Volume 4 - Issue 7 July 2017 The Hummingbird

AGEInG IN THE CARIBBEAN RECOGNIZING THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS

DIGITAL AGENDA ECLAC’S ACHIEVEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED AT MEETING

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ECLAC DEVELOPS PROGRAMME FOR CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES Contents

4 Article The Situation of Caribbean Economies

6 Feature Article Recognizing the Rights of Older Persons

10 Article Caribbean countries seek to improve energy efficiency of government vehicles 14 Article Exploring the relevance of the Caribbean’s RCM/TAC

22 State of Affairs Recent activity by Caribbean governments

26 Around the Caribbean - -Barbuda's 60th gets a warm reception in - Bahamian students monitor diseases in local mangroves 28 ECLAC Caribbean Family Farewell to Bobby

Issued on a monthly basis, The Hummingbird offers strategic insights into the latest projects, publications, technical assistance missions and research carried out by ECLAC Caribbean. In addition to these, sneak previews are provided of the most salient upcoming events, alongside enriching follow- ups to previously covered issues. With a view to featuring a variety of facets of Caribbean life and lifestyle, The Hummingbird also zooms in on cultural activities and landmark occurrences through an eye-opening regional round-up.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor: Alexander Voccia Copy Editor: Denise Balgobin Publication Design: Blaine Marcano

Please see our contact details on the back cover of this magazine Posted Jun 27 June 27-30 was the fourth Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons; more here: http://www.cepal.org/en/news

July Events

World Population Day 11 11 July 2017

Posted Jun 22 This year's “Platform for Change” summit highlighted the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination importance of identity as an enabler of economic opportunity. Watch the video.: https://www.facebook.com/eclaccaribbean/ against Women, Sixty-seventh session 3-21 Geneva 3 - 21 July 2017

Human Rights Committee, 120th session 3-28 Geneva 3 - 28 July 2017

Posted Jun 9 How important is the Ocean for Trinidad and Tobago? Find out Nelson Mandela International Day in this video. 18 18 July 2017

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 30 30 July 2017 THE SITUATION OF CARIBBEAN ECONOMIES

espite lower economic of only 0.8% in 2016, which is In response to these growth, there has been expected to rebound to 2.4% challenges, governments have Da marginal improvement in 2017. Within the subregion, continued to focus on fiscal in employment, as the overall there has been strong growth consolidation programmes unemployment rate in the in the main tourism markets, designed to lock-in tax, while Caribbean declined from 15.3% with 2016 tourist arrivals at also carrying out expenditure in 2015 to 14.8% in 2016, with 4.2% being higher than the and administrative reforms the exception of The Bahamas, global average of 3.9%. that are deemed necessary to , and T&T, where achieve fiscal stability and to the unemployment rate has The high debt burden of reduce the adverse effect of increased. the subregion declined high debt on growth. in 2016, as the total debt This is just one of the many service payments relative The report concludes that it is findings of ECLAC’s newly to government revenue fell essential for the Caribbean to released Preliminary Overview by 0.7 percentage points. reduce its debt burden in order of the Economies of the This notwithstanding, debt to free up resources necessary Caribbean 2016-2017, which service payments continue to for the modernization of presents the latest economic absorb a significant portion trade-related production. trends for the period. of government revenue in the It is also imperative that region, limiting the resources regional economies engage The report outlines that available for undertaking in an accelerated national the Caribbean as a whole necessary infrastructural and and regional programme of recorded economic growth social spending. economic diversification.

4 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird CASE STUDY: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Unemployment in Trinidad and Tobago The effect of the economic (T&T) is presently at its highest since slowdown has been manifest in the 2013, due mainly to the economic economy’s labour force statistics. The slowdown in the country over the last unemployment rate rose from 3.5% few years. in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 3.8% in the first quarter of 2016 and then T&T’s economy is estimated to to 4.4% in the second quarter. Labour have shrunk in 2016, in the wake market statistics varied by industry; of continued natural gas supply unemployment in the oil and gas sector, shortages, maintenance shutdowns which had increased to 8.3% by the and weak energy prices. In other fourth quarter of 2015, fell to 3.1% in the words, the country’s energy sector has second quarter of 2016, largely because deteriorated, causing negative impacts of workers leaving the sector. on the non-energy sector. In fact, T&T’s economy is projected to have ECLAC’s report projects a current shrunk by 4.5%, following contractions account deficit for T&T, which widened of 0.6% and 0.5% in 2014 and 2015, as a result of reduced goods exports, respectively. while foreign direct investment saw a modest recovery. According to ECLAC’s report, this 4.5% contraction in 2016 represents In response to these challenges, the the third consecutive year of negative government made several adjustments growth. The economic downturn was to compensate for lost energy revenues, due therefore principally to contraction including several new tax initiatives. in the energy sector; it shrunk by a These initiatives include a property tax, projected 9.6%. Despite a moderate a new income tax bracket and a 7% tax increase in oil prices over the first half on online shopping. In addition, the of 2016, Trinidad and Tobago’s energy diesel fuel subsidy has been abolished. sector was constrained by reduced supply. There is, however, also some good news coming from the service sector, with the The non-energy sector is projected to transport, storage and communication shrink by 1.8%, the first fall in over five subsector and the finance, insurance years. The impaired performance of and real estate subsector projected to the energy sector has spilt over into grow by 2.1% and 3.7%, respectively. the non-energy sector, while reduced In 2017, natural gas output from two government spending has limited the new fields should increase the supply demand for non-energy services. The for downstream production, and the manufacturing sector is projected to government should raise capital contract by 5.7%, the agriculture sector expenditure, leading to estimated by 6% and the service sector by 1.2%. growth of 0.5%.

