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Gov’t Signs US $34 Million IDB Loan

Christopher Sinckler, and IDB Representative, Juan Carlos De La Hoz Vinas
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, and IDB Representative, Juan Carlos De La Hoz Vinas shake hands following the signing of a US $34 million loan agreement yesterday at Government Headquarters. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a US $34 million loan agreement to finance a project to use cleaner fuels and renewable energy in Barbados.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, and IDB Representative, Juan Carlos De La Hoz Viñas, signed the document on Wednesday at Government Headquarters.
Mr. Sinckler said the programme would be implemented over a six-year period and highlighted the components as: Natural Gas Infrastructure; Smart Energy Solutions and Technical Advisory Services.
He explained: “The programme aims at enhancing Barbados’ energy security and sustainability by diversifying the energy mix through promoting the use of cleaner fuels, specifically natural gas for power generation; and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.”
According to him, the programme’s specific objectives include upgrading the natural gas infrastructure to ensure that the natural gas service to the country would continue at the high-quality Barbadians had come to know and expect.
He added that they wanted to increase energy efficiency/renewable energy applications within the National Petroleum Corporation and the Barbados National Oil Company Limited operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr. Sinckler added that Government’s vision was to have a sustainable renewable energy sector within the foreseeable future, with natural gas being the transitional fuel within this period.
The Minister thanked the IDB for demonstrating its commitment to Barbados and working speedily to get the project assessed and sent up to its Board.
Mr. De La Hoz Viñas described the project as part of a “longstanding and successful collaboration” in the energy sector with the Government.
He added that the IDB was working with Government to create a sustainable energy matrix, and with others in the region to promote vibrant economies and energy sustainability.

Caribbean Export – Part of the Best of Investing in Development

European Development Days

The 2017 edition of the European Commission’s event European Development Days (EDD) held on June 7-8 in Brussels saw the participation of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) as part of those considered to be the “best of investing in development”.  Caribbean Export showcased their export development work to the 8,000 participants that passed through the event over the two days.
“Our participation at EDD 2017 at this level has been a worthwhile investment.  Not only from a visibility point of view but more importantly it has enabled us to contribute significantly to the conversation around the EPA and how the region’s private sector is able to maximise the opportunities especially being a part of the ACP group” expressed the Executive Director of Caribbean Export, Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
Coke-Hamilton participated in key debates ensuring that the Caribbean’s position was heard amongst the key stakeholders in the world of development.  In the session entitled “Boosting Investment for ACP Inclusive Trade and Development” the Executive Director called for stronger trade linkages between the Caribbean and Africa in view of the apparent synergies between the two regions.  “We want to promote trade as THE mechanism to deliver real economic results for our companies, their workers and for our consumers.  As such we should look toward strengthening trade between us as a means to achieve this”.
In addition, Caribbean Export participated in a debate organised by the European Commission entitled “Building on EPA Opportunities” to share the experience of the CARIFORUM private sector in leveraging the opportunities under the EPA. The debate noted that EPAs help by stimulating competition and reducing border delays but in order to exploit them to their fullest it is encouraged that ACP countries need to take ownership of their development and design their own strategies for growth and prosperity.
The Agency also highlighted their work under the recently concluded 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme at their booth space where they presented a small sample of unique products from the region at the event which received a phenomenal response from the attending audience.  Sweet potato granola produced by Rainforest Foods in Saint Lucia was particularly attractive and loved by visitors to the stand. Caribbean Export is encouraged by the positive feedback from the EDD attendees and remains committed to continuing its support to regional companies and BSOs so that they can utilise the benefits of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.
European Development Days European Development Days European Development Days

HBO GO now available on Apple TV

HBO GO

HBO Latin America announced today that fans of HBO in the Caribbean are now able to access the digital platform HBO GO through Apple TV®[1].

 Apple TV® facilitates access to online content, allowing the users to choose the content they want to watch, whenever they want directly. Starting today, users of this device in Latin America and the Caribbean, will be able to enjoy HBO GO on their TV screens.  

HBO GO is currently available in the Caribbean market as a complement to the HBO/MAX premium pay TV package with participating operators at no additional cost, and as a standalone service through Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. 

HBO GO is the premium digital platform that offers the best content of HBO channels with over 2,500 exclusive titles and without commercial breaks. The platform includes the best of Hollywood’s box office before any other subscription service, full seasons of HBO original productions — such as The Wire, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and Game of Thrones — and a complete collection of international and independent movies. It also offers the option to live stream the HBO linear channel anytime, anywhere. 

