The Caribbean’s economic landscape is undergoing transformative shifts. The unique vulnerabilities faced by countries in the region — high exposure to climate events, limited access to financing and the potential for the connectivity challenges — have served as a catalyst for economic change, including the emergence of sustainable investment and innovate financing mechanisms.

Investment in the Caribbean has increasingly become directed toward projects that demonstrate both financial viability and positive environmental impacts, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) Caribbean Development Dynamics 2025 report. Sustainability-linked bonds represented a total of US $1.5 billion in the region from 2019 to August 2024, according to the report, which noted that other sustainability linked financing tools are also becoming more common.

“Since 2023, there has been an increased focus on sustainability-driven financing and climate resilience, which has had a positive impact on both new construction and the preservation of historic properties,” Urban Lands Institute Caribbean Engagement Chair Stephanie Wade said. “Financial institutions and investors are now prioritizing projects that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, with green bonds and sustainable investment funds becoming more accessible.”

For projects like historic preservation efforts, this shift has opened new opportunities to secure capital for climate-resilient upgrades.

“Additionally, public-private partnerships have become increasingly common, helping to fund larger-scale developments and infrastructure projects,” said Wade, adding that impact investing and crowd funding are also gaining popularity for community-focused projects.

The Jamaica Highway 2000 project, with a total cost of $1.3 billion, remains the largest public-private partnership implemented in the English-speaking Caribbean, according to the Caribbean Development Bank. The highway has significantly reduced travel times by easing choke points.

But public-private partnerships are not the only areas where the region is seeing increased access to funding.

“Advances in fintech are also improving access to capital for smaller developers and projects with cultural or social impact.”

There was registered growth of more than 340% in the fintech ecosystem between 2017-2024 in the region, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.

One example is Cayman Islands-based Parallel, a cryptocurrency escrow provider. Parallel brokered Cayman’s first cryptocurrency sale in 2022, a private home that sold for more than $5 million. It facilitated the jurisdiction’s second cryptocurrency sale later that same year, a luxury home that sold for more than $10 million.

The diversification of the region’s tourism product is another key trend shaping the region’s financing. A growing interest in eco-tourism, medical tourism, sports tourism and tourism products that leverage historic properties and local culture have presented opportunities for securing financing.

Dart’s strategic initiatives in the Cayman Islands

Dart’s initiatives in the Cayman Islands serve as benchmarks for sustainable development within this context.

Camana Bay boasts three building accreditations with more in the works. Several properties have been recognised for their outstanding sustainability credentials by established certification bodies, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED and Fitwel. These properties not only comply with high environmental standards but also enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors through green spaces and energy-efficient designs.

Kapok, Cayman’s first 10-storey mixed use building, opened its doors in 2023 and is the first property in the Cayman Islands to be granted certification by Fitwel, acknowledging its dedication to the well-being of residents. Fitwel’s green building certification is awarded to projects that improve well-being and safeguard the health and safety of tenants and residents.

60 Nexus Way, which welcomed its first tenants in 2023, was built to meet LEED silver standards, a globally recognised certification system which signifies improved environmental performance. Other LEED-certified properties in Dart’s portfolio include 18 Forum Lane (Gold), One Nexus Way (Gold), Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Silver) and the Residences at Seafire (Silver).

Dart properties also create 11% of Cayman’s total solar production as the company has invested heavily and at scale for more than a decade with 21 arrays now operational across its business portfolio.

Furthermore, Dart has worked hand-in-hand with the Cayman Islands Government on several projects, from road infrastructure to the country’s airport runway expansion.

The addition of the four-storey Centre for Health and Wellness at Camana Bay —which is currently under construction — underscores its commitment to providing quality and accessible healthcare to Cayman Islands residents and its visitors.

Future Focus and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the Caribbean’s financing landscape is likely to continue evolving toward greater innovation and integration.

“Collaboration is essential for addressing shared challenges such as climate risk and access to financing,” Wade said.

“For example, historic preservation projects often rely on public-private partnerships and knowledge exchange to secure funding and expertise for adaptive reuse. By fostering these relationships, we can accelerate sustainable growth, increase investor confidence, and create long-lasting cultural and economic benefits for the region.”

As the Caribbean transitions toward more integrated and sustainable financial practices, Dart’s proactive approach in the Cayman Islands highlights the potential for growth and innovation in the region’s real estate development sector. These projects not only contribute to regional goals but also demonstrate the practical benefits of aligning development with emerging financing mechanisms. The ongoing evolution of financing models, supported by detailed statistical insights and strategic initiatives, will be crucial in supporting the Caribbean’s ambitions for sustainable and resilient economic development.