AmCham & Young meet ahead of regional conference

6 February

The American Chamber of Commerce of TT (AmChamTT) met Energy Minister Stuart Young on February 4 ahead of a major regional business conference. In an effort to promote the country’s energy landscape, AmCham TT president Stuart Franco and CEO Nirad Tewarie met the Minister, in anticipation of the Outlook on the Americas Conference and Strategic Planning Retreat of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce of Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA) in Miami on February 19-20.

The AACCLA conference is expected to attract business leaders, government officials and representatives from American Chambers of Commerce across 28 Latin American and Caribbean nations. The organisation’s 20,000 member companies oversee over 80 per cent of all US investment in the region. The annual event serves as the first major hemispheric business forum of the year, convening top executives and policymakers to discuss trade, investment and economic trends in the Americas.

Young shared insights on the development of the TT energy sector, its strategic role in global energy security and the significance of relations with the US and Venezuela. Discussions addressed the importance of a nearshoring strategy to attract investment to TT and strengthen economic ties with the US. Nearshoring – relocating business operations closer to home markets – gained momentum as companies seek to diversify supply chains and mitigate risks. An established energy sector, geographic proximity to the US and stable business environment, positions TT as a potential hub for nearshoring initiatives in the region.

AmCham thanked Young, saying his insights were enlightening.

“These perspectives will be important when AmCham TT attends the events in Miami in two weeks.”

AmCham TT prides itself on being a vocal advocate for strengthening trade and investment ties between TT and the US, particularly in areas such as energy, manufacturing and technology. It said the discussions with Young signal ongoing efforts to position TT as a key player in regional economic integration and investment growth.

 

 

 

 

€3M EU-CAF grant advances digital integration of T&T & CARICOM

2025, 02/05

Senator Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, addressed the Signing Ceremony for the Technical Assistance Grant Agreement under the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility on February 4.

Signing of a €3 million Technical Assistance Grant Agreement with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the European Union marked a significant step towards regional digital integration .

The TT Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs reports that the agreement will support development of a comprehensive digital transformation platform. It is being facilitated through the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility and is aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy to foster digital connectivity around the world. T&T has a longstanding bilateral relationship with the EU and both entities will soon celebrate their 50th anniversary of cooperation.

Senator Dr. Amery Browne, TT Foreign Minister, Senator Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Digital Transformation; Colm Imbert MP, Minister of Finance; Gianpiero Leoncini, Executive Vice President of CAF; and David Mogollón, Head of Cooperation of the European Union to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, attended the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Digital Transformation on February 4.

Minister Browne complimented the leadership role of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement.

“This collaboration is crucial for advancing the digital agenda of Trinidad and Tobago and the broader CARICOM region. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development and strengthens our valued partnerships with the European Union and CAF.”

The grant will fund the development of key digital infrastructure components, including a national electronic identity system, a public data interoperability platform and a secure government data centre. It will support regional workshops focused on facilitating the free movement of people within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and establishing secure data exchange mechanisms between member states.

This initiative positions Trinidad and Tobago as a leader in regional digital development and contributes significantly to the advancement of CARICOM’s integration goals.

Mr. Leoncini and Mr. Mogollón reiterated their organizations’ commitment to supporting the region’s digital advancement, highlighting the project’s potential to empower citizens and promote regional integration.

Minister Imbert announced Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming assumption of the Chairmanship of the CAF Board of Directors.

 

 

 

EU, CAF donate TT$24m for digital transformation

February 3

David Mogollón, head of co-operation of the EU to Caricom; Finance Minister Colm Imbert; and CAF representative to TT Bernardo Requena, Digital Transformation Minister Hassel Bacchus, Foreign  Minister Dr Amery Browne and CAF executive VP Gianpiero Leoncini  at the signing of the LACIF agreement.

OVER €3 million, the equivalent of TT$24 million, was granted by the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF) in partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the European Union (EU) to the Digital Transformation Ministry.

This grant for the digital development of Trinidad and Tobago and Caricom will be used to implement

1. 1. 1. TT’s interoperability platform,
      2. e-identity programme and
      3. government data centre.

The interoperability platform will allow the sharing of information among government ministries and departments similar to the government data centre, which will be the first locally owned repository for all government information.

With plans to expand regionally, the e-identity programme seeks to provide an electronic alternative to physical ID documents.

