TTCSI Quarterly Issue 15

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COALITION OF SERVICES INDUSTRIES

KEEPING SERVICES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Revolutionising Education . . . Changing the mindset

Case for e-Legislation

National Services Week 2013

Learning Together

Ensuring a reliable legal framework is in place for e-commerce Page 6

TTCSI celebrates its flagship event-Sixth Annual National Services Week 2013, where it highlights and promotes the contributions of the Services Sector Page 21

This Education piece, which is the feature story of the magazine emphasizes the importance of having a well-educated workforce, which is vital for any country that is seeking to achieve a successful knowledge-based economy.

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www.ttcsi.org

ISSUE 15 AUG - OCT 2013

TTCSI UARTERLY

Table of Contents PRESIDENT’S EDITORIAL Message by TTCSI President

By Rabindra Jaggernauth

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MAKING A CASE FOR E-LEGISLATION Ensuring a reliable legal framework is in place for e-commerce

By Rabindra Jaggernauth

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T&T A POTENTIAL SERVICES HUB The article highlights the possibility and the potential of Trinidad and Tobago using its absolute advantages to create a services trade hub.

By Kurt Kisto, Executive Director of IDB

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THE CREATIVE COMPANY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Ministry of Trade establishes The Creative Company of T&T

by Mario Romany

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T&T GOES JAZZ Jazz Alliance of Trinidad & Tobago celebrated its inaugural International Jazz Day and Week.

By Jazz Alliance of T&T

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CARIBBEAN CREATURES AND VISUAL EFFECTS The article documents the successful local and international experiences of local animators, while also promoting the potential and capacity of the local animation industry.

By Animae Caribe

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2013 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS Based on our interaction with our members and other stakeholders, TTCSI has compiled the following recommendations for the 2013-2014 National Budget Presented by TTCSI

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NATIONAL SERVICES WEEK 2013 TTCSI celebrates its flagship event-Sixth Annual National Services Week 2013, where it highlights and promotes the contributions of the Services Sector

By Florence Louis -Edouard

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LEARNING TOGETHER This Education piece, which is the feature story of the magazine emphasizes the importance of having a well-educated workforce, which is vital for any country that is seeking to achieve a successful knowledge-based economy.

By Nirad Tewarie, CEO TTCSI

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EXPORTING EDUCATION GLOBALLY THROUGH THE ENERGY SECTOR The article brings into focus Education exporting opportunities that can be derived through the Energy sector. These opportunities were successfully highlighted at the Getenergy conference, where TTCSI & the Energy Chamber organized a local contingent to attend.

By Natalie-Anne De Silva

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MEETING ENERGY NEEDS THROUGH EDUCATION The article highlights the Kenson School of Production Technology (a local Tertiary level institute) and its capacity to provide education services and training to the local and international energy sectors.

By Lance Dowrich

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TTBS SUPPORTS THE FASHION INDUSTY The Fashion Industry collaborates with the TTBS to establish bench mark international standards to assist the industry in becoming more globally competitive and recognized.

By Beverly Monroe and Nirmala Matmungal

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BUILDING BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY IN THE MASQUERADE INDUSTRY This article documents the content and the experiences of the I3M Project. The purpose of this project, which was established by the TTCSI and NCDF is to strengthen the capacity of the masquerade industry via business and ICT training.

By Patti Mohan

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BRIDGING THE REGIONAL GAPS TTCSI works with regional partners to boost trade through mutual recognition agreements.

By Lyndrison Lincoln

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WHEN IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE - COMMUNICATE OR DIE

By Peter D Neptune ACM MBA

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A LOOK INSIDE THE YACHTING INDUSTRY How the Yachting industry in Trinidad is poised for growth.

