Offshore drilling rig arrives in Guyana

Published on February 1, 2012

CGX’s rig the Ocean Saratoga has arrived in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) — The way has been cleared for the Canadian oil exploration company, CGX to commence drilling one of two wells in the Guyana offshore concession with the arrival on Sunday of the Ocean Saratoga, a semi-submersible drilling rig.

President and chief executive officer of the petroleum exploration company, Stephen Hermestone, made the disclosure after meeting Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar.

The Ocean Saratoga rig departed the Gulf of Mexico on January 1, en route to Guyana’s territorial waters, and on its way stopped off in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for refuelling.

Hermestone said that anchor lines were secured immediately after arrival and that drilling would be the next major operation.

The President and CEO of the company said he is hopeful of a good and safe operation and spoke with confidence about the operators conducting the drilling.

“We’ll see what the well results show us… we hope to find the oil … you always plan for success,” Hermestone said.

Drilling of the Eagle Well will last for a 60-day period and 180 days for the Jaguar well. The latter is being pursued through a joint venture operation among CGX, Repsol a Spanish company, Tullow Oil of London and YPF.

CGX recently announced that acclaimed Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) professor, Guyanese born Dr Suresh Narine, has been appointed on the board of directors of CGX Energy Incorporated.

He had expressed gratitude for the appointment and spoke of some of the benefits of Guyana as an oil producing economy against that of a fuel importer.

Recently CGX announced that the 1,160 square kilometre 3D marine seismic contract that was publicised in December was completed.

Hermeston had reported that “The seismic data is expected to provide better imaging of the up-dip limits of the Eagle Deep stratigraphic play at the Turonian and Campanian and has provided us with the first 3D seismic coverage on our two early Cretaceous, Albian prospects (Crabwood and Kabukalli) which are underlying the Company’s 100% owned Corentyne offshore Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL). Fast track processing and interpretation of the data will commence on the Albian prospects and will be followed by processing, interpretation and compilation of the Eagle deep Turonian and Campanian prospects.”

Guyana is the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil. If oil is to be found, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year.

Ramotar has been keeping abreast with activities in the oil and gas sector and in the past week has met some of the main companies involved in offshore drilling, including Repsol, and Exxon Mobile.

Anadarko, America’s largest independent oil and gas company has signalled to the Guyana government, its interest in an offshore concession as it sees the South American country as one with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas industry.

Last September vice president, business development of Anadarko, Ian Cooling, had met former President Bharrat Jagdeo with the proposal and on January 17 this year international business developer of the company, Richard Lapin, met Guyana’s new president with the same proposal.

A US-based petroleum company Prime Energy LLC Caribbean proposed last year to construct a modular mini refinery on the local shores with a capacity to refine 20,000 barrels daily.


Oil Rig in Guyana

Spend Holi at Home... Guyana celebrates Rediscover Home

Posted on January 26, 2012 by PR
‘Rediscover Home’ special for Holi launched

…to encourage Diaspora to visit

Georgetown, Guyana – Honourable Irfaan Ali, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag) today launched the ‘Rediscover Home’ special package for Holi – the Festival of Colours, in an effort to encourage Guyanese in the Diaspora to come back to their homeland and be a part of the celebrations.

This pilot package is being made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Caribbean Airlines and participating hotels – Princess Hotel, Cara Lodge, Sleep Inn Hotels, Duke Lodge and Grand Coastal Inn.

The seven nights/eight days during March 2 to 9, 2011 dubbed ‘Gateway to the Festival of Colours celebration’ seeks to encourage Guyanese from the Diaspora and visitors to come to ‘Destination Guyana’ and be a part of its rich culture and celebrate Holi or Phagwah – the Festival of Colours.

The package includes airfare, seven night hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and entrance to all the Holi events being organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during this period including its Phagwah Mela and Bazaar which includes a folk dance festival on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on February 25; the finals of the Chowtaal Samalan on March 4 on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown; and on March 8 (Holi Day) its traditional Holi Utsaav at Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar in Georgetown while there would be nationwide Holi celebrations.

