May 22, 2026
The Central Bank of Belize hosted the 66th Bi-Annual Meeting of CARICOM Central Bank Governors on 21–22 May 2026. The meeting, chaired by Governor Kareem Michael, convened Governors, Deputy Governors, and senior officials from central banks across the Caribbean, along with representatives from regional institutions and technical working groups. The meeting provided an opportunity for Governors to exchange perspectives on the evolving global environment and to advance regional initiatives aimed at strengthening Caribbean financial resilience, payments modernisation, supervisory cooperation, and sustainable growth.
Governors noted that regional economies continue to demonstrate resilience despite a complex global environment characterised by geopolitical uncertainty, elevated energy and food prices, and tighter global financial conditions. Governors stressed the importance of financial stability and strengthened policy coordination to safeguard regional economies.
Working groups and technical committees reported on ongoing initiatives, including the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), the Caribbean Group of Banking Supervisors (CGBS), the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Group, and the Regional Central Bank Group of Reserves Managers. Governors also welcomed an update from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) and commended the Director's efforts to ensure service delivery through Phase 6. In June 2026, CARTAC will mark 25 years of capacity building in the Caribbean, a landmark achievement. Governors reaffirmed the importance of CARTAC’s role in strengthening technical and institutional capacity across the region.
Governors reviewed progress on key regional initiatives, including the Caribbean Regional Green Taxonomy, developed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, to support climate finance and guide investment toward sustainable economic activities. Governors received updates on the proposed regional bond initiative to finance climate-resilient infrastructure, with further work expected on the supporting framework and stakeholder engagement. The V20 Central Bank Governors’ Working Group provided an update on the Lifeline Fund Initiative and ongoing efforts to advance innovative approaches to climate resilience financing for vulnerable economies.
Governors reviewed progress on the CARICOM Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS), which has now advanced to a pilot phase for instant cross-border payments in local currencies. Discussions focused on governance, technical implementation, and the broader objective of strengthening regional financial integration through faster, safer, and more efficient payment infrastructure. National modernisation efforts were also highlighted reflecting member countries’ commitment to strengthening financial infrastructure in support of regional efficiency and inclusion.
At the close of the meeting, Governors reaffirmed the importance of deeper regional collaboration in an increasingly uncertain global environment and underscored the role of central banks in advancing financial stability, payments modernisation, cybersecurity resilience, climate finance initiatives, and sustainable economic development across the Caribbean.
The Governors will next meet in November 2026 in Belize City for the 67th Bi-Annual Meeting and the 57th Annual Monetary Studies Conference under the theme "From Vulnerability to Capacity."
1 Ms. Miriam Gonzalez (Interim President Centrale Bank van Aruba), Mr. John Rolle (Central Bank of The Bahamas), Dr., The Most Honourable, Kevin Greenidge F.B. (Central Bank of Barbados), Mr. Kareem Michael (Central Bank of Belize), Mr. Richard Doornbosch (Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten), Dr. Timothy Antoine (Eastern Caribbean Central Bank), Dr. Gobind Ganga (Bank of Guyana), Mr. Ronald Gabriel (Banque de la République d’Haïti), Mr. Richard Byles (Bank of Jamaica), Mr. Maurice Roemer (Centrale Bank van Suriname), and Mr. Larry Howai (Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago).
