Tourists often say one of the Caribbean’s unique selling points, which entice them to come back to the islands again and again, is ‘the people’. Caribbean people are renowned for their warm, approachable and friendly nature and this strength is being utilised in parts of the region to grow the developing call centre industry in which an estimated 55,000 Caribbean people are now employed. One of the first companies to leverage the region’s human resources in this area was Guyana-based Nand Persaud International Communications Inc (NPIC).
Before establishing the first call centre in Guyana in 2002, the Persaud family were known for their expanding parboiled rice empire – Karibee Rice. But founder and CEO Ragindra Persaud decided to branch out into a completely different sphere after being taken on a tour of a call centre in Jamaica. He could see the potential for the business in his own country and set about establishing NPIC with the help of his father and brother.
Mr Persaud recalls: “I was on a trip to Jamaica in 2001, this was around the time Jamaica had just started blooming in the (call centre) industry. I was lucky enough to have a walk through on the industry – how it operates, the demand as well as the number of jobs it can create. It is a profitable business and at the time, Guyana’s economy wasn’t performing at its best. It was a great opportunity for my country. We grabbed the bull by the horns and started researching markets. The following year we commenced constructing our facility here in Guyana. By September 2002, our doors were opened. ”
But building trust and attracting business from companies primarily based in the US, Canada and the Dominican Republic, as well as convincing them that the country and its people were up to the task, was particularly challenging at the start because Guyana was experiencing a damaging crime wave. Managing Director Darren Ramdial explains: “Clients are reluctant to associate themselves with crime-plagued areas/regions. The crime rate was very high and customers were scared to come here to expand their business. One of the challenges was convincing them to do business with us regardless of this.”
One of the other challenges was the high cost of bandwidth and electricity which Mr Ramdial believes impacted the company’s initial competitiveness as it dealt with fierce competition from rivals in the Philippines and India where these costs are relatively low.
But NPIC did have a distinct advantage – its close proximity to the US – which it used to sell its offering as a ‘nearshore’ provider. Mr Ramdial says Guyana’s location proved to be a huge benefit: “We are merely a few hours away from our clients as opposed to an entire day as is the case with our major competitors. Our accent is also very neutral and our labour costs are attractive.”
The NPIC call centre currently employs 200 people and offers a range of services including transcription, data entry, research and gathering, quality assurance services, telemarketing, customer support, and IT.
NPIC’s impressive export growth of 31 per cent in 2015 led to it securing the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s ‘Excellence in Service Exports’ award in December 2016. The honour even drew the attention of a management consultancy company based in Chicago called ‘Soloman Group International’ which subsequently chose to work with NPIC on a short term project.
Mr Ramdial says most of NPIC’s new business comes from the Internet and large scale networking events designed for the outsourcing industry: “Networking is key”, he insists. “Currently we are involved with Nearshore Americas, an organisation that helps to market companies that are located close to the US. Just recently we were a part of a tour they hosted here in Guyana.”
Caribbean Export secretariat for the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) in collaboration with JAMPRO is hosting the regions first conference focused on business process outsourcing (BPO) on December 6, 2017 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s a bold and strategic move to showcase what the region has to offer and attract more outsourcing companies to service providers like NPIC. The Outsource to the Caribbean conference, sponsored by itelbpo smart solutions, provides an ideal opportunity for both regional service providers, investment promotion agencies and international companies looking to outsource services to meet and build relations.
Over the next six months the company is hoping to grow its clientele and attract more business from the US and possibly Europe and has plans to expand into other parts of Guyana. Mr Ramdial says NPIC is also continuing to focus on providing a top quality service for its clients: “The call centre business is very challenging especially when it comes to marketing. For one, the market is very competitive. We’ve learnt that the key to thriving in the business is to keep improving your service, and your brand. It is the only way to remaining competitive. High quality service counts. Our aim is to be the largest call centre in Guyana. At present we are located in Berbice County but we are hoping to expand to the various regions in Guyana.”
The innovative firm will also be focusing on green energy and saving money through a solar power initiative which has drastically reduced its electricity bill by approximately $50,000 (Guyanese dollars) a day. This project is expected to make a return on the investment of $528,000 (US dollars) within six to seven years.
So what has been the key to NPIC’s success from a fledgling company in 2002 to a thriving market leader almost 15 years later? “Believe in what you set out to do and commit fully”, Mr Persaud advises.
