SDM 2020 Virtual Magazine - The Catalyst for a Change

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CATALYST FOR CHANGE SDM MAGAZINE SEPT 2020

IN THIS ISSUE:

3 BECOMING THE OECS 5

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT: A Catalytic Force Changing the Trajectory of Development

8 THE PROMISE OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE FORCE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT: 10 Disruption.

Innovation. Resilience. Stealth!

SPONSORED BY

IN SUPPORT OF

CONTENTS. FEATURING: Pg.

the OECS 3 Becoming Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Chairman, OECS

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Sustainable Development 5 The Movement: A Catalytic Force Changing the Trajectory of Development Dr. Didacus Jules, Director-General, OECS Commission

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Promise of a Sustainable Future 8 The Derwin Howell, Executive Director, Republic Bank Ltd.

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Force Behind the Movement: 10 The Disruption. Innovation. Resilience. Stealth!

Lisa Taylor-Stone, Movement Mastermind, OECS Commission

PLUS. 13. SDM 2020 Movers

67. SDM Pre-Summit Pictorial

21. Special Feature: The Business Model Competition

74. Our Sponsors

32. Conference Agenda and Schedule 45. SDM Speakers and Profiles

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75. Our Partners

Casual

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SDM AND BECOMING THE ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES By: Dr. Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica

throughout the year; drought alternating with flood rendering even our food security at risk. And now to compound these existential threats is the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought the entire planet to a standstill.

Throughout all of these challenges, we have demonstrated resilience: building back better, taking the bold and difficult decisions that insulated us from the worst of the pandemic.

But it is not enough to survive. The challenge is what do we need to do to thrive in this “new normal”.

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very civilization experiences the dynamic of change – and that trajectory can either be an upward march of progress or a downward spiral to decline. In Our Caribbean we have experienced these cycles of civilization – from the evolution of Amerindian civilization to the turmoil of conquest followed by the largest forced migration and enslavement of people in human history. Our contemporary Caribbean civilization still carries in its DNA the scars of history but it also embodies a long tradition of resistance and resilience. Our archipelago has been fragmented by the divisive partitioning of European colonization.

In the long march of human history, we are relatively young societies who have begun to shape their unique identity in the Post-World War II period and who are still in a state of self-definition in their becoming. The age of Independence of Caribbean nations ranges from 58 years (Jamaica) to 46 years (Grenada – the first OECS Member State to attain this status) to 37 years (St. Kitts & Nevis – the smallest Independent state – and among the best performing - in the hemisphere). Just two years prior to the Independence of St. Kitts & Nevis, that sister state hosted the meeting of Heads of Government of the Eastern Caribbean States who would be signatory to the historic Treaty of Basseterre that established the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

It is now 39 years since that historic moment and the challenges that we have faced in this period have grown exponentially. On every front we are being tested as Small Island Developing States. Climate Change has visited its most debilitating impacts on us with successive hurricanes of unprecedented magnitude and with erratic climate

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Continuing to do what we have always done in the past 39 years is neither wise nor feasible. What is clearly required is an approach that goes to the root of our challenges; reconceptualizes the nature of the problem; excavates the transformational opportunities that reside at its core and propels us with confidence, determination to act decisively.

The Sustainable Development Movement 2020 represents the starting point of that inclusive dialogue that will start this process. In the months leading up to its September summit, we have established new quality partnerships with the private sector, civil society and youth. The SDM Ambassadors have demonstrated what passion and imagination unleashed can do and we are increasingly seeing the power of ideas to seed transformation.

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BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO

SURVIVE. THE CHALLENGE IS WHAT DO WE NEED TO

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DO TO THRIVE IN THIS “NEW NORMAL”.

Although we have been forced to move to a totally virtual mode of conferencing, our Vfairs-powered platform will provide a virtual experience that has never been experienced in the Caribbean before. We welcome you to the new normal that makes it possible for truly inclusive conversations involving previously unimaginable numbers across all geographies, time zones and breaking all previous barriers of exclusion.

Together we can shape a future limited only by our imagination and only as indomitable as our determination shapes it. Welcome to SDM2020! Welcome to the Movement!

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THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT: A CATALYTIC FORCE CHANGING THE TRAJECTORY OF DEVELOPMENT By: Dr. Didacus Jules Director General - OECS Commission

that would bring all development partners and stakeholders together to examine our programming and shape consensus on the way forward. The outcomes of previously held conferences of this kind in the Caribbean have not been encouraging and have fallen far short of the expectations.

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fter three industrial revolutions the trajectory of human development has brought us to a point of deep and forced re-evaluation of our development pathway. The logic of human civilization has lost the wisdom of the Ancients and has, for some time, been out of equilibrium with Nature.

We have now arrived at a historical juncture where the contradictions of our value systems, and the disregard for ecological balance have brought us to a point of decisive choices that will determine our survivability as a species. In 2020, the double impact of climate change impacts and the signals of potential pandemics that culminated in the COVID-19 global outbreak have brought the daily rhythm of human existence to an abrupt stop.

This involuntary cessation of all economic and social activity has also necessitated an unavoidable reflection on where we have been heading and the road that we have been travelling.

Thirty-nine years ago, the Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) started a journey together that was built on the necessity of shared limitations and the aspiration of unified ambition. It was rooted in the acute awareness of the challenges of their smallness, the circumscription of their islandness, the practical advantages of their functional cooperation and a conviction of their historical destiny. Like many other intergovernmental organisations, the OECS subscribed to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and has sought by conventional means to incorporate them in the regional integration project.

For the past five years we have discussed, at the OECS Commission, the idea of a Development Partners Conference

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It was clear to us that what was needed was a disruptive approach that embraced not just traditional partners but also brought new partners to the table. We needed to think differently about the problems and act disruptively about the solutions. Continuing to do what we have done for the past 39 years at the same pace and with the same approaches would not bring us to the goal of regional integration as quickly as our rapidly evolving circumstances required – a goal whose urgency is validated by the experience of every passing year.

That is the thinking that led to the conceptualization of the Sustainable Development Movement 2020. It should not be a one-shot event but a series of interventions culminating in a mass broad based consensus of the where, the how because we already know the why. It should not start that dialogue within the old paradigms of thought but with a mindshift that moves us from our customary preoccupation with the problems to an amplified perspective of our possibilities. It should bring together a constellation of both international and Caribbean talent, thought leaders as well as movers and shakers. It should marry the fire of youth with the insight of experience; propose new solutions to old problems and be inspired by our possibilities rather than circumscribed by our limitations.

We wanted disruption and innovation; we sought inclusion and balance of gender and demographics; bridge the linguistic divide; design systems of agility and seek opportunities for acceleration. What has been the journey and its results so far?

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A MINDSHIFT THAT MOVES US FROM OUR CUSTOMARY PREOCCUPATION WITH THE PROBLEMS TO AN AMPLIFIED

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PERSPECTIVE OF OUR POSSIBILITIES.

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We appointed 21 SDM Ambassadors as the bringers of fire in their geographies. Our SDM Ambassadors were men and women from every corner of the Caribbean and its Diaspora including as far away as India. They were charged with the responsibility of organizing webinars, social media posts, spreading the message of SDM but following their particular passion to enrich the discussion 40 webinars have been held on the most diverse range of topics by the SDM Ambassadors: on fashion, design, dance and pageantry as niche service export areas for monetizing Caribbean creativity; an online music festival showcasing emergent talent from across the OECS was held.

French OECS activities on future casting the Caribbean: What would the Caribbean of tomorrow look like?

What will the consumer of tomorrow look like?

What will be the characteristics of tomorrow’s citizen?

What would be the school of tomorrow look like?

The reach of the OECS has expanded exponentially drawing participants not only from the Diaspora but from all continents and our partnerships with organizations like Island Innovation have been helpful in this regard.

When the pandemic struck, we pivoted the SDM to accommodate to this new reality. COVID-19 disrupted our plans to have the SDM 2020 culminate with a face to face convocation in St. Lucia with 700 participants and 2,500 online. We pivoted to convene the final events as online only and that disruption provided huge opportunities: Accelerated our partnerships with the private sector and considerably broadened the number and type of partnerships that we forged Raised over US$700,000 within two weeks in support of the OECS containment of COVID-19 mobilized supplies from Direct Relief and other donor sources of medical emergency supplies So the catalytic power of the SDM2020 idea has manifested itself and as we enter the closing highlights, what is the legacy

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of possibility that it unveils? The SDM2020 is not just about dialogue and the exploration of great ideas.

We expect it to be: A platform to showcase Caribbean talent and innovation A forum for mindshift: fresh thinking about old challenges and new opportunities A space for convergence A focal point for social entrepreneurship An incubator for innovative niche startups The practical outcomes for the OECS: In the immediate short term, training in digital jobs to participate in the Gig Economy The design of an entrepreneurship ecosystem that brings all stakeholders to the table and which completes the circle to ensure that we develop a culture of innovation as well as an integrated system for driving it Associated with this will be a conservatory of investors supported by an architecture of incentives and ease of doing business that will fire our struggling economies Our session on the Blue Economy for example will lead to a call for investors to align our investments in this area with the major project on Oceans Development that we are executing with help of the World Bank and other partners such as UNCTAD. The Bio-trade initiative that we are preparing with UNCTAD will seek to create sustainable and profitable sea farming of high value seafood such as sea urchins, lobster, sea conch, seamoss. The initiative will is aimed at uplifting livelihoods for coastal communities while ensuring the sustainable cultivation of these resources.

The convergence of the agenda of sustainable utilization of natural resources, creating wealth for traditional users, replenishment of wild stock, and creating new niche markets in this project is emblematic of the direction that the OECS has resolved to take.

When we ask that you Join the SDM Movement, we are therefore issuing a clarion call to all to participate in a major paradigm shift that is totally consonant with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and which is needed now more than ever in this era of COVID. We welcome all on board!