By YSATT

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MEMBER’S CORNER Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute

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WHAT’S GOING ON

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MOBILE MARKET CONTINUES TO DOMINATE Recent trends in the mobile sector

By Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad & Tobago

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EDITORIAL BOARD Rabindra Jaggernauth, Nirad Tewarie and Dixie-Ann Dickson CONTACT US Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries 45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain Tel: 622-9229 Fax: 622-8985 Email: info@ttcsi.org Website: www.ttcsi.org The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) is an umbrella, non-governmental, business support organization established to encourage the growth and development of the services sector.

In particular TTCSI: assists service providers to identify and exploit market opportunities; lobbies government and international agencies on behalf of services providers; develops capacity among local services providers; assists in the development of standards and certification to access into foreign markets The views and opinions expressed or implied in TTCSI QUARTERLY are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by TTCSI.

and ensures that member interests are represented in trade negotiations. We are also the local body responsible for issuing CARICOM Service Provider Certificates. Our membership includes associations in the fields of financial services, hospitality, construction, ICT, midwifery, cultural industries, customs brokerage, human resource management, and pest management.

Services account for more than 51% of GDP and contribute an average of TT$43 billion annually to the local economy.

All info herein is the property of TTCSI and may not be reproduced without prior consent.

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A

s we go into National Services Week 2013, this

leader, former Advisor to the UK Government and

issue of the Quarterly highlights education. In

former secondary school principal, Richard Gerver

the feature article, our CEO explains why this is an

who will be here to engage educators in exploring the

important issue for TTCSI. For many of you though,

many creative ways in which we can teach more

no explanation would be necessary as we all accept

effectively and create a better environment to develop

that having more knowledgeable, better trained and

the skills required to build the knowledge economy.

more skilled people is of tremendous benefit to the society. If there are different approaches, which we

The final event is a new competition for secondary

can use to achieve this, then we feel we have a

schools, which we are launching this year with the

responsibility to assist in making these available.

T&T Green Building Council. This competition, the “I AM” competition, challenges students to come up

That brings me to National Services Week. Once

with projects that will assist in making some aspect of

again, we have bitten off quite a lot by attempting to

their school compound more environmentally friendly.

host five significant events during the course of the Rabindra Jaggernauth TTCSI President

President’s Message

week. For the third consecutive year, we start the

So, as you can see, TTCSI is, once again, tackling a

week with our Excellence in Services Awards on

wide variety of topics and services sectors during

Tuesday 5th November. This is followed by a

National Services Week. Over the past few years the

discussion session on the financial services sector,

events have grown and now afford us an important

in which the Minister of Finance will present the

platform to highlight and advocate for the growth of

Government’s vision for the sector and the Governor

the services sector.

of the Central Bank will explain how the Central Bank is rebuilding confidence in the sector. Moving from

We therefore hope that you will participate in this

policy to practice, on Thursday 7th November, we

exciting week of activity and collaborate more with

will be hosting a workshop on strengthening your

us in the coming months and years, as we seek to

business pitching to attract investment.

establish and brand Trinidad and Tobago’s services sector as world class!

The penultimate event focuses on the education sector. In this session, we have education thought

The

voice of the services sector facebook/ttcsi.com

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info@ttcsi.org

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www.ttcsi.org

When it comes to new markets and growth, businesses have a partner in the TTCSI. TTCSI Secretariat : 868.622.9229

The Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries is the umbrella Private Sector body that represents local services’ interest which include: Sector Organization Lobbying & Advocacy Facilitation of Trade Missions (incoming & outgoing) Market Penetration Research Education & Training

Making a Case for

e-Legislation

Finally, the "right legal environment" will be one where intellectual property legislation will promote innovation and where Trinidad and Tobago is in full compliance with its international obligations regarding intellectual property, telecoms liberalization, and cooperative law enforcement.

The country will have its fair share of tax revenue generated by e-Commerce without imposing undue burdens on citizens or investors and investments. Commerce will be stimulated by the appropriate incentives, tariffs, and rules regarding investment.

The current state of play is disappointing considering the efforts, which have been on

going for more than 10 years; whereas, we have made great strides in certain areas- e.g.

Telecommunications Liberalisation.