The Sabha is also looking at bringing to Guyana for the first time ever some of the stars from the popular ZEE TV Indian series.

Minister Ali said this move signals the start of collaboration between the Government and the private sector to market and promote ‘Destination Guyana’ through packaging, and it would certainly help to boost tourism and attract more persons to our beautiful country, which has a lot to offer with its ecological, nature and adventure based tourism combined with a rich culture and heritage.

Encouraging the private sector to continue to package and promote our unique tourism product, he said the special package during the Festival of Colours will help to showcase and promote part of the country’s rich and diverse culture.

He said this pilot package will ensure that Guyana’s tourism product is enhanced, marketed and “successful at the end of the day” and the partnership sees a wide cross section of players in the tourism and hospitality industry coming onboard.

He said this event will form part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overarching motto this year of ‘Rediscover Home’ targeting persons to come back to their homeland and enjoy what Guyana has to offer.

Noting that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is a key player in putting together the package, he said it will showcase and market our unique and diverse culture, and in this regard, he said they are hoping to offer a one-week package during Independence.

He also alluded to the progressive approach taken by Caribbean Airlines to offer low fares and said, “this is a great start as we try to package our tourism product.”

For airline bookings persons can call 1-800-744-2225 or visit any Caribbean Airlines office or airport counters. They are offering a fare of US$580 return (all taxes included) from New York to Guyana and persons can also enjoy lowest fares from Trinidad. Local transportation for all the events will be provided at the low cost of US$5 per day.

Visitors would be provided with a calendar of Holi events and tour options and enjoy some of the best deals, from which they can choose from, including Roraima Tours trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort at US$85 per person; Evengreen Adventures Essequibo River Tours at US$95 per person; and Rainforest Tours trip to the majestic Kaieteur Falls at only US$230 per person.

Persons can book with any participating hotels and enjoy very low rates: Cara Lodge – US$116 Single and US$122 Double; Duke Lodge – US$116 Single Room; Grand Coastal Inn – US$70 Single and US$99 Deluxe; Princess Hotel – US$90 Single and US$110 Double; and Sleep Inn – US$45 Single and US$60 Double. All rates are VAT Inclusive and include complimentary breakfast.

For more information, persons can visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website: www.guyana-tourism.com or Caribbean Airlines website: www.caribbean-arlines.com

Holi at Home...

Guyana to Host Sustainable Tourism Conference

Guyana set to host major Sustainable Tourism Conference in April


Posted on January 23, 2012 by PR

STC team updating the press on their recent site visit to Guyana

CONSIDERED by all as heaven for sustainable tourism, Guyana is all set to host, for the second time, the 13th Annual Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13), from April 15-18, 2012. The conference will be held under the theme, ‘Keeping the Right Balance sustaining our resources’, and is expected to attract more than 250 delegates who are key stakeholders in the Tourism Sector.According to the Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali, the hosting of this “prestigious” event will provide a perfect platform from which the country can advance the advantages of the pooling together of the rich diversity of the Caribbean regions into a common product, which can be sustainable and attractive to the varied tourism market that exists.

He made this observation yesterday at a press briefing in the boardroom of the Housing Ministry, where he was joined by members of a CTO delegation visiting Guyana, and including Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist Ms. Gail Henry, and CTO Communications Specialist, Mr. Johnson Johnrose.

“Guyana is the heaven when it comes to sustainable tourism and eco tourism, and it is very important that the heaven produces a conference that would re-shape the way sustainable tourism is viewed,” he explained.

Minister Ali observed that Guyana is hosting the conference at an ideal time, when the country is advancing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and is on the forefront of the global struggle against climate change.

He said, “With more than 40M acres of rain forest under protection, energy, water and biodiversity resources are issues confronting us today. We are also a advancing our hydroelectricity project in a very sustainable manner, ensuring that nature remains intact. We in Guyana are on the forefront of the global struggle to ensure that nature is preserved, to ensure that economic growth occurs in a sustainable manner, and that gives us the right platform on which we could present our case… normally the developed world will speak of global warming, and they are the biggest culprits when it comes to pollution and emissions. In this case we are speaking of sustainable development and we can be considered leading examples of how we are developing policies and programmes in keeping with what we preach, that is sustainable development.”

