ECLAC SUBREGIONAL HEADQUARTERS FOR THE CARIBBEAN

Newsletter of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC)

FACING THE STORM: A BRIEF ON POLICY RESPONSES TO THE GLOBAL CRISIS IN THE CARIBBEAN

BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CARIBBEAN

PLAYING THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY WITH TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CULTURAL PRODUCTS WHAT’S INSIDE: WHAT’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE CARIBBEAN

ISSUE 2/ APRIL - JUNE 2009 ABOUT ECLAC/CDCC Issue 2 / April - June 2009 The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It was created in 1948 to support Latin American governments in the economic and social Facing The Storm: A Brief on Policy development of that region. Subsequently, in 1966, the Commission (ECLA, at that time) established the Subregional Headquarters for the Responses to the Global Crisis in the Caribbean 3 Caribbean in Port of Spain to serve all countries of the insular Caribbean, as well as Belize, Guyana and Suriname, making it the largest United Biotechnology Development Nations body in the subregion. and Climate Change in the Caribbean 6 At its sixteenth session in 1975, the Commission agreed to create the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) as Playing the Global Music Industrywith Technologically a permanent subsidiary body, which would function within the ECLA Advanced Cultural Products 10 structure to promote development cooperation among Caribbean countries. Secretariat services to the CDCC would be provided by the Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean. Nine years later, the Energy Efficiency in the Caribbean 12 Commission’s widened role was officially acknowledged when the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) modified its title to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Key Areas of Activity Regular Features The ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean (ECLAC/CDCC secretariat) functions as a subregional think-tank and facilitates increased Recent ECLAC Publications 14 contact and cooperation among its membership. Complementing the ECLAC/CDCC work programme framework, are the broader directives issued by the United Nations General Assembly when in session, which Upcoming Events - 2009 14 constitute the Organization’s mandate. At present, the overarching articulation of this mandate is the Millennium Declaration, which outlines the Millennium Development Goals. Towards meeting these objectives, the secretariat conducts research; provides technical advice to governments, upon request; organizes intergovernmental and expert group meetings; helps to formulate and articulate a regional perspective within global forums; and introduces global concerns at the regional and subregional levels. Areas of specialisation include trade, statistics, social development, science and technology, and sustainable development; while actual operational activities extend to economic and development planning, demography, FOCUS: ECLAC in the Caribbean is a publication of the economic surveys, assessment of the socio-economic impacts of natural Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) disasters, data collection and analysis, training, and assistance with the Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean/Caribbean Development management of national economies. and Cooperation Committee (CDCC). The ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean also functions as secretariat for the Programme of Action for the Sustainable EDITORIAL TEAM: Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS POA). The scope of Director Neil Pierre, ECLAC ECLAC/CDCC activities is documented in the wide range of publications Editor Joanne Mora, ECLAC produced by the Subregional Headquarters in Port of Spain. Copy Editor Maureen Afoon, ECLAC

MEMBER COUNTRIES: ASSOCIATE MEMBER Antigua and Barbuda Haiti COUNTRIES: Produced by ECLAC The Bahamas Jamaica Printed by Caribbean Paper & Printed Products (1993) Ltd Barbados St.Kitts and Nevis Aruba Layout by RAW Designs Belize Saint Lucia British Virgin Islands Cuba Saint Vincent Montserrat Dominica and the Grenadines Netherlands Antilles CONTACT INFORMATION: Dominican Republic Suriname Puerto Rico ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands PO Box 1113, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Guyana United States Virgin Tel:(868) 623-5595 Islands Fax:(868) 623-8485 E-mail: [email protected] THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE ISSUE 2 / APRIL - JUNE 2009

FACING THE STORM: A BRIEF ON POLICY RESPONSES TO THE GLOBAL CRISIS IN THE CARIBBEAN

INTRODUCTION The data collected by ECLAC shows agencies; but also through the issuing that out of 15 Caribbean countries of domestic debt in some cases. Other he financial and economic surveyed, in 14 of those countries the measures frequently adopted have T crisis affecting the world Government has already implemented been the introduction of budgetary economy since mid-2008 has already or is in the process of implementing cuts in non-essential expenditures impacted the Caribbean countries’ specific measures in reaction to the in order to spare and concentrate growth and stability through diverse negative effects derived from the global resources for essential expenditures, channels of transmission: slowdown crisis. The issues of major concern for like social programs, or investments in in remittances from workers policymakers seem to be the contraction infrastructure projects aiming to give a abroad, tighter access to external in key economic sectors like tourism, boost to the economy. financing, loss of export markets, the fall in fiscal revenue and consequent Similarly, labour and social policies have negative evolution of the terms of budgetary imbalances, the rise in also been targeted in 11 countries where trade, etc. unemployment, and the jeopardizing of those policies have been substantially advances made during the last decade in modified during the last months with This phenomenon has not gone poverty reduction and social welfare. unnoticed by the Caribbean measures such as implementation of governments, and thus, a wide process The survey also found that at least in unemployment benefits, expansion of of discussion and implementation of 13 Caribbean countries significant welfare programs, or adjustments in policy responses to alleviate the impact adjustments have been made to the wages and salaries. Sectorial policy is from the global slowdown is under fiscal policy to better cope with the another area where governments have development across the region. consequences of the global crisis. been quite active in implementing Specific fiscal measures adopted have promotional measures targeting those Learning to live with the Global been generally related to secure funds productive sectors with a significant Crisis to finance the 2009 budget, mainly social and economic weight: agriculture, from external sources like multilateral tourism, construction, among others. During the last few months policymakers in practically all the Caribbean countries have been actively discussing and adopting an array of measures Figure I Governmental Response to the Global Crisis in the Caribbean, 2008-2009 addressing issues such as the economic downfall, rising unemployment, accelerating inflation or weakening consumers’ confidence. Thus, measures adopted have ranged from tax and tariff adjustments to expansion of social programs, from establishment of price controls to wage increases. Figure I presents information on those measures adopted by governments across the region in response to the global economic slowdown between the third quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.

Note: Includes information collected from Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and the following ECCU countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. In the case of the ECCU countries, the monetary policy is managed by a single common institution: the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

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On the other side, it is worth noting Rallying the Caribbean: the regional spurred interregional coordination that the exchange rate and trade policy initiatives between the monetary and fiscal is the category where fewer Caribbean authorities has been the collapse of The information presented in Figure Governments seem to have introduced Colonial Life Insurance Company I refers to individual policy responses, changes in response to the global crisis. (CLICO) financial group at the carried out at the national level. However, This could be explained partially by beginning of the year, the repercussions it is necessary to mention the existence the existence in most countries of the of which are still being felt across the of some initiatives and proposals at the region, of fixed or quasi-fixed exchange region2. regional level aimed at coordinating rates regimes vis-à-vis to the dollar, which efforts and resources, and establishing After the announcement by the Trinidad effectively prevents most governments common responses to the crisis. In that and Tobago Government of a multi- from pursuing proactive exchange rate sense, during the latest CARICOM billion bailout for the troubled Financial policies. In addition, regarding monetary Meeting of Heads of Government, several Group, a chain reaction started, with and financial measures it must be common initiatives were approved in monetary and financial authorities indicated that countries belonging to relation to the global economic and in one country after another taking the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union financial turmoil1. For example, it was actions on CLICO’s operations in their in fact do not have any policies of their agreed that the Committee of Central respective jurisdictions. own, since it is a common institution, Banks Governors is to provide to the the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Thus, according to official reports CARICOM members common proposals that is the sole entity in charge of and releases, as of late March, at least on how to better tackle the global crisis. managing the monetary and financial 6 Caribbean countries had adopted policies for the whole sub region. Undoubtedly, a key event that has some kind of measures to cope with

