Dominica is among the first four participating countries, together with Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to benefit from a new regional initiative aimed at helping Caribbean governments deliver resilient infrastructure projects more effectively.
The Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility was established through a joint agreement between Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada and hosted by UNOPS, with the goal of strengthening infrastructure implementation capacity and supporting climate-resilient development across the region.
According to the joint press release issued by Global Affairs Canada and UNOPS, RIISE will operate through a Secretariat based in Barbados, combining regional leadership with UNOPS’ global expertise and operational support. The Secretariat will work with participating governments to identify implementation challenges, coordinate requests, and connect countries with specialized technical support.
The initiative comes as Caribbean governments continue to advance major infrastructure and climate resilience investments, while facing challenges that can delay project delivery. The RIISE was created in response to these needs by providing targeted assistance to help countries move projects from planning to completion.
“Canada is proud to support RIISE as part of our longstanding commitment to strengthening climate resilience across the Caribbean. By helping governments deliver resilient infrastructure more effectively, build local capacity and promote specialized expertise across the region, RIISE will generate lasting benefits for Caribbean communities while deepening the strong ties between Canada and the region,” said Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
The release said that the facility will provide support based on each government’s specific needs. Assistance may include short-term technical advisory services, temporary placement of specialists, and opportunities for countries to share practical knowledge and experiences.
“Caribbean governments have clear priorities and an ambitious vision for resilient and sustainable development. RIISE will provide timely access to the specialized expertise they need to overcome implementation challenges and turn those priorities into tangible results for communities. At the same time, it will strengthen national capacities and foster greater regional collaboration,” explained Giuseppe Mancinelli, UNOPS Director for Barbados and Caribbean Coordinator.
Through RIISE, participating countries will have access to additional expertise and resources to strengthen project implementation, improve infrastructure outcomes, and support long-term climate resilience.
The initiative reflects Canada and UNOPS’ continued partnership with Caribbean governments to advance sustainable development and build stronger, more resilient communities throughout the region.