Alluding to the cost of hosting such an event, Minister Ali said the budget is being worked on, and stressed that the benefits to be derived would outweigh the cost.

“This is an investment in the Tourism Sector, which the government is willing to make,” he announced.

He mentioned too that the planners of the CTO have written to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to get him to accept an invitation to be a keynote speaker at this event, considering his strong views on issues of sustainability.

Minister Ali expressed confidence that, Guyana’s previous award for Excellence in Tourism , which was given to Surama Eco Lodge , will set a precedent this year for another successful nomination, while demonstrating that the country has the perfect blend of nature and economic growth to produce a tourism package that is sustainable and vibrant.

The platform will also be used to highlight the importance of sustainability of the Caribbean food market and its ability to sustain the regions tourism sector, Ali added.

As to how this will be done, he said, “We have been long regarded as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we will be looking to partner with a lot of the big players in the tourism sector in the Caribbean as they come here, so we will have a special agro exhibition for targeting those markets.”

He underscored the importance of capturing and servicing new markets, and utilising the opportunity the conference offers to “promote this aspect of what nature ensures this country offer to the rest of the Caribbean, which is a sustainable food supply, a very important aspect of the tourism sector and of economic growth.

“The event will bring together the most elite group of investors, tourist operators and tourism practitioners and persons who are influential in the tourism field in the Caribbean, and it is very important that we make full use of this opportunity to promote Guyana and to ensure that Guyana captures the long held potential of having a good market share when it comes to nature tourism, sustainable tourism and eco tourism,” he stressed.

Prepared

Meanwhile, both CTO representatives used the opportunity to point out their findings on the country’s preparedness to host the upcoming STC- 13, to be held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) Liliendaal.

“We have conducted a series of site visits to examine the facilties and they are quite adequate; so, as we finalize our preparations for the conference, we will have very comfortable venues and accommodations… we are making sure that all of those things are on par with what our delegates would expect, and we are quite happy with what we have seen so far,” Ms. Henry explained.

She also pointed out a series of benefits Guyana will enjoy as a result of hosting the event, including extensive promotion of the destination, through the international media which will be present, in addition to knowledge transfer through the various workshops, panel discussions and study tours which will be a part of the conference, as well as “speak out sessions “, where the local stakeholders in Guyana will be able to share with a panel their views on certain aspects of tourism sustainability.

Meanwhile, CTO Communications Specialist, Johnrose reiterated that the country is well on its ways to hosting another successful conference, and is the only country to host the event twice.

He noted too that the delegates will, for the first time, plant a tree at the conclusion of the conference, in recognition of Guyana’s advocacy for Sustainable Tourism Development.

The Guyana Tourism Authority will be responsible for the accreditation of the local media to provide coverage for the event, and the CTO Communications Specialist assured that the media will have access to all the planned events.( Chronicle News – January 18, 2012)

Rediscover Hom in Guyana

Guyana has a great deal of promise in oil & gas

Guyana has a great deal of promise in oil & gas
 – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation official

Published on Friday, 27 January 2012

The largest independent oil and gas Company in the United States (US), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, regards Guyana as a country with a great deal of promise in the oil and gas sector. International Business Developer of Anadarko Richard Lapin accompanied by another official of the company and, Head of the Petroleum Unit of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Noel Dennison met President Ramotar to renew its interest in petroleum exploration in Guyana. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud also joined the meeting.

