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Volume 6 - Issue 11 November 2019

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL AGENDA FOR INCLUSIVE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED AT ECLAC MEETING Sargassum ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SARGASSUM ON ECONOMIES I Am A YOUtH I AM A YOUTH OF A SMALL COMPETITION RESULTS Contents

4 Article ’s impact on – an ECLAC´ assessment 8 Feature Article Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development adopted at ECLAC meeting

12 Article I am a Youth of a Small Island Competition Results

16 Article Caribbean Youth Day 2019

18 Article The Caribbean commits to a pollution-free future

21 ECLAC Caribbean Family Day - Staff Lunch

Cover Image by Denisse Aylen González Baez from the ‘I am a Youth of a Small Island’ competition.

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 Oct 7

Congratulations to Josiah Julipsingh, Caribbean winner of the ‘I am a youth of a SIDS’ competition in the category: ‘photos and paintings, 15-19 of age’.

November Events

Seminar for Public Officials and Civil Society 11 Representatives on and 2030 Agenda 11 November 2019 Posted Nov 7 Congratulations to Denisse Aylen González Baez, Caribbean winner of the ‘I am a youth of a SIDS’ competition in the Diabetes Day category: ‘photos and paintings, 20-24 years of age’. 14 14 November 2019

World Children's Day 20 20 November 2019

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against 24 Women 25 November 2019 Posted Nov 1 The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has launched the Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance. More info here: http://bit.ly/2EeZhW5 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 29 29 November 2019 Hurricane Dorian’s impact on the Bahamas – an ECLAC assessment

fter a quiet 2018 season, in A2019, hurricane Dorian, made landfall in the Bahamas, becoming the strongest hurricane on record to impact its .

Historically, the Bahamas has suffered the impact of severe almost every but Dorian, however, stands out with a level of destruction both unexpected and unprecedented.

On 1 September, the eye of hurricane Dorian made landfall on Abaco Island Damage and Loss Assessment Team from ECLAC and the InterAmerican Development Bank with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph and surges of 20 to 25 2 September and stalled there for spill in the Equinor facility in eastern ft. A Damage and Loss Assessment another day as a Category 5 hurricane, are, in themselves, (DaLA) team of external experts the and flooding caused substantial undertakings. The and ECLAC staff, led by Dr. Omar considerable damage. Overall, Dorian economy and livelihoods will also be Bello, Coordinator of the Sustainable deposited an estimated 3 ft of rain over impacted in the coming years by the Development and Disaster Unit at the the Bahamas interruption of economic flows that ECLAC subregional headquarters in arise from the temporary absence of Port of , assessed the impact on In Eastern Grand Bahama the damaged assets, especially those of Abaco and Grand Bahama. destruction from Dorian was also and fisheries. The scientific severe. Preliminary estimates of the evidence suggests that as water In Harbour, Abaco social and total costs range in the billions. Houses, continue to rise, they will economic center, the near complete roads, government and commercial likely fuel increasingly stronger tropical destruction of infrastructure and buildings, transport, power and cyclones. housing was hard to describe even infrastructure, for the experts who participated in entire , ground water- The Bahamas will have to face a difficult previous DaLA missions. Perhaps resources and coastlines have been challenge in coming years concerning a good description is offered by impacted and will require major relocation of coastal populations the international military personnel investments to be recovered. and infrastructure. Likewise, it will be working in the island, who compared necessary to rethink existing strategies the landscape to a post-conflict zone. The costs of restoring an entire town to better use scarce financial, technical As the eye of Dorian moved over the reduced to debris in the case of and institutional resources to guarantee eastern side of Grand Bahama on and cleaning the oil a resilient development path.

4 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird Caribbean Adopts to Prepare for Hurricanes