At the signing ceremony at the ministry on February 3, CAF executive vice president Gianpiero Leoncini outlined details of the grant.

“Today, CAF has approved the sector-wide-approach programme of US$120 million to support the broader digital strategy, in addition to a US$350,000 technical assistance programme to digitalise tax payments in the country. A second phase implementation, scheduled in 2025, will amount to US$227,000.

“Furthermore, CAF is finalising the implementation of a US$225,000 feasibility study for the construction of a tier-four government data centre, which has provided key insights for structuring an investment loan of up to US$35 million. This investment loan is the first in the Caribbean for the digital infrastructure sector.”

Finance Minister Colm Imbert praised the efficiency of CAF’s operations.

“One of the things I found about CAF in 2016-2017, when we got into the full workings, was that we had financing facilities proposed, and three months later, they had money in the bank, which is remarkable, because other multilateral agencies take years to distribute funds, CAF does it in months and sometimes weeks.”

Minister of Digital Transformation Hassel Bacchus thanked the EU and CAF for the grant.

“This grant will enable the development and the deployment of digital solutions and applications that will help realise the full potential of these important solutions as force-multipliers for the digital transformation of TT, the wider Caribbean and beyond.

“It’s not just for TT, we are doing this for TT and the Caribbean region. This is a powerful validation of the importance of partnership for digital transformation and a significant step towards the implementation of our national digital transformation strategy.”

Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne praised the collaborative efforts of the organisations involved in the grant agreement.

“The synergy between our respective ministries is really critical in advancing the development, goals and interests in advancing the development goals and interests of our beautiful nation, particularly when it’s combined with the synergies that we share with important partners such as the EU and LACIF.

“Now we live, we exercise our responsibilities and fulfil our duties in a complex and changing world in which there are shifting realities and shifting priorities even as we speak. And in this complex global environment, some alliances are changing almost overnight. Against that backdrop, it is always important to emphasise our shared principles and to reaffirm partnerships that continue to make a positive difference for the people of TT and the people of the wider Caribbean.”

 

 

 

 

New Chamber chair ready for TT Energy Conference

4 February

Mala Baliraj, chief executive officer of Massy Wood, believes she can bring a fresh perspective and a diverse range of ideas to her new role as chair of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. On December 12, the Energy Chamber officially announced Baliraj’s appointment.

Baliraj shared her thoughts on the significance of her role.

“For me, being the second female means that I get the opportunity to bring a diversity of thoughts and approaches—not just because I am female, but because of my professional background.”

Diane Seukeran was the first female to lead the Energy Chamber’s predecessor, the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce (STCIC), serving as president from 1994 to 1997. In the mid-2000s, the STCIC rebranded and refocused its mission exclusively on the oil, gas, petrochemical, and renewable energy sectors, evolving into the Energy Chamber as it is known today. Baliraj is the first woman to hold this role since the rebranding of the Energy Chamber.

With the flagship event, the Energy Conference, scheduled for next week, Baliraj, who contributed as a participant and as a speaker, will be attending for the first time in her capacity as chair. She is most keen to follow discussions arising from this year’s theme: Investing for the Future.

“I am most keen on the discussions that are going to take place as there is a strong line up of speakers that will bring insightful discussions. This is a unique opportunity for us to have a strong representation from the industry in this conference.”

She is looking forward to networking with stakeholders and learning of new technological innovations within the industry.

Baliraj will be deliver the chairperson’s address on the first day of this year’s Energy Conference, to be held from February 10-12 at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

Asked what sets her apart from her predecessor, Jerome Dookie, managing director of Proman Companies Caribbean Nitrogen Company Ltd (CNC) and Nitrogen (2000) Unlimited, Baliraj acknowledged their shared similarities but noted that her leadership style would differentiate her slightly.

She highlighted her 20 years of experience in the energy sector, which provides her with a strong frame of reference to navigate the current challenges and opportunities within the industry. Interaction with industry bodies and community stakeholders has given her a deep understanding of the sector.

“I had the privilege to work with a joint venture of two very strong parent companies and that has been more than a decade of my experience alongside other service providers. I gained a strong understanding of all our stakeholders in the energy industry. We’re not just thinking about international and local clients but we’re also thinking about local and international service providers.”

Baliraj has set three key goals in her new role:

• • • supporting the team,
    • harnessing the intellectual capacity of the Chamber’s members and
    • ensuring strong delivery.