There is a seeming lack of will to finalise the numerous legislations that are in different stages, without fully appreciating the negative impact it is having on our economy.

The following table provides a summary of the state of play:

Written by: Rabindra Jaggernauth

Legislation

Purpose

Amendments to the Telecoms Act

e-Legislation is a key enabling component of any country’s National ICT strategy. It was a key part of Trinidad and Tobago’s National ICT Plan 2003-2008 as well as the soon to be published National ICT Plan 2014-2018. e-Legislation aims to reduce transaction costs for businesses, consumers, and Government; increase transparency; improve credibility for investors, and ensure adequate and low cost dispute

E

-commerce is essential for a thriving services sector and has been one of the main reasons for the significant growth in the services sector in the developed nations.

A necessary prerequisite for effective e-commerce is ensuring that the attendant e-Legislation is in place, and the formation of a reliable legal framework to recognize electronic transactions (e-Commerce legislation).

That is, the courts and other enforcement forums must be capable of recognizing electronic transactions as being legally valid; legislation and rules must be in place to deal with electronic evidence.

The framework should be technology-neutral and should essentially ensure that no one is disadvantaged by the use of electronic communication.

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resolution mechanisms. This is all part of providing the right legal environment, in terms of legislation, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and legal institutions, in order to facilitate and encourage a culture of transparency, consumer and business empowerment. The right legal infrastructure is as important as the technical infrastructure in attracting investment and building skills and capacity.

Similarly, the right legal environment can facilitate the implementation of e-Government by ensuring that there are no legal impediments to communicating or doing business with the Government electronically, while protecting the Government's electronic infrastructure from unwanted intrusion.

legally, support certification authorities, and protect privacy will all need to be in place.

Without trust and confidence internationally, Trinidad and Tobago will be unable to reach its potential, and from Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries’ (TTCSI) perspective, the services sector will underachieve.

The right level of security, assured by legislative measures to protect privacy of data, helps to establish the credibility of electronic transactions. This means that in the right legal environment, security systems (legal and technical) are in place to protect both data and the physical systems.

The right legal environment can also be a powerful enabler for enforcement authorities to conduct lawful investigations in the interests of protecting society at large. At the same time, cyber-crime provisions dealing with "lawful access" will need to balance the needs and the rights of individuals and businesses to go about their affairs without intrusions on their privacy. The role and liabilities of carriers and Internet service providers (ISPs) would need to be clearly defined in such a context.

The right legal environment can build consumer and business confidence in electronic transactions. If Trinidad and Tobago is to take part in a global economy, systems to recognize digital signatures

• •

•

Provides for more regulatory oversight in the telecoms and broadcasting sectors Confer competition authority in TATT for telecoms and broadcasting sectors to address lacunae in Fair Trading Act which excludes those sectors from purview Grants TATT power to impose administrative penalties for breaches of Act and Concession

Status Public Consultation completed on the 9 July 2013. DORs being compiled. MST to report to LRC in Sept 2013.

Data Protection Act (No 13 of 2011)

Provides for protection of an individual’s right to privacy by ensuring that personal information remains private and confidential

The Act is partially proclaimed (Part 1 as well as sections 7, to 18, 22, 23, and 28 of Part 2.

Electronic Transactions Act (No 6 of 2011)

Gives legal effect to electronic documents, electronic records, electronic signatures and electronic transactions

•

Exchequer and Audit Amendment Act and Regulations

Facilitates electronic monetary transactions with the Government

Bill lapsed and will be re-introduced in the upcoming Parliamentary session

Electronic Transfer of Funds Crime Amendment Act (No 87 of 2000)

Act regulates transfer of money electronically for the purpose of authorising a financial institution to debit or credit cardholder’s account

Being reviewed to ascertain whether it needs to be amended

Cybercrime Bill

This will repeal the Computer Misuse Act and provide for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of computer crime and cybercrime including cyber-bullying and child pornography.

