BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank) will host the 26th William G. Demas Memorial Lecture on June 2, 2026, as part of the 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, being held in Nassau, The Bahamas, from June 1–5, 2026.
This year’s Lecture will be delivered by Justice Denys Barrow, Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on the topic “Contributions of the Courts to Caribbean Development: the Enduring Importance of Strong Institutions.” The address will explore the pivotal role of judicial systems in underpinning economic resilience, investor confidence, social stability, and inclusive development across the Caribbean.
Held under the annual meeting theme “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times,” the lecture will place the rule of law and institutional strength at the centre of the Region’s development response to global volatility, fiscal constraints, and climate-related risks. Justice Barrow is expected to examine how credible, independent courts contribute to sound governance, policy certainty, and long-term development outcomes – foundations that are increasingly critical in an era of heightened uncertainty.
The lecture also aligns with CDB’s Strategic Plan, which places emphasis on strengthening institutions, improving delivery, and translating policy into measurable development outcomes. Through this flagship event, CDB will advance and reinforce its role as a convenor of partnerships, and knowledge intermediary, supporting borrowing member countries through financing, policy engagement, and coordinated action.
Gillian Charles‑Gollop, vice president, corporate services, CDB stated:
“In an era where uncertainty is structural rather than episodic, strong institutions are not optional – they are essential. The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture provides a vital platform to examine how the rule of law and credible institutions underpin resilience, stability, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.”
The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture honours the legacy of William G. Demas, CDB’s second president, whose leadership and scholarship helped shape regional thinking on development, integration, and institutional capacity. By spotlighting the intersection of justice and development, the 2026 Lecture reinforces CDB’s commitment to strengthening institutions as a cornerstone of sustainable growth and regional transformation.