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 5 Salsa TrinidadFiesta and Tobago 2017

magine an event that features the very best dancers in the Iworld. Imagine a celebration that brings together Latin ballroom enthusiasts from across the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America. Imagine three days of excitement woven together by the captivating rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba and latin hustle. You are imagining ‘Salsa Fiesta T&T 2017’.

Held from 2-4 June 2017, this year’s Salsa Fiesta really featured the crème de la crème of Latin ballroom dancing – we are talking multiple world champions. Uriel Garcia and Vera Rowe from the USA; Jefferson and Adrianita from Colombia; and Deklan and Natalia from Peru, brought a combined worth of 12 world championship titles to Salsa Fiesta. The star-studded line-up also featured other internationally acclaimed performers such as

6 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird kizomba superstars Carolina dance sensations dazzled the pros. Six workshops were and Enah from Spain; Leon and the spectators of a sold out held every hour, on the hour, Vanessa from France; Nelson Queen’s Hall, who gazed from 9 am to 3 pm. There was and Veronica from the USA; in awe as the stage was something for everyone, from in addition to the very best of set alight by jaw-dropping complete novices to long-time the home-grown talent from moves, lightning fast salseros. A year’s worth of Trinidad and Tobago. footwork and heart-stopping moves to master, condensed choreographies. Right into two fun-packed days. Enticed by the growing after the shows, excitement allure of Salsa Fiesta – now continued as the after parties As the final curtain closed – at its ninth edition –, people rolled into the early hours of and people eventually got flocked to T&T from all corners the mornings, offering many to bed –, thoughts (mostly of the world; the prospect enthusiasts the once-in-a- dreams) already revelled at the of watching, learning from lifetime opportunity to rip-up prospect of being part of the and dancing with the best the dance floor partnering with 10-year anniversary of Salsa dancers in the world proving world champion performers. Fiesta, next year: an event truly irresistible. Two breath- which promises to be out-of- taking live shows at Port of Daytime activities were this-world. Spain’s Queen’s Hall theatre, certainly no less intense, as three electrifying parties and adrenaline compensated for 60 mesmerizing workshops lack of sleep. Right off the (yes, you read it correctly: heels of the after parties, 60 workshops) swept away workshop classes started participants in a whirlwind of the following mornings nice excitement. and early. Having marvelled upon their performances the On the evenings of 2 and previous evening, participants 3 June, the Latin ballroom got a shot at learning from

Photo: Deklan and Natalia, salsa world champions from Peru, with Alexander Voccia - ECLAC Caribbean, Strategic Planning and Outreach Coordinator - and his wife, Juriem Lavalle

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 7 FEATURE The ARTICLE Hummingbird Recognizing the rights of older persons

8 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird n June 2017, ECLAC Caribbean convened a meeting in Port of Spain for member States to carry out a subregional review of the Iimplementation of the San José Charter on Ageing in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as an appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. Both of these are international agreements which address population ageing and the human rights of older persons.

Read Article

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 9 Recognizing the Rights of older persons

he Caribbean preparatory meeting preceded the Fourth Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the T Rights of Older Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean, which was held in Asuncion, Paraguay from 27-30 June 2017, and which will be featured in the next issue of The Hummingbird.

Following the meeting, the Hummingbird had a one-on-one chat with Population Affairs Officer, Francis Jones, to get his take on the outcome.

