TOBAGO: April 18, 2016:- 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. With the aim of having more natural and high quality specialty foods for the tourism sector (hotels, restaurants, gift shops in Tobago which earn foreign exchange).
The project has derived benefits for both the agricultural producers and for the tourism sector as a whole. For Producers – access to expertise in specialised areas; access to specialised tools and equipment which provide a demonstrative impact on how to improve productivity; access to new markets. For Tobago – more natural and innovative products available; contribution to the brand of Tobago as green and natural, and now associated with more organic foods; and new agro-tourism tours introduced. Workshops were hosted in the areas of Opportunities for Dairy Goat Farming in Tobago; Cocoa and Coconut Rehabilitation in Tobago; Sustainable Agriculture and Eco Labels (Permaculture, Organic, SLOW FOODS, BIO, Fairtrade); Dehydration of local fruit; Organic Certification – Gaining Access to International Markets for Locally Produced Organic Food Through Certification; Training for Experienced Beekeepers – Queen Bee Rearing – Grafting.
Beneficiaries of the Project included Orange Hill Nature Ranch, Farm Mapp, DKM Farming, Footprints Eco Resort and Spa, Audrey’s Garden Centre, Paradise Island Products, Adventure Eco Villas, Glorious Farms, Charlotteville Estates Ltd, Blue Haven Hotel, The Villas at Stonehaven, Black Rock, Audrey Garden Centre, Glorious Farms, among others.
Photo Caption: Paradise Products Limited: Carnbee Gardens is an agricultural park that sits on four and a half acres and comprises over 200 fruit trees and plants including several varieties of mango, citrus, banana, guava, coconut and exotic and rarely seen fruit trees. The park also features a hydroponics section where herbs and vegetables are grown and a small, processing centre which produces a variety of healthy, fruit products for the hotel, restaurant, retail and bakery sectors as well as walk in customers
Promoting ‘good food’ … the Tobago Good Foods Project
Launch of the PROCOM Challenge
ST. LUCIA: Innovation is a key driver of economic growth through improved productivity and competitiveness. In the Saint Lucia, limited access to commercial funding presents a major constraint to innovation. The Government of Saint Lucia through the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) and funding assistance from Compete Caribbean conceptualized the PROCOM Challenge in an attempt to encourage and stimulate private sector-led innovation in Saint Lucia.
The PROCOM Challenge is a competitive challenge, where micro and small enterprises (MSE) will be invited to develop targeted innovative solutions to tackle some of the productivity and competitiveness challenges facing in Saint Lucia. The Challenge will provide co-financing of up to $100,000 XCD for the development and execution of winning proposals in a number of thematic areas including but not limited to the creation of projects or solutions that seek improve business processes for greater efficiency and productivity.
Technical Co-ordinator of the NCPC Technical Secretariat and Project Lead for the PROCOM Challenge, Mrs. Melissa Hippolyte Descartes is very confident about this initiative. She says: “Innovation can come from anywhere. Some of the greatest ideas and inventions were developed when entrepreneurs decided to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. We want our applicants to get creative. While the Challenge has no specific sector focus and targets interventions from all economic sector (e.g. agriculture, manufacturing, and services), preference will be given to productivity and competitiveness enhancing solutions which can be applied across a multitude of organisations.
During this first round, the Challenge will be strategically targeting small and micro businesses that are already operating successfully and can demonstrate capacity to successfully undertake an innovation project.
Micro and small businesses domiciled in Saint Lucia are therefore encouraged to contact the NCPC at www.stluciancpc.org or call 468-5571/468-5576 for detailed information on the fund.”
Who: The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
What: Launch of the PROCOM Challenge
Where and When: 9:30am, Monday, April 18th, 2016, GIS Press Room
Why:
- To enhance Saint Lucia’s Competitiveness and Productivity climate
- To provide co-financing for innovative ideas within the private sector while facilitating a much needed boost to the business environment
What to expect:
- Remarks by the Honourable Doctor Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Minister for Finance
- Remarks by Mr. Rayneau Gajadhar, the Chairman of the National
Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
- Overview of the PROCOM Challenge by Mrs. Melissa Hippolyte
Descartes, Technical Co-oordinator, NCPC
- Questions and Answers Session
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-55718/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com
Grenada celebrates 37 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba
GRENADA: On Saturday April 16th, the Embassy of Grenada in Havana celebrated 37 years of friendship between Grenada and Cuba which began with the establishment of Diplomatic Relations on April 14th, 1979.