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THE PROMISE OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE By: Derwin Howell Executive Director - Republic Bank Ltd.

The Republic Group and its leadership see this Summit as a one-of-a-kind coachable moment where entrepreneurs are given a viable advantage – through teaching and learning, experience and networking, trial and error – to be in the best position to make the most of the opportunities that exist now, and those that will arise, as the Caribbean’s economies seek to rebound and reopen. This Summit has rightfully placed the spotlight on the backbone of 21st Century economy – the entrepreneur and the MSME sector – where it belongs.

Being an entrepreneur is never meant to be easy.

But it is always meant to be worth it.

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s a multinational Group, Republic Financial Holdings Limited proudly brings to bear an evolving history of working with the Caribbean’s businesses to shape economies, create growth and provide jobs, based on a fundamental understanding of what it takes for modern businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in the region. Through the years, the Group has strategically positioned its innovative product and service offerings and its attitudes to customer service, towards achieving that goal.

The Group’s aim has always been to support those brave enough to take on the challenge of running their own business.

Every entrepreneur has a dream; every dream needs action in order to succeed; and every success means that together, we are that much closer to creating a regional business culture that is robust, sustainable, profitable, and of course, inimitable.

It is with this in mind that the Group partnered with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to host the Sustainable Development Movement (SDM) 2020 Summit and the Business Model Competition. The competition will give thirty high growth potential entrepreneurs, from across the Caribbean, a priceless opportunity to take their business ownership aspirations even higher; creating the foundation for a more resilient, stable, and sustainable small business core in a time of rapid and far-reaching socio-economic change.

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CREATING THE FOUNDATION FOR A MORE RESILIENT, STABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE SMALL BUSINESS CORE IN A TIME OF RAPID AND FAR-REACHING

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGE.

The Republic Group commends the OECS, its partners and other stakeholders, and above all, the thirty courageous entrepreneurs who have taken this leap towards a journey of self-discovery, training, and development.

At the end of the day, we are all in this together. Now is the time to get involved. To work together. To #JoinTheMovement

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THE FORCE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT: DISRUPTION. INNOVATION. RESILIENCE. ACTION! By: Lisa Taylor-Stone Head, Development Cooperation Resource Mobilisation Unit OECS Commission

ourselves, but win for others – you see, this wasn’t a game of ambition, it was a move of sacrifice – the face and trajectory of development had to change. We wanted to rule our destiny by creating the future we envisioned!

The WE, the Force Behind the Movement, behind the change was the amazing team of persons who were there from inception, those who came on board during the embryonic phase and the many friends we gathered along the way who supported the vision of the OECS Commission. The WE encompass:

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

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he quotation above embodies the journey of the Sustainable Development Movement from ideation to execution to progression to watershed. We had to do something different, our lives depended on it, our families, the generations to come, our work, our communities and our audience. Upon this realization, we quickly recalibrated and shifted into Business Unusual mode where innovation became our only ally as we co-created disruptive programmes and processes that shook the core of the status quo, the mundane, the usual and the acceptable. With this fire, we proceeded to coin the Sustainable Development Movement in high anticipation of a sound proof concept that was positioned to bring together, in one space, all stakeholders (both the usual suspects and those excluded from the conversation for far too long – this was a deliberate attempt to engage the Region’s private sector!)

So, we planned, strategized and launched but with life, comes tremendous curve balls. There were the moments of fear when the dream scared all of us to the point where the WHY became a bit clouded and our groundings started to slowly disintegrate. This, being amplified by the onslaught of the novel Corona Virus pandemic as we watched the fabric of the world changed. Essentially, we were forced into a space where it was a choice to become resilient or lay and play dead – where the latter was the preferred option. Rapidly, WILL superseded fear and the #TeamOfMovers galvanized an unusual strength that made us want to, not just win for

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The OECS Commission Team who invested sweat, tears, occasional bleeding, innovation, sacrificed family, committed ghostly hours, contributed tremendous wit, strategized plans A all the way to Z, they stood, they were resolute, they decided to win even in the midst of uncertainty and great fear: they did it afraid. And by doing so, took the power from fear! Honourable mention is made of the following employees (the Grave Yard Shift Team!) who went above and beyond the call of duty, Suean Benoire, Delores Francis, Nadege Jn Baptiste, Yashid Charles, Alisha Ally, Stefan Paul, Agatha Charles, Patricia-Ann Wardrope, Ricardo James, Kwesi Roberts and Dr. Didacus Jules.

The private sector who committed time, resources and effort – they believed the dream and bought into the vision. At this point, I pause to recognize the unusual contribution of the Republic Bank Ltd Team. This team is an unusual partner, they weren’t only Lead and Title Sponsors but they were present. They were present in the strategies; they were involved at every step of the journey. What an amazing Caribbean company? The epitome of great business ethos! They moved in symphony to the music of innovation, action and resilience. We gathered partners and supporters from all over the world who were instrumental in the pre-Summit build up to the SDM. Honourable mention must be made of the following leaders who committed to our vision: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Minister Denise Charles, Michelle Keizer-Palmer, Karen McSween, Alvin Day, Ken Wright,

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Sade Jemmott, Chris Gillet, Jennifer Mullen, Marsha Lewis, Doymond John’s Team, Jon Talarico, Les Brown, Ian Blanchard, Gale Jean Baptiste, Jessica Meade, Chinedu Echeruo, Paul Ahlstrom, Audrey Richards, Siobhan James-Alexander, Jamisha Wright, Sariah Best-Joseph, Martin Dorville and others too numerous to list.

Then there was The Fight Against COVID 19 – Engaging the Region’s Private Sector within the context of the SDM! In 14 days, the OECS Commission mobilized over USD 700,000 from the private Sector in the Eastern Caribbean towards the COVID-19 response from partners signed at a Partnership Breakfast hosted on March 2020. These partners included: The Republic Bank Ltd, Digicel (St. Lucia), Massy Stores (St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines), LUCELEC, Bank of St. Lucia, Phillip Morris International and Direct Relief.

The execution of SDM 2020 is the living manifestation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals; it was built on public-private partnerships and fed by the voracious appetites of those who wanted change and change that is fired by innovation. We are the OECS, we are the Caribbean, we are Small Island Development States, we are Global citizens who choose to engage the rest of the world.

We are: wired to win, created to impact, mantled to be great and destined to create the future we want.

The SDM Ambassadors, 21 leaders from 14 countries around the world lit some amazing fires that got communities, nations and regions to rethink sustainable development. Some of our most active Ambassadors include Ambassador Stevan Lynn (USA), Ambassador Tahira Banks (Anguilla), Ambassador Rebecca Finlason-Harper (Canada), Ambassador Myriam (Guadeloupe), Ambassdor Victoria Elizabeth (Martinique), Ambassador Tesea Bennet (Jamaica), Ambassador Alberta Richelieu (St. James), Ambassador Louise Victor (St. Lucia) and Ambassador James Adjodha (St. Lucia).

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THE WE, THE FORCE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT, BEHIND THE CHANGE WAS THE AMAZING TEAM OF PERSONS WHO WERE THERE FROM

This is the force behind the movement! #JoinTheMovement

INCEPTION, THOSE WHO CAME ON BOARD DURING THE EMBRYONIC

Lisa Taylor-Stone, Summit Mastermind

PHASE AND THE MANY FRIENDS WE GATHERED ALONG THE WAY WHO SUPPORTED THE VISION OF THE OECS COMMISSION.

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SDM 2020 TEAM From Top Left: Jamica Francis- Telemarketer, Zaria Gideon - Telemarketer, Suean Benoire - Graphic Artist, Lisa Taylor-Stone - Head, DCRM Rochelle Emmanuel - Telemarketer | From Bottom Left: Patricia-Ann Wardrope - Programme Assistant, Timara Tate - Telemarketer, Luane Gregg - Telemarketer, Agatha Charles - Intern, Nadege Jn. Baptiste - Programme Officer

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BUSINESS MODEL COMPETITION SPECIAL FEATURE

DAYMOND JOHN Star of ABC’s Shark Tank & CEO of the Shark Group

UNFOLDING OF THE REGION’S MOST INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS: THE TOP 30 21

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CONFERENCE AGENDA AND SCHEDULE OPENING CEREMONY

SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 10:00 AM

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director of the OECS

Mr. Derwin Howell, Executive Director of Republic Bank

Dr. Frank Rijsberman,Director General, The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Mr. Tevin Shepherd, Education Development Management Unit of the OECS

Mrs. Onel Sanford-Belle, Producer and Managing Director – ElShaford Productions

Join us for the unveiling of the OECS Commission's rich 39-year history demonstrating the indomitable impact of growing the Eastern Caribbean through partnerships, innovation and strategic recalibration.

This session will expose delegates to the key challenges to sustainable development, the enabling environment that needs to be created and the key innovations that need to be unearthed and implemented in order to achieve sustainable development.

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BLUE ECONOMY INVESTORS’ ROUND TABLE

2:00 PM

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director of the OECS

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Mr. Chamberlain Emmanuel, Head – Environmental Sustainability Cluster at the OECS

Hon. Simon Stiell, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Disaster Management and Information - Grenada (Moderator)

This side event will take a deep dive into composition and value of the Blue Economy, investment opportunities that exist in the Eastern Caribbean, investment projects that are underway, presentation of a Bank of Projects for which investment is being sought and a call to action from investors.