While the Atlantic Hurricane season is a time of anxious preparation for countries in the Caribbean, for he Caribbean is currently deploying a new ECLAC Caribbean, it has become a time to prepare technology to help it build resilience to natural and adapt the work agenda. Assessing damage, losses, and additional cost has been part of ECLAC’s Tdisasters. Known as LIDAR, the acronym for history since the inception of the DaLA methodology light detection and ranging, the technology is being in the early 1970s. In the Bahamas, the consecutive used to gather data that will help regional authorities DaLA assessments — jointly organized with the better predict the impacts of climate-related events Interamerican Development Bank - of Hurricanes and determine how best to prepare for them. Matthew, Joaquin, Irma, and now Dorian, offer One of the organizations using LIDAR for data evidence of the cumulative effects and impacts on collection is the Pilot Programme for Climate the economy, infrastructure and society and provide Resilience (PPCR) in the Caribbean, funded by the guidance for planning reconstruction. Climate Investment Fund and the Inter-American DaLA reports have been used not only to assist Development Bank. In 2012, LIDAR was effectively governments in better allocating limited resources used in the in the aftermath of Hurricane and efficiently planning for resilient reconstruction but Sandy. also to sensitize the international community of the impact of extreme climatic events, the high costs of The PPCR-Caribbean’s programme manager, Ainsley reconstruction and to mobilize support. Henry, said that the technology might even have prepared the Bahamas to better cope with Hurricane DaLA findings from the region reveals that achieving disaster and climate resilient communities in the Dorian which struck the island chain on 1 September Caribbean will demand rethinking the development 2019. The Category 5 Dorian was one of the most path, considering the location of settlements, destructive Atlantic hurricanes on record, causing redesigning infrastructure, and strengthening more than 60 deaths, storm surges more than 20 feet environmental protection as a primary protective high, and mass evacuations in the Bahamas. barrier against natural hazards. Though the Bahamas is not part of the PPCR- Caribbean project, LIDAR mapping is increasingly being used by organizations to strengthen the Caribbean’s climate resilience, according to Henry. He added that the technology could change the way hurricanes affect the region and some of the challenges involved in using it.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 5 The Hummingbird

6 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development adopted at ECLAC meeting

Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development was adopted recently in by authorities participating in the Third Meeting of the Regional Conference on Social Development in America and the Caribbean. This Agenda is a technical and political instrument that will Acontribute to eradicating poverty and achieving greater levels of equality in the region.

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The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 7 Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development adopted at ECLAC meeting

The Regional Agenda highlights a poverty line in 2018, while 10.7% Progress in the reduction of poverty shared position among countries lived in situations of extreme has however been slower and there by promoting a new generation of poverty – rates which are seen rising is a paucity of data on levels of social policies anchored in a rights to 30.8% and 11.5%, respectively, poverty and inequality in Caribbean - and equality-based approach, as in 2019, according to ECLAC’s countries since around 2010 to well as guided by the principle of projections in the Social Panorama identify trends in the subregion.* universalism that also recognizes of 2019. More differences and realities at the specifically in the Caribbean, where At the Conference’s closing session, national level. The Agenda aims reasonably comparable data are ECLAC’s Secretary, to enhance countries’ capacity to available, rates of indigence have Alicia Bárcena, stated that “Latin invest in social issues, to provide been falling and, in some countries, America and the Caribbean has sufficient resources for social indigence rates are 3 per cent or to show the world that it has policies, and to bolster multilateral lower. Exceptions to this include a deep commitment to social action and cooperation. , , , development by fighting against and where a sizeable inequality, poverty and extreme According to ECLAC, 30.1% of the proportion of the population poverty, despite the economic, region’s population was below the continue to live in extreme poverty. political and social problems,

Attendees of the Third Meeting of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

8 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird The very survival of the highly vulnerable States of the Caribbean and their ability to achieve sustainable development and to offer social protection to every citizen will depend on the success of the strategies to build social, economic and environmental resilience...