“Initially, I see my role as chairperson to support a team. We do have a board of directors that represents a wider sector and so for me, as the chair, it is just to make sure that we are focused on the strategic goals of the Chamber, how we are achieving that. The directors of the board are all very strong contributors and are sources of strong intellectual capacity, so I want to make sure that we harness that and benefit the wider membership. Thirdly, I want to make sure that as a Chamber, we take specific actions and deliverables when it comes to things that need assistance to make the industry more sustainable given the fact that we’re in a fragile position in the energy industry globally.”

Regarding the challenges Baliraj anticipates in her new role, she identified ongoing economic pressures as one of the key issues.

“There are several challenges that are at the forefront but economic pressures is the first one that comes to mind when we think about the energy sector… profitability in the energy sector has not been in a strong position; we have seen a decline in profitability and that means we need to take action that supports and sustain growth and stability in the industry.

“Declining production is a headline in T&T, we see all of our operators are struggling with that. There have been efforts to reverse that trend but we do know it will take time and the time it takes to yield that result is a challenge that we are facing.”

Baliraj also noted that geopolitical tensions, both on a global scale and closer to home, present another challenge for her and the energy industry as a whole.

“These tensions do have a direct impact on the energy industry in T&T and that is something that we need to keep a close eye on. I would say finally what I think about the concerns that we have on the pace at which things happen; we have new energy projects coming online but there are significant investments that need to happen to T&T’s infrastructure – we see some of them happening and these are steps in the right direction but to be able to really benefit from these changes, we have to manage a different pace of how we move forward with progress and making changes in the industry for infrastructure.”

In 2025, Baliraj expects new gas projects to come online, as operators focus on upcoming developments and cross-border gas initiatives to address the sector’s decline.

“I would like to see the refocus on renewable energy as well. We have seen fluctuations in renewable energy and in Trinidad we are getting our ducks lined up in a row and I would like to see that conversation take a stronger step.”

 

 

Green Infrastructure Conference

23-24 January 2025

https://iamovement.org/events/cgic-2025/

CDB has approved a grant of USD132,000 to the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to formulate a Medium-term Development Strategy and Investment Plan.

PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2025

CDB Providing Funding to Support Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Development Strategy

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank) has approved a grant of USD132,000 to the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis (GOSKN) for the formulation of a Medium-term Development Strategy and Investment Plan for 2025-2029.

The plan will promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s National Development Planning Framework.

The project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment (MEDI), supports the creation of a monitoring and evaluation framework inclusive of a digital tool to track progress. This framework will ensure comprehensive oversight over public investments, allowing for efficient resource allocation and effective programme implementation aligned with national targets.

Additionally, it will seek to provide greater accountability, efficiency and sustained momentum during implementation of the development strategy.

Acting Vice President of Operations at the Bank, Mrs. Therese Turner-Jones indicated that “The Bank remains committed to assisting the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis in crafting the requisite tools to achieve desired development outcomes. This initiative is intended to build institutional resilience and strengthen implementation capacity and good governance in the twin-island Federation.”

The GOSKN is also providing USD25,000 towards the project, which is set to support implementation of initiatives for

1. 1. 1. economic diversification,
      2. renewable energy transition,
      3. sustainable agriculture,
      4. education and social programmes,
      5. and other priority areas.

The new strategy will focus on

1. 1. 1. climate resilience,
      2. green energy transformation,
      3. human capital and economic and institutional development,
      4. social inclusion, with an emphasis on gender equality.

According to Mr. Ian Durant, CDB’s Director of Economics, “CDB is pleased to support this initiative as it advances a shared vision for economic and social development, infrastructure enhancement and environmental protection. The pandemic severely impacted the country’s economy, which contracted by 15.4% in 2020, affecting livelihoods and disrupting progress toward SDGs targets.”

Adding that while economic recovery is almost complete, the heavy reliance on tourism and its inherent vulnerabilities underscores the urgency of addressing the country’s long-standing structural challenges and constraints to widening the production base.

“Our ongoing engagement and support are intended to improve macroeconomic and fiscal stability, increase productivity, competitiveness, economic diversification and governance, while also enhancing protection for the most vulnerable among other areas.” Durant emphasized.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has advanced significantly, achieving high-income status, and now ranks 51 on the Human Development Index. Despite this progress, development gaps persist, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change challenges. The government continues to prioritize economic growth and social advancement, particularly for the most vulnerable. Speaking about the CDB backed initiative, the country’s Prime Minister, the Hon Dr. Terrance Drew, intimated that the state has carefully aligned the National Development Framework with the sustainable development agenda while ensuring the incorporation of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.

