This capacity-building initiative under the National EPA Coordinator Attachment Programme will run from July 21-25 and is organised by the CARIFORUM Directorate within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. Funded under the 11th European Development Fund Technical Cooperation Facility, it aims to enhance Member States’ capacity to effectively implement the EPA and leverage CARIFORUM’s trade relationship with the European Union.
During the week-long attachment, Mr. Wagner will learn more about the EPA and the operations of the EPA Implementation Unit through engagements with the specialists in Trade in Goods, Investment and Trade in Services and EPA Development Cooperation.
Since its inception in 2024, trade officials from St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Guyana and The Bahamas have participated in the National EPA Coordinator Attachment Programme. Through their attachment, it is hoped that EPA Coordinators will gain exposure to different EPA implementation structures, work plans, challenges, consultative processes, and practices, exchange information on national implementation actions and challenges and explore ways to address these challenges.
It is also anticipated that EPA Coordinators will identify methods to advance EPA implementation, build networks and connections for future collaboration and acquire new insights into problem-solving to enhance EPA implementation.
About The CARIFORUM-EU EPA:
The EPA between CARIFORUM States and the EU and its Member States was signed on October 15, 2008. It aims to liberalise trade between 15 CARIFORUM States and 27 EU countries on a reciprocal but asymmetrical basis.
This comprehensive trade and development agreement covers:
- Market Access for Industrial and Agricultural products;
- Services and Investment;
- Trade-related issues such as competition policy, the environment, transparency in government procurement, innovation and intellectual property, social aspects, and personal data protection;
- Development cooperation;
- Legal and institutional issues.
The delegation included Mr. Kota Sakaguchi, Chief Representative of JICA Dominican Republic Office, along with Ms. Haruna Mori and Ms. Rebeca Goetz, who serve as Representative and Program Officer, respectively, in the Project Management Division for CARICOM Member States at JICA’s Dominican Republic Office.
JICA DR Office’s delegation pause for a photo outside the CARICOM Secretariat’s building
After their discussions, the delegation toured the Secretariat, viewing, among other features, the JICA-funded 400-Kilowatt photovoltaic power generation and battery storage system.
]]>This official online presence was designed as a gateway to the 47th Meeting, catering to a diverse range of stakeholders. It includes specific content created for international and regional media, foreign policy and international relations stakeholders, Caribbean youth leaders, Caribbean affairs specialists, policymakers, students, and the people of the Region.
Key features include a media hub with summaries of decisions, communiqués and media releases from past conferences, image galleries, videos, and a consistently updated news tab. A highlight of this new space is the web-based video series, ‘Faces and Voices of the Community’, which will provide unique insights and perspectives on the Regional Integration Movement from a cross section of officials of the Secretariat and other stakeholders. This is a valuable resource for all visitors.
The knowledge hub also provides details of the Meeting, including information on the speakers, the Special Guest, thematic focus points, Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) recipients, and the programme of events.
During the meeting, visitors to the hub can access live streams of the opening ceremony, media conference, and other key events. Members of the media and the public are encouraged to bookmark the website and visit daily for updates.
The hub can be accessed here. For real-time updates and to join the larger conversation surrounding the Meeting, we invite you to use the hashtag #47HGC on CARICOM’s Social Media platforms. ]]>
The officials fleshed out a 2024 Action Plan to operationalise the CARICOM-UNDP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which articulates their intention to work toward the development of Small Island Development States (SIDS) of the Caribbean.
Signed in September 2022, the MOU, underscores cooperation on governance; climate and disaster resilience, sustainable energy, and natural resource management; citizen safety and security; economic development including the Blue Economy; innovation and digital inclusion of youth; financing for development, and institutional strengthening.
Meeting discussions were led by CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Armstrong Alexis, and the UNDP’s Deputy Regional Director of the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLA), Ms. Linda Maguire.
Dr. Armstrong expressed the Secretariat’s appreciation of UNDP’s cooperation with CARICOM on three priorities – renewable energy, sustainable development, and citizen security. He called for a “concrete understanding” of actions which the organisations will pursue in those areas, at the end of the three-day engagement. Endorsing this approach, Ms. Maguire said, “The two organisations are powerful on their own, but it makes sense to do more together.”
Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, Mr. Joseph Cox; Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Ms Alison Drayton; and Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon also participated in the discussions.
They highlighted CARICOM’s interest in an AI regulatory framework to protect the creative industries, to deal with ethical issues, upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, and public education. The officials also drew attention to the need to update the CARICOM Energy Policy given the new and emerging oil producers in the Community and updating the Electric Vehicles Strategy to ensure adequate safeguard and regulations in respect of external policies such as Europe’s new emission standards.
A study on the reduction of prolonged pre-trial detention was another intervention put forward for the CARICOM-UNDP 2024 Action Plan.
Country Programme Specialist within the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Richard Kelly, and UNDP’s Resident Representative in Guyana and Suriname, Mr. Gerardo Noto, joined Ms. Maguire for the discussions on the first day.
The MoU highlights the joint commitment of the CCS and CAJS to collaboratively develop initiatives that will drive digital transformation by enhancing systems and institutional capacity. The partnership seeks to promote efficiency, cost-savings, and accountability in regional administration.
Dr. Carla Barnett expressed her optimism for the partnership, stating, “This MoU represents an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to drive digital transformation. Through the adoption of digital solutions, we can enhance administrative efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately providing improved services to our region.”
As part of this agreement, the CCS and CAJS will work together on technical and development programs to deepen the level of digitisation at the Secretariat.
Mr. Bevil Wooding echoed Dr. Barnett’s sentiments, emphasizing the potential of this collaboration to serve as a model for driving positive change throughout the region. “By leveraging CAJS’ proven digital technologies, and successful track record of digital innovation, our institutions aim to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance overall service delivery to CARICOM Member States. Our broader goal is for this collaboration to foster a greater culture of innovation, ultimately benefiting the people of the Caribbean Community
The signing of this MoU marks a significant step in the continuous efforts to foster regional integration and development through digital innovation. The CCS and CAJS are committed to the effective implementation of this partnership, ensuring its positive impact on regional administration and service delivery.
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ABOUT THE CARICOM SECRETARIAT – www.caricom.org
The CARICOM Secretariat serves as the administrative hub and coordinating body of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional organization comprising 15 member states and 5 associate members. The Secretariat, headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, plays a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of CARICOM’s strategic objectives and initiatives.
ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN AGENCY FOR JUSTICE SOLUTIONS – www.caribbeanjustice.org
The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the modernization of public sector and justice systems in the Caribbean. The organization is committed to improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public institutions.
]]>Addressing the theme ‘Global Partnership for Repositioning, Recovery and Resilience in the Caribbean, Dr Alexis stressed the importance of partnerships for keeping the Region on course to achieve positive development results. He noted that the Secretariat’s 2022-2030 Strategic Plan commits it to driving the Caribbean Community’s efforts to ‘deepen economic integration, enhance the effectiveness of decision-making and implementation, strengthen the coordination of policies with third states, and build robust platforms for effective functional co-operation amongst Member States through the strengthening of strategic relationships with International Development Partners (IDPs)’
“We are cognizant that in order for us to secure a viable, sustainable and prosperous Community for all, we must engage in strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and International Development Partners,” he stressed.
Dr Alexis said the global environment has highlighted the need for more strategic partnerships that exploit synergies, reduce duplication and lead to a more effective deployment of resources. He however noted that the success of any partnership or global agreement lies in the attainment of the objectives based on a shared vision, solidarity and mutual trust. The initiative must also be underpinned by the application of a consistent set of rules, supported by a framework that promotes transparency, fairness and a system of good governance, he added.
“The changing global environment has underscored the importance of leveraging global partnerships to support development efforts, promote recovery and resilience, mitigate common threats to humanity and enhance global security,” Dr Alexis noted.
]]>World Expos focus on finding solutions to fundamental challenges that confront humanity and bring together countries, international organisations and other relevant stakeholders to educate the public, share innovation, promote progress and foster cooperation.
