SECURING OUR COMMON FUTURE: Furthering A Dynamic US/Caribbean Strategic Agenda 2021

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DRAFT. FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.

SECURING OUR COMMON FUTURE A GREEN PAPER ON US/CARIBBEAN ENGAGEMENT

Prepared APRIL 2021 by

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Strengthening US/Caribbean Engagement 2021-2023: Enabling A MultiYear Strategy To Increase the Security, Prosperity, and Well-Being of the People of the United States and the Caribbean

FOREWORD The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), and members of the Caribbean American Leadership Alliance (CALA), strongly support the enactment and implementation of Public Law 114-291 as passed in December 2016. In 2017, ICS lead the consultation process between US State Department and the Caribbean Diaspora and to offer some recommendations for the development and implementation of the multi-year strategy the law requires. Specific recommendations are presented according to the following themes: Diplomacy; Security; Energy; Security; Education; Health; and, Diaspora Engagement.

The following document and recommendations on H.R. 4939 are intended to serve as a basis for ongoing dialogue between members of the Caribbean American Diaspora, the United States Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), representatives of the U.S. Congress, the White House and the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps.

For further information, please contact: info@icsdc.org or call: (202) 638-0460 The Appendix provides information on the Drafting Committee, ICS, the Caribbean American Leadership Alliance and the New York State Commission on H.R. 4939.

© Institute of Caribbean Studies

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I.

BACKGROUND .........................................................................

II.

DIPLOMACY .............................................................................

III.

PROSPERITY Trade and Investment ...........................................................

Financial Services/Correspondent Banking ..................................

Information & Telecommunications Technology ...........................

Agribusiness………………………………………………………………………………………..

The Blue Economy……………………………………………………………………………

Tourism…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Disaster Resilience…………………………………………………………………………

IV.

ENERGY ................................................................................

V.

SECURITY ...........................................................................

VI.

EDUCATION ........................................................................

VII. HEALTH ..............................................................................

VIII. DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT ...................................................

IX.

CLOSING ............................................................................

X.

APPENDIX Drafting Committee About ICS About the Caribbean American Leadership Alliance

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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN DIASPORA COMPANION PAPER ON U.S.-CARIBBEAN STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT ACT OF 2016 (HR 4939)

I.

BACKGROUND

1.1

The United States is a global superpower. It is the strategic partner of its

neighbors in the Caribbean and Latin America and home to an expanding Caribbean Diaspora. The impression that the Caribbean region is of no strategic importance or priority, particularly as the “old” Cold War-era came to an end, has led to the increasing power of other poles in the global space. Yet, Caribbean countries have a longstanding tradition as reliable U.S allies, which reality has been a key underpinning of USCaribbean diplomatic relations. This needs to be nurtured in order for this relationship to continue serving as a bulwark against any instability – social, political, security, economic – which invariably would have immediate adverse impacts on the North, the Caribbean region being the United States “Third Border.”

1.2

Public Law No: 114-291 (HR 4939) states that it is U.S. policy to increase

engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, including the private sector, and with civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean. It further states that the Department of State shall submit to Congress a multi-year strategy for U.S. engagement to support the efforts of interested nations in the Caribbean region that:

•

identifies State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) priorities for U.S. policy towards the Caribbean region;

•

encourages efforts of the region to implement regional and national strategies that improve Caribbean energy security by increasing access to all available sources of energy, including taking advantage of the indigenous energy sources of the Caribbean and the ongoing energy revolution in the United States;

•

improves diplomatic engagement with Caribbean governments;

•

describes how the United States can develop an approach to supporting Caribbean countries in efforts they are willing to undertake with their own resources to diversify their economies; and, 5

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describes ways to ensure the active participation of citizens of the Caribbean in existing program and initiatives administered by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

1.3

Given that the original bill HR 4939 called for U.S. State Department (and

USAID) engagement with civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean, the Institute of Caribbean Studies, members of the Caribbean American Leadership Alliance (an informal network convened on an ad-hoc basis since April 2007 following the Caribbean 2020 Vision workshop organized and facilitated by ICS), and the New York State Commission on HR 4939, wish to express their strong support of Public Law 114-291 and to offer some recommendations for the development of the multiyear strategy, as well as for the ongoing consultative process. Specifically, the Caribbean American diaspora is convinced that there is a clear and present need for strong and friendly U.S.-Caribbean relations. We believe it to be in the interests of both the U.S. and the Caribbean to continue to promote their mutual wellbeing by increasing opportunities to strengthen the historic ties that already exist. To this end, we stress the need for adequate funding for the U.S. State Department and other relevant agencies, to ensure that strategies defined by the State Department as helpful to securing the security and economic stability of the region; for such strategies to be executed in a manner which would assure America’s continued preeminent partnership in the region, given the changing dynamics of a multi-polar world.

1.4

Given the role that the State Department serves as the ‘de facto’ Department

of Peace, and given the increasing evidence of threats to America from non-state actors, we believe that our mutual security and safety are bound up together. Given the Caribbean’s third border status, it is the sentiment of the Caribbean diaspora that we make every attempt to maintain the bridge of understanding between the U.S. and the Caribbean that has existed for decades; and as such, we in the Caribbean American diaspora commit to engaging with U.S. State Department, USAID and other relevant agencies and organizations to assure and ensure the effective execution of Public Law 114- 291, and thus wage a campaign for enduring peace and inclusive prosperity in the Americas.

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1.5

The CARICOM region, like other regions of the world, was confronted over the

past four years with American foreign policy that was unpredictable. Further, the Trump Administration adopted an approach through which bilateral relations were conducted with select CARICOM member states, to the exclusion of others. There was an abandonment of the traditional multilateral engagement involving the collective Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which did not augur well for meaningful and effective engagement. We welcome the return to the multilateral approach, where applicable, as evidenced in the recent meeting between The US Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of CARICOM. We are heartened that Secretary Blinken emphasized the strong partnership between the United States and the Caribbean, plans to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and promote a regional economic recovery, cooperation on increasing climate resilience, and continued collaborations on strengthening security, democratic values, and human rights.

1.6

While issues such as prosperity, energy, health, security and education will be

addressed in detail in this document, the success of the recommendations and their implementation depend significantly on a serious level of diplomatic engagement that would examine new initiatives especially in light of the severe negative impact of Covid19 on Caribbean economies.

Specific recommendations are presented according to

the following themes: Diplomacy Prosperity Energy Security Education Health Additionally, recommendations for a diaspora engagement process are included.

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II.

DIPLOMACY

Issues: 2.1

A number of policy changes made by the previous US administration, such as

its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the World Health Organization as well as its handling of the Corona Virus pandemic both domestically and globally, were cause for great concern on the part of the Caribbean and its Diaspora in the US. We welcome the return of the US to the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) especially since climate change poses an existential threat to the island states and other countries within CARICOM. This threat can only be mitigated through coordinated global action.

2.2

Of even more immediate concern is the issue of access to vaccines by especially

the small island states which are heavily dependent on tourism. ‘Vaccine equity’ must be a central aspect of the US/Caribbean diplomatic agenda and should be aimed at ensuring that adequate quantities of vaccines are available in Caribbean countries to facilitate effective ‘herd immunity’. Concerted, concrete action should give life and meaning to the mantra “No one is safe until everyone is safe”.

2.3

The COVID - 19 Pandemic has decimated the economy of the Caribbean which

is based to a very large extent on tourism. More than any other sector, the travel, hospitality and tourism sectors have been the most affected by the pandemic. This situation has helped to pin-point a structural weakness in the economic construct of the Caribbean. The region's economy must be diversified, and the US can play an important role in this diversification process.

2.4

Many of the major US corporations have been outsourcing production of a wide

range of consumer products to China and other Asian countries taking advantage of lower employment costs. However, in today’s world production systems are driven by digital, robotic and information technology. Therefore, a case is being made here for the Biden/Harris Administration to establish a new Initiative, very much like the Reagan Administration did with the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) in the early 1980's, to 8

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assist the region with a program to embark on a massive retraining of the workforce of the Caribbean, at both the technician and professional level. In addition, the US Corporations should be encouraged to invest in new manufacturing capacity in the region and re-orient part of their supply chain to the region.