 

 

 

International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean

2025, 01/31

On Day 2 of the Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean hosted by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama, Ramps Logistics CEO Shaun Rampersad urged greater investment in sustainable port infrastructure across the region, where inter-regional trade was more costly than trade to the United States because of limited facilities,

“In the Caribbean, we have two major challenges. One is that even though our ports are already small, the volume of inter-regional or intra-country trade that takes place is very, very slow, very, very low.

It cost me more money to ship a cubic metre of cargo from Miami to Barbados than it does from Trinidad to Barbados, even though the distance from Trinidad to Barbados is 1/10th the distance from Miami, because the infrastructure between the islands of the Caribbean does not exist to really foster that type of economic trade,”

He recognised that there was better infrastructure in place to accommodate cruise lines, but this also posed a challenge for smaller Caribbean countries.

“If you look at the number of passengers that pass through Caribbean ports, it is massive. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua, spoke this morning, If you take an island like Antigua like St Lucia, if two Royal Caribbean cruise ships come into port, they take more power than the entire country .. Those two ships are burning diesel. They are burning fuel oil.

“There’s massive opportunity to decarbonise the cruise ship industry in the Caribbean, but to do that, investment is required on shore-side electricity. Where does it come from? How can we scale that up so that when the cruise ships come in, we are able to give them shore electricity from green sources, but at the same time, how do the people in the Caribbean benefit from that? Because we put these products in, can we reduce the cost of electricity? .. that’s an important consideration when we think about ports.”

Many countries in Latin America overlooked the energy industries in Caricom states like Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, when proposing plans for the region.

“A lot of people don’t understand what is going on in places like Trinidad and Guyana and the size and the scale of the energy industry. Trinidad is the largest producer of methanol and ammonia in the world. How does that play a part in decarbonising ports?

Is there an opportunity to bring hydrogen in if we think about generating power for the cruise ports? Can that power come from methanol? Can it come from ammonia?

Does that make it greener? And does that mean that everybody who lives in the Caribbean, who uses the port, the cargo owners, the ship owners, but most importantly, the people who live there, can they have a better quality of life?”

Rampersad further called for great involvement by the private sector via public private partnerships in the interest of improving the quality of life of people in the region.

 

 

 

Collaboration between the ACS and South Korea:

Sandy Shoreline Project Protecting Caribbean beaches

2025, 01/23

The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to T&T, Seijoong Kwon with the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States, Rodolfo Sabonge, displayed the publication presented at the closing workshop of the Sandy Shoreline Project funded by the Korean government on protection and rehabilitation of Greater Caribbean.beaches.

The Caribbean Sea serves as a vital link between North and South America, and is a key route to the Atlantic Ocean, rich in marine resources and ecosystems.

The coastline of 25,738 km of 25 countries and 12 territories, represents 1.6 per cent of the world’s total coastline. Six of the world’s top 20 coastlines (30 per cent) are located in the Greater Caribbean, making it a popular tourist destination renowned for its beaches.

Tourism contributes significantly to the economy, accounting for 25 per cent to 40 per cent of gross national product, driven by the region’s unique marine environment and diverse geographical features.

On October 16-17, 2024, the Sandy Shoreline Project, a significant initiative dedicated to protecting Caribbean coastlines was concluded in Port of Spain.

This seven-year project, across nine countries from 2017 to 2024, was a collaborative effort between Korea’s International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). The Korean government contributed US$4 million in funding to combat coastal erosion in the region.

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) partnered with Caribbean nations to facilitate coastline restoration and establish cooperative relationships. ACS Secretary General Rodolfo Sabonge thanked the Korean government for its help and expressed his willingness to continue cooperation, noting that KOICA’s support has helped protect the coastlines.

Despite facing challenges early in 2020, including disruption in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed shipment of coastline measuring equipment, the project successfully reached completion.

It comprised six main components,

1. 1. 1. establishing focal points in each participating country,
      2. enhancing capacity and human resource management,
      3. creating a regional monitoring network,
      4. developing methodologies for measuring and restoring coastal erosion,
      5. compiling a restoration guidebook, and
      6. hosting of the Conference of IPReM (Identification, Protection, Restoration,and Management of Caribbean Beaches).