 HBO GO can be accessed on any mobile device with iOS 7.1+ (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) or Android (OS 4.0+) operating system, and at www.hbogoca.com. HBO can also be enjoyed on flat screen TVs with Chromecast and AppleTV.

Invitation to Cover USAID/Government of St. Lucia MOU Signing

USAID
The U.S Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is increasing cooperation with the Government of St. Lucia to reduce youth involvement in crime and violence.
An official MOU signing between USAID and the St. Lucia Government will be held tomorrow, Friday June 16th 2017, at 12:15pm in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development Sports, Culture and Local Government in Castries.
 
All journalists are asked to be set up by 12:15pm.

Ministry launches Mentoring by the Masters

Mentoring by the Masters
(L-R) 2017 mentors, Simeon Sandiford, Sharon Pitt, Lionel Jagessar, Rosalind Gabriel and Janice Patricia McLeod at the launch of the Mentoring by the Masters Programme at the VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. (Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts)
On June 10, the Culture Division of the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts launched the fifth installment of the Mentoring by the Masters Programme at the VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. This flagship programme, which boasts of many success stories in the creative and cultural sectors, is one of the key initiatives of the Ministry.  It facilitates the transfer of knowledge from accomplished artists and cultural workers to emerging practitioners in their respective fields.  It is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these mentors for their contribution to the artistic and cultural community of Trinidad and Tobago.
The 2017 mentors for this year’s programme are Janice Patricia McLeod – Orisa Traditions; Lionel Jagessar – Fancy Indian Mas; Rosalind Gabriel – Children’s Mas; Sharon Pitt – Professional Development in Broadcasting and Simeon Sandiford – aspects of Music Production and the Business of Music.
Addressing the audience at the launch, Permanent Secretary Angela Edwards reiterated the commitment of the Ministry in investing in the local cultural resources such as the tangible and intangible heritage in the communities and the culture and creative industries. She said the programme was critical to the ministry’s mission to build resilient culturally rich communities and sustainable creative industries. She further affirmed that the future of Trinidad and Tobago is in excellent hands because the programme focuses on the culture, history and the legacy of what makes us unique as Trinidadians and Tobagonians.
Director of the Culture Division, Ingrid Ryan-Ruben stated that the focus of this year’s programme was all-encompassing. Emphasis will be placed on Carnival Arts because there were a lot of masters but few mentees.  In addressing the mentees she told them that they had the opportunity to carry their art to a new level.   She also implored them to learn from these mentors but also use their creativity and inject new life into the art forms because these are pivotal to the county’s heritage. Furthermore, Trinidad and Tobago will be richer for it.
One of the 2016 mentors, Rudylynn De Four-Roberts who mentored in heritage architecture preservation expounded the many areas in which the programme was part of nation building.  Moreover, she said it fostered an appreciation for culture and an appreciation for the arts. She also encouraged mentees to go the extra mile.
During the event, Culture Support Specialist, Elize Rostant paid tribute to two former mentors and national cultural icons, the late Narcenio ‘Senor’ Gomez and Stephen Derek.  Tribute to the late Stephen Derek, master craftsman extraordinaire and mentor was done through a power point presentation in which tributes were done by Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, other ministry officials and mentors of the 2016 edition of the programme. Special acknowledgement was also given to the Mentors from 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 along with the five mentors for 2017.
Elize Rostant and Director of Culture
Director of Culture Ingrid Ryan-Ruben (right) with Culture Support Specialist Elize Rostant (left) at the launch of Mentoring by the Masters Programme at the  VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

MIND Offers State Protocol and Business Etiquette Course

MIND

The Management Institute for National Development (MIND) is now accepting registration for its annual State Protocol and Business Etiquette course.