Chart 1 Governments’ response to the collapse of CLICO and Stanford Financial Groups

Country Actions Adopted

Bahamas In February the Government took judicial control of CLICO Bahamas operations

Barbados The Central Bank took actions in support of CLICO subsidiaries in Barbados during February, providing liquidity funds and opening a facility for further liquidity support. In March the Government announced that it was considering the acquisition of CLICO Life (a CLICO subsidiary in Barbados), injecting the acquisition funds back into the entity

Belize During March the Government took judicial control of CLICO Belize, through the Supervisor of Insurance

Guyana In February the Government took judicial control of CLICO Guyana. During March the Government reiterated support and guarantees for CLICO Guyana’s shareholders

Suriname As of late March, the Central Bank had announced that it was monitoring closely the status of CLICO’s operations in Suriname to protect policyholder’s interests, and in consultation with CLICO’s officers to find a solution to the growing liquidity and solvency problems faced by the Financial Group’s operations in Suriname

Trinidad and Tobago At the end of January, the Government announced the bailout of CLICO Financial Group, taking control of Colonial Life Insurance Company, CLICO Investment Bank and Caribbean Money Market Brokers, in order to protect the public interest and prevent contagion to other financial institutions

Antigua and Barbuda In February the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank ECCB assumed control of the Bank of Antigua Ltd., (part of the Stanford Financial Group) to protect the interest of depositors and preserve the stability of the financial system of Antigua and Barbuda

Source: ECLAC on the basis of official media releases.

1 The 20th Inter-Seasonal Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Belize City, Belize, on March 2009. 2 Also must be mentioned the collapse, during the month of February, of the Stanford Financial Group, an organization with considerable presence in the banking and financial sector of Antigua and Barbuda; under charges of financial fraud.

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the CLICO debacle, ranging from and strengthening of public income and Regarding public expenditures, it is clear the financial bailout implemented by expenditure will have to be a top priority that major efforts must be undertaken to Trinidad and Tobago, to increased for policymakers. give due priority to essential expenditure, such as social programmes, and cut monitoring on CLICO’s operations and Certainly, external financing is a key issue or postpone non-essential spending. eventual intervention in other countries that many Caribbean governments will Additionally, the improvement of safety (See Chart 1). The adoption of those have to address, since the deterioration networks and programmes demands measures was accompanied by intense and tightening of international financial the development of better targeting consultations between the monetary markets as a consequence of the global mechanisms and improved management and financial authorities of the different crisis will probably translate into costlier to prevent the dilution and waste of countries involved. access to credit for the region. However, resources and efforts, and optimize it has to be taken into consideration Thus, during the March Meeting of the the positive impact among vulnerable that, precisely in response to the Head of Governments of CARICOM, groups. Similarly, the strengthening of global crisis, multilateral agencies are it was agreed that the CLICO crisis monitoring and evaluation activities is substantially increasing their resources was an issue that demanded concerted indispensable in order to achieve higher and expanding their contingent lines of actions, and in such vein, the creation of efficiency levels, maximize resource use credit to countries in risk of financial and a “College of Regulators” was approved, and reduce corruption. integrated by representatives from the economic collapse. Another key issue to address is the central banks, to assess the challenges In that sense, it is worth remembering increase of fiscal income with a long created by the global financial crisis and the rescue package, with a value of US$ HIGHLIGHTS term perspective. It is understood that subsequent CLICO debacle; monitor 10 billion, implemented by the IMF for under the current circumstances, for and counteract the problems generated; Iceland at the end of 2008 to stabilize many Caribbean countries the degree and provide proposals to integrate and this country’s currency and banking of freedom to apply measures towards improve financial regulation in the systems, devastated by the global credit an expansion of fiscal income, such as region. crunch. Following the bailout of Iceland’s tax reform, is very limited. However, economy, other countries, like Latvia, Furthermore, in April the central banks regardless of the short term constraint, Romania and Belorussia have followed of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados medium and long term efforts to suit, being granted generous multi-billion and the Eastern Caribbean Currency increase and strengthen public revenues, rescue packages by the IMF, World Bank Union agreed on the establishment of a expanding the fiscal universe, reducing and other multilateral agencies. “Liquidity Support Fund”, with a total tax evasion and tax elusion, fighting of US$ 80 million to provide financial Furthermore, during the latest G-20 smuggling activities, etc., must be neither support to the Eastern Caribbean meeting of developed countries it was abandoned nor forgotten. countries that are at financial risk as a decided to strengthen the IMF’s lending consequence of CLICO’s collapse. capacity with an influx of resources Overall, available information shows, estimated at US$ 1.1 trillion, with which without a doubt, that the global What Comes Next? to support and boost troubled countries3. The efforts at the regional It is worth mentioning that some crisis is at the top of the agenda for countries in the region have already and national level to fight the the Caribbean, and, correspondingly, been very actively securing liquidity and repercussions of the global contingent credits from multilateral the governments’ reaction to this agencies. Such is the case of Jamaica, phenomenon has been significant; crisis, necessarily ask for the which has already secured or is currently reflecting widespread concerns among establishment and development of negotiating credits with the World Bank, the European Union, the International policymakers about the economic and a comprehensive and continuous Development Bank, the Caribbean social costs from the fall in activity levels, market shrinking, rising unemployment, set of public policies. Development Bank and other financial institutions for nothing less than US$ and deterioration of social standards. In However, that raises issues of viability 700 million to finance the budget for that sense, the regional response through and sustainability, since it is pretty 2009 and support its fiscal and debt measures like duty and tax reductions clear by now that the slowdown of the sustainability programme. has been in line with measures adopted world economy is going to last until worldwide. As the slowdown of the 2010 or beyond. This means that the Considering these precedents, most global economy continues challenging requirements of financial resources for Caribbean countries should not discard the social and economic stability of the those policies will be high indeed, and, in the option of applying in the future for region, the Caribbean governments will the case of some countries, probably very comprehensive support packages from have to bring into play new and extended difficult to secure. In order to better cope the multilateral agencies, in case their measures, at the national and regional with this situation, the improvement financial and economic standings keep level, in order to face such challenges. deteriorating.

