OECS Commission supports the Development of Geothermal Energy in the Region.
Financing and government policy have been identified as the major challenges to the development of geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean. That’s one of the findings of a Survey conducted by the Energy Unit of the OECS Commission. The Survey gathered the views of 86 persons involved in geothermal energy, half of whom were based in the OECS Region.
The respondents of the survey were geothermal stakeholders working with or with an interest in geothermal energy in the OECS region. Most of the OECS respondents (82%), were employees of government or utility companies pursuing geothermal energy initiatives. With respect to Non-OECS respondents, almost 50% were private sector geothermal experts with past experience working on geothermal projects.
There was clear consensus amongst all survey participants that finance and government policy are the main challenges to geothermal energy development in the region. These were followed closely by competition from other energy sources, and technological issues.
The majority of survey participants would like to see the establishment of a regional mechanism to support geothermal development in the region. The geothermal stakeholders are convinced that such a mechanism would be beneficial to the industry, especially as it relates to policy, legislation, and regulations.
https://youtu.be/RHuOJ6l0erA
All countries of the Eastern Caribbean are almost totally dependent on imported fossil fuels, despite their significant potential for renewable energy such as solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal. In recent years geothermal energy has emerged as a priority for the OECS region. Currently, seven of the ten OECS Member States are working towards the development of their geothermal resources. The scientific evidence shows a strong potential for development as countries continue to assess and quantify their geothermal potential.
In keeping with one of the recommendations of the Survey, the OECS Commission is establishing a regional database of geothermal experts and companies. Interested persons can register here
The full Report of the Survey can be downloaded here
The OAS Department of Human Development, Education and Employment and the Instituto de Ecología-INECOL-in Mexico herein offer the online course: “DIPLOMADO INTERNACIONAL EN LÍNEA SOBRE RESTAURACIÓN DE ECOSISTEMAS Y SERVICIOS AMBIENTALES”.
The deadline for receiving the hardcopy of your online application at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEMO Building, Belmopan has been established at February 15, 2017 for short-listing and forwarding to OAS Washington, D.C.
The online application form must be completed on-line and can be accessed at: http://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/professionaldev.asp there you will find the announcements of the PDSP courses, click on the one you are interested in, go through the end of the page, then you’ll find the “Continue” button which will direct you to the online form that you must fill out.
As Saint Lucia ushers in a new year, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board announces the addition of new hotel product that will add more than 1,000 new rooms to the island’s inventory in the next few years.
“This hotel boom adds much-needed inventory to meet the demands of our key source markets,” explains Saint Lucia Minister for Tourism Dominic Fedee. “Tourism growth remains a priority in 2017 as well as developing new island experiences and events for travelers. We are optimistic that this will be a year of tourism expansion.” Hotel Openings
Slated to open in February 2017, the 352-room Royalton Saint Lucia is located on a private cove in Cap Estate. The resort entices families with splash pads and waterslides, supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs featuring daily activities, dining menus designed for children, and more. The adults-only 104-room Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia boasts private infinity pools and an exclusive seafood grill. Other highlights include the Sky Wedding Terrace with views of Pigeon Island where guests can feast on local cuisine at Calypso, a gourmet West Indies venue offering authentic Caribbean dishes, in addition to eight other signature Royalton restaurants and two all-inclusive food trucks. Serenity at Coconut Bay, Saint Lucia’s new adults-only, luxury all-suite resort, will welcome guests in spring 2017. The all-inclusive vacation experience will feature a private enclave of 36 spacious suites, each with plunge pools, and attentive butlers providing the highest level of service and discretion.
Scheduled to open in September 2017, The Harbor Club on the Rodney Bay Marina will feature 115 four-star accommodations with a choice of suites and a number of amenities that include two restaurants, a bakery, lounges, a full-service spa, gym, pool recreational concept, and 4,000 square feet of meeting and conference space. New Construction
Sandals announced plans for the brand’s fourth property on Saint Lucia, Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia. Set to break ground in spring 2017, the new hotel nestled on 19 acres of land next to the existing Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort will offer guests an exotic infinity-edge sky pool bar revealing picturesque views of the island’s north coast, 350 rooms and suites inclusive of the exotic SkyPool Butler Suites, and all-butler signature swim-up Rondoval Suites, a first in the chain. The Pearl of the Caribbean will occupy a 700-acre site on the south end of the island at Beausejour, Vieux Fort. Plans include a casino, horse racetrack, resort and shopping mall complex, free trade zone, waterfront villas, boathouses, a marina, an eco-tourism zone, entertainment and leisure venues, and housing. The projected $2.6 billion dollar new-build is slated to commence its initial phase in 2017. Phase one will feature 200 hotel rooms and a spa, with up to 500 possible villas as later phases of construction continue.
