Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration at the CARICOM Secretariat, Mr. Joseph Cox on Fridayurged animators from Guyana and Suriname to be smart in the business of animation.
The animators from the Guyana Animation Network and the Suriname Animation Network visited the CARICOM Secretariat on Friday and interacted with Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan PhD., Mr. Cox, Deputy Programme Manager, Information and Communication Technologies for Development, Ms. Jennifer Britton, and representatives from the Human Resource Development Directorate.
Mr. Cox told the GAN/SAN that if they wanted to move ahead they had to do so with purpose, dedication and training. He said being successful would require a long-term commitment. He encouraged them to create synergies with other CARICOM countries and to try to access funding from International Development Partners. His final piece of advice to the animators was to pay attention to copyright so that their ideas and work did not get stolen.
“Do not be stupid, this is a large industry where you can make considerable amounts of money … $220 billion dollars and that was just in 2013,” he said, referring to the value of the animation industry in that year.
In her remarks, the Deputy Secretary-General, told the group that the CARICOM Secretariat had been involved in developing the Regional animation industry for quite some time. She said at the time the Secretariat became involved, many persons did not understand the industry or how beneficial it could be.
“In its inception, everyone was uncertain about it but as things grew and got more familiar and people see that, it gets traction and everybody gets on board,” she said.
Ambassador Soeknandan also used the opportunity to congratulate the CARICOM staff who had been lobbying for the development of the animation industry from the early stages saying she was grateful that they did not lose hope.
She highlighted a number of projects within the CARICOM Secretariat that have focused on the animation industry while encouraging the young people, who hailed from varying backgrounds including the legal profession and aviation industry, that whatever they did they should do it well. The DSG said the main challenge was to ensure that there was an impact on those persons who were participating. According to her, if you invest in youth you would like to know that it changed their life in a positive way.
“I wish you success in what you are doing and please do not forget to see if the projects you are involved in are changing people’s lives especially when trying to gain funding from International Development Partners,” she said.
In the discussion which followed, the animators said that they were involved in a number of initiatives including the production of an animation piece for the Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival which will be held in Port-of-Spain Trinidad and Tobago in October. They said that large scale training was the next step for Regional animators and requested support from organisations such as the CARICOM Secretariat.
They also spoke of a proposal to the CARICOM Member States to assist with bringing in the experts to do an initial training programme from which a training of trainers programme would be developed. They said that they were working to build the synergies with other CARICOM Member States including Jamaica as was suggested to them by ASG Cox in his remarks.
The Guyana Animation Network (GAN) was officially launched in Georgetown, Guyana, on 2 July, 2016. GAN is a network established to use it resources to create and provide access to opportunities for persons within Guyana’s artistic, creative and technological communities; to develop the requisite skills, with their talents; and to service the Caribbean Animation Industry. The Suriname Animation Network (SAN) was launched at an ICT Summit in Paramaribo in July 2015. It’s most recent event was the Totness Creations Festival, in Paramaribo last July. The Festival featured animators and ICT professionals from Suriname and Guyana including members of Guyana Animation Network (GAN).
Be smart – CARICOM ASG advises Guyana, Suriname animators
OAS and PAHO to Cooperate on Implementation of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today signed a declaration of cooperation to support the countries of the Americas in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The declaration signed by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne establishes joint activities primarily focused on equity, social inclusion, and social determinants of health in the region, areas in which both organizations have high interest.
“This marks an unprecedented effort in institutional collaboration related to the development agenda,” affirmed Almagro. He added that, “The OAS and PAHO are called upon to work with member countries to build a new institutional architecture in the inter-American system if we want to achieve truly inclusive development with equity and sustainability.”
The Americas is one of the most inequitable regions of the world and the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes this challenge.
The two inter-American agencies have decided to combine their efforts, experience, and knowledge to provide coordinated support to the member states as they implement the development agenda.
“This joint effort between PAHO and the OAS is a great opportunity to collaborate with the countries in addressing this ambitious development agenda and helping to reduce inequalities and improve health, without leaving anyone behind,” explained Etienne. Other agencies and organizations will be called upon to forge a broader interinstitutional partnership.
The activities to be carried out include the establishment of a High-level Interagency Working Group comprised of representatives of the two organizations to spearhead this joint effort. Its purpose is to improve coordination of institutional activities at the national level, ensure the global SDG process becomes regionalized, and facilitate cooperation and the exchange of best practices among countries so that institutions can be strengthened.
At the Summit for Sustainable Development, held in September 2015, the member states of the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs) aimed at ending poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and coping with climate change.
The new global goals and the Agenda for Sustainable Development go far beyond the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and represent a true multisectoral agenda, which addresses the fundamental causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people.
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being across the life course is one of the goals, and it is directly related to PAHO’s area of work. Democracy, human rights, multidimensional security, and integrated development constitute the four pillars of the OAS agenda that are essential for achieving sustainable development.
CARICOM immensely proud of Member States’ athletes
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, has lauded the exemplary performance of the athletes of CARICOM Member States, stating that the Community was “immensely proud.”
