Caribbean News
CARPHA and IDB Sign Landmark Pandemic Fund Technical Cooperation Agreement for Reducing the Public Health Impact of Pandemics in the Caribbean
#Trinidad, December 15, 2023 – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) held a landmark Public Signing Ceremony for the Pandemic Fund (PF) Technical Cooperation (TC) Agreement (“Reducing the Public Health Impact of Pandemics in the Caribbean through Prevention, Preparedness, and Response” [RG-T4387] Project) on December 14, 2023, at the Scarlet Ibis Room, Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. The Agreement was signed by Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA and Ms. Carina Cockburn, IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Pandemic Fund (PF) is the first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to providing multiyear grants to help low- and middle-income countries become better prepared for future pandemics. The PF’s first Call for Proposals provides additional financing to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) capabilities, and address critical gaps in countries through investments and technical support at the national, regional and global levels. It is also expected to support and reinforce capacity building and implementation of PPR under the IHR
(2005) and other frameworks, consistent with the One Health approach. [Pandemic Fund Allocates First Grants to Help Countries Be Better Prepared for Future Pandemics (worldbank.org)]
CARPHA’s regional entity proposal was successfully selected in July 2023 for the first round of PF financing, with CARPHA as the Executing Agency and IDB as the Implementing Entity. It was one of only 19 proposals selected from over 300 submissions and the only regional project. This regional project, with CARPHA as beneficiary and CARPHA Member States as the participants, serves to support CARPHA in reducing the public health impact of pandemics in the Caribbean region, whilst building pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) through strengthening i) disease surveillance and early warning systems (EWS), ii) laboratory systems and iii) workforce capacity, regionally at CARPHA and at country levels. Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control Division is the Project lead at CARPHA and Mr. Ramiro Guerrero, Principal Sector Specialist of IDB Headquarters and Mr. Ian Ho-a-Shu, Senior Health Specialist of IDB Country Office, Trinidad and Tobago, are the leads from the IDB.
In recent years, the Caribbean region has experienced many infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, Cholera, Chikungunya, Dengue, Norovirus, H1N1, Mpox, SARS and Zika, which have had profound human, economic and social impacts. Pandemic PPR needs to be improved not only at the national levels, but at the regional level, as functional regional capacities can achieve the economies of scale and necessary coordination/integration that small territories cannot achieve on their own.
The Agreement signing in December is, as a result of rigorous preparation activities by CARPHA and IDB, culminating with the IDB Board of Directors’ approval in just three months on November 15th, 2023. Remarks for this milestone event were delivered by Mr. Cassanni Laville, Chairman of the CARPHA Executive Board, and Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), the Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dominica, Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh, Honourable Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Carina Cockburn, IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr. Lisa Indar, Pandemic Fund Project Director, CARPHA, Dr. Mark Sami, Director, Corporate Services and Dr. Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, with Ministers of Health, Chief Medical Officers, the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, CARPHA partners and CARPHA Divisional Management Team in attendance.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Mark Sami, Director, Corporate Services, CARPHA, stated “The signing of this Pandemic Fund Technical Cooperation Agreement between CARPHA and the IDB represents a great milestone for this Region, as we prepare to successfully respond to public health emergencies”.
Mr. Cassanni Laville, Chairman of CARPHA’s Executive Board and the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), and Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dominica, said “This signing signifies the start of a new phase for CARPHA, IDB and Member States as it commemorates regional collaboration and partnership as the firm foundation for the successful implementation of the Pandemic Fund grant which will support a significant body of work over a three-year period, toward the goal of reducing the public health impact of pandemics in the Caribbean region”.
Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh, Honourable Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, stated “We must ensure that decisive plans are laid for future generations, which will assist in the strengthening of capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies. Today’s historic public signing ceremony for the Pandemic Fund Technical Cooperation Agreement, is a major and fundamental step toward the attainment of these goals, as the formalisation of this agreement will allow countries in the Americas to adopt the necessary technological systems needed for emergency and early response warning systems.”
Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA, shared “This signing is solidifying the formal agreement between the IDB and CARPHA, but it is only the start to what this landmark investment can do to foster sustained and effective pandemic preparedness and response in the region. CARPHA will maintain its proud legacy of implementation through engagement with its key stakeholders in such a way that we build trust within our Member States (MS). To do this, CARPHA is building a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, enforcing accountability and practicing ethically sound principles in the transparent execution of this project along with our MS and the IDB”.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control and Project Lead remarked “This Project is especially needed in the region, as the Caribbean is uniquely characterised by small, under-resourced populations and varying surveillance, laboratory and human resource capacities. It is also highly interconnected with porous
borders, heavily reliant on tourism, and susceptible to climatic change and disasters. This combination of factors significantly increases the region’s exposure and vulnerability to pandemic risks, enabling rapid spread of highly transmissible communicable diseases. A regional approach is key, as when a public health emergency affects one of us, it affects all of us, as diseases know no boundaries”.
Ms. Carina Cockburn, IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, noted “The IDB Country Strategy for Trinidad & Tobago (2021-2025) focuses on digital transformation, and it is fitting to see that CARPHA has prioritised the use of digital tools and technology in advancing digital health in the region.” She added, “In a few years we can expect to see some really amazing results from this operation: Laboratory networks will expand; national biosafety, biosecurity, and lab quality management will improve; and workforce capacity will be strengthened. We also look forward to seeing enhanced national and regional coordination, collaboration and information flow for detecting and managing outbreaks and regional public health emergencies across sectors and borders”.
Dr. Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund at the World Bank, shared that “The Pandemic Fund is pleased to partner with CARPHA and the Inter-American Development Bank to support this important project, which holds the promise of building the Region’s resilience to future pandemics. Today’s signing marks a crucial step in our shared commitment towards global health security. “
This project is expected to begin implementation in January 2024 kicking off with a CARPHA-IDB mission and the fulfilment of the key positions in the Project Execution Unit.