EXPO 2030 will expose CARICOM Member States to significant technological innovations while presenting opportunities to showcase challenges and prospects in the region.
]]>CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett
at the
Handover Ceremony for the Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant with Battery and Power Conditioning Systems at the CARICOM Secretariat
- Your Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana;
- Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d.) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister and First Vice-President;
- Hon. Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation;
- Your Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama, Ambassador of Japan to Guyana and CARICOM;
- Mr. Tsutomi Kobayashi, Chief Representative in the Caribbean for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA);
- Senior Officials of Guyana and Japan;
- Deputy Secretary General Alexis and Assistant Secretary General Cox;
- Specially invited guest, former Deputy Secretary‑General, Dr. Manorma Soeknandan, who was so close to this project over the years;
- Members of the Media;
- Ladies and Gentlemen, here at the Secretariat and online.
Welcome to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and to this Handover Ceremony for the Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant with Battery and Power Conditioning Systems. This event holds symbolic significance, representing a coming together of ambition, innovation, and partnership.
Ambition to pursue, through projects such as these, our aspirations of secure and resilient energy supplies that are capable of supporting our sustainable development needs over the decades to come.
Innovation to harness advanced technologies which support strategies of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) to radically change their climate mitigation and adaptation circumstances through, among other things, the transfer of finance and technology to solve the challenge of energy, economy and climate.
Partnership on many levels within the spirit of functional cooperation through which we pursued a common interest of positioning this project to demonstrate the possibilities of sustainable energy transition within CARICOM.
The ambition which this project represents is anchored within a Regional strategy, which commits all our Member States to pursue opportunities for integrating renewable energy resources with energy efficiency measures to meet energy needs in support of economic, social architecture and environmental sustainability.
Growth is fragile and vulnerable for CARICOM countries. We are exposed to hazardous features over which we have little control or influence. The current pandemic serves as a manifestation of this. The exposure of our countries to a variety of global shocks is greatly heightened by the challenge of adapting to extreme weather events, which interrupt economic development and force us to adjust public and private sector investment to the severe losses and damages caused by these events.
The innovative design principles, which underlie this project, take the natural hazards of the project site, such as flooding into consideration and reflects the approach promoted within Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning, through which CARICOM Member States, including Guyana, are already developing Integrated Resource and Resilience Plans. These Plans promote the “shifting” of their electricity systems away from the traditional, legacy designs to modern, smart and resilient alternatives that are capable of more effectively supporting their national targets on sustainable energy and climate, in particular, and their sustainable development and investment goals in general.
Partnerships have been critical in implementing this project successfully. At the highest level, partnership among the leadership of the Government of Japan, the Government of Guyana and the CARICOM Secretariat provided the basis for creating the arrangements for developing and financing this project.
Within Guyana, the partnership among the Secretariat, several Ministries and Agencies of Government, including particularly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Guyana Revenue Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Power and Light, and Guyana Energy Agency, and Guyana-based staff from the Japanese-headquartered Consultancy and Supplier firms, and the local sub-contractor.
Here at the Secretariat, partnership across several Offices and Directorates was critical as well. This included collaboration across the Office of the Deputy Secretary-General; Directorate of Trade and Economic Integration and our Administrative Services, Integrated Information Systems and Communication Units.
This project was delayed by the COVID‑19 pandemic when, as part of the public health measures to safeguard the lives and health of the personnel involved, implementation of the activity was suspended on 30 April 2020. It is because of the dedicated and reliable commitment of every single partner to the ideals that are represented by the project, that the work resumed in June 2021 and safely concluded in December 2021.
This PV power generation system is expected to generate more electricity than is required by the Secretariat for its operation on an annual basis, and the expectation is that the available excess energy would “feed‑in” to the utility grid during its off‑peak operation periods. The Secretariat is seeking to conclude the legal arrangements, which will attend the bi-directional flow of electricity with GPL, within this quarter.