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CONFERENCE AGENDA AND SCHEDULE DAY ONE

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 9:10 AM

Getting Started Mr. Tevin Shepherd, Programme Officer of the OECS (Host)

Mrs. Onel Sanford-Belle, Producer and Managing Director – ElShaford Productions

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

9:45 AM

Unlocking the Potential for Sustainable Energy on SIDS Mr. Francesco La Camera Director-General – International Renewable Energy Agency Dr. Cletus Bertin (Moderator)

9:45 AM

Restoring Broken Dreams: Investing in Juvenile Justice Sector Reform Mrs. Jacqueline Sealy-Burke, Legal Consultant OECS Commission and UNICEF Mr. Tyrone Buckmire, Director of Legal Aid and Counseling Clinic

Ms. Anya Edwin, Resource Mobilization Officer, St Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) Dr. Grace-Ann Cornwall, Head - Social Development Unit of the OECS (Moderator) C

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 9:45 AM

The Dawning of Blue Era: Harnessing the Potential of the Oceans Ms. Tahseen Sayed, Country Director for LAC – World Bank Group

Dr. Valerie Hickey, Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. David Robin, Oceans Governance & Fisheries Coordinator of the OECS (Moderator)

9:45 AM

Innovation in Education: The use of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Classroom Instruction Mrs. Melanie Harwood – CEO – eduCCate Global Innovation in Education

Mrs. Sisera Simon - Head, Education Management Unit of the OECS

Mr. Rafer Gordon, Education Specialist of the OECS

Rhea Yaw Ching (Moderator)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS 11:30 AM

Building Resilience in the Caribbean Coastal Transport Infrastructure in a Warming World.

Mr. Willard Phillips, Economic Affairs Officer - UN Economic Commission for Latina America and the Caribbean Mr. Crispin D'Auvergne, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management Coordinator, of the OECS (Moderator)

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2:00 PM

Platforms and Ecosystems: Enabling the Digital Economy Peter Ib, CEO – Blue Town

Mr. Bevil Wooding, Director of Caribbean Affairs, American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN)

2:00 PM

Business unusual: The New Approach to resource Mobilisation in the Face of declining Development Assistance in the Region Dr Didacus Jules, Director of the OECS Mrs. Lisa Taylor Stone, Head-Development Cooperation Resource Mobilisation Unit of the OECS (Moderator)

2:00 PM

The Power of The Economic union in Handling the Fury Unleashed by Covid-19: The Case of the OECs Procurement and Supply Chain Dr. Carlene Radix – Head, Health of the OECS Abraham Weekes – Officer in Charge, Pool Procurement Services (PPS) the OECS Ms. Lydia Atkins, Programme Officer, Health of the OECS (Moderator)

2:00 PM

Transitioning to E-mobility: Considerations for Policy, Practice and the Regulatory Environment Ms. Judith Ephraim, Programme Coordinator of the OECS

David Bristol, CEO- Gearing Up Ltd

Dr. Curtis Boodoo Assistant Professor in the Utilities Engineering Unit at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Mr. Martyn Forde (Moderator)

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 11:30 AM

Financing the Green-Blue Economies: Financial Initiatives to Promote Inclusive Green Growth and the Blue Economy Dr. Gillian Marcelle, Managing Member Resilience Capital Ventures LLC

Mrs. Susanna DeBeauville-Scott, Project Manager, Ocean Governance and Fisheries Programme, of the OECS (Moderator)

11:30 AM

Resource Sustainability: Transitioning to a Circular Economy, Impact for Actioning SDG12 Ms. Jonelle Rene Jones, CEO-NRM Solutions & Consultant, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Mr. Chamberlain Emmanuel, Head - Environmental Sustainability Cluster of the OECS (Moderator)

11:30 AM

Investing in Human Capital and Creating an Unmatched Skills Ecosystem is the Business Decision of the Century Ms. Gale Jean Baptiste, Head- Human Resource Unit of the OECS

Ms. Marsha Lewis, Managing Director, LCI Management

Ms. Desrine McFarlane (Moderator)

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3:15 PM

Food Opportunities in Regenerative Culture Mr. Peter Ivey, President – Reggae Chefs, Serial Entrepreneur & Thought Leader Daphne Ewing-Chow (Moderator)

3:15 PM

3:15 PM

Smarter, Smart Phone Photography by Kirk Elliott Mr. Kirk Elliott, Founder & CEO, St Lucia Photo Tours

Building world-class brands that are viable for global markets Ms. Hanna Fitz, International Brand Strategist and Business Coach Mr. Simone Walker (Moderator)

4:30 PM

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION WHAT IF I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO FEAR? SHIFTING THE NEEDLE FROM THE REALM OF LIMITATION TO THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY

Mr. Les Brown, World-Renowned Motivational Speaker

Ms. Marsha Lewis, LCI Inc.

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CONFERENCE AGENDA AND SCHEDULE DAY TWO

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 8:30 AM

Fire-Side Chat with Paul Ahlstrom Tevin Shepherd, Education Development Management Unit of the OECS (Host)

Onell Sandford-Belle (Host)

Mr. Paul Ahlstrom, Managing Director and co-founder of Alta Ventures and Alta Growth Capital

9:00 AM

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

The Chronicles of Chinedu Echeruo: How to Bring Idea to Life Mr. Chinedu Echeruo, Serial Entrepreneur & Co-Founder – The Love and Magic Company

10:15 AM

Igniting the Fire for Economic Development: Strengthening the Business Development and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Across the Eastern Caribbean Dr. Sylvia Dohnert, Executive Director – Compete Caribbean

Mrs. Jacqueline Emmanuel -Flood, Director- Economic Affairs and regional Integration Division of the OECS

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Mr. Johanan Dujon, CEO- Algas Organics

Mr. Tarlie Francis, Senior Operations manager- Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange

Mr. Derwin Howell, CEO – Republic Bank

Mrs. Michelle Stephen-Jules (Moderator)

11:30 AM

Sidebar : Built not Bought: Health, Fitness and Exercise The Chronicles of Chinedu Echeruo: How to Bring Idea to Life

Mr. Andrew Felix, President, Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association

12:15 AM

The Emergence of Social Enterprises:The Hybird Aproach for Attaining Sustainable Development Mr. James Ellsmore – Director, Island Innovation Mrs. Jacqueline Coke Lloyd (Moderator)

12:15 AM

The Industries of the Future and Private Sector Repositioning Mr. Mark Tracey, Group Market Risk Manager The JMMB Group

Mr. Bevil Wooding, Director of Caribbean Affairs, American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN) Mr. Khalil Bryan, Co-founder of Caribbean Transit Solutions

Mr. Floris Vermeulen, Representative, Southern & Eastern Caribbean European Investment Bank (Moderator)

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 12:15 AM

The Million in You:The Blueprint for deepening connections and transforming your networth Jon Talarico, CEO- Empire Media Group Ms. Tahira Carter, Senior Communications Specialist of the OECS (Moderator)

1:20 PM

2:15 PM

Lunch Break & Entertainment Break: 'Pan It Up!' performance

by Chazzi Desriviére

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Becoming the World's Best Stock Market: Jamaica's Story Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSEt) Mr. Wayne Beecher (Moderator)

3:00 PM

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Daymond John: His Journey, His Wins, His Losses, His Success Habits Daymond John Star of ABC’s Shark Tank and CEO: The Shark Group

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3:30 PM

SDM BUSINESS MODEL COMPETITION PITCH ROOM Hosted by Daymond John Daymond John Star of ABC’s Shark Tank and CEO: The Shark Group

Paul Ahlstrom, Managing Director and co-founder of Alta Ventures and Alta Growth Capital Gabriel Abed Founder of Bitt Inc. and Digital Asset Fund,

Valerie Veira, Jamaica Business Development Corporation

Marsha Lewis, LCI Inc. 170 Entrepreneurs from through the Caribbean applied for the OECS Republic Bank Business Model Competition, 30 were shortlisted and 8 pitched their way to the big moment; where the People's Shark and Star of ABC Shark Tank, Daymond John - will host the ultimate; the grande finale of the competition. Don't miss this nail-biting finish as the Caribbean's best and most dynamic high-growth potential entrepreneurs face off in the Pitch Room of the decade.

5:00 PM

Pulling Down the Curtains

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SDM 2020 SPEAKERS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

looking to expand opportunity. For three decades he has not only studied the science of achievement, he’s mastered it by interviewing hundreds of successful business leaders and collaborating with them in the boardroom translating theory into bottom-line results for his clients. As a premier Keynote Speaker, with a social media viewership of over 10 million and leading authority on achievement for audiences as large as 80,000—Les

DAYMOND JOHN

Brown energizes people to meet the challenges of the world around

Star of ABC’s Shark Tank and CEO: The Shark Group

aymond John has come a long way from turning a $40 budget D into FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer. Throughout his

them. He skillfully weaves his compelling life story into the fabric of our daily lives. The thread is forever strengthened, touting why you can’t afford to be complacent and to aim high, achieve and actively

career, Daymond has continued to be an entrepreneur in every

make an impact on the world. Addressing audiences from Denmark

sense of the word. He is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry

to Dubai, Canada to the Caribbean, Les Brown is invited back again

but a Shark on the 4-time Emmy Award winning Shark Tank, a

and again for his powerful message and the ability to connect deeply

New York Times best-selling author, branding guru, and highly

with

sought-after motivational speaker.

straight-from-the-heart, passion and high-energy, motivates

people

from

all

walks

of

life.

Les

Brown’s

audiences to step beyond their limitations and into their greatness in many ways. Revered as an icon by his colleagues, Brown received the National Speakers Association coveted Council of Peers Award of Excellence (CPAE), and ultimately, its most prestigious Golden Gavel Award for achievement and leadership in communication.