Invited guests included past Ambassadors, Cubans of Grenadian decent, Embassy staff, students and Cuban Officials.
Former First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Grenada, Gaston Diaz, spoke about the evolution of the relationship between our two countries, outlined his work and experiences in Grenada as well as the collaborative efforts by Cuba from 1979 to 1983.
Her Excellency, Claris Charles gave an historic overview of Grenada/ Cuba relations which began in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when Grenadian workers migrated to Cuba to work on the sugar cane plantations. Many of them remained in Cuba and their legacy lives on in the number of their descendants in Cuba today and who were present at the ceremony
She further highlighted the cooperation between the two countries and the many areas of Cuban assistance throughout the years which included scholarships, infrastructural development, Medical and other professional workers, free healthcare in Cuba to Grenadian, the ‘Miracle Eye’ program, the Sandino block plant, an Agro industrial plant, the General Hospital, the “yes I can” literacy program and the Maurice Bishop International Airport—our gateway to economic development among others.
Ambassador Charles ended her discourse by saying thanks to Fidel, Raul, the Government and people of Cuba for their tremendous sacrifice, solidarity and friendship.
She further stated that never in the history of this world has a small poor country like Cuba given so much, to so many, with so little.
Tokens of appreciation were then presented to all past Ambassadors and First Secretaries as well as to some Cuban professionals who worked in Grenada.
The ceremony ended with a dinner comprising of Grenadian and Cuban foods and drinks, a documentary on scenes of Grenada from 1979 to the present as well as dancing to the music of both countries.
he following persons received tokens of appreciation:
Mr. Jorge Rey, Interpreter
Ms. Ruby Despaigne, the Engineer who designed the General Hospital
Dr. Mabel Lugo, Eyes specialist
Dr. Livan Salazar, Surgeon
Gaston Diaz, First Secretary at the Embassy(19 79 to 1983)
Former Ambassadors
Julien Torres Rizo( 1979-1983)
Humberto Rivero
Margarita Rodriguez
Angel Reigosa
Lucian delegation at entrepreneurship convention
Over 50 high-level representatives from 24 countries around the world gathered in the United States last week for the fifth Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
For the past five (5) years, ACE has brought together decision-makers to explore global and regional partnerships and economic development opportunities that will strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship. This year’s delegates had the opportunity to meet with Innovation and Entrepreneurship hubs throughout Arizona and Southern California.
Saint Lucia was ably represented by Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs; Fiona Hinkson, Executive Director of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; and Barbara Innocent-Charles, Director of the Small Business Development Centre (NCPC).
The ACE meeting was held from April 10 – 16.
PM Harris pleased with Canada meetings
ST, KITTS: BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 18th, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – St. Kitts and Nevis nationals abroad turned out in record numbers in Toronto, Canada, to hear Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris and Minister of Tourism et al, Honourable Lindsay Grant discuss the country’s state of affairs during the first weekend of April.
Nationals were updated on the impressive growth record of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) projects that St. Kitts and Nevis will have the second fastest-growing economy (4.5% real GDP growth) in the Caribbean this year, behind the Turks and Caicos Islands (5.4% real GDP growth). The CDB also projects that the average real GDP growth for its Caribbean member territories in 2016 will be a mere 0.3%. Additionally, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimates that the English-speaking Caribbean will grow 1.6% this year, with St. Kitts and Nevis expanding at a remarkable rate of 4.7%.
Moreover, St. Kitts and Nevis is projected to be one of the best performing economies in the world. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook, as at January 2016, puts global economic growth at just 3.4% for this year, with Advanced Economies averaging real GDP growth of only 2.1%.