Last September Vice President, Business Development of Anadarko, Ian J. Cooling led a delegation to former President Bharrat Jagdeo to signal the company’s interest in what is ranked one of the highly underexplored basins in the world.  Speaking briefly to the Government Information Agency (GINA) Lapin said that although there is much preliminary work still to be undertaken, the oil and gas outlook in Guyana is positive.
Anadarko had embarked on a geological assessment of the region in its frontier quest and believes that its technical and financial capacity will be a value added to the emergence of the oil and gas sector on the local shores. The Guyana Government had also received a proposal from Prime Energy LLC- Caribbean, a US based petroleum company to construct the first ever oil refinery in Guyana which officials say will create employment opportunities for approximately 100 persons.
President of the company Jerry Brooks had explained that the interest to establish a refinery in Guyana was stimulated by the fact that several countries around the world are looking to 20,000 barrels a day refineries for their countries given the high cost incurred to transport crude oil to the US for refining.
Meanwhile, several internationally renowned oil exploration companies are on the hunt for oil in Guyana’s territorial waters which is considered the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world. Repsol, a Spanish company is exploring through a joint venture with Tullow Oil, a London-based Company, CGX of Canada and YPF for the drilling of the Jaguar well.

The ExxonMobil/Shell joint venture is pursuing a drilling project on a deepwater offshore block and has since shot a large seismic survey, which is soon to be examined as a guide for the future.
Gas & Oil Promise look good in Guyana

Wanna Satiate Your Summer Cravings?!

Chef/owner Alavia Moore is serving up some seriously great food at iLand Breeze.

973-761-0504, Maplewood, NJCredit Lauren Bright

 
Pssst...Wanna Satiate Your Summer Cravings?!

By Lauren Bright Pacheco
Email the author
June 22, 2011

Aww yeah, we're gonna help bump you over the end of school slump with a serious serving of delicious dish on some of the most anticipated openings and offerings in town:

iLand Breeze – The taste of the tropics radiate from this menu of this scrumptious Springfield Avenue joint with such force you nearly need SPF to read it. The big story here? The tweaks made just in time for fun in the summer sun:

“We’re going with bolder, more exciting flavors in lighter dishes,” says stunning chef/owner Avalia Moore. “People crave lighter, less heavy fare for the hotter weather, so we’re adding offerings like sandwiches and gourmet burgers in addition to the dishes we’re famed for like Jerk Salmon and Jerk Tilapia.”

Also new... Just call (973-761-0504) for CURBSIDE PICK-UP - ring ahead on the way to your next picnic or the pool and a delicious meal's a done deal! Now that’s seriously sure to be a major Maplewood SPLASH!!! (And, yes, they still deliver, too.) You also won’t want to miss their Customer Appreciation Day scheduled for July 9th from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. Stop in for a free sampling with a 20% discount off of regular priced items.

Source

Children of the Joshua House and Convalescent Home to be guests of OSHAG/C

January 28, 2011
By Natasha Waldron Anthony

Carol Bagot, President OSHAG/C

Carol Bagot, President of the Organization for Social and Health Advancement in Guyana/Caribbean (OSHAG/C), and a medical mission will be heading to Guyana in April, and would take time out from their usual medical procedures at the New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice to bring smiles to the faces of the children of the Joshua House orphanage and the Convalescent Home.

Bagot told Guyana Times International that OSHAG/C will be hosting a party for the children of the two homes. “We have a lot of toys and books left over from the Christmas holiday, so we are doing that; and then there’s another project we have in mind in Guyana, and we’re definitely thinking about…a home for HIV children,” she said.

The New York-based non-profit organization has branched out from addressing only the needs of cancer patients to now address the needs of HIV patients. “I’m hoping that it comes to fruition. We haven’t approached the government as yet. We’ll have to talk to some heads of organizations and get some approval,” Trim-Bagot said.

Dr Theophilus Lewis, Director of the Cancer Care Center

Meanwhile, this publication caught up with Dr Theophilus Lewis, Director of the Cancer Care Center at the Queens County Hospital. He has been on several missions to Guyana. Lewis has been a participant of the medical missions since 2002, and anticipates returning to Guyana.

