DOMINICA: Government has signed a contract for the supervision of ongoing works to rehabilitate the Douglas-Charles airport.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Kendall Johnson, signed the contract with La Robe Creole Limited on Monday April 18th.
Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Public Works, Emile Lancelot, detailed the ongoing works and explained the role of the consultancy.
“These works include repairs to the three taxi ways, drainage rehabilitation, runway repairs, repairing the river wall as well as construction of an extension to the sea wall. In addition to this, there are ongoing fencing works at the airport which are in an advanced stage. The consultant is expected to represent the Government on site to ensure that [work] is done in a timely manner and also to ensure that it is done to standards in terms of quality that is expected.”
Government signs contract for supervision of works at Douglas-Charles Airport
Police Band Heading To Oistins Next Week
BARBADOS: Come next Friday, April 29, starting at 7:00 p.m., the Police Band’s Community Outreach Variety Concert series will head to Oistins Bay Garden, Christ Church.
Included in the line-up will be the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, Nikita, Blood, Mikey, Biggie Irie, Eric Lewis, Coopa Dan, The Mighty Grynner, the Christ Church Foundation School and Classic.
All are invited to attend.
theresa.blackman@barbados.gov.bb
Manufacturing Producer Price Index – Jan. 2016
BARBADOS: The Producer Price Index for Manufacturing recorded an increase of 36.5 per cent for January 2016 when compared to the previous month.
According to data produced by the Barbados Statistical Service, increases were recorded in the indices for Beverages by 182.4 per cent; Other Manufacturing by 76.1 per cent; and Petroleum and Chemical Products by 5.7 per cent.
Declines were registered in the indices for Fabricated Metal Products, except Machinery and Equipment, by 1.2 per cent; and Other Non-metallic Mineral Products by 0.5 per cent.
The following price indices remained unchanged from December 2015 to January 2016: Food Products; Wearing Apparel; Printing and Reproduction of Recorded Media; Rubber and Plastics Products and Furniture. Between January 2015 and January 2016, the Producer Price Index increased by 22.7 per cent, from 119.4 to 146.5 points.
The Food Production Sector experienced a decline of 1.1 per cent between January 2015 and January 2016. Decreases in the sub-group indices for sugar by 21.9 per cent, and prepared animal feeds by 8.2 per cent, contributed to the decline.
However, increases were recorded in the sub-group indices for processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs by 6.6 per cent and other food products, not elsewhere classified, by 0.3 per cent.
Beverages increased by 107.8 per cent during the period January 2015 to January 2016. This was due to increases in the sub-group indices for distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits by 139.6 per cent; and soft drinks, production of mineral waters and other bottled waters by 26.6 per cent.
The Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products Sector showed a decline of 17.3 per cent between January 2015 and January 2016. Declines in the sub-group indices for cement, lime and plaster of 37.8 per cent, and articles of concrete, cement and plaster by 0.8 per cent, were recorded during the period. The year-on-year index for Fabricated Metal Products Sector, except machinery and equipment, for January 2016 recorded a decline of 9.9 per cent.
Declines were recorded in the sub-group indices for structural metal products by 14.1 per cent, and forging, pressing, stamping and roll-forming of metal – powder metallurgy – by 11.9 per cent. An increase was recorded in the sub-group index for other fabricated metal products, not elsewhere classified, by 9.9 per cent.
Delegation Led by Commerce Minister Attends American Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
ST. LUCIA: On Saturday April 9th, Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs, Honorable Emma Hippolyte led a delegation of Senior Officials to the Fifth American Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Arizona and California. The Delegation included Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, Executive Director of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) Technical Secretariat and Mrs. Barbara Innocent- Charles, Director of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).
ACE which is organized by the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and Economic Development Administration (EDA) in collaboration with the Organization for American States (OAS) and the US Department of State is currently in its fifth year. The annual event which is included in the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC) Work Plan for 2016-2018 facilitates collaboration on the more than 200 successful experiences that OAS Member States shared in the 2012-2015 Signs of Competitiveness Americas Reports. This year, fifty-one (51) high-level representatives from twenty-four (24) countries around the world including Ministers, key decision makers, Presidents of Competiveness’ Council and key public and private sector officials are among the delegates in attendance.
Speaking on this exchange, Hon. Emma Hippolyte stated:
This was a very important tour. It has been particularly interesting to see how innovation can be used to solve the everyday problems and then translated into economic activities. This was a truly rewarding as we have been able to share experiences and lessons learnt with our colleagues, from the OECS and North and South America as well as those in the global community. I am looking forward to explore the opportunities that will allow us to capitalize on the knowledge and insight gained during the tour. I am very excited about innovation, particularly where our young entrepreneurs are concerned, as this presents a myriad of opportunities for them.
