Competitiveness, Technology, and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Her work focuses on dynamizing private sector development and growth, with a particular emphasis on the experience of the National Agency for Research and Innovation in Uruguay. She has extensive experience in analyzing and supporting innovation ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her insights into the policies and institutions that can foster innovation and productivity are highly relevant to the Caribbean region. Her presentation on the Uruguayan experience provides a valuable case study for other countries seeking to strengthen their national innovation systems.

Geovana Acosta

Geovana Acosta is an Operations Senior Advisor at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). With a strong background in project management and development effectiveness, she plays a key role in ensuring the quality and impact of the IDB’s operations in the Caribbean. As a moderator for the discussion on strengthening national and regional ecosystems for innovation and productivity, she brings a wealth of experience in working with governments and private sector partners to achieve development results. Her expertise in operations and her deep understanding of the IDB’s instruments and processes are crucial for guiding a productive dialogue on how to translate ideas into concrete actions.

Rafiq Ilahi

Rafiq Ilahi is the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Technological Innovation in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship & Technological Innovation of Suriname. In this role, he is responsible for leading the country’s efforts to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth and diversification. His work involves developing and implementing policies and programs to support the development of a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Suriname. His experience in a country with a rich natural resource base and a diverse population provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities for innovation-led development in the Caribbean.

Permanent Secretary Gloria Joseph

Permanent Secretary Gloria Joseph leads the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development in Dominica. Her extensive portfolio covers a wide range of areas that are crucial for private sector development and economic diversification. Her work involves promoting a favorable environment for entrepreneurship and small business growth, fostering a skilled and productive workforce, and strengthening the social partnership between government, labor, and the private sector. Her experience in a small island developing state that is highly vulnerable to climate change provides a valuable perspective on the importance of building a resilient and inclusive economy.

The Honourable Samal Mojah Duggins

The Honourable Samal Mojah Duggins is the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resource and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports and the Creative Economy, and Entertainment and the Arts in St. Kitts and Nevis. His diverse portfolio reflects a holistic approach to economic development, recognizing the importance of both traditional sectors like agriculture and emerging sectors like the creative economy. His work involves promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across a wide range of industries. His experience as a minister in a small island developing state provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities for building a diversified and resilient economy.

Tamaisha Eytle

Tamaisha Eytle is the Director of FutureBARBADOS, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and a green economy in Barbados. Her work focuses on raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for policies and practices that support a more sustainable and resilient future for the country. As a discussant on strengthening national and regional ecosystems for innovation and productivity, she brings a crucial perspective on the importance of integrating sustainability into economic development strategies. Her expertise in environmental management and her passion for a green economy are essential for ensuring that the pursuit of economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

Day 2 Speakers

Morning Session

Simon Mustard

Simon Mustard is the British High Commissioner for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. A career diplomat with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), he has served in a variety of roles in London and overseas. As High Commissioner, he is responsible for representing the UK’s interests in the region and for managing the UK’s development assistance programs. His remarks as a donor will provide a valuable perspective on the priorities and expectations of the international community in supporting private sector development and economic diversification in the Caribbean. His experience in diplomacy and development cooperation is crucial for strengthening the partnership between the UK and the Caribbean.

Lisa Harding

Lisa Harding is the Division Chief of the Private Sector Division at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). In this role, she is responsible for leading the CDB’s efforts to support private sector development and enhance the business climate in its borrowing member countries. She has extensive experience in development finance and has worked on a wide range of projects in various sectors across the Caribbean. Her remarks as a donor will provide a valuable perspective on the CDB’s strategy for promoting private sector-led growth and economic diversification in the region. Her expertise in private sector finance and her deep understanding of the Caribbean’s development challenges are crucial for the dialogue.

Darryl White

Darryl White is the Regional Manager for the Caribbean at IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group. He is responsible for leading IDB Invest’s operations in the region, including identifying and structuring financing for private sector projects in a variety of sectors. He has extensive experience in corporate and investment banking and has worked with a wide range of clients across the Caribbean. As moderator for the session on IDB instruments to support private sector development, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the financing needs of the private sector in the region.

Dr. David Lowe

Dr. David Lowe is the Managing Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). In this role, he is responsible for leading the DBJ’s efforts to support economic development in Jamaica by providing financing and technical assistance to businesses in key sectors of the economy. He has extensive experience in development banking and has played a key role in the design and implementation of several innovative programs, including the Boosting Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) Programme. His presentation on the BIGEE program will provide valuable insights into how development banks can play a catalytic role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Vashtie Dookiesingh

Vashtie Dookiesingh is a Private Finance Operations Lead Specialist at IDB Lab, the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group. She is responsible for leading IDB Lab’s efforts to support startups and private startup ecosystems in the Caribbean. She has extensive experience in impact investing and has worked with a wide range of social and environmental enterprises across the region. Her presentation on IDB Lab’s support to startups will provide valuable insights into how to foster a more dynamic and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Caribbean. Her expertise in early-stage financing and her passion for social innovation are crucial for the dialogue.

Ian Mills

Ian Mills is the Unit Chief of the One Caribbean Unit at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He is responsible for leading the IDB Group’s regional strategic framework to promote sustainable development in the Caribbean. This framework focuses on climate adaptation and resilience, disaster risk management, citizen security, private sector engagement, food security, strengthening institutions, and facilitating digital transformation. He has extensive experience in strategic leadership, portfolio management, and program design and delivery. His presentation on the One Caribbean approach will provide a comprehensive overview of the IDB’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the Caribbean region.

Note: Biographies for representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment (Barbados), Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (Trinidad and Tobago), Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information (St. Lucia), Ministry for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy (Grenada), Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (Guyana), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Ministry of State of Economic Development (Belize), and the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados could not be generated as specific names were not provided in the agenda.