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CARICOM’s strategic relationships critical in changing global environment: SG

CARICOM

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)     The critical importance of CARICOM maintaining traditional relationships and building new ones was underscored by Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque as he addressed CARICOM Foreign Ministers who are gathered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the 19th Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR).

In a rapidly changing global environment, the need was critical for CARICOM to reinforce engagements such as those recently held with the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America, and that which will be advanced with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden and the Kingdom of the Netherlands during this Meeting of COFCOR, the Secretary-General noted.
Ambassador LaRocque said that the 9th UK-Caribbean Forum which took place in The Bahamas 10 days ago, confirmed the UK’s renewal of interest UK by increasing its development support to the Caribbean over the next four (4) years.  More than £360 million in grant-finance will be allocated to the Region in bilateral programme support, including for infrastructure development for eligible countries.
The Secretary-General said the opportunity was maximised to inform the UK that the de-risking strategies being adopted by certain international banks, which have resulted in the withdrawal of correspondent banking services from banks in the Community, threaten dire consequences for the economic viability of CARICOM Member States.
He added that the UK was also made aware that the constant unfair labelling of the Region’s offshore financial services sector as non-cooperating tax jurisdictions, which has increased since the revelations of the so-called Panama Papers, has had an adverse impact on that critical sector of CARICOM’s economies.
“The issue of graduation of our Member States due to classification as Middle Income Countries, which has made it difficult to access concessionary development financing, was exemplified by the criteria used by the UK in the planned disbursement of the grant financing which they are providing,” the Secretary-General said.
Those three issues, along with security, were also discussed last week with another traditional partner, the United States, at meetings in Washington, he informed.
“Energy security has been playing an important role of late in the Region’s relations with the US. This issue has taken on a new dynamism since the April 2015 Summit with President Obama. During the United States-Caribbean and Central American Energy Summit last week in Washington D.C., leaders of the Community engaged with the US Vice-President and representatives of regional and international institutions on energy related issues.  At the conclusion of the Summit, the US Government reaffirmed its commitment to support the Caribbean’s transformation of its energy systems, an area in which the Community has been making significant efforts,” the Secretary-General said.
Noting that the year 2016 was one in which the Community must continue the momentum established in 2015, he said the move towards normalisation of relations between the US and Cuba, which was the focus of a Minister’s retreat on Monday, represented a welcome development in hemispheric relations.
The Secretary-General noted the increased visibility the Community has earned at the regional and international levels by providing leaders to two important bodies for CARICOM, namely Baroness Patricia Scotland as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and Ambassador June Soomer, as the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. They join Ambassador Patrick Gomes, who assumed the post of Secretary-General of the ACP in 2015, and Dr Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, who took up her post in 2013.
In his remarks, Secretary-General LaRocque offered commendations to Barbados and Guyana, as they celebrated 50 years of Independence. In congratulating them on this milestone, he said it must be recalled that these two countries “pioneered the idea of joint diplomatic representation, with one High Commissioner serving both countries in London in the months after Independence.”
He told the Foreign Ministers that such an example of co-ordination should be an inspiration as they engaged on a diverse range of topics, in seeking to advance CARICOM’s strategic interests and the general development of “our beloved Community.”

Government Announces Limited Access to Sarstoon

Sarstoon River Belize
Courtsey Google Maps

Belmopan. May 9, 2016.    The Government of Belize (GOB) rejects the demand made by the People’s United Party for the immediate rescission of the Sarstoon Prohibition Regulation.

