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OECS joins the Climate Technology Centre and Network – CTCN

OECS Member States now have access to a diverse global community of climate technology experts able to provide policy and technical advice on technology solutions, capacity building and implementation in developing countries.

The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) is the operational arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Members of the CTCN form a community of climate technology stakeholders, including academic, finance, non-government, private sector, public sector, and research entities, in addition to over 150 National Designated Entities (CTCN) national focal points selected by their countries).
The OECS Commission’s May 2017 application for membership to the CTCN was approved on July 11, 2017; and envisages the following benefits:

  • Technical Assistance – Assisting Member States in benefitting from technical assistance and support on climate technologies as follows:
  1. Technical assessments, including technical expertise and recommendations related to specific technology needs, identification of technologies, technology barriers, technology efficiency, as well as piloting and deployment of technologies;
  2. Technical support for policy and planning documents, including strategies and policies, roadmaps and action plans, regulations and legal measures;
  3. Trainings;
  4. Tools and methodologies; and
  5. Implementation plans.
  • Information and Knowledge Exchange – Apart from the benefits of linking into the CTCN’s online knowledge platform, the OECS Commission would also benefit from knowledge of emerging areas of technology and practice that can assist the Commission in fulfilling its mandate to the OECS Member States in securing and maintaining the technical, financial and human resources required to achieve the goals and targets of the St. George’s Declaration of Principles of Environmental Sustainability.
  • Networking and Collaboration – All six (6) independent OECS Member States are Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Therefore, by becoming a member of the CTCN, the Commission is now in a position to contribute to the CTCN’s broad network of stakeholders while simultaneously providing access to the experience and expertise of the OECS Sub-Region.  In return, the Commission would benefit from policy and technical expertise that delivers technology solutions, capacity building and implementation advice to developing countries.
  • Visibility – Broadening the Commission’s reach by engaging in new technology projects and showcasing relevant experience, events, reports and tools.

The OECS Commission will explore and assist with the submission of requests by its Member States that are in keeping with its mandate and the CTCN’s focal areas, in order to support their continued efforts in adapting to climate change and building resilience.

HBO receives 111 Primetime Emmy® Nominations,

HBO GO

HBO receives 111 Primetime Emmy® Nominations, the most of any network this year.

“Westworld” receives 22 nominations, tied for the most of any program, and “Veep” receives 17, most for a Comedy series.
Miami, FL., July 13, 2017 – HBO received 111 Primetime Emmy® nominations, the most of any network for the 17th year in a row, for the upcoming 69th Primetime Emmy® Awards, which were announced this morning in Los Angeles.
The new original series, Westworld received 22 nominations, tied for most of any program, while Veep received 17 nominations, Big Little Lies received 16 nominations and The Night Of received 13 nominations
HBO’s  Emmy® nominations this year include:

  • 22 nominations for Westworld, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Anthony Hopkins), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Evan Rachel Wood), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Jeffrey Wright), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Thandie Newton), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Jonathan Nolan) and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy).
  • 17 nominations for Veep, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), 2 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Tony Hale, Matt Walsh), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Anna Chlumsky), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (Hugh Laurie), 3 for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (David Mandel, Morgan Sackett, Dale Stern) and 2 for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Billy Kimball, David Mandel).
  • 16 nominations for Big Little Lies, including Outstanding Limited Series, 2 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Alexander Skarsgård), 2 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special (Jean-Marc Vallée) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special (David E. Kelley).
  • 13 nominations for The Night Of, including Outstanding Limited Series, 2 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Riz Ahmed, John Turturro), 2 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Bill Camp, Michael Kenneth Williams), 2 for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special (James Marsh, Steven Zaillian) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special (Richard Price, Steven Zaillian).
  • 10 nominations for Silicon Valley, including Outstanding Comedy Series, 2 for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Jamie Babbit, Mike Judge) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Alec Berg).
  • 8 nominations for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, including Outstanding Variety Talk Series, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series (Paul Pennolino) and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
  • 4 nominations for Girls, including 2 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (Riz Ahmed, Matthew Rhys) and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (Becky Ann Baker).
  • 4 nominations for The Wizard of Lies, including Outstanding Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Robert De Niro) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Michelle Pfeiffer).
  • 2 nominations for Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, including Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and Outstanding Directing for a Nonfiction Program (Alexis Bloom, Fisher Stevens).
  • 2 nominations for VICE, including Outstanding Informational Series or Special.
  • 2 nominations for The Young Pope