The ACS in collaboration with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) identified three beaches—Viento Frio in Panama, Runaway Bay in Antigua and Barbuda, and Bonasse in Trinidad and Tobago—to serve as case studies for future coastal restoration projects.

The region’s diverse geography presents unique challenges, including varying coastal types and environmental factors such as wind, ocean currents, sea level rise and hurricanes.

To effectively implement the project, it was essential to develop an integrated methodology based on the extended definition of the coast as outlined by the project’s technical advisor. Participating countries undertook the challenging tasks of monitoring coastal erosion and developing restoration methods.

Their efforts culminated in a closing workshop to publish the “Guidebook for the Protection and Rehabilitation of the Greater Caribbean.” Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Amery Browne, attended the workshop, expressing gratitude to the all hard working members and enthusiasm for a second phase cooperation.

The Korean government has been actively engaging with the region since 2012, maintaining a close partnership with the ACS. In celebration of the ACS’s 30th anniversary, the Sandy Shoreline Project has laid the groundwork for continued collaboration over the next 30 years.

During the ACS Summit and Ministerial Meeting in Guatemala from May 11-20, 2023, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin presented the vision for the “K-Ocean Economy Initiative,” aimed at promoting the conservation, management, and sustainable use of ocean resources. He highlighted the Sandy Shoreline Project as an exemplary case of cooperation between Korea and ACS nations and expressed aspirations to transition into a second phase following the success of the initial stage.

Foreign Minister Park further announced the establishment of a Korea-Caribbean Joint Ocean Research Center, leveraging cutting-edge science and technology to analyse and improve marine life in the Caribbean. The research centre will be established at the end of 2024 with support from the KIOST. Additionally, an internship programme was launched in September to provide young Koreans with valuable experience within the ACS.

While the Sandy Shoreline Project has yielded meaningful results in collaboration with Caribbean nations, there is still much work to be done. The project marked the beginning of identifying cooperative possibilities, and future efforts must focus on enhancing collaboration to protect the diverse ecosystems along the coastlines.

The region, while beautiful, is highly vulnerable to climate change and human activities. There is an urgent need for effective measurement and monitoring systems, including community-based monitoring initiatives and nature based solutions.

Additionally, it is essential to focus on capacity-building training, and systematic coastal protection, particularly in small island developing nations. Given the varying conditions and capacities of different countries, customised support will be essential, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation through organisations such as the ACS, Caricom, and OECS.

The key takeaway from this Sandy Shoreline Project is the realisation that the entire ocean is interconnected and that collaborative efforts can yield solutions. It is hoped that the Sandy Shoreline Project will serve as a catalyst for more effective strategies to combat coastal erosion and enhance resilience for future generations.

 

 

 

 

Foreign Minister hails growing India-Trinidad and Tobago ties

5 February

Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Amery Browne celebrated TT’s 180-year relationship with India. Browne reaffirmed TT’s deep-rooted friendship with India as he addressed a panel discussion “Growing India-TT Relations for a Robust IndiaCaricom Partnership” at UWI St Augustine on February 3. Browne said that historical and economic bonds unite the two nations and praised this relationship for creating opportunities for greater collaboration between the Caricom and India.

“Trinidad and Tobago and India’s relationship is built on a foundation of history, culture and mutual respect. From our economic exchanges to people-to-people ties, this partnership continues to flourish, benefitting not just our two nations but the wider Caricom region.”

With 2025 marking the 180th anniversary of Indian indentured labourers’ arrival in TT, Minister Browne highlighted how this shared heritage has fostered a thriving bilateral relationship, extending beyond culture into trade, digital transformation, agriculture and human resource development.

Key areas of cooperation include-

Trade and Investment Growth: A 2024 Investment Mission from India signalled interest in Trinidad and Tobago’s expanding business opportunities, following Prime Minister Rowley’s visit to Mumbai.

Technology and digital transformation: Recent agreements with India are set to enhance TT’s Information Communication Technology capabilities and drive regional progress.

Food security and health: Given India’s expertise in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, Caricom nations are keen to collaborate on sustainable solutions.

Cricket diplomacy: The strengthening of cricket ties through collaboration with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and proposed training academies reflects the sport’s cultural and economic significance to both regions.

