Agenda

CARIF 2025 offers two impactful days of forward-thinking discussions, high-level interviews with top leaders, incisive panel discussions, in-depth workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Leading players will tackle the most critical issues shaping the Caribbean’s infrastructure landscape, including:

Geopolitics, the world economy, and the implications for Caribbean infrastructure
Mobilizing Private Capital: Is investor appetite for Caribbean assets on the rise?
How can the region better leverage PPPs for infrastructure?
Delivering energy security through grid resilience
The persistent challenge of NRW: designing and financing effective programs to reduce losses
Deep Dive – Guyana – big plans for infrastructure
Is infrastructure keeping up with the tourism boom?
Sustainable aviation and airport infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth
Digitalization & Connectivity: A conversation on trends, successes and shortcomings in the Caribbean
Food Security & the economic opportunity of agriculture
Best practices to bolster health infrastructure in the Caribbean

Away from the CARIF Main Stage, we invite attendees to meet the market through numerous structured and unstructured networking opportunities, including the fountain-side cocktail reception, networking-enhanced thematic roundtables and deep-dive workshops, and to celebrate achievements over the past year in the annual CARIF Awards ceremony.

Tuesday

September 16

8:00-8:45

Registration and Exhibition

8:45-8:55

Welcome Remarks

Pim van der Burg

CIBC Caribbean
Chief Commercial Officer

8:55-9:00

Chairperson Remarks

Gillian Charles-Gollop

CIBC Caribbean
Executive Director, Corporate Banking & Sustainable Finance

9:00-9:30

Interactive Scene-Setter: Geopolitical Shifts, Volatility, and the Impact on Caribbean Infrastructure

A data-based assessment of global economic dynamics, the impact on the Caribbean infrastructure space and best adaptation strategies.

How can infrastructure investment be used as a tool for economic resilience and inclusive growth in the Caribbean?
What forecasting tools and data insights are needed to navigate rising costs and shifting capital flows?
Where are the emerging opportunities for strategic infrastructure development in a constrained global economy?

Risa Grais-Targow

Eurasia Group
Director, Latin America

9:30-10:15

Ministers Talk: Infrastructure as a Driver of Economic Growth

The annual CARIF Ministerial panel featuring a high-level exchange on:

National infrastructure priorities and flagship projects underway across the region
Development strategies aimed at modernization, sustainability, and investment readiness
Regional cooperation initiatives focused on energy security, food resilience, and connectivity—both physical and digital

Hon. Spencer R. Brand Arch

Nevis Island Administration
Minister of Communication, Public Works, Water Services, Physical Planning & Environment, Posts, Labour and Disaster Management
Hon. Jobeth Lillian Coleby-Davis

Bahamas
Minister of Energy and Transport
Dr. the Hon. William F. Duguid

Barbados
Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office
Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez

Belize
Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation

Richard Threlfall

KPMG International
Global Head of Infrastructure, Government, Healthcare and Transport Moderator

10:15-11:00

Securing the Flow of Funding into Caribbean Infrastructure: Who Is Stepping Up and Stepping In?

Amid geopolitical shifts and fiscal pressure, how can the Caribbean region secure a steady, reliable flow of funding to support essential infrastructure projects?

How can the region diversify funding sources to reduce reliance on any single donor or partner and build long-term funding resilience?
What near-term strategies can fill funding gaps for priority projects?
How does the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0 reshape access to development and climate-related funding for Caribbean nations?
What role do cost-recovery tools—such as user tariffs, government subsidies, and donor contributions—play in enabling financially sustainable service delivery?
How can Caribbean governments strengthen institutional capacity to deploy funding more efficiently?

Tamara Fathi

Export Development Canada
Chief Representative for the Andean Region, Central America and the Caribbean
Jesse McDougall

UK Export Finance
Head of Export Finance, USA, Mexico, and the English-Speaking Caribbean
David Mogollon Huerta

The European Union
Head of Cooperation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, and CARICOM
Stacy Richards-Kennedy

CAF - Development Bank of Latin America
Regional Manager for the Caribbean

Devindranauth Bissoon

Green Climate Fund
Senior Infrastructure Specialist Moderator

11:00-11:45

Refreshments and Networking

11:45-12:35

Is Investor Appetite for Caribbean Assets on the Rise?

What do investors want to see from the region to increase their investment confidence? How can increased private sector participation, and the associated innovative know-how, impact the infrastructure pipeline?

The importance of guarantors is increasing in delivering successful transactions. Will this trend continue?
What innovations in financing mechanisms and programs have been most successful and what is on the horizon?
How can the region attract new investors to the space, specifically institutional investors?