CARPHA remains committed to working together with the IDB, CARPHA Member States and the Pandemic Fund to successfully implement the regional proposal geared toward reducing the public health impact of pandemics in the Caribbean.
Captions for Attached Photos:
Header: From Left to Right: Dr. Mark Sami-Corporate Services Director, CARPHA; Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA; Ms. Carina Cockburn-IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago; The Honourable Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago-Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh and Dr. Lisa Indar-Pandemic Fund Project Director and Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, CARPHA
Insert:
- Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA (Seated Left) and Ms. Carina Cockburn (Seated Right), IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, sign the Pandemic Fund Technical Cooperation Agreement while Dr. Lisa Indar and Dr. Mark Sami – CARPHA Directors look on.
- Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh attends (in person) the public signing ceremony of the Pandemic Fund Technical Cooperation Agreement between CARPHA and the IDB at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre
KINGSTON, September 18 (JIS): National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors affected by Hurricane Beryl are being reminded to apply for the organisation’s post-hurricane peril moratorium by September 30.
Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, told JIS News that the newly introduced initiative is designed to offer financial relief to those who experience property damage or economic hardship as a result of natural disasters.
Under this arrangement, eligible individuals can temporarily suspend their monthly mortgage payments, which is crucial support during the recovery process.
The duration of the moratorium is tailored to individual circumstances, with a maximum period of up to six months.
“We understand that life happens, and circumstances of individuals may change from time to time. The NHT has made special resources available for individuals who are making applications for any of our [relief] initiatives. We are looking out for them, and we will expedite the applications to ensure that the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible,” Mr. Berbick said.
The NHT’s special mortgage moratorium is accessible to all affected parties, including those who have previously benefited from other NHT Loan facilities.
Mr. Berbick underscored that this inclusive approach will ensure that everyone who needs assistance can receive it.
Applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a valid government-issued identification and Tax Registration Number, along with additional documents where applicable. These include photographs of property damage, proof of reduced income, or proof of unemployment.
Mr. Berbick is urging all eligible individuals to act promptly to secure the support they need.
The post-hurricane peril moratorium forms part of the NHT’s wider strategy to provide relief and support to contributors and mortgagors during challenging times. Other initiatives include the Special Home Improvement Loan and Disaster Grant.
For more information on how to apply for this or other relief options, persons can visit the nearest NHT office or the entity’s website at www.nht.gov.jm.
CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY
PHOTO CAPTION: Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the National Housing Trust, Dwayne Berbick.
Photo: Adrian Walker
CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress participants look on.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.
The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.
Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.
“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”
The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.
udges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila’s Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands.
The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.
The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.
Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Kingston, September 14, 2024 – Officials of the Ministry of Education and Youth and school administrators are reporting a smooth start to the 2024/25 academic year, on Monday (September 2), at several institutions.
This, in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which threatened to derail reopening at some schools.
Ministry of Education Regional Director for St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland, Dr. Michelle Pinnock, provided updates on
various schools in those parishes.
She told JIS News that Bethel Primary School in Hopewell, Hanover, was undergoing clean-up efforts following the completion of construction work.
The Regional Director said grade-five and six students were present on Monday, with plans in place for full resumption on Tuesday (September 3).
Meanwhile, she advised that students of Kendal Primary School, also in Hanover, will be temporarily housed in two community church halls while the administration awaits the completion of a new building being constructed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).
“Kendal Primary is getting a building from JSIF, which is basically a whole school; even before Hurricane Beryl, the arrangements were made,” Dr. Pinnock told JIS News.
Over at Barracks Road Primary School in Montego Bay, St. James, which sustained roof damage, among other challenges, arrangements were made to ensure the students’ safety and continuity of learning.
“The rains that came last week made us realise that we have some extensive damage to the membrane of the roof. So, we are staggering the children and, on Wednesday, we will be using Faith Temple Church as an external site. The church has an area very near to the school, and we are going to be hosting students there,” Dr Pinnock informed.
The Regional Director expressed satisfaction with the overall start of the academic year for schools under her office’s purview, noting that some institutions may need to adjust timetables to accommodate teacher availability.
She also highlighted ongoing training initiatives to facilitate independent student learning through Google classrooms.
Meanwhile, Principal of Siloah Primary School in St. Elizabeth, O’Neil Larmond, shared that there was a positive start to the academic year for his institution, citing active parental involvement and a full staff complement for Monday’s opening.
“With a student population of over 500, Siloah Primary is off to a great start. We had a member of the Anglican Church doing devotion for us this (Monday) morning and we [had] close to 200 parents in attendance also. So, after devotion we had a brief meeting with our parents. We [had] our full staff complement and we have water and electricity,” the Principal told JIS News.
Ministry of Education Regional Director for St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary, Yashieka Grant, reported that the majority of public
schools in the area successfully reopened, with only two exceptions.
Mrs. Grant, who acknowledged the impact of Hurricane Beryl, welcomed the successful resumption of classes at the institutions which reopened.
“We have 165 public schools in this Region, and all, except two of them, [were] open to students [on Monday]… so we are grateful for that,” she told JIS News.
Principal of Scotts Pass Primary and Infant School in Clarendon, Mark Powell, also reported a smooth start to operations at his institution, highlighting the importance of establishing classroom routines and building relationships with students from the onset of the academic year.
He told JIS News that, during Monday’s start, “teachers [were] laying down the ground rules, getting to know their students and familiarising them with procedures again”.
As schools navigate various challenges and adjustments in the early days of the new academic year, educators and administrators remain committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.
CONTACT: ANDREW LAIDLEY
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