3 The G20 meeting of industrial nations took place in April 2009, in London.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CARIBBEAN

BACKGROUND Mr. Neil Pierre, Director, ECLAC of biotechnology and its role in human Subregional Headquarters for the development is one of the research n April 2009, the Economic Caribbean, referred to the work that pillars at the UWI, and reference was ICommission for Latin America ECLAC and its other partners are made to the Biotechnology Centre at and the Caribbean (ECLAC) doing in the area of biotechnology and the University’s Mona campus as well Subregional Headquarters for identified the impacts of climate change as the strong desire to add research the Caribbean in collaboration as one of the major challenges of this capabilities to other campuses. The with the University of the West century, noting that biotechnology professor also cited specific examples Indies (UWI) convened a meeting was increasingly perceived as providing in the field of agriculture and medicine of technical experts working in solutions to addressing these impacts where biotechnology could play a role the field of biotechnology. The and citing the 4th Assessment Report of in providing solutions to the challenges technical meeting, held at the the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate faced. ECLAC Subregional Headquarters Change which noted that the impacts for the Caribbean, Port of Spain, were unequivocal, and the Stern Review Ministry of Science, Technology and Trinidad and Tobago, provided with its well-documented economic and Tertiary Education, Government of a forum where scholars in the social impacts of climate change and the Trinidad and Tobago field of biotechnology could costs of adapting to and mitigating these Mrs. Karen Rosemin of the Ministry share information on both their impacts. The issue to be explored was of Science, Technology and Tertiary how biotechnological applications could accomplished and current research Education of Trinidad and Tobago, provide solutions to the challenges posed agendas. represented the Minister and provided by these impacts in ways that could make information on the work being done by The meeting was also intended to the region more competitive at the global the Government of Trinidad and Tobago establish the link between biotechnology level, as well as more resilient to external (GOTT) in the area of climate change, and climate change and to examine the threats, either economic or natural. making specific reference to the ECLAC modalities of utilizing biotechnologies It was also important to note that project on the Economics of Climate to address the anticipated impacts biotechnology was not a solution to Change. She also informed that the of climate change. At the end of the challenges faced by climate change GOTT was in the process of developing the meeting a coordinated, regional but rather an effective tool to combat a national policy to mitigate the impact approach to the development of this global phenomenon with the of climate change that was part of the biotechnology in the Caribbean was development of new, high-yielding, national policy on the environment and developed that would benefit the disease-resistant and climate-adaptive sustainable development. The main agriculture sector through improved crop species to compensate for the objective of the policy is the creation of food security; and the social sector decline in food production being one an environment that would enhance the through improvements in security and example. The importance of investment quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago, health care, among other purposes. in research and development by both based on the principles of sustainable government and the private sector development. AT THE OPENING OF THE MEETING within agreed-upon policy frameworks in this regard was also noted. One of the main concerns of the ECLAC government is the fact that Trinidad and Ms. Charmaine Gomes, Sustainable The University of the West Indies Tobago is one of the highest emitters of green house gases on a per capita Development Officer, lauded UWI’s Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan of commitment to continued work in basis, mainly because of its industrial UWI noted that the decision to partner make-up. Revenues generated from this area and noted the importance with ECLAC was most important and of a scientific approach in alleviating industries, however, add significantly that the significance of the meeting to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or minimizing the impacts of climate should not be overlooked, coming change. She also noted the ways of the country and therefore there is on the heels of the hemispheric and a pressing need to reduce the carbon that technology and in particular, regional meeting on biotechnology and biotechnology, could serve this objective footprint to protect the environment for bio-safety technology which was held generations to come. For this reason, the from both a regulatory and a policy in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago standpoint. importance of a national policy for the on April 27th 2009. The application energy sector could not be overlooked.

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Three significant areas of the policy were complexity of rDNA is increasing, it is a few genes at a time. However, it was noted: natural gas, preservation of the fast approaching that of plant breeding noted that emerging technologies could environment and encouraging the use in that it can do many things that allow screening for stress tolerance. It of renewable energy, notwithstanding plant breeding can do. Other ways was also noted that UWI did not have the fact that the economy of Trinidad whereby rDNA is showing improvement a gene rDNA library but used available and Tobago was energy-based. She stated are by the use of gene targeting by international sources. that Trinidad and Tobago was signatory microinjection and using homologous to the United Nations protocol on recombination which is appropriate for STUDENT RESEARCH ON climate change and more recently to animals but not for plants; development BIOTECHNOLOGY the convention on Biological Diversity of markerless transgenic plants; Genetic Critique of methodologies (CBD). She reiterated the government’s Use Restriction Technology (GURT) or employed commitment to promoting research biological containment of transgenes to Design of a tele-health network & and development as evidenced by a prevent contamination through plastid cardiopulmonary ambulatory patient TT$7 million fund established for the transformation and which removes monitoring system in Trinidad & creation of a biotechnology centre at viable pollen from transgenic plants; Tobago the University of Trinidad and Tobago minimization of somoclonal variation; (UTT). full copy integration; proper gene Modifying spathe colour in expression; control of the unpredictable anthuriums HISTORY AND APPLICATIONS OF expression of transgenes in the Somatic embryogenesis of Guinea BIOTECHNOLOGY environment; more stable transgenics. hen weed and Ackee: experiences, Molecular Markers Addressing the ring spot virus in challenges and lessons learnt. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) papaya in Jamaica DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic Design of a tele-health network In this process, a gene that is resistant to & cardiopulmonary ambulatory material of the cell, is present in both the virus is transferred into the papaya, the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In patient monitoring system in with an 80% success rate in conferring Trinidad & Tobago recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, resistance to the virus. The subject of genes are switched on in the cell terminator technology being the same This is one of the key elements circuitry and recombination or swapping as hybrid technology was discussed and of a health initiative that is being genes takes place. This technology it was noted that farmers who bought spearheaded by the University of introduces DNA into cells by a random genetically modified seeds could replant Trinidad and Tobago and involves the process in which any genes could be seeds produced by those plants but provision of emergency health support targeted and may be achieved through the new offspring would not have the utilizing internet-based techniques. the use of vectors or DNA guns. Some modified factor. Its main feature is the acquisition of the more important features of rDNA of appropriate ambulances that are technology are: Transgenics properly equipped so as to allow for The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) modification of nuclear and communication of emergency patient statements on trade in transgenics was cytoplasmic genomes; health data via the internet so that brought into the discussion, but it timely health care could be provided modification of genes through a was also noted that trade in modified from the onset of a health episode and parasexual process; organisms fell within the ambit of the continued en route to a health facility. creation of novel pathways e.g., as Cartagena Protocol which made Several concerns were raised about this in formation of a blue rose; allowances for the ill effects of genetic engineering, whereby transformed foods initiative, especially based on the current changing the expression of a gene as had to be shown to be substantially health support structure that exists. in gene silencing; different from conventional foods. Among the concerns was the challenge faster process than plant breeding. of obtaining the necessary support from Chloroplast technology the laboratories and the ambulance However, rDNA is limited to a small This technology is useful in products service providers in agreeing to have number of genes; it manipulates that could be engineered into their facilities outfitted with the relevant single traits only; many stages in chloroplasts to produce chiral molecules equipment to allow for this health net transformation are still unpredictable; such as bioplastics. It might also be service. Moreover, in order to transmit and the results are dubious and used to produce chemicals that are part data, the system will more than likely subject to public opinion. There are, of the cell chemistry with the ability to require dedicated lines and requisite however, ways by which next-generation change phenotypes so that the resulting approvals from the Telecommunications technologies might compensate for the proteins might be incorporated into the Service of Trinidad and Tobago shortcomings of present-day rDNA cytoplasm. (TSTT). It was noted, however, that technology. For example, omics en route to hospital, only the patient’s Stress tolerance using rDNA technologies, including genomics vital signs would be transmitted from It was thought that this technology had (faster method of sequencing DNA) the ambulance to the lab, and no not been effective since it can only move or transcriptionics. Also, because the preliminary tests would be undertaken.