Other HBO nominees include Ballers, Divorce, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, The Leftovers, Muhammad Ali: Only One, Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas, Real Time with Bill Maher, 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Tracey Ullman’s Show, UConn: The March to madness and VICE Special Report: A House Divided.
The Primetime Emmy® Awards will be announced on September 17th.

CARIFORUM Directorate and the EU support firms in Leveraging the EPA

EPA

Supporting CARIFORUM firms to leverage the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is at the forefront of the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s work programme as they implement the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union.  Over 70 business and Business Support Organisations participated in the specially held workshop at the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association’s (TTMA) Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) on Friday 7th July and a further 90 persons were able to participate via the live streaming.
Co-hosts for the workshop, the European Union (EU) Delegation, expressed their commitment to supporting the region’s private sector highlighting that “one of the EPA’s main objectives is to promote economic growth of the region and to gradually integrate the Caribbean states into the world economy. It aims to increase chances for the Caribbean businesses to participate in global value chains and supports the conditions for increasing investment and private sector initiatives, enhancing supply capacity and competitiveness in the CARIFORUM States” said Ambassador Biesebroek of the EU Delegation in Trinidad & Tobago in his remarks at the opening of the workshop.
The EPA was signed in 2008, and the opportunity for CARIFORUM firms to grow their businesses through exporting is apparent.  “Caribbean Export has focused its attention on providing export development services (such as training, grant financing, trade and business intelligence) to SMEs and Business Support Organisations in order to build their capacity and enhance their trade competitiveness globally” informed Robertha Reid, Senior Advisor at Caribbean Export. One of the Presenters, Dr. Noel Watson is currently working with the Agency to break down the EPA so that private sector can be more aware of the market opportunities available to them. Also sharing at the workshop was Mr. Adam Wisniewski from the EU Delegation’s office based in Barbados who expounded on the core elements of the EPA.
The Agency, the EU Delegation and the CARIFORUM Directorate supported eight Business Support Organisations from across the region to exhibit at TIC to showcase the products of their respective members and countries in an effort to gain interest and increase regional trade. Events of the similar nature, bringing the Caribbean private sector together and explaining practical aspects of the EPA are to be organized regularly throughout the region.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon made a plea for “a more aggressive approach” to be taken by the private sector as it relates to exporting products and services.  With regional and international buyers attending TIC, there was a real opportunity to increase the market penetration of Caribbean products into export markets including Europe using the EPA.

CCTV to be Installed in Secondary Schools

Hon. Ruel Reid - CCTV
Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addresses the launch and inaugural conference of the National Association of Deans of Discipline (NADD), held at the Sunscape Resort in Montego Bay, St. James on Thursday, July 6.
Education, Youth and Information  Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Government will be installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in secondary institutions shortly as part of a programme aimed at improving school safety and security.
“There are resources that we are going to make available…but one that I am very fascinated about…is a fulsome deployment of the CCTV network across our schools,” he said.
“We are going for the highest grade technology with analytical and artificial intelligence capabilities that will assist (schools) greatly, not only in identifying weapons that are being brought on the campuses, but even identifying students, who are high-risk.  Safety and security is the number one priority for the Ministry,” he noted.
Senator Reid was addressing the launch and inaugural conference of the National Association of Deans of Discipline (NADD), held at the Sunscape Resort in Montego Bay, St. James on Thursday (July 6) under the theme: ‘Enabling Education Through Discipline Safety and Security’.
He commended the deans of discipline for the work that they have been doing in maintaining peace and order in the nation’s schools.
He said the deans must work closely with guidance counsellors in the day-to-day monitoring and management of institutions.
“The deans of discipline have to be seen within the context of the overall management of the school,” he pointed out.
Senator Reid informed that the Ministry’s programme to boost school safety and security includes the fencing of  institutions whose premises remain open and are proving difficult to monitor.