Diane Quarless - Director, ECLAC Caribbean

obstacles and dilemmas that we celebrate this new agenda for the and disasters and . are experiencing. We cannot let our region.” Participants also commended the guard down because the economy is Commission on the launch of the imposing very severe restrictions on The Honorable Samantha Marshall, Observatory on Social Development us. Social programs must continue to Minister of Social Transportation, in Latin America and the Caribbean, be a priority for the countries of our Human Resource Development, being a regional public good region.” Youth and Gender Affairs of Antigua for supporting the design and and Barbuda; the Honorable implementation of public policies and In an earlier statement during Cynthia Y. Forde, Minister of People monitoring their trends in the region. the Caribbean panel focused on Empowerment and Elder Affairs of challenges and opportunities of the Barbados; the Honorable Frederick At the meeting, the new members of Regional Agenda in the subregion, A. Stephenson, Minister of National the Presiding Officers of the Regional ECLAC Caribbean Director, Diane Mobilization, Social Development, Conference on Social Development Quarless, stated that discussions on Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with in Latin America and the Caribbean the Regional Agenda were timely Disabilities and Youth of Saint Vincent were elected, including for the first and relevant, as they will give life and and the Grenadines; Ms. Anita time, Barbados and the British Virgin fullest expression to the commitment Bianca Forst-Cumberbatch, Deputy Islands. made to ensure the welfare and Director of General Social Care in wellbeing of all. “The very survival the Ministry of Social Affairs and Participants at the conference of the highly vulnerable States of the Housing of Suriname; and Mr. Vishal included 102 representatives of Caribbean and their ability to achieve Hulbert Joseph, CARICOM Youth 29 countries and 40 delegates sustainable development and to offer Ambassador of Guyana and Regional from 13 United Nations agencies social protection to every citizen Focal Point for the United Nations and international organizations. will depend on the success of the Major Group for Children and Youth Representatives of 18 civil society strategies to build social, economic shared their perspectives during the institutions also attended along with and environmental resilience,” she Caribbean panel. members of academia and the private said. sector in Latin America and the At this regional gathering, country Caribbean. Quarless also said that “the Regional delegates analyzed ECLAC’s Agenda is a strategy to operationalize document, `Critical obstacles to Agenda 2030, because it is grounded inclusive social development in in a people-centred approach to Latin America and the Caribbean: * ECLAC, Implementation of the Montevideo development, it promotes equality Background for a regional agenda’, Consensus on Population and Development in and recognizes and honors the which identifies at least eight key the Caribbean- A review of the period 2013- 2018, p.11. intrinsic value of every human life. factors impeding the achievement of It is a strategy that is intended inclusive social development in the to integrate in the broader goals region. These include the persistence the unique circumstances of the of poverty, structural inequalities, subregion. It is this effort to respond the deficit of decent work and directly to the special needs of the social protection, insufficient social people of the subregion that we investment, diverse forms of violence,

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 9 Assessing the Impact of Sargassum on Caribbean Economies

ince 2011, the Caribbean These fumes generate significant in order to meet with stakeholders sub-region has been public health effects, such as and to obtain first-hand information experiencing a significant respiratory problems and skin rashes on both challenges and efforts in Supsurge in pelagic Sargassum among those who come into contact confronting this menace. Field visits (Sargassum species), which with it. and interviews were conducted has generated considerable negative with representatives from state and economic, social and environmental Additionally, high ambient municipal agencies, the tourism impacts. Although there has concentrations of these gases sector, fisherfolk and other private been no consensus on the cause have been reported to contribute sector interests. of this dramatic increase in algal to extensive corrosion of both blooms, researchers have identified building fixtures such as doors and This study will also enable ECLAC the increased flow of land based window, and the failure of household to determine how it may adapt pollutants such as organic fertilizers appliances such as refrigerators, and apply its Damage and Loss into the , as well as stoves, air-conditioning units, and Assessment Methodology (DaLA) - increased sea surface temperatures electronics such as televisions and designed for economic assessment due to climate change as the two computers. Sargassum has also been of natural events - to the evaluation most likely causes. identified to have some impacts on of what has been described by some the energy sector, where these gases countries as an ecological emergency. While sargassum presence may be also cause damage to electrical described as benign due to the slow transmission and distribution ECLAC Caribbean’s work is part of a onset of its effects, it causes major infrastructure on the coast. wider regional effort among several impacts to tourism, as it despoils Caribbean governments and agencies and coastal areas which are ECLAC Caribbean recently initiated to develop strategies for dealing major attractions for visitors to many a scoping study to assess the extent with the regional sargassum threat. Caribbean countries. Moreover, it of possible impacts of sargassum on Such efforts recently culminated affects fisheries through damage to Caribbean economies. This study will with the hosting of an International , engines and gear as inform the design and methodology Conference and Exposition on well as by its obstructing movement for a more robust economic analysis Sargassum, by the government of in and out of fishing bays, thereby of the potential impacts of sargassum and the Region. also disrupting coastal transportation. on the Caribbean. The conference drewexperts from Another peculiarity of sargassum is As part of the study, visits were countries around the Caribbean its production of large quantities of undertaken to four , in addition to research and noxious and toxic gasses - hydrogen countries ( and Tobago, Saint development partners from the US, sulphide and ammonia - during its Lucia, Barbados, and Guadeloupe) , Mexico, the OECS, CARICOM, subsequent decay after beaching. during the month of 2019, EU, United Nations, and several