2.5

Apart from providing reduced shipping lead time resulting in a much smaller

carbon footprint, it will also provide for the US corporations greater protection of their intellectual properties, the abuse of which is presently a source of much controversy.

At the same time, the people of the Caribbean region will enjoy a better quality of life with greater employment opportunities while the region's economy is diversified. This will enhance national security in the US as its third border becomes more economically stable.

A relatively small portion of US outsourced business channeled to the region

will phenomenally transform the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life of the region's people and bringing the region fully into the digital age."

2.6

On the issue of regional security, the ongoing Venezuela/Guyana territorial

controversy and Venezuela’s resort to the threat and use of force as a means of intimidation must also form part of the US/Caribbean diplomacy agenda. In the wider Hemisphere, the financial and military support which third States like China, Russia and Iran have bestowed on Caracas has emboldened it, while challenging the traditional influence of the US. 2.7

A continuing challenge is the reduction of U.S diplomatic presence in the

member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean (OECS). This has implications on many fronts, including the tourist industry and business relationships.

2.8

There are ongoing concerns regarding “lax” relationship with “people of

interest” to international security forces, as well as with regards to human rights in the region, exacerbated by the small population size which challenges the resolve and ability of Caribbean citizens to address challenges to rule of law and corruption in high places.

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Recommendations: 2.9

It is of strategic diplomatic interest to have at least consular presence where

American citizens vacation or live in significant numbers. As such the diaspora recommends the establishment of Special Interest Section and/or Consuls or Honorary Consuls in the Eastern Caribbean States, where no such presence exists.

2.10

The Diaspora calls for increasing and deepening U.S engagement in

multilateral diplomacy to address regions common issues such as outer space and the Caribbean Sea, through organizations like such as the Organization of the American States, as well as, U.S participation in the Caribbean human rights agenda through support for the organization such as, the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.

This would provide a forum for engaging the Caribbean region on challenging issues of human rights and media rights. It is also proposed that the U.S. considers enlisting diaspora professionals, and “citizen diplomats: to establish and execute a special Caribbean Human Rights Commission.

2.11

To further enhance diplomatic relations between the U.S and the Caribbean

region, the United States Executive Branch could create U.S-Caribbean Council/Office, whose focus is to build hemispheric coalitions, secure commitments and formalize the process for regional cooperation that supports U.S foreign policy objectives and law.

The United States Caribbean Council would be fully funded by the Executive Branch.

2.12

The United States Caribbean Council’s mission would be to engage with

governments of the Caribbean region to carry out the agreed-on strategy to improve citizen security, reduce the trafficking of illicit drugs, strengthen the rule of law, and improve the effectiveness and longevity of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. To execute its mission, the United States Caribbean Council will collaborate with the Department of Justice’s newly formed Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime, the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, the Department of State, the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate and implement an aggressive strategy featuring security integration programs. The security integration programs can help improve 10

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citizen security, reduce trafficking of illicit drugs, and strengthen the rule of law throughout the Caribbean region in law enforcement and the judicial sector.

2.13

The United States Caribbean Council will be tasked to host an annual summit

of Caribbean Ambassadors in the United States. The Summit will serve as an opportunity for cooperation on diplomacy, increasing economic competitiveness, fostering growth and development, improving regional and citizen security, and promoting democracy and human rights.

2.14

The United States Caribbean Council could support economic development

through hosting an annual Business and Economic Development Tour/Trade Mission of American Investors in the Caribbean region. This tour would present significant investment opportunities for American businesses, strengthening the U.S and the Caribbean’s economic and business partnerships.

2.15

The Caribbean diplomatic community in the U.S. is a great conduit to

improving U.S Caribbean diplomacy in the United States and it is under-utilized. The United States Caribbean Council will work with the Caribbean Consular Corps (including honorary) to enhance engagement at the local and state level throughout the U.S.

The Caribbean Consular Corps could undertake a more robust role with

respect to their interface with local city and state governments, which will help to provide awareness and understanding about immigration, education, investment capital and many other benefits for Caribbean nationals here in the United States 2.16

Additional U.S. diplomatic extension could be effected through the Executive

Branch appointments of leading/noteworthy Caribbean Americans to the Boards and Commissions of relevant agencies that execute U.S. foreign policy, such as: the State Department, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Woodrow Wilson Institute, Inter-American Foundation, Ex-Im Bank, National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Peace Institute, to build Caribbean American leadership equity in those agencies.

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2.17 USAID can foster the expansion of the cooperation with Caribbean States and US Caribbean People to People Exchanges with a view towards disaster mitigation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, institutionalizing democracy processes, and transfer of United States technology. In addition, it should build internal capacity to facilitate the establishment of an office for monitoring the implementation of measures adopted as a result of Public Law No: 114-291 (HR4939). These measures might include: i)

A biannual summit on the Caribbean to address the socio-economic

development in the Region by reviewing progress and identify issues related to trade agreements; ii)

Introduction or the removal of barriers that promote the speed of doing

business and protect exclusive agreements between the United States and the Caribbean; iii)

Preferential treatment to the region for the purpose of trade access and

investment opportunities for businesses from the Caribbean region.

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III.

PROSPERITY

Trade and Investment: Issues: 3.1

The Caribbean has traded with the United States under various trading

arrangements – the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA). In 2015, this represented .07%, 0.04% and 0.03% of U.S. total imports respectively.

These arrangements are not disadvantageous to U.S. trade interests, as the U.S. enjoys a significant trade surplus with CARICOM, valued at 3.24 billion in 2014 and $4.17 billion in 2015. Despite offering generous incentives to U.S. investors, including full repatriation of profits, U.S. investment in CARICOM countries has been in decline, particularly after the financial crisis of 2008. Notably, the United States has Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) with all CARICOM countries for the automatic provision of tax information. Additionally, twelve (12) of the fourteen (14) countries have signed Inter-Governmental Agreements to comply with the U.S. Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

3.2

Caribbean nations have provided services in the form of skilled temporary workers (teachers, nurses, IT professionals, agricultural and hospitality workers) under U.S. Immigration Programs (H-1A and H-1B) to satisfy the unmet demands of the U.S. labor market. The relationship between the U.S. and the Caribbean would be strengthened by trade which would bolster and be mutually beneficial for the economies of both the United States and the Caribbean. We firmly believe in the economic viability and vitality of the region as an integral element of a policy of peace and security.

3.3

Economic diversification, trade and global competitiveness in the region could be greatly enhanced through increased collaboration and partnerships. In 2019, even after a number of fierce hurricanes, the Caribbean’s population stood at 44.42 million persons. Over 75% of the populations acquires food, beverage and 13

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services from United States Companies, yet the United States purchases less than 25% of the Produce and services of the Caribbean. To expedite Caribbean development and for continued economic growth, it is imperative for there to be a more balanced trading relationship between the United States and the Caribbean. Trade, therefore, has to be a crucial component of U.S.-Caribbean diplomatic relations since strong regional economies benefit both populations.

3.4

Consequently, if Caribbean producers, farmers, and service providers, as well as ordinary citizens, find good opportunities to prosper at home, there could be an easing of the immigration “pressure” for the USA. Additionally, prosperity in the Caribbean would lead to an increased demand for American goods and services and thus an economic “virtuous circle.”

3.5

Trade is essential for Caribbean countries’ development and poverty reduction.

The islands depended on tourism over the past three decades, until COVID 19.

Now, given the small market size, they are dependent on exports to produce manufactured products at efficient scale. With the presence of COVID 19, the Caribbean countries face a rapidly changing environment for their exports, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the economies highly dependent on external markets.

Recommendations: 3.6 i)

The diaspora recommends a U.S./Caribbean Development Compact to include: A review of existing trade arrangements to examine the implications of expanding trade to include services, for example, tourism and financial services, which offers growth opportunities for countries in the Caribbean.

One of the major problems in the Caribbean is the lack of interest by the Governments to review present trading policies

ii)

Strengthen the U.S.-CARICOM Trade and Investment Council and deepen the ongoing mechanism for consultation on U.S./Caribbean Trade.

