Caribbean News
ECLAC explores role of Caribbean Ministries of Social Development during COVID 19
#Caribbean – April 22, 2020 — Social protection systems are coming under considerable pressure with the implementation of mitigation strategies to control the spread of COVID-19 in the Caribbean. Efforts to mitigate the negative effect of the pandemic on the well-being of those most at risk are now underway across the Caribbean. Attention is being given in particular to those most economically vulnerable, notably women, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities and migrant populations.
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), as part of its outreach under the auspices of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, convened a virtual meeting on 21 April 2020 to offer countries an opportunity to share information on the actions being taken to meet this challenge, and on potential areas for collaboration and support. Representatives of Caribbean regional organizations and UN Resident Coordinators of the subregion attended as well as heads of UN agencies, funds and programmes.
Addressing the ministers of Social Development of the Caribbean, ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, underscored that “in urgent circumstances such as those we now face, it is you, the leaders responsible for social welfare, who are charged with finding solutions to the needs of those living on the street, persons with disabilities, migrants, and senior citizens”.
The meeting recognized that the crisis will affect several social sectors, including health, labour and education, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable people with underlying health conditions, older people, unemployed youth, underemployed, women, unprotected workers and migrant workers.
In the Caribbean, medical and health facilities are insufficient for the level of potential demand and are heavily dependent on imports of equipment and inputs. This is a major problem because, to date, 24 countries around the world have restricted exports of medical equipment, medicines or their ingredients.
It is expected that COVID-19 will affect the job market by increasing unemployment and underemployment, and impact the quality of work, by reducing wages and access to social protection for the most vulnerable groups, such as informal sector workers. The loss of labour income will translate into lower consumption of goods and services, and could drive many workers into poverty.
The novel coronavirus will also disrupt activities in educational establishments, and will have a significant impact on learning, especially for children in rural areas in light of existing disparities in access to digital devices and broadband Internet. More generally, the limited access to ICT implies a low level of readiness in the subregion to operate in a virtual environment in the current crisis.
High dependency on food imports creates additional challenges in terms of food security; challenges that are further aggravated by the specific vulnerability of the Caribbean to climate-related natural disasters. Moreover, the looming 2020 hurricane season, which starts in less than three months, places the subregion and its people at greater risk, even as it grapples with the impacts of the pandemic.
In this context, it was considered urgent that policies be fully coordinated to address the health crisis, which has brought grave socio-economic impacts. ECLAC called for regional coordination and cooperation in the face of the pandemic, taking into account the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development (RAISD) agreed by the member countries of the Conference in Mexico City, in October 2019.
The meeting, which was held online, was attended by ministers and senior decision makers from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Following an introduction and presentation of the social and economic situation of the region by ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, each country representatives had the opportunity to briefly present the actions being taken by their respective governments.
MONTEGO BAY, April 22 (JIS):
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, on Friday (April 19), commissioned into service a new 5,000-gallon water truck to benefit farmers in St. Ann.
The $15-million unit was procured by the Jamaica Bauxite Mining (JBM) Limited and will be managed by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Minister Green, in his remarks at the commissioning held at the Lydford Industrial Park, said that the truck will provide much-needed relief to farmers amidst the ongoing drought conditions.
He noted that the unit will serve areas such as St. Ann’s Bay, Claremont, Moneague, Irons Mountain, Beecher Town, Orange Park, Hinds Town, Epworth, Golden Grove, Clapham, and other farming communities in the parish.
With their own dedicated water supply, farmers can be assured of consistent access to water for agricultural purposes, he noted.
“Our farmers are facing drier conditions. The reality is that we have already gone into drought and we are still just in the month of April. We have not gotten into the most difficult months of June, July, and August,” the Minister pointed out.
“As such, the reality is that we need to be able to help our farmers navigate these times. We have to get more assets that we can provide to support the people we serve,” he added.
In addition to water trucks, these assets include tractors and drones to boost agricultural productivity in St. Ann.
The Minister noted that efforts are under way to explore the utilisation of old bauxite wells for irrigation, further enhancing water access for farmers.
“Again, while the trucks are immediate responses, what we’re looking for is a long-term solution to ensure that each year, as the drought gets worse, we’re better able to maneuvre and navigate the drought,” the Minister said.
For his part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter implored the farmers to take care of the unit, “so that it will continue to give you the service that it was intended for”.
Farmer Megan White from Alderton, who plants hot pepper and other crops, expressed gratitude for the water truck.
“Now that there is a truck, I could set up one of those black water tanks and use the water from there for the time being. So, it is indeed a very good initiative,” she said.
JBM Managing Director, Donna Marie Howe, in her remarks, noted that the provision of the water truck is in keeping with the entity’s long-standing support for farmers.
She commended the farmers for their resilience and expressed the hope that “the water that is in that truck helps to flourish, cultivate, harvest, and let your businesses and crops have prosperity”.
JBM is a Government-owned company (a Public Body) with a business enterprise mandate. The entity is custodian of more than 4,000 acres of government properties in St. Ann and monitors the operations of Discovery Bauxite Partners, a bauxite mining operation based in Discovery Bay.
CONTACT: OKOYE HENRY
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MONTEGO BAY
May 2, 2024 – Bēchë, the premier swimwear of the Turks and Caicos, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, philanthropy and cultural storytelling, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the prestigious return of Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting fashion and beauty, with the event scheduled to take place in Providenciales on July 26th and 27th 2024.
As the exclusive swimwear partner for this esteemed pageant, bēchë will be outfitting all contestants with its latest collection curated specifically for each lady. This collection is designed to empower women and celebrate their individuality. This partnership aligns with bēchë’s mission to inspire confidence and elegance through exceptional swimwear that caters to all body types, while telling a story about our nation.
Event Highlights and Swimwear Showcase
Bēchë’s “Miss Universe Turks” designs will be featured during the promotional photoshoots leading up to the event, during the bikini
competition and official photoshoots of the reigning queen. Attendees will witness firsthand the fusion of fashion and poise as the contestants grace the stage in bēchë’s standout pieces, each crafted to highlight the beauty and culture of the Turks and Caicos and our women.
Exclusive Offers and Engagement
In celebration of this partnership, bēchë will offer exclusive promotions and giveaways leading up to and during the event. Pageant attendees and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with both brands through interactive social media campaigns and live-streamed segments of the pageant. The curated collection will be available to the general public for pre-order on the night of the pageant.
A Commitment to Community and Fashion
“Partnering with the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant is an honor and a testament to our dedication to high-quality, accessible fashion,” said Cyprianna Jackson, Designer and Founder of bēchë. “This event not only highlights the talent and beauty of its participants but also shines a spotlight on the global appeal of inclusive fashion. We are excited to bring our designs to such a dynamic stage and look forward to an ongoing relationship with the pageant.”
The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos organization shares bēchë’s enthusiasm, with National Director Gabriela Clesca stating, “We are truly honored and thrilled to announce the return of the Miss Universe competition to Turks and Caicos after 10 years, alongside our esteemed swimwear partner, bēchë. Together, we’re positioning ourselves to showcase the extraordinary talent and beauty of this island, offering a global stage to showcase the captivating essence of TCI.”
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