Suriname signs energy MoU with TT

2023, 07/08

Suriname President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley witnessed signing of an energy MOU at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, to advance co-operate in the energy sector.
The MOU was signed by Minister of Energy, Stuart Young and Suriname’s Foreign Affairs and International Business and International Co-operation Minister (Bibis), Albert Ramdin.
The signing followed productive discussions on the ongoing collaborative efforts between the countries which are focused on the future development of the hydrocarbon industry and regional energy security. Both countries will establish technical teams for feasibility studies for their governments which will determine the way forward.
To complement the discussions on energy co-operation, presentations were made by the president of National Energy Corporation, Vernon Paltoo and two executives from Staatsolie.
T&T is the largest producer of oil and gas in the Caribbean with the natural resources accounting for an estimated 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 80 per cent of exports.
Suriname will host a meeting between Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad where the strategic cooperation between the countries will be given shape.

 

 

 

 

T&T can lead wind energy charge

2023.  07/27

The Caribbean Basin abounds in sun and sea, so primary ventures into renewable energy sources involve solar and hydrogen projects. British Professor Dr Alan Lowdon sees the potential for another avenue of green energy generation through offshore wind farms.

“The key ingredient for the offshore wind industry to come to light or indeed the onshore wind industry is wind. So there has to be a good wind profile for the industry to take root and the Caribbean has got a fantastic wind, whether the wind is in the right place at the right time. To serve the market in that vicinity is to be determined, but on paper, it’s all there in terms of the raw natural commodity which is needed to propel the industry forward.”

The Professor in Practice at Durham University’s Energy Institute in the U Ki, a specialist in offshore wind, told media that the Caribbean and in particular T&T did have the capacity to explore this option, especially given the country’s history in the energy industry.

“The oil and gas economies around the world are all seriously looking at offshore wind decisions as a key part of their energy transition. And the Caribbean is no different. T&T is clearly the leader in the region in oil and gas. I think the skills, the technologies, and the expertise in deploying are all relevant to offshore wind and I think this gives the country a fantastic start in terms of the initialisation of the offshore wind industry. But it will take time, things need to be done to get to that point.”

Currently, the major obstacle that needed to be overcome was not necessarily infrastructure but rather policies to ensure the growth and development of wind farms in the country and the region.

“I think it’s not so much physical infrastructure, but policy. I think the policy instruments are things which initiate and catalyse the industry or have done globally. And I think that is the main shift that needs to take place to get the Caribbean, T&T in particular, into a place where offshore becomes a serious contender in the energy mix.”

He explained that many of Trinidad’s offshore rigs could be converted for wind energy use, and there had been some progress already in that regard.

“It certainly can and there is one example in the Trinidad fields of a turbine being erected on top of a gas platform. That’s great. It’s quite commonplace in the North Sea and is becoming more and more common. So yes, because of the height, the turbine is installed on a fixed platform. So you haven’t got the challenges of putting it into the ocean and you can put the grid connection or the connection that goes through the existing electrical wiring infrastructure in the cable infrastructure on the platform itself,”

He did admit that wind energy required a sizeable investment.

“It’s very capital intense. The large-scale wind farms are indeed capital intense, as you would expect because there are power stations in the ocean. So that size of capital investment requirements, dwarfs what you would get if you are actually putting a solar farm in place.

“So there has to be deep, deeper pockets to get the industry going. But the return on investment is quite quick, when you actually put that wind farm in place because turbines have gotten larger, you can the power production is increasing. And if you double the length of a wind turbine blade, you increase the power output from that turbine by a factor of four. So you can see if you can get your hands on good footprints of land or in the ocean, then you’re able to put these big machines in place and to get your quick return on investment.”

“An offshore wind farm is typically I mean, these figures are very high level about in dollar terms, let’s just do the conversion. It would be around US$3.5 million per megawatt installed. That cost has come down over the years, but still, that compares with about US$1.25m for onshore wind per megawatt. So you have to have access to capital, good quality capital, and also in the right coupon, the right interest rates, because new markets are often perceived to be more risky than established markets until the industry takes off in those markets.”

He acknowledged that the Caribbean was still very much testing the waters rather than diving head-first into the realm of wind energy. There are signs that it is being considered. Jamaica currently has two wind farms while Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales confirmed, during his address at the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (Carilec) engineering and procurement conference, that T&TEC would be testing wind energy generation at four sites over the next 12 months.

“Testing will be done at two sites at a time, the wind speed data collected over the twelve-month period will be sued to determine whether sufficient wind resources exist at these locations and estimate the performance and economic viability of wind turbine generation. Should wind turbine generation be found feasible, the data will aid in the development of wind farms in T&T. Which would add renewable technology to the country’s portfolio for power generation. The long-term benefit being the reduction of carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel generation.”

Dr Lowdon believed that with the global push for net zero, the Caribbean would increase its exploration of wind energy.

“I think there is a deliberate degree of conservatism, which you would expect, and indeed you would want to see, because people need to understand what they’re doing is going to deliver the goods that they are expecting. So the benefits I’m expecting, so that’s good. There is definitely a competence base, and that the government realises it is in place to be able to deliver these schemes engineering, corporate finance, insurance, that type of thing. It’s all in place in the gas sector. So what can be leveraged? But I think there’s the desire to move to net zero is going to be global requirements of the Caribbean in terms of its exports. So they have to be an audit trail for how those exports were derived. And I think everything then stacks up back to the base where the commodity is created.

To prove that as green technology has been used as possible to deliver,’ said Dr Lowdon, who felt there were strategies that had been adopted around the world which could foster greater interest in wind energy in the Caribbean.

“I think the policy instruments which tend to be successful globally, are the ones which put some form of incentivisation to the market initially, to get the market going. So that could be something like a feed-in tariff, or it could be a real renewable energy certificate, which is usually the stimulus that the market needs for the supply chain to take it seriously and for them to invest in themselves to be able to deliver the sector in the way which it needs to be delivered,” he said.

Decisions in the United Kingdom pushed the industry along as an example which could be followed by the regional leaders if they decided to pursue wind energy as an option.

“I speak from the UK position, as it is certainly the largest matured shore wind sector and maturing as we speak. The UK put the policies in place around the early 2000s. The staged incentivisation mechanisms have allowed the industry to advance and I think there’s a lot of historical good practice, not perfect, but good practice that the Caribbean could adapt to its requirements. So yes, the policy incentives, and also the way that the industry has played out on the back of those things being put in place. It is all there to learn from.”

He noted that wind energy adoption would be harder to adopt on a smaller scale as seen with rooftop solar panels, but he said communities powered by wind farms could be an option.

“The average consumer can install their own micro-wind energy systems on their land. That’s a possibility, clearly, that’s not offshore. So those possibilities do exist but it doesn’t exist in the same way that solar does with rooftop solar, because it’s a different asset class, and it’s different engineering constraints.