10 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird T&T farmers win cocoa awards

regional universities. rinidad and Tobago Cocoa Caribbean. Their chocolate was farmers, Geeta and Leroy described by judges as having “very ECLAC was represented at this Peters from Grand Riviere, fruity flavours, like and a bit conference by Artie Dubrie, JacquelineT and Martin Matthew from of , also some exotic fruits as Sustainable Development Officer, Tamana, recently won the International mango, that bonds all the qualities of and Willard Phillips, Economic Affairs Cocoa Awards (ICA) at the 25th edition the cocoa along with little acidity”. Officer of the Sustainable Development of Salon du Chocolat in Paris, France. Jacqueline and Martin Matthew, of and Disaster Unit. During the event, According to a statement by the Cocoa Tamana, also won an Award for their Dubrie contributed to the proceedings Development Company of T&T, the cocoa . through her participation in the International Cocoa Awards, held every drafting of the final declaration in the two years, is coordinated through The Cocoa of Excellence Programme sustainable management of Sargassum the Cocoa of Excellence Programme, is the entry point for cocoa-producing in the Caribbean Region. Phillips also spearheaded by countries to participate in the participated in a roundtable which International. The awards recognize international awards. T&T’s cocoa discussed environmental, health, quality, flavour and diversity of cocoa producers were chosen out of the sociological and economic impacts of according to their origin. National Cocoa Award for Quality sargassum. programme which concluded in The T&T farmers placed first out of February 2019. Among the key lessons that are already 223 entries from 55 countries. A third apparent from this scoping exercise submission by Jacinta and Michael This is the first time the Cocoa and the International Conference is Milne of Bethany Estate, Talparo, was Development Company exhibited the uncertainty of the occurrence ranked among the world’s top 50. a national booth at the Salon of sargassum impacts, as well as the The Peters won the inaugural National du Chocolat to showcase T&T’s range of services which Cocoa Awards, held earlier this year in cocoa beans and locally produced can be affected by the appearance of the Southern Academy of Performing chocolates. sargassum. These factors are likely to Arts (SAPA), following which they be important in the future investigation were sent to Paris to network with “We are connecting T&T cocoa of the possible impact of sargassum on international artisan chocolatiers and producers to international artisan Caribbean economies. cocoa buyers. chocolatiers, niche chocolate makers and cocoa buyers, thus strengthening The Cocoa Development Company our linkages to global markets, and said the Peters received the empowering the cocoa farmers International Cocoa Awards for of T&T,” the Cocoa Development the region of and Company noted.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 11 n , ECLAC Caribbean, the UN Department of Poems Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Economic and • “To Those Who Haven’t Visited My Island” Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and Khadijah Ashanna Halliday, Age: 17, Country: Iother UN Partners, launched an international competition to mark the mid-term review of the SIDS Accelerated • “I See” “I am a girl of a small island” Modalities of Action ( Pathway). Jordan R. Hewitt, Age: 15, Country: Jamaica

Entitled ‘I am a youth of a small island’, the competition was • “I am a youth of a Small Island” announced in 2019 and was open to Youth from SIDS Vinzealhar Nen, Age: 23, Country: ages 15-24. Submissions had to reflect the reality of the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) as a special case for • “Damsel in Distress” sustainable development. The interpretation was from such Safiya Moore, Age: 24 , Country: angles as: economic, social, cultural, environmental or any combination of these. • “What Is” Brittney Garbutt Age: 24, Country: Belize In keeping with the theme of sustainable development for the SIDS, the interpretation also was to include the Essay view of visioning for the future when today’s youth will • “I am a Youth of a Small Island become adults. The submissions had to be creative, excite Brittney Garbutt Age: 24 Country: Belize the viewer and keep their attention with originality and innovativeness. • “I Could Not Breath” Brittney Garbutt Age: 24, Country: Belize Entries for the contest were submitted by 5 August of 2019 in the form of: essays, photography, visual arts, video, • “The Reality of the SIDS as a Special Case for Sustainable poetry or musical. Development: The Butterfly Effect” The Hummingbird is now pleased to share with its readers Brittney Garbutt, Age: 24, Country: Belize the winning entries for each of the above-mentioned categories which, in no particular order, are as follows: Other Written Entries • Creative Essay “Under the Tongan Ngatu” Sisifa Gigi Lui, Age: 20, Country:

