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Volume 7 - Issue 2 February 2020

CARIBBEAN FIRST REGIONAL GENDER AGENDA SANTIAGO COMMITMENT APPROVED BY AND LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES Caribbean VOices THE CARIBBEAN MAKES ITS VOICES HEARD AT REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN Statistics and legislation ECLAC'S STUDY ON CARIBBEAN NATIONAL STATISTICAL LEGISLATION ´

Contents

4 Article Gender data assessment in

Feature Article 8 Santiago Commitment approved by Caribbean and Latin American countries to accelerate efforts to fulfill the Regional Gender Agenda

12 Article and civil society address SDGs implementation in the Caribbean 16 Article Go Green : A sustainable alternative to plastic bags 19 ECLAC Caribbean Family ECLAC POS family hails the achievement of Blaine Marcano, Ph.D.

Cover Image of participant at Regional Conference on Women held in Santiago, by ECLAC

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 Jan 24

Non-Communicable Diseases are a real problem for Caribbean countries. #ECLACCaribbean #NCDS

February Events

Executive Board of UNDP/ UNFPA/UNOPS, 3-6 First regular session New York, 3 - 6 February 2020 Posted Jan 23 Caribbean countries are expending up to 50% of revenues on food imports. Find out more from the FOCUS Magazine: http://bit.ly/f19-3 International Day of Women and in Science 11

Executive Board of UN-Women, First regular session 14 New York, 14 February 2020

World Day of Social Justice 20 Posted Jan 17 The average poverty rate among persons in the Caribbean over 65 of age is 17% Find out more from the FOCUS Magazine: http://bit.ly/f15-2 International Mother Day 21 Gender data assessment in Saint Lucia

he 2019 was a pivotal prioritized improving its capacity to year for deepening the produce gender-disaggregated data commitment to gender to support evidence-based decision- Tequality and the autonomy of all making. women and girls in the Caribbean. Reviews of two major gender To support these efforts, ECLAC platforms were undertaken; the Caribbean provided technical regional review of the Montevideo assistance to Saint Lucia in the Strategy for Implementation of the form of a gender data assessment, Regional Gender Agenda within which identified difficulties in the Sustainable Development producing gender statistics and Framework, and the 25th review of which formed the basis for targeted the Declaration and Platform recommendations. for Action. the challenges, Saint Lucia has made The assessment identified the significant progress in producing The underlying frameworks of both need for a gendered perspective in gender statistics. platforms encourage Governments decision making. It was suggested to adopt and implement policies, that poor inter-agency coordinating and strategies to promote mechanisms, as well as insufficient gender equality and the rights of all and inefficient use of human, women and girls, as well as to make physical, and financial resources available gender data and statistics were having a negative effect on to address gender inequalities. the production of gender statistics. The assessment also examined Saint It is in this context that the Lucia’s capacity to collect, analyze, government of Saint Lucia is produce and manage gender- redoubling its efforts to achieve disaggregated data, in accordance gender equality. In order to measure with the CARICOM Gender Equality the different needs of women, girls, Indicators (GEI) model. ECLAC’s men and boys, the government has assessment concluded that, despite

4 | The Hummingbird Saint Lucia census in

he Government of Saint Lucia is to carry out their duties. conduct a population and housing Tcensus in May 2020 that should assist He reported that the enumerators were in determining the strategic policies and undergoing a significant amount of training, programmes for the next decade. in order to adequately prepare them to carry out the mammoth exercise, and to The Honourable Prime Minister Allen ensure the most accurate collection of data. Chastanet said that the aim of the census is to have a comprehensive assessment of “The information which will be the country and “to allow for the accurate providing is protected by and you have delivery of initiatives to remedy some of the highest assurance that any information the ills in the society, such as poverty, which you provide, will be dealt with in inequality, substandard healthcare and the the strictest confidence. Please provide lack of adequate housing”. information which is as accurate as possible,” said PM Chastanet, addressing The census will be held on May 12, when an the public. estimated 550 enumerators will commence work islandwide. The Honourable PM The last decennial census carried out in Chastanet has urged all Saint Lucians to 2010. cooperate with the enumerators as they

The Hummingbird | 5 The Hummingbird

6 | The Hummingbird Santiago Commitment approved by Caribbean and Latin American countries to accelerate efforts to fulfill the Regional Gender Agenda

new milestone was achieved recently in Santiago, Chile, with the of an agreement which should accelerate the fulfillment of the regional gender agenda for and Caribbean Acountries. Titled the `Santiago Commitment’, the document was accepted by the countries of the region during the XIV Regional Conference on Women in Latin American and the Caribbean, which was organized by ECLAC with the support of the Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), at ECLAC headquarters in Santiago, Chile, during 27 to 31 2020.

