By S.Browne. Updated 4:28 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday pushed his private sector growth agenda during a Caribbean Leaders Open Dialogue at the World Bank during the International Monetary Fund (IMF)–World Bank Spring Meetings.
The session was held under the theme “From Policy to Paychecks: Strengthening the Business Climate for Jobs in the Caribbean.”
The engagement was outlined in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, which said the dialogue formed part of the broader IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, where regional and international leaders discussed economic and development priorities.
During the engagement, Friday said his administration views the government as an enabler of private sector growth, describing this as a shift in approach. He said the Government is focused on building partnerships with the private sector to drive economic expansion and create jobs.
He identified agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the creative industries as key sectors for growth, describing them as pathways for employment and income generation.
The Prime Minister also pointed to consultations with private sector representatives and trade unions aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving understanding of economic challenges and opportunities.
He said restoring confidence in the investment climate requires a stable and predictable legal framework, which he noted is important for encouraging businesses to invest and expand.
Friday added that investment should be guided by the strength of business proposals rather than political considerations, and said fairness and transparency are important to attracting investors.
On fiscal policy, he said the Government is operating within limited fiscal space and is not seeking to place additional tax burdens on the private sector to meet social needs. Instead, he said the focus is on growing the economy in a way that eases pressure on citizens, supports job creation, and helps address the cost of living.
He also spoke about the role of international partnerships, noting the Government’s intention to better leverage its diplomatic presence. He said foreign missions will increasingly serve as platforms for trade promotion, helping local businesses access new markets, increasing revenue opportunities at home, and creating more jobs and income for workers.
He further said that strengthening engagement with the diaspora is expected to open doors to investment, mentorship, and market access for Vincentian businesses.
Looking ahead, the statement said policy decisions will be guided by the best interests of national development and business confidence, not by reactions to external pressures or public commentary.
It also said there is no competition between government and the private sector, describing it as a partnership in which the government creates the enabling environment, while businesses are expected to deliver on their commitments when supported and granted concessions.
At its core, the statement said the message is simple: when the private sector grows, jobs are created; when jobs are created, incomes rise; and when incomes rise, families are better able to meet their needs and improve their quality of life.
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