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iii)

A review of the rules of operations of the U.S. Trade Development Authority; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the U.S. Ex-Im Bank be conducted to ensure support for U.S. investments in the region.

iv)

Provide support to Caribbean countries to continue with necessary reforms and initiatives aimed at improving trade facilitation environment, business and investment climate, and other measures needed to boost productivity and competitiveness.

v)

The expansion of the International Business Partnership Programs in support of export/import initiatives in the region. We also urge the continued support to U.S. State Department and USAID, MCC, EX-IM Bank, OPIC and USTDA to expand and deepen their reach in the region.

vi)

Encourage the expansion of the Public-Private Partnership Facility to increase technical capacity and financing to promote greater private sector-led investment in infrastructure.

vii)

Support new and innovative programs aimed at mobilizing capital from the diaspora such as an OPIC backed -- Diaspora Investment Fund— that may be channeled to economic or social infrastructure development efforts in the region.

viii)

For better business recovery and resilience, preparation of U.S. Caribbean business continuity plans for each trading partner in the Region would facilitate

meeting

export

customer

requirements

during

any

major

humanitarian crisis. ix)

The diaspora community indicates that there is a lack of information exchange on investment opportunities for Caribbean private sector projects.

It is advisable to establish a diaspora database, technically housed with Commerce or through the World Bank’s external project consulting database platform. This would permit a centralized network for accessing the diaspora 15

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talent pool and informing them of Caribbean investment opportunities, which would in turn benefit from the diaspora’s talents.

Financial Services/Correspondent Banking Issues: 3.7

The financial services sector, specifically banking, continues to be a vital sector for the development of CARICOM economies. It is the second-largest contributor to GDP in the Caribbean region. Given the important role of this sector in the Community’s growth and development, the curtailment of correspondent banking relations has become a source of extreme concern. The issue threatens the region’s economic stability and its capacity to remain integrated into the global financial, trade and economic systems. Additionally, it is a significant threat to the Community’s trade in goods and services with the United States.

The diaspora hopes that the proposed financial deregulation of banks mooted by the incoming Administration may help relieve the regulatory pressures on U.S. global banks that have played a critical part in “de-risking” and the ensuing curtailment of correspondent banking relations.

3.8

Apart from social safety net remittances, there is little repatriation of the resources of Caribbean nationals back to their countries of origin. Remittances can be leveraged to offer more financial benefits to the Caribbean region and economy. This can take the form of providing tax breaks for Diaspora Bond or Community Investment Notes like the program launched by Calvert Foundation aimed at promoting Social Investment projects.

Recommendations: 3.9

Given the impact of Caribbean trade in goods and services with the U.S., the diaspora maintains the need for a mutually beneficial outcome on the issue of

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financial services. Specifically, we propose that if needed, a third- party agency to be established by the U.S./Caribbean stakeholders to address this problem.

3.10 The diaspora considers it critical to the survival of their families in the Caribbean that there be fair and affordable banking relationships. In this regard, efforts must be made to reduce the cost of remittances which provide much of the social safety net for the region.

3.11 In recent years, large US banks have refused to provide certain banking services to financial institutions in the Caribbean because of AML/CFT risks, so they have “de-risked”. This is of particular concern to small locally owned banks and credit unions. Given the need to ensure financial democracy, the diaspora proposes technical assistance support for the Cooperative Credit Union movement to strengthen their abilities to meet all legal requirements and strengthen their AML/CFT framework and maintain sound KYV processes, thereby avoiding derisking.

3.12 A study should be undertaken to investigate how the creation of tax breaks for contributions of capital investment by Caribbean nationals in the U.S. would be beneficial for economic or social infrastructure projects aimed at unemployment reduction in the region. This would include construction of youth development facilities, sporting facilities and workforce skills development centers.

Information and Communication Technology Issues: 3.13 The establishment of a Single ICT space would allow the Region to be viewed as a single Caribbean space. Its benefits would include:

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i)

Deepening market and competition & reducing the cost of access (single broadband market)

ii)

Reduced mobile roaming charges

iii)

Common regional spectrum space

iv)

Providing more opportunities for research and innovation

v)

Transforming the institutional and human resource capacities of the region

vi)

Creating the opportunity to partner with the United States on developing the fundamentals of the CARICOM Digital economy

These issues were raised in U.S./CARICOM Heads of Government in Jamaica in 2015; and in 2016, the Meeting of the CARICOM-U.S. Trade and Investment Council (TIC) agreed to the establishment of a Joint Expert Group on ICT. Recommendations: 3.14 The diaspora proposes promotion and provision of private sector investment for the expansion of Internet access throughout the region, especially to countries lacking the appropriate infrastructure. Such investment will expand access to telecommunications technology, lowering barriers to entry and ensuring digital equity, and the continuation of the work of the Joint Expert Group on ICT. 3.15 The also diaspora encourages technical assistance to advise governments in the region about emerging services requiring effective policies, laws and regulations relative to the digital economy, such as electronic game publishing and e-sports leagues.

Agribusiness Issues: 3.16 There is a need to digitize the agricultural sector to bring farmers and other agricultural workers from the fringes of society and into the mainstream market.

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Digitalization will increase yields, ensuring regional food security continued sustainable development. Projects and initiatives in agribusiness require imminent impact investment. Presently, regional investors are risk averse. Such apprehension has hindered agricultural growth. Increased investment requires engaging more regional stakeholders, in addition to the Caribbean American and wider global Caribbean diaspora.

Recommendations: 3.17 Enhancing food security through technical support such as training, increased agricultural production & productivity are essential for continued development and the reduction of the regional expenditure on food imports. Additionally, diversifying exports to include more value-added products, initiatives that can be supported to boost trade and economic development in the region, not only in subsistence farming, but also fisheries. Programs might be designed to: i)

Renew focus and strengthen relations between U.S. and Caribbean agribusiness sector in support of farmer exchanges, agri-processing business exchanges, cooperative development and university and research partnerships such as soil sciences, nutraceuticals, and food technology.

ii)

Maintain or increase levels of visas for H1B and H2 visa categories

for

temporary

farmworkers,

hospitality

sector

workers, etc. iii)

Support creation of new financial tools, technology and instruments for farmers in the region and enable direct investment in farms. New financial tools can allow farmers to begin investing in the futures market and secure insurance services to reduce their risk exposure when adversely affected by natural disasters.

3.18 Exposing students to agriculture technologies that would enable the development of 21st century value chain. Emphasizing agribusiness 19

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services such as applications would digitally engage farmers and fishermen who currently live on the fringes of society and are unable to maximize services such as e-commerce.

3.19 Increase funding for technical assistance and investments in agricultural innovation centers targeting youth under 35 using innovative methods.

Strategies such as vertical farming would increase interest and investment by youth in the sector and support increased food security in the Caribbean.

3.20 Develop e-commerce technical assistance training for sales platforms as a lever to business continuity and access to greater market opportunity for firms involved in commercial trade /exports from the Caribbean to the U.S. 3.21 Improve the performance of freight logistics intra-regionally in support of Caribbean-US exports. Implementation of recommendations for easing administrative challenges and costs, and incentivizing logistics companies from the U.S. to do business in the Caribbean, have largely been implemented bilaterally, rather than regionally.

USTDA could

support US companies to explore investments in advancing logistics services intra-regionally, with fulfilment centers in the U.S. 3.22 Encourage the attention of US agribusiness sector to explore partnerships and provide incentives in support of US private sector to invest in growth and processing of high-quality superfoods from Caribbean nations. There are nations in the region who can grow high quality superfoods almost year-round, which would in many instances support some of the ESG requirements for some investors.

3.23 Support US institutions such as NSF, USDA and USDOI to increase R&D grants and programming for tropical agriculture, bio-waste to energy, 20

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and sustainable food security policy development. These initiatives are aimed at achieving prosperity for US Caribbean island economies such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Emergent sectors that require such support and collaboration include, industrial hemp and its downstream manufacturing, landfill to energy recovery, wetlands and mangrove restoration, marine and freshwater fisheries development.

