BELTRAIDE Completes Business Development Training at the Kolbe Foundation- Belize Central Prison
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) through its technical units, the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) and the Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize), conducted its third round of Business Development Trainings with the Kolbe Foundation- Belize Central Prison.
The Business Development Training programme, which ran from May 7th – June 5th, had two components: soft skills and business development skills. BTEC led sessions on positive attitude and communication skills and SBDCBelize delivered sessions on business including topics such as: entrepreneurship lab, business model development, introduction to book-keeping, marketing your business and costing and pricing.
As a result of the prior training program inmates have been able to work in several jobs in the prison: Medic Assistant, Landscaping, Mentors over at WYF, have continued training programs at Cindy Gregg School. It is hoped that these trainings and the work experience garnered in the prison will provide inmates with more viable options upon re-entry into society.
The training will close with a certificate ceremony on June 14th, 10:00AM at the Belize Central Prison where twenty-eight (28) participants will be awarded certificates for their accomplishments and successful completion of the programme.
BELTRAIDE continues to remain committed to enhancing Belize’s prosperity by fostering entrepreneurship, business growth and innovation while enabling a dynamic and competitive business environment for Belize’s socio-economic development.
The annual non-profit Job Fair Expo hosted by AdVizze Consulting Inc is gearing up for another year under the theme “Put the youth first”. The team has enlisted the Saint Lucia National Youth Council and other youth associations to not only reach the young persons in need of this support, but to gain access to vulnerable individuals who are often marginalised and would not necessarily have access to such initiatives.
The robust programme is scheduled for June 21st and June 22nd 2019 and will take the format of a workshop on the first day, with a marketplace and seminar sessions on the second day. Participants will gain free access to Career Talks from public and private sector professionals, a CV Clinic to review and edit resumes, Mock Interviews with real HR professionals, access to continued education with on-the-spot registration, Live job interviews from various industries and an Entrepreneur Showcase with mentorship opportunities. Many business entities have pledged their support for the event with some seeking new candidates for internships and full time jobs, while others are using the opportunity to sensitize the public on the role of their company within in industry they operate.
As the event has grown in leaps from its first installation at the Johnson’s Centre in 2017, the organizers thought it prudent to host the event for two days and provide transportation for out district schools and councils in a bid to allow the more persons to benefit from the offerings.
Another new component to the event is a Career Buddy Segment. This element looks at nonconventional jobs and pairs participants, after a vetting process, to shadow a professional of their choice for a day. This will add a new dimension to the event, and highlight the many nonconventional jobs which are available.
The sectors represented at the event are industrial, aviation, medical, business, mechanical, hospitality, commerce, finance, engineering and education. The sponsors who have supported this initiative and will also be present at the event:
Gold sponsors include Unicomer, Flow, Hylyne CGL, Carimex, Exel Signs, Mediazone and Caribbean Grains.
Silver sponsors are 1st National Bank, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority and Enterprise Development Forum & Marketplace.
Bronze sponsors are Sir Lancealot, 7 Sigma OMS, Skin Envy, Calabash TV, The Wave, RCI and Massy Stores St. Lucia. Information on the Job Fair Expo can be seen on www.advizze.co under the Causes section. Mentors and volunteers are urged to email info@advizze.co to be part of this youth empowerment initiative.
Supporting regional trade is central to the work of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export). Caribbean Export in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH or GIZ in short, supported the participation of four CARIFORUM companies to exhibit at the recently held Jamaica International Exhibition (JIE) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from May 30 to June 1, 2019.
“Participation in the JIE enabled us to gain meaningful feedback on our new product line and promote our existing teas with various key players in the Jamaican market. We were able to present our teas to hotel management, distributors and even the Mayor of Montego Bay which was encouraging as the feedback was fantastic” informed Sophia Stone, CEO at Caribbean Cure Ltd from Trinidad and Tobago.
Other exhibiting companies included Benedicta SA producers of the region’s only cider alcoholic beverage from the Dominican Republic, Gom Foods out of Suriname who produce a range of marinades and condiments; and from Saint Lucia the Winfresh Group also presented their range of sauces and condiments.
Speaking on his experience at the JIE Gustavo Cruz Jerez, Co-Founder and CEO at Benedicta SA highlighted that they “made good business contacts for Jamaica, Guyana, Costa Rica, Suriname, Grenada and Miami.”