At the time of passage Government gave two rationales for the Regulation. One was to avoid the possibility of any harm coming to Belizeans going to the Sarstoon in organized numbers to make a political point, given that tensions had reached a fever pitch with Guatemala. The latter’s armed forces, especially its navy at the Sarstoon, were on a declared hair-trigger mobilization.
The second reason for GOB’s position was to allow an opportunity for Belizean diplomacy to work. We felt confident that Guatemala would be obliged, under the confidence building measures, to change its stance and negotiate with us over the Sarstoon on the basis of respect for our rights.
We believe that we have now obtained objective 2, and we expect formal bilateral negotiations, in which we invite the Opposition to participate as equal partners, to start shortly.
As a result, we also believe that the military tensions regarding the Sarstoon are no longer as explosive as they were when we passed the Regulation. But until the negotiations actually begin, we are not comfortable enough to conclude that all danger has been eliminated regarding large-scale, civilian political expeditions to the Sarstoon.
We are satisfied, though, that in view of the progress already made we can operationalize the stance we took at the press conference on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Therefore, all non-political, legitimate Belizean civilian traffic into the restricted area will immediately be given lawful authority, under the Regulation, to proceed. The only requirement for this is that they check in at our Sarstoon Forward Operating Base (FOB) so that our military can confirm the legitimate nature of their use of the river.
GOB notes that the BDF not only remains permanently at the Sarstoon FOB, but continues to go upriver to effectuate the rotation at Cadenas, as was done last Tuesday.
We also make clear that while there will be no immediate rescission of the Regulation, we do reserve the right to repeal it before it expires if no sufficient further progress is made with the bilateral Belize/Guatemala diplomatic engagement.

Trade and Industry Minister tours ‘Tobago Good Foods’ Project

Tobago Good Foods Project

May 9, 2016:  Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry visited successful projects of the ‘Tobago Good Foods Project’ on May 6, 2016, from Carnbee Gardens to Charlotteville Estates, including Adventure Eco Villas; The Villas of Stonehaven, and the site of DMV Farms.

At a media briefing, the Trade Minister noted that ‘this project is a fascinating one; it certainly epitomizes what you can do with little.  Coming out of this is a satisfaction of local markets and the earning of foreign exchange through the export of these products.  The Ministry will continue to partner with the Tobago House of Assembly.  I am really pleased with the collaboration, we are working well together.  The products that are produced here are of a quality that the market is the rest of the world’.  Senator Gopee-Scoon also outlined the various products and improved services that the Project’s beneficiaries are now offering, including herbs and spices, processed fruit jams and jellies, goat milk, permaculture, among others.
Assemblyman Joel Jack, Secretary for Finance and Enterprise Development echoed the Minister’s statement on collaboration, stating ‘once this sector is developed it can contribute to the island’s GDP … more importantly given the current economic climate and challenges facing the nation, this project has merit as we work together.  All towards ensuring that we have a very thriving export driven private sector.  The Assembly will continue to support a number of these projects to ensure their viability and their long term success.  If these projects succeed, Tobago succeeds and we succeed as a whole.  I want to encourage the producers to seize the opportunity.  I am further heartened and enthused by the possibilities of Tobago’s products for export’.
Also addressing the media were Assemblyman Godwin Adams, Secretary for Agriculture, Marine Affairs and the Environment and Mr. Gabrielle de Gaetano, Director-Tobago Affairs, European Business Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago.
On display at the Media Briefing were products by Glorious Farms – who grows about 100 types of seasonings, Foragers’ Finest Honey and Hampden Honey.
The touring delegation, led by Mr. Gabrielle de Gaetano, included Assemblyman Joel Jack, Secretary for Finance and Enterprise Development; Assemblyman Godwin Adams, Secretary for Agriculture, Marine Affair and the Environment; Ms. Karlene Roach, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), MTI; Mrs. Yolande Agard-Simmons, Manager, Corporate Communications, MTI; Mr. Ramzan Hosein, Projects Administrative/Financial Manager, MTI; and Mr. Michael Gordon, Manager – Enterprise Development, Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development.
The Tobago Good Foods Project of the European Business Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago (EUROCHAMTT), promotes food from producers that practice good agricultural and processing practices that respect the environment and promote community and sustainable development, and is financed with a contribution from the Enabling Competitive Business Strategy (ECB Strategy), a programme of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development.  The ECB Strategy is the focal point for financial support of the European Union.  The main purpose of this project is to facilitate the expansion and upgrade of groups of producers and agro processors in Tobago who practice sustainable and natural agriculture consistent with eco labels.

Grace system water interruption

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc.