Island hotels adding rooms to inventory include Fond Doux, Sugar Beach,A Viceroy Resort, and Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa.
In January 2017 the first of five new cottages at Fond Doux will be completed in the current colonial style of the one-bedroom cottages on the property. Another four cottages will be constructed by the end of 2017, boasting private plunge pools with designs focused on providing an authentic, Saint Lucian experience.
In October 2016 Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa opened 12 newly built suites. The beachfront and garden view honeymoon butler suites feature spacious decks with private plunge pool and access to a personal butler and 24-hour room service.
At Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, seven brand new luxury villas opened at the end of October and an additional three luxury cottages were finished in December. Airlift
Airlift to Saint Lucia has been enhanced with the launch of JetBlue’s Mint Service between New York and Saint Lucia in November 2016 (Saturday service only), which will run through spring 2017. United Airlines is continuing seasonal non-stop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport with Saturday flights to and from Saint Lucia through April, 2017. Additionally, United Airlines is maintaining seasonal non-stop service on Sundays to and from Saint Lucia via Newark Liberty International Airport to complement its year-round non-stop Saturday service. The Sunday flights are available now through April, 2017. Awards and Accolades
Saint Lucia’s reputation as a sought-after destination was further strengthened by the more than 70 awards and accolades received in 2016. The island and several of its diverse hotel partners were included in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best List, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, among many others. And, Saint Lucia was once again recognized as the “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards.
“We are honored to capture the hearts of so many visitors who help Saint Lucia garner this kind of recognition year after year,” said Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee. “And, we are grateful for the close working relationships we have with our hotel partners, travel agents, tour operators and airline partners to evolve and enhance the visitor experience for the benefit of all Saint Lucians.”
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit: http://stlucia.org/
Saint Lucia, whose global reputation for quality entertainment is built on 25 years of experience hosting the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts festival, announces SOLEIL – the Saint Lucia Summer Festival, a series of six festivals taking place from May through October.
SOLEIL: During a launch held on Thursday, February 2, at the Bay Gardens Hotel; Prime Minister, Hon. Allen Chastanet in his remarks to the gathering noted that “Saint Lucia continues to create unique entertainment opportunities for visitors to our shores and the launch of this festival is just the beginning of the exciting plans we have for the industry. This is part of our drive to continuously diversify and enhance our tourism product. The idea is when you come to Saint Lucia you can stay all summer long with the extensive events calendar and no shortness of amazing places and sites to visit. We will appeal to all types of music enthusiasts from the region and internationally whether it be Jazz, Reggae, RnB . . . or you can now choose which event appeals to you most.”
The Summer Festival series will kick off May 12 -14, 2017, with Saint Lucia Jazz, a celebration of Caribbean and international jazz music. Events will take place across the island, culminating with a star-studded concert at Pigeon Island National Landmark on Sunday, May 14. Star-studded headliners include Grammy nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams and dynamically talented Rachelle Ferrell. Confirmed headliners such as Rupert Lay, steel pannist Victor Provost and Malavoi, hailing from Martinique, will also take the stage. Saint Lucian Jazz music will also be prominently featured with the Rupert Lay Quartet, Michael Robinson and the Caribbean band Bluemangó.
In its first year The Saint Lucia Summer Festival will also feature:
Roots & Soul (June 16-18): Dedicated to new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afropunk and R&B, this festival will also mark the launch of Saint Lucia Carnival.
Saint Lucia Carnival (mid-June through mid-July): A variety of musical competitions lead up to the Parade of the Bands on July 17 and 18. Throughout, Lucian Carnival gives revelers the opportunity to fête throughout the island in true Caribbean fashion.
Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival (August 24-27): This gastronomic festival invites chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and foodies from the Caribbean and around the globe. Inspired by Chefs Nina Compton and Doran Payne, the event will feature culinary demonstrations, rum and wine tastings, dining events and experiences, and musical performances.