“I think there’s a need. There’ll be a need for a while, and it’s really fulfilling when you see the smiles on the faces of the patients when you go back, especially the ones you operated on and are doing well,” Lewis said. He noted, too, that there is a growing number of organizations that are eager to partner with the mission. “There’s such a need (that) every time you go you find new opportunities to provide a service, new opportunities to make one’s life better.”

In the meantime, the organization is looking at ways to source grants so it can do more in the community here in the United States where it can assist women. Bagot said this is since “a lot of people are born here and still can’t access the care that they need, or even the resources. So we are hoping OSHAG/C can work with the entire community and help in structuring some resources that we can guide people along.”

OSHAG-C & Joshua House Head up Mission to Guyana

Guyanese Spearheaded Group Profiled...

OSHAG/C’s call to serve cancer patients locally and in the Caribbean

January 13, 2011

 

By Natasha Waldron Anthony

 

OSHAG/C Vice President Lorna Welshman-Neblett

The Organization for Social Health and Advancement for Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG/C) is a New York-based non-profit organization that provides medical care and assistance in Guyana, primarily to cancer patients.

The organization recently re-incorporated its name to include the Caribbean. OSHAG/C’s Vice President, Lorna Welshman-Neblett, outlined to Guyana Times International her organization’s future plans, which include facilitating the treatment of cancer in the Caribbean for those people who are unable to access such treatment overseas. She claims that the organization’s long-term goal is to continue to remain dedicated to the empowerment of the Guyanese and Caribbean communities through health education and referral services, to focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and HIV information on prevention. The organization’s goal is to enhance the wellbeing of health and social standards in these communities. They are also embracing other forms of cancer as they arise.

OSHAG/C is also committed to continuing its medical missions to Guyana in April, following the success of the October 2010 mission. OSHAG/C’s doctors conducted 17 surgeries at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Welshman-Neblett says that the doctors are very anxious to return in April 2011 to continue their follow-up with patients. During this mission, OSHAG/C presented medical supplies and tools for the Operating Room at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The organization works with cancer patients in Guyana who are discovered during the medical missions’ mammogram screenings. “Lots of them are usually at a serious stage, and most times it is difficult to save them. The ones in the early stages are treated, and follow-up checkups are conducted on the return mission trips. (In) most cases, we do our best to get them to New York for surgeries and chemo treatments.” The OSHAG/C’s vice president said, adding that the organization assists those patients with medication.

The missions are in collaboration with the Health Ministry in Guyana and the Regional Health Board. And the targeted location is the Berbice region. The organization is currently in the process of adopting the New Amsterdam Hospital as its mission’s project.

Welshman-Neblett added that the April 2009 mission covered a number of districts along the Berbice coast, with daily clinics conducted at numerous community health centers.

Other initiatives undertaken by the team in Guyana include assistance during the 2005 flood, a Continued Medical Education (CME) conference for local doctors, the Look Good/Feel Better programs for cancer survivors, and the cancer walk. In addition, Welshman-Neblett said, the organization joined with the Caribbean Medical Mission of New Jersey to host an educational forum called Adopt a Village. “We touched 15 villages at health centers, clinics and hospitals during this mission.”

The organization is munerated through fund-raising events during the year, but this has been affected by the economic downturn. The Vice President said that people are not spending to come out to dinner and dances, thus they have their own fund-raisers. However, they do not generate as much as in previous years. Welshman-Neblett stated that they have a job to do, and they will move forward, no matter what happens. She added that their doctors pay their own airfares and OSHAG/C provides transportation to and from the hospital, clinics and community health centres. OSHAG also provides their meals during their entire stay. A number of local persons are hired to cook and maintain the venue where meals are served.

In March 2011, OSHAG/C will host its spring season fundraiser; and at that event, several cancer survivors will be recognized in New York.

OSHAG/C was formed in 2001, and its first medical mission to Guyana materialised in 2002 with a group of three doctors, nurses and volunteers. Support was provided by the Ministry of Health and the president, the late Mrs Janet Jagan, who supported the cancer-fighting cause.

OSHAG's Call to Serve...