“And grid integration constraints which go with wind energy compared with rooftop solar, but what we’re seeing around the world is communities coming together with a shared lines to put mini wind farms in place, for example. These aren’t the big things that you see in the ocean. These are small microturbines, which when aggregated up can help a community do good stuff.”

Should T&T adopt offshore wind energy, it would develop new opportunities for the labour force which also could be beneficial for the economy.

 

 

 

 

CARICOM 50th anniversary summit July 3, 2023 |

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad

CARICOM leaders opened a three-day summit on the 50th anniversary of the regional integration movement.

Dominica Prime Minister and in-coming CARICOM chairman, Roosevelt Skerrit said the summit is an opportunity for:

“introspection and reflection.It is important for us to assess where we are …and to see where we will be 50 years down the road.. What a good place to be to have that introspection and reflection. I am very excited about the next few days.” Regional leaders discussed critical matters in Trinidad and Tobago, birthplace of CARICOM.

The integration movement was launched on July 4, 1973 when Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana signed the treaty of Chaguaramas at the Convention Centre, in Chaguaramas on the west coast, a former US naval base.

Port of Spain hosted the event that included a formal flag-raising ceremony at the site where the treaty was signed and the laying of a commemorative plaque.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the longest serving regional leader, told media that the conference will provide for

“an assessment of the journey we have taken, what we have achieved and what we still have left to achieve…and the ways the treaty of Chaguaramas can be made alive to deepen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and strengthen the areas of functional cooperation”

The CSME allows free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region and Gonsalves said:  “there is going to be a review specifically as to how the CSME is going.” There would also be discussions “on how do we interface with the rest of the world concerning financing, issues of debt” and interaction with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for which St Vincent and the Grenadines was elected as president.

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, the first woman and the eighth head elected to the post, says the summit provides the ideal opportunity for celebration.

“We expect a lot of deep thinking because 50 is a big birthday and we have to look at what we have done and what we have to do, but it is also a big celebration because we really have to take account of the fact that against all odds, we have managed as a community to get a lot of work done. So it is celebration and it is contemplation. We are going to celebrate our achievements. We have managed as a community to stay together against all odds, like all families it is not always smooth sailing, but like a family we always come together. We are also celebrating the many things we have done together, such as CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, that’s one of the institutions we managed to set up and it has done excellent work over the last few years particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic “

There is also need to celebrate the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) because “it is one of the institutions of CARICOM that is really really important when we are dealing with natural disasters and any of those unfortunate realities of climate change impact.

“So we are going to celebrate those kinds of things,” she said, dismissing those who in the past have labelled CARICOM, as “Carigone” because of the high implementation deficit of decisions taken by the regional leaders in the past.

“Well it depends on how you measure implementation deficit because when I ask people what they mean by that people are never quite sure where it is that we are supposed to be.

“There are times when we can do that better, yes, but there are times when we have done very well,” she said, acknowledging the failure to date to “sort out transportation”.

International guests include US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, the controversial President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and PRC Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying.

 

 

 

 

Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Caribbean Community

July 3, 2023

Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is pleased to extend greetings to all the people of the Caribbean Community on the occasion of CARICOM Day 2023.

This year is of special significance as it marks the Golden Jubilee of the founding of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which came into being with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, in Trinidad and Tobago on 4 July 1973 by the leaders of Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

This milestone is a testament to the Region’s efforts at cementing a regional integration process by working together to ensure sustained economic and social development, coordinate economic and foreign policies, promote functional cooperation and enhance trade and economic relations with external states.

The theme for the Fiftieth Anniversary, “50 Years Strong- A Solid Foundation to Build On,” reflects the collective determination of our member states to build a stronger and more prosperous Caribbean for our people. It underscores our commitment to working together to overcome the obstacles that hinder progress and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Caribbean Community has faced many challenges, political, economic and social over the past 50 years. It has persevered amidst adversity and difficulties, remaining resilient and resolute in its commitment and today we can all be proud of the achievements thus far. CARICOM remains the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world. The multisectoral integration process includes functional cooperation in education, health, culture, security and most critical to economic development, the single market and economy.

Guyana takes great pride in its longstanding association with CARICOM, which has been instrumental in promoting regional solidarity and enhancing our bilateral relationships. As a founding member, Guyana recognizes the significance of CARICOM’s role in advancing our shared values and interests, promoting peace and stability, and addressing the unique challenges faced by our region.

On this 50th anniversary of CARICOM, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the principles and ideals of this regional integration process. We will continue to actively address the common challenges faced, such as climate change, natural disasters, food and nutrition security and sustainable development.

In celebrating this significant milestone, we also acknowledge the importance of inclusivity and the empowerment of all our citizens. Our collective efforts must be underpinned by the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, gender equality, and social justice. By placing our people at the center of our endeavours, we can continue to transform lives and build a more equitable and prosperous Caribbean for all.

As we commemorate this golden anniversary, let us reflect on our achievements, learn from our experiences, and chart a course for an even brighter future. Let us renew our commitment to CARICOM’s principles and objectives and redouble our efforts to advance together, leaving no one behind.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Guyana again extends its warmest congratulations to Caribbean Community on this momentous occasion. May we all continue to work for a more prosperous and united Caribbean.

 

 

 

Guyana to “energise” CARICOM

Posted by: Denis Chabrol in News, Politics Monday, 3 July 2023

As the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrates its 50th anniversary, President Irfaan Ali on Monday promised to provide strong leadership when Guyana assumes chairmanship of the regional integration body next year.

“We aim to use these opportunities to provide strong leadership and to energize the Community’s work,” he said in a message to mark CARICOM’s 50th anniversary.

Guyana will assume CARICOM’s chairmanship from January to July 2024. Before that, Guyana will will join the Bureau of the Conference alongside The Bahamas and Dominica.

Dr Ali recognised the founders of CARICOM and their successors “who have kept the ship of regional integration steady and on course.” They included then Prime Minister of Guyana, Forbes Burnham; Barbados’ Prime Minister Errol Barrow and the Premier of Antigua Vere Bird who signed the Dickenson Bay Agreement that established the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) in 1965. Eight years later on July 4, 1973, Mr Burnham, Mr Barrow, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Eric Williams and the Prime Minister of Jamaica Michael Manley signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas that established CARICOM and eventually the other countries joined.

The Treaty has since been revised to facilitate greater cooperation especially in the area of the Single Market.

He said Guyana will continue to be a vibrant and engaged member in the future. “Guyana looks forward to working within the Community to help realize the vision of a united, resilient and prosperous Caribbean,” he added.

Guyana, which is responsible for agriculture in CARICOM has been leading the regional food security agenda with the aim of increasing regional food production by 25 percent by 2025. CARICOM’s food import bill is more than US$5 billion.