Country & Blues Festival (September 15 – 17): The festival will reflect the diversity and modernity of the genres of music that act as powerful storytellers of the past and draw strong parallels to Saint Lucian folk traditions.
Arts & Heritage Festival (October): Building on Jounen Kwéyòl, this month-long festival will celebrate Saint Lucia’s cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage with a variety of performances, seminars, lectures, culinary experiences, street parties and art exhibitions,
Full details about SOLEIL – the Summer of Festivals can be found at: http://www.stlucia.org/
OECS Statistical Services Unit meets with key stakeholders
A team from the OECS Commission commenced a four-day Country Needs Assessment (CNA) mission in Anguilla on Tuesday January 31, 2017. The CNA mission involves discussion with a wide cross-section of stakeholders who will have the responsibility of implementing several aspects of the Country Poverty Assessment (CPA).
Among the stakeholders involved in Tuesday’s discussion were the Ministries of Social Development, Health, Education and key Non-Governmental Organisations. The consultation will be used to gather information on Anguilla’s readiness to undertake the Enhanced CPA. Factors of readiness include the appointment of a National Assessment Team (NAT), the availability of a budget to support the implementation of the various components of the CPA, as well as the capacity and skills to implement some of the activities. The mission will also determine the areas where technical and financial support will be needed.
CNAs are prerequisite activities used to determine targeted support to better assist Member States in the implementation of their comprehensive Country Poverty Assessment. This exercise is the third of a series of missions to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States’ (OECS) Member States. Two previous CNAs were held in Dominica and Saint Lucia respectively. Anguilla is scheduled to undertake their comprehensive CPA in 2018.
The CNA missions to OECS Member States will be conducted over a four-month period and are funded by the Caribbean Development Bank under the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Project. Ms Geraldine St Croix, Project Coordinator, and Mrs. Amonia Rolle-Paul, Social and Gender Analyst, led the CNA mission in Anguilla.
Participants at a recently concluded high level forum want energy to be placed squarely before the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government to generate speedier action and firmer commitments to the transition to renewables.
The general thinking at the Fifth Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF V) held from 23 – 25 January, 2017, in The Bahamas, was that while there is steady progress, the challenges of transitioning to clean energy can be solved if they are placed in a political context. This is against the background of the promotion of sustainable energy as the vehicle through which CARICOM Member States will become economically competitive and advance the human services that are required for an acceptable quality of life. The bottom line is the availability of more reliable energy and the ability of citizens of the Community to enjoy cleaner energy, hence the need for political attention.
Over two days at the British Colonial Hilton, Nassau, The Bahamas, several panels featuring government Ministers and some of the biggest names in the regional energy field discussed a range of issues pertinent to the Community’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Discussions centred on the CARICOM Energy Policy (CEP) and the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS) and regulatory matters; building a culture of effective statistics and information management; funding the transition; and identifying knowledge, skills and quality requirements.
The Forum, which attracted more than 100 persons also looked back at progress in energy transition made over the past five years and looked forward to the next ten years.
The final session on Wednesday 25 January, focused on the outlook of the Region’s energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy. The keynote presenter was Dr. Devon Gardner, Programme Manager, Energy, at the CARICOM Secretariat, while the discussants were the Hon. Ian Douglas, Minister of Trade, Energy and Employment, Dominica; Dr. Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC); Dr. Albert Binger, Interim Director, Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and Mr. Robert Wright, Managing Director, New Leaf Power. The moderator was Prof. Arthouros Zervos, Chairman, Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21).
It was during that session that participants said the time had come for a special meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government on energy. With the understanding that a regional initiative in practical terms was needed going forward, the panelists and participants suggested that concrete success stories should be brought before the Heads of Government to highlight the strengths as well as the challenges and for there to be decisions, at that level, on matters that the sector is fighting to solve. There were calls for approaches to be made first to the Heads of Government with responsibility for energy and sustainable development in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet to catalyse efforts towards the special meeting on energy. CARICOM Heads meet next in Georgetown, Guyana, mid-February.