National Cybercrime Policy and Bill has been approved by Cabinet in Feb 2013

Cyber-Security Agency Bill

Creates the T&T Cyber-Security Agency (TTCSA) and the T&T Computer Security Incident Reponses Team (TT CSIRT) as a department.

Provide for a public/private sector collaboration or focal point for cyber incident reporting management and response, attacks, skimming phishing, spamming

•

Electronic Evidence Bill

Existing Evidence Act needs to be reviewed to ensure that in civil proceedings electronic evidence is admissible

Being reviewed

Electronic Payments Bill

Facilitation of non Govt electronic payments (debit and credit instructions to financial institutions)

Exchequer Act limited to Govt payments online.

Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment

Need to address the management and disposal of used and waste electrical and electronic equipment eg, computers, cell phones & tablets

The Basel Convention, PACE and UNEP recently hosted a Caribbean capacity workshop on the 9-10th July 2013 to identify the capacity development needs wrt E-Waste

We at TTCSI are optimistic that the e-Legislative agenda will be a focus of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the short term.

•

• •

Act partially proclaimed.

(Parts 1, II and VI) Regulations still to be prepared

National Cyber-Security Strategy has been approved by Cabinet in Oct 2012 TTCSA Bill expected to be laid in September 2013 Commonwealth Scoping mission conducted week of 22 July 2013 with ALL important stakeholders including or inclusive of judiciary to identify training needs

While it is not the only factor necessary to create Trinidad and Tobago as an e-Economy, it is an integral part.

Parts of this article have been extracted from drafts of National ICT Plans and a Presentation on the E-Legislative Agenda to the E-Business Roundtable.

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Written by: Kurt Kisto

The importance of Services and trade in services as a driver to growth and development has gained considerable recognition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

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n many developing countries, the contribution of services to GDP has grown rapidly to above 40 percent – even though services are relatively inefficiently captured in their national accounts.

The contribution of services to GDP amounted to 42 percent in T&T, 45 percent in Guyana and 51 percent in Suriname in 2012 for example. The service sector impacts on development both directly through creation of jobs, research, and human development via cultural and recreational, education and health services; as well as indirectly by the facilitation of investment through transport, financial, energy and communication services.

Additionally, because services are essential to the enhancement of efficiency and productivity in all sectors, they are also central to competitiveness.

Arguably, the services content of goods is likely to keep increasing as a result of the growing input of processes such as research and development, marketing, branding and maintenance. This development has caused a considerable loss of competitiveness of products of poor countries, and largely reduced or even removed the absolute advantage of natural resource endowment. This loss of competitiveness in commodities/goods has contributed to the growth in the numbers of people employed in the services sector, and facilitated by ICT-growth in trade in services.

Exports of services from developing countries have grown rapidly – at an average of 10.2 percent per year, compared to the global average of 8.3 percent. It has been estimated that each direct job in the IT enabled services sector (for example) has a multiplier effect of at least 2. But realizing the potential for economic growth and development of the services sector can face

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persistent barriers, and in fact the Caribbean is the only region where growth in the services sector has fallen below the global average, while in Latin America and Asia growth has accelerated. This calls for proactive and creative strategies for which there are precedents that can be emulated.

Qatar succeeded in transforming itself from being an economy based on artisanal fishing from the beginning of the 20 century, to one based on production and export of petrochemicals and is now well underway to becoming a services hub in the Middle East and North Africa.

Many studies have found that Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are an important instrument in international trade. By creating bigger markets, through reduction or elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between members, traditionally for merchandise trade and by enabling economies of scale for producers and generally reducing transaction costs, increased welfare benefits have flowed to members of RTAs. More recently trends have been to include services in RTAs, as has been done in the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of Chile/Singapore and the US as well as with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) In the Caribbean we need more creative thinking, and the possibility of Trinidad and Tobago using its absolute advantages to create a services trade hub is one that is worth exploring. To begin with T&T has a well-educated and well-trained labour force. Comparatively speaking, our infrastructure services are well developed and our energy services are relatively very affordable. Many consider Trinidad & Tobago the financial and

manufacturing hub of the Caribbean. The vision that can be developed is one in which wins can be created for all partners in the southern-most Caricom nations. We need to look for the synergies and complementaries of three predominantly goods producing economies, and to begin to see service provision as an endeavour from which all can benefit.