3.24 Based on discussions and opinions, the lack of affordable, reliable sea and air transportation is the biggest challenge faced by agribusiness owners in the Caribbean. Most agribusiness owners are forced to use the expensive methods of courier services to ship products to the United States. If they produce enough to fill a 20-foot container, there is the transshipment factor and the cost of shipping. The Caribbean should establish an independent shipping line and airfreight companies, to make movement more efficient. This would give the farmers and agro- processors more confidence to increase production.

The Blue Economy Issues: 3.25 The issue of climate change is vital if not existential for the Caribbean, as it represents one of the most serious challenges to the development prospects and future viability of the region. Rising sea levels, coupled with associated coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, the escalation in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes, and the disruptions in fresh-water supplies, threatens the sustainable management of the Blue Economy of the Caribbean.

3.26 Given the potential impact on the sustainable development of the region, increased US support for adaptation and mitigation efforts regarding natural resources management, in addition other integrated strategies that help to combat climate change is desirable.

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Recommendations: 3.27 The diaspora recommends: i)

Expansion and deepening of relationships and cooperation for technical assistance between coastal states, for example, Maryland, North Carolina and the State of Florida, and U.S. insular Caribbean territories (U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) concerning coastal zone issues, particularly the Caribbean Large Marine Eco- System (CLME), through agencies such as NOAA; Department of the Interior; and National Science Foundation.

ii)

Support for the convening of a U.S./Caribbean Sea Consultative Group to discuss improved mapping and management of the CLME, as well as the sustainable management of the Caribbean blue economy with a focus on fisheries and other marine food resources.

iii)

Support for the formation of a public/private U.S./Caribbean Sea Council comprised of organizations that benefit from or advocate for the sustainable management of the Caribbean Blue Economy. These enterprises include cruise shipping companies, shipping companies, communications companies, oil companies, hotel and tourism companies, and relevant NGOs.

iv)

Policies that encourage U.S.-Caribbean research, development and coproduction in renewable energy from the ocean in the Caribbean could establish a foundation for further growth in this important sector.

Tourism Issues: 3.28 Many Caribbean nations have experienced economic fallout due to the sudden cessation of travelers to the region. In 2013, tourism comprised 14% of the Caribbean’s GDP. In 2019, travel and tourism generated approximately 59 billion 22

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U.S. dollars to the region’s GDP. With the advent of COVID-19, many islands are being deprived, for an extended period, of vital income. At present, this bodes poorly for the region’s economic fortunes but also presents an opportunity to reimagine and redesign the tourism industry for the future that to produces and markets a more high-end product, centered around conservation. Redesigning the sector requires a multipronged approach and investment in research and development and education, particularly in the marine environment.

Recommendations: 3.29 To expedite knowledge transfer throughout the region, support from the US government from K-12 to train teachers in the Caribbean to adjust their teaching strategies to better disseminate knowledge regarding the marine environment, would be beneficial. Areas such as Florida, Hawaii, California, USVI and Puerto Rico may be abundant with information on the marine environment and blue economy that could apply to the Caribbean Sea. On the tertiary level, there is an opportunity for partnerships to be established between higher education institutes such as University of the West Indies (UWI), Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) with US institutions with robust programs in marine learning and development. These partnerships would increase regional capacity in research and development in the marine environment and turn, expedite development of the blue economy.

3.30 Encouragement and technical support for the development of a decision support system that will collect user data, analyze it and convert it into useful insights, recommendations and public policy that can drive the transformation of the tourism sector. At present, some multiple agencies and actors collect data in the Caribbean, especially as it relates to the blue economy. US technical support would be beneficial in devising a way of centralizing the data, identifying research partners to ensure the datasets can communicate.

3.31 Partnerships between U.S. and Caribbean institutions to develop new metrics to adequately measure growth in the region would be mutually beneficial.

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Disaster Resilience Issues: 3.32 Climate change continues to be one of the major challenges that humanity must confront. Many Caribbean islands rely heavily on tourism for their income and could and have seen their livelihoods decimated with a single disaster. The region will be disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and has already seen disastrous hurricanes such as Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which decimated the Bahamas and Hurricane Maria in 2017 that destroyed Puerto Rico’s electrical grid. Therefore, there is a need to increase the region’s capacity to predict the severity of an impending disaster, invest in the necessary infrastructure and systems to swiftly recover from disasters.

3.33 The issue of climate change is vital if not existential for the Caribbean Sea, as it represents one of the most serious challenges to the development prospects and future viability of the region. Rising sea levels, coupled with associated coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, the escalation in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes, and the disruptions in fresh-water supplies, threatens the sustainable management of the significant parts of the blue economy of the Caribbean such as ports and shipping and tourism facilities.

3.34 Given the potential impact on the sustainable development of the region, increased US support for adaptation and mitigation efforts regarding natural resources management, in addition other integrated strategies that help to combat climate change is desirable.

3.35 Beyond climate related disasters, earthquakes and volcanoes also pose a threat to economic security and stability in the region.

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Recommendations: 3.36 The diaspora recommends programs that can facilitate partnerships with American energy companies to develop microgrids for individual communities.

This would allow these areas to locally own their energy. This would lower the cost of energy to the customers, in addition to removing the reliance on a centralized electrical system that has proven faulty during disasters.

3.37 Support the development of programs that would increase diaspora engagement in Caribbean activism, especially in an advisory capacity. This would have positive downstream effects that would create a hospitable environment for investment in projects that would ensure disaster resilience.

3.38 Support the Caribbean in researching, assessing and baselining building code deficiencies as it relates to hurricane and earthquake threats, and shifting the region into a policy that would augment and remediate current code deficiencies.

3.39 Support the Caribbean in researching and assessing the impact of volcanic ash on human and livestock health, as well as the viability of the soils and waters after a major event.

3.40 Increase support for training to private sector and civil society to be able to form a citizen “national defense corps’ that can be deployed in the case of emergencies.

3.41 Increase low interest financing to regional financial institutions to support economic recovery and reconstruction.

25

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IV.

ENERGY

Issues:

4.1

The cost of energy is unbearably high in the Caribbean - in terms of

currency, balance of payments and other macroeconomic issues - which end up hurting everyday citizens by making goods more expensive and thus exacerbating the poverty and crime issues. Recent findings of oil and gas in the Caribbean Sea would seem to promise wealth for the southernmost Caricom member countries Guyana and Suriname, but the lack of an intra-regional agreement with regard to localized oil prices or other regimes such as was offered by Venezuela to the non-oil producing CARICOM countries indicates no relief in sight. This has resulted in increased drilling offshore (or plans therefof) Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica. Only Bahamas and Belize would seem to be exhibiting caution. This activity needs to be rationalized against the need to reduce carbon fuels globally.

The USA has returned to an emphasis on

renewables here in the USA, and it is hoped that this promoting clean and renewable energy initiatives in CARICOM countries, as part of a wider program targeting the wider Caribbean and Central America would follow.

It is

imperative that clean and green technologies are deployed to wean the region from its dependence on oil, owing to the realities of climate change and public interest in ensuring clean environment needed for Caribbean tourism remains vital to our economies. The Biden Harris administration should seek to build on the cooperation initiatives undertaken under the Obama Administration Recommendations:

4.2

Given the importance of energy security and the opportunities and

innovations around renewable/off-grid technologies innovated by American companies, the diaspora would like to encourage sustained interests and investments in these areas, and support for the Caribbean Energy Security 26

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Initiative (CESI), as well as programs for increasing entrepreneurial and innovative capacity.

4.3

Given the lack of technical know-how in the Caribbean with respect to the

environment management of oil and gas, it is vital that the Caribbean capacity to manage environmental disaster such as an oil spill be strengthened. The EPA could be deployed to support the training and institutional strengthening of both regional and national agencies in the Caribbean.

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V.

SECURITY

Issues: 5.1

The Department of State has made anti-corruption a national security priority

and works across the globe to prevent graft, strengthen investigation and prosecution of corruption, promote accountability and transparency, and empower reformers yet there are insufficient training and designated experts at CARICOM IMPACTS and inadequate use of Caribbean-American experts in the Diaspora.

