Kayla S. Grant Appointed as New Executive Director of Compete Caribbean

Compete Caribbean has announced the appointment of Kayla S. Grant as its new Executive Director. Grant, who has worked with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Compete Caribbean team since 2013, brings over a decade of experience in private sector development and a fresh vision to steer the program into its next chapter.

Under her leadership, Compete Caribbean will continue to advance innovative private sector development across the region, with a strong emphasis on climate action, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic opportunities.

Grant has pledged to nurture the legacy built by her predecessor, Sylvia, while positioning the program to meet the evolving challenges facing Caribbean economies.

Since its launch, Compete Caribbean has worked across 13 to 15 Caribbean nations—including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, and several Eastern Caribbean states—delivering technical assistance, investment grants, and policy support aimed at boosting productivity and innovation. Earlier phases of the program were financed at nearly US$40 million, with the UK and Canada providing the bulk of resources.

In her first message, Grant outlined priorities that include integrating climate adaptation and mitigation strategies through the Compete Caribbean+ initiative, fostering business models that adopt green technologies, and creating enabling environments for inclusive, climate-smart economic growth.

She highlighted support for women entrepreneurs and underserved communities, and reaffirmed the program’s role in promoting private-sector-led economic growth that drives social inclusion and job creation.

“With innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Compete Caribbean is poised to help unlock the region’s potential,” she said.