Browne lauded India’s steadfast commitment to South-South co-operation, citing its crucial donation of covid19 vaccines to Caricom and its ongoing support in education and capacity building initiatives, including an increase in training placements for Caribbean professionals.

Browne said he was optimistic about deepening engagements with India, particularly in multilateral forums on global issues such as climate change, United Nations reform and sustainable development.

 

 

 

 

 

UWI VC appointed Chairman/Chancellor of the
United Nations University

January 8, 2025

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI),  has been appointed Chairman/Chancellor of the United Nations University.

The appointment, which takes effect May 2025, was a unanimous decision at the sitting of the United Nation’s governance council on December 7, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.

As the university enters its 50th anniversary this year, the council was keen to work under his chairmanship as a strategic planner in higher education, respected scholar and leader in development thinking with a global reputation from a long and senior role in the affairs of the United Nations.

He served in many capacities, as consultant to the annual United Nations Development Report on Latin America and the Caribbean; on committees on the Global Future of Higher Education; as vice president and historian to UNESCO’s flagship initiative, The Slave Routes Project and recently as joint editor of Volume 9 of the UNESCO’s General History of Africa series.

He addressed the UN General Assembly, first in support of the international community’s declaration of 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent; and secondly on matters of reparatory justice in a multi-polar political and economic world.

He addressed the UN Security Council under the presidency of Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, on the subject of global peace in the deepening digitised North-South Divide.

The United Nations Academic Impact Committee voted The UWI as the global hub for Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action (SDG 13), on account of Sir Hilary’s lead in the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice in 2024, aimed at delivery of online postgraduate degree programmes on the SDGs.

He earlier served as special advisor on Sustainable Development to UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-Moon, whom he invited and welcomed to The UWI, as well as current Secretary-General,  Antonio Guterres.

The position of Chairman/Chancellor is honorary, with a mandate to facilitate the leadership of the Rector/Vice-Chancellor of the United Nations University and to guide the council in a manner that sustains the confidence of international and internal stakeholders, primarily the leadership of the United Nations, faculty members and managers, private sector investors, and students.

The United Nations University is a global academy, headquartered in Tokyo, with Research and Teaching Institutes in multiple countries. It is an academic and innovation think tank and research arm for the world community.

In accepting the appointment, Sir Hilary thanked members of the university council, representatives of the United Nations and other organisations, for their expression of confidence. He assured them that as the university enters its 50th year under the management of its esteemed vice-chancellor, and the guidance of council, it will continue to rise as one of the finest global universities.

He noted that his appointment is a signal honour for The UWI, whose reputation and international connectivity will be enhanced as well as the Caribbean, the hemisphere and in particular, emerging communities in the Global South.

Before assuming the office of Vice Chancellor of The UWI on May 1, 2015, Sir Hilary, a Barbadian historian, was Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor of The UWI, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados from 2002–2015.

 

 

 

Trump’s executive orders and the Caribbean

Sir Ronald Sanders January 25, 2025

Within hours of his second inauguration as President of the United States on January 20, Donald Trump issued a sweeping series of Executive Orders (EOs).

Several will affect the Caribbean, but two are of immediate interest to people of the Caribbean. It is important to understand that, while the sheer number and timing of these orders may seem unprecedented, issuing EOs is well within the President’s constitutional authority.

During his campaign, President Trump made no secret of his intentions to pursue the objectives outlined in these orders. Therefore, for anyone following US political developments – diplomats especially – these actions should not have come as a surprise. Nevertheless, their implications, particularly for Caribbean nationals, merit careful consideration.

What is an Executive Order?

An Executive Order is not a law. Nor are the proclamations and memoranda that often accompany them. These directives outline how the President expects US government officials to implement policies and administer federal operations.

Importantly, EOs can be challenged in court if they are deemed unconstitutional or in conflict with existing laws.

One of them has already been challenged in the courts by Attorneys General of 22 states and the American Civil Liberties Union. This is the EO titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” It seeks to end “birthright citizenship” for children born in the US to parents who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents.

This directly challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which affirms: “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

For many years, this amendment encouraged some expectant mothers to travel to the US to give birth, ensuring their children gain US citizenship automatically.

What does this mean for Caribbean nationals?