Size and Scale matters, and are important to productivity and competitiveness, as such individually, this poses a challenge to Caricom countries. The three-country grouping has a combined population of just over 2.5 million. To begin with, the possibility of the sale of ecosystem services (for example carbon credits) which can be supplied by Guyana and Suriname and

develop similar capability in Biodiversity, which could be done in partnership with the Anton De Kom University in Suriname. Rapid economic growth in both Guyana and Suriname needs to be facilitated with access to services and skilled and trained human resources. With the shortage of skills in Guyana and Suriname, there could be critical input from T&T in this regard in providing quick and reliable access to needed services, serving as a necessary complement to their economic growth while they build their own capacity.

The idea is that there has to be a rational allocation of benefits for any such partnership to work and to be sustainable. The parties involved must be motivated to work at this because they see clear wins and symbiotic relations. It would

In the Caribbean we need more creative thinking,

and the possibility of Trinidad and Tobago using its absolute advantages to create a services trade hub is one that is worth exploring marketed and purchased by Trinidad and Tobago might be a means of leveraging agreements that tap into the geographical location and endowments of the continental partners, and also make use of lower cost labour, to establish a sharing of educational services for third parties (e.g. language studies), medical services, technology/language based services, accounting, marketing and banking & finance. In addition, the universities in the three countries can work to develop research capabilities in complementary areas. Currently UWI St Augustine has developed world class capability in areas of ecology and business. University of Guyana is working to

be a stretch to envisage this kind of collaboration going forward and gaining momentum with only Governments driving it. The Private Sector needs to begin to think more regionally and globally, to reap local benefits. It has to work both bilaterally and through Governments and trade organisations in partnership to build up a network and to brainstorm and engineer creative ways and means of using trade for business development and growth. While Guyana and Suriname represents immediate “low hanging fruit” Trinidad & Tobago should think and peruse the ways and means by which it can organize itself to become the services hub of the Caribbean.

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The Creative Company of Trinidad & Tobago Written by: Mario Romany

Trinidad and Tobago’s economy has been predominantly reliant on revenues generated from the oil and gas sector and its related downstream petrochemical industry. Given the need to build a strong, resilient macro-economy, and to raise the quality of life for all citizens, it is imperative that sustainable strategies be set in place to stimulate the economic diversification process.

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he Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) has identified six strategic business clusters including the Creative Industry with the intention of strengthening the value chains of these industries to boost economic expansion. The local Creative Industry has been identified particularly as a result of key attributes that signal its potential for growth.

other subsectors of the industry to be managed by other Ministries with existing institutional arrangements. The specific objectives of the CreativeTT as the implementing arm of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment are to ensure:

In addition to being an essential driver of the local diversification thrust, the Creative Industry is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most dynamic economic sectors. This sector employs a significant number of persons throughout Trinidad and Tobago and contributes a significant portion to the country’s economy with positive spill over effects on society as a whole.

• The sale of these products so that significant

• Increased development of creative products • Easy access to these products in international markets

The GORTT has therefore taken steps to harness the potential of this industry and provide the strategic and institutional framework. The establishment of the Creative Industries Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CreativeTT) would ensure the viability and sustainability of this sector. The CreativeTT will coordinate the development of the various sub-sectors to stimulate and facilitate the business and export development of the Creative Industry in Trinidad and Tobago to generate national wealth.

The CreativeTT’s primary areas of focus includes the Music, Fashion and Film subsectors and allows the development of 10

revenue is generated • Continued development and sustainability of the industry

As the central coordinating agency for the commercialization of the creative output of the Music, Fashion and Film subsectors, the CreativeTT will establish three subsidiary companies namely MusicTT, FashionTT and Film TT. The MusicTT will firstly be responsible for ensuring that the local Music Industry is recognized as a commercially viable area through increasing awareness and understanding of the business and finance of Music and secondly through commercializing the existing talent. Once made commercially viable this industry can now be promoted and marketed onto the global stage thus increasing investment and export opportunities in the Music Industry.