“If you don’t believe in it, you will fail. When we ventured into this business I had no doubt that Guyana had the potential to succeed in this market. I believed in my country’s potential and backed it with my investment.”
Ringing the Changes for Success across the Caribbean BPO Sector
SUBSEC approves CAPE & CSEC Syllabuses
SUBSEC Approves Revised CAPE and CSEC Syllabuses.
The Sub-Committee of the School Examinations Committee (SUBSEC), met on Tuesday 17 October at CXC Headquarters in Barbados. Among the major decisions coming out of the meeting is the approval of several revised CAPE and CSEC syllabuses.
There was a complete revision of the CAPE Science Cognate – CAPE Biology, Chemistry and Physics syllabuses. The changes made to specific areas of each syllabus, namely, Specific Objectives, Rationale, Aims and Explanatory Notes. Two sections were also added: Suggestions for Teaching and Practical Approach. Each syllabus also had a reduction in the number of questions on Paper 02 to make it more psychometrically robust.
Students doing more than one subject in the cognate group could submit a single SBA and are being encouraged to work in groups on their SBAs.
The approved CAPE Biology, Chemistry, and Physics syllabuses will be available for teaching from September 2018 and for first examination in May/June 2019.
Law
SUBSEC also approved the revision of the CAPE Law syllabus. The amendments to the syllabus include a revision of the SBA guidelines to assist teachers with using the information to guide candidates to demonstrate relevant competencies, skills and abilities identified in the syllabus. There is a change in the assessment of CAPE Law, while Paper 01 will continue to be 45 multiple choice questions, in Paper 02, the extended response paper, candidates will no longer have options, but rather three compulsory extended-response questions. Paper 03/1 will continue to be research paper.
The revised CAPE Law syllabus will be available for teaching from September 2018 and for first examination in May/June 2019.
PASCAL No Longer CSEC IT Programming Language
CSEC Information Technology syllabus revision was also approved by SUBSEC. One of the major changes to the syllabus is the discontinuation of PASCAL as the programming language. The assessment comprises 60 multiple choice questions for Paper 01; four compulsory structured questions for Paper 02, and Paper 03/1 is a practical.
The syllabus will be available for teaching from September 2018 and for examination in May/June 2020.
Music and Theatre Arts
The revised syllabuses for Music and Theatre Arts were also approved. For Music the
format of the assessment would comprise 60 multiple choice questions for Paper 0; two compositions and participation in a viva voce for Paper 02; a practical examination in two sections based on the Performing and Composing profile dimensions; and Paper 03/1 (SBA) – one written assignment (LIAP) and one solo performance and an Ensemble (PERF).
The revised Music syllabus will be available for teaching from September 2018 and for examination in May-June 2020.
For the Theatre Arts syllabus, changes include: revision of the Rationale, Aims and General Objectives; clarification and elaboration of the specific objectives and content; and re-organisation of the syllabus in keeping with the Council’s policies on syllabus development. The reorganisation of the compulsory core and options to be taken from A-Drama, B-Dance, and C-Stage Crafts.
Digital Photography added to Visual Arts Options
One of the major changes to the CSEC Visual Arts syllabus is the addition of Digital Photography to Graphic and Communication Design and the renaming of the Expressive Form to Digital Photography and Visual Communication. In addition, a Drawing component will be added to each Expressive Form. The format of the assessment comprises 60 multiple choice questions for Paper 01; One Production Paper 02; and Paper 03/1 (SBA) – A portfolio and a reflective journal.
Belize Defence Force deploys soldiers to Dominica
The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the Public that the Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, has authorized the deployment of Belize Defence Force soldiers to the Commonwealth of Dominica. A Platoon of thirty-five soldiers (35) have been deployed to Dominica on November 1st, 2017, as part of the hurricane relief effort after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
During this time the soldiers will work primarily on the construction of roofs and other building repairs. The Platoon is commanded by Captain Miguel Tuyub from the Light Engineers Company, Services and Support Battalion. The soldiers are expected to return by Mid-December 2017.
For further information contact:
Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Louis Sutherland
225-3584 or 634-7226.
CDB, Mexico announce Fund to boost regional infrastructure
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Mexico’s development bank, Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext), acting as the Trustee of the Infrastructure Fund for the Countries of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean (FIMCA, also known as Fondo Yucatán) to support regional infrastructure development. As part of the agreement, CDB will act as a financial intermediary for the Fund.