(WASCO) wishes to notify its customers off the GRACE SYSTEM of a water supply interruption due to routine maintenance work at the intake.
Please note that the supply will be interrupted from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from the Tuesday, 17th – Thursday, 19th May, 2016.
As a  result the following areas will be affected:
· Cedar Heights
· St Judes Hwy
· Industrial Estate
· Laborie
· Grace
· La Ressource
· Augier
· Pomme
· Cantonement
· Hope Estate
· La Retraite
· Black Bay
· Banse
· Majomel
Customers are asked to store an adequate amount of water for use, during the duration of the interruption.
WASCO apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

Social Development Ministry recognioses administrative staff

Administrative Professionals
Some of the Administrative Professionals pose for a photo at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ 2016 Administrative Professionals celebration. (Photo courtesy the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services)

May 9, 2016: Administrative Professionals at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services took some time off to “Reflect and Reset” on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at a celebration which was held in their honour at the Couva Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Over one hundred Clerk Typists, Clerk Stenographers and Business Operations Assistants gathered at the chosen venue from 9:00 a.m. for a day designated to help them reflect on both their personal and professional growth and in celebration of their advancements in the administrative field.
The day started with a welcome address from Deputy Permanent Secretary Haimdath Ramoutar who also gave personal and professional accounts on how Administrative Professionals had impacted on the work of the Ministry. Following this a presentation entitled: “Image and Business Attire for the Modern Day Women on a Dime” was made by Catherine Gordon of Catherine Gordon’s Institute of Finishing Elements. Next on the agenda was a very timely and informative presentation from the National Financial Literacy Programme of the Central Bank which was delivered by Ms Camille Ramdial.
She encouraged all those present to “Think global, be open to an alternative source of income.”
After lunch, the Administrative Professionals were treated to a Spa experience courtesy YTEPP where manicure, pedicures and facials were completed on spot.  There was also the opportunity to take a portrait and group photo at the event. The day’s event ended with a Serenade to the Administrative professionals by singing policeman – Dexter Theophille, who had the audience singing and dancing along to the various genres which he presented. The day ended at 3:00 p.m., with participants describing the day as informative, relaxing and entertaining.

Camille Ramdial
Ms Camille Ramdial of the National Financial Literacy Programme of the Central Bank gesticulates to attendees during the Ministry’s Administrative Professionals celebration.

Barbados' Blacklisting "Unfair And Unwarranted"

Freundel Stuart shaking hands with Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador Mikael Barfod
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart shaking hands with Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador Mikael Barfod following the unveiling a plaque commemorating 40 years of cooperation between Barbados and the European Union. (B.Hinds/BGIS

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has described as “unfair and unwarranted”, the European Commission’s 2015 blacklisting of a number of countries, including Barbados, as uncooperative tax jurisdictions.

While delivering remarks today at the Delegation of the European Union at Hastings, Christ Church, at the Commemorative Ceremony for Europe Day 2016 and the 40th Anniversary of the European Delegation’s presence here, Mr. Stuart said Barbados was surprised at the backlisting.
The Prime Minister told his audience: “There are reports that in the wake of the so-called Panama Papers, the prospect of another list looms. I trust that this will not materialise and that the European Union has by now recognised that the financial services sector is a vital element of the economies of a number of Caribbean countries, touching their very existence.
“Harm to that sector unleashes a sequel of negative economic and social impacts on our development efforts which cannot easily be repaired, and which undermine legitimate initiatives at alternative options for development to replace those of old.”
He said the European Union had aided the development of Barbados and the region through a number of measures. He pointed out that the focus in the initial stages of the relationship was on sugar and then rum, but the attention was now directed at new areas, such as that of renewable energy.
He noted that Barbados aspires to become a green economy and a large part of this change would involve moving away from expensive fossil fuels. Under the 11th European Development Fund, he stated, Barbados benefits from a EUR 3.5 million allocation which would focus on the energy sector and, more specifically, on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“These funds will surely help us to move to this new phase of Barbados’ existence and towards our stated goal of making Barbados an advanced green economy,” he stressed.
Mr. Stuart thanked the European Union for its valuable partnership in the area of disaster management, saying the donated funds assisted recovery efforts in countries affected by natural disasters.
Noting that some countries of the EU had experienced terrorist attacks, he said Barbados stood in solidarity with the EU and its efforts to combat and eliminate this scourge which had invaded their region and threatened the security of all.
“Let me place on record an acknowledgement of the European Union’s unwavering commitment and substantial assistance in helping us in the region to address our own crime and security issues,” Mr. Stuart added.
Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Mikael Barfod, said over the past four decades the EU had provided close to 200 million Euros in assistance to Barbados and just over EUR 3 billion regionally.
Mr. Barfod noted that official development assistance could act as a catalyst to unlock loan finance for sustainable development, with the goal of promoting private investments. “For this purpose, new instruments such as blending, debt and equity investments and other forms of innovative financing have been invented and are being used.
“In this context, let me also take this opportunity to announce that within the next half a year, an office of the European Investment Bank, with its large loan portfolio, will be opened here in Barbados to help facilitate some of these objectives,” he stated.
Ambassador Barfod pointed out that many human rights issues existed within the EU and the Caribbean and suggested that they should fight human rights matters together.