LES BROWN

Toastmasters International also voted him one of the Top Five

World Renowned Motivational Speaker

Outstanding Speakers. Worldwide, legions of followers flock to

s one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers, A Les Brown is a dynamic personality and highly-sought-after

stadiums and arenas to hear a man who never stops believing that

resource in business and professional circles for Fortune 500

desire in life.

with proper guidance and training you can achieve anything you

CEOs, small business owners, non-profit and community leaders from all sectors of society

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MARLENE STREET-FORREST

MELANIE HARWOOD CEO - eduCCate Global

Managing Director - The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE)

arlene Street Forrest is the Managing Director of the Jamaica elanie is an education entrepreneur and self-styled M M Stock Exchange (JSE) and Director of both its subsidiaries. It is under disruptor based in England. As the Co-Founder and CEO of her stewardship that the JSE became demutualized and the US

eduCCate Global a not-for-profit organization- she has partnered

Denominated Market and Junior Market were launched. In 2016, Mrs.

with the United Nations (UNITAR) to educate teachers and in

Street Forest received the honour of the Order of Distinction in the

turn-the next generation, about climate change and

Rank of Commander (CD) for her outstanding leadership in the

sustainability. Her unorthodox approach ultimately aims to

growth of the Jamaica Stock Exchange. In that same year, she also

create an army of Greta Thunbergs, via the thinking that

received the Afro global Excellence Award for Global Impact from

"teachers don't just teach children, they teach entire

Canada for exhibiting great leadership, vision, integrity and

communities".The eduCCate Global Climate Change Teacher

commitment to excellence. In addition to her extensive repertoire of

Course, accredited by the UN, is working to put a climate-change

senior management to her positions held at varying private and

teacher in every classroom and in every school across the world.

public sector organizations-both internationally and in Jamaica, Mrs.

eduCCate Global's cross-curricular lessons touch-on every

Street Forrest serves as a Justice of the Peace and Director for the

aspect of climate change: climate science, gender and

Good Samaritan Inn, which is a Christian outreach aimed at uplifting

environment; the link between climate change and cities; law

the poor and marginalized. In 2017 she was nominated for the

and children; health, sustainable diet and climate change;

Jamaica Observer Business Leader Award and recently received the

climate change adaptation and mitigation; and sustainability and

Rotary Club of Kingston East and Port Royal Vocational Services

the green economy. Melanie's mission is to deliver the future

Award Mrs. Street Forrest holds a B.Sc. in Management Studies from

leaders our planet desperately needs - now!

the University of the West Indies, and an M.B.A. in Business Administration from Barry University in Florida.

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as other publications on public sector reform, organizational transformation and cultural studies.

H.E. DR. DIDACUS JULES Director General - OECS Commission

r. Jules has been the Director General,for the Organization of D Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) since May 2014. In this In this capacity he is responsible for driving the regional integration thrust towards a single economic and social space involving ten Eastern Caribbean States. Dr. Jules has contributed extensively to education, social policy and organizational transformation both regionally and internationally. He served as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Examinations Council (2008-2014); Vice President of Human Resources at Cable and Wireless, St. Lucia (2005-2008); Permanent Secretary for Education & Human Resource Development, St. Lucia (1997-2008); and Permanent Secretary for Education and Chief Education Officer in revolutionary, Grenada from 1981-1983. He has also provided consultancy services to national governments and regional and international organizations in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and North America. Dr. Jules chaired the World Bank’s Vision 2020 Committee on Education in the Caribbean and has served on many private sector, educational and philanthropic boards. He holds a BA (hons) from the University of the West

CHINEDU ECHERUO Serial Entrepreneur & Founder -Hopspot.com, Tripology. com and Co-Founder of Love & Magic Co.

Echeruo is a serial entrepreneur who has dared to Cinventhineduthe future.

In 2005, he founded HopStop, the pioneering travel app that helped millions of users navigate public transportation in major metropolitan areas around the world. He later traded the app with Apple and went on to drum-up other innovations. He is now the co-founder of the Love & Magic Company, a tech-forward, inclusive-innovation consultancy, focused on transforming start-ups and corporations alike into what they call "Beloved" organizations. Chinedu believes that individuals, empowered by imagination and information, can solve virtually any problem. Chinedu has been featured on global media platforms including Bloomberg, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNBC and more. He holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an Honorary B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Syracuse University.

Indies Cave Hill; a MSc in Curriculum & Instruction and a PhD in Educational Policy and Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; as well as anMBA from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill. Dr. Jules has authored numerous articles on educational policy, educational reform and adult education in the Caribbean and in small island states,as well

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EVENT SPEAKERS circular economy, he led the Italian delegation to UNFCCC’s COP 21 to 24 and the EU Presidency at COP 20. He was responsible for the preparation and organisation of Italy’s G7 Environment Presidency in 2017. He was a leading member of the Italian delegation to the G7 Environment Ministers meetings in 2016 and 2018. He served as

FRANCESCO LA CAMERA Director General International Renewable Energy Agency

co-chair of the Africa Centre for Climate and Sustainable

rancesco La Camera is the Director-General of the FInternational Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). He was

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Development established in Rome in partnership with FAO and UNDP and co-chaired the Financial Platform for Climate and

appointed at the Ninth Assembly of IRENA, the ultimate

Sustainable Development in partnership with the Italian

decision-making body of the Agency. Mr. La Camera took office

Development Bank Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. He has also

on 4 April 2019 and brings more than thirty years of experience in

coordinated a number of national strategies including on

the fields of climate, sustainability, and international

sustainable development, green finance and fossil fuel subsides

cooperation. In his role, Mr. La Camera is responsible for leading

among other things. Mr. La Camera led the support provided by

the delivery of IRENA’s work programme and strategy in

Italy to several renewable energy initiatives such as the Initiative

cooperation with the Agency’s member states. At a critical time

for Renewable Island Energy (IRIE) and the Global Geothermal

for climate change and the achievement of the Sustainable

Alliance (GGA), coordinated by the International Renewable Energy

Development Goals, Mr. La Camera is tasked with redefining the

Agency (IRENA). Mr. La Camera spearheaded international

structure and operations of the Agency in response to the urgent

cooperation on issues related to climate change and the

needs of its members. Under his leadership the Agency has

environment. He played a key role in developing initiatives

forged a series of new strategic partnerships with UN

between Italy and multilateral organisations such as the World

organisations including UNDP, UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund

Bank, the African Development Bank, UNEP, UNDP and FAO, to

among others. A key priority of his tenure is to implement a more

implement the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development

action-oriented

work.

Goals. He chaired the meetings of the Signatories to the Aarhus

Previously, Mr. La Camera served as Director-General of

Convention led by the United Nations Economic Commission for

Sustainable Development, Environmental Damage, EU and

Europe (UN-ECE) and chaired the advisory board for the

International Affairs at the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land &

Convention’s implementation. Author of many publications, Mr. La

Sea since 2014. In this capacity, he developed cooperation and

Camera was a Lecturer of Sustainable Development at the

partnership agreements with a wide range of countries,

University of Cosenza and of Environment & Land Economics at the

particularly developing countries including Small Island

University of Roma 3. He began his career as an economic analyst

Developing States (SIDS). Mr. La Camera held number of roles at

at the Italian Ministry of Budget and Planning. Mr. La Camera is a

the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea. As the national

national of Italy, and graduate of the University of Messina in

coordinator for climate, environment, resource efficiency and

Political Sciences (Economic Policy major).

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Middle East & Africa and the Americas-she brings a wealth of experience and partnership to how she shapes organisations to meet the changing needs of their businesses. She has held key leadership positions for global brands such as BP Oil, Yahoo! and TAHSEEN SAYED Country Director for Caribbean Countries, Latin America and Caribbean

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as well as SME’s, where she supported organisation growth through robust Human

ahseen Sayed is the World Bank Country Director for TCaribbean countries. Ms. Sayed, a Pakistani national, is

Resource plans and horizon three thinking. She has spearheaded

responsible for maintaining a solid partnership with the countries

significant change within multi-faceted corporations. Passionate

to address their development and financial challenges. Prior to

about HR, Gale believes the success of any organisation is

this, she has served in management positions in Europe and

dependent on its knowledge base, talent, agility and its openness

Central Asia Region, and the South Asia Region of the World Bank.

to new ways of thinking and executing. Critical, she believes, is

Ms. Sayed is a seasoned development professional with over 20

the passion, skill and behaviours of its Leaders. With that in mind,

years of operational and leadership experience at the World

she focuses on executive coaching and leadership

Bank. She has a deep knowledge of Bank policies and

development to transition Leadership Teams from delivering

instruments, country programs and a track record of strong

good results to delivering exceptional results. Gale obtained a

delivery and innovation. She has demonstrated skills in client

fellowship to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development in

engagement and fostering partnerships. Her pre-Bank

2005 and holds a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resources.

major HR initiatives and has been at the forefront of driving

experience includes assignments in North America and the Middle East Region. She holds a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy specializing in Development Studies from the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA. VALERIE VEIRA, Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation

s. Valerie Veira, Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica M Business Development Corporation has over thirty-one (31) years’ experience in industrial development, and has led a GALE JEAN BAPTISTE Head of HR - OECS Commission & Former Head of Human Resources- Yahoo (Middle East and Africa)

ale Jean-Baptiste is a strategic, commercially driven, senior G HR leader with over 20 years of HR experience. Having supported global organisations and leaders across three continents-Europe,

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number of industry development programme funded by International Agencies. She has been instrumental in leading two major projects for designing and establishing two government limited liability companies, that provide support to the Micro Small

and

Medium

Enterprises

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(MSME’s).

Ms. Veira has led various teams in negotiating technical

She later moved to Milan, Italy where she consulted for Italian

assistance for Jamaica with a number of international

luxury brands. Hanna Fitz has consulted and coached a number

organizations. These include the United Nations Development

of international award-winning brands globally and was hired by

Organization (UNIDO), Canadian Industrial Development Agency

a Canadian funded organization in the Caribbean to rebrand a

(CIDA), United States Agency for International Development

historic town. She has been featured on major international

(U.S.AID) and Commonwealth Secretariat. She is a part-time

media such as the Huffington Post, WhereMilan and Goalcast; and

Senior Lecturer in the Management Studies Dept. at the

is the author of the Amazon bestselling book-I AM THE

University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, where she prepares

GATEKEEPER: 101 Daily Keys to Unlock Your Happiness, Overcome

students to participate effectively in the business sector as

Adversity and Fulfill Your Purpose. The book is a motivational

entrepreneurs. She is the former Chairman of the Board of the

daily guide on owning your personal power and living your best

Devon House Development Company Ltd. and has served as a

life now. She has a first-class honors degree in Corporate

Director on the following Boards; National Youth Service, Museum

Management from Anglia Ruskin University (UK), and a LL.M in

of History & Ethnography (Institute of Jamaica), Churches

International Commercial Law from Northumbria University (UK).

Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., Centre for the Development of

She is also a Certified Project Manager among other accolades in

Enterprise- Belgium and the Jamaica Productivity Centre.

Managing Luxury Brands and Life Coaching.

Valerie Veira is a trained communicator with strong organizational and negotiating skills. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (General) from the University of the West Indies, Mona, a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree (MPA) from Harvard University. Valerie Veira is also a Justice of

TYRONE BUCKMIRE Director of Legal Aid and Counseling Clinic

the Peace (J.P).

Buckmire has been in the social work fraternity for the Tpastyrone 32 years, during which time he has served in a number of different capacities, both in his native Grenada and elsewhere. He is currently the Director of Legal Aid and Counseling Clinic.

HANNA FITZ International Brand Strategist & Business Coach

anna Fitz is the founder of Brand Atelier at Hannafitz.com H and is an international brand strategist and business coach. She

In addition to his social justice work, Mr. Buckmire is also the founder of Grenada Fund for Conservation, Inc., a non-governmental organization currently leading the field in

helps celebrities, service-based experts, and entrepreneurs

advocacy and implementation of conservation and environmental

create world-class brands to live a life that is styled for freedom.

protection

Hanna Fitz started her career as a new product development and

Mr. Buckmire has trained extensively in relevant regional and

product management officer for a major financial group of

international settings, with internships in the US, UK, Canada,

companies in the Eastern Caribbean on the island of Saint Lucia.

Europe, Africa and Asia.

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PETER IB

JACQUELINE EMMANUEL-FLOOD Director of Economic Affairs and Regional Integration- OECS Commission

CEO: Blue Town & Former CEO: Nokia Denmark

Emmanuel-Flood continues her more than twenty Jyearsacqueline of servitude and investment towards the development of

Ib is the CEO of BLUETOWN, a global Internet and content Pserviceeterprovider.

The company is mandated to make modern

the business and trade landscape in Saint Lucia. She is an expert

connectivity accessible and affordable for everyone, by

in Development Planning and Project Development, Investment

combining new business models and innovative technology.

Analysis and Finance, and Trade Promotion. Jacqueline is

Peter Ib is the former Managing Director of NOKIA Denmark and

currently on the Board of Directors for the CARICOM

has 20 plus years of experience in business strategy creation

Development Fund and also serves as the Director of Economic

and execution; project and programme management, team

Affairs and Regional Integration at the Organization of Eastern

leadership and change management , as well as significant

Caribbean States (OECS) Commission. She also did a stint as

international experience. programs

Head of the Competitive Business Unit within the OECS, and Trade Policy Facilitator at the OECS Secretariat. In her former role as Director of the Office of the Private Sector Relations (OPSR), she spearheaded St. Lucia’s National Export Development Strategy. To add to her exemplary track record of leading roles, Jacqueline acted in the capacity of Executive Director for the St

JAMES ELLSMOOR Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur & Founder: Island Innovation

Manager at the National Development Corporation; Senior

ounder of Solar Head of State and Island Innovation, James FEllsmoor has focused his career on empowering island

Economist at the Ministry of Planning, Establishment and

communities with renewable energy and sustainable

Training; and part-time Lecturer in Business Administration for

development. He was recognized by Forbes magazine as a "30

the University of the West Indies Distant Learning Programme.

under 30"honouree in the energy sector. Island Innovation is a

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University

digital communications agency specialising in remote working

of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Barbados, and a master’s

and sustainable development. The company brings together the

degree in Project Analysis, Finance and Investment from the

private sector, government, NGOs and academia to advance

University of York, in the United Kingdom.

innovation for sustainability in island communities worldwide. In

Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture; General

2019, Island Innovations hosted the first-ever Virtual Island Summit in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

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DR. GILLIAN MARCELLE

CHAMBERLAIN EMMANUEL

Managing Member Resilience Capital Ventures LLC

Head of Environmental Sustainability Cluster- OECS Commission

hamberlain Emmanuel is Head of the Environmental CSustainability Cluster (ESC) at the Organization of Eastern

r. Gillian Marcelle is a senior leader in economic development D and international business with a proven track record in

Caribbean States (OECS ) Commission, headquartered in Saint

attracting investment to emerging markets. She is currently the

Lucia. His portfolio includes oversight of programmes and

managing member of the Resilience Capital Ventures LLC and has

projects, spanning: Climate Change and Disaster Resilience;

been successful in capital raising, deal origination and guiding

Biodiversity and Ecosystems; Land and Water Resources; Ocean

the business activities of commercial start-ups and social

Governance and Fisheries; Sustainable Energy; and Waste and

ventures. Her geographies of focus include the Caribbean, where

Pollution Management. His tenure at the OECS commenced in

she serves as Senior Advisor to MPC Renewable Energies GmbH;

February 2010, after his immediate transition from service to the

and in Sub-Saharan Africa, serving as a non-Executive Director of

Government of Saint Lucia. As a Civil Engineer, Project

Tafari Capital Pty Limited, which is an innovative fintech start-up

Management Professional and Leader, with approximately

in Joburg. Her finance background includes development finance

20-years of practical experience, Chamberlain has acquired and

with the International Finance Corporation, as well as equities

demonstrated

and

and capital markets with JP Morgan Chase. Gillian has also

development projects and programmes funded by several

advised the United Nations on impact investment and innovation

diverse international development and funding partners.

for the benefit of the global South. She has two degrees in

Chamberlain holds a Degree in Civil Engineering from the

Economics from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine;

University of the West Indies, St. Augustin, Trinidad; a Diploma

and the Kiel Institute of World Economics, Germany; an MBA with

in Development and Project Planning from the University of

a specialization in high technology management from the George

Bradford, in the United Kingdom; Executive Certificate in

Washington University and a doctorate in innovation policy from

Innovation and

(H.E.C. Paris); and

the Science and Technology Policy Research Unit, SPRU,

myriad of professional development

University of Sussex. Gillian is also an affiliated researcher at the

successes

Disaster

Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT, Cambridge MA,

Resilience,Procurement, Project Management and Leadership.

working on public policy issues relating to the low-carbon

He is a youth empowerment and motivational speaker and also

transition.

an

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SYLVIA DONHERT

MARSHA LEWIS Managing Director- LCI Management Consultants

Executive Director - Compete Caribbean

arsha is a Human Resources (HR) and Organizational M Behaviour Professional, with over 22 years of experience in

r. Sylvia Dohnert is a Private Sector Lead Specialist at D the Competitiveness,Technology and Innovation Division of the

Human Capital Management for large corporate companies,

Inter-American Development Bank and Compete Caribbean

utilities, government agencies, academic institutions and councils

Executive Director since November 2012. The Compete

and financial institutions. She has a deep knowledge of

Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF) is a multi-donor facility of

behavioural development, human resource processes and

US$22.5 million in support of the development of business

policies, incentive schemes, compensation and benefits,

climate reforms, cluster initiatives; and technology adoption and

training and professional development, recruitment and selection

innovation in the private sector across the Caribbean. The

and change management. Marsha has worked intimately on

objective

Human Capital Development projects for over 20 Small Island

increasing productivity within organizations. The CCPF is the

Developing States and more recently ventured on to Nigeria and

second phase of the Compete Caribbean program, which Sylvia

Zambia. Her expansive work especially in the Caribbean has built

led between 2012 and 2017. Prior to her assignments in the

core understanding of the unique environment, its business and

Caribbean, Sylvia worked as a researcher and private sector

cultural context and the nuances of the different Caribbean

development consultant across

countries. She has successfully facilitated numerous retreats,

created,and over four years led an economic development

workshops and conferences where she led participants to create

agency in the third largest municipality in Venezuela. Sylvia has

and action strategic plans to invest in,and lead their human

done extensive research on industrial policy and is an editor of

capital resources, through development and empowerment

the recently published monograph: “Exploring firm-level

strategies. In 2019, Marsha moderated the Annual Coordination

productivity and innovation in developing countries: The

Meeting for the Multi-Country Sustainable Development for the

perspective of Caribbean Small States”. Dr. Dohnert holds a Ph.D.

United Nations. She has also facilitated strategy workshops for

in Economic Development and Regional Planning from the

the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in several Caribbean

Massachusetts

is

to

stimulate

Institute

economic

growth

Latin America. She also

of

Technology

countries and Washington D.C., with a focus on creating and sustaining team engagement and enriching people’s talent and skills

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development

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(MIT).