FIMCA will assist governments of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) with reducing infrastructure deficits that remain a major impediment to economic growth. Resources of approximately USD70 million are available from the Fund, and accessible through various financial intermediaries, to Caribbean as well as to Central American countries.
“Substantial investment in upgrading and expanding the infrastructure is vital for job creation, and provides a solid pillar for sustained economic growth and poverty reduction in our Region. The Mexican infrastructure Fund will make a much-needed contribution to closing the huge infrastructure deficit that exists in CDB’s BMCs. It marks yet another milestone in Mexico’s ongoing commitment to assisting our Region to meet its development objectives,” said CDB President, Dr. Wm. Warren Smith.
“Mexico and the Caribbean are friends and allies in working towards the development and prosperity of our societies. FIMCA provides financial support for the development of infrastructure projects in Central America and the Caribbean, through financial intermediaries. CDB’s role in the Caribbean region is critical, therefore we are very pleased to have the collaboration of CDB as financial intermediary to the Fund, to continue working to support the development of relevant infrastructure projects that have economic and social benefits for the Caribbean countries and people,” said Vanessa Rubio, Mexico’s Deputy Secretary of Finance and Public Credit.
Deficiencies resulting from aging, non-climate resilient, inefficient, inadequate or missing infrastructure continue to adversely affect economic and social conditions in this Region. These deficiencies have been exacerbated by the 2008 global recession, as well as the increasing incidence and severity of natural hazards, brought about by climate change. Catastrophic losses suffered by Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the passage of Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria in September 2017 have further highlighted this issue and the need for urgent action to close the Region’s infrastructure gaps.
Bancomext is the trustee of the Fund, which provides financial assistance through intermediaries. These institutions support the beneficiary countries throughout the preparation, design and execution of projects, overseeing the adequate use of the Fund’s resources. Projects will be appraised by CDB, using its own rules and guidelines, and then submitted by the Bank to the Technical Committee of the Fund for consideration and final approval. As per the agreement signed by CDB and Bancomext, the Fund will provide grant resources of up to USD5 mn for eligible infrastructure projects in any of the Bank’s BMCs. Resources from FIMCA may be blended with CDB’s.
Mexico joined CDB in May 1982, and is a regional, non-borrowing member of the Bank. FIMCA was established in 2012.
Flag Raising Ceremony in honour of Dominica's Independence
You are invited to attend a Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the 39th Anniversary of Independence of Dominica on Friday, November 3rd 2017 at the OECS Commission, Morne Fortune, Castries.
What: 39th Anniversary of Independence of Dominica
When: Friday November 3, 2017 at 8:30am
Where: OECS Commission, Morne Fortune
BTB launches New Online Portal
BTB Online Payment, Invoicing & Real Time Account Information.
Belize City, Wednesday, November 1st, 2017. As part of its continuous efforts to improve its service to tourism stakeholders, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) today launched a new online portal at its main headquarters in Belize City.
The portal will be linked to the BTB’s website and is designed to be simple, user friendly and allow industry partners to conduct various types of official business such as licensing, guest registration and payments from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Read More: See & Taste Belize
The first phase will commence on November 1st this year to allow Hotel Accommodations to make online submissions of monthly tax returns as well as online payments through Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank and Scotia Bank. Over the counter payments can also be made at these banks.Next year the portal will be expanded to include online submission of guest registration forms and licensing applications and renewals.
The BTB online portal will be convenient, fast, accurate, secure and easily accessible. Payments will be made in real time and offer savings in cost and time.
At the launching of the BTB online portal, Ms Karen Pike, BTB’s Director of Marketing & Industry Relations, reassured those present that “the BTB is committed to embed tourism as a top priority as we contribute to the overall economic growth for Belize.” “Likewise, the BTB recognizes that our tourism stakeholders are the backbone of our industry and we are strongly committed to improve our services as we ensure the economic growth of the tourism industry through a prudent and transparent process,” Ms Pike said.
To access the BTB online portal on the BTB’s website please use the following link: http://www.belizetourismboard.org/tourism-resources/online-payment-invoicing-and-real-time-account-information/
Allegations of Money Laundering
Joint Statement by the Relevant Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Allegations of ‘ Money Laundering ’.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 — The relevant authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, namely, the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) hereby issue a joint statement strongly denouncing the description of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as being ‘notorious for money laundering’ and a ‘prime money laundering destination.’ Such descriptions appeared in the international media on October 29th 2017, in articles on the present FBI investigation into Paul Manafort, the former campaign manager of US President, Donald Trump and the alleged Trump/Manafort links with Russia. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is alleged to be one of the countries whose offshore structures were utilized to move funds allegedly controlled by Manafort.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been assessed as being Largely Compliant in relation to its legal and administrative tax transparency framework and this denotes a responsible and transparent tax jurisdiction.