OECS forum on Geothermal Energy

Sulphur Springs - Saint Lucia

Geothermal energy has emerged as a priority within the Eastern Caribbean States.

The Caribbean Community Secretariat and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission are partnering with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to jointly host a Regional Geothermal Forum under the theme “Opportunities and Synergies for Collaboration.”
The three-day forum will be held in Basseterre from May 10 – 12.
Geothermal energy through scientific evidence, has emerged as a priority within the Eastern Caribbean States namely Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The forum comes at a period of increased interest and activity with respect to geothermal energy development within the CARICOM region.
The meeting, which organizers welcome as timely, will be attended by officials from relevant ministries and government agencies engaged in the development of geothermal projects within the resource-rich countries of the OECS.
Representatives of multilateral institutions, international development partners and international financing institutions, as well as private sector developers and investors, will also be present.

PM Meets With BP In London

Prime Minister Keith Rowley meets BP
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley greets British Petroleum (BP) Regional President Mr Norman Christie (Photo Courtesy The Office of the Prime Minister)

May 9, 2016: As the twelve day overseas trip of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation led by Prime Minister Rowley continues, the team met today (Saturday 7th May, 2016) with British Petroleum (BP).

 

PM Rowley and Bob Dudley
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley greets Chief Executive Officer of British Petroleum (BP) Mr Bob Dudley

The meeting was held at the BP headquarters located at St James’ Square London.
Accompanying Prime Minister Rowley were Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young and Professor Ken Julien while BP was represented by Group Chief Executive Officer of British Petroleum Mr Bob Dudley and Regional President Mr Norman Christie.
The Trinidad and Tobago delegation leaves London tomorrow (Sunday 8th May, 2016) for Ghana where they will be joined by members of Trinidad and Tobago’s business community.
 

Business Community join the Prime Minister's Delegation in Ghana

Keith Rowley in Ghana
Prime Minister greets his delegation, along with members of the Trinidad and Tobago business community in Accra, Ghana. Please follow link to footage of the Prime Minister’s arrival in Ghana (Photo Courtesy The Office of the Prime Minister)

Representatives of T&T’s Business Community join the Prime Minister’s Delegation in Ghana

May 9, 2016: Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley and the members of the Government delegation arrived in Accra, Ghana today (Sunday 8th May) 2016 after traveling from London.

Various members of Trinidad and Tobago’s business community have joined the delegation for three days of meetings and activities, with a view to exploring and strengthening mutually beneficial economic ties.

Immediately upon arrival at the hotel in Ghana, Prime Minister Rowley called a meeting of the expanded delegation to brief them on the programme for the coming days. The programme of activities will start tomorrow with a meeting between Prime Minister Rowley and  President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

HRWise celebrates its second anniversary

HRWise

Castries, 5 May, 2016 – HRWise, is pleased to be celebrating its 2nd anniversary this month.

As St. Lucia’s first full service Human Resource Management company, HRWise was established in May 2014, by Managing Director, Ms. Goretti Paul.  She decided to venture into entrepreneurship by creating a business that could help local and regional companies realize the true potential of their workforce.
The area of Human Resource Management is often overlooked, but is a key success factor for any business that wants to remain competitive. Over the past 2 years, HRWise under Paul’s leadership has partnered with many satisfied clients to address the HR related challenges being experienced by their businesses. “We would like to thank our clients for providing us the opportunity to serve them and look forward to continuing our current partnerships, and creating many new ones in the years to come” said Ms. Paul.
As a responsible corporate citizen, HRWise is also passionate about addressing employment related issues among the youth and will be launching one of it’s contributions to Saint Lucia’s social transformation soon.
“The best is yet to come!” These are the words of an enthusiastic Goretti Paul, as she hints at the direction of HRWise, which continues to make its name in Saint Lucia and the region.

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