Clearly, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a superb performer.
It is no wonder, then, that when Prime Minister Harris and Cabinet Secretary Mrs. Josephine Huggins met with the European Union’s Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Mikael Barfod, in Barbados, one day before traveling to Canada, the Ambassador said the European Union has observed that St. Kitts and Nevis is now scoring an “enviable” growth rate.
“At this particular point in time, it looks like St. Kitts and Nevis has got it right when it comes to economic reforms,” the Ambassador said at the EU Headquarters in Barbados.
The next day in Toronto, Canada, Prime Minister Harris and Minister Grant provided updates on the excellent performance of the tourism sector; the reduction in homicides relative to the first quarter of 2015; the broad, integrative approach to maintaining law and order, as well as safety and security, and improvements in health care, education, public infrastructure, etc. They also fielded questions on a wide range of issues.
While in Canada, the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation also attended an event organized by the Nevisians in Canada (NEVCAN) Association, and met with investors.
(Press release courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary)
Martinique newest OECS member
ST. LUCIA: A formal ceremony was held to welcome the French territory last week.
The French overseas territory of Martinique has been given the green light to join the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Republique of France, Philippe Seigneurin, officially presented the Instruments of Accession to the Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules, during a formal ceremony at the OECS Commission Headquarters in Saint Lucia last week.
“I have the honour and the privilege and the pleasure to inform you that the procedures required by the constitution of the Republique for the entry into force of the said agreement have been completed,” Seigneurin said. “It’s a great day for Martinique, for the French Government and for me.”
Dr. Jules welcomed Martinique into the OECS fold. “Today we embrace once again but in an official manner, Martinique into the family of the OECS. Let us continue walking together,” he said.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to the OECS Ellsworth John, who attended the ceremony, said Martinique’s contribution and participation was a very important milestone for the OECS.
“It shows an interest of other countries in being a part of our forward movement as an organization,” he said.
Martinique moved towards membership of the OECS in Feb. 2015 when the French territory formally signed the documents to initiate accession to Associate Membership to the sub-regional grouping.
The signing ceremony was the high point of the 60th Meeting of the OECS Authority held for the first time in a French Territory.
Prior to that, in Oct. 2014, the Regional Council of Martinique in a unanimous historical vote agreed to join the Eastern Caribbean fraternity of nations.
Alan Poon King to act as CEO of WASA
TRINIDAD: April 18, 2016: The Water and Sewerage Authority (the “Authority”) wishes to advise that Mr. Alan Poon King, Director of Customer Care, has been asked by the Board of Commissioners of the Authority to assume the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on a temporary basis while the Authority embarks upon the search for a new CEO.
The position will be advertised.
Mr. Dion Abdool, the current Acting CEO, who was instrumental in helping the Authority recover from the fire which occurred on January 05th 2016, will resume his regular duties as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary as he is required to conduct certain critical tasks at this time which the heavy burden of CEO will not allow him to undertake.
The Board will like to record its appreciation to Mr Abdool for his stewardship during this trying period.
Romney Thomas
Chairman Board of Commissioners
The Water And Sewerage Authority
Agriculture a Key Part of Growth Agenda
JAMAICA: Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says strengthening the contribution of agriculture to economic growth is a major priority of the Government.
Mr. Hutchinson was speaking at the official launch of Newport Fersan’s Manni-Plex liquid fertiliser at Adam’s Valley Farm in Manchester on Wednesday (April 13).
He noted that Jamaican produce, including value-added items, are in high demand locally and overseas, and all that is needed is a coordinated and structured approach linking farmers with the markets and supply chains.
Minister Hutchinson lauded Newport Fersan for launching the fertiliser and its continued initiatives to improve soil heath and fertility in order to boost agricultural yields in the country.
He noted that the company has been working with the Ministry to assist farmers affected by drought and bush fires, by donating fertiliser to aid in replanting.
Minister Hutchinson expressed the hope that the company’s latest product will boost the production levels of farmers and “thereby contribute to the Government’s commitment to bring growth and prosperity to Jamaica”.