Inclusion of CARIFORUM firms at National Trade show such as JIE is an important intervention for the Agency. In addition to JIE the Agency supported seventeen (17) of the WE-Xport firms to participate in BMEX in Barbados over the period June 7-10, 2019 together with regional buyers in the BIDC Buyer Program. Caribbean Export in cooperation with the European Union will continue supporting national trade shows throughout the year such as the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTie); Everything Vincy 2019 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the upcoming Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) in Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean Export will itself be hosting a trade exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany on September 27th as part of the 4th CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum, a 3-day event to support increased trade between CARIFORUM and the EU. Over 60 CARIFORUM companies will participate in the business forum many of whom have had tremendous success at the aforementioned national events.
“We are grateful to Caribbean Export and GIZ team for supporting us in this initiative and helping us progress one step further in international market penetration” expressed Stone.
Nineteen Caribbean female entrepreneurs have successfully completed the WE-Xport Programme, an initiative geared at helping them to start exporting or to increase exports of their products and services.
Organized by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with the European Union, WE-Xport commenced in March 2018 and climaxed with a closing ceremony on Friday, June 7, 2019, at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
“We believe that this WE-Xport programme has been a tremendous success,” Mr. Zamani Moodie, Market Intelligence Advisor at Caribbean Export said on behalf of Ms. Cecile Humphrey, Chairperson of the Board of the Directors.
“Caribbean Export understands the complexed challenges faced by regional firms, particularly those owned by women.” A study by the Women’s Entrepreneurial Venture Scope, funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund on doing business, ranks many Caribbean countries at the bottom of the list for female entrepreneurship.
“Access to finance and women’s business skill capacity are identified amongst the reasons for this low ranking. Against this backdrop, the Caribbean Export Development Agency developed a special programme called WE-Xport to assist women entrepreneurs in the region,” he explained.
In addition, a study by infoDev, (“Profiling Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs: Business Environment, Sectoral Constraints and Programming Lessons”) draws attention to the state of women-owned businesses in the Caribbean. The study shows that these businesses have little to no employees, are concentrated in low growth sectors and have difficulty accessing finance. Other challenges are their lack of self-confidence and women’s fear of failure in their businesses. Women also struggle with work life balance because many are primary caregivers.
Mr. Moodie further outlined that the objectives of WE-Xport were to build capacity amongst women-owned enterprises as well as to access alternative sources of funding. It also aimed to provide capacity building tools to help the entrepreneurs improve their international competitiveness and increase penetration in new markets.
Additionally, the WE-Xport programme sought to advocate for the empowerment of female entrepreneurs by strengthening their network and by creating awareness amongst business support organizations, development partners and stakeholders.
Over the year participants benefited from technical assistance, finance workshops, online business training, a personal business coach and access to grant funding.
The entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their products and services to regional and international buyers at a Buyers’ Programme organized by the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation and the Caribbean Export. They also got the chance to sell and display goods at BMEX, Barbados’ largest manufacturing expo.
“We hope that you had a rewarding experience and had obtain tangible benefits that you will continue to use to enhance the competitiveness of your businesses. We wish tremendous success to you,” Mr. Moodie said.
He also thanked the European Union (EU), the Caribbean Development Bank, the German International Corporation and UN Women for partnering with Caribbean Export on the programme.
Ms. Celine Anselme, Programme Manager in the delegation of the EU to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, described WE-Xport as “innovative”.
Noting that the EU supported the important role that private sector played in generating employment and economic growth within the region, she said the EU had been working with Caribbean Export for approximately 20 years.
She added that since 2017 the EU had been running a US $30 million private sector development programme which is being implemented by Caribbean Export. It will end in 2021.
“WE-Xport is one of the many successful activities being implemented. WE-Xport is not just any initiative, it is innovative. It is the first women only initiative designed within Caribbean Export to enhance the export capacities of women-owned enterprises.
“WE-Xport got off the ground for two critical reasons. The first was a need to address the fact that women-owned enterprises in the Caribbean are concentrated in saturated sectors thereby making them difficult to grow. Second, research has shown that in the Caribbean, women’s participation in self-employment is lower than their male counterparts, and when self-employed, women are more likely to operate at the micro level with sometimes no employees,” she explained.
Ms. Anselme said the EU regarded women’s empowerment as a matter of human rights, democracy and good governance and argued that it makes good economic sense.
“Women normally control the house provisions and the financial decisions for their families and by extension, women are a significant pool of consumers and clients.”
Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade in Barbados, Sandra Husbands told the WE-Xport entrepreneurs that they played an important role in transforming their countries’ economies.
“The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of your country needs you. While you may think your business is small, while you may think you are struggling… every single penny that you turn over in your business contributes to the GDP of your country. Therefore, what you do every day is not only important to you and your family, it is important to your country.”
Minister Husbands told participants it was critical to look beyond their country to achieve true growth and pointed out that the Barbadian government was encouraging the local business community to explore markets in Guyana, Suriname and Panama.
