The European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank sign two contracts to support Caribbean partner countries

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December 23, 2020

The EU’s Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed two agreements for a total EU contribution of €23 million to support investments in primary health care services in Jamaica and in sustainable energy in Barbados.

IDB is one of CIF's main investment partners in the Caribbean. To date, they jointly manage 10 projects worth €417.12 million, with a CIF contribution of €90.83 million, in sustainable energy, health, support for SMEs, water supply and sanitation, sustainable transport and agriculture.

Strengthening’s Jamaica health services network (CIF contribution €10m, IDB €50m)

This IDB-led operation will help devise and enforce policies to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthen the network of primary health services. This will happen through investments to make, remodel, expand and provide medical equipment for 3 hospitals and 10 associated health centres, together serving 1.1 million people. Moreover, the programme will further help alleviate the pressure on Kingston's major hospitals, thanks to the necessary NCD management protocols, upgraded and integrated primary and secondary health networks, and a stronger tele-health service.

Smart Fund II: Sustainable Energy Investment Programme (CIF contribution €13m, plus €40m contributions from IDB, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Barbados)

Smart Fund II will reduce Barbados’ reliance on imported fossil fuels, thanks to the increased use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in the commercial, residential and public sectors (schools and hospitals). The resulting energy and financial savings and lower emissions of polluting substances and greenhouse gases will boost the country’s macroeconomic situation, as well as local and global environmental sustainability. By 2026 the project will have installed panels producing 11.4 MW of solar photovoltaic energy, leading to annual reductions of 91.4 GWh in electricity consumption and of 68 076 tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Both projects will contribute to the green recovery of Jamaica and Barbados, countries severely affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. More broadly, the European Union’s partnership with the Caribbean is based on our shared desire to reduce poverty and meet the Sustainable Development Goals