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The Hummingbird | 7 Santiago Commitment approved by Caribbean and Latin American countries to accelerate efforts to fulfill the Regional Gender Agenda

The Santiago Commitment reaffirms In particular, the agreement health services; to foster women’s the validity of the Regional Gender envisages “increasing the allocation labour participation in the areas of Agenda encompassing more than of financial, technical and human science, technology, engineering 40 years of commitments made resources according to national and mathematics; to encourage by the governments of the region. realities, capacities and legislation, gender-responsive budgeting, This new agreement establishes a gender-responsive budgeting, reduce the wage gap; and to series of measures to accelerate and monitoring and accountability, increase women’s representation in the effective implementation of with a view to strengthening decision-making processes. the Beijing Platform for Action the implementation of equality and the Regional Gender Agenda policies in the framework of the Other highlights were the measures in the broader context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable aimed at strengthening the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” production of gender statistics Development. These measures at national and increasing include strengthening gender Among the 48 points of the the financial contribution and institutions and architectures document, some that stand cooperation with specific attention through the prioritization of out include the commitments to small developing States machineries for the advancement to eradicate gender violence; and middle-income countries. of women, in addition to gender to provide universal access to mainstreaming at the different levels comprehensive health services, During the closing session of the of the State. including sexual and reproductive XIV Conference, ECLAC’s Executive

Caribbean attendants of the XIV regional Conference on Women and the ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena.

8 | The Hummingbird We are very clear about what we want: we want equality, that nothing be done about us, without us... Alicia Bárcena - Executive Secretary of ECLAC

Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, highlighted Noel Vaeza, the Regional Director and for the Advancement that “we are very clear about what of UN Women for the and of Women; the CEDAW Committee we want: we want equality, that the Caribbean. Ms. Vaeza stated that of and Tobago; CariMan; nothing be done about us, without during the XIV Conference “we have Caribbean Women in Leadership; us. We want a without femicide, confirmed that progress towards networks of rural women producers without violence, with equality in gender equality has been made in and grassroots organizations; terms of wages and other economic Latin America and the Caribbean. members of academia, such matters. The time has come to change Yet there is still much to be done. as the University of the West the gender scheme in our countries We women cannot wait any longer. Indies and agencies; funds and and put an end to patriarchy as a The Santiago Commitment, which programmes of the UN system; and societal model. The time has come to is the outcome of this Conference, intergovernmental organizations, pave the way for parity in all its forms must be the roadmap that enables including the Association of and scenarios.” the region to recognize and fulfill the Caribbean States (ACS). commitments that countries made The President of the Conference, to women and girls 25 years ago The Regional Conference’s Presiding the Minister of Women’s Affairs and in Beijing, so as to move forward Officers is now composed of Chile, in Gender Equity of Chile, Isabel Plá, together on consolidating the Gender the Presidency, and of and underscored that “we have achieved Agenda.” Barbuda, , , , significant progress with the Santiago , , the Dominican Commitment, which represents a The gathering had a strong , , , major step forward on the regional Caribbean participation, especially , , , , gender agenda with agreements in the different panels and side- , , , , that we hope will fuel change for events of the Conference, with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the women of Latin America and the active contribution of Ministers and . The XV Caribbean, because without closing and representatives of national Regional Conference will take place in the social, economic and political machineries for the advancement two years’ time in Argentina. gaps that still affect women, we will of women of , not be able to cross the threshold of , Cuba, Dominican sustainable development. Minister Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Plá also thanked the participation Saint Kitts and , Saint Vincent of Caribbean countries in the event, and the Grenadines, Suriname, and underlining that she looked forward . The event was to continuing to work with them. also attended by representatives of civil society organizations, including Also delivering remarks was María- the Network of NGOs of Trinidad