The new liquid fertiliser provides a quicker response by plants to the nutrients contained, which are available to both the roots and leaves of the plant.
Over 150 farmers and stakeholders attended the launch of the fertiliser, which included a tour of the 70-acre farm in the community of Maidstone.
They saw firsthand, the impact of the Manni-Plex fertiliser, which is being applied to strawberries being cultivated on the farm. Other crops being cultivated are onions, black mint, romaine lettuce, bell peppers and orange.
Newport Fersan carried out scores of soil tests before launching the product on the local market.
Minister Cudjoe Gives Life Skills Lesson to Youth
TRINIDAD: April 18, 2016: The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, encouraged the Graduating Classes of Diego Martin North Secondary School to “not only dream … but chase your dreams like your life, your existence, your survival depend on it … because they really do”. Minister Cudjoe was the Feature Speaker at the Diego Martin North Secondary School Graduation Ceremony on Friday April 15, 2016.
At times drawing upon her own life story, Minister Cudjoe advised the students that it is not about “who goes to the better school but rather about pursuing your dream, discipline and strength of character. I did not go to the better school but the hurdles I had to jump and the obstacles I had to overcome, caused me to be better schooled. What the naysayers don’t understand is that these institutions and circumstances increase strength, embolden courage, amplify confidence…. strengthen character”.
Noting that both her parents came from simple circumstances, Minister Cudjoe pointed out that “Your parents and fore-parents worked, sacrificed, cried, bled and died, not for you to walk in their footsteps but for you to have a better life. My mother always said, I am a checker, and I will walk barefoot and naked before you become one. You owe it to yourself, you owe it to your family, you owe it to your community, and you owe it to your country. The opportunities you have now, your parents could not have fathomed…GATE, scholarships, business grants, exchange programmes, internet…you name it …the world is on your side…rooting for your to get with the programme…the only obstacle between you and your dreams is you….”
The Minister of Tourism challenged the graduates to
Be the first one in your family to go to university. Make it all the way to a Master’s Degree.
The first to establish your own business
The first to seek opportunities in a foreign country
In congratulating the students of Diego Martin North Secondary School on reaching this important milestone, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, warned the youths “to guard your head as it is one of the most important tools in your arsenal” and pay attention to the music you listen especially music that glorify gang culture.
In addressing the students School Principal Clayton Patrick indicated that one of the major causes of celebration was the results of the 2015 CSEC examinations wherein the school was able to “secure some full certificates, that is, five (5) or more passes including English and Maths”. This was most significant as “traditionally most of the students came from primary schools with weak foundations in English and Maths and struggle to pass these subjects at the CSEC level. We have had our reasons to celebrate, but we have also had a few instances when students have made the wrong choices and attracted negative media attention”. The private sector and the Ministry of Education have made several interventions to assist students to better cope with life challenges.
Also speaking at the Graduation Ceremony was School Supervisor III from the Ministry of Education, Olson Oliver, who advised students to become “champions in all aspects of life”. The valedictorian at the Graduation Ceremony was Sherice Beddoe.
Media Release from Minister of Finance – Donations to Churches and Religious Bodies
TRINIDAD: April 18, 2016: The Minister of Finance has taken note of an article in the Guardian Newspaper of April 16, 2016 with the headline “IRO on Imbert’s Austerity Measures” which contained adverse commentary from religious leaders in response to an alleged statement made by the Minister about alleged austerity measures regarding donations made by state agencies to churches.
This article is apparently based on an inaccurate and misleading story in another newspaper and is thus based on a false premise.
It is incredible that a contentious story of this nature could be published by the Guardian based on no facts nor any statement made by the Minister of Finance nor any interview, discussion or communication of any kind whatsoever with the Minister of Finance.
For the record, the Government appreciates the work done by charitable organisations and churches and intends to partner with these organisations to assist the less fortunate and the underprivileged, to do social and community work, and to build and develop moral and spiritual values in our society.
In fact, the theme of our 2015 Manifesto is “Let’s Do This Together”.
The newspaper article thus runs counter to Government policy and is completely inaccurate.