• Creative letters “Dear SIDS” Shaunee Richards, Age: 21, Country: Trinidad and Tobago

12 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird Barbuda hosts first Ocean Festival

Paintings he weather was hot and so were the grills, when Barbuda • “A Girl An Ocean” hosted its first ever Ocean Festival a few weeks ago. The Aishath , Age: 19, Country: Festival was a collaboration between the Waitt Institute’s BlueT Halo Foundation, the Barbuda Fisheries Division and the non- governmental organisation, BarbudaGO. Song • Song by FENTY The event was hosted as a fun way to promote fishing regulations Paulanna Fenty , Age 21: Barbados and compliance on the island.

Video Robin Ramdeen, Site Manager for Blue Halo, said she was pleased • By LLEWELLYN with the day’s turnout. “We got the message out there. There was Phillip Llewellyn, Age 20, Jamaica already that pride about them, that living here in Barbuda means living near the ocean and taking care of it because rely on it • By FILIPE GAMA for your bread and butter every day.” Joas Elias Gama, Age 23, Country She listed the preparations that went into the event, explaining Timor-Leste that, “we printed the t-shirts with the local regulations on them. We decided we would do trivia and giveaways and make it fun to bring people out, to get the community involved in their For those interested in finding out and their ocean and what better way to do that like doing things more about the creative brilliance of they love to do like and eating seafood. these pieces of art, all winning entries “We invited some of the well-known chefs around the island, local can be found at www.facebook.com/ people, to come and grill-off with lobster, which is in season now, eclaccaribbean and United Nations which is in season now and fish as well,” Ramdeen said. Sustainable Development web site at: https://sustainabledevelopment. Among the events was a swimming competition and a very scrumptious grill-off, buttressed by the high spirits of the children and the adults who participated and showed support for the activities.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 13 Bridging the digital divide for persons with disabilities

nformation and Communications 10 Universal Service Funds (USFs) Convention on the Rights of Persons Technologies (ICTs) can break in the subregion, with a further ten with Disabilities (CRPD) and to include down many of the barriers that countries having legislation that would technologically-neutral language Iprevent persons with disabilities enable the establishment of a USF. that enables them to fund projects (PWDs) from participating actively Historically however, USFs have faced for new technologies. Furthermore, in society and enjoying their right to challenges ranging from high levels USFs should use public awareness equal access to ICTs. This argument of undisbursed funds to low levels of campaigns to increase PWDs’ was the cornerstone of a recent expert transparency and mismanagement. knowledge of USFs and the availability group meeting (EGM), during which of funding. PWDs would also benefit policy makers and experts discussed These shortcomings have engendered from trainings and other support the findings of an ECLAC Caribbean a cautious approach to USF adoption to build capacity to submit project study entitled “Using Universal Service for improving access to ICTs for proposals. Funds to increase access to technology persons with disabilities and other for Persons with Disabilities”. marginalised groups. However, new Participants included people with opportunities for increasing the disabilities and their representative While ongoing advances in ICTs effectiveness of USFs were discussed organisations, representatives make digital literacy a prerequisite by key stakeholders at the meeting. from USFs, telecommunications for employment and educational Participants also provided feedback departments and regulatory bodies opportunities, access to and use on the findings of the study, offered from a number of Caribbean of the internet and other ICTs is not perspectives on its conclusions and countries as well as from regional evenly enjoyed, and many groups recommendations, and identified telecommunications organisations, experience a digital divide, including best practices for countries wishing to including the Eastern Caribbean PWDs. In the Caribbean, this is establish or improve the efficacy of an Telecommunications Authority particularly worrisome, given that existing USF. (ECTEL) and the Caribbean there are approximately 1.3 million Telecommunications Union (CTU). persons with a disability of some kind In particular, experts and policy and around 250,000 persons with a makers highlighted the importance of significant disability. updating USF legislation in the region, in order to allow USFs to deliver Universal service funds (USFs) are a both universal service and access valuable mechanism that can be used to telecommunications, to adopt to finance measures to ensure ICT an inclusive definition of disability access to PWDs. There are presently in keeping with the United Nations