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Colour variation in anthuriums to maturity through an examination BIOTECHNOLOGY, CLIMATE Colour variation in anthuriums was of the route of the somatic embryos CHANGE AND POLICY thought to be attributable to the non- to maturity. It was thought that this It is noted that the threat of climate production of anthocyanins by both pathway may influence the chance of change lies in the rapidity in which white and green anthurium spathes as variations. In the case of ackee, there the changes occurred and the well as to the presence of chlorophyll was need to verify whether fidelity was unpredictability of weather patterns. in green spathes and the absence from maintained. In the region there is ample evidence the whites. Other possible reasons were Other – toxicity of cassava and of these threats in sea level rise, the differences in sulphide content and shift other root tubers increased frequency and intensity of in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH). Cyanogenic compounds in cassava hurricanes, the increased frequency In the case of the latter, even though the are responsible for its bitter taste. and severity of droughts and increased mechanism for colour change with shift Processing for human consumption temperature. in pH was unknown, it was suggested usually removes much of the toxic Biotechnology could play a vital role by that the use of acid-base titration may compounds, but animals die from eating the transformation of species that could provide some answers. This, however, raw cassava. In Jamaica, a project was better adapt to climate change impacts. opened up other variables that might underway to engineer plants with low However, such transformation could present more difficulties than does cyanogenic compounds and increase result in other less desirable features. genetic manipulation. protein and vitamin levels. It was noted Key considerations for developing Somatic clonal variations in Guinea also that the toxic compound Linamarin was an important nitrogen source for a Regional Biotechnology Policy/ hen weed and Ackee Strategy Solutions to the variations observed were root tuber development. Other bitter The formulation of a Regional conducted either by direct use of plant compounds in roots offered protection Biotechnology Policy/Strategy is a material or from intervening callus phase and their removal could increase vulnerability to infections. being undertaken by the Caribbean

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

What is biotechnology? products is an important contribution aquatic applications of biotechnology, but Contrary to its name, biotechnology is to the country’s Gross Domestic Product; its use is relatively rare. not a single technology. It is, however, Green biotechnology is biotechnology What is Fermentation a group of technologies that share two applied to agricultural processes. (common) characteristics, working with Technology? An example is the selection Fermentation technology is the oldest living cells and their molecules and and domestication of plants via having a wide range of practical uses that of all biotechnological processes. It is micropropagation. Another example is based on fermentation which is a process can improve our lives. In its purest form, the designing of transgenic plants to grow the term “biotechnology” refers to the of chemical change caused by organisms under specific environmental conditions or their products, usually producing use of living organisms or their products or in the presence (or absence), of certain to modify human health and the human effervescence and heat. Microbiologists agricultural chemicals. An example of consider fermentation as “any process for environment for commercial purposes. this is the engineering of a plant to The term brings to mind many different the production of a process by means of express a pesticide, thereby eliminating mass culture of micro-organisms” and this things. Some think of developing new the need for external application of types of animals while others anticipate is the definition that is widely accepted by pesticides. An example of this is Bt corn. biotechnologists. almost unlimited sources of human Whether or not green biotechnology therapeutic drugs. Still others envision products such as this are ultimately more What is Enzyme Technology? the possibility of growing crops that are environmentally friendly is a topic of Enzyme technology is best described more nutritious and naturally pest- considerable debate. as the technology associated with resistant to feed a rapidly growing world the application of enzymes as the population. White biotechnology, also known tools of industry, agriculture and as industrial biotechnology, is Classification of Biotechnology medicine. Although the earliest reports biotechnology applied to industrial concerning exploitation of enzymes Red biotechnology is applied to processes. An example is the designing medical processes. Some examples are were documented in the late 1800s, of an organism to produce a useful true industrial application of enzymes the designing of organisms to produce chemical. Another example is the using antibiotics, and the engineering only began in earnest in the 1960s. The of enzymes as industrial catalysts to either majority of enzymes used in industrial/ of genetic cures through genomic produce valuable chemicals or destroy manipulation. For example, since biotechnological applications are derived hazardous/polluting chemicals. White from particular fungi (Aspergillus) and the early 1980s Cuba has invested in biotechnology tends to consume less in red biotechnology and has become an bacteria (Bacillus). Safe organisms must be resources than traditional processes used used for consumer-related applications. important producer of biotechnology to produce industrial goods. derived medicines, vaccines and What is tissue culture? Blue biotechnology is a term that has diagnostic kits (CTA 2005). The foreign Tissue culture is a method of biological been used to describe the marine and exchange generated through sales of these research in which fragments of tissue 8 ISSUE 2 / APRIL - JUNE 2009

Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. the contribution of biotechnological research results are shared and Based on national consultations in research to meeting environmental policies arising out of the research discussed some member states, the project will challenges such as climate change concentrate on the following areas:- should not be minimized. It was in this Allocation of financial resources innovation and technology, regional regard that tertiary level institutions towards research and development in priorities, institutional framework, should be encouraged to engage in data support of policy information sharing and public mining and management of such data Allocation of resources including awareness. New economic models for that would be available to support the financial, to provide solutions in the biotechnological research would also development and implementation of case of negative feedback be considered within the context of the appropriate policies in biotechnology at Provision of the necessary physical existing economic climate. both the national and regional levels. and other infrastructure that would facilitate research in the Because any proposed solution to climate PROPOSALS FOR ACTION IN THE areas of climate change and policy development change was not proportional to the scale REGION of the changes, specifically the extent Development of mechanisms for the and rate, it would be very challenging A blue-print for action in the region is implementation of policies as follows: to identify any one or combination of Use of science and technology to solutions. The best means of identifying Development of an integrated inform policy solutions is by taking a systematic approach to research and Development of mechanisms to keep approach, focusing on individual development in biotechnology at the tertiary level. policy makers abreast of advances components. This would serve to create in research and development and a platform for component by component Creation and/or strengthening technology. solutions. of linkages between scientists and policy makers through the The importance of data in support of convening of meetings where

BIOTECHNOLOGY FAQ from an animal or plant are transferred animals, insects and bacteria results in of DNA from a group of unknown to an artificial environment in which modified organisms with a combination sequences. they can continue to survive and of traits from the parents. The sharing of function. The cultured tissue may consist DNA information takes place naturally How could Biotechnology be of a single cell, a population of cells, through sexual reproduction and has useful to us? In the development of new crop or a whole or part of an organ. This is been exploited in plant and animal breeding programs for many years. varieties thereby helping in adapting typically facilitated via use of a liquid, to climate change, disease and pest semi-solid, or solid growth media, What are Molecular Markers? resistance and promoting food such as broth or agar. Tissue culture A molecular marker is any kind of security; commonly refers to the culture of animal molecule indicating the existence of a In the development of new drugs; chemical or physical process. Molecular cells and tissues, while the more specific Diagnosis of diseases in humans; term plant tissue culture is used for markers are used in molecular biology In forensic applications through plants. and biotechnology experiments to identify a particular sequence of DNA. DNA fingerprinting; What is recombinant DNA? As the DNA sequences are very highly Bioremediation as in the treatment Combining DNA, referred to as specific, they can be identified with the of waste; recombinant DNA, from different help of the known molecular markers Gene therapy to correct hereditary existing organisms such as plants, which can find out a particular sequence conditions;

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AFLP - Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism; a molecular by separating them in a gel placed in an electric field. marker generated by a combination of restriction digestion and PCR A cell that contains membrane-bound amplification. Eukaryotic Cell - compartments in which specific metabolic activities take place Chromosome - a cellular structure comprised of a long, folded DNA molecule and protein. Gene - a functional unit of DNA, one “word” in the DNA recipe.

DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid, the substance within cells that carries the Genetic Code - the information contained in DNA molecules that “recipe” for the organism and is inherited by offspring from parents. scientists describe on the basis of a 4-letter alphabet (A, C, G, and T).

DNA Fngerprinting - cutting a DNA chromosome with restriction Genetic Engineering - the process of transferring DNA from enzymes and separating the pieces by electrophoresis to generate one organism into another that results in a genetic modification; the a unique pattern, the “fingerprint” for each species, breed, hybrid, or production of a transgenic organism. individual, depending on which enzymes and probes are used. Genetic Map - the locations of specific genes along a chromosome Electrophoresis - a lab technique for determining DNA fragment sizes marked with probes. (continued on page 14)

9 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE

PLAYING THE GLOBAL WITH TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CULTURAL PRODUCTS

Culture is an intrinsic component of the soul of any society and related artefacts must be used as critical elements of trade between countries. ensure that royalties due to , BACKGROUND publishers, arrangers, producers sales. This anomaly needs to be quickly and performers are collected and he need for Trinidad and addressed and rectified. disseminated on a timely basis. It is TTobago to diversify its economy As we chart the way forward, there is especially important, since an increasing by reducing dependency on need to place emphasis on initiatives that number of World rely heavily energy has been well enunciated. would build awareness for, and ensure on our music for their own recognition Unique niches must be created that universal acceptance of our diverse and success. Furthermore, much of our would ensure competitiveness and culture. Our mission, therefore, should be foreign revenue is uncollected because sustainability in the international to unearth, develop, nurture and harness it is not economically feasible for sister arena. This need is even more entrepreneurial talent, which would organisations to collect on behalf of COTT. imperative with the impending eventually become the infrastructure for catastrophic downturn resulting creation of a sustainable music industry. Production. Our local music industry from the recent global financial needs to pay more attention to the Situation Analysis crisis. quality of its repertoire. Emphasis The global music industry has been must be placed on the manufacture of There must be an urgent paradigm substantially subsumed into the innovative products that would create shift from manufacturing to services, diverse portfolios of entertainment a visceral impact on the international with emphasis placed on innovation, conglomerates EMI, Sony, Universal, marketplace. Unfortunately, piracy entrepreneurship and maximum use and Warner. These are collectively has become almost a necessary evil in of Information and Communications and appropriately named The Big Four. our society, resulting in producers and Technology (ICT). This initiative has to Simultaneously, fledgling independent artistes being afraid to invest time or be supported by appropriate legislation labels are struggling for survival in money in recordings of any substance. to protect and monitor intellectual a hostile and fiercely competitive There is no quick fix to this problem. property rights. Additionally, there environment rampant with piracy. One solution is to develop a clientele should be easy access to venture capital. However, entertainment continues to that would insist on purchasing the genuine article. This takes time. The financial future of Trinidad be the fastest growing, most lucrative worldwide economic sector. Marketing. Unity is strength. The and Tobago, and by extension entire repertoire of the music industry of the entire Caribbean, depends Developing countries should therefore seize the opportunity to enhance and Trinidad and Tobago should, therefore, on harnessing, promoting and market new cultural products for financial be marketed under one Umbrella marketing culture. benefit. There is also an obvious need to Company (jointly owned by the private and public sectors). An integral part of It follows, therefore, that we should be simultaneously form strategic alliances with one or more of the above groups this exercise would be the exhuming, aggressively seeking ways of forming resurrection and dissemination of our strategic business alliances in an effort of companies. Culture has enormous commercial potential since raw material is back catalogue, which is inarguably, more to establish sustainable markets for our palatable and palpable than our current cultural heritage, especially music. always available in abundance. Therefore, finished products and services have fare. Calypso, chutney, mambo, meringue, unlimited potential for earning foreign Services. The industry needs to identify , , rumba, salsa, shango, exchange. a number of ancillary services to become soca, son and zouk are indigenous, foreign exchange earners. Archive intoxicating Caribbean rhythms. Yet A Strategic Plan for Sustainability Restoration, Mastering, Publishing, only one of these, reggae, has managed to In order to realise this goal, a five-point Writing, Steelpan Crafting, Animation carve its own category in the prestigious strategic plan has been conceptualised. and Graphic Design are some of the Grammy Awards. All others have been Its main elements are summarized, as areas in which entrepreneurial skills lumped into the ubiquitous group follows: need to be developed. These will support known as world music, simply because Collection. The Copyright Music the main activity, which is recording and of inadequate mainstream market Organization of Trinidad and Tobago production of material for commercial penetration and the requisite volume of needs to be strengthened. This would exploitation.