Adam Carter

CIBC Caribbean
Managing Director and Head, Investment Banking, Forex, and Derivative Sales
Ian Chin

Ansa Merchant Bank Limited
General Manager, Corporate & Investment Banking
Kelly Marshall

Sagicor General Insurance Inc.
Vice President Reinsurance
Barry O’Brien

Williams Caribbean Capital
Co-founder and Group CEO

Mandisa Regrello

Dentons
Partner and Head of Banking and Finance Practice Group, Trinidad and Tobago Moderator

12:35-12:45

IDB InfraScope: And the Region’s PPP Profile

Infrascope is a benchmarking index and tool used to assess the capacity of countries to implement public-private partnerships in infrastructure. Commissioned by the IDB and developed by the Economist Impact since 2009, it evaluates the enabling environment for PPPs in 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Pablo Pereira dos Santos

Inter-American Development Bank
Principal PPP Specialist

12:45-1:15

Case-Study: How Can the Region Better Leverage PPPs for Infrastructure?

Via two case studies, this session considers the evolving nature and expanded use of PPPs for Caribbean infrastructure.

Innovative contract structures for risk allocation: What is working best?
What structures must be in place to attract maximum private investment?
How to optimize service delivery and operational efficiencies, especially in critical infrastructure
Leveraging PPPs to meet climate and resilience goals

Cristina Simón Morientes

IDB Invest
Director of Social Infrastructure

1:15-2:30

Networking Lunch

2:30-3:00

Guyana’s Ambitious Infrastructure Agenda

As Guyana works to bridge its infrastructure gap in step with its rapid economic growth, what is the long-term vision—and what near-term priorities will ensure the delivery of resilient, citizen-focused development?

How is the administration operationalizing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and what are the key milestones on the horizon?
What role are multilateral institutions playing in supporting Guyana’s infrastructure transformation, particularly in areas of transport resilience, energy modernization, and climate adaptation?
With connectivity a national priority, how will ongoing investments in roads and bridges transform transportation and trade—regionally and nationally?

Diletta Doretti

The World Bank
Country Representative, Guyana
Khishan Singh

GAICO Inc. | Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Guyana
Operations Director | Vice President

Victoria Miles

ImpactA Global
Founding Partner, Co-CEO and CIO Moderator

3:00-3:30

Catalyzing Innovation for Caribbean Infrastructure: Developing Scalable Solutions for Energy, Agriculture, and Ocean Sustainability

This session spotlights innovators driving bold, scalable solutions in agriculture, energy, and ocean sustainability. Through case studies, we’ll explore how start-ups are transforming Caribbean infrastructure—and what it takes to unlock capital, scale solutions, and build the partnerships that turn ideas into impact.

How innovative start-ups are delivering infrastructure solutions across agriculture, energy, and ocean sustainability
What makes these models scalable, replicable, and regionally impactful
The role of cross-sector partnerships in enabling innovation
How to mobilize the capital needed to scale infrastructure-focused innovation in the Caribbean
Lessons from successful case studies that are driving measurable change

Chris Chapman

North-45 Advisory Services
Chief Operating Officer
Tamaisha Eytle

FutureBARBADOS | Possibilities Agency
Director | Executive Director
Natalie lindo

Vindician Capital
Venture Partner
Arnaud van Dijk

KPMG in the Cayman Islands
Partner, ESG

3:30-4:15

Tackling Water Infrastructure Challenges With Fresh Solutions

How can islands design and finance more effective programs to modernize water and waste-water systems? How can the region lean into innovations in technology and financing structures?

The persistent challenge of NRW: What is working to reduce losses?
Desalination and the clean energy need: What are the most economically viable solutions?
What innovative financing solutions can be pursued to modernize aging water infrastructure and build new facilities on islands?
Case study review

Hon. Spencer R. Brand Arch

Nevis Island Administration
Minister of Communication, Public Works, Water Services, Physical Planning & Environment, Posts, Labour and Disaster Management
Henry J. Charrabe

Seven Seas Water Group
Chief Executive Officer
Timothée Delebarre

VINCI Construction Grands Projets
Country Manager
Neysa Isenia

Aqualectra
Chief Financial Officer
Nick St. Georges

Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd.
Vice President, International

L. O’Reilly Lewis

Caribbean Development Bank
Director of Projects (Ag.) Moderator

4:15-4:45

Refreshments and Networking

4:45-5:15

Harnessing AI & Digital Innovation for Smarter Island Infrastructure

As Caribbean nations seek to modernize infrastructure and improve service delivery, how can digital innovation and AI accelerate this transformation? Guided by polling and expert commentary, this session examines the strategic integration of AI, e-Government tools, and digital infrastructure solutions to improve project design, execution, and long-term maintenance—tailored specifically to island realities.