CCREEE To Be Established In Barbados

Renewable Energy - Green Energy
A Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is being established in Barbados to support and coordinate the execution of regional renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and programmes.
CARICOM Heads of Government signed the agreement to establish the centre on Thursday, during the final Business Session of the Thirty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
According to a statement from Barbados’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision to create the centre is a response to the difficult energy situation being faced in many CARICOM Member States, as they simultaneously face the challenges of affordable energy services, energy security and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“It is envisaged that by developing their renewable energy sources and putting in place energy efficiency measures, many of the islands will now have significant opportunities to reduce their overall fossil fuel consumption. This should lead to an improvement in their energy security, and promote economic growth and enhanced competitiveness,” the Ministry said.
The centre is being established with the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO); the Small Island Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience Initiative (SIDS DOCK); the Government of Austria; and a number of other international development partners. The CCREEE is one of other regional sustainable energy centres for Small Island Developing States being established in the Pacific, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
During the period 2017 to 2018, the revenues of the Centre will be derived from annual contributions from UNIDO, SIDS DOCK and the Austrian government; and voluntary contributions from the Contracting Parties and regional organisations. Thereafter, it will be funded by voluntary contributions from CARICOM Members and Associate Members.
The Council for Trade and Economic Development will have general oversight of the Centre.

Barbados signs CARIFESTA XIII host Agreement

PM Stuart and CARICOM SG sign CARIFESTA XIII agreement
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (left) and CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, signing the agreement to host CARIFESTA XIII, during the Thirty-eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at the Grenada Radisson Beach Resort. (C.Lashley/BGIS )
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has given the assurance that Barbados will not engage in excessive spending when it hosts CARIFESTA XIII next month.
He made this assertion on Thursday after he signed an agreement to host the festival with CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, as the Thirty-eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community came to a close at the Grenada Radisson Beach Resort.
In response to a question from the media about spending for the event, Mr. Stuart stated: “We intend to be very disciplined in this exercise and to ensure that wherever savings can be effected strategically without compromising the integrity of the festival, we will ensure that those savings are made.”
The Prime Minister noted that the festival was last held in Barbados over 30 years ago. He added that Government had made a commitment to host the event on behalf of the people of the Caribbean and Barbados was looking forward to meeting its obligations.
The last CARIFESTA was held in Haiti in 2015, and CARIFESTA XIII will take place in Barbados from August 17 to 27. Trinidad and Tobago will host CARIFESTA IV.

Jamaican Writers Perform at Jamaica 55 Literary Evening

Jamaica 55
Three award-winning United Kingdom-based Jamaican writers, Alex Wheatle, Kerry Young and Kei Miller, were featured at the Jamaica 55 Literary Evening, which was hosted by the Jamaican High Commission in London, recently.
The Literary Evening is one of the activities being held this year as part of the Jamaica 55-UK celebrations.
High Commissioner, His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, noted the importance of the event, which was aimed at showcasing the depth and diversity of Jamaica’s rich culture.
The High Commissioner said Jamaica has produced many outstanding and world-renowned writers and creative thinkers, yet this aspect of Jamaica’s cultural heritage is sometimes overlooked.
Consequently, it is important to use every opportunity to highlight the many great Jamaican talents in this field, he added.
Mr. Wheatle, who won the 2016 Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, read from his novel, ‘Island Song’.
Ms. Young, an Honorary Assistant Professor in the School of English at the University of Nottingham and Honorary Creative Writing Fellow at the University of Leicester, read from the novels in her trilogy, ‘Pao’, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Show Me a Mountain’.
Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, Dr. Miller read from his short-story collection, ‘The Fear of Stones’, and novel, ‘Augustown’, which won the 2017 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature.
The Evening also featured performances by the Koromanti mento group, led by Harold Patten; an open mike segment, as well as a display of Jamaican and Caribbean books by Hansib Publishers.
Participants included Councillors Adam Jogee, Joan Henry and Aleen Alarice, representatives of community organisations; Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica as well as members of staff and families of the High Commission. The event was supported by Grace Foods, National Bakery and Island Delight Patties.