In the past, special meetings of the Community’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) were held on energy. It was at one such meeting in 2013 that the CEP and the C-SERMS were approved. The C-SERMS aims at a renewable energy electricity penetration of 20% in 2017, 28% by 2022 and 47% by 2027. The proposal for the establishment of CCREEE was also placed before CARICOM Heads of Government in 2015. Back in 2003, Heads of Government, at a special meeting in Castries, Saint Lucia, discussed energy, within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). At that meeting they also discussed work that was ongoing on the CEP.
Energy is also inserted in the CARICOM Five-Year Strategic Plan under Building Economic Resilience, the primary of the Plan’s six priority areas. Efficiency, diversification and cost reduction are over-arching elements of the energy thrust. The focus is on optimising existing assets and reducing the high cost of energy inputs – particularly in production. This will be done through enhanced functional cooperation, and development of alternative energy to meet CARICOM’s 2017 target of 20 per cent for the contribution of renewable energy to the total electricity supply mix. The Strategy addresses energy efficiency across all sectors, development and use of renewable energy and market reform to allow for access of renewable energy to the electricity network, building awareness and capacity within Member States, and facilitating public private partnership in energy development and build on the CEP. Ten years from now
Among the areas that the Forum recommended that the Region must consider going forward, are the recognition of the renewable resources of each CARICOM Member States and the advantages and disadvantages these hold; the role fossil fuels will continue to play and vested interest in the fossil fuel industry; enhancing energy sector infrastructure including refurbishing obsolete and near obsolete electricity grids; the connection between quality of life of CARICOM nationals and reliable, cleaner energy; and the effects of climate change on energy transition.
Other priority areas identified for focus over the next ten years are: training and capacity-building in planning, policy; information management and project preparation to ensure a pool of highly skilled human resources as well as job creation; private partnership and financing measures to drive the energy transformation efforts; greater collaboration among Member States and regional institutions; significant local ownership in the energy sector; innovation in thought and practice in the Caribbean; the establishment of a regional energy trade arrangement and commercial exploitation of renewable energy.
The forward-looking session also considered the impact of sustainable energy on agriculture and food security; the necessity for a regulatory environment; and continuity of sustainable energy programmes. Participants warned that energy should not be considered in isolation, but within the context of sustainable development and across sectors.
CSEF was established in 2008 as a biennial sustainable energy event in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The CARICOM Secretariat event was organised this year in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas. Support for the staging of the Forum was provided by: the US Government, through the Organisation of American States (OAS); the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) executed Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Programme; the CDB, through the Canadian Support to the Energy Sector in the Caribbean Fund; the IDB; and the World Bank through the SIDS DOCK Support Programme.
The Forum facilitates dialogue and actions towards the adoption of more robust policies and the transfer of appropriate technologies in renewable energy and energy efficiency in CARICOM. It seeks ultimately to enhance stakeholder support and contribution to diversification of the regional energy supply from its current fossil fuels base to a mix that includes significant renewable sources.
Caribbean Faith Leaders Consultation Concludes with Strategic Recommendations for Ending AIDS by 2030.
The Caribbean Faith Leaders Consultation, held on 1-2 February 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago, concluded with strategic recommendations to improve the overall quality of life of People Living with and Affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Consultation, which was supported by the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS ( PANCAP ), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and AIDS HealthCare Foundation, attracted 55 Religious Leaders from 14 Caribbean countries, representing Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Bahá’í, Voodoo faiths, PANCAP, United Nations representatives and regional officials also participated.
The initiative was coordinated by the Planning Committee of Religious Leaders and PANCAP, and focused on the theme, ‘Religious Leaders’ Contribution to the End of AIDS by 2030’.
Head of the Planning Committee, Canon Garth Minott stated ‘leaders were mindful that our common religious heritage positioned us to engage in discussions about faith, justice, love and peace, mindful that we are one family under God’.
In her feature address during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Hon. Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister of State within the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago pointed to her country’s commitment at the highest level to the aims of the conference. She noted that there are faith-based representatives on the recently re-established National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Dr Edward Greene, United Nations Secretary-General Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean brought greetings on behalf of the Secretary-General and highlighted the imperatives for fast-tracking the response to AIDS. The issues reflected in the remarks of Dr Kevin Harvey, Regional Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), including focus of AHF on strengthening partnerships with special reference to supporting a coordinated approach to the implementation of the recommendations from the consultation. Mr Dereck Springer, Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, brought greetings on behalf of the CARICOM Secretary-General and expressed appreciation for the collaboration with The Global Fund and the support of AHF and UNAIDS.