What are the most impactful applications of AI and digital tools in the Caribbean infrastructure landscape today?
How can island states adapt global smart infrastructure solutions to fit local needs and capacities?
What role can digital twins play in planning and sustaining smarter infrastructure systems?
How can multilateral partners and the private sector collaborate to support this digital transition?

Tamaisha Eytle

FutureBARBADOS | Possibilities Agency
Director | Executive Director
Mark Hill

Export Barbados
Chief Executive Officer
David Smallbone

KPMG UK
Partner, InfraTech Advisory

5:15-6:00

Mitigating Maritime Environmental Impact: Caribbean Ports’ Emerging Policies and Practices

As cruise and cargo shipping strive to decarbonize, how are regional ports supporting sustainability?

What trends are we seeing in sustainability-linked infrastructure being included in port development and modernization?
What will be the impact of introducing shore-power and increasing LNG bunkering and supply availability?
How can these initiatives be expanded across the region and what financial and technical support is required?
Are island governments planning for an associated energy demand spike from the maritime sector? How can they prepare?

Milaika Capella Ras

Caribbean Shipping Association
General Manager
Linden Coppell

MSC Cruises
Vice President, Sustainability and ESG
Darwin Telemaque

Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority | Port Management Association of the Caribbean
CEO | Chairman

Gemel Sobers

CIBC Caribbean
Head of Country for The Cayman Islands Moderator

6:00-6:15

CARIF Award Ceremony & Winner Showcase

6:15-8:00

Chairperson Day One Conclusions & Networking Cocktail Reception

Wednesday

September 17

8:00-8:50

CARIF ‘Rise and Shine’ Roundtables

Grab a coffee, pick your table, and join these lightly moderated conversation and networking sessions.

8:00-8:50

What Delivers Real Regional Connectivity? Airlift vs Hub & Spoke?

Rise and Shine Roundtable I

How can we best address the Caribbean’s ongoing challenge of improving regional connectivity? Should islands focus on expanding direct airlift, or would a coordinated hub-and-spoke model better serve mobility, trade, and economic integration?

Jack MacKenzie

KPMG in the Cayman Islands
Head of Deal Advisory

How Can the Caribbean Retrofit Its Infrastructure for Efficiency and Resilience?

Rise and Shine Roundtable II

As aging infrastructure faces climate risks and rising energy costs, retrofitting becomes critical. This roundtable explores best practices in energy efficiency, structural upgrades, and climate-proofing—sharing what’s working across the region and how to fund it at scale.

Stéphanie Nour

Econoler
Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

8:00-8:50

How Can the Caribbean Build True Coastal Resilience Amid Rising Risks?

Rise and Shine Roundtable III

With sea level rise, erosion, and storm surges threatening coastal communities, this roundtable explores how Caribbean nations can better understand, adapt to, and mitigate coastal risks. From nature-based solutions to hard infrastructure, what strategies offer the most effective and sustainable protection?

Esteban L. Biondi

ATM, a Geosyntec Company
Senior Principal

What Will It Take to Modernize Caribbean Road Networks?

Rise and Shine Roundtable IV

What should the future of roadway infrastructure look like? Examining priorities for expansion, maintenance, and modernization. How can countries build safer, more resilient road systems while managing costs, congestion, and climate demands?

Elona Cela

IFC
Senior Investment Officer, Transaction Advisory, PPPs & Corporate Finance
Pablo Guerrero

Inter-American Development Bank
Lead Transport Specialist

8:00-8:50

The Future of Caribbean Healthcare

Rise and Shine Roundtable V

What are the most pressing health care challenges facing island nations—and how can they be addressed? This roundtable will explore innovative models, partnerships, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening health systems and improving access to care across the region.

Dr. Anna van Poucke

KPMG
Global Head of Healthcare

Strengthening Global Connectivity Through Telecommunications Infrastructure

Rise and Shine Roundtable VI

Telecommunications are vital to the Caribbean’s competitiveness. This roundtable explores opportunities for infrastructure investment, assesses the region’s digital readiness, and addresses how to strengthen cybersecurity. Discussion will also consider where future investments should flow to build greater digital resilience.

Gillian Charles-Gollop

CIBC Caribbean
Executive Director, Corporate Banking & Sustainable Finance

8:50-9:00

Chairperson Remarks

Danica Corbin

KPMG in CARICOM
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Lead

9:00-9:45

Is Infrastructure Keeping Up with the Tourism Boom?

As tourism surges across the region, this session will explore whether infrastructure is keeping pace with demand and how destination development strategies must evolve.

What are the critical infrastructure gaps tied to tourism growth?
How can destinations build and finance infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability?
What workforce development solutions are needed to scale the sector responsibly?
How should policymakers respond to the rise of cruise company private islands—and the implications for local economies?