This EO cannot retroactively strip citizenship from those already born in the US, even if their parents were undocumented at the time. However, if the courts uphold the EO, future children born to non-immigrant visa holders – such as visitors overstaying their permitted time – will not qualify for US citizenship.

Until a court decision is made, Caribbean nationals, particularly pregnant women, should expect stricter scrutiny when entering the U.S. Immigration officials are likely to examine the purpose of travel more closely and denial of entry may occur if they suspect an intention to give birth in the country.

Broader implications

It is widely known that some nationals from Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions choose to have their children born in the US, hoping this will enable them, as parents, to apply successfully for permanent residency or citizenship.

However, this expectation has no basis in law. While the child born in the US is entitled to citizenship under the present arrangements, its parents, who are in the US illegally, have no attendant rights.

Just after his election in November 2024, Trump made it clear that he “has no wish to break up families.” Therefore, unless provision is made for the children’s protection, they would have to leave with their parents. Now, throughout the US, undocumented migrants are deeply troubled. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many are hiding from Homeland Security Task Forces, which, under another EO, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” have been ordered to find and deport all inadmissible and removable aliens.

Deportation

There is not much that the governments of Latin American and Caribbean countries can do about the deportation of their nationals who are in the US illegally.

It is the sovereign right of the US, and every other nation, to craft and implement their immigration policies. Many Latin American and Caribbean countries also have policies of deporting illegal migrants, except when, in accordance with international humanitarian laws, refugee status is granted in special circumstances.

Governments of some countries, such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Honduras, have declared that they will not accept deportees. But that position is most unlikely to be adopted by the majority of the English-speaking nations of the  (Caricom), whose societal character and principles would not permit them to turn their backs on their own.

To be sure, with the exception of Haiti, the numbers of illegal migrants in the US from Caricom countries are not as large as those from other regions. Nonetheless, absorbing large numbers of deportees suddenly can have a disrupting effect on the social services of Caricom governments, particularly in relation to healthcare and education.

The additional strain could exacerbate unemployment and, potentially, contribute to a rise in crime rates. These are all factors that will have to be monitored closely, and appropriate representation made to the US government if the problems become unmanageable.

US benefits from Caricom

The relationship between the United States and the Caribbean remains crucial. The US enjoys a significant balance of trade surplus with Caricom countries, amounting to $7.45 billion in 2023, while its aid to the region constitutes less than 0.1% of its total aid budget.

Notably, 90% of this assistance is directed to Haiti, driven by US concerns over refugees, organised crime, and gangs. With the exception of Haiti, Caricom countries place no financial burden on the United States.

Instead, they have proven to be steadfast partners, offering a favourable environment for US businesses, enabling the unrestricted repatriation of profits, and serving as a cherished second home for many Americans. These deeply rooted, mutually beneficial ties highlight the importance of continued cooperation, meaningful dialogue, and strengthened understanding to advance our shared interests, including on the movement of migrants and its consequences.

A Logical Conclusion

 Instead of begging international taxpayers for funds for reparations, the majority community of Caricom can repatriate to resource-rich transatlantic domiciles of origin, free from hurricanes and volcanoes.

Then the USA can rename the Occidental Sea, after noble Iberian monarch, Queen Isabella who funded the westward expeditions of Columbus and pioneered development. USA can acquire Caricom as Unincorporated Territory to end carnal culture of pan-african vandals and vampires in a wasteland of diabolical dystopia, fouling paradise, consuming reserves as bloodthirsty murders mount and citizens lack basics in ramshackle rural idylls.

Rational residents approve the return of free speech, release from the bondage of cancel culture, virtue signalling, CRT and DIE. and plans to revive American power and prosperity, at risk from totalitarian terrorists and economic aggressors exploiting diaspora to gain strategic assets.

Buying back Panama Canal is one antidote for ousting the US Naval Base in Trinidad by a promiscuous, power-mad politician, empowering his gargantuan gang of decolonisers, drugs and arms traffickers and rotten regimes.

The anti-American, fugitive outlaw betrayed and subjugated British Indians and abolished imperial citizenship. An adulterous philanderer who deserted his wife and fathered a child outside marriage, he hid a third marriage after fleeing US justice, a champion of immorality.

With the English language brutalised by atavistic authorities, a culture of slavery, abolished almost 2 centuries ago overwhelms common sense, obliterating other traditions and values in a homogenising mania.