10 ISSUE 2 / APRIL - JUNE 2009

Competitiveness. Trinidad and Tobago’s developed in conjunction with The Greater flexibility in creating, music industry needs to become and National Training Agency and a lead editing and arranging musical remain globally competitive. Continuing body of industry professionals. orchestrations through use of readily music-literacy education, training accessible technology; recording and The NOS contains forty four units and apprenticeship programmes; archiving, allowing quick and easy covering the areas of Audio Engineering, strengthening the enabling environment, notation of music as it is performed; Music, Business, Technical Writing, provision of fiscal incentives and easy easy manipulation, recording and Marketing &Public Relations and access to working capital are some archiving of complex compositions two generic units on safety and examples of strategies, which ought to for large bands and smaller entrepreneurship. The standard has be identified and implemented so as to ensembles been endorsed by all CARICOM achieve this objective. countries and will therefore form an Easy reconfiguration of the P.H.I. National technical and financial support integral part of the syllabus of the to accommodate performances that should be given to innovative ICT- Caribbean Examinations Council. use multiple ranges or custom note derived cultural products developed on the playing surface PAN IN EDUCATION by local entrepreneurs. These will be STEEL ORCHESTRAS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO / FINLAND Access to multiple instrument ranges integral to viable implementation and on the same surface long-term success of this plan. “Simply connect a P.H.I. to an existing New ICT-derived Cultural Products MIDI network and the is ready to perform”. PETE the Panstick® is a sophisticated entry-level curriculum in the form of an Patents for P.H.I. are pending and have interactive teaching/learning DVD. It is been filed by Government on behalf the first phase of an integrated approach Both curriculum and NOS are of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. to developing and nurturing a structured contained on disc 2 of the upgraded CD The technology to manufacture the music industry. PETE will be initially entitled Pan in Education, produced by instrument has been leased to Panadigm marketed directly to recognized legal Sanch Electronix, originally released in Ltd, a company formed by the Steelpan entities such as Ministries of Education 2005. Development Centre of The University and International Schools at the primary The Percussive Harmonic Instrument of the West Indies. level. The animated character, PETE (P.H.I.) is a MIDI-based electronic By way of a memorandum of is bilingual (English and Spanish) instrument that merges the powerful understanding, an initiative known as and delivers his content through an facility of MIDI with an intuitive form The PETE, PIE, P.H.I. Panadigm© has interface that introduces students to the inspired by the world’s most significant been signed between Sanch Electronix Steelpan via a series of chapters, namely new acoustic instrument, the Steelpan. and Panadigm Ltd. It will ensure instrument, arrangers, quiz, history music The most striking feature of the popular optimisation of the opportunities and games. The product is very easy to tenor Steelpan is the note that will accrue from collective global navigate and designed to be left in the of almost three octaves on one single marketing and distribution of these hands of unsupervised children. Besides playing surface. exciting new cultural products. imparting a rudimentary knowledge of music, PETE will ensure that young This physical note arrangement, called children hone their motor skills and the circles of 4th and 5th, exists only learn to use ICT from an early age. in traditional acoustic Steelpans and is strongly rooted in , which The Pan in Education Business makes for a natural form for anyone Model is the first of a series of unique, teaching, learning, composing and innovative, feature-packed, cost- performing music. The circles of 4th and effective, timeless cultural products, 5th are also available on the P.H.I. - the conceptualised by citizens of Trinidad MIDI-based extension of the traditional and Tobago. The prime objective is to Steelpan instrument. Thus, the P.H.I. create a cadre of Caribbean innovators will now allow to explore their and entrepreneurs capable of playing creativity in an even more fluid medium. successfully in the global marketplace. The scope of the P.H.I. is immense Over the past five years, a curriculum as it allows users to interface with the For further information, please check has been conceptualised that would powerful capabilities of MIDI. Some key www.youtube.com/user/phiteamvids achieve the above objective. It has been facilities include: divided into two main components, Easy access to a theoretically infinite Simeon L. Sandiford namely Music Literacy and Entrepreneurial range of voices (sounds) during Guest contributor Development. This curriculum is now performances, well beyond those Simeon Sandiford is the Managing Director of supported by a National Occupational capable with the traditional acoustic Sanch Electronix Visit Online: http://sanch.com/index.shtml Standard (NOS), entitled Music Producer, instrument

11 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE CARIBBEAN

his is a summary taken from Politically, it is prudent to reduce Results of energy efficiency T the Report of the Meeting on dependence on foreign oil, given the programmes Energy Efficiency in the Caribbean, global movement towards alternative Although some years ago the Division held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and energy; economically, depletion of foreign of Energy managed a major auditing reserves by oil imports needs to be exercise that increased awareness of Tobago on 29 April 2009. addressed; and socially, energy efficiency energy issues among businesses, no The meeting was convened by the can reduce environmental impacts. energy efficiency programmes exist. Instead, a few projects target energy Economic Commission for Latin Key actors of energy efficiency and America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) efficiency. The projects include their effective role government-commissioned energy Subregional Headquarters for the The Ministry of Investment, Finance audits on their properties and ongoing Caribbean to discuss information and Energy which reports to the Prime consultancies to retrofit new buildings provided by countries (Barbados, Minister’s Office is responsible for energy and improve energy efficiency. In the Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and matters. It is supported by the Energy private sector, successes include a Tobago), in response to a questionnaire, Efficiency Committee and the Division government-initiated audit, which led “Preparatory Survey for the Energy of Energy, with the former hastening to retrofits in lighting, AC and room Efficiency Workshop” as part of a the identification and implementation management at Barbados Port Inc.; a project “A study to determine the extent of energy projects by removing undue major lighting overhaul in a government of energy efficiency in Latin America bureaucracy. Through small ongoing ministry; and cogeneration and gas and the Caribbean,” conducted in projects, ministries promote energy compressors in a few hotels, leading to collaboration with the Latin American efficiency to the public. The Fair Trade over 50% energy savings Energy Organization (OLADE). Commission is a regulatory entity working with the electric utility to Lessons learned BARBADOS implement tariffs that promote energy Positive experiences in the The energy situation in Barbados is generation at the individual level. implementation of energy efficiency characterised by dominance of crude oil Effectiveness will depend on the rates and programmes:- (95%) in the energy mix; drastic decline the public’s ability to install the necessary The promise of cost savings is of in oil production; high oil imports; capacity. interest to property owners; the potential for natural gas reserves to Other stakeholders promoting energy meet present but not increased future Where capital is available, good efficiency include retailers who source demands; delays in the implementation paybacks encourage instant and sell energy efficient products; the of wind energy development; and a lack implementation; non-governmental organization (NGO) of policy on energy sources. Barbados Barbados Association of Energy Energy efficiency supports greening, is among the world’s top five countries Professionals which focuses on energy thus ensuring easier acceptance at for penetration of solar water heaters. efficiency, research and education; energy times. Homeowners benefit from lower saving companies; and consulting firms electricity bills and the electric utility The negative experiences in offering energy services to government, benefits from less demand problems. implementation of energy efficiency the utility and private/residential sector. programmes:- Recent advances in the political, normative and institutional frameworks Resources and mechanisms for Financing is often a challenge; The legal instruments that promote funding energy-efficiency programmes Promising technologies are not The funding needed for energy efficient energy use are a 150% tax readily available; efficiency programmes varies with break on expenditure related to scope. Government provides small Some clients do not seek professional energy efficiency and conservation funds for projects on their properties, advice before implementing for companies and a tax-free claim and the Inter-American Development solutions; for expenditure on energy audits and Bank (IDB), contributes significant retrofits for individuals. The attempts to Some solutions are evaluated only on sums towards the hotel sector and the reduce demand for foreign oil and the financial criteria. development of policy and sustainable tax breaks on energy saving expenditure energy frameworks. The Caribbean are regarded as implicit and explicit GUYANA Tourism Organization, and Caribbean energy policies, respectively. Recent advances in the political, Alliance for Sustainable Tourism monitor normative and institutional The political/socio-economic context energy efficiency programmes, and the frameworks IDB monitors disbursements. governing energy efficiency Guyana lacks the laws, regulations and