“In recent times, we have been very forceful in propelling the region’s agenda in the areas of climate, food, and energy security,” Dr Ali noted.

High on the agenda is the Haitian socio-economic and political crisis in meetings with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres.

 

 

 

Caricom regional transport

2023. 07/04

The summit will allow leaders to discuss how to deliver this urgent service, according to Guyana President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali who chairs Caricom’s food security committee.

Guyana hosted its Agri-Investment Forum in 2022, when Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley raised the issue of transportation, particularly maritime transport, offering assistance to propel the regional food security drive and urged international participants at the Expo to assist Caricom to fund and operate a regional ferry.

Questioned about food security, Ali said that interest from public and private sectors has grown following Agro expos in Guyana and T&T. “We’ve seen a lot of private sector relationships being built and a lot of co-investment proposals coming forward. From both Governments, the prioritisation of food production in agriculture has definitely ignited new interest and energy in agriculture and food production.”

On the proposed intra-regional ferry transport, he confirmed that transportation remains one of the most critical issues, which is why it continues to be on the Caricom summit agenda.

“But we have been making some progress. At least now a number of parties have expressed interest in being part of the solution. So we’re moving now from the conceptualisation stage to a stronger position of finding a solution.”

On the timeline for completion, Ali added, “Well, we’d like it to happen yesterday, that’s why it’s on the agenda.

“I think that the update at this Caricom meeting will allow us to see how fast we can move and what we need to do now is to concretise who the different partners are, where we have interest and then pursue those partners.”

On Caricom, Ali said there are close connections and the relationship with T&T goes beyond the economy, political and social, government, or private sector.

“It’s a tremendous people-to-people relationship through cricket also (although it’s not a proud thing to speak about now for us when we speak about cricket), but also through entertainment and business development opportunities–our relationship has been expanding. It’s very, very strong.”

Ali saw all regional states playing a role to advance the ideals of Caricom, “And that is ensuring we build a system in Caricom that brings prosperity to all the region’s peoples.”

 

 

 

Regional ferry

2023, 07/06

Who will bear the cost of bringing Caribbean aid-addicts closer together? This question emerged as Caricom HoGs revived the dream of an inter-island ferry service being established at the 45th Caricom Regular Meeting and 50th Anniversary celebration in Trinidad and Tobago. The topic was reignited when President Irfaan Ali confirmed that regional travel remained high on the agenda.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves admitted the current state of inter-regional travel was lacking and confirmed that his country was hopeful that a regional ferry would soon be a reality.

“The discussion has been going on a long, long time. The issue is to have a private sector entity with sufficient resources, and prepared to go for the long haul, with support from governments to do this. Because there’s a need, there’s a marketplace, but we have had private sector entities come forward .”

Private sector involvement was stressed by Prime Minister Rowley, who declared out that running such a service was costly, as Trinidad and Tobago inter-island ferry service cost the government between $200 and $240 million annually in subsidies. The added dimension of travel up the island chain would prove even more costly and it was unlikely a government could subsidise such an endeavour. Talks with Barbados concerned a seaplane service but would require private sector investment.

“Most of it is fuel. Once you acquire the ferry, like you mention the airline and Trinidad having oil, but having oil or gas doesn’t put cheap fuel into a plane. These things are priced in a particular way. Fuel is available but you have to pay for it. We don’t get fuel from Shell or BP for free. We have to pay for it.

“I don’t see a subsidy that would be required for a fast ferry for us and up the islands. on the cards. The resources are not there. I don’t know that our business houses are keen to do that. We don’t have the large pool of entrepreneurs with deep pockets for whom that is something they see as an opportunity. But if that was there, it’s cheaper than operating a fast ferry, a boat ferry. Who is going to invest and for whom is this a priority?”

On the topic of regional flights, Gonsalves applauded the fact that Caribbean Airlines increased flights around the region,though there is still the need for a second regional airline to operate.

“There are important questions to decide. Are you going to start a new airline or are you going to have Liat 2020 or whatever the case might be? So there are some decisions to be made and not so much from the heads but the governments that want to participate in this exercise.”

Another re-emerging topic at the meeting was food security. However, unlike regional travel, the leaders could point to signs of progress.

A target had indeed been set for food security before the leaders converged in T&T’s capital, via the 25 per cent by 2025 reduction in the regional food bill initiative committed to by Caricom last year.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali posited a new avenue the region could explore in addressing that goal as he noted that Guyana was uniquely positioned to push this drive from both a geographical and economic standpoint.

“I think if we work in a more collaborative way, there are a number of business opportunities that can be developed that Guyana can be a bridge for. For example, northern Brazil and the role it can play in food security to bring more raw materials in terms of food production to the value-added chain and re-engineering the whole food supply and logistics chain throughout the region,” said Ali on Monday.

He pointed out that since Caricom launched this drive, there had been much positive impetus in the Agriculture sector.

“We have been able to build tremendous interest from the public and private sectors and we have seen a lot of private relationships being built and a lot of co-investment proposals coming forward. And from the government side, the prioritisation of food production and agriculture has definitely ignited new interest and new energy in agriculture and food production,” he said.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves similarly hailed Guyana’s role in progressing the reduction of the region’s food bill but admitted that there had been inconsistent levels of effort across the region.

“The President of Guyana is doing a lot of good work on the initiative, to reduce food imports by 25 per cent by 2025. I don’t know if we’re going to get to it. But at least you have to set yourself targets and we are seeing some impact already. It is just another two years to 2025. The progress is uneven, but it’s good that we’re making progress,” he said.

Prime Minister Gonsalves however was heartened that the drive had brought a realisation that the traditional economic positions were no longer the status quo. He was, as a result, grateful that new faces, ideas and approaches were being considered.

“A lot of countries realise that the days of the colonial preferences for commodities, whether it’s sugar or bananas, those days are gone. So you’ll have to do things which are competitive. And we’re seeing that some younger farmers are getting involved,” said Gonsalves.

He acknowledged that new approaches also had to be accepted concerning tourism as he explained that St Vincent had begun work to expand on its already impressive tourism portfolio as it expected a new Sandals resort and a Marriott to be constructed soon while other investors from Canada and the United States had shown interest in developing hotels in the Caribbean.

“I would say by the end of 2026 we will have an additional 1,000 rooms of high quality. So it’s being built out. What we’re doing in St Vincent and Grenadines is that we are building. We are on the quest to build a modern competitive, many-sided post-colonial economy. Which is at once national, regional and global with all those words pregnant with real meaning.”

Gonsalves stressed that while tourism itself was a money-making industry, it also fed other aspects of the local economy which needed stimulation and development.

“In tourism, you have to deal with fisheries we made we have a big plus in that because we bring tourists you have to give them fish to eat.

“You have to give them a lot of fruit and grow provision and vegetables so that the farmers could make a dollar.

