IN order to promote a safe, prosperous, resilient Caribbean region that supports its vulnerable populations, the United States Agency for International Development/Eastern and Southern Caribbean (USAID/ESC) has announced the launch of its 2020-2025 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) in partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

According to the US Embassy in a release, the goal of the new strategy is to promote accountable institutions, economic development, and private sector-led growth.

USAID has already committed an initial sum of $10.45 million for activities under this strategy. USAID partners with individuals, communities, and governing institutions, so that they can address challenges and progress.

The embassy noted that CARICOM continues to anchor USAID’s efforts across the RDCS regional priorities of safety, prosperity, and resilience. By working with other countries on development issues, the US strengthens its own national security, and deepens important international relationships.

“The American people, through USAID, are partnering with the people of the Caribbean to move education, health, economic development, gender equality, climate change resilience, and prosperity forward, so they are able to have opportunities to better their lives and to promote stronger and safer communities,” USAID/ESC Regional Representative, Clinton D. White said.

USAID/ESC manages programmes in 11 countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.