In his Keynote address, Prof. Clive Landis, Deputy Principal, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, identified the major scientific developments leading to the conclusion that anti-retroviral therapy (ART) delivers a life-saving benefit to persons living with HIV by abolishing end-stage AIDS.
Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, Executive Director International Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+) giving an inspiring feature address, shared her experience as a faith leader who is also HIV positive. She encouraged religious leaders to see themselves as a positive force for change and advocated for removing policy and legislative barriers to effectively deal with HIV.
Dr Luiz Loures, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS gave the closing address and urged participants to remain committed to the very bold recommendations. ‘Today we have the science to end this epidemic’, stated Dr. Loures, ‘what we lack is the social movement and will of communities. We need you in the faith community more than ever before. We know that religious organisations hold positions of trust at the center of communities. This makes you uniquely positioned to provide services and support that extend beyond the reach of many public health systems. Through ongoing training and sharing, your capacity will be strengthened. UNAIDS is committed to supporting this process’.
Dr Loures further stated ‘as faith leaders you have a powerful impact on the way communities think and act. Your work to address stigma and discrimination in the wider community is critical. As you have affirmed during this consultation, HIV is a virus not a moral judgement. I urge all partners to collaborate and contribute based on our shared values relating to the inherent value of life, human dignity and compassion’.
Two extended periods of working groups and discussions by religious and lay leaders resulted in the following recommendations:
Endorsing the Targets in the 2016 UN High Level Political Declaration to fast-track the end of the AIDS epidemic by 2030;
Promoting healthy living of people at all ages of the life cycle by placing emphasis on plugging the prevention gaps includes stressing family values, age appropriate sexual education, creative communication approaches and the dissemination of information to reach various audiences;
Facilitating best practices through the process for effective support and leadership in the area of treatment and care, paying particular attention to achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for 90% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) to know their status, 90% of those who have tested HIV positive to be on treatment and 90% of those on treatment to achieve undetectable viral loads
Paying particular attention to actions that address the reduction of violence against women, girls and adolescents and the inclusion of men and boys in this venture;
Seeking to secure sustainable technical and financial resources for programmes led by FBOs through shared responsibility and collaboration with government and non-governmental stakeholders and development partners;
Exploring the short and medium-term actionable recommendations of the PANCAP Justice for All (JFA) Roadmap, especially in so far as they enable religious groups and organisations to effectively address the gaps in prevention and treatment interventions and continuing the dialogue on how to proceed with those elements yet to be resolved;
Establishing the foundations of a Network of Religious Leaders interconnected with national focal groups to achieve a more consolidated approach to ending AIDS with a mechanism for effective communication and dissemination of information;
Seeking to engage representatives of key populations including men who have sex with men, sex workers, drug users and others in programmes aimed at identifying respective rights and responsibilities involved in the process toward the elimination of AIDS-related stigma and discrimination;
Noting areas of litigation that may challenge religious values and the responses required to harmonise principles and practices around human rights, human sexuality and human dignity.
At the conclusion of the Consultation, Faith Leaders agreed to 1) Establish a Regional consultative group working virtually toward the implementation of the recommendations 2) Discuss the recommendations for action with their national religious councils and provide a progress report to the regional consultative group by 1 July 2017 3) Share information on activities initially using the PANCAP website and 4) Consider the possibility of follow up regional workshops, ‘think tanks’ and consultations.
The Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit in his final remarks charged the religious leaders with upholding the recommendations of the Consultation and urged them to continue their efforts to engage People Living with and Affected by HIV and AIDS.
This year marks the 14th Anniversary of the National Council on Ageing. The NCA was established in 2003 following Cabinets approval of the Belize National Policy on Older Persons. This year the council will be celebrating its anniversary during the week of February 6-10th 2017.
The anniversary activities will open with an intergenerational flash mob on Tuesday; February 7th, 2017 at the Belmopan Market Square. The flash mob will feature participation from our Senior Steps group, schools and organizations that support the council’s work. The flash mob highlights the importance of active and healthy ageing which is a key component of the council’s work. It is also an opportunity to show case the talent and vitality of older persons in a new and creative way.