“And because we are coming a little late to what you may call mass tourism, we have we have a high level of tourism in the Grenadines for instance, Mustique I don’t know if you know this, but the island of Mustique, through the Mustique company they contribute gross to the economy of St. Vincent Grenadines annually US$150 million. It’s a big number,” he said. “So we have fairly good high-end tourism and we have good yachting tourism, and yachting tourism makes a fair amount of money. But we have the cruise (ships) I know. But we are going to do and we’re doing more mass tourism

 

 

CSME expansion

Caricom citizens will soon enjoy full freedom of movement throughout this region, chairman Roosevelt Skerrit told media at the close of the three-day 45th Regular Conference of Caricom Heads. This new agreement would exclude the Bahamas, which was not a member of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), and Montserrat, a British dependency whose population had been evacuated in 1995.

Haiti opted out of the free movement deal due to economic, political and social instability, amidst devastation by natural disasters and the rise of powerful criminal gangs.

At present, Caricom allows the free movement of certain categories of skilled worker such as journalists and musicians on registration. Skerrit, Dominican Prime Minister, said based on prior consultations, Caricom heads had agreed now to “connect the dots” through the region.

“On the issue of free movement, we have deliberated on this matter. We took a decision to have the free movement of all categories of people to live and work.”

Some legal issues had to be examined with legal advisers to report to Caricom leaders by March 30, 2024.

“In addition to free movement there are certain contingent rights which will be associated with free movement – access to primary healthcare and emergency healthcare, access to basic education – free primary and secondary education.”

Existing security provisions would also apply to the free movement deal. Skerrit said free movement was core to Caricom’s integration movement.

“We will have served and have served the community well at this meeting by arriving at that decision. We hope it can be implemented by March 30, 2024. This is great news. Of all the issues we have discussed and a number of decisions we have taken, this is the decision we have taken at this conference.”

Skerrit invited Caricom leaders to meet in Dominica on August 30 in a relaxed setting.

Mottley said, “The heads agreed we are now moving beyond the freedom of movement of skills to freedom of movement of people.”

She said out of an abundance of caution some aspects of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas may need to be amended between now and next March.

“There may have to be an approach that does not make countries liable to any form of (law)suit with respect to some of the rights. So there has to be a minimum set of rights guaranteed for the citizens. That will be discussed and agreed upon. That will be captured in the amendments to the treaty.”

Mottley said the changes will have to be financed, for which leaders were looking at the Caricom Development Fund. Funding would help to guarantee that each country could bring its services up to a minimum level towards free movement.

The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas had certain precepts that could make countries liable unless now specifically excluded.

“During the pandemic, we had to carve out certain things. There were restrictions on movement for public health purposes – that was understood. The treaty provides for restrictions for national security purposes. The treaty provides for restrictions for balance of payments purposes.”

She said under the free movement initiative an award of primary and emergency healthcare rights and education rights would be added to social security rights already agreed among Caricom nations.

“So what we are doing is to ensure the desire of Heads is met by the reality of implementation. In a very real sense this is what ordinary people want. I want to say something. In a region that is underpopulated and in a region facing the most difficult crises – from climate to recovery from pandemic to debt to to all kinds of other problems, if ever there was a time we all need to come together it is now.”

Skerrit was right to speak of optimism even as a realistic execution would ground Caricom.

Asked if countries should fear criminals arriving from other states within Caricom.

Mottley: “No, because you have the ability to take decisions in the interest of national security.

“Countries have the right to exclude persons on the basis of national security or public health.”

 

 

 

Antigua seeks political union

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda says the need for integration within the Caribbean is even greater than within the European Union (EU). Reiterating his dream for Caricom to form a political union, Browne said the region has made

“significant progress on a number of issues. We recognise that we’re all committed to ensuring that we strengthen the integration movement.”

He added, “Even though progress has been slow in some areas, there’s no doubt that we’ve made significant progress in many areas, especially in the areas of function and co-operation.”

This is evident by the contributions of various institutions.

“Even prior to CSME (Caribbean Single Market Economy), we had Carifta (Caribbean Free Trade Association), the (West Indies) Federation and the many sustaining institutions including UWI (University of the West Indies), the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice), CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agency), you name it… So clearly, the Caribbean people are better off as a result of integration.”

Caricom is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Browne said he hoped that by the time Caricom turned 100, it would be even stronger and that it would have achieved a single economy.

“I’m an eternal optimist when it comes to integration and I have hopes for a political union some time in the future.”

Asked if he would liken the political union to being “the United States of the Caribbean,” he said: Absolutely.

“The largest economy and perhaps the most successful country on the planet is the US, comprising of 50 states. And if those states with their vast human and financial resources could have seen the need to integrate…”

In 1958, the West Indies Federation comprised ten countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, then St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St Lucia, St Vincent and TT. The federation eventually collapsed in 1962 after the largest of its members – Jamaica – withdrew. TT then withdrew as well.

Caricom was then established in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and TT. The current Caricom members include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and TT.

Associate members are Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Browne said he did not believe in limiting ambition as “we must continue the aspiration of having a single economy. And ultimately, even if it takes 100 years… The case for integration is far greater than even in the EU, so … integration is a must. It doesn’t matter when (and) it’s not a matter of ‘if.'”

In 2016, the UK withdrew from the EU, a move that was dubbed Brexit. This had a significant, negative impact on the UK economy. Despite this, Browne said the level of integration he wishes for should not just be an aspiration for current leaders within Caricom but future ones as well.

It was necessary to assist with the many woes experienced by Haiti.

He described it as a “delicate and complex situation” that needs a “domestic solution” with the help of Caricom and the international community.

 

 

 

 

Caricom bloc

Prime Minister Rowley invited listeners to consider how wonderful the region could have been if it had united into one nation. However, Caricom as a bloc of nations, has still achieved much for its populations.

Addressing the launch of the 45th Regular Meeting of Caricom HoGs, he noted Caricom’s 50th anniversary, saying children should be taught its relevance and history. This regional family of nations can be proud of its 50 years of achievements.

“We have faced challenges and have risen to overcome them, despite the difficulties, through our cooperation, our shared goals and, above all else, through our friendship within Caricom. Our regional integration movement has not only survived but it has thrived, expanded and flourished.”

Alluding to Caricom co-operation against covid19, he said in this post-pandemic era, regional bonds were now more important than ever.

“None of us will ever forget those long, dark days and nights, when, over the last few years, the lives and livelihoods of our people hung in the balance under the threat of what was then a very novel death-dealing virus.”

Trade, tourism, manufacturing, culture, services, GDP and lifestyles had sharply declined across Caricom during the pandemic.

