Against the backdrop of Hurricane Melissa and the significant economic and infrastructure challenges left in its wake, CIBC Caribbean underscored the importance of innovative financing, public-private collaboration, and capital market solutions as an Associate Sponsor of the 21st Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference hosted by the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) at the Pegasus.

The conference took place amid a complex global and regional economic environment, with Jamaica’s economy remaining closely linked to the United States through trade, tourism, remittances, and investment flows.

Recent improvements in global market sentiment, moderating inflation in the US, and recovering commodity prices provided a cautiously optimistic backdrop to discussions, even as Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, inflicted an estimated US$8.89 billion in infrastructure damage, disrupting capital stock and reducing economic output.

Within this context, a featured panel discussion examined innovative financing to fuel business resilience and growth, with particular emphasis on infrastructure rebuilding, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and improved access to capital for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Infrastructure investment was highlighted as a critical driver of recovery, offering strong multiplier effects and long-term economic resilience.

The panel featured Valmore Stewart, Associate Director, Investment Banking, CIBC Caribbean, alongside Alex Johnson, Manager, Origination and Structuring, NCB Capital Markets, who shared insights on mobilising capital to support post-disaster recovery, infrastructure development, and private sector growth.

Speaking during the discussion, Stewart emphasised Jamaica’s leadership in collaborative financing models and the importance of coordinated action: “Jamaica is a recognised leader in public-private partnerships in the region, and that leadership is critical as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.

“Effective collaboration between banks and government is essential to unlock capital at scale, modernise infrastructure, and ensure that innovative financing reaches MSMEs. At CIBC Caribbean, we remain focused on facilitating sustainable and tailored solutions that reinforce SMEs, support resilient infrastructure, and align with national development priorities.”

Johnson highlighted the growing role of capital markets in infrastructure financing, noting the importance of early engagement, rigorous due diligence, and alternative financing structures to accelerate recovery while maintaining investor confidence.

Moderating the discussion, Ralston Hyman, Senior Business Development Consultant, underscored the urgency of translating dialogue into action: “In a post-disaster environment, innovation in financing is no longer optional. What emerged clearly from this panel is that recovery and growth depend on strong partnerships—between government, financial institutions, and the private sector—to design practical, inclusive solutions that reflect the realities facing businesses, particularly MSMEs.”

Discussions also highlighted the need to modernise Jamaica’s PPP framework to accommodate emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and social impact projects, while improving access to finance for MSMEs through better information sharing, tailored products, and streamlined processes.

CIBC Caribbean’s sponsorship of the Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference reflects the bank’s continued commitment to advancing capital market development, supporting economic recovery, and partnering with stakeholders to build a more resilient and inclusive Caribbean economy.