Taribba do Nacimento from St. Lucia, who owns the designer handmade bag company, Meme Bete, said the WE-Xport programme was very beneficial.
“St. Lucia has a population of 180,000 people, if I do not export my business cannot survive. I am not selling fish, I am not selling food. There are so only many handbags a local lady can and will buy.
“I am not selling a need, I am selling a want in an affordable luxury market with lots competition. The WE-Xport programme allowed me to finally set up my website. I was grateful to have a business coach who worked in fashion and understood the industry,” Ms. do Nacimento said.
Mrs. Grace Foster-Reid, owner of EcoFarms in Jamaica, an enterprise which produces organic honey and a range of honey by-products, also praised the WE-Xport Programme. Through the initiative, she secured a deal to supply honey to the international coffee franchise Starbucks.
She thanked her coach for helping her “to take the Starbucks order from 95 per cent to 100 per cent”. However, she said the highlight of her experience was forming a sisterhood with the other women.
“I thought I was coming for information about financing and mentorship, but the relations were fabulous. Immediately I felt like I was with sisters. Entrepreneurship is a lonely place. On Friday evening, everybody is worried about how to pay their workers. Right away I had a family, women with whom I could share and be vulnerable with.”
Observing they were the first group to participate in the initiative she appealed to Caribbean Export to continue the WE-Xport programme given the benefits derived.“This should not be the last experience, there are many other women in the Caribbean who could benefit from this,” Mrs. Foster-Reid emphasized. (Shamkoe Pilé/Caribbean Export)
OECS Commission to start using Facebook’s Disaster Maps ahead of the 2019 hurricane season
The OECS Commission signed an agreement with Facebook Caribbean today that will allow access to Facebook’s Disaster Maps, in an effort to improve emergency response for OECS Member States ahead of the 2019 hurricane season.
Facebook’s Disaster Maps are dynamic mapping resources with information about where populations are located, how they are moving, and where they are ‘checking in safe’ during a natural disaster. Using this de-identified and aggregated information, relief agencies will be able to more effectively respond to the needs of affected communities with appropriate services and supplies.
At a signing ceremony held in honour of the partnership, Claudia Giraldo, Facebook’s Public Policy Manager for the Caribbean, stated
“In moments of crisis, people come to Facebook to connect with friends and loved ones. The anonymized information about their location can help relief organisations concentrate their efforts where they are most needed.”
“Supporting communities to recover and rebuild after a disaster is core to our mission. We are aware of the challenges that many Caribbean nations face during disasters and we are very pleased to be able to support the OECS Commission with our Disaster Maps. We hope this is the first step towards broadened collaboration.”
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, stated
“As we continue to strengthen our resilience to the effects of climate change and natural disasters, we are cognizant of the advantages of a predictive approach. Access to Facebook’s Disaster Maps will allow us to monitor the almost real-time movement of persons and therefore be better positioned to provide assistance.”
“We look forward to continued partnership with Facebook on this extremely important initiative.”
PM Harris’ Statement on the Passing of the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, Jamaica’s Fifth Prime Minister and Longest-Serving Member of Parliament.
Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis extends heartfelt condolences to the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean on the passing of the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister (1980-1989) and longest-serving parliamentarian, who was a successful record producer before entering politics. He died yesterday, Tuesday, May 28th, 2019, his 89th birthday.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Lebanese-Jamaican parents, Edward Seaga would go on to lead the Jamaica Labour Party for over 30 years (1974-2005). Mr. Seaga renounced his American citizenship during his early life and became the youngest person at the age of 29 to be appointed to serve in the Legislative Council. He was also the youngest of the founding fathers who were architects of the Jamaican Constitution, as well as the last surviving member of that cohort.
“A strong sense of both regionalism and responsibility permeated the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga’s leadership style and politics, resulting in him being widely admired and respected as an influential force within the Caribbean Community,” the Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis said yesterday as he reflected on the beloved and charismatic statesman’s remarkable life and political career.
Prime Minister Harris further noted that the 1982 Heads of Government Conference elected Prime Minister Edward Seaga as its Chairman at what was a pivotal time.
“Notably, Prime Minister Seaga’s assumption of the chairmanship of CARICOM ushered in a dynamic era characterized by an increased momentum for regional integration,” Prime Minister Harris said, adding, “This translated into more frequent meetings of Heads of Government, and the approaching 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed on July 4th, 1973, also heightened the drumbeat among the band of Caribbean leaders.”
Prime Minister Harris said yesterday that, “My Colleague Heads of Government and I will always carry Edward Seaga’s hopeful message in our hearts as we strive to maintain the standing of our region as a zone of peace and stability buttressed by respect for human rights and democracy. These are guiding principles from which we shall never depart, and we will long remember the crucial role that Edward Seaga played in establishing them.”