“The resilience of our community endured this test and survived, in large part due to the determination of our people and the strength bestowed upon us by our ancestors, due to the strength of our regional organs such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha), and due to a calibre of leadership right that joined in solidarity to advocate when needed, to remonstrate when necessary, to share when required, and through it all to stand together through thick and thin.”

“From rising regional debt, to growing trade deficits, we as a community have been buffeted by the ravages of an international financial system designed to disempower us.

“As serious as the world’s problems are and having been shut out of many of the markets through trade restrictions like the sugar and banana industries we can hardly be excited by the ongoing prospects of being escorted out of the world’s financial system through de-risking and loss of correspondent banking not to mention being encouraged to hastily abandon our hydrocarbon resources even as others expand their natural gas production, open up nuclear power and coal-burning plants.”

Since Caricom’s founding in 1973,  leaders had met, as in 2001,  to sign the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas for the Caricom Single Market and Economy and in 2018 the St Ann’s Accord. He recalled Caricom engaging with world leaders to spell out its perspectives and priorities, some attending this event.

“We did this when we held landmark events such as the Agri-Investment Forum in Guyana, the second of which was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago, the Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Barbados, the Regional Symposium to Address Crime as a Public Health Issue in Port of Spain, and most recently key stakeholder meetings to address the crisis in our fellow member state of Haiti.”

These were just a few Caricom initiatives to boost sustainable development and tackle poverty, crime and insecurity.

“I say all of this to highlight that, beyond the doubts, Caricom is working diligently to serve the people of the region. While at times, the going may be slow or the outcome may not have been readily apparent, we all continue to build on the strong foundation laid 50 years ago.”

 

 

 

 

Caricom travel

Chairman Roosevelt Skerrit told HoGs at the opening ceremony of their 45th Regular Meeting that Caricom should help to make travel within the region “a joy rather than a hassle,”

“We are aware of the challenges making air and sea transport more efficient and affordable.”

Urging partnerships, the Dominican Prime Minister said the region looks to Caricom to alleviating these challenges.Skerrit underlined the importance of regional transportation, saying that the backbone of integration was was movement of people and goods in the region. Initiatives in transportation require investment and confidence but an economic pay-off would follow improved opportunities and travel options.

“Entrepreneurs must look for opportunities in the transportation sector and be there for the long haul.”

Skerrit lauded Caricom longevity on its 50th anniversary, hailing it as the longest-surviving integration movement in the developing world and second in longevity only to the European Union (EU.)

“We must all say, ‘I am Caricom'”.

Skerrit warned Caricom supporters to not let the symbols of the organisation distract from its substance and the requisite heavy lifting. He urged free movement, removal of non-tariff barriers to trade and affordable transport within the region.

“Let’s take decisions that are truly transformative, for the next 50 years.”

He asked what was preventing the region being a single domestic space including free travel.

Outgoing Caricom chairman Phillip Edward Davis, The Bahamas prime minister, earlier hailed Caricom successes. After the recent Crime Symposium in TT, Caricom had declared war on illegal guns and urged the USA to take action. Caricom entreaties to the US to help curb the trafficking of drugs, guns and migrants had begun to bear fruit.

US Vice President Kamala Harris showed her commitment to Caricom at a recent Caricom heads meeting in The Bahamas. Lamenting the crisis in Haiti, Davis declared, “None of us can be safe until we are all safe.”

 

 

 

UNSG: Climate funding for islands

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the time has come to change how small-island developing states access global funding to address the effects of climate change and local development.

Responding to questions at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister, Guterres gave an example of some African countries spending more in repaying debt than they do in addressing their health care systems.

“This is the kind of injustice that should not prevail in today’s world.”

There is a greater need for stronger action from multinational and development banks to change their business models to leverage private financing that will be used not to only finance offsetting the effects of climate change but personal development for countries.

“Small island states need support and funding,” Guterres said. Some are regarded as middle-income countries and are exempted from such assistance. He said this must also change.

“We see the need to increase funding for adaptation. Mitigation is essential. We must reduce emissions. We must not forget that many countries are suffering the impact of climate change, and those that suffer most are not those that contribute more to the problem.”

Financing for small-income developing states is vital and the UN has been “strongly advocating for reform in the international financial architecture,” which was created after World War II. These systems must now adapt to the realities of today’s economies.

The climate change crisis is “threatening the very survival of small-island and low-lying coastal states. We must cut carbon emissions by 45 per cent in this decade to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. It is still possible, but it requires action by everyone, on every front.”

Because of this, he has called for a climate solidarity pact in which “big emitters” will make extra efforts to cut emissions, and wealthier countries will mobilise financial and technical resources to support emerging economies.

“And it is why I have presented a plan to super-charge our efforts: the Acceleration Agenda, which includes calls to urgently scale up support for adaptation and operationalise the loss and damage fund this year. We must step up our actions on every front for people, for prosperity and for the planet.”

Asked for the UN position on TT being a producer of oil and gas in the context of the energy transition and its push for climate change, he said the UN has a general position on fossil fuels, which is that it needs to be progressively phased out and:

“progressively have renewable energy as the way to sustain economic development in the world. I have advocated for what I call a just and equitable transition, which means not all countries need to be treated in the same way. And the rhythm and the logic of the phase out is different according to the different conditions that different countries might have. “

Asked which topic the UN is more focused on between climate change and the illegal import of guns, Guterres said both are essential.

“You cannot opt for one or the other. We need to face both challenges. Of course, climate change is an existential threat for the whole planet. The questions of gun trafficking and weapons trafficking are more geographically limited. But in a region like the Caribbean, I think today – and we discussed that with the Prime Minister – we tended in the past to look into arms and weapons trafficking as a kind of a sub product of drug trafficking but unfortunately, we are witnessing that arms trafficking is becoming a problem in itself.

And it is severely undermining the security of several countries and namely several countries in the region, and I believe it’s necessary to look into the arms trafficking as a serious threat to global peace and security and to adopt international measures in order to be able to curb this dramatic phenomenon.”

 

 

 

Eurocham: Cariforum-EU EPA process pending

The European Business Chamber in TT (Eurocham TT) is concerned that TT has not finalised the process to adhere to the Cariforum-EU economic partnership agreement (Cariforum-EU EPA) – a comprehensive trade and partnership agreement negotiated between the Cariforum countries and the EU.

The objective of the agreement would support sustainable development and regional integration among other objectives. Implementation of the EPA is facilitated by development assistance funding from the EU since the agreement was signed in 2008 between the EU and Cariforum members’ countries. It was enacted into local legislation in July 2013 and assented to and is awaiting proclamation by the President.

In 2008, EU countries immediately removed tariffs on goods originating from Cariforum countries entering their markets while Cariforum countries including TT was given 25 years – between 2009 to 2033 – to gradually reduce tariffs. Eurocham TT is aware that while TT has not implemented Article 16 – Customs Duties on Imports of Products Originating in the EC Party – the local business community as well as the government bodies have benefited from access to technical assistance from the EU under the EPA.