This country is also ‘US FATCA’ compliant, i.e. compliant with the US initiative to ensure tax reporting by its US citizens holding assets outside of the US. St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to be extremely cooperative on the global front, in the investigation and prosecution of money laundering, tax offences and criminal matters.
Commencing in 2001 and 2002, close to two decades ago, this jurisdiction made significant legislative and administrative changes to implement a sound AML/CFT compliance regime, to the extent that its FIU has for several years, been well recognized by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and major countries, as one of a leading FIUs in the Caribbean region.
The country’s regulatory laws are up to date, modern and effective as is its regulatory administrative framework which has been put in place to supervise the various regulated sectors, through the FSA.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to date implemented appropriate laws and regulations that require banks and other financial institutions to maintain robust, effective anti-money laundering and other compliance programmes.
This country has also made considerable progress in ensuring a properly regulated and supervised offshore and financial industry. The work of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in relation to financial regulation has been positively recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its last Article IV Consultation Press Release and Staff Report (2016), where St. Vincent and the Grenadines was described as leading the region with respect to non-bank supervision and its work acknowledged in relation to the offshore banking sector, which was subject to frequent banking inspections.
The relevant authorities consider the aforementioned descriptions in the international media to be particularly damaging to the reputation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
It appears that reliance may have been placed on historical information about this country’s ‘blacklisted’ status in the year 2000, as well as merely by reason of the operation of an offshore industry, which is popularly perceived as having negative connotations.
The global stigma attached to offshore industries should not be broad brushed to this country, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines has substantively reformed its offshore industry since the early 2000s and presently operates a very small, well- regulated industry, governed by effective sector specific and general regulatory laws specifically covering anti- money laundering compliance.
At all material times, appropriate customer due diligence and customer verification procedures were undertaken in relation to the company formed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines referenced in the international media.
The authorities note that even the most effective systems around the world sometimes may not prevent a criminal intention to commit fraudulent or money laundering activities, especially where legitimate names and business are utilized to incorporate a company or establish a business relation.
The authorities recognize that this is so notwithstanding that satisfactory customer due diligence and customer verification procedures are obtained. Thus, having effective systems of sharing of information and cooperation in the investigation of money laundering and criminal matters have also been at the forefront of this jurisdiction’s efforts over the past years.
Since 2013- 2014 and more recently in 2017, the relevant authorities and institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been cooperating with the US authorities in the investigation of the matter at hand and will continue to lend their assistance.
The authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have thus acted properly in every respect in relation to this matter.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to ensuring effective systems to detect, investigate and deter money laundering and also to provide assistance internationally in the investigation and prosecution of money laundering cases.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines takes very seriously the threats posed by money laundering. As a small developing country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines strives to address this transnational crime as a collaborative effort with the help of our international law enforcement partners and regulatory communities, to prevent, identify, punish and detect financial crime
Opening of the Shark Fishing Season
The public is informed that the opening of Shark season is from November 1st, 2017 to July 31st, 2018.
Any person who contravenes any of the provision of the Fisheries Act, commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction.
The Fisheries Department hereby makes a special appeal to and urges responsible citizens to call 224-4552/203-2623, email fisheries_department@
This is all in accordance with Regulation of Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2011 of the Fisheries Regulation.
Appointments for Procurement Regulator and Board
MoF: Appointments for Procurement Regulator and Board to happen by end of 2017.
The Minister of Finance has taken note of repeated calls to the Government from various quarters to immediately implement the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act.
It is worth repeating that the Public Procurement Act cannot be implemented until the Office of Procurement Regulation is fully established. To achieve this, the Procurement Regulator and the Board of the Office of Procurement Regulation must first be appointed.
In addition, after the Regulator and Board are appointed, the Office of Procurement Regulation is required to prepare Regulations in accordance with the Act and recommend same to the Minister of Finance, who must then table these Regulations for debate and approval by both Houses of Parliament, in order to give full effect to the new public procurement system.
It must be made clear that Section 10 of the Act states that the Procurement Regulator and the Board are appointed by His Excellency the President in his discretion, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
There is no point therefore, in persons and groups constantly demanding that the Government implement the Act immediately, since we must all wait until the Procurement Regulator and the Board of the Office of Procurement Regulation are appointed by His Excellency.