5.2

Based on stated operational goals the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS)

believes current goals are outdated and there are now continuing needs in the areas of Anti-Corruption expansions, Cyber Policing and Cyber Security as separate entities, Anti-Gang and Youth Violence countermeasures, as well as Anti-trafficking and Cyber countermeasures. Under CBSI anti-corruption policies should NOT suffer at the improvement of Justice programs.

5.3

Opportunities for the Caribbean to be more effective under the US Southern

Command (USSOUTHCOM) and assessments by their Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) which is comprised of U.S. Coast Guard and Army engineers, technicians, specialists, and logisticians. The team operates under the tactical control of U.S. Southern Command.

The TAFT operates in direct support of the Caribbean Basin

Security Initiative (CBSI). Funded by the U.S. State Department since 2013, TAFT’s technical expertise and support is one of the various forms of security assistance the U.S. is providing as part of CBSI to help Caribbean countries reduce illicit trafficking, improve public security, and promote social justice.

5.4

The TAFT focuses on assisting with maintenance, logistics, and procurement

systems used in the upkeep of boats needed to disrupt illicit trafficking, conduct search and rescue, and support disaster response missions, as well as other coastal-security operations. The TAFT typically focuses on support of maritime interceptor craft – like boats used by the U.S. Coast Guard – previously provided by the United States through a variety of international support programs.

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5.6

As of January 2017, Eastern Caribbean coast guards supported by TAFT have

increased their maritime patrols by 41 percent, boarding of suspect vessels by 182 percent, and seizure of suspect vessels by 68 percent since the team’s assistance began. Yet the guns for drugs illicit programs have flourished, certain islands are known trans-shipment points, and a growing trend of human trafficking due to porous borders and corruption need enhanced countermeasures.

5.7

In the area of Criminal Justice, there is a lack of organizing of justice systems

within CARICOM and this allows abuse of prisoners by Law Enforcement and Public Prosecutors who allow those in their charge to languish in prisons without any formal charges and no established methodologies of muster to avoid errors or deliberate acts of omission. These are situations of which CARICOM General Counsel is aware as well as IMPACTS. 5.8

The poverty rate among Venezuela’s population stands at 90%. This has led to

an exodus of its citizens to its South American neighbors, who have absorbed approximately 5 million people. Venezuela’s immediate neighbor, Trinidad and Tobago, has absorbed a large proportion of the migrants. Due to the large-scale migration of people, including gangs involved in criminal activity and the subsequent expansion of drug networks, there has been a marked uptick in drug related crime including kidnapping, homicide and piracy across the Eastern Caribbean. Piracy by the Venezuelans is an attempt to dominate drug trafficking routes from Eastern Venezuela that provides access to the rest of the Caribbean. As a result, Trinidadian fishermen have suffered constant attacks from these groups. This has further exacerbated the socioeconomic problems in Trinidad and Tobago.

Recommendations 5.9 i)

The Crime & Security Working Group recommends the following: Promote the engagement of US dual citizen nationalities to CARICOM nations through

association

partnerships 29

and

permit

Caribbean-American

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professionals to support U.S. funded technical assistance initiatives in the areas of leadership, management, and professional development programs. ii)

Create task orders under USAID processes to engage the Jamaican National Integrity Action Agency, which has demonstrated the best outcomes to date with the intention of spreading to all CARICOM nations, to expand training and development of their anticorruption programs.

iii)

Make available cyber applications that track and trace all USAID funding to both governments and NGOs in the Caribbean nations in according with US standards of freedom of information ad transparency in government spending.

iv)

Strengthen academic exchange programs for Customs, Military, Police and Prison Officers to ensure their skill sets are fully functional at levels seen in US institutions. Encourage attendance to US Military institutions such as Staff Colleges for Key Civilian as well as named officials. Under CBSI utilize military trainers in Air, Land and Sea JROTC and ROTC from the US to train trainers in the Caribbean cadet corps with a special focus on cyber and intelligence matters pertaining to drugs, human and weapons trafficking.

v)

Provide technical assistance and institutional strengthening, including (software and hardware) to help Caribbean military, police and prison training institutions harness emerging creative/critical thinking tools and techniques to aid in the designing of twenty-first century creative/critical learning environments.

vi)

Support the promotion of educational and training exchange for leadership, training

and

management

teams

at

institutions

addressing

juvenile

delinquency intervention and prevention in line with US best practices. vii)

Expand technical, specialized tertiary level training and support for Caribbean 30

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cadets and coast guard systems U.S. Coast Guard Academy, or, other tertiary level institutions and/or creation of education exchanges, internships or apprenticeships to enhance leadership and skills training in maritime science and maritime security, disaster relief, and management/governance based on international human rights.

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VI.

EDUCATION

Issues: 6.1

The State Department through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

(ECA) is challenged to accomplish its mission to “work to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as publicprivate partnerships,” relative to the Caribbean region due to insufficient engagement of the Caribbean side.

6.2

Opportunities for the Caribbean to be more effective trade partners, champions

of democracy, and grow strong sustainable economies, are hampered by inadequate education and training in strategic management, entrepreneurship, science and technology, and transformational leadership.

6.3

Under the education pillar the building of human capital in the Caribbean that

will “ensure the active participation of citizens of the Caribbean in existing programs and initiatives,” requires the region to be more effective trade partners, and champions of democracy, and grow strong sustainable economies. The issue of inadequate education and training is eminent and requires 21st-century Early Childhood Education assistance to ensure the nurturing of future skills in strategic management, entrepreneurship, science and technology, and transformational leadership. Targeted areas for technological and priority status educational engagement in existing programs are vital in expanding participant numbers in design thinking, creative and critical thinking, and social services programs. The Diaspora recommends the following:

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Recommendations: 6.4 The Diaspora recommends the following: i)

Promote

the

engagement

of

Caribbean tertiary

institutions

through

partnerships with diaspora Caribbean-American professionals to support U.S. funded

technical

assistance

initiatives

in

the

areas

of

leadership,

management, and entrepreneurship capacity building from inception through execution, and the evaluation of effectiveness. ii)

Create mechanisms and processes to engage Diaspora as Mentor Capital to help identify and position Caribbean nationals to take advantage of U.S. and State Department programs to improve Caribbean rate of participation in such programs.

iii)

Strengthen academic exchange programs for faculty and students at all levels of education from elementary through university level that takes advantage of the strengths of each system, creates centers of excellence, and encourages enduring relationships between participants. Utilize Caribbean American Diaspora with Academic affiliations in the U.S. and experience with Caribbean institutions to participate in program creation.

iv)

Provide technical assistance and institutional strengthening, including (software and hardware) to help Caribbean tertiary institutions harness emerging creative/critical thinking tools and techniques to aid in the designing of twenty-first century creative/critical learning environments. This will facilitate the exploration and application of creative/critical thinking tools in early childhood teaching and learning. The new technology would guide the holistic development of creative/critical teaching skills to concretize the importance of creative/critical thinking development via emotional and multiple intelligence processes.

33

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v)

Assist Caribbean tertiary institutions with emerging technology to provide the relevant creative/critical thinking tools and techniques that will empower teachers

through

science,

technology,

engineering,

the

arts,

and

mathematics (STEAM) and improve teaching and learning in lateral thinking, design thinking, and creative/critical problem solving through the arts that would be applicable across disciplines. vi)

Assist Caribbean tertiary institutions with access to online teacher training, science education programs, and digital training, including institution partnership with clarity in detailed expectation for Special Education.

vii)

Activate technical support and specialized tertiary training for Caribbean teachers and caregivers through education exchanges programs to enhance leadership skills training in special education for special needs students, e.gs, (the hearing impaired, visually impaired, autistic, dyslexic, and students with speech deficiencies).

viii)

Assist in the development of special education policies for Caribbean countries where these policies do not exist. viii) Coaching and mentorship training for school administrators and teachers for the benefits of general education and special education to build student confidence in their approach and general instructional practices.

ix)

Educational training exchange for cybersecurity, human trafficking, juvenile delinquency intervention and prevention, improving early literacy and providing at-risk youths, teen mothers and fathers with vocational training skills.

x)

Advance program implementation to help create education initiatives in institutions of higher learning to modernize their facilities, equipment, and curricula aligned with labor market trends.