Government bodies have been benefiting since 2008 for business improvement, capacity building, reforms to support implementation of the EPA and grants to support innovation. The value of the goods exported by TT and entering the EU with no duties was €5.6 billion in 2022 representing 32 per cent of the country’s exports. While the value of imports into TT from the EU in 2022 was €1.1 billion.

A detailed analysis of imports from the EU shows that consumer items such as vehicles, milk and cream and wine make up two per cent and less each of all the imports. The greatest percentage of imports in terms of value are for commercial and industrial usage. That is, they directly impact the cost of doing business. TT is now among the last five Cariforum countries (along with Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname) remaining to give notice of ratification (usually signalling full commitment). Barbados, Dominican Republic, Guyana, St Lucia and other islands have ratified the agreement.

 

 

EU-Cariforum to cut imports, boost food security

Cariforum – comprising Caribbean ACP states – with the assistance of the European Union (EU) is seeking to reduce its annual food import bill of over €9 billion, according to the EU-Cariforum webinar on findings of a study titled,  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Processing in Cariforum.

It is the third in a series of studies commissioned by EU to raise awareness on the economic opportunities related to the Cariforum-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Caricom is trying to reduce its agricultural imports by 25 per cent by the year 2025. The urgency to cut imports, coupled with the global movement towards enhancing food security and safety prompted Caricom nations to implement the “25 by 25” program. This initiative also opens doors for EU enterprises to support the region in achieving this goal by exploring trade and investment partnership opportunities of mutual benefit.

Agriculture Minister of Guyana, Zulfikar Mustapha told the webinar, “There has been a visible shift in Caricom’s focus with regards to ensuring food security and promoting self-sufficiency. The EPA addresses cross-cutting issues such as barriers to trade, financing, market facilitation and transportation, all of which are necessary to ensure a favourable investment climate in the region.”

The study also highlighted the emerging trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, fisheries and food processing across the Cariforum region. It also explored conditions for market access and the ease of doing business.

Head of co-operation of the EU Delegation to Caricom, David Mogollón said, “Agriculture, crop cultivation, live-stock rearing and fishing are an integral part of the region’s cultural identity. Through our continued engagement with the Caribbean and international partners, we are promoting investments in the region to collectively build a modern, sustainable and climate resilient agri-food sector. This will contribute to the economic growth, food security and poverty reduction in the region.”

Executive director of the European Business Chamber TT Marie Louise Norton-Murray said, “TT is part of various EU funded projects such as the Tobago Good Foods project. TT has also formally signed an MOU with COLEAD – a EU based association of producers, importers and distributors that promote sustainable agriculture and market access.”

Norton-Murray identified areas of possible investment and partnership opportunities in TT such as the controlled environment agriculture, expansion of cocoa production, agro-tourism and fisheries.

In 2008, the EU and 14 Caribbean countries signed the EPA geared towards strengthening trade and investment relations and promoting regional integration.

The EPA provides a framework for facilitating trade and commercial relations. It also promotes export diversification, enhances the competitiveness of the region’s agro-processing sector, eliminates barriers to trade and fosters greater market access.

 

 

 

 

EU renews vow to assist in fight against drugs

A year after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the European Union to assist the country and by extension the Caribbean in fighting the drug trade, Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds, in June met an EU delegation to bolster collaboration.

Hinds chaired the June 30 meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Seaport Corporation Project (SEACOP) Phase Five. SEACOP is an EU initiative established in 2010. One dimension of it is the wider European Commission-funded Cocaine Route Programme (CRP). SEACOP seeks to build capacities and strengthen cooperation against maritime trafficking in countries on the trans-Atlantic cocaine route (West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean).

“The project’s activities include the creation of inter-agency units in key ports, as well as the establishment of national maritime information systems to promote information sharing.”

Head of delegation of the EU to TT Peter Cavendish, said the EU stood ready to deepen security co-operation in the Caribbean. Hinds thanked Cavendish for his continued support to initiatives aimed at combating transnational crime, in particular transshipment of illicit narcotics. Hinds also welcomed additional co-operation.

The meeting on June 30 focused on additional support for ongoing anti-drug trafficking operations, the donation of maritime security equipment and succession planning for inter-agency units within SEACOP’s local chapter. Present were Vice Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Dexter Francis, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mary Roseann St Hill-Billouin, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Excise Bernard Nicholas, head of the National Operations Fusion Centre Lieutenant Colonel Dexter Metivier and retired Major Richard Lynch, deputy director of the International Affairs Unit, Ministry of National Security.

 

 

 

 

Count on the United States of America to be at your side

2023, 07/06

USA can cut the CARICOM knot and acquire the region as Unincorporated Territory to end the angst.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirms CARICOM can count on the United States of America to be at its side “as a neighbour, as a partner, as a friend”, In a bid to strengthen relationships , Blinken pledged :

1. Appointment of special prosecutor Michael Ben’Ary to serve as the United States’ very first coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions;
2. $5.5 million to the region to deal with food insecurity; a commitment to deal with Haiti; a commitment to address climate change in the region;
3. and a commitment to look at de-risking by international banks.

In a statement to Caricom HoGs at their 45th meeting on Caricom’s 50th-anniversary, Blinken affirmed that the US heard issues raised through the Congress Joint Action Committee and diplomatic posts throughout the region.

“And I think what we’ve heard underscored that to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our people, we simply have to work together—and work together more effectively in genuine partnership.

And I know that our Congress shares that view. That’s why this extraordinary delegation of Congress is here at the same time, led by our leader, Hakeem Jeffries, to demonstrate America’s support for deepening our long-standing ties across the region. And that includes strengthening our cooperation at the regional and also at the international level.

“And the reason that I’m here and the reason that my colleagues are here today on this very powerful occasion is to tell you, to share with you that you can count on America being by your side–as a neighbour, as a partner, as a friend … and together as we work to genuinely build unity and forge the future of our community, this community that we share, and do it together.”

Regional criminals terrorise, rob and kill with knives and cutlasses and buy and import guns

At the regional crime symposium in April, a communique from HoGs announced,

“We declare a war on guns to combat the illegal trade which provides the weapons that contribute significantly to crime and violence in our region causing death, disabilities and compromising the safety of our citizens. We call on the United States of America to join the Caribbean in our war on guns and urgently adopt and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean.”

Blinken said the US was working to stem the rising tide of violent crime taking a devastating toll on communities across the region.

He said the US supported the creation of a Caricom Crime Gun Intelligence Unit, “which is improving information sharing among our law enforcement agencies and strengthening the capacity of countries to investigate gun-related crimes”.

He said that last month the US “created a new position at the Department of Justice to deepen collaboration among us on gun prosecutions. Today I’m pleased to announce that Michael Ben’Ary—a very experienced DOJ prosecutor—will serve as the United States’ very first Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions.”