TARLIE FRANCIS Senior Manager of Operations- Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange

JOLELLE RENE JONES CEO - NRM Solutions & Consultant: I nternational Institute from Sustainable Development

Francis is a financial services professional, skilled in Tcapitalarliemarket and enterprise financing issues in the Eastern

René Jones is the CEO of NRM Solutions and a Consultant Jforonelle the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD),

Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). His passion is helping

based in Canada; adding to her longstanding contribution of over

institutions and individuals to implement processes and methods

14 years to the field of environment, development and circular

for investment, financial and money management decision

economy. Academically trained in Trinidad and Tobago and

making. As Senior Manager of the Operations Division at the

Europe, Jhonelle integrates theory and practice from the

Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) for the past 11

developed and developing worlds and applies the best-in-class

years, Francis is one of ECCU’s leading experts on securities

knowledge and information towards planning for and solving

business – stocks and bonds - from the regulatory and

critical issues facing environmental management practitioners

operational perspectives. He previously worked several years as

and the sustainable development agenda. A sharp expert in the

a certified licensed broker-dealer, involved in successful private

development and management of technical and capacity

placements that raised over EC$2 billion in the project and

development programmes, Jonelle has a firm handle on

corporate funding. He carved a remarkable career on the

international policy, in her field. As a long-serving project and

Regional Government Securities Market and in the primary and

programme manager, Jonelle worked on a vast catalog of regional

secondary segments of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market.

and international projects, managing activities related to

He holds an honorary law degree, and a post-graduate Diploma in

recycling and waste management; e-waste and electronic

Financial Policy, both from the University of London; and an MSc

equipment (WEEE); and hazardous chemicals and pesticides

Licentiate in Social Sciences, with proficiency in Economics, from

management for several entities, including the United Nations

the University of Havana and the Fellow of the Institute of

Industrial Development Organization; Food and Agriculture

Canadian Bankers. He is also a Deacon and integrates this

Organization of the United Nations; Basel Convention Regional

vocation with financial training and advocacy workshops;he has

Centre for the Caribbean; CARICOM; and the Minamata

published two e-books on stress management tips for

Conventions. Jonelle also works to implement civil society

employees.

initiatives in her home Country-Trinidad and Tobago-to support the environment and society pillars of sustainable development.

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ABRAHAM WEEKES Senior Technical Specialist, OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement System

ANDREW © FELIX©ANTOINE President, Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association

braham S. Weekes’ substantive role is the Senior Technical A Specialist Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

‘Felix’ Antoine, became a board member of Sthe inceSaint2017,LuciaAndrewDiabetic Hypertensive Association (SLDHA),

Pharmaceutical Procurement System OECS/PPS Quality

serving first as Chair of Public Relations and Fundraising, and was

Assurance Program. However, since July 2019 he has been the

later elected as the President of the association in 2018. A British

Officer in Charge (OECS/PPS) managing the unit, and is currently

national with a Saint Lucian parentage, he relocated to the island,

Providing operational and strategic leadership, direction in

determined to contribute to the well-being and development of

Procurement activities, and managing the day to day operations

the people and the country. He is a Health and Wellness Coach,

of the Unit. He Holds an MBA (Finance) (Hons) from Monroe

having been trained as a Gym Instructor and holds several

College’ Kings Business School, BSc. Pharmacy from the

qualifications that cover an extensive scope in the field, including

University of Technology, Jamaica, a BSc. Public Health

areas of Healthy Living; Physical Education; Fitness Training

Administration (Hons) from Monroe College, a Certificate. Intro.

Principles Methods; Human Health; Diet and Nutrition; and

Quality Management Systems (QMS) (UWI), and a Certificate

Personal Health and Fitness. He also has a background in martial

Introduction to Procurement and Supply Chain Management of

arts, customer service, sales and marketing. Andrew fuses his

Pharmaceutical Products (PSCM). He is the former Senior

passion, expertise and knowledge to spearhead several health

Pharmacist at Victoria Hospital Pharmacy in St. Lucia and has

and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to help

over 23 years experience working in Hospital Pharmacy Practice

individuals achieve an optimal state of health through exercise

and the Healthcare System. During his 23-year career in the

and healthy eating. He believes that a mind-shift is imperative

Healthcare system he worked as a pharmacist in

within Saint Lucia and the region; whereby people will begin to

Hospital, Community and Private Sector Pharmacy Practice.

recognize that a healthy lifestyle is inextricably linked to the

Mr. Weekes has presented at International conferences and has

quality of life they are able to live, especially as they age.

provided training in all aspects of Pharmacy Practice and Healthcare Delivery. He has delivered lectures on a myriad of topics including and not limited to the role of the Pharmacist in Health Promotion, Drug and Supply Inventory Management, Drug Medicine Interactions, Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Professional Work Ethics, and Pharmaco-adherence.

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health agencies including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)

CARLENE RADIX Public Health Physician and Health Administration Leader

r. Carlene Radix as the Head of Health and Ag. Head of the D Human and Social Cluster collaborates closely with and provides some oversight for OECS PPS. The Human and Social Cluster encompasses health, education, social protection and

JOHANAN DUJON Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur & CEO - Algas Organics

region. As Head of Health she provides strategic oversight of the

Dujon is the CEO of Algas Organics, which is Jtheohanan Caribbean’s first indigenous biotechnology manufacturing

OECS Health Agenda in keeping with the Fort de France

company. Recognizing the crippling effect of Sargassum on his

Declaration on Health. Dr. Carlene Radix is a Public Health

home island St. Lucia, Johanan founded the company in 2014,

physician and Health Administration Leader in the Caribbean. She

with the vision to valorize the invasive plant species into

previously held the position of Medical Director at St Jude

world-class, organic, crop protection and crop nutrition

Hospital in Saint Lucia. She completed Medical School at St

products. Under his stewardship, Algas Organics has processed

George’s University in Grenada and completed a combined

over one (1) million pounds of Sargassum seaweed into fertilizer

Internal Medicine and Pediatric Residency at Brookdale Hospital

for regional and international export. Johanan has been

in Brooklyn and Overlook hospital in Summit New Jersey. This

recognized for his innovation locally and internationally,

was followed by an Occupational Medicine and Environmental

receiving a long queue of awards, which includes: the

Health Fellowship at Environmental and Occupational Health

Commonwealth Youth Award For Excellence in Development

Science Institute (EOHSI) in Piscataway New Jersey, during which

2019; Forbes 2019; Young Leader of the Americas 2018; the Prime

she completed her Master’s degree in Public Health. She was

Minister's Award for Innovation in Microbiology 2018; Huffington

board certified in the three specialties of Internal Medicine,

Post 2017; the OECS Top 30 Entrepreneur under 30 2017;

Pediatrics and Occupational Medicine by the respective boards.

Caribbean Beat Top 25 Achiever Under 25 2017; and the Young

She returned to the Caribbean and has held various positions in

Entrepreneur of the year 2017.

procurement of essential medicines and medical supplies for the

Clinical

Medicine,

Academia,

Public

Health

and

Administration while continuing some aspect of volunteer practice. She has been an Assistant Dean and an Associate Professor at St George’s University, as well as served as the Chief Medical Office of Grenada and the County Medical Officer of Tobago. She has consulted for regional and international public

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PETER IVEY Serial Entrepreneur, Chef, and Author

Peter Ivey is a serial entrepreneur, a chef, writer/author, a

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highly coveted speaker, a thought leader and a philanthropist.

States (OECS) Commission. Ms Ephraim-Schmidt has been

Originally from Jamaica, he has been living in New York for the

working in the field of sustainable energy for the past 20 years.

past twenty years. He is the Founder and CEO of The Reggae

Prior to joining the OECS Commission, she was the Chief Energy,

Chefs ® , a culinary services company that uniquely fuses

Science and Technology Officer in the Government of Saint

Jamaican food and cultural expression through customized

Lucia. During her tenure, she worked on the development and

events. The Reggae Chefs ® , has been featured across a

implementation of the Sustainable Energy Plan and Sustainable

variety of platforms including Forbes and the New York Daily

Energy Policy for Saint Lucia. Ms Ephraim-Schmidt has also

News and has been archived in The National Library of Jamaica.

worked in the areas of Climate Change, Science and Technology,

Ivey is the Founder and President of The League of

the Green Economy, and Hazard and Disaster Mitigation. Ms

International Chefs Association (TLICA), a global network of

Ephraim-Schmidt holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental

socially minded food industry professionals. He is a board

Geoscience from the University of Bristol UK, and a MSc in

member of the Jamaica Food Entrepreneurship and Services

Resources Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe (now

Training Space (Jamaica FEASTS). He is the Founder and

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT) in Germany.

President of Mission: FoodPossible, a not-for-profit organization that was created to educate and feed the food insecure.

Mission:FoodPossible was recently featured in Forbes Magazine as the possible answer to the world’s hunger problem. In March 2020, Ivey authored Coronavirus: Get Outta Here! One of the first children’s books on the Coronavirus pandemic, the book has

WILLARD PHILLIPS Economic Affairs Officer - UN Economic Commission for Latina America and the Caribbean

is also a regular contributor to LOOP, the largest Caribbean news

illard Phillips is a specialist in Applied and Environmental W Economics with more than 20 years’ experience in economic and

media platform. Ivey received a Certificate of Special (US)

development issues related to Caribbean SIDS. He has worked

Congressional Recognition for “Outstanding and Invaluable

for national and international organizations in Central America

Service to the Community” in 2017.

and the Caribbean, including the Inter-American Institute for

been included as one of UNICEF’s resources to help families. Ivey

Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). Since 2004, he has served in the United Nations, firstly as a Programme Specialist, with UNDP, and subsequently with UN Economic Commission for JUDITH EPHRAIM Programme Coordinator, Sustainable Energy Unit - OECS Commission

udith Ephraim-Schmidt is the Programme Coodinator for the JSustainable Energy Unit of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean

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Latina America and the Caribbean, where he now works as an Economic Affairs Officer. His current work involves research into issues related to sustainable energy, tourism, disaster risk reduction and transportation

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at the Saint Lucia National Trust. Truly a dreamer at heart, Kirk readily admits that he dreams awake and that he dreams in colour.

