Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon, John Brisceno signs grant agreement with the CDF at the Blue Green Finance Forum, Belize. (In photo from L-R: Kyron Barker (Ag.) Director Regional Development-CDF), Prime Minister of Belize, Hon John Brisceno, Kenrick Burke (Program Specialist, Sustainable Energy), Minister of Rural Transformation, Hon. Oscar Raquena and Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Rodwell Fergusson.
PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE — August 20, 2026 — The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) today formally executed three grant agreements totalling US$2,143,350 or BZE$4,286,700 at the Blue and Green Investment Forum. Under these agreements, the CDF directly provides approximately 70% of the total project funding to support Belize’s local commerce, sustainable agriculture, and trade competitiveness.
The signed grant packages target three distinct strategic areas:
- Bella Vista Market Project: The initiative funds the construction of a new commercial space featuring 24 accessible vendor stalls (12 ft. x 15 ft.) equipped with potable water, electricity, and supplemental solar energy. The partially enclosed, secure design incorporates public restrooms, a waste recycling unit, and landscaped spaces to boost local enterprise and improve sanitation. This initiative is costed at US$312,600 or BZE 625,200 of which the CDF’s direct contribution is US$215,200 or BZE$430,400. The executing agency is the Belize Ministry of Rural Transformation.
- Integrated HELD Project: This project targets agricultural sector resilience through integrated growth in the honey industry and livestock production. It also enhances technological capacity and extension service delivery within the Ministry of Agriculture. The cost is US$1,640,700 or BZE 3,281,400 of which the CDF’s direct contribution is US$1,114,700 or BZE$2,229,400.
- A164 Support Programme for Belize: Designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), producer groups, freight forwarders, and key institutional stakeholders, this pilot project targets Article 164 value chains with a focal point on women and youth participation. Interventions center on applied research, policy guidance, climate resilience, and expanding regional and international market access. The cost is US$190,050 or BZE 380,100 of which the CDF’s direct contribution is US$149,100 or BZE$298,200.
During the official ceremony, the CDF representative, Kyron Barker, highlighted that the agreements represent a shared commitment to resilient communities and inclusive growth across Belize and the wider region. Expressing gratitude to the Government of Belize and local stakeholders, the CDF confirmed that future partnership components will introduce dedicated financing for MSMEs, infrastructure upgrades for educational institutions, and water harvesting and distribution, primarily to the rural population.
About the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) – Established in 2008, the CARICOM Development Fund assists Member States participating in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) by providing financial and technical support to address disparities resulting from the implementation of the CSME.
Media Contact: Email: info@caricomdf.org