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xi)

Expand technical, specialized tertiary level training and support for Caribbean cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, or, other tertiary level institutions to include HBCUs, and/or creation of education exchanges, internships or apprenticeships to enhance leadership and skills training in maritime science, disaster relief, and management/governance based on rule of law, security, and civic responsibility for the Caribbean. xiii) Support the implementation of an Education Systems Resilience Think Tank to tackle and collaborate on emerging adaptive issues that impact teaching, learning and leadership such as the COVID-19 pandemic, other disasters, and the pivot to digital learning.

xii)

Improve the effectiveness of U.S. Advising Centers in the Caribbean by utilizing diaspora members who have gone through the process as well as facilitate linkages between Caribbean students wishing to matriculate in the U.S. and Caribbean-American university students via Embassy Exchanges.

xiii)

Include distinguished Caribbean Americans as VIP Guests in U.S. Information Service Programs that bring U.S. visitors to countries as artistes and expert speakers; as well as through cultural, sports, and academic and professional exchange programs administered by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

6.5

The Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) should include candidates from the Caribbean in the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global U Grad), and

the Community College Initiative (CCI)

Exchange Programs.

This

partnership should include short-term vocational and technical trade skills’ programs (6 weeks-6 months) where persons from the Caribbean region can become certified in the skill of choice in the U.S. College or University.

6.6

The Department of State’s Office of Caribbean Affairs (OCA) should partner with United States Information Service (USIS) to launch targeted, marketing campaigns utilizing 35

a series of aggressive,

members of the Diaspora in the

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Caribbean region to promote existing programs and initiatives administered by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

6.7

In the United States, (OCA) should promote the law, H.R. 4939; promote the formation of the United States Caribbean Council; and promote doing business at the international level of operation with NGO’s and public-private partners.

6.8

We further recommend the development of an OCA Education Taskforce to serve as the co-convener in partnership with the Institute of Caribbean Studies for critical discussions related to the Education Agenda.

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VII.

HEALTH

Issues: 7.1

COVID has had a disproportionately negative effect on the physical,

psychological, and financial health and well-being of Caribbean people.

7.2

Many health care management systems in the Caribbean were ill equipped to

address the needs of their citizens prior to the pandemic, and the advent of COVID19 has continued to exacerbate the lackluster healthcare infrastructure within the Region. Caribbean countries lack a comprehensive strategy for not only basic immunizations but also public health measures to help flatten the curb and/or stall cyclical pandemic surges.

7.3

Lack of capacity to conduct clinical trials that produce sound evidence and make

the most of scarce resources. The lack of diversity in clinical trials for important therapeutic areas was once more identified as a major shortcoming within the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, high cholesterol, and other conditions impact the successful outcome of many proposed remedies but due to the homogenous nature of the volunteers in the trials, there is little to no significant data on how different pre-existing conditions affect the proposed therapies.

A significant number of people of Caribbean heritage are afflicted by the aforementioned ailments, thus, the effects of novel treatments on swaths of these communities is unknown.

7.4

Lack of access to vaccines due to inequitable global distribution.

7.5

Medical laboratories require upskilling and training in laboratory services and

management. It has been more than 12 years since a concerted effort has been invested into the training and promotion of establishing private laboratories.

37

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Recommendations: Navigating the U.S. competencies in healthcare, coupled with increased border controls in the interest of public health, the organization recommends the U.S. State Department should consider health diplomacy as a key pillar for maintaining U.S. influence within the Caribbean Region. Therefore, the diaspora recommends: 7.6

Including assistance at the bi-lateral level, increasing the technical capacity of

health care systems throughout the Region. This would increase the capacity for disease surveillance while improving public health interventions, and assisting the private sector to continue to operate and sustain jobs.

7.7

The U.S. Department of State deploy over the next 15 months up to $160 billion

in financial support to help Caribbean countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery, including $50 billion of new IDA resources in grants or highly concessional terms by wider engagement of DHHS, CDC, USAID through implementation of an inclusive State Department engagement strategy.

7.8

Consideration should also be given to utilize the Federal Government Loan

Program to identify high-skilled individuals to form a Health Service Corps with unique language, cultural skills and knowledge of the Region, and willingness to be sent to the Caribbean Region on loan.

7.9

Partnership with additional multilateral agencies such as PAHO, Organization of

American States (OAS), WHO, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), and the World Bank areas for cooperation in health should be identified, including: i)

Development of Health Surveillance and Disaster Response systems to ensure rapid and effective response systems for pandemics, the frequency of which is expected to increase worldwide.

ii)

Provision of certification for U.S. citizens via DHHS and U.S. Surgeon General to health facility centers in the Region that desire to develop health capacities in select sectors for the purpose of attracting medical tourism.

38

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iii)

Support Diaspora Health Care Engagements in order to work with the Caribbean nations to identity priority areas setting up robust telehealth systems while incentivizing diaspora professionals to assist or invest in health systems.

iv)

Work in collaboration with the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) Health Systems division to introduce new and innovative technology approaches in training, e-learning, healthcare management and systems development.

v)

Position the Caribbean Region as a premier destination for affordable medical care to both the diaspora and international visitors through the promotion of health care investments, such as cross-border arrangements in insurance.

7.11 The Caribbean Region has established natural remedies and traditional medicinal practices. In order for these methods of treatment to gain the same levels of acceptance and adoption as Western medicine, increased funding is necessary for research and development to bring these medicines to market. It is recommended that medical school partnerships be strengthened to expand training of more homebased, natural, or traditional medicinal practices.

7.12 Provision mobile health and wellness units in rural Caribbean locations equipped with telehealth capabilities is necessary to connect to global specialists where necessary.

7.13 Initiate more clinical trials in the Caribbean region to provide sustainability of regional clinical research organizations.

7.14 Implement a collective response system for violence prevention and violence prevention programs in the Region, it is recommended to: i) Seek various funding sources to expand and improve on available shelters. ii) Adopt a new language as a signal for help that can conceal the intent of the requester.

39

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iii) Provide mobile safety checks and verification for those previously known offenders. iv) Incorporate violence prevention training and exercises to skilled clinicians that can train those receiving services. v) Develop curriculum and provide counseling on healthy relationships and its benefits for the family and incorporate anger management workshops and seminars. vi) Implement active bystander approach training from primary school to university settings. vii)Engage governments to provide incentives to those who assist survivors of domestic violence. viii)

Increase the capabilities of and invest in psychologists, counselors and

peer specialists in health care facilities, schools, and other appropriate partnering agencies to serve disaster affected communities in the Caribbean Region. ix) Provide appropriate support in the exploration of prophylactic therapy or culturally appropriate guidelines for international travel to include and recognize alternative COVID testing methods.

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VIII.

DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

Issues: 8.1

The Caribbean American diaspora is not a monolith. As in the region,

factions, fractions, and fissures occur along the fault lines of class, gender, nationality, race and religion. The organized groupings within the diaspora, to be differentiated from the Diaspora, are largely composed of national organizations, sub-national groups, and sector specific groups in health, education and sports, etc. Efforts to organize umbrella bodies nationally have occurred along country lines such as the Jamaicans, Barbadians, Haitians and Antiguans, and these efforts have waxed and waned according to the leadership, and the political climate and crises in countries of origin. The Haitian and Jamaican umbrella organizations are probably the most stable; with selforganized bodies pre-dating the government-endorsed or enabled ones.

8.2

At the trans-Caribbean level, efforts to organize under the National

Coalition of Caribbean Affairs, which was launched in 1998 fizzled out after the 2007 CARICOM Heads Meetings in Washington, and the leaders of that body established the Caribbean Policy Research Center at the behest of the CARICOM governments. There was also a failed attempt to organize the Carnival Associations. No study has been done to identify why such experiments failed but one major challenge has certainly been the fact that all such organizations have not been able to master the financing required to professionally staff such organizations. This is due in large part to the fact that traditional foundations do not view Caribbean diaspora organizations as part of the stakeholder community owing to their largely volunteer status. In more recent years, with interest in the potential of diasporas as a means of economic transformation, the World Bank and the Inter- American Development Bank have designed projects and studies around diaspora financing for development. These have had some positive results, albeit they have done little to strengthen the diaspora organizing and organizations themselves.