The Ministry is continuing to follow up on this matter with the Office of the President and we are hopeful that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the requisite appointments will be made by the end of 2017. However, it should be emphasised that the Government cannot exercise any control over this independent appointment process.
‘Green’ people centred approach to wildlife management
Minister Harmon calls for ‘green’ people centred approach to wildlife management – as public consultations begin.
Georgetown, Guyana – (November 1, 2017) Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, today, called on the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to adopt a ‘green’, people centred approach to the formulation of regulations for the hunting, trapping, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife. Speaking at the opening of public consultations for the development of regulations at the Everest Cricket Club, the State Minister said that wildlife management must not only be sustainable, built on the principles of conservation and designed within the Government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), but must also take into consideration people’s livelihoods and culture.
“I wish to suggest that you view our wildlife resources in its widest context and deal with the role of the sector in the context of the Green State Development Strategy, the importance of wildlife to our eco-systems, the future value of preserving our wildlife as we seek to expand and make our flora and fauna available for scientific research for the world, Guyana’s international obligations, the impact of the adopted regulations would have on the livelihood and culture of our Indigenous peoples as well as hunters, trappers, middle men and exporters and the role Guyana should be playing in the protection of the flora and fauna of the Guiana Shield, which are under threat from human developmental activities,” Minister Harmon said.
Noting that it is also his hope that the proposals would embrace the pillars of the President ‘green’ state policy, Minister Harmon said that the proposals and draft regulations must also be implementable and capable of improving efficiency in the sector. The consultations, he said, represents another significant step in the enhancement of the country’s overall national institutional capacity to ensure sound and sustainable environmental management in Guyana.
“The mechanisms for the proper management of our environment and eco-systems, including our wildlife must be viewed within the context of the Green State Development Strategy, which represents our Government’s commitment to the continued protection and stewardship of our natural patrimony. It represents our commitment to lay a firm foundation for inclusive green growth and sustainable development for the country. It addresses the protection, restoration and sustainable use of our terrestrial and marine eco-systems and wildlife to ensure that our natural resources provide the best social, economic and environmental benefits for our people,” Minister Harmon said.
The Minister of State said that it is, therefore, within this framework that the regulations that will be adapted through these consultations must be finalised. During the consultations, the Minister of State said too that consideration must also be given to the fulfilment of the requirements of the country as a party to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species and other Wildlife Flora and Fauna Societies.
“The Societies’ membership process involves certain responsibilities including having appropriate laws and regulations to curb the illegal trade of wildlife and to provide for the safe and regulated movement and trading of wildlife with and without state parties. I hope that all issues will be ironed out during these consultations so that the conservationists as well as those persons, who have to deal with animals. I also hope that coming out of this people can understand why it is important to protect endangered species, to change their techniques to hunting, trapping, transporting, and holding wildlife and how they can be a part of the process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers noted that the consultations are meant to strategically position the Wildlife Commission to effectively manage Guyana’s resources. “This, I believe is important when consideration is given to recent wildlife research that shows that half of the earth’s biodiversity have dropped below levels that some scientists consider safe. With the onset of climate change and human activities that affect wildlife, these consultations are not only necessary but represent a quickened step in the process for all stakeholders to take action to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources. This also fits nicely into the framework for the sustainable development of the country through the Green State Development Strategy,” she said.
Head of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Ms. Alona Sankar, in an invited comment said that the Commission is aiming to target as many persons as possible so that a holistic document can be drafted. The Consultations, she said, will be conducted countrywide.
“At the end of this, we are hoping to have regulations that can govern this sector and once we have those in place then we can move towards the implementation stages of licensing and monitoring and enforcement and so on and that is what we are ultimately aiming for,” she said.
There are regulations under the Environmental Protection Act for the Commission. However, the Wildlife Management and Conservation Act of 2013 repeals those regulations with the provision that they remain enforced until there are regulations to replace them. This Exercise is therefore geared at developing the regulations to replace those in place. Once consultations would have been concluded, it will then be taken to Parliament.
The consultations, which will run for a month, will be advertised in the media as the team moves around countrywide. Meanwhile, persons who may wish to confirm participation in any of the consultations and to request a copy of the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations 2013 are urged to call 223-0940 or email the Commission at wildlifemanagementauthority@gmail.com.