In a congratulatory message to them on the just concluded Rio Olympics, the Secretary-General said the “phenomenal Usain Bolt whose completion of the trio of gold medals for the third consecutive Olympic places him among the pantheon of great Olympians.”
His colleagues, Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade and Yohan Blake assisted in ensuring the third gold medal was well earned in the sprint relay, he added.
The CARICOM Secretary-General commended the significant victories of Elaine Thompson whose triumphs in the women’s 100 and 200 metres were the first in those vents since 1988.
He said Jamaican Omar Mcleod scaled great heights in capturing the 110 metres hurdle crown, a first for Jamaica, while the Bahamian Shaunae Miller completed a sweep of the women’s sprint events for the Community, with her dramatic victory in the 400 metres.“Congratulations are in order for all our medallists and other finalists in this hugely competitive global event. The performance at these Games underlined the tremendous skills and talent that reside in the Community’s youth and demonstrates that we have the capacity to lead the world in any sphere provided that we apply the necessary discipline, commitment and focus,” he concluded.
Please see the full text of the message below.
Particular mention must be made of the phenomenal Mr Usain Bolt whose completion of a trio of gold medals for the third consecutive Olympics places him high among the pantheon of great Olympians. His colleagues, Mr Asafa Powell, Mr Nickel Ashmeade and Mr Yohan Blake assisted in ensuring the third gold medal was well earned in the sprint relay.
Also of special significance were the victories of Ms Elaine Thompson whose triumphs in the women’s 100 and 200 metres were the first in those events since 1988. Their Jamaican compatriot Mr Omar Mcleod scaled great heights in capturing the 110 metres hurdle crown, a first for the country, while the Bahamian Ms Shaunae Miller completed a sweep of the women’s sprint events for the Community, with her dramatic victory in the 400 metres.
Congratulations are in order for all our medallists and other finalists in this hugely competitive global event. The performance at these Games underlined the tremendous skills and talent that reside in the Community’s youth and demonstrates that we have the capacity to lead the world in any sphere provided that we apply the necessary discipline, commitment and focus.
Well done to all our competitors and may you continue to strive to achieve even greater feats.
Virtual Stakeholder Forum on Diaspora Engagement and Remittances
Virtual Stakeholder Forum on Diaspora Engagement and Remittances.
The OECS Commission in collaboration with The ACP-EU Migration Action will be hosting a Virtual Stakeholder Forum on Diaspora Engagement and Remittances.
When: Thursday August 25, 2016 at the Castries Room of the OECS Commission, Morne Fortune. The media is invited to the opening segment from 9:30am- 10:00 am.
Who: Local participants will be present at the OECS Commission with representatives from Member States logging in virtually. The purpose of this forum is for the presentation of Recommendations on Diaspora engagement and Remittances undertaken by the technical expert engaged under the ACP EU Migration Action, Mr. Pedro Marcelino. The forum will also garner feedback from key stakeholders.
CICMC hosts conference on Enhancing the Export Competitiveness of Caribbean Professional Services
CICMC hosts conference on Enhancing the Export Competitiveness of Caribbean Professional Services.
2016 Annual Conference & Training – Call for Attendees.
The Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) will host its 3rd Annual Conference in St. Lucia under the theme: Enhancing the Export Competitiveness of Caribbean Professional Services through Innovation, Quality Standards and Market Access.
From September 7-9th, Management consultants and Professionals from around the region will gather at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Rodney Bay for three (3) exciting days of networking, capacity development, learning and inspiration. The conference will focus on the need for standards, certification and innovation to improve exportability of professional services.
Two days of post Conference training follows on the 8th and 9th September and will feature Angelo Kehayas, Certified Master Coach, International Keynote speaker and Executive trainer with more than 30 years of experience in the professional consulting and coaching industry. Attendees will acquire knowledge and develop skills to better position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities available nationally, regionally and internationally.
The CICMC is a network of individual management consultants and Chapters/Interim Chapters throughout the Caribbean. The Institute’s mandate “To be a professional organization that aggressively mobilizes its membership and enhances their ability to service clients according to global standards of ethical behaviour and excellence,” –aims to foster a greater appreciation of professional services, in particular management consulting, within CARIFORUM and internationally.
Professionals in the service sector particularly Engineers, Lawyers, Architects, Accountants, Bankers, Business Managers, Hoteliers and Consultants are invited to attend. To register for the CICMC 2016 Annual Conference, please visit:https://caribbeancmc.com/2016-cicmc-conference/
Victory over Rick James in the Court
The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda has thrown out a frivolous lawsuit brought by the Free and Fair Election League, challenging the number of Ministers of Government named to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Cabinet.
The suit was brought against Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is the Chairman of Cabinet and the person who selects the Cabinet, and the Attorney General, the official who answers all lawsuits brought against the Government.
The suit alleges that the Prime Minister exceeded his authority under the constitution by appointing 11 elected members of the House of Representatives to the Cabinet; the plaintiff pleaded that these eleven appointments, the Executive arm of Government enjoys supremacy over the Legislative branch.
The Constitution gives the Prime Minister the discretion to select his Cabinet and places no limitations on the number of Ministers that can be selected, the Court concluded. Ministers of Government must, however, be selected from those appointed to the Senate or elected to the Lower House.