14 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird Interest is Growing in Commercial Use of V.I.

purred by Mutiny Island Vodka’s following the market for breadfruit more breadfruit spirit that’s produced closely. Many farmers are keen to plant Manley will need a lot more breadfruit as on St. Croix, commercial interest more breadfruit trees on their land and demand for the vodka continues to grow Sin the nutritious, bulbous food has potentially grow the market for what is with export to other islands and the U.S. been growing across the . seen as a potential commodity crop for mainland starting soon. But fresh-from- The buzz is partially driven by the the island of St. Croix. the-tree breadfruit isn’t what Manley and increasing demand for gluten-free foods other breadfruit entrepreneurs are most worldwide, as well as the rising interest Nate Olive, director of Ridge to Reef interested in. in specialty foodstuff items. Farm on St. Croix, is leading an alliance From value-added food products, such of V.I. farmers, nonprofits and agriculture “Most of the demand and potential is as pastas, chips and baking mixes, to extension professionals to distribute for breadfruit flour,” said Olive, whose spirits, cosmetics and bug repellent, the breadfruit trees to support economic farm currently grows and distributes edible and nonedible uses of breadfruit development for farmers. Over the last fresh breadfruit along with other fruits are making their way to the global year, R2R helped distribute and plant and vegetables. The market preference market. nearly 2,000 trees as part of their goal for flour is in part because, once picked, to plant 10,000 breadfruit trees over five breadfruit doesn’t travel well, especially But breadfruit’s nutritional and cultural years. The large majority of the trees long distances. importance has been recognized for went to farmers and residents. millennia. “Breadfruit is considered a That means a processing facility will be staple in the Caribbean, sometimes Chef Todd Manley, restaurateur and needed to get large quantities of local consumed more frequently in areas owner and founder of Mutiny Island breadfruit into Manley’s vodka. And at than even rice,” explained Chenzira Vodka, said that he is often approached the rate that trees are being planted, Davis-Kahina, director of the Virgin by enthusiastic residents looking to sell Olive says there is going to be a lot of Islands and Caribbean Cultural Center breadfruit from their backyard trees. breadfruit in a few years. and member of the Global Breadfruit “I’ll use [the fruit] in the restaurant, Heritage Council. “Native ancestral but I think what people don’t realize is “We will likely flood the local market Virgin Islanders have long been aware of that for us to make the vodka we use for fresh breadfruit and there is no the benefits, longevity and multiple uses 5,400 pounds of breadfruit at a time,” large-scale production of breadfruit of breadfruit.” Manley said. This much breadfruit can flour in the V.I. currently, or across the make a run of more than 10,000 bottles Caribbean,” Olive said, adding that It’s not the first time local farmers have at Mutiny’s distillery, which currently plans for a processing facility on St. heard of the crop either. Increased employs 12 people in the former Island Croix are being discussed. commercial interest, however, has some Dairies facility.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 15 Caribbean Youth Day 2019

n the occasion of session included representatives the final event in a series of Caribbean Youth Day of the Caribbean Development events observing CYD19, on O2019 (CYD19), ECLAC Bank, the Youth 30 September 2019, this year Caribbean hosted a Regional Council, and ECLAC Subregional marking its 34th anniversary. Virtual Session in partnership Headquarters for the Caribbean, CYD19 addressed how social with the Caribbean Regional which opened the debate with issues such as mental health, Youth Council (CRYC), on youth representatives around drugs and alcohol, violence, etc., ‘Confronting the social issues the future of Education and impact education. The online impacting education for an its importance for Caribbean session was an opportunity to economically sustainable region’, Sustainable Development. The share actions and best practices which brought together regional Youth dialogue session debated in transforming education, with stakeholders, including regional on the implications for new skill examples of action on gender youth leaders, representatives of sets and its links to innovation responsive and socially inclusive National Youth Councils, NGO’s, and the creative economies. education programming. ECLAC private sector, government Participants reflected on the key will remain committed to promote agencies and international skills required for building regional the dialogue with regional and organizations operating in the links with the global economy and international youth networks and subregion. The online dialogue how to harness youth social and other stakeholders on the linkages identified several social issues intellectual capital in benefit of the between education, economic that impact education delivery region. empowerment and sustainable and accessibility across the development. Caribbean. Speakers in this virtual The regional meet-up was