Q: What was the purpose of the meeting? One major concern was the fact that it has been about 15 years since the Madrid Plan was A: The meeting served as a forum for Member outlined, yet there still are many countries that States to report on the most important do not have a proper framework to effectively measures which have been taken to strengthen address the situation of older persons at the protection for the rights of older persons, national level. In fact, some countries have not including new or improved laws, policies and completed drafts of national ageing policies. programs. Q: What were the immediate Q: What were the main trends identified? recommendations coming out of the meeting? A: Among other areas, representatives took note of the fact that over the next two decades, A: There were several recommendations made there will be a rapid increase in the number for different areas, as they relate to the elderly. of older persons in the Caribbean and that In a nutshell, some of these were the adoption age continues to be a basis for multiple forms of up-to-date national policies on ageing and of discrimination and abuse, which certainly associated legal frameworks, developed and restricts the full exercise and enjoyment of all monitored through an inclusive process which human rights by older persons. involves older persons and their representative organisations. Special attention should be Q: How are member States preparing given to discriminatory practices against older to deal with this? What are some of the persons in the labour market in relation to immediate concerns? their access to, ownership, and control of land, property, possessions and natural resources. A: It was underscored that there is a need for Also, there is a need to implement programmes policymakers to pay greater attention to the for the prevention, care and treatment or issues of ageing and the rights of older persons. management of non-communicable diseases

10 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird ...since older persons make up an increasingly large proportion of the population, societies need to fundamentally reconsider the role of older persons.

Francis Jones - Population Affairs Officer, ECLAC Caribbean

Photo: Jennifer Rouse, Director, Division of Ageing, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Trinidad and Tobago

(NCDs), including Alzheimer’s and other forms the San Jose Charter on the Rights of Older of dementia. Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean’. This document outlined that there is a need for Q: What should be included in these new renewed commitment to improving the well- policies, when they are framed? being of older persons. It highlighted the lack of information on safeguards for free and informed A: National agreements should take into consent for medical treatment, decision-making, consideration the specific needs and legal capacity, access to justice, to education, challenges of Small Island Developing States ICT and culture. The report also called for (SIDS), middle-income countries, or highly more information regarding the situation of indebted and vulnerable Caribbean countries. specific groups of older persons, including They should also highlight the ageing of the older women, older migrants, LGBTI older population across the subregion and recognize persons, those belonging to ethnic, religious that particular attention must be paid to the and linguistic minorities, and those living on the growing numbers of older persons, given their streets or are deprived. varied and different circumstances, while at the same time identifying commonalities and good In conclusion, Jones noted that since older practices in addressing the situation of this age persons make up an increasingly large group. proportion of the population, societies need to fundamentally reconsider the role of older Q: How will this subregional meeting persons. For older persons themselves, contribute to the regional meeting that will full and equal participation in society is be held in Paraguay? essential to their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Societies should no longer disregard A: ECLAC has prepared a `Caribbean synthesis the contribution that older people can make to report on the implementation of the Madrid economic, social, cultural and family life. International Plan of Action on Ageing and

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 11 Caribbean countries seek to improve energy efficiency of government vehicles

everal countries strategies and projects of national efforts. These in the Caribbean for deploying renewable may include strengthened S are considering energy technologies, and for monitoring and reporting alternatives towards enhancing EE. systems which would improve improving energy efficiency the quality and availability (EE) in their fleets of However, before this can of data for decision-making, government vehicles. This become a reality in the and enforced controls and would assist in advancing Caribbean, there are some maintenance guidelines. sustainable development and challenges to the process in addressing the high cost of which should be taken into In particular, ECLAC’s dependency on fossil fuels, consideration. report states that the on which most Small Island EE transition process for Developing States (SIDS) rely In this context, the ECLAC Caribbean countries starts to meet their energy needs. study offers a guide to assist with implementing countries These possibilities were policymakers in identifying carrying out in-depth internal captured in ECLAC the necessary data, as well analyses in order to determine Caribbean’s latest publication, as the technical, governance, their stage of advancement entitled `Promoting energy infrastructure and financial towards transition. efficiency in government conditions required to transportation systems: support the transition to an Then, once the particular A transition roadmap and energy efficient government goals and challenges have criteria for a readiness fleet. been identified, governments analysis’. should undergo a gradual The main product of the transition process. The Fossil energy is used primarily report is a roadmap for improvement of fleet for power generation and vehicle transition, which administration practices is domestic transportation. includes criteria for multi- part of this and is expected In light of the global dimensional assessments to yield benefits even before challenges that arise from of national circumstances, fleet transition, as it would climate change, countries and outlines the targets and help to identify negative world-wide have initiated goals to considered as part behaviors, under or overuse

12 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird Festival fashion vibes added to Jamaica 55