The Hummingbird | 9 The Caribbean makes its voices heard at Regional Conference on Women

he progress and unique Quarless highlighted that 2020 is the the interventions made by ECLAC challenges of Caribbean start of a new and pivotal decade for Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena; countries in their pursuit of accelerating the realization of gender the Honorable Samantha Marshall, sustainableT development with equality equality and the autonomy of all Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister were addressed throughout the XIV women and girls in the Caribbean. of Social Transformation, Human Regional Conference on Women in Latin “Over the last 25 years, Caribbean Resource Development, Youth and America and the Caribbean. countries have made remarkable Gender Affairs, with responsibility for efforts to , protect and Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda’s Moderating the Caribbean panel was promote the rights of women and girls Affairs; the Honorable Delma Thomas, ECLAC Caribbean Director, Diane and strengthen their autonomy, but Minister of Social Development, Quarless, who noted that over the years, persistent gender inequalities are still Housing and Community Empowerment the subregion has made important evident in households with the unequal of Grenada; Ms. Nerissa Gittens- strides in addressing women’s physical distribution of unpaid work, in the McMillan, Permanent Secretary, autonomy, through the design of labour market with lower participation Ministry of National Mobilization, Social legal and institutional frameworks that and quality of jobs, and in the wider Development, Family, Gender Affairs, tackle all forms of violence against Caribbean society with cultural patterns Persons with Disabilities and Youth of women, including human trafficking. that reproduce discriminatory practices Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Ms. Nevertheless, as outlined by the against women.” Sharon Warner, Executive Officer with ECLAC Gender Equality Observatory, the Department of Gender Affairs of the subregion is still lacking gender- The panel offered a space for peer-to- ; and Ms. Terry Ince, disaggregated data that could give a peer learning and sharing of experiences Founder and Convener of the CEDAW better understanding of this scourge. among Caribbean countries and the Committee of Trinidad and Tobago. wider region to overcome persistent “Another of considerable progress and new obstacles to effectively achieve From their different perspectives, is the political participation and gender equality by 2030. Moreover, the high-level panelists assessed the representation of women in leadership it highlighted the situation of gender progress made in the implementation positions in the private and public equality in the context of women’s of the Montevideo Strategy in synergy spheres. Nevertheless, despite the vulnerability to the impacts of climate with Beijing+25 and other international existing initiatives to bolster women’s change and extreme weather events. and regional frameworks aimed at participation in decision making It also discussed such economic promoting women’s rights, including processes in our subregion, much more challenges as the lack of economies the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of could be done to increase their level of scale in production and proneness Action () Pathway and the of participation in public positions at to external shocks, reduced scope for Agreement. all levels and to reach output diversification and high levels of in democratic institutions in our migration of skilled individuals. Minister Marshall highlighted that “we subregion,” Quarless said. stand on the front-line of this climate The panel also benefitted from crisis and must focus on closing the

10 | The Hummingbird structural gaps that continue to widen ”. all women and girls to rebuild their lives inequalities. We need fiscal and policy after this life-altering experience. space, access to financing, technical Caribbean representatives also support, new technologies, the creation participated in other panels and The final ‘Round table on challenges of new industries, and a new national activities. For example, during the of comprehensive policies for gender development pathway to achieve ‘Special Session on Generation Equality: equality’ included the participation sustainable development.” outlook and challenges for Beijing+25 of Hazel Brown, Coordinator of the in Latin America and the Caribbean’, Network of NGOs of Trinidad and Along similar lines, Minister Thomas Sharon Coburn-Robinson, Senior Tobago for the Advancement of stressed that “substantive equality Director of Gender Affairs of Jamaica, Women, who successfuly reproduced requires that all leaders accept the underscored that “issues of gender the atmosphere of Beijing by sharing challenge to take action to improve the inequality are seated in all spheres of her experience in the event in 1995. She lives of women and girls”, while Ms. life.” invited the Conference participants to Gittens-McMillan mentioned that Saint join her in singing Bob Marley’s song Vincent and the Grenadines is now a In the panel entitled ‘The care economy: “Get up, Stand up for your Right”, as the member of the UN Security Council and trends and impacts of demographic women of the Caribbean did in Beijing on this platform a prime issue for her change’, Ms. Judith Karijodrono, Head 25 years ago. country is gender-based violence. of the Bureau of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Suriname For those who missed such an impactful The importance of fostering partnerships stressed the fact that “unpaid care event, the Regional Conference was between civil society organizations and responsibilities combined with formal livestreamed at ECLAC YouTube governments to achieve gender equality work responsibilities result in a double Channel and key presentations and addressed by Ms. Ince who stated work burden for women.” documents are available on the official that “we can all do a better job with website of the Conference at https:// collaboration and humility.” The Panel on ‘Climate Change- trends, conferenciamujer.cepal.org/14/en opportunities and challenges for At the end of the Panel, the Executive gender equality’ offered another key Secretary of ECLAC, Alicia Bárcena, opportunity to address Caribbean congratulated all participants from the vulnerabilities that have been Caribbean who came a very long way exacerbated by the climate crisis. to share their experiences and ideas on Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director of the achieving gender equality in the region Department of Gender and Family and highlighted that “ECLAC adopted a Affairs of the Bahamas gave an Caribbean First approach and we really inspirational yet heartbreaking account mean it. Latin America countries must of the situation in her country following have solidarity with the Caribbean on the passage of . She many fronts, including in the area of spoke of the resilience demonstrated by