Latia Duncombe

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
Director General, Office of the Director General
Rosa Harris

Cayman Islands Government
Director of Tourism

Isabel de Caires

CIBC Caribbean
Director, Investment Banking Moderator

9:45-10:30

Sustainable Aviation and Airport Infrastructure Development as a Driver of Economic Growth and Development

Prioritizing sustainable aviation and modernized airport infrastructure can be a catalyst for regional growth—so how do we turn that vision into reality?

Assessing innovations in green aviation technology, airport resilience, and low-carbon infrastructure investments
How can we unlock long-term benefits via more effective policy, financing, and public-private partnerships?
Projected impact on job creation, tourism and trade expansion
What are the most actionable strategies for aligning aviation development with climate goals and economic opportunity?

Dr. Rafael Echevarne

Airports Council International - Latin America and the Caribbean (ACILAC)
Director General
Pablo Guerrero

Inter-American Development Bank
Lead Transport Specialist
Moe Kamleh

Aecon Concessions
Director of Project Development
Vernice Walkine

Nassau Airport Development Company
President & CEO

Michelle Ottey

IFC
Principal Investment Officer, Transaction Advisory, PPPs & Corporate Finance Moderator

10:30-10:45

Refreshments and Networking

10:45-11:30

Resilient Health Systems: Building Caribbean Healthcare Infrastructure for the Future

This session explores both physical and digital healthcare infrastructure needs across Caribbean islands, examining innovative approaches to create accessible, efficient, and climate-resilient health systems.

What strategic healthcare facility developments (hospitals, clinics, specialized care centers) are underway, and where do critical infrastructure gaps remain that require immediate attention?
Beyond buildings: How can the region strengthen healthcare supply chains through policy reforms, regional cooperation, and innovative logistics solutions?
Digital transformation: Leveraging telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-powered diagnostics to overcome geographical barriers and enhance healthcare quality and access
Climate resilience by design: Engineering healthcare facilities with integrated backup systems for power, water, and communications to maintain essential services during extreme weather events

Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards

Regional Health and Healthcare Expert
Preston Swan

Bermuda Hospitals Board
Chief Operating Officer
Hon. Philip A. Telesford

Government of Grenada
Minister of Health

Dr. Anna van Poucke

KPMG
Global Head of Healthcare Moderator

11:30-12:15

Delivering Energy Security and Grid Resilience: Essential Elements for Growth

Energy access and cost define the economic opportunity across islands. How are regional governments, utilities, developers and multilateral partners supporting initiatives to ensure reliable and affordable energy?

Reviewing modernizations underway or in the pipeline
How can utilities employ more innovative technologies for grid resilience? What is the role of AI in this space?
What are the newest developments in microgrids?
Regional initiatives for energy security: What does a successful roadmap look like?

Charmaine Gill-Evans

Caribbean Development Bank
Sustainable Energy Specialist
Lorraine Kelly

Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority
Chief Financial Officer
Toni B. Seymour

Bahamas Power & Light
Chief Executive Officer

David Gumbs

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
Director, Islands Energy Program Moderator

12:15-1:00

Strengthening Food Security and Expanding the Economic Opportunity of Agriculture

Food security is a crucial element of the region’s resilience. How can islands, and the region as a whole, develop policies, practices and infrastructure to ensure access to sufficient fresh and affordable food, and turn agriculture into a driver of economic growth?

What innovations in agriculture and supporting logistics can increase food security? Looking at practices such as vertical farming- How can scale be achieved and have region-wide impact?
What import substitutions are most deliverable and how can governments incentivize these practices?
What is needed to developing better intra-regional agricultural trade: Policies, transport, agricultural storage
Leveraging private sector technological advances and smart agriculture

Brian Bogart

World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office
Representative & Country Director
Heidi Clarke

Sandals Foundation
Executive Director
Jeffrey Hall

Pan Jamaica Group
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Josh Mahlik

Fork Farms
Partnership Development Director

Juan Francisco Ron

IFC
Senior Investment Officer, Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services, Latin American & the Caribbean Moderator

1:00-2:30

Networking Lunch

Additional Registration Required

2:15-5:00

MSC Miami Cruise Terminal Tour

Optional Site Visit

Explore North America’s largest and most advanced cruise terminal. This guided tour of the 400,000 square feet MSC Miami Cruise Terminal includes biometric screening tech, shore power systems, and a striking 10,000 sq. ft. public art installation.

Advance registration required | $75 fee | Learn more

Additional Registration Required

2:30-4:30

Financing the Future: Building Bankable Projects for the Caribbean

Interactive Workshop | Hosted by KPMG and CIBC Caribbean

Even essential infrastructure projects won’t attract funding unless they’re structured to meet investor expectations. This interactive session will explore what makes a project “bankable,” featuring real-world case studies and a hands-on simulation: Would You Fund This?

Advance registration required | Complimentary | Learn more