The FashionTT will provide a platform for local designers to improve their professional

standards and grow their brands locally and internationally with the aim of transforming the local Fashion Industry into a globally competitive industry.

The FilmTT will develop a sustainable and globally competitive film industry whilst providing new opportunities for employment, investment, entrepreneurship and skills training. The FilmTT will also promote Trinidad and Tobago as an international film location and develop the necessary infrastructure to encourage the production of both local and international film on location in Trinidad and Tobago.

The CreativeTT as the parent company to these subsidiaries provides a new model for collaboration among the sub-sector development initiatives. As a result this institutional arrangement fosters co-operation among the entities within the Creative Industry and encourages the creation of products with original Trinidad and Tobago content.

Through the establishment of CreativeTT, the GORTT has expressed its commitment to capitalizing on the inherent opportunities present in the industry. All the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that it is optimally staffed and adequately funded.

The GORTT also looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders in moving the industry forward through these new institutional arrangements.

T

he jazz loving audience was captivated by the artistry and demonstrated genius of our homegrown Jazz artists, Sean Thomas Quartet, which featured Grace Kelly-Saxophone, Brianne Ford-Piano and Brandi Disterheft-Bass from the United States.

JAZZ

T&T GOES Written by: Jazz Alliance of T&T

Jazz Alliance of Trinidad & Tobago (JATT) has set the stage for much more to come as it ushered in a new and exciting experience of Jazz music. Patrons were entertained and serenaded by our most celebrated and finest local jazz musicians during the inaugural celebrations of International Jazz Day, held on June 28 at the Central Bank Auditorium.

Also president of Jazz Alliance of T&T, Thomas arranged one of Mungal Patasar’s compositions- Dreadlocks in a jazz style to reflect this year’s theme, “The Bridge Between Their Soul & Our Music”, while stressing the point that through jazz education our local music can take on new meanings and a wider appeal. Patasar is known for his fusion of ethnic rhythms.

JAZZ WEEK The wider community was also privy to various activities of Jazz week, from June 24 to 28. T&T Jazz Week honoured internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Fitzroy Coleman for his contributions in the field of music to the world, awarding him with a commemorative plaque and five thousand dollars.

Coleman celebrated his 90th birthday this year. JATT also recognized Adriel Vincent-Brown, who is soon to leave for studies at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in Manhattan, USA. He was the second recipient to receive financial support from JATT’s Music Scholarship Fund in the amount of five thousand dollars.

The Jazz Week took on other exciting events.

It kicked off with an interview on Heritage Radio 101.7FM, “Spotlight on Services” presented by Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI).This followed a Jazz lime and Jam session at LiveArt Bistro with local and foreign musicians, which featured an impromptu session with calypso artist Llewellyn Mac Intosh, known as “Short Pants” jazzing up extempo-style.

The children were not forgotten. JATT held Rhythm Stories at the Children’s Library and also gave live performances and held workshops for 4-6 year-old students at Holistic School of Music. And the curtains came down on the main extraordinary event at Central Bank Auditorium.

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JAZZ INTERNATIONAL Trinidad and Tobago now joins 30 other countries for the international celebration of jazz. One billion people through educational programs, performances and media coverage celebrated the launch of International Jazz Day in 2012.

President of JATT and alumnus of The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Sean Thomas stated that Trinidad’s Pan Jazz Festival was the first ever-international jazz festival in the Caribbean – before St Lucia’s, Barbados’, Puerto Rico’s and all others, including Tobago. “We need to bring it back home with a bang”. “We need all hands and minds on deck.”

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and the founder of International Jazz Day (IJD), the legendary, Herbie Hancock, will celebrate 2013 International Jazz Day in Istanbul, Turkey. JATT coordinated local celebrations to occur simultaneously with the main event in Istanbul.