KIRK ELLIOTT Founder & CEO, St Lucia Photo Tours

ith a passion for capturing the world around him in vibrant W colour, Kirk has spent the last 30 years sharing his passion for photography with all who cross his path. With well over 5000

CURTNEY TISSON Entrepreneur and Make-up Artist

to creating vibrant natural looking imagery that captures the

urtney Lavune Tisson is a young entrepreneur who was Cpreviously employed in the Hospitality Industry working within

essence of his clients. Then there is his commercial work,

the Guest Services Department serving in many roles as a

catering both to the exacting specifications of some clients as

reservationist, front desk and concierge agent and most recent

well as to the total creative license granted by others. Kirk has

as the Guest Relations and Quality Control Manager Assistant for

trained with some of the best photographers in the world, from

three years after having completed his Associate Degree in

Miami to Hawai’i and within the Caribbean too. His creation and

Business Administration at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community

development of the St Lucia Photo Tours is of special

College Southern Extension. He stepped away from hospitality to

significance. The St Lucia Photo Tour is a niche tourism

pursue entrepreneurial aspirations and is now the founder and

experience that introduces visitors to Saint Lucia’s culture,

artistic director of Beat Envy Makeup Studio. Tisson is active in

history and cuisine through the medium of photography. The tour

the pageant scene serving as chaperone/coach, makeup artist,

has so resonated with vacationers that thanks to their reviews it

and stylist. With many success stories he has worked with many

is currently ranked the #1 Outdoor Activity in Castries, Saint Lucia,

past and present beauty queens Miss Saint Lucia winners in 2015,

as well as one of the Top 5 photo tours in the entire Caribbean by

2016, 2017 and 2018 he also worked with his country’s 2017 Miss

Trip Advisor. And in 2019 the St Lucia Photo Tour was inducted

Saint Lucia Universe representative. He is the Saint Lucia

into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame. Kirk is passionate about sharing

franchise holder for the Miss OECS pageant, where under his

his unique approach to photography to help anyone with a

guidance Saint Lucia emerged as the 2019 winner, also capturing

camera create amazing images too. Whether your camera is a

Best National Costume. Recently he has delved into

smartphone, a drone, a fancy digital camera, or anything else in

designing, and his designs in swimsuit and evening gowns have

between, spending time with Kirk will have you truly seeing the

graced the stage at both local and regional pageants.

light. Kirk holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology & Chemistry,

He lives by Ralph Emerson’s quote, “Don’t be too timid and

University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. He is a Director at

squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more

the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association and a Councilor

experiments you make, the better.”

weddings to his credit, Kirk has developed a signature approach

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groups, including judicial officers and other justice officials, social workers; counsellors; law enforcement officers; medical personnel and education workers. The development of manuals and other training tools is frequently a prerequisite to the scores of capacity building assignments that she has facilitated over the

JACQUELINE SEALY-BURKE Legal Consultant OECS Commission and UNICEF

rs. Sealy-Burke has over twenty (20) years of practical M experience as a lawyer and consultant. She has local, regional

years. She brings a socio-legal perspective to all aspects of her work. Her dual experience in the fields of social services and legal practice allows her to establish the often missed linkages

and international experience, having worked throughout the

between the law and social service delivery. This asset

O.E.C.S.,

America.

significantly enhanced her role as the immediate past Director

She has produced a wealth of research reports for international

(2003-March 2017) of the Grenada Legal Aid and Counseling Clinic,

and regional agencies including UNICEF, UN Women, The World

which is a multidisciplinary setting combining legal interventions;

Bank, the OECS Commission, the O.E.C.S. Supreme Court, the

psycho-social services; advocacy; research and public legal

Commonwealth Secretariat and the CARICOM Secretariat.

education.

the

wider

Caribbean

and

North

She is also an educator, having lectured with the Women’s Studies Programme at the University of Toronto in Canada for over 15 years. She taught at the level of adjunct Associate Professor at the St. George’s University where she offered courses in the Graduate Programme of the Public Health

FLORIS VERMEULEN Representative, Southern & Eastern Caribbean European Investment Bank

The two (2) areas of child justice and gender-based violence

Vermeulen represents the European Investment Bank in Fthe lorisSouthern and Eastern Caribbean. His role covers institutional

feature very centrally in Mrs. Sealy-Burke’s social justice work. In

relations and new business development, including public

addition to extensive research, she has developed legal and

infrastructure lending and support for access to finance for

policy frameworks for the advancement of children and families.

MSMEs. He previously worked as an Investment Officer in

This includes the production of child abuse and domestic violence

sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean and Asia. Prior to joining the

laws and protocols for Grenada, St, Kitts/Nevis, Barbados, the BVI

EIB, Floris worked as a consultant both at the Boston Consulting

and other Caribbean countries. Her child justice experience is

Group and at ABN AMRO Bank in the Netherlands. The European

far-reaching, having offered her expertise across the greater

Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the

part of the region on a wide range of issues including diversion;

European Union. It has been active in the Caribbean for 40 years,

institutional arrangements for children in conflict with the law;

supporting public infrastructure and private sector development

service/program

reform.

through its loans and technical assistance programs. As the EU

Mrs. Sealy-Burke’s training and capacity development expertise

bank, the EIB is committed to putting EU climate goals into

is widely sought as demonstrated by the significant number of

practice around the world, lending over 16 billion euros to climate

training workshops she has offered to diverse stakeholder

action projects last year.

Department. Her area of academic focus is Family Violence.

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development

and

legal

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Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC). Professionally, she is employed as the Resource Mobilization Officer for the St. Lucia Social Development Fund with additional responsibility for Programme Coordination, more specifically the “Our Boys Matter” ANYA EDWIN

Programme.

Resource Mobilization Officer for the St. Lucia Social Development Fund

A 1992. At the age of six, she fell in love with the performing arts nya Edwin was born in Castries, Saint Lucia on December 31,

She served as the Administrative Assistant/

Secretary to the Saint Lucia National Volunteer Programme 2013-2016 and has been serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Caribbean Premier League since its inaugural year, 2013.

through her participation in dance, pageantry, carnival and other cultural activities. In 2017 she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in Entertainment and Media Industry. The day you stop seeking knowledge is the day you stop growing”. Anya truly identifies with this quote and wishes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Policy, Diplomacy and Governance as

JON TALARICO CEO - Empire Media Group

future.

on Talarico is among the world’s foremost experts on Jbuilding business relationships that yield profitable results. He is

Volunteering became her hobby due to her selfless nature and

the co-owner of a $25 million-dollar sports franchise; the

her involvement in social development brings her enlightenment.

producer of two Hollywood films; and more importantly, he is the

She formerly served as Treasurer of the Saint Lucia National

prime mover behind the gifting of hearing to over 1,600 patients

Youth Council and Programme Director of the Commonwealth

in the Caribbean. Through direct mentorship, he has removed the

Youth

Network (Saint Lucia). She

perception of ‘impossibility’ from the minds of many powerful

currently holds the positions of 1st Vice President and

and influential entrepreneurs, thought leaders and celebrities, by

Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee of the Saint

helping them to quickly discover and extract opportunities from

Lucia National Youth Council, Former Operations Director and now

a global network of connections. Jon believes that every human

Deputy Chairperson of the Caribbean Youth Conference,

has a unique million-dollar DNA, purposely designed to leave a

Chairperson of the Miss Ciceron Pageant and Operations Director

potent impact on the world. His goal is to transform 1,000,000

of Intellectual Engagement for Natural Innovation (IENI). Anya

lives ; and to inspire and motivate people to live a life of fulfilment,

previously served on the Saint Lucia Most Talented Teen and Miss

happiness and financial and personal success through the films

Independence Pageant Committees, Silver Shadow Performing

and courses he creates. Jon is a model of his own principles,

Arts Academy Administrator and Project Coordinator of Monchy

having achieved his dream to travel to over 38 countries across

United FC Grassroots Programme, among many other

five continents to see some of the most exclusive and

communities based voluntary positions. In January 2020, Anya

beautiful places on earth.

she aspires to be a Policy Analyst, with a primary focus on social development

in

Peace

Ambassadors

the

near

was elected as the Vice-Chair for Resource Mobilization of the

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the reservoir to the Hoover Dam. Valerie holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University.

VALERIE HICKEY Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

alerie is the Practice Manager for Environment, Natural V Resources and Blue Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

SISERA SIMON Head of the Education Development Management Unit - OECS Commission

technical assistance, convening services, and capital at scale to

rs Sisera Simon for the past twenty-nine (29) years have M contributed to the field of education with experiences as a

governments, communities and companies on issues related to

primary school teacher, Early Childhood Trainer, Researcher,

integrated coastal zone management, fisheries, forests and

Planner, Education Specialist, Programme and Project Director.

biodiversity, pollution management and environmental health,

She currently serves as the Head of the Education Development

environmental economics and environmental risk management.

Management Unit within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean

Almost twenty years ago, Valerie joined the World Bank as a

States (OECS) Commission. In this capacity, she provides

technical specialist in East Asia and the Pacific, working on

strategic direction on the coordination and harmonization of

environment and rural development projects in Cambodia, China

educational policies, management strategies and professional

and Lao. Valerie has since worked across the Bank’s regions

input in advancing education reform and development in the

providing design and implementation support to a variety of

OECS. Mrs. Simon holds a Bachelors of Science (Hons.) in

operations, including in fragile states, where she led the Bank’s

Elementary Education with additional certification in Early

environment portfolio in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010.

Childhood Education, a Master’s in Education (Hons.) with an

After joining the World Bank’s global team, Valerie became chair

emphasis in Secondary Education from Cameron University,

of the blue economy, biodiversity and wildlife crime communities

Oklahoma. Mrs. Simon is a certified Project Management

of practice and convened the Bank’s deep technical expertise in

Professional (PMP) and continues to engage in a number of

pursuit of providing policy advice and implementation support to

continuous professional development programmes through the

accelerate the role of natural resource management in getting

International

people out of poverty and into the middle class. Next, Valerie

Mrs. Simon has been characterized as a goal-directed,

managed the Bank’s natural resources and environment risk

results-oriented professional committed to professional growth

management portfolio across Europe and Central Asia. Before

and development in the field of education and service to children.