The MIND course will be held from June 27 to July 5 on the Institute’s Kingston campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Director of Business Development and Communications at MIND, Marlene Campbell, said the training session targets individuals whose job functions require a high level of social engagement and interaction, and persons who may be interested in becoming knowledgeable and aware of the rules that govern State Protocol and social etiquette.
“This course is specifically designed to equip persons with the skill and confidence to express appropriate behaviours and decorum regarding State Protocol and related etiquette,” she said.
Areas to be covered include diplomacy, etiquette, protocol on official occasions, national symbols, national crowns and honours, the official table of precedence, flag etiquette, official forms of address, formal invitation letter and styles, and titles in Jamaica.
Meanwhile, under Business Etiquette, participants will be exposed to training in effective business entertaining; toasting; body language at the table; host, hostess and guest duties; eating etiquette; eating of different food types; styles of eating; types of meals and wines; and the dos and don’ts of dining.
Understanding the social dress code will also be one of the features of the course. Areas to be covered include dressing for State and official functions, appropriate dress for business and business-related occasions, colour coordination, accessorising, fabric textures, and dressing for the international business person.
According to Mrs. Campbell, the benefit that will redound to the individual is an increased level of confidence and standard of deportment to enable ease of manner and success when interacting on all occasions; organisations will benefit from a more professionally confident and socially adept cadre of executives, who will represent them with distinction at all times.
Main presenters at the seminar will be the Chief of State Protocol in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Elinor Felix; former Food and Beverage Manager at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, Nancy McLean; and a Certified Professional Facilitator, Trainer and Human Resource Development Practitioner, Sandra Cooper.
For additional information, persons can contact MIND’s Client Relations and Marketing Department at 927-1761 or marketing@mind.edu.jm

Request for Expressions of Interest – Consulting Services

University of the West Indies
Institution: The University of the West Indies, Mona
Country: Regional
Project: Investment Plan for the Caribbean Regional Track of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
Sector: Environment and Natural Disasters- Climate Change Adaptation Policy
Abstract: Fishery-Related Ecological and Socio-economic Impact Assessments and Monitoring System
Loan/Credit/Grant No.: ATN/SX-14696-RG
Contract/Bid No.: CF13/C4.02-1
Deadline: 17 July 2017
The University of the West Indies, Mona has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Investment Plan for the Caribbean Regional Track of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include:

  1. The conduct of ecological and socio-economic assessments of the impacts of climate change and variability on the fisheries resources and sector;
  2. Developing and implementing suitable analytical tools and methods for fisheries and marine ecosystem analyses and assessments to quantify the impacts of climate change and variability on fisheries production, post-harvest and marketing systems and associated livelihoods and to predict likely future impacts and provision of training in the use of the tools and methods;
  3. Developing a fisheries and environment database and the associated meta-database, as well as, the supporting database manual and data and information policy and provision of training on database management/usage; and
  4. Development and implementation of a stakeholder engagement proposal to build stakeholder awareness on the impacts of climate change and variability on the fisheries resources and sector, and to engage stakeholders in identifying feasible recommendations for climate-smart fisheries management decision-making.

The Fishery-Related Ecological and Socio-economic Impact Assessments and Monitoring System are expected to improve the information base and its usage for climate-smart fisheries planning and management decision-making, as well as, risk management in the fisheries sector. The consultancy is expected to be delivered over 25 months beginning September 2017.
The work is expected to be carried out by a consulting firm with at least five (5) years of proven experience assessing the ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change and climate variability on the fisheries resources and fisheries sector, with specific experience in the conduct of fisheries and marine ecosystem analyses and assessments to quantify past, and predicted, climate change and climate variability impacts on fisheries production, post-harvest and marketing systems and associated livelihoods. The consulting firm is also expected to have at least ten (10) years of experience working with the fisheries sector, addressing issues that include risk management, and to have experience working in data-limited situations. Knowledge of, and experience in, the management of fisheries in Small Islands Developing States, with specific experience in the Caribbean region, are highly desirable.
The experts comprising the consulting team may be international or national consultants and should include: (i) one Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Assessment Expert; (ii) one Natural Resource Economist; (iii) one Climate Change/Climate Variability Expert; (iv) one Fisheries Management Expert; (v) one Database Design and Development Expert; (vi) one Value Chain Management Expert with experience in food and nutrition security issues; (vii) one Social Science Expert with expertise in Fisheries Extension; and (viii) one Communications and Media Expert. The team should have proven experience in project management and working with a range of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations. Knowledge of climate change issues and disaster risk management in the fisheries sector is required.
It is expected that the experts in Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Assessment, Natural Resource Economics, Climate Change/Climate Variability and Database Design and Development would each either have a Ph.D. and at least five (5) years proven practical experience in the respective fields, or a Master’s Degree with at least ten (10) years proven practical experience in the respective fields.
The experts in Fisheries Management, Value Chain Management, Social Science and Communications and Media are expected to have at least a Master’s Degree with at least five (5) years proven practical experience in the respective fields. In addition, the Social Science expert is required to have experience working with the fishing sector in small-island developing states.
The University of the West Indies, through its Mona Office for Research and Innovation, now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
Short lists shall comprise six firms with a wide geographic spread, with no more than two firms from any one country.
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-9 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.
Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality- and Cost-Based Selection method set out in the Consultant Policies.
Expressions of interest must not exceed 20 pages and submitted online via www.gojep.gov.jm  by 17 July 2017 at 2 p.m. Jamaican time.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Caribbean Regional PPCR Project Office-MORI