The Hummingbird | 11 Parliaments and civil society address SDGs implementation in the Caribbean

arliamentarians from implementation? and Barbuda, , , eight Caribbean countries Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and recently affirmed the critical The establishment of institutional Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago, Prole that needs to be played mechanisms, in most cases, may presently have an interim structure by Parliaments in championing require an act of . This in place to coordinate SDG sustainable development and could include legislation that activities nationally. holding governments accountable assigns new roles to an existing for national strategies and policies institution or the creation of a Q: Has there been any level aimed at combating climate change new institution with the legal of success following these and implementing the Sustainable mandate for oversight of SDG- developments? Development Goals (SDGs). related matters. In countries where no SDG institutional mechanism There has been a good level of This, during the Second Regional currently exists, the parliament has success, given that several of these Seminar for Parliaments of the a role to play in facilitating such an countries have either presented Caribbean, which was held in Port institution and in countries where their first Voluntary National of , Trinidad and Tobago on the legal framework is weak, the Review (VNR) at the High-level 5 and 6 2019, under the parliament also has a role to play in Political Forum on Sustainable title, `Strengthening parliamentary strengthening this legal authority Development (HLPF), or will be action on the Sustainable to promote national ownership and presenting it in July 2020, thus Development Goals (SDGs)’. efficiency of SDGs implementation. proving additional evidence that processes toward national ECLAC Caribbean Q: What institutional ownership accelerate national Director, Dr. Dillon Alleyne, had arrangements have governments implementation of the SDGs. the opportunity to report on the put in place for mainstream SDG progress that Caribbean countries implementation? Following the seminar, the Port are making with their SDG of Spain Declaration was issued institutional mechanisms. “So far, Cuba, Haiti, , by members of the Parliaments of and Jamaica have included Barbados, Cuba, Grenada, Guyana, The Hummingbird recently sat SDG institutional mechanism Haiti, Saint Lucia, Suriname, down for a one-on-one with into government . and Trinidad and Tobago. The Dr. Alleyne, to chat about his Meanwhile, , the Bahamas, seminar was also attended by presentation at the seminar. the , and representatives of Government Saint Lucia have created new Ministries and civil society from Q: How does the parliamentary SDG institutional mechanisms. Trinidad and Tobago. process affect SDG Other countries, such as Antigua

12 | The Hummingbird New policy brief encourages use of Universal Service Funds to provide access to technology for persons with disabilities