In LAC, Valerie manages a cross-sectoral team that provides

Institute

for

Education

Planners

joining the World Bank, Valerie worked for World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society and the US National Park Service where she worked on invasive species programs in Lake Mead,

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(IIEP).

charging stations was the first of its kind in CARICOM. In November 2017 he was appointed to the position of Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Workgroup which was convened by the CARICOM Energy Program. The workgroup together with its DR. CURTIS BOODOO

partners planned and delivered the Electromobility Laboratory

Assistant Professor in the Utilities Engineering Unit at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)

D Professor in the Utilities Engineering Unit at the University of

r. Curtis Boodoo currently holds the position of Assistant

and EV Technology Expo held on June 2018 in Barbados. In March 2018 he was appointed Co-Chair for the Specification Committee for Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Standards by the TTBS. He

Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). He has been a faculty member at UTT

has also served as an Electric Mobility consultant for the

since 2004 and Program Coordinator for the Electrical /

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and

Electronics Engineering Diploma program at the John Donaldson

CARICOM countries. In Sept 2018 he was selected to represent

campus since 2008. He has contributed towards the

Trinidad and Tobago and the region at the first Zero Emission

development of the Sustainable Energy Implementation Plan

Vehicle Summit in Birmingham UK.

2021/2030 for Trinidad and Tobago, The National Energy Policy and the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy.

He has also represented UTT at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency subcommittee of the Economic Development Board of Trinidad and Tobago. He currently holds the position of Expert in the Systems Evaluations Group (SEG4) – Low Voltage Direct Current Applications, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and was a member of the Specifications Committee for Electrical Appliances at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS). He was the Project Manager for the Electric Bus project in Trinidad and Tobago. The Electric Bus was the first Electric Bus in CARICOM and the first electric vehicle in Trinidad and Tobago. The Electric Bus project was awarded the Best Green House Gas Reduction project in 2016 by the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber. He was also instrumental in the development of two key demonstration projects in Trinidad and Tobago. The country’s first fully power solar house and the installation of two (2) 5kW Wind Turbines. In 2017 he was awarded a grant for the Training in the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging stations.

This City and Guilds training course on the installation of EV

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DAVID BRISTOL Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

avid Bristol MB, BCh, BAO, BSc (Hons), PhD, FRCSI The founder D and director of GUL. David is a surgeon with a strong scientific background, having earned his PhD in Neuroanatomy from University College Cork in Ireland. He has gone on to develop GUL into a regional leader in automotive diagnostics and having seen the slow progress of renewable energy in the region decided to speed up the process through action by pressing ahead with PV projects as they arise. In 2008, GUL entered the developing renewable energy business by setting up a pilot project with St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (LUCELEC). Since that time, David in collaboration with engineering partners, leading manufacturers, suppliers and GUL’s in-house technician Oswald Freeman has designed, installed and maintained several solar systems in the Caribbean region; including the latest World Bank-funded solar p

SDM SUMMIT MAGAZINE 2020

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rojects in the Eastern Caribbean. David has collaborated with

make facemasks for frontline workers. Christal who has entered

several utilities and has been involved with the training of

the contested Miss SVG and also is a radio host personality on the

electricians, students from Dalhousie University in Canada and

island has been an inspiration to young women across the

students from the Universite des Antilles in Guadeloupe, in PV

country empowering them through her active involvement in the

system design, solar installation and renewable energy business.

fashion design industry.

Primarily an autodidact, David has completed training courses with SMA in hybrid solar designs and continues his training through webinars. He is involved in developing regulations as it relates to renewable energy and distributed generation in the Caribbean.

MARK TRACEY Group Market Risk Manager The JMMB Group

ark Tracey is currently one of the Project Executives of the M Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ) Access to Finance Facilitation Panel programme. The AFFP programme seeks to foster a more

CHRISTAL OLIVER Entrepreneur, Olive Art Designs

efficient environment for the unlocking of capital to Micro, Small

CVincent and the Grenadines has always been interested in hristal Oliver a 29-year-old Entrepreneur from the island of St.

needles, fabrics, threads, and scissors which usually occupied her free time. While working part-time at her secondary school, she decided to design her very first bag to attend her school’s field trip The overwhelming admiration by her peers solidified Christal’s hope of enlarging her skills in the clothing arena and entering the fashion industry. She was not successful at first when she attempted to penetrate this skilled area, so she began to work as a Customer service agent and a teller at one of the commercial banks. After 7 years of hard work, she made the decision to resign in order to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming

a

Fashion

Accessory

Designer.

Over the years, Christal has gained a lot of support and recognition from both local and regional designers. Since the birth of the global pandemic COVID-19, Christal has joined in the fight against this pandemic by partnering with other designers to

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and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). For the period 2017 to 2019, he was the Senior Economic Advisor to the Minister of Finance, the Honorable Dr. Nigel Clarke. His main focus was the monitoring of the Precautionary Standby Arrangement Jamaica had with the International Monetary Fund as well as monitoring the implementation of the financial inclusion strategy and public sector rationalization programme. He is a practitioner of Financial Economics, Risk Management as well as Macroeconomics.

Mark sits on various boards and committees. He is a board member for the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) as well as Operation Restoration that operates a youth programme in Trench Town. He is a member of three committees, the Chairman for the PIOJ’s Audit and Finance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee for the Port Authority of Jamaica and the Hazardous

Substances

Regulatory

Authority

(HSRA).

Mark has an innate ability to create and drive ideas and as such he has been involved in the entrepreneurial space for more than ten

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years. He is the co-founder of four small businesses. He is a

Khalil has an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the

co-founder and the Operational head of an upcoming courier

University of Western Ontario and an undergraduate Computer

service company to be launched on October 1, 2020, which will be

Engineering Degree from Howard University (Washington, DC). He

highly driven by technology. He is also the Co-Founder and Chief

has used his complementary mix of skills in engineering,

Strategy Officer of First in Line Entertainment Limited, an online

consulting and business in a number of entrepreneurial ventures

ticketing platform for major events in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

in NYC and the Caribbean Region. These experiences have

He is also the co-founder of RemarkanbleGains Limited, an MSME

developed his knowledge in strategy implementation, business

consulting company and founder of BarGainsJam Limited, an

development, marketing, start-up financing, IT and logistics.

online electronics store. He holds an M. Sc. in Economics from the University of the West Indies, with special focus on Financial Economics and Risk Management (Inclusive of Operational Risk).

Mark also holds a BSc in Economics and Political Science from the University of the West Indies. He has special training in policy implementation as he holds a certification in Financial

DAMANI BRUNO Youth Advocate for the Environment

Vienna, Austria which he attended. He is also a Justice of the

amani Bruno is a young and Motivated engineer working in D the water sector in Grenada for over 6 years. He gained his BSc in

Peace for the parish of Kingston. He enjoys financial modelling,

Hydraulic Engineering at the Universidad of Oriente en Cuba, after

inventing, and entertainment. He is also an avid basketball fan.

which he further specialized in Hydrology and Water Resources at

Programming and Policies from the renowned IMF Institute in

the IHE Delft Institute of Water Water Education in the Netherlands. He is keenly fascinated by Nature and each of its ecosystems, especially the aquatic environment. He enjoys the ocean so much that he volunteers his time every weekend to teach the youths of the parish he resides in, to swim so that they KHALIL BRYAN Co-Founder at Caribbean Transit Solutions: EasyTrak and BeepBus

arbadian entrepreneur focused on improving transportation B using technology. He has been involved in start-up ventures in

too may enjoy the ocean without fear. Damani, a youth advocate for the environment, is an executive member of the Caribbean Youth Environment network, the Grenada Chapter. He's ever willing to give his time and expertise whenever needed by the

New York City since 2007 and in Barbados since 2010. He worked

group and other local environmental groups. Damani Bruno is also

as a management consultant at PwC in NYC for 4 years where he

an inspiring entrepreneur, in the business of harvesting honey

focused on project management and process improvement. In

from his micro apiary. His hope is to one day form a local bee

2014

Solutions

farmers association which would have the capacity to supply not

(CaribbeanTSI.com) which provides on-demand and real-time

only regional markets but the international demand, which would

information

increase food security for the ever growing world population.

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PARTNERSHIP BREAKFAST

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Quarter Finals

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Casual SDM Word Search

Corner Sustainable

tips

Reduce your food waste. ...

Use reusable cups. ...

Install a water efficient showerhead. ...

Turn the AC off. ...

Say no to straws and plastic bags. ...

Switch imported for locally made. ...

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Walk, bike and use public

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Page

transport whenever possible. ...

Upgrade your lights....

01. OECS

31.

Massy

04. Republic Bank

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CARILEC

07. CCRIF

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CEEN TV

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Island Innovation

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UWI / Angela Burnett

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Spurr Open

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Hanna Fitz

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LCI

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Inside Out

27.

Republic Bank

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Make Your Mark Consultants

30.

Caribbean Strategy

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Go paper free....

Recycle and dispose of waste properly....

Courtesy www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

76

THIRST QUENCHER RECIPE

Soursop Coconut Smoothie Soursop is a wonderful tropical fruit which is packed with incredible health benefits such as anti-carcinogenic properties. On its own, coconut water is usually a beautifying drink worth a sip all year long. However, it is during the hot months that it is particularly satisfying. It makes for a great thirst quencher when mixed with soursop, but better yet, this smoothie offers untold natural benefits for your body.

What you need

Directions Take all your ingredients (except the mint leaves) and put them into the blender. Blend until smooth.

Throw the mint leaves in and pulse about twice or thrice – just long enough to break up the leaves without pureeing them.

Pour into glasses and top with the whole mint leaves.

1/2 cup fresh soursop Meat from one coconut 2 cups coconut water cold 1/2 cup crushed ice About 8 mint leaves Whole mint leaves to garnish

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ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES Morne Fortune P.O. Box 179, Castries Saint Lucia

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