J amaicans will soon get into full swing for their country’s Independence Festival on 7 August. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), is planning a special event entitled `Jamaica 55’, for which Jamaicans at home and abroad are being asked to 'Wear Di Vibes ... It's Jamaica 55', which is the festival fashion theme for of vehicles, inadequate/ 2017. inefficient use of vehicles, wasteful routing and other "This year's festival fashion theme surrounds the issues that hinder efficiency. vibrancy, resilience, strength and creativity of the Jamaican people through the colours black, emerald, gold and red," explained Stephen Davidson, director of Therefore it is suggested marketing and public relations at the JCDC. that policy makers should He noted that Jamaicans love to show their creativity not wait until the perfect set through fashion, and 'dress up' every Independence of conditions are in place, season with pride. but should instead start with actions that could yield fast "So this year, we hope to see persons at home and benefits, such as re-routing, across the diaspora in their vibes colours, celebrating fleet downsizing, and making in real Jamaica 55 style to bring the spirit of the festival adequate use of vehicles, season alive," he said. among others. Davidson further stated that each of the selected colours In addition to opportunities brought with it its own Jamaican vibes and meaning. and challenges to increase "Black is resilient, strong and proud, while emerald EE in government fleet represents our nurturing nature, natural beauty and the grounded nature of Jamaican people. Gold speaks vehicles, ECLAC’s study to our successes and the fact that we are winners identifies international best and champions of the world, while red speaks of our practices in relation to fleet creativity, our 'nuff and plenty' nature and our liveliness electrification, suggests as a people," Davidson said. the most suitable and comprehensive approach In anticipation of the event, apparel companies on the for a fleet transition, and island are also being encouraged to stock up on material recommends the most to support the fashion theme and to meet the demand immediate actions to deploy of the public. in this regard. Fashion designers, store owners and dressmakers are also engaged in supporting and promoting this year's fashion theme. The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 13 PREVIEW SNEAK EXPLORING THE RELEVANCE OF THE CARIBBEAN’S RCM/TAC

CLAC Caribbean comprising UN country the event. recently carried out a representatives from Ereview of the Regional Barbados and Trinidad and Q: What is the main challenge Coordinating Mechanism Tobago, a technical adviser in managing the RCM/TAC? and Technical Advisory from the Caribbean Policy Committee (RCM/TAC) for the Development Centre (CPDC), Phillips: Since 2010, ECLAC Implementation of the SIDS ECLAC Caribbean’s Economic has been responsible for Development Agenda in the Affairs Officer, Willard Phillips, convening RCM/TAC annual Caribbean, and its relevance Research Assistant, Elizabeth meetings, which were in the subregional and Thorne, and former ECLAC usually well supported and international context. Programme Officer, Radcliffe yielded valuable discussions Dookie. and results. However, the The RCM is a regional challenge for ECLAC is that coordinating mechanism The group discussed the while the RCM is perceived created in response to challenges in monitoring the as being its responsibility, the requests from governments, SIDS development agenda organization does not have the and the TAC is the technical in the Caribbean, and took authority to speak on behalf of body charged with the note of the current status of the countries. Therefore there practical aspects of the technical agenda for the are some elements that need coordination and reporting SAMOA (SIDS Accelerated adjusting, one of which is the its recommendations to the Modalities of Action) critical gap in connectivity Caribbean Development Pathway , and the Post 2015 to governments and to and Cooperation Committee Development Agenda. CARICOM. (CDCC). Following the review, The Hummingbird sat down for a The review was carried out one-on-one with Phillips and by a small working group Thorne to get some insight on

14 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird Q: How could this situation be Caribbean should aggressively The meeting concluded improved? pursue specific support with the agreement that through the SDG frameworks. ECLAC was not in a position Thorne: The meeting to speak on behalf of its suggested the use of Q: How is the RCM to be member States, and a the SAMOA Pathway to deployed in the future? more appropriate entity to operationalize the RCM, manage the RCM would be whose function should Thorne: One of the points the Caribbean Development be extended beyond raised during the review and Cooperation Committee the convening of annual meeting was that the SDGs (CDCC), as this is the decision meetings. have changed the landscape making machinery for the of things with more reporting Caribbean within the ECLAC Q: What would be the best demands. This has made the system. Also, there is a need options for advancing the RCM more relevant. However, to establish and develop the work of the RCM? the region still has to define monitoring aspect of the RCM the operational modalities of so that the SIDS agenda in the Phillips: Before any decisions the RCM and how it would region can be monitored more can be made, we must craft a regional response effectively. consider if the RCM will to advances in sustainable continue to be the framework development. It is also A draft position paper on for implementing the SIDS essential for the RCM to the RCM is presently being agenda, and secondly effectively engage the donor prepared by ECLAC, to be the extent to which the community to provide the presented to the CDCC for SAMOA Pathway was clearly needed finances to carry out final sign off in 2018. manifested in the SDGs its work programme. development agenda. The meeting outlined that the

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 15 ECLAC’s digital agenda achievements highlighted at Barbados meeting

aribbean stakeholders in the area of digital economy. market,” Nicholls stated. from the fields of Mr Nicholls also provided CInformation and Over the last five years, information on the status of Communications Technology ECLAC Caribbean has CARICOM Single ICT Space and (ICT) and national Social Security given much attention to ICT how regulatory sandboxes were recently received a detailed and ICT for Development, being utilised in the UK by Public summary of ECLAC’s work in including broadband access Private Partnerships to trial social these areas, during a Meeting of and appropriation, regional welfare payment services through the Commission on Organization connectivity, digital inclusion, mobile money. and Administrative Systems and advanced access and usage (CAOSA), held on 7-8 June 2017 of statistics for business and The CAOSA meeting was in Barbados. governments. integrated with the three- day Caribbean Community’s Coordinator of ECLAC’s “Our present work in this area (CARICOM) 28th Heads of Caribbean Knowledge can be described as the third Social Security Meeting from Management Centre, Peter generation of digital agendas, 7-9 June 2017, which urged Nicholls, who presented on and includes the regional regional countries to ensure that `Digital agendas in the region: dimension of the SDGs, digital their social security systems are How to face the challenges in economy, digital innovation, strong enough to withstand the social security’, told the gathering industrial Internet, open data, economic shocks from the global that ECLAC has been very active big data, and digital regional economic crisis.