In the aftermath of the US election, hypocrisy is not the only vice in HoGs, trying to polish their blemished character as public enemy No 1 in a bloc dead in the water. Prisoners of their own failure in the WI Federation, due to PAD tribalism led to “independence” a brazen identity theft of British citizenship from a cosmopolitan community. of PED (people of European Descent) and PID (People of Indian descent). Annihilation of their arts, censoring traditions, purging values and corrupting morals continue amid violent vulgarity, trafficking of arms and drugs, record racist murders, rape, kidnap and other crimes.  promote corrupt police, inflicting life-threatening danger on innocent citizens with judgments gone in the storms of ramped- up rhetoric and tedious platitudes.

Caricom heads hijacked the Commonwealth Conference, ambushed King Charles III and demanded funds for reparations for colonisation, from which they continue to benefit, while dismantling colonial heritage. Momentous events expose fault lines in clueless teams with no leadership credentials, inspirational statesmanship or dynamic vision to excite and motivate residents desperate for change from self-inflicted social and economic malaise that prevailed and bedevilled them for so long. 

 

 

 

 

PRC yards land megadeals for TotalEnergies Suriname project

17 January 2025

Bomesc and Cosco have secured pivotal contracts to fabricate topsides modules for TotalEnergies GranMorgu FPSO.

Two Chinese shipyards won contracts from an SBM Offshore and Technip Energies joint venture to build topsides modules for the floating production, storage and offloading vessel destined for TotalEnergies $10.5 billion GranMorgu project offshore Suriname.

Formerly known as the Sapakara South-Krabdagu project, GranMorgu is the first major development in Suriname’s Block 58,

Offshore 

Jan. 31, 2025 – Jeremy Beckman

In a drilling news update, Offshore (magazine) highlights the latest drillship and rig contracts secured with Tullow, TotalEnergies and Equinor, the advances in drilling technologies from Halliburton and Reelwell, and upcoming offshore development projects.

 

 

TotalEnergies contracts Stena drillship for Suriname

January 29, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

French energy firm TotalEnergies awarded offshore drilling contractor Stena Drilling with a contract under which its drillship will be deployed in Suriname. (Source: Stena Drilling)

The Stena DrillMAX will be used for managed pressure drilling of one exploration well for TotalEnergies EP Suriname B.V. The program is expected to start in the second quarter of this year and includes the option to be extended for up to an additional three wells in Suriname.

The 2008-built Stena DrillMAX is the first of the DrillMAX series vessels and is a harsh environment DP Class 3 drillship capable of drilling in water depths up to 10,000 ft. With a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 ft, the drillship can accommodate 180 people.

It became the first drillship to be awarded DNV’s Abate (P) notation back in December 2023. The notation came after the offshore drilling player implemented an energy management system across its fleet.

Stena DrillMAX previously worked on an exploration drilling program with ExxonMobil in Newfoundland and Labrador. After this, it was slated to return to Guyana to continue working with other rigs ExxonMobil contracted for its 35-well exploration and appraisal drilling campaign in the Stabroek block.

 

 

 

 

Stena Drilling wins Suriname contract from TotalEnergies

PARAMARIBO, January 29, 2025

Stena Drilling has won a contract from TotalEnergies for the drilling of a well in Suriname, the Aberdeen-headquartered company announced on Wednesday. The Stena Drillmax will be deployed to Suriname in Q2 of this year under a 1x well programme. The contract includes the possibility of extension to an additional three wells in Suriname.

“Stena Drilling is delighted to secure this work with TotalEnergies and looks forward to working with TotalEnergies to complete a safe, effective and efficient campaign,” the company said.

TotalEnergies operates one of Suriname’s star assets, Block 58, with a 50% interest. APA Corporation holds the remaining 50%. In October, TotalEnergies unveiled a USD 10.5-billion FID on the GranMorgu project in Block 58, which will develop the Sapakara and Krabdagu oil discoveries, with first oil expected in 2028.

In November, the company awarded Saipem a USD 1.9-billion EPCI contract for the project’s subsea development.

TotalEnergies is targeting production of 200,000 bopd from Block 58, a game-changing volume more than 10 times Suriname’s current output.

 

 

Stena Drilling announces drillship contract with TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies has reserved the Stena DrillMAX drillship for a one-exploration well/managed pressure drilling program this year offshore Suriname.

The contract, due to start in second-quarter 2025, could be extended by up to three more wells in Surinamese waters.