Arizona and California could not be a better place to see innovation and entrepreneurship in action,” says Saint Lucia’s SBDC Director, Barbara Innocent-Charles. “Entrepreneurs,” she continues “are vital to the nation’s growth, but the challenges they face often impact on their competitiveness. Creating an entrepreneurial development ecosystem where they can thrive is therefore a priority. The 5th ACE presents a unique opportunity for the Caribbean Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) participating countries to form partnerships with other SBDCs and agencies around the globe which will be critical to business development and the promotion of a culture of innovative thinking.
Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, Executive Director of the NCPC who was also in attendance stressed on the importance of dialogue and partnerships in the journey towards a more productive and competitive Saint Lucia: “The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship is one of the premier important global forums on competitiveness. As a small island nation, competing in an increasingly globalized environment, exchanges like the ACE are of critical importance. Part of our work at the NCPC is to identify issues related to competitiveness and productivity in St. Lucia as well as to provide recommendations to policy makers, the private sector and other stakeholders. While this visit allowed us to explore global and regional partnerships and economic development opportunities, what is even more critical is that we had a first-hand look at global best practices. In order for us to make improvements, dialogue is essential. The lessons learned from our regional and international counterparts will offer some great insight on what may work in a Saint Lucian context.”
Together with the other global senior officials, the Saint Lucian delegation toured advanced technology centers, innovation hubs, public-private partnership ventures, and strategic investments in Arizona and California. This exchange was particularly timely in light of the work being done on a national level by the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Commerce, Small Business Development Centre, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council in the improvement of the business environment and enhancement of competitiveness. Some of these initiatives include the establishment of the Commercial Division of the High Court, development of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Framework and the ongoing work to improve business relations through the Ease of Doing Business Task Force.
Trade Ministry meets with export stakeholders to develop National Export Strategy
TRINIDAD: April 19, 2016: Officials of the Trade Directorate of the Ministry of Trade and Industry facilitated a National Export Strategy (NES) Stakeholder
Validation Session on Tuesday 19 April, 2016 with stakeholders representing the private sector, Government Ministries, Trade-Related Institutions, State Agencies and Academia. The session provided the opportunity for stakeholders to validate the information captured during the on-going consultation process and created a platform for brainstorming, dialogue and idea exchange on issues facing exporters.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry in addressing the participants stated ‘this export strategy session is very important … because of the heightened importance that Trinidad and Tobago exports now take especially in the face of the economic environment … we need to redirect our attention to other sectors, including manufacturing, which has the potential to increase revenues … so we need to ramp up activities in terms of our exports’.
The main objective of the National Export Strategy (NES) is to enhance Trinidad and Tobago’s international competitiveness and to develop and grow its services and non-energy export sectors to become more diversified and productive. Consultations towards the development of the national export strategy are on-going, as the Ministry will again engage the private sector within the coming weeks.
Ministry of Planning's Permanent Secretary meets with the Caribbean Development Bank
TRINIDAD: April 19, 2016: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Development, Mrs. Joanne Deoraj met with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
This meeting between the Permanent Secretary and the CDB was held on Tuesday April 19 at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, Port-of-Spain.
The inaugural meeting of the Bank addressed the first phase of a Country Strategy Paper for Trinidad and Tobago. During the meeting the Bank gained greater insight into how they could assist both technically and financially in Trinidad and Tobago’s development.
Some of the development priorities explored in the meeting were; governance and institutional strengthening, innovation and diversification of the economy, gender issues, community development, citizen security, the nation’s commitment to the environment with regards to climate change and renewable energy, agriculture and waste water management, among other areas. The Bank will conduct one week of explanatory meetings, intending to identify priorities for Tobago during their visit.
Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the CDB and as such the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development is a member of the Regional Board of Directors. Whilst the Minister of Planning and Development serves as Governor of the Bank. The CDB is scheduled to meet with other key persons and Ministries to further explore the development priorities of the nation.
Over 3,500 To Take 11-Plus Exam
BARBADOS: Three thousand, five hundred and twenty-five students will write this year’s Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE) on Tuesday, May 3.
According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, this figure comprises 1,784 males and 1,741 females, who are registered to write the examination at 22 secondary schools across the island.
This year, 13 students will write the examination at an early age (that is at 10+).
The Ministry has also reported that 109 students have made requests to be deferred from writing the BSSEE until 2017. This figure comprises 95 registered students in Class 3 and 14 from Class 4.
