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CDB delegation completes official visit to Saint Lucia

Prime Minister, Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, cabinet ministers and senior officials from the Government of Saint Lucia meet with Dr. William Warren Smith, President, CDB and the Bank’s delegation at the Ministry of Finance in Castries on July 13, 2016.

Dr. William Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), led a CDB delegation to Saint Lucia for a meeting on Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

During the meeting, held at the conference centre of the Ministry of Finance in Castries, Dr. Smith and the CDB delegation met with Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
The objective of the visit was to reaffirm CDB’s commitment to Saint Lucia and to offer assistance in support of national development goals.
The meeting presented an opportunity for CDB to update the Prime Minister on the Bank’s assistance programme. The meeting also reviewed the Government’s main objectives and priorities, and how CDB can best support such priorities through its financing for social and economic development.
Saint Lucia is one of the original members of CDB, having joined in 1970. The Bank has a long track record of engagement with the country and is currently the country’s largest external creditor. CDB funding in Saint Lucia has been used for social and economic infrastructure. Projects funded include schools and health centres, more disaster-resistant structures, community skills training, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

CARICOM and ILO Sign Significant MOU

CARICAOM-ILO

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is closer to setting up a labour market information system for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRoque, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in June. The MOU allows CARICOM Member States to utilise ‘.Stat’, a software tool, for the facilitation of labour market analysis and other related functions. The MOU was signed at the CARICOM Secretariat’s headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.
‘.Stat’ was developed by a community of experts under the leadership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ILO, which is a member of the .Stat community, presented the software at a regional consultation hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat in October 2015. This was attended by representatives of Ministries of Labour, Statistics departments and Social Security agencies from the Member States. Coming out of subsequent meetings with Member States, it was agreed that this software tool was appropriate to facilitate the setting up of a CARICOM Labour Market Information System (LMIS). Apart from facilitating labour market analysis, the software tool allows for the monitoring and reporting on policies as well as information sharing and coordination.
This MOU is critical in achieving the objectives of a major project under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) to establish a regional LMIS for the CSME.

Health Advisory for the 2016 Carnival Season

Health Advisory for the Carnival Season

Ministry of Health provides a Health Advisory for the 2016 Carnival Season


The Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising carnival patrons and the
general public to be safe and secure during this carnival season. The
advisory comes from Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George.
She cautions against excessive drinking, exposure to the sun, unsafe sexual
practices and reminds the public to use mosquito repellent to prevent the
spread of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses.
“For persons who will be on the road for extended periods of time, we are
advising that persons keep well hydrated. We don’t want persons getting
sick and dehydrated while they enjoy the festive season. So we would like
to ensure that they keep drinking and water is the best drink to prevent
dehydration.”
Dr. George also encouraged the use of sunblock to protect the skin against
prolonged exposure to the sun and advised that young children should also
be kept well hydrated with water as opposed to carbonated drinks and kept
out of the direct sunlight for long periods of time. She noted that the
onset of rainy season also brings with it an increase in vector borne
diseases and advised carnival patrons and the general public to keep
safeguarding themselves.
“During the carnival time most people have a lot of skin exposed, so you’re
at risk to bites from the Aedes agypti mosquito. A lot of the evening
activities are in outdoor open air facilities, so we are requesting as part
of your carnival park to ensure you have mosquito and insect repellent
available and you apply it regularly to reduce the chances of contracting
from Dengue Fever to Chikungunya to even the Zika Virus as well.”
Drinking and driving is another major issue during the carnival season. The
Medical Officer said the Accident and Emergency Departments of the
hospitals see an increase in both minor and major injuries during this
period.
“We are asking persons to please do not drink so that you are not vigilant
to be able to take the necessary precautionary measures. If you are going
to drink do so in moderation and not excessive that you don’t end up being
a danger to yourself and to other persons. We are also asking persons to
look out for your friends. If you notice your friend is drinking
excessively indicate that you will drive them home.”
Dr. George also noted an increase in sexually transmitted diseases during
the carnival season and advises against unsafe sexual habits and practices.
“We want persons to have fun but also to keep healthy. We make condoms
available at our healthcare facilities and we know that most of the
carnival bands provide condoms as part of the carnival pack. So keep
yourself safe, keep your family safe as well during this season . We wish
people a safe carnival but please take the necessary precautions to reduce
the possible impact on your health after the carnival season.”
 

Coconut Production Technology Training

Coconut Production Technology Training

The Ministry of Agriculture is hosting a one-day workshop today on Coconut Production Technology at the George Price Center in Belmopan.

 The objective of the workshop is to train farmers in good agricultural practices and integrated pest management in coconut production.  
The main stakeholders participating at this workshop are coconut producers, investors, Extension Officers and technical personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture.  Facilitators for the workshop are Dr. Campton Paul and Dr. Evans Ramikhelawan from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).
The workshop is being funded by the European Union (EU) through the Coconut Development Project for the Caribbean.  The implementing agencies are the International Trade Center (ITC) and CARDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.  
It is expected that coconut producers will adopt improved agricultural practices and better control pests thus enabling them to increase production, productivity and quality.
Coconut Production Technology Training
Coconut Production Technology Training

Forest Department’s 2nd Annual Savannah Summer Camp

Summer Camp

The Forest Department is hosting its 2 nd Annual Savannah Summer Camp at the Savannah Forest Station in Independence Village from July 25th to 29th, 2016.