12 ISSUE 2 / APRIL - JUNE 2009 other regulatory instruments to support exercise; rural villages in the interior. NV EBS energy efficiency. Implicit energy The societal class that may qualify for is sole supplier of electricity and gas in policies include replacing incandescent upgrade of old/inefficient appliances Suriname’s cities, and its policy is to bulbs with energy efficient lamps; and vehicles may not have the promote energy efficiency by converting unplugging appliances when not in financial capital to switch. its generators from diesel to heavy fuel use; and energy conservation tips. The gas oil, thereby reducing transport Guyana Energy Policy, 1994 and Guyana and distribution losses. Other policies Power Sector Policy and Investment SURINAME include buying more hydropower Strategy are explicit policies. The launch Suriname’s population is 480,000, from Suralco and construction of two of the energy efficiency programme is and the energy needs of its capital and hydropower plants to satisfy future a first step towards realizing an energy outskirts are supplied by a large hydro- energy demands. The State Oil Company efficiency policy. The Government power plant. Two thermal generators are explores and exploits fossil fuels and supports energy saving initiatives and, as not in full use and are used primarily produces diesel, HFO, crude oil and such, they are publicized by the Guyana as back up. Of Suriname’s energy asphalt bitumen. It is expanding to Energy Agency (GEA), the electric utility clients, 95% are households, with a few include gasoline for the automotive Guyana Power and Light Inc., (GPL), commercial and industrial clients. . sector, thereby reducing demand for Office of the Prime Minister, and the Recent advances in the political, imported diesel and gasoline. The regulatory entity the Environmental normative and institutional company also produces electricity for sale Protection Agency (EPA), using frameworks to NV EBS. newspaper, radio, television, press There is a lack of laws, regulations and conferences and brochures. NGOs promote renewable energy other regulatory instruments promoting through operation of a small hydropower Key actors of energy efficiency and energy efficiency in Suriname. plant tailored for gold mining in the their effective role Nevertheless, an explicit energy policy interior; and utilization of photovoltaic The energy portfolio is shared among is the importation of used cars under 5 systems in rural villages to supply the GEA, GPL and the EPA which years old to encourage fuel conservation electricity for water pumps and lighting. all report to the Office of the Prime and reduction in carbon emissions. The Anton de Kom University of Minister. These institutions are Implicit energy efficiency policies Suriname is involved in rural renewable involved in promoting energy efficiency include:- energy projects and in studies on in Guyana through information Purchase of hydro energy from reducing generation, transmission and dissemination and public awareness. Suralco, a private multinational distribution losses in collaboration with Several energy initiatives undertaken by alumina company; NGOs, NV EBS, the State Oil Company NGOs in Guyana are supported by the and other industries. There are several Using local heavy fuel oil (HFO) IDB. engineering consultancy firms, but none or heavy vacuum gas oil from the specializing solely in energy efficiency. Resources and mechanisms for State Oil Company (Staatsolie funding of energy efficiency Maatschappij Suriname) for power Resources and mechanisms for programmes generation; funding of energy efficiency Energy efficiency programmes are Free installation of energy saving programmes funded by the Government and IDB. lamps in households, a “once-only” Funding is available from the United Funds are disbursed through the activity conducted in collaboration Nations Development Programme, the Ministry of Finance and accessed by the with the Government of Cuba; Organisation of American States and the Office of the Prime Minister, GPL and European Union for energy efficiency/ GEA. The Programmes are monitored Promoting the use of renewable renewable energy projects on reducing by the Office of the Prime Minister and energy in rural villages by the carbon dioxide and developing economic the Ministry of Finance. government. activities mainly in rural villages. In Lessons learned Due to high oil prices, Government 2008, an IDB-funded project focused on ‘Suriname power sector assessment The positive experiences in is unable to subsidize the State Power and alternatives for modernization.’ The implementing energy efficiency Company-NV Energie Bedrijven State Oil Company and NV EBS are programmes:- Suriname (NV EBS) that services the transportation sector. The resulting also accessing bank loans and state loans Energy saving in switching from market-driven prices means that rural from Suriname and India. incandescent lamps to energy saving inhabitants now must pay the full cost lamps; Government programme funds are or use less electricity. The Department managed by the Ministry of Natural By sharing information, the of Energy, State Oil Company and NV Resources and also by the Ministry of public can engage in energy saving EBS, which report to the Ministry of Planning, though some negotiations initiatives; Natural Resources, have responsibility may take place through the Ministry of Increased awareness leads to more for energy efficiency. Planning and Developing Cooperation. conscious choices in purchasing Key actors of energy efficiency and Other funds are managed by NV EBS appliances. their effective role and the oil company. Energy efficiency programmes are monitored by the Negative experiences in implementing The Ministry of Natural Resources Department of Energy, NV EBS and energy efficiency programmes:- is responsible for national energy policy and its Department of District the state oil company. The Ministry of Information dissemination is a costly Electrification supplies electricity to Finance disburses funds for government (continued on page 14) 13 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE

(continued from page 9) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY UPCOMING EVENTS 3rd QUARTER Glossary of Terms Expert Meeting on Geothermal Energy Genome - the entire DNA “recipe” for an Recombinant DNA (rDNA) - DNA 29 June - 2 July Nevis organism, found in every cell of that organism. formed by joining pieces of DNA from two or more organisms. Forty- third meeting of the Presiding Officers Isozyme - a molecular marker system based of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin on the staining of proteins with identical RFLP - restriction fragment length America and the Caribbean 7 - 8 July function, but different electrophoretic polymorphism, which describes the patterns Trinidad and Tobago mobilities. of different (polymorphism) sizes of DNA CARICOM Workshop on Social/Gender and (fragment length) that result from cutting with Environmental Statistics Mutation - a change of one of the “letters” restriction enzymes (restriction). in the DNA “recipe” caused by chemicals, 20 - 24 July Antigua and Barbuda ultraviolet light, X-rays, or natural processes. Sequence - the order of “letters” in the DNA Training workshop on the use of the ECLAC “recipe.” The DNA sequence is the chemical Methodology in assessing Natural Disasters PCR - polymerase chain reaction, which structure that contains information. 21 - 23 July Barbados rapidly duplicates specific DNA molecules in response to temperature changes in a Transformation - a procedure to transfer Seminar setting Regional and National road computer-controlled heater. DNA into the cells of an organism. Can be traffic casualty reduction targets for Caribbean

done with Agrobacterium (most dicots), countries 4 - 8 August Guyana Plasmid - a small, circular DNA that is used calcium chloride (bacteria), electroporation to transfer genes from one organism into (any organism), or the particle gun (any Biannual meeting of the Statistics Commission another. of the (SCA) organism). 10 - 14 August Bogota, Columbia Probe - a very short piece of DNA used to find a specific sequence of “letters” in a very Transgenic - an organism that has been Training in ECLAC DALA Methodology long piece of DNA from a chromosome or modified by genetic engineering to contain 12 - 14 August Trinidad and Tobago genome. DNA from an external source. ICPD+5 Meeting 19 - 22 August RAPD - Randomly Amplified Polymorphic Vector - any DNA structure that is used Antigua and Barbuda DNA; a molecular marker based on the to transfer DNA into an organism; most differential PCR amplification of a sample of commonly used are plasmid DNA vectors Workshop on Economics of Climate Change DNAs from short oligonucleotide sequences or viruses. Modelling - Economics and other Disciplines 21 August 09 Trinidad and Tobago