He noted that in July 2020, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

“This included new federal provisions that increase criminal penalties to up to 15 years in jail for traffickers, straw purchasers. This is a tool that’s vital for holding accountable those who smuggle US arms to the Caribbean.”

US Congressman Jefferies told HoGs, “We must disrupt the gun trafficking and violent crime plaguing the region by stopping the shipments of arms and holding gun traffickers accountable to the full extent of the law.”

An ample agriculture budget and improved environmental management can guarantee food security

Blinken noted that food insecurity intensified across the region from a combination of climate change, COVID and the Ukraine/Russia war. Since February 2022, the US has contributed an additional $13.5 billion to fight hunger around the world and remains the largest donor of the World Food Programme providing over 50 per cent of its budget.

“But at the same time, one of the things I’ve heard very clearly from talking to so many of our partners is a desire to be able to grow sufficient food to provide for your own people. We’re bringing to bear our expertise from across the entire government to help achieve that goal–from the Department of Agriculture to the Environmental Protection Agency to USAID. Today I’m pleased to announce that we’ll dedicate an additional nearly $5.5 million to help small farmers in the Caribbean boost productivity, increase access to technology and markets, and adopt climate smart practices.”

President Irfaan Ali said that the commitment was good for the region as they have been lobbying for support.
Ali is the lead Head of Government for agriculture in Caricom, in charge of regional food security. He told Media that the region must pivot to disbursement and eschew bureaucracy.

Emissions from 21 live Caribbean volcanoes warm climate and one produces geothermal energy.

Blinken acknowledged that most communities concerned about climate, contributed little to change. “We recognise that as the world’s second-biggest emitter and the number one emitter historically–currently the second biggest emitter– the USA has a unique responsibility, , to address this problem.”

He said the US was working relentlessly to avoid a climate catastrophe and identified the return of the US to the Paris Agreement as one of the very first things President Joe Biden did when he took office.

“He enhanced our national pledges, and he’s dedicating unprecedented resources to meet the targets through the Inflation Reduction Act. This is by far, as I think you all know, the largest commitment to tackling the climate crisis in history by any country anywhere.”

 

 

 

G7 countries have adopted plans that, if implemented, will actually help keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“We need other major economies outside of the G7 to do the same. Your partnership, your leadership in pressing the biggest emitters to make the necessary commitments–and then holding us to those commitments–is indispensable. And we really deeply value the work that you’re doing on that score.”

The US was looking to build greater resilience and adaptation to climate change while accelerating the region’s transition to clean energy and working to strengthen disaster preparedness.

This would include improving early warning systems, developing risk maps that predict the areas that are most likely to be hit by storms, and helping countries develop new tools to adapt to emerging challenges.

 

 

USA responding to pleas

Prime Minister Rowley says that the region has been pressing the United States Government for commitments.

Following statements made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Dr Rowley said that the US was responding to calls by the region.

“We’ve been pressing for this rollout. The symposium on crime as a public health issue has attracted their attention, and they’re responding to it, and that is very important. Things are happening.”

He credited conversations with decision-makers in Congress as helping to raise awareness on regional issues.   The region had limited access but his Government has been travelling to Washington for conversations with decision-makers.

“And we’re going to keep going. Last year, President (Joe) Biden put in place the standing committees, and they’ve been working quite well. A lot is coming together.”

 

 

 

US Secretary pledges US$5.5m for farms

Crops growing at a farm in Aranguez. Photo by Sureash Cholai

 

US State Secretary Antony Blinken told the Caricom summit on the final day that while his country is seen as a top contributor to climate change, the US recognises its responsibility in addressing climate change and its impact on Caribbean countries. He assured Caricom that the US will expand access to finance and strengthen disaster preparedness, among other things. He announced a $US5.5 million contribution to assist small farmers in the region. .

Congratulating Caricom on its 50th anniversary, he recalled the words of former Jamaican prime minister Michael Manley who urged the region to seek strength in unity.

“I think that’s a very powerful mission statement that Caricom has now carried on for 50 years,” Blinken said.

Manley’s words perfectly describe Caricom’s current partnership with the US – “a fellow Caribbean nation.

“Unity starts with listening. This is why we have engaged intensely with leaders across the region to hear the issues that matter most to your citizens. I was with President Biden and Vice President Harris when they heard directly from our Caribbean friends at the Summit of the Americas. We’ve heard you since then in the joint action committees that we’ve created on climate, on energy security, on food security, on access to finance, and we hear you every day through our diplomatic posts throughout the region.”

Voicing of these concerns has underscored that working together is necessary to solve some of the biggest challenges being faced in the US and the Caribbean.

“In no area is this more evident than your leadership – everyone around this table – in actually rallying the world to address the climate crisis and to strengthen energy security for all of us. “

The US also wishes to accelerate Caricom’s transition to clean energy as it’s the “driving focus between the partnership we established.”

That is the US‑Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030.

“With the additional $20 million that Vice President Harris announced in climate funding just last month in the Bahamas, we’ll continue to build together on those efforts. We’re working to strengthen disaster preparedness…We are working to expand access to international finance…We said that we would press financial institutions to allow countries to defer debt payments in the event of climate shocks and natural disasters. These investments are not just necessary to protect against threats, they are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create good-paying jobs in communities across the region. “

The US is committed to addressing the region’s growing food insecurity, which intensified owing to the war and covid19.

“According to a recent UN report, one in two people in the Caribbean cannot afford a healthy diet. Today I’m pleased to announce that we’ll dedicate an additional nearly $5.5 million to help small farmers in the Caribbean boost productivity, increase access to technology and markets and adopt climate smart practices.”

President of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce Kiran Maharaj said, “Food security is high on our regional agenda especially in light of the impacts of climate change and the climate justice issues which have arisen. Our food importation bill in this region is still too high and has a negative ripple effect on our people –from food prices to nutritional value.”

This contribution will act as a catalyst for the agricultural sector and it is to be applauded.

“The significance of cooperation and collaboration for our region and our country (private sector, government and partners such the US) will undoubtedly result in the benefit of our people as we move towards the Caricom vision of 25 by 25.”

Maharaj added that the gesture was indicative of the good relations between the US and the region.

Ramesh Ramdeen, CEO of the TT Manufacturer’s Association said, “There has to be some kind of structure in place, you cannot just put the money into a deep hole. It has to go towards projects that will allow for the building of capacity, enhancement of capabilities and efficiencies, production techniques and probably more modernisation of the farming technique.”

These are just some of the uses of the money put forward by Ramdeen.

 

 

 

US Secretary of State thanks TT for music

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked TT for creating music that “brings people together” during his visit to HADCO Phase II Pan Groove panyard.