16 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird State ofAffairs

Belize The Bahamas Barbados

LOAN AGREEMENT WITH IDB DORIAN LOSSES COULD SURPASS IMF VISIT $2.5 BILLION - Nov 4 - - Nov 28 - The Prime Minister of Belize, - Nov 29 - On –6, an , and Country According to a report by the International Monetary Fund Representative of the Inter- of the Central Bank of (IMF) team led by Bert van American Development Bank (IDB), The Bahamas (CBOB), John Rolle, Selm visited to Dr. Cassandra Rogers, signed a the losses of assets destroyed by discuss implementation of loan agreement in the amount Hurricane Dorian could surpass Barbados’ Economic Recovery of US$ 14 million to strengthen $2.5 billion, or 20 percent of the and Transformation (BERT) plan tax administration in Belize. The country’s which has been supported by project aims to strengthen tax (GDP). Hurricane Dorian devastated the IMF under the Extended administration through improved parts of Abaco and Grand Bahama Fund Facility (EFF). Results of the governance and operational in early September 2019. Rolle report showed that Barbados processes. also said that economic activity continues to make good progress on both islands came to a halt and in implementing its ambitious and NATIONAL INVESTMENT POLICY neither island has recorded any comprehensive economic reform tourism activity given the complete program. - Nov 29 - shutdown of infrastructure on the The , through islands. NEW IMMIGRATION BILL the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION - Nov 24 - BELTRAIDE and the CARICOM PROGRAMME The Barbados Government has Development Fund (CDF) plans approved the framework of a to launch the Belize National - Nov 28 - comprehensive review of the Investment Policy and Strategy The Bahamas has officially launched existing immigration policy and (NIPS) on Monday 2 December a digital transformation programme legislation. According to Home 2019. The NIPS seeks to establish that will make it possible for all Affairs Minister, Edmund Hinkson, a national framework that will major Government services to be the review efforts are expected guide both domestic and foreign accessed online. The Government’s to result in a new Immigration investments. The primary objective Digital Transformation to Bill which will be presented of the NIPS is to determine the Strengthen Competitiveness to the in national direction toward economic programme is being funded by a 2020. Hinkson said that one of development with greater certainty US$30 million loan from the Inter- the proposed amendments to and predictability. American Development Bank (IDB) acquiring citizenship will be by way and will be implemented in phases of grandfathering. over a six-year period.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 17 The Caribbean commits to a pollution-free future

he Caribbean is committed burgeoning tourism sector. regulating the production and import to achieving a pollution-free of plastic. Tfuture. This was announced ECLAC Caribbean’s Sustainable during a recent meeting, which was Development Officer, Artie Dubrie, The five-year programme will bring held to launch the ‘Implementing attended the ISLANDS meeting and together governments and other Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical described the initiative as an important stakeholders from across the region Development in Small Island development for the subregion, to develop and implement regional Developing States’ (ISLANDS) given the need for SIDS-appropriate legislation on chemicals and waste programme in Trinidad and Tobago. technologies for waste treatment. management, including the elimination “Because of low economic growth of persistent organic pollutants, highly The ISLANDS initiative will tackle and environmental vulnerabilities, hazardous pesticides, and the sound chemical and waste management in some Caribbean countries lack the management of e-waste and end- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) capacity to sustainably manage of-life vehicles. It will also improve globally, with a focus on Caribbean, increasing waste production. This control on the import of products Pacific and Indian Ocean states. new programme will help in finding and support the design of sanitary solutions on a regional and national engineered landfills and sustainable Waste management is an issue of scale, to assist in the prevention and food production systems. increasing importance for island management of waste and pollution in nations globally, with growing the Caribbean.” As a result, the project will prevent populations, rapid development future build-up of chemicals in the and increasing amounts of imported Amongst the aims for the ISLANDS’ Caribbean environment, ensure the goods all putting pressure on the initiative is the elimination of over safe management and disposal of limited capacity of SIDS to safely 9,000 metric tons of contaminated chemicals and promote sustainable manage and dispose of toxic and material and more than 150,000 consumption through circular economy polluting substances. As of 2019, SIDS metric tons of marine litter from approaches. produced an average of 2.3 kg of the Caribbean region. A growing waste per person per day – 48% higher number of governments have already than the Organisation for Economic undertaken action, particularly on Co-operation and Development the prevention of (OECD) average – much of it from the in the environment through policies