16 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird he summer most popular calypsonians and festival, which takes place bands performing to packed Tfrom May to August, is audiences. Barbados' most popular and colorful festival. Its origins can be Children are not left out as they traced back to the 1780's, a time can participate in the Kiddies when Barbados was the world's Kadooment, donning beautiful largest producer of sugar. costumes and joining their friends BAR in a band to before the At the end of the sugar judges of the competition. season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the Folk concerts and art and culmination of another successful photographic exhibitions are sugar cane harvest - the Crop integral parts of the festival, Over celebration. highlighting Barbadian history and culture as well as the artistic As the sugar industry in Barbados talents of Bajans. declined, so too did the Crop Over festival and in the 1940's Calypso is one of the main BA the festival was abandoned. It features of the Crop Over festival. was revived in 1974 and other The calypsonians are organised elements of Barbadian culture into "tents", which are sponsored were infused to create the by Barbados businesses. extravaganza that exists today - Calypsonians compete for several an event that attracts thousands prizes and titles, including Party of people from across the globe. Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, Road March Monarch and Pic-O- The festival begins with the De-Crop Monarch. opening gala and ceremonial delivery of the last canes and The finale of the festival is the DOS the crowning of the king and Grand Kadooment on the final queen of the festival -- the most Monday morning! This carnival CROP OVER productive male and female cane parade features large bands with cutters of the season. members dressed in elaborate costumes to depict various Bridgetown Market consists themes. FESTIVAL of many stalls selling food and beverages as well as local arts This year, Crop Over activity and crafts, and visitors can enjoy will be enhanced by the fact calypso and and live that CARIFESTA will be held in entertainment while browsing Barbados from 17-27 August. through the stalls. (Read more about this in the August 2017 issue of The `Cohobblopot’ is a huge carnival- Hummingbird). like show traditionally held on the last Friday night with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. There is also a huge entertainment package with the

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 17 ECLAC Caribbean’s Recent Publications

Strengthening cooperation between telecommunications operators and national disaster offices in Caribbean countries

1.

Preliminary overview of the economies of the Caribbean 2016-2017

3.

18 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird Available NOW! Click on Cover to Download. Hardcopies Available at ECLAC Caribbean while stocks last.

Caribbean seminar on women’s empowerment and migration in the Caribbean

2. Diane’s Corner The Director’s views and thoughts on the occasion of:

Diane Quarless Director of ECLAC Caribbean

26/6 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking “Caribbean islands are especially vulnerable to illegal trafficking; with open coastlines, transhipment is rampant. And the illegal drug trade fuels illicit trafficking in small arms; nourishes money laundering; promotes deadly terrorism and transnational crime. ”

#DirectorsTake http://vrb.al/directors-take The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 19 ECLAC develops energy efficienCY programme for Caribbean countries

he importance of the Caribbean, which was As part of this effort, ECLAC creating a database held in conjunction with a Caribbean has undertaken T of indicators that capacity building workshop the task of training and measure the performance on energy efficiency coordinating actions in the of energy efficiency (EE) indicators, held from 25- subregion to develop a policies was underscored at 26May 2017,in Kingston, common tool that facilitates a meeting held in Jamaica, Jamaica. this task. and attended by ECLAC Caribbean’s Coordinator Due to a lack of information The BIEE programme of the Sustainable and indicators on EE follows the successful Development and Disaster programmes in the region, implementation of the Unit, Dr. Omar Bello, and ECLAC has developed ODYSSEE Programme, Associate Environmental the Regional Programme developed by the European Affairs Officer, Leda Peralta. BIEE. This programme Commission and managed aims at producing a by the French Environment The occasion was the series of specific and and Energy Management launch of the BIEE methodologically consistent Agency (ADEME). (Energy Efficiency indicators that allow for the Indicators Database for measurement and analysis The programme started in Latin America and the of the evolution of national 2011 with a contribution Caribbean) Programme in EE programmes. from the German

20 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird Cooperation Agency (GIZ) Lucia and Saint Vincent and within the framework of the the Grenadines participated International Partnership in the launch and presented for Energy Efficiency the state energy efficiency Cooperation. Initially, measures and policies in it aimed at supporting their respective countries. Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) countries Out of the five countries and associated nations. that attended the launch, However, due to its success the first to sign on for the 19 Latin American countries programme is , are now participating. with the others expected to become engaged in the The BIEE launch in the near future. Caribbean was designed to invite English-speaking Caribbean countries to join the initiative and improve their energy efficiency information. Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 21 State ofAffairs