f the 1.3 million persons educational opportunities. and broadband networks into in the Caribbean with a geographical areas that private disability of some kind, However, access to and use of the companies would Oabout 250,000 have a significant internet and other ICTs is not evenly otherwise view as unattractive for disability. These figures are on the enjoyed, and many groups including investment. rise and are expected to increase persons with disabilities experience dramatically in the coming decades the digital divide. For example, USFs can also be used in as the population of the subregion while smartphones now have built-in conjunction with other mechanisms ages, and global chronic health accessibility features, such as voice to provide universal service conditions worsen. recognition software, many websites coverage and funding, including and other online platforms are still license conditions, subsidies, and Persons with disabilities (PWDs) face inaccessible to PWDs. private-public partnerships. For a range of physical, social, attitudinal example, most Caribbean USFs use and institutional barriers that prevent While the Caribbean has made public-private partnerships with their full and effective participation advances in terms of ICT providers to in society on an equal basis. A direct infrastructure, there remains a implement universal service projects. result of this is that they experience gap between availability and use less favorable outcomes in health, of this technology due to lack of The brief concludes by noting that , employment, housing and affordability, equipment, skills while establishing a USF is the overall wellbeing. or relevant local content. As a preferred option, countries are result, only 51% of the Caribbean encouraged to first review their A new policy brief from ECLAC population is using the internet. legislation to ensure it reflects Caribbean explores the role that modern approaches to disability Information and Communications The policy brief identifies Universal while adapting to new and changing Technologies (ICTs) can play in Service Funds (USFs) as a mechanism uses of technology. breaking down many of these which can be used to finance barriers that prevent persons with measures to ensure ICT access to disabilities from participating actively PWDs. USFs are now being used to in society and enjoying their rights. increase access to telecommunication services through projects funded by Today, it is not possible to participate legally-mandated contributions from fully in society without access to ICTs. telecommunication providers. Moreover, ongoing advances in ICTs make digital literacy a prerequisite Traditionally, governments have for acquiring employment and used USFs to expand telephone

The Hummingbird | 13 Study on Caribbean national statistical legislation

ata plays a critical Development and Cooperation their mandates and defines the role in assessing Committee (CDCC). boundaries on data use that are Dthe achievement of transparent. sustainable development – from Caribbean statistical frameworks planning and implementation are over 30 years old, including The upcoming study will assess to monitoring and reporting. In some which pre-date countries’ the compliance of national particular, given the demands , and, as a result, statistical legal frameworks of of the 2030 Agenda for do not reflect modern statistical 24 Caribbean countries with the Sustainable Development, practices or contain provisions United Nations Fundamental effective monitoring of and enabling the development of Principles of Official Statistics reporting on the SDGs will modern tools. Government (UNFPOS). The existence of a require high quality, timely agencies and private sector legal framework that complies and disaggregated data and organizations alike are hesitant with the UNFPOS is a critical statistics at the sub-national, to share data in the absence of a enabling factor for national national, regional and global modern framework, which results statistical systems to produce levels. in large amounts of data going official statistics that are of unused. high quality and contribute However, several countries in the to a country’s adherence to subregion have had challenges In addition, reporting on international standards. in producing statistics for the the SDG indicators requires SDG indicators. countries to develop new tools ECLAC’s assessment will and frameworks to harness the provide recommendations to An upcoming study by ECLAC power of technology, produce the respective countries on Caribbean will present an disaggregated data, exchange actions needed to ensure full assessment of national statistical and share large amounts of data, compliance of their statistics legal frameworks across the coordinate data producers, and legislation thereby laying a solid subregion. The study aims to meet users’ needs. An enabling foundation for the effective ascertain the level of compliance legal framework is essential for functioning of their national of the statistical laws of the development of such tools statistical systems. The study will Member and Associate Member and frameworks as it provides be published later in 2020. Countries of the Caribbean national statistical offices with

14 | The Hummingbird Cayman festival celebrates the

recent event at Pedro St. James, couldn’t use the medication. Then I found , celebrated all out coconut was good for it, and from things coconut. From CocoJitos there I got interested in the possibilities.” Ato coconut fried chicken, coconut-themed decor and healthcare products, the Rochester’s stall, Health Alternatives family-friendly event provided attendees Cayman, was one of several booths that with a chance to explore and sample the offered fairgoers a chance to purchase many flavours and potential uses of the coconut lotions, creams, shampoos, face tropical drupe. masks, essential oils and scrubs.

“When people come in, they get to see Local artist Michelle Bryan’s watercolours what can be done with the coconut,” typically feature children and animals. For said Deborah Bodden, the operations the Festival, she included coconut trees manager of Pedro St James. in her portraits. “I don’t normally paint coconut trees,” “Each year, the event continues to grow. she said. “But the coconut tree is a Last year, we had 27 vendors; this year we very important part of who we are as a have 35. In fact, we sold out all booths people. It’s a part of our culture, and it within 12 days of them going on sale, and has many benefits.” we ended up having a waiting list.” The half-day festival also featured hours Now in its fifth year, the annual gathering of local Cayman music, quadrille dancing offers vendors like Zena Rochester a and a baking competition, as well as arts chance to showcase their coconut- and crafts and games for children. infused products. “My grandson is allergic to everything Please see : https://www.youtube.com/ except pork,” said Rochester. “When he channel/UCA3eAlbzyyKE7Vk_4SSi74Q was very young, he had eczema, but he