Forty-eight students have been granted exemptions. Additionally, there were 111 special requests made by students, primarily for extra time, enlarged print and breaks for snack. However, of these, 85 were granted permission.
The BSSEE, usually referred to as the Common Entrance Examination or the 11 Plus, will also be taken by 148 non-nationals. These students have satisfied the immigration requirements.
joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb
Passing Of CARICOM Reparations Baton
BARBADOS: The Reparations Baton began its regional journey last Saturday when it was passed from Barbados to Guyana by Chairman of Barbados’ Task Force on Reparations, Professor Dr. Pedro Welch.
The baton was received by Acting Consul General for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Barbados, Monique Jackman, at the start of the island’s 50th Anniversary of Independence national production From Bussa to Barrow and Beyond, at the historic Golden Grove Plantation, St. Philip.
This is an initiative by the Regional CARICOM Reparations Commission to actively send the reparations message around the region, through public education and other initiatives focused on the youth.
Commenting on the passing of the baton on Saturday, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, who is also Chairman of the CARICOM Sub-Committee on Reparations, said: “For Barbados, the 1816 Bussa Rebellion was a prominent uprising whose bicentenary helps us to recognise its effect in shaping the future of this small island developing state.
“Barbados has recommitted itself to the call for reparations on this occasion as a mark of respect for our ancestors who struggled for reparatory justice. To mark this event, Barbados has the distinct honour of leading off the symbolic passing of the reparations baton to Guyana as a show of CARICOM solidarity for the cause of reparations.”
While the Barbados Task Force on Reparations was officially launched on October 12, 2012, the Caribbean Reparations Commission was formed by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2013. The Commission is headed by Chairman Sir Hilary Beckles, and there are now several national reparations committees throughout the region.
The establishment of the Barbados Task Force may be seen, partly, as a contemporary initiative but also as the culmination of a centuries old battle for justice and equity.
At the Oshe Emeka Awards Ceremony last Friday night, Prime Minister Stuart spoke extensively on the reparations discussions that are necessary in Barbados and the region.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb
Youth Urged To Study Cultural Industries Act
BARBADOS: Young persons interested in the opportunities available in the cultural industries sector have been urged to familiarise themselves with the legislation governing the sector.
Culture Minister, Stephen Lashley, gave this advice this morning, while addressing the launch of the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Youth Achieving Results (YAR) 2016 programme, at the 3 W’s Oval, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The Minister said when he spoke to young people about how they could get involved in the cultural industries sector, sometimes the impression was given that they were not clear on what it entailed.
Stressing that in order to understand the sector persons must review the legislation, the Minister encouraged the YAR participants to go online and get familiar with the Cultural Industries Development Act.
“I say that because unless you understand the principles underpinning that legislation, you would not as rapidly … get your footing in that particular niche area of the cultural industries sector that could really make a difference for you,” he contended. Mr. Lashley pointed to Rihanna as an example of the kind of economic growth Barbados could get out of the cultural industries sector.
“Many years ago, I don’t think that many people imagined that we could create an artiste such as Rihanna who would now be more popular than Michael Jackson, for example, and certainly earning perhaps the highest level of income when we compare some of the big names in entertainment across the world. And, I believe there are many Barbadians who are still not fully on board in terms of where this sector can go,” he remarked.
The Minister also cited the group Cover Drive, which was touring across the United States and making a significant impact on young people. “These are all young entrepreneurs who are making an indelible print on the world stage. They are demonstrating that through discipline, and through proper connections, that they are committed to staying the course. They have all demonstrated that it can happen…,” he said.
theresa.blackman@barbados.gov.bb
Events For 'International Girls In ICT Day'
BARBADOS: To mark International Girls in ICT Day 2016, the Division of Telecommunications is hosting an exhibition and careers showcase for schoolgirls on Wednesday, April 27.
The exhibition, which targets Class Three primary school students, aged nine and ten, will be held at the Barbados Workers’ Union Labour College, Mangrove, St. Philip, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
The careers showcase, for secondary school students, will be held at the Christ Church Foundation School from noon to 5:00 p.m. It will feature a variety of booths set up by companies, organisations and individuals who work in the ICT sector. Later in the evening, there will be a social event at which women who work in the sector will interact with students and share their knowledge and experiences.
International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union, which aims to raise awareness among girls and young women about opportunities for study and careers in the ICT sector. It was first observed in 2011, and since then more than 3,500 events have been held in 140 countries.
joycspring@gmail.com
