Caribbean lenders still face challenges to growth, as shown in The Banker's Top 50 Caricom Banks ranking for 2016, but many have turned the corner in terms of profits. 

Bank earnings across the Caribbean are down, as the region's lenders continue to struggle against a difficult economic backdrop. But there are still some bright spots, with a handful of banks managing to boost their asset base and retain impressive profitability.

Growing public debt, falling GDP rates and rising unemployment are casting a shadow over the Caribbean region. Banks are responding by raising capital and many are still delivering good returns.

On the sidelines of the IMF annual meetings, the permanent secretary in Saint Lucia's Finance Ministry, Isaac Anthony, discusses remedies to boost tourism to the Caribbean nation and plans to develop it as an offshore financial centre. Writers Jane Monahan and Brian Caplen