Grenada Guyana Trinidad and Tobago

CDB GRANT TO IMPROVE FOREIGN MINISTERS TO ATTEND CABINET RESCHUFFLE TERTIARY EDUCATION MEETING IN COTE D'IVOIRE – June 29 –

- Jun 1 - - Jun 30 - Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley The Caribbean Development Bank The Foreign Minister and Vice- has reassigned the country’s former (CDB) approved a USD500,000 President of Guyana, Mr. Carl Minister of Public Utilities Mr. grant to the government Greenidge, and his counterpart Fitzgerald Hinds to the position of Grenada to undertake a from neighbouring Suriname, of Minister in the Ministry of the comprehensive reassessment of Mr. Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, travel Attorney General and Legal Affairs. the T.A. Marryshow Community to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to Also, former Minister of Energy and College (TAMCC). The review attend the Organisation of Islamic Energy Industries Nicole Olivierre will address the adequacy, Cooperation (OIC) 45th Council was appointed Parliamentary effectiveness and sustainability of Foreign Ministers (CFM) Secretary in the Ministry she once of the infrastructure, governance meeting, which begins on July headed. Finally the Prime Minister systems and operational 10 under the theme “Session of advised the President to revoke the procedures of TAMCC. TAMCC Youth, Peace and Development appointment of Senator Ayanna is the largest public provider of in a World of Solidarity”. The two Lewis, and appoint Allyson West as tertiary education, representing Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Senator and Minister in the Ministry 73 percent of those Grenadians foreign ministers will join over of Finance. enrolled locally in tertiary 50 other foreign ministers from education. predominantly Islamic countries. CDB ROLLS OUT TRAINING PROGRAMME CARICOM HEADS OF GUYANA SHIPPING TO MEXICO GOVERNMENT – June 29 – - Jul 1 - The Caribbean Development Bank - July 6 - Guyana recently began shipping (CDB) has introduced training The Thirty-Eighth Regular Meeting US$17.7 million (GYD$3.8 billion) initiatives to help governments of the Conference of Heads of worth of rice paddy to Mexico of its 19 borrowing member Government of the Caribbean through the Guyana Rice countries (BMCs). The Public Policy Community (CARICOM) took Development Board (GRDB). This Analysis and Management (PPAM) place in Grenada, under the initial shipment which totaled and Project Cycle Management Chairmanship of the Prime 17,000 tonnes, is the first batch of (PCM) training programmes are Minister of Grenada Dr. Rt. Hon paddy from a contract that will see supporting reforms to strengthen Keith Mitchell. The Conference 60,000 tonnes shipped over the countries’ efficiency and help them welcomed its two newest next two months. The move signals achieve their development goals. Members; the President of Haiti a significant boost to exports of Thus far more than 450 persons H.E. Jovenel Moise who was sworn paddy to non-traditional markets. from The Bahamas, Barbados, into office on 7 February, and the Agriculture Minister Noel Holder Guyana, , Trinidad Prime Minister of The Bahamas commented that the Mexico and Tobago and the Turks and Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis who took agreement is a step in the right Caicos Islands have signed on to his oath of office on 11 May. direction, as the government participate in the Programme. actively pursues new markets for Guyana’s rice and paddy. 22 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird How simple decisions impact our climate

imple decisions that we make in our In the Caribbean we are seeing effects such everyday lives have more of an impact on as loss of shoreline, invasive species, coral Sthe global issue of climate change than bleaching and extreme weather events. Climate we realize. takes hundreds or even millions of years to change, which means that our everyday actions This was highlighted by ECLAC Caribbean’s have long term effects in our planet and its Associate Environmental Affairs Officer, Leda inhabitants.” Peralta, during a recent radio interview on Power 102 FM in Trinidad and Tobago, on the One of the areas she spoke about was the programme, `Facing the Issues’, hosted by recent Paris accord on climate change, which journalist Tony Fraser. is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Peralta underscored that citizens have the (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas power to improve their life choices and actively emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance engage their governments, which can impact starting in the year 2020. In this agreement, the slowdown of our weakening ozone layer. each signatory country must determine, plan “Our disconnection with nature and its and regularly report on its own contribution ecosystems and cycles have de-sensitized us, towards mitigating global warming. we need to go back to nature and appreciate that we need a healthy Earth to survive and Peralta stated that there is no mechanism carry out our everyday activities,” she stated. to force a country to set a specific target by “Our wasteful consumption of water and a specific date, but each target should go electricity, but also our activism in recycling and beyond previously set targets. “The agreement avoiding plastics, using public transportation, allows countries to establish their own targets and buying local products can immensely based on their capabilities, this commitment by impact our climate.” governments, businesses and citizens is crucial to our planet.” She explained that climate change is usually seen as an abstract or foreign concept so many Peralta ended by outlining some of the ways people do not understand how it impacts our in which ECLAC Caribbean promotes climate lives but also how we contribute to it. “Climate change in daily lives, through educational change means a change in the usual weather seminars at schools in Trinidad, encouraging found in a place. This could be a change in staff to recycle their plastic and glass bottles how much rain a place usually gets in a year. and paper, using energy efficient bulbs at our Or it could be a change in a place's usual Port of Spain office, and strongly supporting temperature for a month or season. Climate energy efficiency and renewable energy change is also a change in the earth's climate. policies in the Caribbean, to name a few.