Brainstorming meeting on the EPA Monitoring (continued from page 13) Framework August 09 Lack of sustainability of the energy saving Trinidad and Tobago ENERGY EFFICIENCY lamp project is a negative lesson. IN THE CARIBBEAN Dissemination workshop for the Household Surveys Project 26 - 27 August programmes. Disbursements for donor- TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Trinidad and Tobago funded projects are monitored by the The petroleum sector is important to Meeting to Develop Sustainable Development respective donors and organizations. the country’s economy, accounting for Indicators 26 -27 August Barbados 60% of Government revenue and 50% Results of energy efficiency of GDP. Due to low energy costs, energy LIST OF RECENT ECLAC PUBLICATIONS programmes efficiency is not perceived as a priority Listed by Catalogue Number, Date and Title As a result of energy efficiency and initiatives trail those in the region. programmes, several benefits were The country is pursuing renewable No.LC/CAR/L.193 April/2009 achieved: Cayman Islands - Macro socio-economic energy options because of the finite assessment of the damage and losses caused by The energy saving lamps reduced nature of petroleum and environmental Hurricane Paloma energy consumption by up to 10% ; issues. A renewable energy committee No.LC/CAR/L.194 April/2009 Report of the meeting of the High-Level Energy consumption (2008) in the was set up in February 2009 to produce a paper on renewable energy outlining Advisory Committee (HLAC) of the project: capital and outskirts was 727 GWh A review of the Economics of Climate Change and 130 MW peak demand, fully a strategy to inform energy policy, to be (RECC) supplied by Suralco with its high lake supported in turn by legislation that will No.LC/CAR/L.195 May/2009 levels. If lake levels fall, there is a guide the development of renewable Report on the Meeting of Social Policies for plan to provide alternatives to satisfy energy projects. Recent projects are the Children’s Rights - Knowledge Building through pilot solar energy project in Tobago and Partnerships in SIDS - End Year Forum 2008 demand. (UNICEF in collaboration with UNRISD, the ongoing conversion of public buses Commonwealth Secretariat and ECLAC) Lessons learned to utilize compressed natural gas. The No.LC/CAR/L.198 June/2009 The positive lessons from implementing 20-30% increase in energy consumption Report of the meeting on biotechnology energy efficiency programmes are: and recent rise in electricity rates have development and climate change in the Caribbean Using HFO power generation was helped to raise public awareness of energy successful; efficient appliances. Energy efficiency No.LC/CAR/L.197 May/2009 initiatives include energy efficiency tips; Training Course on Measuring ICT access and use in households and businesses Using energy saving lamps led to provision of electricity to squatters on reduced energy consumption; No.LC/CAR/L.196/Rev.1 June/2009 State lands; and control of electricity Report of the expert group meeting on the Using hydro power saved Suriname’s piracy. Electricity tariff pricing is tiered CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership economy from the global oil crisis. and based on consumption level. Agreement

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1 Chancery Lane, PO Box 1113, Port of Spain,Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 623-5595 Fax: (868) 623-8485 E-mail: [email protected] Background Comprehensive Disaster Management to support a regional approach. (CDM). The goal was to link CDM he Caribbean Region is particularly to development decision-making and prone to natural disasters such as planning. Five years after the embracing Additionally, in the Caribbean hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic of CDM by the region and against a several agencies and organisations eruptions and flooding all of which have background of recent global catastrophes, impacted negatively on the economic, there was a recognized desire among have been mandated to address social and environmental strata of these disaster management stakeholders in one or more of the disaster islands wiping out years of investments the Caribbean to accelerate initiatives and severely setting back the process of in promoting disaster loss reduction components and are therefore development. This was apparent in 2004 through a review of CDM achievements committed to providing support to when economic losses in the Cayman and a revisit of the CDM Strategy to the Region, whether directly Islands, Jamaica and Grenada as a result sharpen its results focus. of Hurricane Ivan were recorded at US or indirectly, within their area/s $3.5 million, US $600 million and US However, the magnitude of impacts

$890 million respectively; Hurricanes wrought by natural disasters requires of interest. Frances and Jeanne resulted in losses of a holistic approach as it is clear that US $551 million in the Bahamas while they are having significant negative International Organisations the impacts of Hurricane Jeanne alone socio-economic impacts on the already World Bank set back the Dominican Republic by US vulnerable economies of these islands, $296 million. Earthquake activity in impacts that may be exacerbated by The World Bank promotes disaster Dominica resulted in losses in the sum of impending climate change. Recognising prevention as an integral component US $46 million. In fact, economic losses that the vulnerability of the Caribbean of development rather than as a humanitarian issue. In this regard, the in 2004 alone from all these disasters region precludes its susceptibility to these Bank is focused on the pre-disaster phase totalled US $5,763 million. impacts, several international, regional and advocates incorporating disaster and national agencies, institutions and prevention needs into the countries’ The Region has not only suffered organizations have given their support to development plans, including Poverty disaster management particularly in the economic losses but populations Reduction Strategies and the Bank’s own areas of risk reduction and vulnerability Country Assistance Strategies. and infrastructure have also been assessments of the impacts of disasters. Department for International affected. To properly address the vulnerability of these islands in terms of risk Development (DFID) Over the last decades, population The Department for International The Newsletter of thereduction Caribbean and assessingDevelopment the impacts and Cooperation Committee increases and developmental pressures Development (DFID) is the part of the ECLAC Subregionalof natural disasters Headquarters on societies, for the the Caribbean have led to the expansion and/or UK Government that manages Britain’s Inter-American Development Bank creation of centres of population in aid to poor countries and works to get rid PO Box(IDB 1113, 2005) Port has of categorised Spain,Trinidad disaster and Tobago areas that are vulnerable to these natural of extreme poverty. DFID’s involvement Tel:management (868) 623-5595 into the Fax: following (868) two 623-8485 hazards. In some of the islands of the in disaster management is essentially in (2) E-mail:phases each [email protected] comprising three (3) eastern Caribbean, the physical terrain http://www.eclacpos.org the disaster phase as it offers emergency has forced the development of towns components: aid to affected countries. and villages to be within the coastal zone Pre-disaster Phase – involves risk and these are usually the first locations Inter-American Development Bank identification, risk mitigation and risk (IDB) to be affected by tropical storms and transfer; hurricanes. In 2004, the population Until recently, the Inter-American affected by Hurricane Ivan in the Disaster Phase – involves disaster Development Bank’s assistance to Cayman Islands stood at 83%, two (2) preparation, emergency response and borrower nations hit by disasters chiefly deaths resulted and 13,535 dwelling rehabilitation and reconstruction . involved lending for reconstruction places were damaged. This could be efforts that is, in the disaster compared with Haiti where 4% of the The pre-disaster phase essentially focuses rehabilitation phase. However, in population was affected, 3,000 deaths on risk reduction while the disaster phase 2005 the IDB decided to take a more were reported and 49,882 dwelling places focuses largely on addressing the impacts proactive approach to disaster risk were damaged; Jamaica with 14% of the of disasters1. management which would become population affected, 17 deaths reported an integral part of projects in sectors and 102,000 dwelling places damaged; There are a number of agencies/ such as infrastructure, housing, energy, and Grenada with 79% of the population organizations/institutions that agriculture, water and sanitation. The affected, 28 reported deaths and 28,000 have developed or are developing IDB therefore works with borrowing dwelling places damaged. methodologies for addressing disasters. It member countries to assess the potential impacts of disasters, the vulnerability In order to address this situation, in is desirable that in promoting a holistic of specific geographic areas and critical 2001 CARICOM, through broad based approach it would be expedient to public infrastructure, their national stakeholder consultations, adopted a determine how existing methodologies capacity to finance reconstruction and Strategy and Results Framework for may be streamlined and/or strengthened governments’ institutional capability