18 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird Saint Vincent and the Grenadines receive SDGs support

he issues facing Caribbean Grenadines, there must be high-level also a need for more stakeholder countries in achieving the political support to mobilize and consultations, especially 2030 Agenda for Sustainable coordinate public institutions and engagement and dialogue involving TDevelopment, particularly Saint policies, along with the involvement civil society organizations, to get a Vincent and the Grenadines, were of key line ministries with sufficient sense of what is happening on the addressed by a team from ECLAC political power and clout as well ground, as well as for those in power Caribbean, during a Sustainable as some degree of control over to be more cognizant of the existing Development Goals (SDGs) financial resources to operationalize challenges and find ways to foster sensitization mission to that country. the institutional framework,” said fruitful partnerships to advance the Abdulkadri. wellbeing of the population of the Led by Coordinator of ECLAC country. Caribbean’s Social Development The SDG mission also uncovered and Statistics Unit, Dr. Abdullahi a need for stakeholders to identify Abdulkadri, the team identified the full process of implementation several recommendations for the of the SDGs and determine how the country, including the establishment different partners can assist in this of an SDG institutional framework, process. In this regard, Abdulkadri which should emphasize coherence, noted that “there is a critical role for integration, coordination and multi- Parliament in SDG implementation sectoral involvement. through their oversight and legislative functions, including “For this to assist with achievement adoption of the budget.” of the SDGs in Saint Vincent and the Abdulkadri said that there was

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 19 SNEAK PREVIEW ARTICLE

Look out for more in upcoming issues!

Study on Caribbean national statistical legislation

he scarcity of data and statistics in to the challenges of the data revolution for the Caribbean remains a challenge for sustainable development. reporting on the SDGs, a challenge which Tmakes it necessary for countries to develop new It is in this context that the upcoming ECLAC tools and frameworks. According to an upcoming Caribbean study entitled `Review of Caribbean ECLAC Caribbean study, these approaches should national statistical legislation against the United include the production of disaggregated data, the Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics’ exchange and sharing of large amounts of data, the will assess the compliance of national statistical coordination of data producers, and the harnessing legal frameworks of 24 Caribbean countries with the of new technological resources. United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (UNFPOS). Moreover, the existence of a Data plays a critical role in the achievement of legal framework that complies with the UNFPOS sustainable development – from planning to is a critical enabling factor for National Statistical implementation and monitoring and reporting. Systems (NSS) to produce official statistics that However, the statistical frameworks of several are of high quality and contribute to a country’s Caribbean countries are over 30 years old – adherence to international standards. including some which pre-date the countries’ . As a result, these frameworks Such an assessment will provide the basis for making do not reflect modern statistical practices. In recommendations to the respective countries on addition, government agencies and private sector policy actions needed to ensure full compliance organizations alike are hesitant to share data in the of their statistics legislation thereby laying a solid absence of a modern framework, which results in foundation for the effective functioning of their large amounts of data going unused, for example in NSS. Furthermore, an up-to-date law will enhance the monitoring of the SDGs. the collection and processing of data for the SDG indicators—a task which remains daunting for most Stemming from the above, for National Statistical Caribbean countries. Systems (NSS) to meet the 2030 Agenda’s demand for data, it will be necessary for Caribbean countries to adopt legal frameworks that adequately respond

20 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird ECLAC Caribbean Family UNITED NATIONS DAY Staff Lunch

nited Nations Day was first observed on October 24, 1948. Since then, on and around October 24, Umany activities are organized by all parts of the United Nations. These include: concerts; flying the UN flag on important buildings; debates on the relevance of the work of the UN in modern times; and statements by heads of states and other leaders.

At ECLAC Caribbean, we celebrate the day each year with an array of dishes from our colleagues’ favourite selection of recipes.

The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 21 Superb Sauteed Mushrooms

What you will need:

3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 1 pound button mushrooms, sliced 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon red cooking wine 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce, or more to taste 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. 2. Cook and stir mushrooms, garlic, cooking wine, teriyaki sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper in the hot oil and butter until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 3. Reduce heat to low and simmer until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 8 more minutes.

22 | September 2019 - The Hummingbird The Hummingbird - September 2019 | 23 CONTACT US

ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, 1 ChanceryCONTACT Lane, P.O. US Box 1113, , 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