1st Caribbean Golfers Association tournament in New York

Caribbean Golfers Association holds first tournament in New York

Published on September 10, 2010

by Global News Staff

NEW YORK, USA -- West Indians are not known to be outstanding golfers but, of late, a large number of Caribbean nationals pay a lot more attention to golf rather than cricket, football or basketball.

They are now so much involved in golf that the Caribbean Golfers Association (CGA) has been established.

The CGA will hold its first Annual Caribbean Amateur Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 18, in which four countries: Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will participate at the Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn.

Prizes will be awarded for first placed teams, closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contests, as well as a chipping contest at the range.

The tournament coordinators are Mark Woseley and Buddy Cooper, who has been instructing golf over 20 years.

Guyana has named a strong team and are optimistic of winning. The team includes Salim Rashid, Bud Singh, Karl Ramjeet, Chris Guyadeen, Anwar Shaffie, Farook Hossein, Akbar Razack, Alim Hasratali, Desmond Magul, Mike Budhan, Mark Woseley, and Alim Badrudeen.

http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Caribbean-Golfers-Association-holds-first-tournament-in-New-York-1800.html

CARICOM Nations need to get serious!

Reprinted from Caribbean News Now!
caribbeannewsnow.com

Commentary: Caribbean globally uncompetitive: Time to get serious
Published on September 10, 2010

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Only one Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country made the top 50 countries in the World Economic Forum’s “Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011”. Barbados is rated at 43 of 139 countries that were surveyed. Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Guyana were rated 84, 95, and 110 respectively.

No other CARICOM country was rated because of a lack of survey data.

Sir Ronald Sanders is a
business executive and
former Caribbean diplomat
who publishes widely
on small states in the global
community. Reponses to:
www.sirronaldsanders.com

This is not good news for the CARICOM area already beset by severe economic problems including high debt to GDP ratios, increasing unemployment, and contracting economies.

Barbados’ higher ranking over the three other CARICOM countries surveyed is due, according to the Report, to its better health and education facilities and technological readiness, but it got poor marks for inefficient government bureaucracy, access to financing, a poor work ethic among the labour force and foreign currency regulations.

Crime is rated highest among the problems that beset Trinidad and Tobago followed by an inefficient government bureaucracy and, surprisingly, access to financing. None of its rankings – not for basic requirements, efficiency enhancers or business sophistication and innovation - matched Barbados.

However, Barbados’ ranking in the specific areas of business sophistication and innovation at 52, suggests that there is need for the business community to improve its performance if Barbados is to continue to be a leader for the region in maintaining global competiveness.

The Report highlights University-Industry collaboration in Research and Development as a strong point for Barbados. With a ranking of 40, this is an area that Barbados could further develop, and that other CARICOM countries should emulate across a broad area of economic activity.

Like Trinidad and Tobago, crime was identified as the biggest problem facing Jamaica’s competitiveness. An inefficient government bureaucracy, access to financing and an inadequately educated work force were also identified among its major setbacks.

High tax rates headed the list of Guyana’s problems, followed by crime, and inadequately educated work force and access to funding. The enrolment rate for secondary education and hiring and firing practices were Guyana’s two most notable competitive advantages with rankings of 16 and 20 respectively.

So, who are the top ten most competitive countries in the world for business? In order of priority, they are: Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, United States, Germany, Japan, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, and Canada.

The inclusion of Singapore, a small island state, is significant. It shows that small size is not a barrier to being competitiveness in business. Singapore, incidentally, was the top recipient last year of investment of every country in the world.

And, what distinguishes these top ten countries from the other 129 nations in terms of their ability to be competitive globally and attract businesses? The World Economic Forum identifies 12 interrelated pillars for competitiveness, among them are: the strength of institutions and laws, political stability, the quality of infrastructure, public health, and education, and levels of technology and innovation. The Forum makes the point that “the pillars are not independent; they tend to reinforce each other and a weakness in one area often has a negative impact on other areas”.