The investment of more than US$7 million by the Government of Japan is already transforming the way in which the Secretariat is sourcing and using energy at the Headquarters building, which itself was built with considerable assistance from the Government of Japan. On behalf of the Community, I wish to thank Japan, represented by the Ambassador here today, for sharing the energy vision of CARICOM: that all CARICOM citizens have access to modern, clean and reliable energy supplies at affordable and stable prices”. Today, we can say that, where energy is concerned, at the CARICOM Secretariat we are practicing what we preach.
It is, therefore, with much appreciation and a great sense of possibilities for future regional development that I welcome you to witness this Handover Ceremony today.
Thank you.
]]>The Secretary-General’s comment came as he led his CARICOM Secretariat Staff in taking vaccine shots from 100 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine provided by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. The Barbados Prime Minister also made donations to Guyana and other CARICOM neighbours from its supply of 100,000 doses received from India. Dominica, which also received 70,000 doses from India, has shared with some Eastern Caribbean territories.
“This shows the solidarity that exists in CARICOM,” the Secretary-General said. “We’ve always addressed the issue of COVID-19 as a collective,”.
“When we were in a spot of bother last year, those countries that were able to get PPEs (personal protective equipment), reagents and Test Kits were also able to share with others,” he added.
Ambassador LaRocque thanked President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana for arranging for Guyana’s Ministry of Health to vaccinate the CARICOM Secretariat Staff. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi of India for his generous contribution of 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the Caribbean Community, calling it “a tangible expression of goodwill in this challenging time”.
The Secretary-General encouraged the people of the Region to take the vaccine, but to also continue to observe the COVID-19 preventative measures – including social distancing, regular washing of hands, and not touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Friday’s vaccination exercise also saw strong endorsement of the AstraZeneca vaccine and its effectiveness from the CARICOM Secretariat’s Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development Dr. Douglas Slater, a Public Health physician.
“We know that it works and I am encouraging all of our citizens to take it. If you take the vaccine you will be protected against serious illness and death,” Dr Slater said.
]]>With the global pandemic having driven as many as 100 million people into extreme poverty globally, it is essential for governments to work on developing robust systems that help make evidence-informed policies, and which support governments in tracking the progress and impact of those policies. Adopting a results-based management (RBM) approach and developing a culture of strong monitoring and evaluation gives Member States and Regional Institutions the crucial tools to measure progress, learn from experience, design and amend policies based on strongvalid evidence.
Speaking on behalf of CARICOM, Dr. Manorma Soeknandan, Deputy Secretary-General of the CARICOM Secretariat noted that “Over the last five years, CARICOM has steadily developed a results-based management system which has been institutionalized within the CARICOM Secretariat. Through this partnership, we aim to take more concrete steps to implement and realize the adoption of RBM among CARICOM Member States and Regional Institutions towards a results-oriented Community. Any progress in this area in our Member States and Regional Institutions will benefit our Community in its totality, including the Secretariat.”
The CLEAR Initiative, supported by IEG, will provide advisory services and technical support, through the Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results for Latin America and Caribbean (CLEAR LAC).
“We have identified a set of activities and processes geared towards supporting the pilot CARICOM Member States adopt and implement national RBM policies and in helping them strengthen their M&E capacity and systems. This will help improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of their projects and programmes,” said Dr. Gabriela Pérez Yarahuan, the Director of CLEAR LAC.
As a technical partner for the project, CLEAR LAC brings in extensive experience working on developing monitoring and evaluation systems in public sector initiatives in the region.
“As the 10-year countdown to the Sustainable Development Goals gets underway and countries struggle to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective M&E systems have become even more critical,” said Dr. Alison Evans, the Director General of IEG. “This new partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat will contribute to supporting the CARICOM Member States towards closing the M&E gap in the region.”
For more information on the partnership, please contact Hipolina Joseph-Charles at: Hipolina.joseph@caricom.org and Stacy-Ann Barnes at: stacyann.barnes@caricom.org
Please join us on January 27, 2021, 11AM-1:30PM GYT/ 10AM-12:30PM EST to hear more about the journey of CARICOM on results-based management, and how the new partnership will help support participating Member States.
Register here – REGISTRATION FORM
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