On February 9th, 2017 the council along with its members will celebrate and Anniversary Review in Belize City. The Anniversary Review will highlight the successes of the council and the strides we have made in placing older persons concerns on the Belize national agenda.
For more information on the anniversary celebrations contact us at 822-1546
Key stakeholders met at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center on Tuesday, 31st January 2017, to modify and update the Threatened Species List 2005.
The Forest Department, through the involvement of more than twenty-five local, regional and international experts and wildlife conservation representatives, is presently updating Belize’s National Threatened Species List for terrestrial wildlife. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Belize’s efforts to update the list is only one of the many activities underway to ensure that Belize meets its global commitments and contributes towards the global Sustainable Development Goals to secure the survival of threatened species, maintain biodiversity, and improve wildlife conservation efforts. According to the Forest Department’s Wildlife Manager Edgar Correa, this update of threatened species is essential to identifying emerging threats and potential impacts on priority species, as well as pinpoint effective forest protection measures necessary to safeguard wildlife. He further explained that at the end of the workshop, a National Threatened Species List 2017 will be developed. Correa also commented that not only will the list act as a guide to conserve species under threat, but also provide guidance to the Forest Department for the revision of the Wildlife Protection Act, and assist other relevant agencies and organizations in the review of Environmental Impact Assessments, wildlife and biodiversity research, and other related work. The updating of the National Threatened Species List is a fundamental part of the implementation of Belize’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, seeking to prevent wildlife species to become functionally extinct in Belize. Due to increasing pressures, such as illegal hunting, habitat loss and climate change, it is critical that Belize, like other countries, track some of our most vulnerable species and continue to monitor our biodiversity since wildlife under threat is a fundamental indicator of the rapid changes to our environment.
Five Caribbean businesses are at a stage closer to securing private investmenthaving each received $25,000 USD through the LINK-Caribbean Investment Readiness Grant programme.
The five firms are Carepoint and Caribbean Transit Solutions from Barbados; Bluedot Media and Innovative Menu Solutions Ltd from Jamaica and SystemIz Incorporated from Trinidad and Tobago. According to Chris McNair, Manager for Competitiveness and Innovation at Caribbean Export, “the grants will be used to assist firms in making the necessary improvements to their businesses with the aim of attracting greater investment from private investors, such as Business Angels within the next 6 months.” The firms were selected from a slate of 134 applicants from across the region, 7 of which were afforded the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges in the hope of securing an investment readiness grant. LINK-Caribbean, a programme of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) supports the development of an early stage Investor eco-system within the region. Launched last September, it is funded by the World Bank and sponsored by Canada. “For many years Caribbean entrepreneurs were disadvantaged because of a lack of funding opportunities in comparison to our first world counterparts, with the LINK Caribbean grant we now have an opportunity to show the world that great, disruptive companies can be borne from here” expressed Larren Peart of Bluedot Media Barbadian recipient Shannon Clarke from Carepoint expressed his humility for his selection and spoke of looking forward to the guidance from Business Angels and importantly “their assistance to help push the adoption of ICT in the delivery of healthcare throughout the Caribbean”. Khalil Bryan of Caribbean Transport Solutions also from Barbados highlighted some of the key initiatives hosted by World Bank and Caribbean Export “Starting from 2015, their team hosted Entrepreneur sessions to sensitise us to key items that would prepare us to raise Capital to providing support as we deploy capital from the IR grant. They have truly been a catalyst to improve the investment climate in the region – from building angel groups to disbursing grant funding to prepare us for investment. We appreciate the role that they have played and would encourage them to continue in this vein as entrepreneurship will truly be a catalyst to impact the economies of our region. Aun Rahman, Financial Sector Specialist for the World Bank who also has responsibility for EPIC’s Access to Finance programme stated that the Bank is encouraged with the initial response to LINK-Caribbean’s first grant cycle. “We are looking forward to building a stronger pipeline of more applicants who will be eligible to become beneficiaries under the programme in future grant cycles.” In addition to these grants, LINK-Caribbean provides other support activities to stimulate early stage investing in the region. It facilitates the development of deal-flow for early-stage investors through the Regional Angel Investor Network (RAIN). “We strongly encourage entrepreneurs and investors to join RAIN to uncover new investment opportunities throughout the Caribbean,” added Mr McNair.