The Hummingbird | 15 Go Green Dominica: A sustainable alternative to plastic bags

he government of the In 2017, category-five hurricane The island’s ecotourism sector of Maria struck Dominica with is recovering with a new eco- Dominica has announced damages worth more than twice conscious supported by its Tthat it will provide all households its GDP and left nearly 90% of the citizenship by investment (CBI) on the island with jute and structures on the island damaged, programme that has helped bags as part of the ‘Go Green while recovering from tropical achieve the following: Dominica’ sustainable alternative Erika in 2015. to plastic bags. Visitors to the island are likewise encouraged to • Repair 15 sections of damaged adopt the Dominican way of life, Within days of roads; the Nature Island of the Caribbean landfall and devastation, Prime deeply rooted in caring for the Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking , developing at the UN General Assembly in resilient infrastructure and building New York said: “72,000 Dominicans • Build Dominica’s first back better towards a climate lie on the frontline of a war they international airport; resilience country. did not choose with extensive casualties from a war that they did not start. While the big countries The ‘Go Green Dominica’ initiative talk, the small island nations suffer. • Restore 19 bridges and river follows a comprehensive ban We need action and we need it walls; on all single-use plastic and now.” Styrofoam containers, initiated in January 2019, and the application of zero percent import duty on Hence, PM Skerrit pledged to • Repair one of Dominica’s authenticated biodegradable build the world’s first climate- regional airports sustainably; products and reusable shopping resilient nation, developing resilient bags in December 2018. infrastructure to building back better. • Dredge 19 rivers in 11 locations to prevent flooding;

16 | The Hummingbird Gladys Knight, Beres Hammond Join St Kitts Music Festival

• Invest in water and ; and he Caribbean’s hottest The group includes performers music festival has added like Chronixx, Jimmy and the more big names to its 2020 new Koffee, who took Tagenda. The Saint Kitts home this year’s Best Reggae Album • Rehabilitate 15 schools. Music Festival, now in its 24th year, Grammy. has added Gladys Knight, Beres Hammond and Anthony B to the “With such a wide range of talent slate of performers for the 25 to 27 and musical styles represented on “We are entering our 27 years as a CBI event. stage again this year, we want to program and therefore it is important be a model for other music festivals that persons can see what’s happening “We are excited to have secured throughout the region,” said Damion with CBI monies here in Dominica, as such an outstanding group of artists Hobson, Chairman of the Festival. we continue to do what we have to do, to perform in this year’s Saint Kitts engaging, marketing and selling the Music Festival,” said the country’s “Our festival is one of the longest- programme,” said head of the CBI unit, Minister, Lindsay Grant. established music festivals in the Emmanuel Nanthan. Caribbean and we aim to keep it as “Our strategy is to grow the festival a premier choice for music-loving every year in a way that will appeal travelers and locals alike.” The government of Dominica has to both local and international directed millions towards economic audiences, therefore creating the transition and recovery efforts in right mix of performers is critical to infrastructural rehabilitation and our success. This particular selection reinforcement. The housing revolution of veteran and emerging talent is comprises building 5,000 plus modern certain to draw music lovers from homes, in safer areas; and in the near all of our key source markets as well future will provide green energy from as from our Federation, thereby the geothermal plant currently being providing direct benefit to our developed to the entire country with citizens and economy.” options for export.