The summer camp aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation for the importance of Belize’s key biodiversity areas and sustainable forest management initiatives.
The Savannah Summer Camp 2016 is being held under the theme: “Changing Young Minds for a Greener Future. This year, more than 80 youngsters, ages six to twelve years, will participate in forest adventure group activities and will be guided by more than 20 team leaders representing the Forest Department, Community Based Organizations and local schools. Each adventure group will be involved in daily learning exercises that will help them to build community spirit, understand the value of sustainable forest management, and engage in hands-on activities that will demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of our forest resources.
At the end of the summer camp, the participants will receive their Forest Adventure Certificate and be initiated as Junior Forest Guardians. The camp is being made possible through assistance from partners in the Non Governmental Organization and business community. The event promises to be an enjoyable learning experience! For more information please contact the Forest Department (FD) at 822-1524 or Savannah Forest Station at 533-3014.

Energy Resilience and Climate Adaptation Project

Energy Resilience

The Government of Belize to receive funding from the World Bank to aid the Energy Resilience and Climate Adaptation Project.

The Government of Belize under the leadership of Minister of State in the Ministry of the Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities Hon. Frank Mena and CEO in the Ministry Dr. Peter Allen; along with the Energy Director Mr. Ambrose Tillett, completed negotiation with the World Bank which agreed to provide funding for the Energy Resilience and Climate Adaptation Project (ERCAP).
An integral component of Belize’s national development agenda is to develop strong sustainable energy policies and programmes that underpin the national economy. It is for this reason that since its formation in 2012, the Energy Unit of the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities has been working towards integrating energy in national development planning and decision making to catalyze sustainable development in Belize.
This sustainable energy roadmap has five (5) pillars:

  1.     Energy Efficiency  – mainstreaming rational energy to end-use
  2.     Renewable Energy – diversifying electricity and heat
  3. Clean Production – industrialization of the agro forestry cluster
  4. Governance – strengthening national capacity for sustainable energy
  5.      Infrastructure & Access – building resiliency and achieving universal access to modern energy carriers.

In 2014, the World Bank and the officials from the Ministry of Energy initiated discussions on a programme of support for the purpose of making the energy systems in Belize more resilient and adoptive to climate change. In order to implement the project the Government of Belize has been collaborating with the Belize Electricity Limited and the National Meteorological Service in the planning and preparation of the ERCAP.
All eyes are on Belize as the leading country in building Energy Resilience for Climate Adaptation in Central America and the Caribbean.
 

Third Trade Policy Review of Belize by the World Trade Organization

WTO

The Directorate General for Foreign Trade invites you to attend the following:
Event: Third Trade Policy Review of Belize by the World Trade Organization
Date:  Monday, 18th July, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where:  Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City

Potential Loss Of Depositors’ Savings To High Bank Fees

ECCB

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, is concerned over the potential loss of depositors’ savings as a result of high bank fees and charges.

Speaking on the Central Bank’s podcast, ECCB Connects, on 25th May 2016, Governor Antoine explained how that could happen.
The issue of increasing bank fees has been discussed at the highest levels in the region but was thrust into the forefront recently when the Royal Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries announced a $25 monthly charge on personal accounts. Customers in St. Vincent responded by pulling their monies out of the banks in protest.
Governor Antoine said that high commercial bank fees could leave depositors feeling that they are being pushed out of the banking system. He advised persons to weigh their banking options carefully when deciding where to take their business.

Third trade policy review of Belize

WTO

The Directorate General for Foreign Trade is pleased to announce the commencement of the Third Trade Policy Review of Belize by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was introduced into the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1989 following the mid-term review of the Uruguay Round. The Mechanism was confirmed as an integral part of the WTO in Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization. The stated objective of the TPRM is to contribute to the improved adherence by all Members to the rules, disciplines and commitments made under the Multilateral Trade Agreements and to the smoother functioning of the multilateral trading system, by achieving greater transparency and understanding of trade policies and practices of members.
The frequency of review of a Member is related to its weight in the multilateral trading system, as defined by the Member’s share of world trade in goods and services. On this basis, Belize falls under the six year cycle. As the second trade policy review was successfully completed in 2010, Belize is preparing for its third review scheduled to conclude in April of 2017.
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade will host Representatives of the WTO from the 18th – 20th July, 2016. The opening session of this WTO mission will be held on Monday 18th July, 2016 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City at 10: 00 am. This session will feature a WTO led presentation on the TPRM process for Chief Executive Officers and other personnel from relevant Ministries, quasi-governmental and private sector organizations. Honourable Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton will be delivering the keynote speech at the session.

CXC meets with employers and public sector

CXC

The Caribbean Examination Council in collaboration with the Local Registrar held a one day stakeholder consultation at the Public Service Union Building with employers and the public sector on Wednesday, July 6th.

The aim of the consultation was to provide an overview of the programmes offered by CXC.
Lenroy Cumberbatch. CXC Registrar, says, “CSEC and its forerunners like O Levels an were qualifications not designed for work but for university entry.”
Also discussed was the Caribbean Vocational Qualification Program.
“The cvq is a work-related qualification; it is matched very closely to what is required in the workplace. The CVQ competences are developed by the lead persons. So if you are a horticulturalist, you would be invited to explain the necessary requirements for a person who wishes to work with you. Once you share those, they are written in units and developed into a CVQ.”
This year for the first time, Dominica will be sending students to be qualified in commercial food preparation, garment manufacturing and crop production.
Cumberbatch noted that new subjects have been introduced for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
He named entrepreneurship as a newly-added subject.
The examinations are normally written by candidates who have completed one or two years of post-secondary level education.
He said, “These subjects were introduced since a number of students who do CAPE don’t necessarily go on to university and instead go to work. We tried to develop programmes that would help them got o work not only as employees but to create their own employment.”

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