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As a result of these observations, ICS’s approach in attempting to

organize a trans- Caribbean national leadership alliance has been extremely cautious. ICS’ approach focuses on using the National Caribbean American Heritage Month Movement to organize and influence leadership across the country and to establish a National Commemorative Committee which includes leaders who consider themselves ICS representatives and/or ‘members’, as well as leaders who consider themselves partners – an important distinction.

Outside of the Caribbean American Heritage Month organizing process, since its founding in 1993, ICS has also established relationships with leaders of organizations as well as influencers who consider themselves allies of ICS. Such individuals include: members of the ICS Faith-Based Advisory Council, ICS Elected Official Advisory Council, ICS Research Advisory Council, and some Honorees of the National Caribbean American Heritage Awards.

8.4

Thus, ICS Caribbean American Leadership Alliance (CALA) is considered

a Convening Space of ICS representatives, allies and partners, for matters of national interest. The Complete Count 2010 and 2020 Census Process was one such matter. ICS’ served as a Focal Point for the process which allowed the Census Department to reach a broad group of the diaspora without infringing on the sovereignty of those involved in the Census consultative process. This alliance-building is a fluid process, and ICS does not in any way purport to exert any control over the operations of any of the leaders and influencers who consider themselves to be aligned with ICS. The CALA motto is “a coalition of the willing, and alliance of the able to get past national and other divides and differences to dialogue on issues of mutual concern and affect a harmonized approach to community building.” It is ICS’ belief that any attempt to form an umbrella organization would be met with extreme resistance, and as such our consultative processes are typically designed to reflect these realities.

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Recommendations: 8.5

Recognizing the challenges of organizing the Caribbean American

diaspora, we propose that in order to enhance the effective implementation of Public Law 114- 291, a consultative process should be established with the Caribbean diaspora that builds on current relationships and processes in the Caribbean-American

diaspora

working

with

both

national

umbrella

organizations as well as trans-Caribbean processes such as CALA. State Department should work with Embassies directly to secure information on leaders in their communities that operate in such clusters.

It is also

recommended that members of the Caribbean diaspora be included in existing consultative or advisory processes at the federal level that would ensure institutionalization of these commitments in the long run.

8.6

A suggested consultative process for the US State Department might

include the establishment of a Standing Committee tentatively named the Consultative Committee on Caribbean Affairs (CCCA) that would participate actively in the design of the consultative process itself, which would include the formation of Working Groups on each of the five thematic issues covered here. Further, consideration needs to be given to the reality that diaspora groups are largely self- financed so financing for consultative processes would need to be identified. A public-private partnership is recommended to effect this in a way that empowers and builds capacity of the diaspora. Stakeholder consultation processes in the diaspora should follow the best practices used in the development assistance community in doing community development work.

8.7

The Consultative Committee would assist with the convening of a

mandatory public forum during Caribbean American Legislative Week in Washington DC, normally held during National Caribbean American Heritage Month. In addition, the Consultative Committee would design and undertake with State Department personnel, public consultations in locations across the U.S. each year e.g., New York, South Florida, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.

State Department should also utilize webinars and other online processes to 43

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engage the diaspora on work carried out by State, the Consultative Committee and the Working Groups to advance agreed-on agendas arising from any agreements.

Since 2017, ICS has established a set of Working Groups whose responsibility it is to maintain domain awareness of sector to which they are aligned or assigned. This process as waxed and waned according to the level of interest and ICS remains hampered by lack of funding needed to maintain a more robust engagement. Nonetheless, this approach set in motion in 2017 has added a new, proactive dynamic to Diaspora engagement not only at the Federal level but also at the state level. The Working Groups are serving as an effective way for individuals and organizations across the Diaspora to join forces and organize around key goals and projects at both state and federal level.

8.9

To further institutionalize Caribbean engagement with the U.S. State

Department and USAID, it is recommended that members of the Caribbean diaspora be integrated into the current consultative processes of the U.S. State Department.

This includes but is not limited to existing advisory councils,

committees and commissions such as: Advisory Committee on Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society; Overseas Schools Advisory Council; Overseas Security Advisory Council; and U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.

8.10

In addition, we recommend that Caribbean Americans be considered for

appointments to Boards and Commissions of other U.S. government funded organizations and agencies carrying out work relevant to the mandate of State Department and USAID such as: Woodrow Wilson Institute, Inter-American Foundation, U.S. Institute of Peace, U.S. Peace Corps, Inter-American Defense College, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce; Overseas Private Investment Corporation; the U.S. Ex-Im Bank; U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States and the Pan American Health Organization; and the U.S. Offices of the Executive Directors in both the InterAmerican Development Bank and the World Bank.

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IX.

CLOSING 9.1

A climate of mutual respect and engagement between the U.S. and the

Caribbean would contribute positively to the advancement of inclusive prosperity and economic sustainability in the Americas. The Caribbean American diaspora recognizes that the potential for such advancement will remain limited to an elite few individuals and businesses, unless policies and strategies are put in place to focus the benefits of democracy and capitalism toward the common good. The benefits of technological advances of the 21 st century and American-centered globalization must effectively serve each person’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, no matter what country they live in.

9.2

The Caribbean American diaspora believes that by involving civil society

in the process of diplomacy between the Caribbean and the USA, we promote democratic principles, inclusive political culture, and institutions that safeguard both individual civil rights and inherent freedoms and the common good, while supporting

pertinent

values

in

human

rights,

labor

standards,

and

environmental preservation. Our mutual security, both short-term and longterm, is bound up in our ability to deliver sustainable economic development and access to health and education, through diplomacy that recognizes the right of nations and peoples to chart their own destiny.

9.3

Any government by the people and for the people must include the

people and act with solidarity and insight. Free access to information will undoubtedly be the bellwether of continuing confidence by the citizens of the Americas in their respective national administrations, and such information is critical for increasing transparency and reducing corruption, especially in smaller nations.

9.4

Finally, the Caribbean American Diaspora has always supported

innovative and effective ways of deepening cooperation between the U.S. and the Caribbean region at all levels, and looks forward to offering its support and 45

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guidance to the efforts to best benefit inclusive prosperity and sustainable economic development as envisaged by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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APPENDIX I DRAFTING COMMITTEE • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ivonne Fuller Cameron Francine Hakim Campbell Dr. Karren Dunkley Dr. Michael Flanigan Kimberley Johns Williams B. Wesley Kirton Dr. Amala Luncheon Mark Milward Dr. Claire Nelson (Chair) Dr. Clovis Nelson (no relation) Herbert Nelson Jnr. (no relation) Dennis Ramdahin Dawn Stewart

This document benefitted from the advice and input of many other individuals including for example: Maxine Barnett, Caroline Henry, Claudette Powell, Dr. Dion George, Samantha Samuels, Dr. Meredith Smart, Peter Whittingham.

ABOUT ICS The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization established in 1993; dedicated to education, advocacy and action on issues that impact Caribbean-Americans and promotes the welfare of Caribbean society.

Vision: An inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Caribbean society Mission: To engage and empower Caribbean-Americans, Caribbean Nationals, and “friends of the Caribbean” to create an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society through education, thought leadership, advocacy, and programming.

ICS provides a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue; and assist in the execution of actions resulting from that dialogue. Since its inception, ICS has been at the forefront of the challenge to bring attention to issues of critical importance to the Caribbean American community, estimated at around 5 million. ICS has an important role in history as the first Caribbean-American community organization in the Washington DC area devoted to the inclusion of Caribbean-

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Americans in U.S. policy making and the economic development of the Caribbean region. Being based in Washington DC makes the ICS an ideal interlocutor, advocate and intermediary between the U.S. government, multilateral agencies, the private sector, Caribbean-American communities, and Caribbean governments.