The Hummingbird | 17 State ofAffairs

Grenada Saint Lucia Trinidad and Tobago

INDEPENDENCE DAY COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

- Feb - - Feb - - Mar - Minister of Health, Terrence The The Ministry of Agriculture of Deyalsingh has announced that five (CARICOM) extended Saint Lucia initiated collaboration more countries have been added to the 14-day travel ban that the congratulations to the Government with the College of Agriculture in government has implemented and People of Grenada on the to share expertise in for . The countries added country’s 46th Anniversary of agriculture. The collaboration took are , Italy, , Iran Independence, on , the form of a visit to Saint Lucia by and . The ban states 2020. The Secretary-General, Irwin a group of thirteen students from that no one travelling from these LaRocque, noted that CARICOM Guadeloupe. The visiting students countries will be allowed in Trinidad has greatly benefitted from the were exposed to the farming and Tobago within 14 days of their long-standing commitment of the systems and various agricultural departure. Grenada Government and people techniques used by Saint Lucians. to the integration process of the The Minister for Agriculture, SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRY region. Fisheries, Natural Resources and - Feb - Cooperatives, Ezekiel Joseph, The Government of Trinidad and expressed hope for the continued Tobago has passed the Sexual exchanges between the two states. Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019. The new law provides for, among DIPLOMATIC RELAIONS WITH other things, the establishment TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS of a sex offenders registry. Local law enforcement will now be - Feb - - Feb - empowered to better monitor and track offenders who must The governments of the The Department of Health and frequently report to the nearest Ukraine and Grenada have Wellness of Saint Lucia has made police station and provide every essential detail about themselves, signed a joint communique on efforts to restrict the likelihood including their fingerprints and establishing diplomatic relations of the introduction of COVID-19, DNA. between the two nations. The popularly known as the novel communique, which was signed coronavirus, into the Saint Lucian TRADE WITH UK by the Ambassador of Ukraine population. As such the Saint to the - Natalia Lucian authorities have placed - Jan - Galibarenko, will allow for visa restrictions on non-nationals who The government of Trinidad and free travel of citizens between the have a travel history from Mainland Tobago is currently working on two countries. China within the last 14 days. the necessary legislation to ensure that the trading relationship with the government of the United Kingdom can continue in light of its recent exit from the . In the meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago will continue to have access to the United Kingdom’s market under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) until December 31, 2020.

18 | The Hummingbird ECLAC Caribbean Family ECLAC POS family hails the achievement of Blaine Marcano, Ph.D.

he ECLAC Caribbean family is proud of the recent accomplishment of one Tof its own, Blaine Marcano, who was recently conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Presently a Public Information Assistant in the Strategic Planning and Outreach Unit, Blaine, successfully defended – in Spanish! - his doctoral thesis in Organizational Psychology at the University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid) in Spain.

Blaine further distinguished himself by receiving the highest marks of his cohort. The focus of his research on leadership, competency and team justice will no doubt be an asset to his current achievements at ECLAC Caribbean, as he continues to play a meaningful role in enriching the work life of the ECLAC Caribbean family.

Members of the doctoral tribunal pose with Dr. Blaine Marcano (middle) and his thesis supervisor Dr. Gloria Castaño (third from left).

The Hummingbird | 19 Sticky Toffee Pudding Poppers

What you will need:

3 cups chopped dates 2 cups water 2 teaspoons baking soda 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon sea salt 8 ounces butter 2 cups granulated 4 eggs 2 tablespoons vanilla essence

For brandy butter sauce:

1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup unsalted butter 2 teaspoons brandy

Method:

1. For the sauce, add brown sugar and heavy cream to a heavy bottomed saucepan. 2. Allow to come to a boil and let the sugar dissolve completely. Remove from the stove when a light caramel colour is achieved. 3. Stir in butter and then brandy until smooth. 4. Pre­heat oven to 350°F. Grease cake pop pans and set aside. 5. Place chopped dates in a saucepan and add the water and baking soda. Place on a low heat and allow to cook until the water is absorbed and the dates are softened. Remove from the stove and allow to cool. 6. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 7. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs until absorbed into the butter and sugar. Be careful to not overmix. Add vanilla essence. 8. To the creamed mixture, alternately add the date mixture and sifted dry ingredients until a creamy cake batter is formed. 9. Fill the cake pop pans with the batter about of the way and bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when tested for doneness. 10. Soak cake pop balls in the sauce and serve warm.

Serve the fish with the verde.

20 | The Hummingbird The Hummingbird | 21 CONTACT US

ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, 1 ChanceryCONTACT Lane, P.O. US Box 1113, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, . ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, 1 Chancery Lane, P.O. Box 1113, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Telephone: 1 868 224 8000 West Indies. E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 1 868 224 8000 E-mail: [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT Tel.: 1 868 224 8075 E-mail: [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT Tel.: 1 868 224 8075 E-mail: [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA

www.eclacpos.org https://www.cepal.org/en/headquarters-and-offices/eclac-caribbean