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 23 Aspects of Jamaica’s entertainment industry for ECLAC analysis

he mere mention of Jamaican music brings necessary financing, equipment, talent and other to mind Reggae’s most transcendent and resources to monetise their craft. Ticonic figure, the late great Bob Marley, whose music continues to inspire generations of For example, in Jamaica – where the filming the past, present and future. And no doubt it also industry is over 100 years old -, the sector remains inspired Nigel Star a successful artiste, song writer largely untapped and underdeveloped. The film and former musical director of singer Sean Paul. value chain in Jamaica consists of a range of players from script writers to producers, editors, Against this backdrop, ECLAC Caribbean is sound engineers to promoters and distributors, undertaking a study which will examine the main among others. drivers of a successful music venture which focuses on Star and the Reggae Sumfest music festival. A The limited development of the film industry film venture which focuses on a UWI Community has stemmed in part from a focus on attracting Film Project and the `Songs of Redemption’ on-location foreign films rather than adequately documentary film, which won the top award at the incentivising local productions. The producers’ 2014 Krakow Film Festival in Poland, will also be association there (JAFTA) is working assiduously the subject of the ECLAC study. to breathe new life into the industry, using local themes vistas and talent. For each of the two ventures, the study will examine the main areas of the value chain, Despite these challenges that music and film firms including attracting talent, production, recording, and ventures have faced in Jamaica, a number publishing and distribution, identifying the of them have developed successful businesses setbacks the ventures had to overcome. that are commercially viable and contribute to employment, government revenues and income The study will also analyse the extent to which for local suppliers of inputs into their operations. the ventures have been able to contribute to government revenue, employment and linkages In this context, the analysis and lessons learned with other sectors of the economy. in the upcoming study should enable the two ventures to enhance their exports, as well as The study is motivated by the need to undertake provide more pointed insights into how firms more focussed analysis at a micro level to gauge in the creative sector overcome challenges and the drivers of success of business entities in the position themselves to harness and maximise Caribbean creative sector, including strategies to value towards developing a unique product or tackle obstacles in their path to success. service brand through innovation, managing suppliers and strengthening the marketing and In the Caribbean, young and upcoming artistes, distribution of their products and services. as well as established producers and marketers The study is expected to be published later in often have to find innovative ways to secure the 2017.

24 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird A Must-Visit Food Festival in

evis will celebrate its annual Mango Nand Food Festival from 6-9 July 2017. This year, celebrity chefs, Judy Joo and Seamus Mullen, will be headlining the festival, bringing their unique culinary talents to the island.

Cookbook author and restaurateur, chef Joo, UK’s Iron Chef, and host of the British cooking channel’s `Korean Foods Made Simple’, is making her second appearance at the festival.

She will be joined this year by chef Mullen, an award-winning New York chef and restaurateur, who brings an inventive approach to Spanish cuisine. He appears regularly on the American Food Network shows, `Chopped’ and `Beat Bobby Flay’.

The Nevis Mango and Food Festival features four days of dining experiences, cooking demonstrations, and cook-along classes by these international chefs as well as local Nevisian chefs and cooks.

The events will take place at restaurants, beach bars and resorts around the island, culminating with Nevisian chefs and mixologists cooking at Oualie Beach on the final day.

Guests can enjoy samples of many mango- inspired dishes, made from the 44 different varieties of Nevis mangoes.

“This is an opportunity for foodies and especially mango-lovers to visit Nevis and get a taste of some incredible cooking by master chefs as well as a taste of our beautiful island,” explained Greg B. Phillip, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Board.

“Now in its third year, this food extravaganza continues to grow in popularity with visitors and locals alike and this year promises to be Photo of Mango courtesy Martin Burrow something very special.” The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 25 Antigua-Barbuda's 60th Carnival gets a warm reception in Trinidad and Tobago

he Tourism Authority (ABTA), in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals TCommission, recently held the Antigua Road Show in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) to promote the launch of the 60th anniversary of Antigua’s Carnival, which takes place from 28 July – 7 August, 2017.

