Miami, Florida:--- CIBC Caribbean’s lead in sustainable finance has been highlighted through its words and in its actions at this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum (CARIF). During the two-day event in Miami, Florida, representatives of the bank steered impactful conversations on various topics as well as revealed its US$500 million achievement in sustainable finance activities.
CIBC Caribbean’s Director of Investment Banking, Isabel de Caires, revealed that in 2023 alone, CIBC Caribbean has arranged more than US$1 billion in transactions, and to date, has arranged more than US$500 million in sustainable finance with commitments in excess of US$300 million.
She said, "As a proud sponsor of CARIF and as a Caribbean bank, CIBC Caribbean is committed to the sustainable development and economic growth of our region.”
During CARIF 2024, Isabel de Caires spearheaded a session on revitalizing tourism through sustainable infrastructure. The discussion focused on the use of local resources such as geothermal facilities and reverse osmosis systems, resilient development practices to withstand natural disasters, and the need for innovative financial instruments to support growth.
The necessity of resiliency in tourism projects, especially considering natural disasters, was underscored along with the need for sophisticated financial instruments to support sustainable development in the region. The importance of private-sector collaboration rather than government reliance was a key theme that stressed the need for clear governmental policies and frameworks that support private investment.
CIBC Caribbean’s Director of Corporate Banking for the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, Gemel Sobers, conducted an insightful interview with the Cayman Islands’ Chief Officer of Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure, Eric Bush. The dialogue covered strategic national development planning and initiatives focused on transportation, housing, food security, and climate resiliency in the Cayman Islands. Ranging from approaches to road design and construction to public housing and food security, Bush outlined efforts towards, and opportunities related to, Cayman development.
A more intimate morning session titled Regional Energy Connection: Political Commitment, Technical Support, Financing, and The Infrastructure Need was co-hosted by CIBC Caribbean’s Executive Director of Corporate Banking and Sustainable Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking, Gillian Charles-Gollop, and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Acting Division Chief, William Ashby. It addressed the challenges and opportunities in developing renewable energy interconnections across the Caribbean.
Charles-Gollop later moderated a panel discussion on sustainability development in the Caribbean. The session highlighted the economic benefits of sustainable investments. The panel comprised of Giuseppe Mancinelli (United Nations Office for Project Services), Kristin McCarthy (Sandals Resort International), Dr. Damie Sinanan (Caribbean Export Development Agency), and Jeremy Superfine (Orchid Development). Each panelist emphasized the importance of sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks, diversify economies, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, among other factors.
During CARIF 2024, speakers from CIBC Caribbean highlighted the bank’s commitment to mobilizing resources and expertise to bolster development projects that not only promise high economic returns but also prioritize environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Isabel de Caires added that, “This conference represents a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, to show and share best practices, and develop actionable plans to support critical and sustainable infrastructure development.”
CIBC Caribbean’s leadership at CARIF 2024 underscores its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable development agenda that not only promotes economic growth but also addresses the pressing need for community-focused and environmentally sustainable initiatives across the Caribbean.

Miami, Florida:---  Hundreds of policy makers, investors, financiers, and project developers from across the Caribbean and the wider globe have gathered at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida to collaborate and converse on the future of infrastructure investment.
Hosted by New Energy Events with co-title sponsors CIBC and KPMG, the highly anticipated Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) 2024 will feature comprehensive updates and opportunities related to power, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, water, and other essential sectors.
CIBC Caribbean’s Executive Director of Corporate Banking and Sustainable Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking, Gillian Charles-Gollop, emphasized that, "The Caribbean Infrastructure Forum is a critical gathering for dialogue and action in our region. CIBC is committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable investment and innovative infrastructure solutions."
Over two days, participants will engage in keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and targeted workshops that will explore topics such as sustainable development, financing mechanisms, and regional connectivity.
The event kicked off with exciting panels, including one titled Ramping Up Financing for Caribbean Infrastructure. The discussion featured CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, Forex, and Derivative Sales, Adam Carter. He was joined by Ramon Candia, Adam Greenfader, Victoria Miles, Brian Whitesides, and Dustin Delany, representatives from CIFI, AG&T, Impacta Global, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and Dentons Delany, respectively.
CIBC Caribbean’s Enterprise Security and Fraud Management representative, Derick Burton, presented on Cybersecurity for Critical National Infrastructure. He underscored cyber risk as an increasing concern for Caribbean governments, businesses, and infrastructure.
Critical conversations like these will continue with other experts, including CIBC Caribbean’s Isabel de Caires, Gemel Sobers, and Gillian Charles-Gollop.
CIBC has been a major CARIF sponsor since the event’s inception in 2016. Over the past eight years, regional and global leaders have convened to engage in the planning, financing, and construction of infrastructure and capital projects across the Caribbean. The bank remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable investment and innovative infrastructure solutions.

New York, NY:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten is making a strong case for the island’s future during his active participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future. Representing Sint Maarten as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina has been a vocal advocate for addressing critical global issues that directly impact Sint Maarten, including climate change, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

During high-level meetings and discussions, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina consistently emphasized the urgent needs of small island states like Sint Maarten. His message to world leaders focused on the island's vulnerability to climate change, the need for equitable access to global resources, and building a resilient economy.

"These meetings are essential for Sint Maarten. They give us the platform to ensure our specific challenges are recognized and addressed on the world stage," said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. "Global action is needed, and Sint Maarten is committed to being part of the solution."

In collaboration with regional leaders, Dr. Mercelina, on behalf of the Kingdom, co-hosted “The Declaration on Future Generations: From Words to Action,” alongside Prime Ministers Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Evelyn Wever-Croes of Aruba. This event focused on ensuring that today's decisions will secure a brighter, sustainable future for future generations to come.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina also hosted the Good Ancestors: Art and Culture for Future Generations exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters, together with Jamaica, highlighting the importance of cultural practices and traditions in promoting global solidarity and sustainable development. A local Sint Maarten artist, Lisandro Suriel, was also showcased during the exhibition with his project ‘Ghost Island’, further strengthening the voice Sint Maarten.

"Art allows us to express our shared responsibility for the future. This exhibition calls on us to take action now to protect what matters most—our planet and our people," said Dr. Mercelina.

The Prime Minister also held key bilateral discussions with regional counterparts, including the Prime Minister of Aruba, the President of Suriname and the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, focusing on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States as well as on regional cooperation in areas such as food security, economic diversification, and climate resilience.

"For Sint Maarten, collaboration with our Caribbean neighbors is critical. Together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future," noted Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina.

As Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina’s presence at the UNGA continues, his advocacy ensures that Sint Maarten remains at the forefront of international discussions that shape the future. His leadership and commitment to global solutions reinforce the island’s role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Sint Maarten’s delegation also consisted of Patrice Gumbs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of VROMI, Mr. Stuart Johnson, Chief of Staff at the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Cameron Wathey, Director of the Directorate of Foreign Relations, and Rogelio Voges, Senior Policy Officer at the Directorate of Foreign Relations, currently seconded to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations.

"Sint Maarten must be a part of these conversations. Our future depends on it," concluded Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on September 26, 2024.

The Public meeting which was adjourned on September 6, 2024 will be reconvened on Thursday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be present.

The agenda points are:
2. Approval of the Outline Agreement ENNIA, including Annexes A, B, and C (IS/621/2023-2024 dated April 19, 2024)
3. Ratification of the decision list of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held from June 7-10, 2024, in the Hague, the Netherlands (IS/798/2023-2024 dated June 11, 2024)

The meeting will resume with the Minister providing answers to the clarification questions posed by Members of Parliament in the first round.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament