The Caribbean Policy Development Centre [CPDC] is a coalition of Caribbean non-governmental organizations. It was established in 1991 to sensitize NGOs and the general public on key policy issues and to impact policy makers on decisions which put the interests of Caribbean people at the center of the Caribbean development strategy.



Since its inception CPDC has lobbied regional and international governments on behalf of the sections of the Caribbean populations whose voices are less heard. In doing so CPDC has become accepted as a significant social partner in the development of the region.



Our Mandate - ’Making an Impact on Public Policy’



CPDC’s Mandate is to help Caribbean NGOs to:



UNDERSTAND how policies affecting Caribbean people are made.

SHARE information about policies and decision making processes.

WORK to influence and bring positive change to the development process.

LOBBY for policies which are in the interest of Caribbean people.



CPDC promotes developement which:

Is people oriented

Is environmentally sustainable

Protects human rights

Is equitable in terms of gender, race, class, age and ability/disability

Encourages leadership and learning at all levels

Is based on active and effective participation of people in the decision-making process



CPDC’s research and advocacy has shown how structural adjustment Policies negatively affect the livelihoods of most Caribbean people. Regional policy makers and multilateral agencies now accept this fact. CPDC advocates for the total forgiveness of the Caribbean’s external debt and proportional increase in social spending to improve the quality of life of marginalized people.



CPDC consults the Caribbean public on its research and advocacy recommendations, than lobbies policy makers to make decision that favour Caribbean people.



CPDC regularly hosts seminars to educate its membership about the many implications of trade agreements and global institutions on Caribbean development.