NEDD Community Business Meeting

NEDD
The National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD), the business support unit of the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in its quest to help further develop the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise sector (MSME), has planned a series of community business meetings for the year 2017.
These meetings form part of the Division’s strategy to foster the development of the sector. The intention therefore is to engage potential and existing entrepreneurs in discussions regarding the successful establishment and/or continued operation of their business venture.
Presentations will be made by personnel of the Division along with a representative from the Development Bank of St. Kitts & Nevis, Inland Revenue Department and the St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board. These presentations will provide general information on the services of the various agencies along with an overview of the business support services offered by NEDD.
The first in this series of interventions was held at the St. Paul’s Community Center on March 30th, 2017. The second invention is scheduled for July 13th at the Newtown Community Center, commencing at 6:00 pm sharp.
The general public, especially in the Newtown and the surrounding areas, are invited to attend this informative information sharing session.

Free Registration for Heritage House Storytelling Workshop

Heritage House
Children can now attend a session of the National Trust’s Dasani-Harper’s Heritage House Storytelling Series absolutely free, thanks to the kind sponsorship of Caribelle Batik!
Caribelle Batik owner Mr. Maurice Widdowson has come forward and generously offered to pay the registration fee for 25 children for the first two sessions.
Storytellers include Creighton Pencheon, the Turtle Doctor Kimberley Stewart, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Shawn Richards AND the Governor General himself His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton GCMG, CVO, QC, JP!  There is even a session where participants will create their own story.
“I think it is a marvelous initiative,” Mr. Widdowson said on Friday.
Designed for children aged 6-12 years old, Heritage House features stories about Marcus of the Woods, Betto Douglas, Chee Chee the monkey and his great adventures and much MUCH more…
“I think a lot of our children don’t read books anymore and perhaps parents don’t have time to read to their children anymore.  I just want all children to have the opportunity to attend.  I hope that other companies will come forward and sponsor a future session.”
The sessions run Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00, starting this weekend!
There are free spots available for the July 8th and July 15th sessions!
All parents need to do is get in touch with the National Trust to register.  Call 465-5584 or email admin@stchristophernationaltrust.kn
Children already registered and paid for, can attend a future session for free!

NSDS Training and launch

NSDS

The Central Statistical Office, of the Ministry of Finance and Energy, is preparing to design a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) as part of its efforts to strengthen the Grenada National Statistical System (NSS).
This is being done with technical assistance from the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21). In this regard, a country training and High Level Launch is scheduled for 10-13 July 2017.
The NSDS Training will be held on 10th, 11th and 13th July, 2017, at the Grenada National Stadium from 9am-4pm daily. The training will target key stakeholders within the National Statistical System of Grenada.
The Launch will be held on 12th July 2017 at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex at 10am and will target Senior Officials in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as key representatives from the private sector including Non-Governmental Organisations. Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Launch.
The objective of the training and the launch is to introduce the concept of NSDS as a national strategic planning tool for development and advocate for statistics strategic planning to be mainstreamed into the national development planning agenda.
It is important for policy makers to see the value of evidence-based planning, to understand the critical role of statistics in achieving sustainable development and to see that better statistics results in better lives and ultimately better development outcomes.
During the training and in the following week of the training a comprehensive assessment of the Grenada National Statistical System will be undertaken by the PARIS21 consultant, Ms. Sonia Jackson, former Director General of the Statistics Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).
The assessment is aimed at mainly establishing the current state of affairs and identifying statistical development needs for the medium term, taking into consideration national development goals and priorities and the monitoring and reporting requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals in the country.
These activities are being funded and facilitated by PARIS21 and hosted by the Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Finance and Energy. PARIS21 is a global partnership of national, regional and international statistics experts and policy makers seeking to improve evidence-based decision-making in developing countries.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has taken up the invitation to become a Board Member of PARIS21 as a key advocate for Statistics in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
As an initial activity in the preparation of the NSDS, PARIS21 assisted Grenada in the revision of its Statistics Act with the aim of strengthening the role of the Central Statistical Office in establishing an integrated statistical system in Grenada.

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