After trying his hand at playing the drum, Blinken said, “One of the things I’ve learned travelling around the world is that nothing brings us together more than music. It breaks down barriers. It brings people together. It helps each of us share in common humanity.

“And so the music that you’re providing, and the Caribbean has provided so much – the soundtrack, the rhythm of our lives, not just in the United States but all over the world – even more than anyone, brings people together. We need that more than ever. So thank you for the music, the rhythm, for the joy that you bring to our lives.”

US Ambassador Candace Bond thanked TT for hospitality over the seven months since she became the ambassador.

“Thank you for your creativity, your positivity, your artistry and just the sheer joy and love of music. I appreciate that.”

Democratic Leader of the US House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries said , “Thank you for sharing your incredible culture, such a part of the people. We are appreciative of that, and our commitment, as we move forward with this congressional delegation visit and return to continue to lean into our relationship with our history, our bonds and the sheer interest and values that we have for the best interest of our people .”

 

 

 

 

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration meets leaders

2023, 07/04

A delegation of U.S. ambassadors met Prime Minister Rowley and other CARICOM leaders, CARICOM IMPACS, and officials of the Regional Security System for a presentation from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at the Ministry of National Security in Port of Spain.

According to the US Embassy, the DEA presentation was a follow up to the June 8, 2023 meeting between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas.

” The meeting reinforced the U.S. commitment to further strengthen Caribbean security and law enforcement capacity building and provide additional resources, including specialized training and equipment, in the fight against transnational organized crime in the region.”

 

 

 

 

Barbados welcomes T&T investment

2023, 07/23

CEO of the Barbados Private Sector Association, Anne Reid, is inviting T&T’s investors to do business in Barbados.

On May 1, Barbados had an official launch of the “Declaration of Missions Barbados” and it was the result of stakeholder consultation to transform Barbados into a sustainable, economically prosperous society and they are at the stage of determining how these missions will be executed

“This is to align with Prime Minister’s Mia Mottley’s expressed goal to cement Barbados as a global business hub. By 2030, Barbados aims to become a clean, beautiful large ocean state championing sustainable development, locally and globally.

“Also, by 2023, a 50 per cent reduction in crime as we know the challenges of crime in terms of doing business and attracting investors to the jurisdiction. Also, by 2030 to empower and enfranchise all Barbados’ workers and families creating opportunities for ownership and wealth creation to enable Barbadians to take care of themselves and each other.”

Reid spoke in a webinar that is part of the T&T Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) Doing Business With the World Series.

T&T businesses who were part of the webinar raised questions ranging from what products do Barbados’ businesses have to offer to how do T&T investors open businesses there.   Reid advised how to register a business in Barbados, how foreigners should set up a bank account, customs procedures and other details investors should know when doing business there.

“This is something for you to appreciate so that when you come into the island of Barbados to do business, you are not necessarily floundering in high seas alone but there is the support that you can have as you chart your way through the maze of doing business on a day-to-day basis.”

President of the TTCSI, Mark Edghill pointed out that Barbados is now T&T’s biggest trading partner.

“At present, T&T can be considered Barbados’ largest trading partner. According to data from Country-Reports-dot-org, 22.5 per cent of goods exported by Barbados come to T&T; while 39 per cent of goods imported into Barbados come from T&T. The United Nations COMTRADE database estimates that in 2022, Barbados’ exports to T&T were US$32.94 million. In 2021, Barbados imports from T&T were valued at US$103.77 million, with the lion’s share of those imports coming from the energy sector.”

He referred to the final Communiqué from the recent Caricom summit on July 5 when Caricom Heads of State agreed the following:

“The initiatives comprising the macroeconomic policy coordination agenda for the 13-Member State CSME (the Caribbean Single Market and Economy), including the operationalising of the regional capital market, must be tabled for adoption by Member States by July 2024.

“To work towards the free movement of all Caricom nationals within the Community by 31 March 2024, acknowledging that there are certain basic guarantees that should be afforded to all Caricom nationals exercising their right to freely move and remain indefinitely in another Member State of the Community.”

Edghill said, “What could the full implementation and expansion of the CSME mean for entrepreneurs and firms operating in the services sector? I believe those opportunities will be explored during our session today, as we learn more about Doing Business with Barbados. It is a timely discussion given that the Prime Minister of Barbados is Caricom’s Lead for implementation of the CSME,”

 

 

 

 

Barbados telecom firm in TT

Neptune Communications, a telecommunications provider based in Barbados has been granted a licence to operate in TT by the Telecommunications Authority.

The company successfully established operations in Jamaica and is planning the expansion of its services to TT. The satellite broadband ISP business provides high speed internet access to businesses and government users in the region. Another business helps governments get access to reliable and secure communication services for public safety and national security agencies.

The company will face competition from Starlink, which was granted a concession from TATT in May and has announced pricing for consumer and business packages.

 

 

 

 

Unilever

Unilever Caribbean announced Daniela Maria Bucaro as its new chairman of the board of directors. In a notice shared on the TT Stock Exchange website, Unilever said Bucaro has 18 years of experience in the company and held strategic roles in Central America, the Andean region and the greater Caribbean. She is a senior member of the leadership team of the newly formed Caribbean and Central America (CARICAM) regions.

Unilever announced the appointment of Carolina Arrieta and Jan Jacques Cot as directors . All appointments took effect from July 14.

 

 

 

UK Minister in The Bahamas for Independence Anniversary

11 July 2023

David Rutley MP, UK Minister for the Americas and Caribbean, visited The Bahamas to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Bahamian independence. He congratulated Governor General, Sir Cornelius Smith, and Prime Minister Philip Davis, on 50 years of economic development, national growth and democratic strength.

. The flag of The Bahamas also flew above Westminster Abbey, London, during a special service celebrating the event.

 

As well as attending the state reception as official representative of the British Government, Minister Rutley met with Tony Myers, President of British company BHM, which will construct the new Freeport Airport, funded by UK Export Finance. Minister Rutley discussed the project and the jobs it will create locally and the links it will strengthen with the UK. As part of the company’s dedication to support the long-term growth of The Bahamas, the Minister thanked Mr Myers for creating a Chevening Partnership, which allows Bahamians to study Masters courses in the UK with a full scholarship.

The Minister met Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Charles Washington Misick. The Minister discussed the opening of the new office of the Turks and Caicos government in The Bahamas, and congratulated the Premier on his initiative to connect with the diaspora in The Bahamas. The Minister congratulated the Governor on her appointment. They discussed preparations for hurricane season and the presence of HMS Dauntless in the region, the UK’s designated hurricane-response ship this season.

This visit follows meetings with Prime Minister Philip Davis in London before the Coronation, and in Trinidad and Tobago during the 50th anniversary celebration of CARICOM. At the State Reception, they discussed bilateral relations and the recent debate at the Security Council on Haiti, which the UK organised and chaired.