Attn: Erica Haughton- Procurement Officer

Electronics Building, Department of Physics

The University of the West Indies

Mona Campus, Kingston 7

E-mail: erica.haughton02@uwimona.edu.jm

ONDCP Acquires "EyeDetect", the latest technology in credibility assessment

EyeDetect

The ONDCP has recently acquired an advanced vetting tool in its fight to take the profit out of crime, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity of its personnel.

Eye DetectA system called “EyeDetet,” which is the latest in technology in credibility assessment was presented to the ONDCP by Mr. Roger Branche PhDc, a Forensic Psychologist and owner of Forensic Psychological Services, a leading company in integrity screening services that supports National Security Units in the Caribbean.
According to ONDCP’s Director Lt. Col E. Croft, “due to the heightened threat of terrorism and other global concerns, security vetting is of utmost importance in keeping our society safe.” However, that safety is dependent on the caliber of our country’s national security personnel, which require the selection of individuals with high integrity standards and the continued engagement of honest and dedicated officers.
The acquisition of EyeDetect will increase the stringent integrity screening process of ONDCP, which already involves the use of Polygraphy, Urinalysis and Psychological Assessment.
The employees in the organisation will first be screened by EyeDetect, which according to Branche is “a viable solution for accurate, enhanced vetting without prejudice, cost or effort.” The system measures bio-cognitive responses, such as changes in pupil diameter, eye movement, eye blinks and fixations. Monitoring these eye behaviors have been proven to determine truthfulness with an 86 percent accuracy.
Director Croft expressed sincere appreciation for being selected to receive the ‘Eye Detect’ system from Branche’s company Forensic Psychological Services. He noted this tool will help maintain ONDCP’s high standing nationally and with other international law enforcement agencies.

Maritime boundary delimitation between Antigua and Barbuda and France

Maritime boundary
Honorable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and His Excellency, Ambassador Philippe Ardanaz, Ambassador of France to the O.E.C.S Member States met in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday 15th March 2017, and signed the Agreement between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Government of the Republic of France on the Delimitation of the Maritime Space between Antigua and Barbuda and France in the Caribbean Region.
This Agreement establishes single maritime boundaries for the delimitation of the maritime space, in this instance, the Exclusive Economic Zone in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea between Antigua and Barbuda and Guadeloupe on one hand and Antigua and Barbuda and St. Barthélémy on the other hand.
Antigua and Barbuda also shares boundaries which remain to be delimited with St. Kitts and Nevis as well as the United Kingdom in respect of Anguilla and Montserrat.
This agreement was concluded within the spirit of the OECS Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy and the principles of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the OECS Economic Union.
This delimitation was made possible through the support and technical assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Oceans and Natural Resources Division which provided both legal and technical advisors, training and the facilitation of dialogue between both States. The support that they have provided to Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS and CARICOM Member States in the delimitation of national maritime boundaries and wider concepts of ocean governance has been monumental.

Flow Offers Up $100,000 In Endless Everything Summer

FLOW - Endless Everything Summer

Saint Lucia and the Caribbean’s leading telecommunications service provider, Flow, has lifted the curtains on its exciting new summer promotion.

Endless Everything Summer will see customers winning prizes including smartphones, tickets and VIP passes to events including the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival, sunglasses from Family Eye Care, costumes for Saint Lucia Carnival, plane tickets, fuel, free data, and credit.
Subscribers across all four lines of business – mobile, fixed line, broadband, and TV – will also have the opportunity to win $300 every day, and up to $10,000 every month.
To qualify for chances to win, customers just have to Top Up $15 or more; buy any data plan or combo plan of 1GB or more; sign up for any Flow service; or upgrade any Flow service.
Flow users will be able to save, share, and win. With mobile calls to any network as low as $0.01 per minute, they are in a great position to enjoy Saint Lucia Carnival and all the parties with friends and family. They can capture the fun of summer on their mobile phones, and share on the island’s fastest network, via Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and more.
The Endless Everything Summer campaign will feature several of the company’s Brand Ambassadors, including Soca superstars Teddyson John, Arthur Arlain, and Sedale.
The promotion runs until the end of August.

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