Selected Highlights: • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

First Caribbean American Economic Conference (1994) Established Caribbean American Heritage Awards (1994) Named to US Dept. of Commerce US-Caribbean Business Council 1996) Established Annual Caribbean American Briefing on Capitol Hill (1999) First White House Briefing (1999) Convener, Commemoration of June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month (1999) Recognition US Congressional Record (2005) Successful adoption of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month (2006) National Profile Partner US Census (2009) Created Caribbean American Faith Based Advisory Council (2010) White House Champion of Change (2012) Selected as State Department Diaspora in Development Partner (2013) Funded by US Embassy in Kingston to Convene Forum on The Future of Jamaica (2015)

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ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE: The Caribbean American Leadership Alliance (CALA) is a program initiative of the ICS. CALA was the outcome of the Caribbean Vision 2020 Forum held in June 2007. The vision of ICS to create a network of no more than 150 Caribbean American leaders and influencers who would be able to collaborate at the national and international level on issues related to the well-being and welfare of Caribbean Americans, to advance a harmonized approach to advocacy on behalf of Caribbean Americans at all levels of government – local, state and national.

This approach was developed to capitalize on relationship capital and shared objectives arising from the movement to gain and sustain the commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and a Complete Caribbean Count in Census 2010.

The vision is to advance working relationships based on trust and mutual respect, which are adaptable, agile and effective in addressing the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous challenges facing Caribbean society.

Members of the CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE include, for example: NAME

ANCESTRY/NATIONALITY

STATE

Miranda Alexander

Trinidad

PA

Joseph Baptiste

Haiti

MD

Carole Boyce Davies

Trinidad

NY

Joyce Cacho

Belize

VA

Jerry Castro

Guatemala

NE

Gabriel Christian Esq.

Dominica

MD

Robert Cumberbatch

Trinidad & Tobago

AZ

Chris Daley

Jamaica

MD

Omyma David

Antigua & Barbuda

NY

Olive Ezell

St. Lucia

VA

Marva Herman

Jamaica

CA NY

Francis Joseph

Grenada

FL

LaTasha White

Jamaica

IL

Brian Wesley Kirton

Guyana

FL

Marilyn La Force

St. Lucia

LA

Ronald Lammy

Guyana

MA

Terrence Layne

Panama

TX

Paula Lockhart

St. Vincent & Grenadines

MD

Vince Liburd

St. Kitts & Nevis

MD

Courtney McFarlane

Jamaica

GA

Rev. Bertram Melbourne

Jamaica

MD

Joanna Minott

Jamaica

VA

Hon. Scherie Murray

Jamaica

NY

Terrence Layne

Panama

TX

DRAFT Herbert Nelson Jnr.

Jamaica

VA

Aubry Padmore

Barbados

GA

Mark Milward

Jamaica

CT

Dennis Ramdahin

Trinidad & Tobago

NY

Andrew Sharpe

Jamaica

MA

Cresentia Scott

Trinidad & Tobago

GA

Lorna Shelton Beck

Jamaica

SC

Sophia Chue

Jamaica

MI

Trevor Smith

Jamaica

NY

Yvette Sterling Esq.

Jamaica

NJ

Waldaba Stewart

Panama

NY

Roxanne Valies

Suriname

FL

Eric Walcott

St. Lucia

DC

Eroll Walters

Jamaica

NY

Gerald White-Davis

Jamaica

NY

Marissa Williams

Trinidad & Tobago

GA

Janice Wisdom

Jamaica

CA

DRAFT

APPENDIX II _ SECURITY ISSUES Appendix I SAMPLE Reporting/Sharing Needed: 1.

Sharing intelligence to fight Narco-trafficking 1.1.

Goals

(a) Intelligence briefings between maritime and airport agencies (JDF CG, JCF Marine Division and NIB) (b)

Regional Intel sharing between CARICOM countries

(c) Utilize Jamaica based U.S. federal law enforcement entities to gain intelligence

1.2.

Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

(a)

Improve integrity in law enforcement

(b)

Increase of drug, cash and asset seizures

(c)

Identify the significant drug traffickers

(d)

Properly vet all participants in the intelligence gathering group

(e)

Teach DARE Programs and Avoidance

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1.3.

Measurable (a) (b)

Documented narcotics arrests and court convictions

(c) ruling

Track the time in which the arrest was made and the final court

1.4. (a)

Documented narcotics seizures

Resources Needed

Air, Land, Sea Monitoring (b)

Long Range Drones

DRAFT

(c) 2.

Testing, Training and Detox

Sharing intelligence to fight Firearm Trafficking 2.1.

Goals

(a) Approach individual Police Departments in the US where Caribbean populations are highest to rally support for anti-trafficking efforts (b)

Expand outreach through Diaspora Organizations

(c)

Educate the Diaspora 2.2.

(a)

Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

Promote participation of Foreign Law ENF via Letter-writing.

(b)

Develop CIs and Centers of Influence (COI/FLE) in the Diaspora

(c)

Screen and Build Profiles of Deportees who may Present a Threat 2.3.

Measurable

(a)

Exchanges with Foreign Police Agencies

(b)

CI development

(c)

Enhanced Track and Tracing 2.4.

(a)

Resources Needed

Expand Security Officers at Embassy and Consulates

(b)

Ask for CBSI Funding Support

(c)

CARICOM Ambassadors in Town Hall Meetings

3.0 Sharing intelligence to fight Financial Crime 3.1.

Goals

(a)

Track Funding from NGOs (i.e. FIFA etc.)

(b)

Expand Crime Stoppers

(c)

Investigate Unexplained Affluence 3.2.

Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

(a)

Track and/or audit funds.

(b)

Audit Equipment provided

DRAFT

(c)

Expand Crime Stoppers 3.3.

(a)

Measurables

How many under-served areas are being served

(b)

Increased Tipoffs

(c)

Increased Citizen Audits 3.4.

Resources Needed

(a)

Youth and Truancy Police Officers

(b)

Citizen Participation

(c) Heavy Fines for Accountants and CPA firms who fail to report Income Tax Evasion

4.0 Sharing intelligence to fight Terrorism from Traffickers 4.1.

Goals

(a)

Sharing Info on Watchlists (In and Outside each Island)

(b)

Increased Rewards (Cost Benefit Analysis)

(c)

Community Action Groups 4.2.

(a)

Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

Produce Watchlists

(b)

Disseminate Actionable Info Only

(c)

Incentives for Community Action Groups 4.3.

(a)

Measurable

Community Coordination to Prevent Crimes

(b)

Crime Reduction

(c)

Increase Community Action 4.4.

(a) (b)

Resources Needed

Intel Analysts Private Sector Participation - Business House Sports Leagues

DRAFT

(c)

Consistent Education

5.0.

Sharing intelligence to fight Cyber Intrusions

5.1. (a)

Goals

Surveillance

(b)

Monitoring

(c)

Countermeasures 5.2.

(a)

Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

Request Tracking and Tracing

(b)

Maintain Database on known or suspected persons

(c)

Create Social Networks where necessary to ID Gangs

(d)

Participate in Child Labor and Sex Trafficking Cyber Programs 5.3.

(a)

Measurable

Reduction in All Attacks

(b)

Avoiding Ransomware and other malware

(c)

Avoiding insider sabotage 5.4.

(a) (b) (c)

Resources Needed

White Hat Hackers MOA/MOU with CARICOM Software and Training Coordination

6.0. Human Trafficking 6.1 Goals (a)

Monitoring of missing persons reports

(b)

Program of instruction in schools and in workplaces

(c)

Develop and implement a schools/ community SOS program 6.2 Tasks to be undertaken by stakeholders

DRAFT

(a) Provide standard reporting protocols and procedures to highlight missing persons reports (b)

Initiate investigations of missing persons within 48 hours; 24 hours for children

(c)

Establish hotspots and liaison between police and telecommunications agencies 6.3 Measurables

(a)

Achieve accuracy in reporting and coordination

(b)

Achieve higher retrieval rates

(c)

Faster Ananda reports and retrieval 6.4 Resources Needed

(a)

Develop track and trace software for missing people

(b)

Develop recruiting and training of area teams for search and rescue

DRAFT

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DRAFT