In photo from L to R: Mr. Rodinald Soomer, CEO of the CARICOM Development Fund and Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño signing Loan and Grant Agreements to herald the commencement of the Schools Infrastructure Development Project.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2026 | Orange Walk Town, Belize

The Government of Belize, through the Belize Social Investment Fund (SIF), today joined the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) for an Agreement Signing for an investment of $3,624,750.00 USD in educational infrastructure.

Supported through a CDF loan and grant financing structure, and counterpart contribution from the Government of Belize, the initiative will improve learning environments at three beneficiary schools:

• St. Francis Xavier R.C. Primary and Pre-Primary School, Corozal Town — new primary and pre-primary classrooms, accessible bathroom facilities and administrative space.
• San Antonio Government School, San Antonio Village, Corozal District — new primary and pre-primary classrooms, accessible sanitation facilities, administrative space and a kitchenette for the school feeding programme.
• Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. Primary School, Belmopan City — a new eight-classroom building, accessible bathroom facilities and administrative offices.

The projects will incorporate climate-resilient and inclusive designs, alongside support for furniture, learning materials, technology and teacher development. The investment aims to address overcrowding, improve educational access and create safer, more supportive environments for students and teachers.

L to R: Mr. Carlos Tun, Executive Director of SIF, Mr. Rodinald Soomer, CEO of the CDF, Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize and Mrs. Narda Garcia, Chairman of the SIF Board of Directors.

This CDF third cycle (2024-2028) project builds on the ongoing partnership between Belize and the CDF and reflects the importance of regional partnerships in advancing Belize’s national development goals.

As the implementing agency, the Belize SIF will coordinate project implementation with the CDF, relevant government ministries, school administrations and other stakeholders to help ensure accountability and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The initiative reinforces the Government of Belize’s commitment to improving access to quality education and creating greater opportunities for Belizean children.

About CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) – The CDF established in 2008 is a regional financial institution in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mandated to provide technical and financial assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors participating in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CDF is committed to providing effective, efficient and sustainable solutions that address the challenges faced by its member countries by delivering innovative solutions aimed at reducing intra-regional disparities through effective partnerships and the provision of tailor-made solutions aimed at building resilience and accelerating sustainable economic development in the Caribbean Community. The CDF is based in Barbados.