The Court also reminded the Plaintiff that the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda consists of the Monarch, a Senate of 17 members, a House of Representatives of 17 members, a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker. The Court also chose to emphasize that “Parliament” refers to the two Houses of Parliament collectively, since all these actors are required in order to make laws. The plaintiff seemed to have been making out that only the House of Representatives comprised “the Parliament.” Members of the Senate, the Court also reminded the Plaintiff, may be chosen for Cabinet positions.
“The claimant has not shown that the defendant has violated…the Constitution,” the Court concluded. The frivolous lawsuit was thrown out.
“I have always regarded this lawsuit as an attempt to distract our attention and to waste the time of the Executive,” the Prime Minister remarked. “My Cabinet is among the smallest that has been selected since 1976, or in 40 years, when the number of constituencies was increased from 10 to 17. The decision to bring this matter before the Court is tainted with the same motive that has seen frivolous lawsuits brought against PARADISE FOUND, and being threatened against other projects,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne concluded. The Prime Minister said that he hopes the plaintiff will not be appealing the High Court decision.
Alzarri Joseph's selection to WI Cricket Team
“On behalf of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I wish to congratulate the young and intelligent Mr. Alzarri Joseph for his selection to the West Indies Cricket Team.”
“Now that the West Indies Team finds itself in serious difficulty, all Antiguans and Barbudans are overjoyed to learn that another outstanding Antigua and Barbuda pace bowler is sought out for his accuracy and wicket-getting skill to help to bring the team to victory,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne remarked.
The Prime Minister was responding to the news that Alzarri Joseph was notified today, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, that he has been drafted to play on the West Indies Team for its second Test Match against India. The first Match was played in Antigua, and the West Indies Team was defeated by 92 runs and one innings, by a superior Indian Team.
Alzarri Joseph is the 17th Antigua and Barbuda cricketer to be selected to play on the West Indies Cricket Team, since Sir Andy Roberts was first selected in 1974, or 42 years ago. Sir Andy Roberts was also valued as a fast bowler on the same team. Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Richie Richardson, valued primarily as batsmen and all-rounders, have both been captains of the team, leading the West Indies Team through a decade of victories that now appear to be the halcyon days of West Indies cricket.
“Alzarri Joseph is a terrific fast bowler who is very accurate in his bowling,” said the Minister of Sports, Honourable Paul Chet Greene. ‘I express MY congratulations to Mr. Alzarri Joseph on his selection and wish him all the best. I am very much pleased with this selection and am certain that Mr. Joseph will perform in the same outstanding way that he has represented Antigua and Barbuda. He is excellent at his craft,” the Minister concluded. The young cricketer leaves for Jamaica almost immediately.
Launch of new USD 5.1 million programme to assess poverty in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, will launch a USD 2.8 million programme that will help its Borrowing Member Countries in the OECS better measure poverty to drive national and regional development.
In addition to OECS countries, the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Programme will support other countries in the Caribbean Region in improving their capacity in poverty measurement through USD 1.38 million in CDB funding.
Wage increase in next pay cheque for Public Officers
Public officers in Grenada will see an increase in their wages reflected in their next pay cheque.
This is because adjustments to salaries for persons entitled to increments come into effect from the end of this month.
Agreement came during a recent meeting with Senior Officials of the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the unions representing Public Sector employees.
Public Officers who are eligible to receive increments, are expected to see an increase in their salary from the 2013 level to the 2016 level, with a further increase in January 2017.
Government also remains committed to making good on the short payment or increment arrears covering 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Sexual Abuse of Minors Must Stop!
One of Belize’s obligations to its children is to protect them from all forms of exploitation, abuse and neglect; particularly that of sexual abuse.
This very statement became alive and profoundly explicit when Belize became the fifth country to ratify the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in May of 1990. That initiative was a bold testament to our country’s recognition of the importance of caring for our children and nurturing them to be responsible and productive citizens.
In this light, Article 19 and 34 of the CRC states that, “Children should be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind and to be free from all forms of sexual abuse”. Keeping this in mind, the recent numerous reports of sexual offenses against children and even infants by the media is more than heart breaking and severely troubling to the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC). Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children and should be given the opportunity to grow and flourish and therefore, NCFC reiterates that sexual abuse of any sort against our children must STOP. Regardless of the status of perpetrators, no one is above the law and that the only consideration is to seek to do what is in the best interest of the child.
In addition, these sexual perpetrators ought to know that any young girl or boy under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to any sexual activities and that any sexual intercourse with these minors can be considered statutory rape. NCFC therefore call on all relevant authorities to properly investigate these alleged sexual cases without any partiality, especially since our children deserve the utmost respect irrespective of who they are.
NCFC also appeals to all parents to be extremely vigilant, especially since sexual acts against minors are becoming quite common lately. As parents we need to be mindful that we are the first line of defense and we are to ensure the safety and protection of our children, as well as provide a safe dwelling place. NCFC therefore urges all parents to report any suspected cases of child abuse. You can call the police hotline at 911 or Human Services at 227-7451. Help us make a difference!
