PM Gonsalves calls for greater commitment to the CARICOM Development Fund

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has called for a renewed regionalcommitment to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF), emphasizing that manycountries are not contributing to the CDF, despite its critical role in addressing economic imbalances within the Caribbean Community.

The CDF is an institution of CARICOM which has as its mandate, the provision of financial or technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions, and sectors inthe Community.

In this capacity, the CDF is central to addressing the disparities among the Member States of CARICOM, which may result from the implementation of the Caribbean Single Market adn Economy (CSME).

Speaking on the CDF on Friday, July 11, 2025 at a press briefing at Cabinet Room, the Prime Minister said non-payment to the CDF by member countries has affects several countries. He said that Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and several other countries have not been contributing to the fund.

The Prime Minister outlined the way the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas speaks about the CDF, noting that it was set up to assist countries’ financially.

“…..Chapter Seven provisions are to help to balance