Regional marketing consultant for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Charmaine Spencer, said “The aim of the Antigua Road Show was to sensitize the Trinidad public to Antigua and Barbuda as a neighbouring paradise, and also as a Carnival and party destination, to attract T&T avid party-goers, and seasoned mas players."

Following on from previous efforts of the ABTA in the Trinidad market, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation conducted media appearances on leading Trinidad radio stations, as well as local television, inviting all to visit Antigua and Barbuda for the 60th Carnival Anniversary and just for vacation any time of the year.

The team also had meetings with some of Trinidad’s most prominent mas bands such as, TRIBE Carnival, Ronnie & Caro, Fantasy, and YUMA.

The road show culminated with a media cocktail launch, which was well attended by representatives of Caribbean Airlines who gave away a prize trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Also in attendance were members of Trinidad’s National Carnival Commission, local media celebrities, journalists, several travel agencies, representatives from the local hotel association, as well as legendary calypsonians such as Ronnie McIntosh and Gypsy, and other invited guests.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Antigua mas costumes, where guests were dazzled by the splendour of Antigua’s Carnival with a preview of carnival costumes by Antigua Mas Band, Beautiful People.

The Antigua and Barbuda delegation received a warm reception from the Trinidad public with persons wanting to get as much information as possible on all the activities Photo of Antigua Carnival courtesy rurukigargano taking place for the big 60th anniversary celebrations. 26 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird Bahamian students monitor diseases in local mangroves

tudents enrolled in the conditions throughout the science partnership between Bahamas Awareness school year, before returning BAM and North Carolina State Sof Mangroves (BAM) to plant them in restoration University. program launched an sites. environmental monitoring Nicola Roberts, a BAM program and a new This year, the BAM program student at Forest Heights partnership with North expanded to include a Academy, is proud to take Carolina State University to second year of activities. part in this new partnership. study diseases in Bahamian BAM students returned to She said, “As part of the mangrove trees. the mangrove seedlings they future generation it is our job planted the previous year, and to protect the mangroves as The BAM program, measured their growth and they are a crucial part of our spearheaded by the `Khaled the health of the forest. Bahamian Ecosystem.” bin Sultan Living Oceans Heemsoth said, ‘We are Foundation’ and partners at delighted to expand BAM into Nicola’s biology teacher, `FRIENDS of the Environment’, a two-year program, and to Lindsey Borsz, said, “I love combines science education include a scientific partnership that the Living Oceans with mangrove restoration. with North Carolina State Foundation welcomed our Amy Heemsoth, director of University.” school into hands-on practical education for the Khaled research. I can already see bin Sultan Living Oceans Recently, large swaths of that my students are proud Foundation said, “This is the mangroves in the Marls on to take ownership of the second year we have run Abaco Island have died, and beautiful environment they the BAM program, and the scientists at North Carolina live in as well as contributing students have grown in their State University suspect a to environmental research on understanding of mangroves, deadly fungus is to blame. worldly and current issues.” as well as their enthusiasm to They asked BAM students to conserve them.” participate in their research. Demetra Moss, a teacher at Students from Forest Heights Abaco Central High School, Students enrolled in BAM Academy looked for signs added, "I am happy that the venture into the mangrove of disease in the trees and program provides students forest to learn about the worked with scientists at North with a real-life opportunity to plants and animals that live Carolina State University to practice skills learned in the there. They also collect identify the types of fungal science lessons." mangrove seedlings which disease. This marks the start they raise under test of a new international citizen-

The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 27 ECLAC Caribbean Farewell to Bobby Family ondly known as `Bobby’ to colleagues at ECLAC Caribbean, Associate FInformation Management Officer, Robert Williams, recently said goodbye to staff at the Port of Spain subregional headquarters, as he moved on to another stage in his career.

Though he spent just over three and a half years at this office, Bobby’s impact will certainly live on at ECLAC Caribbean, due to his sterling contribution in several areas of our work.

He was toasted by staff during a farewell ceremony and will be remembered for his consummate professionalism, which went above and beyond the scope of his duties. Here are some memories from Bobby’s last day with us.

28 | May 2017 - The Hummingbird The Hummingbird - May 2017 | 29 Banana Nut Loaf

What you will need:

1/3 cup margarine ½ cup sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ cup parched peanuts (chopped) 1 ¾ cups sifted flour ½ tsp salt 1 cup mashed ripe banana

What you need to do:

1. Cream the margarine and sugar together. Add the eggs and beat well, then add the peanuts.

2. Sift the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder together.

3. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with banana, beating well with each addition.

4. Pour into a well-greased 8 to 9 inch loaf pan.

5. Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for about an hour or until done.

Cool on a rack.

30 | February 2017 - The Hummingbird The Hummingbird - February 2017 | 31 CONTACT US

ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, 1 Chancery Lane, P.O. Box 1113, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

Telephone: 1 868 224 8000 E-mail: [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT Tel.: 1 868 224 8075 E-mail: [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA

www.eclacpos.org