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis extends deepest sympathy to the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga’s wife, Carla, their daughter, Gabrielle, and his children, Anabella, Andrew and Christopher with his first wife, Marie Constantine.
The Public is hereby notified that in keeping with changes in international oil prices and Government’s application of the modified market pass-through petroleum pricing mechanism, the retail price of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel per litre remains unchanged. The retail price of diesel per gallon, Cooking Gas – LPG 20, 22 and 100 lb cylinders has changed. The price changes take effect from Monday May 27, 2019:
Gasoline remains unchanged at $3.07 per litre or $13.95 per gallon Kerosene remains unchanged at $1.87 per litre or $8.51 per gallon Diesel remains unchanged at $3.07 per litre however, increased from $13.93 to $13.95 per gallon
Cooking Gas: 20 Pound Cylinder (9.07 kg) increased from $31.96 to $32.38 per cylinder 22 Pound Cylinder (9.98 kg) increased from $35.44 to $35.90 per cylinder 100 Pound Cylinder (45.36kg) increased from $203.63 to $205.75 per cylinder
The Public is informed that the next adjustment of the retail price of fuel products will be on Monday June 17, 2019.
CARICOM has praised Guyana’s significant contribution to the fight against climate change as the country marks its Fifty-Third Anniversary of Independence on 26 May.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Guyana’s President His Excellency David Granger noted that:
“Guyana’s seminal contribution to the furtherance of the global battle against climate change through the preservations of its forests has gained widespread acclaim and is just one of the many areas in which the country has earned international renown.”
The Secretary-General also pointed to Guyana being an integral part of the regional integration movement from its inception, symbolized by its hosting of the Headquarters of the Caribbean Community.
“We welcome Guyana’s continued positive contributions to the Community which pledges its support to the country’s efforts to move forward in its own quest for self-advancement,” Ambassador LaRocque said.
Guyana is observing this year’s anniversary under the theme “A united Guyanese are we at 53”.
The theme celebrates the essence of nationhood, as such unity could only propel the citizens to unlocking further the vast potential of their country, the Secretary-General noted.
Re: Ubaldus Raymond – Statement by Prime Minister Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet:
“I have accepted the resignation of Minister with responsibility for the Public Service, Honourable Dr. Ubaldus Raymond, with immediate effect. This decision was taken in the best interest of all parties and the country. “Dr. Raymond has served our country well and in several capacities; including Leader of Government Business in the Senate and previously as Minister in the Ministry of Finance. I thank him and his family for his years of service to our nation. “The acceptance of the resignation of Dr. Raymond in no way affects the ongoing investigations. The Government remains committed to bringing closure to this matter.”
Ministry of Health Issues Statement on the Morgue Situation at the Southern Regional Hospital
The Ministry of Health views with concern a press release issued by the People’s United Party in reference to the morgue situation at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga Town. The Ministry considers this to be of poor taste in terms of politicizing the death of an individual in search of political mileage.
The Ministry offers its sincerest apology once more to the family and expresses regret that the family has experienced this unfortunate situation due to poor communication at the local level. The Ministry has conveyed to the family that it is prepared to offer any additional assistance and is making its utmost efforts to correct this systemic failure.
The Ministry of Health has no problem acknowledging that there is a need to purchase equipment for the morgue to improve services not only at Southern Regional Hospital but throughout the country. Although the Ministry is faced with competing priorities, management has made the decision to enforce the existing morgue policy which includes the hospital’s responsibility to transport bodies to either the Western Regional Hospital or the Punta Gorda Community Hospital morgue or otherwise if requested by the family for storage. A vehicle is assigned to provide the necessary transportation should the family require. In this latest incident, this was not communicated to the family by the attending medical officer who was called upon to fill in the death certificate of the deceased, who passed away at home and was brought to the hospital by the Police Department. Immediately upon being informed of the situation, management made contact with the family only to find out that the body had already been sent to Belize City.
The Ministry will invest in the repairs of the present morgue units while at the same time preparing to make a case for additional funding to purchase new units. Initial repairs to the existing unit led management to believe there would be some time for tendering and procurement, however, a few days ago, management was once again informed that the unit was down and that there was a need to procure a vital part for its functionality. This was ordered expeditiously, but unfortunately, the Ministry is still awaiting a time for delivery of the part that will hopefully have the morgue up and working over the medium term within a week’s time.
The Ministry of Health is working to restore the Southern Regional Hospital morgue and asks that the community cooperates during this time. The Ministry once again sincerely regrets this miscommunication and is making every effort to restore morgue services at the Southern Regional Hospital.