In the case of Singapore, a physically small island state, it is ranked “number one for government efficiency; second for its financial market sophistication ensuring the proper allocation of these factors to its best use”. It is also ranked fifth for its world-class infrastructure with excellent roads, ports, and air transport facilities. In addition, it has a strong focus on education, providing individuals with the skills needed for a rapidly changing economy.

Singapore’s accomplishments are greatly to be admired particularly when it is considered that both Guyana and Jamaica at the time of their independence in 1962 and 1966 respectively were more prosperous than Singapore.

Clearly there are lessons to be learned by Caribbean states from Singapore’s success. Not all of them will be transferable because of the different work culture that exists between Singapore and the Caribbean, but there are other basic experiences and knowledge that Singapore could offer, among them: how to make government more efficient and institutions stronger.

Lessons might also be learned from Malaysia, which, like 13 of the 15 CARICOM states and Singapore, is a member of the 54-nation Commonwealth. Apart from Taiwan, China, and a few oil-rich Arab states, Malaysia is the highest ranked developing country in the competitive index at number 26. In business sophistication and innovation, it is ranked at 25 and 24 respectively of the 139 surveyed countries. Were it not for its security situation, Malaysia would have been higher up the list.

CARICOM countries have to do much better if they are to emerge from their present economic morass and rise up to claim a significant share of the world’s opportunities for investment and business.

Bringing crime under control has to be a top priority for CARICOM countries and they can best do so together. The sooner governments explore the establishment of regional machinery for collectively tackling crime within each country, the better.

Establishing the Caribbean Single Market also should be accelerated with mergers and acquisitions between Caribbean countries being facilitated by legislation. This will improve business sophistication, enhance efficiencies, and strengthen institutions. Taxation levels in many countries also have to be reviewed to make them more competitive globally. Importantly, access to financing should be a high priority that should be tackled by governments and the private sector collectively devising ways to do it.

The government bureaucracy that slows down investment also has to be overhauled rapidly. Inordinate delays and red tape that slow investment cost Investors money. They don’t hang around; not with a world eager to lure them.

A series of meaningful consultations between governments and the University of the West Indies; between governments and the regional private sector organizations; and the creation of task forces drawn from all three could offer implementable solutions to the problems of competitiveness that beset the Caribbean region.

It is time to get serious, or get left behind.

http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Commentary%3A-Caribbean-globally-uncompetitive%3A-Time-to-get-serious-1802.html

CABA's Moving and Shaking in NJ

CABA’s Gala Dinner brings NJ Governor Out

By Allison Skeete


The Caribbean American Business Association (CABA) of New Jersey hosted its annual Gala Dinner recently and the four year old not for profit organization was joined by New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine who did more than make a courtesy appearance. The Governor came in and spent the cocktail hour engaged in genuine conversations with the group of successful entrepreneurs of Caribbean Ancestry who are minority business owners in the state he leads.

Along with the Counsel Generals of Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago, Derrick James and Dr. Harold Robertson, Corzine listened to concerns about stimulus funding for businesses owned by the group that represents a growing part of many constituencies in the United States. He also spoke as dinner began giving much hope that they will be able to continue doing business in this difficult economic time.

NJ Council Official Elsie Dublin-Foster shared with guests that the New Jersey governor was the first to create an official box to check for Caribbean American residents of this state; a bit of information very relevant today as the New York Group CARIBID2010 is seeking to have that very same box become a part of the US Census to address the growing income and profits benefits from this diverse and often overlooked and undercounted group.

The Gala Dinner was the stage for CABA to honor those in the New Jersey business community and this year the group heralded such stalwarts like Deborah Collins, Esq., who serves in Essex County as the Executive Director Economic Development Corporation and Director, Small Business Development and Affirmative Action.

Judge Julien Neals currently Corporation Counsel for the City of Newark; as Corporation Counsel, Judge Neals manages attorneys who practice in areas, including Contracts & Legislation, Labor, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Tax Appeals & Tax Abatements, Workers’ Compensation and Municipal Prosecutions and Trevor Layne MD, a leading oncologist in New Jersey. They were recognized for their strength, courage, vision and commitment in upholding a positive image in the community.