However, the Alliance will also continue to advance its on-going negotiations with Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to help garner greater public and corporate support for its bid to host this prestigious international music event in 2015.

IJD is the brainchild of renowned jazz musician and chairman of New York’s Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Herbie Hancock. He envisioned a day–where jazz would be celebrated as a language of freedom and played everywhere around the world for 24 hours on April 30 every year.

Another component of the festival is different international cities will hosts the main concert every year.

The stellar list of performers at this year’s celebrations in Istanbul included Herbie Hancock, Terri Lyne Carrington, Abdullah Ibrahim, John McLaughlin, Marcus Miller, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Robert Glasper, Eddie Palmieri, Al Jarreau, Lee Ritenour, Milton Nascimento, Christian Scott, Hugh Masekela, and pianist John Beasley, who will also serve as musical director.

In the interim, JATT received the official nod

by IJD and the Monk Institute to be official producers of the local leg of the international event. Sean Thomas says, “JATT has all the right ingredients and connections in place.

However, with a budget of TT $544,640, we need help from the private sector and our Government in order to build a sound case by properly documenting through audio and video recording of all the events scheduled for 2013 that took place in T&T. While only in its second year, IJD already commands the attention of leading international media houses and attracts the attention and participation of a broad cross section of the international music community. Besides reclaiming its place in international jazz and music, Thomas also believes that hosting the main event in 2015 can only augur positively for the country’s international image and presence.

JAZZING UP CHRISTMAS But before that exciting 2015 event, JATT has plans for Christmas. Next on the agenda is “JAZZANG” series scheduled for December 2013. JAZZANG is a fusion between Parang and Jazz with an aim to create a forum for Parang musicians and vocalists to share ideas with local jazz musicians, while approaching Parang with fresh arrangements.

T&T JAZZ WEEK 2013 SAYS THANK YOU The Jazz Alliance of Trinidad & Tobago would like to thank all those who made it possible for us to host the inaugural Trinidad & Tobago Jazz Week 2013. A special thank you to National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), GOC GEO Consultants Limited, LiveArt Bistro, Screen Stars Limited, Llewellyn Mac Intosh, sobriquet “Short Pants”, Government Information Services Ltd (GISL), Trinidad Express, Guardian Media Ltd-Guardian Newspapers, Newsday, Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG), Heritage Radio, Heritage Inn, Holistic School of Music, Ministry of the Arts & Multiculturalism, Simon’s Musical Supplies, Powergen, Sagicor, First Citizens and the Port of Spain Children’s Library.

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Caribbean Creatures & Visual Effects

A New Paradigm in Diaspora Collaboration Written by: Animae Caribe

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n 2012 in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services, the annual Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival successfully brought together the best animators from around the Diaspora to discuss how the industry can benefit from ‘brain gain.’ Many skilled expatriates have the potential and the willingness to contribute to the development of the local animation and film industry. Participants engaged in a discussion aiming at identifying how innovative technology can be used to create a “brain gain” for animation sector and for Trinidad and Tobago.

A recent collaboration between directing talent of Shaun Escayg and the local Full Circle Animation Studio will bring for the first time animation special effects and digital creature production to the region.

Trinidadian-born LA-based director and animator, Shaun Escayg (Fish, Transformers, The Last of Us) worked in partnership with the studio under the guidance of Managing Director Jason Lindsay. Full Circle Animation studio is one of the leading animation studios in the Caribbean. It provides pre-production, production and outsourcing animation services to the media and animation markets in the region.

The studio has a longstanding record and currently provides services to a number of high profile organizations among them, Government Ministries, Drugs Awareness and AIDS programs, commercials and much more. This was a first time collaboration and a secure and trusting business relationship had to be developed in order to successfully work between the two shores.

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The film is based on local folklore and is a mesh of live-action and high-end photo real CG animation that was produced both in Trinidad and Hollywood using expertise from both sides. Shaun Escayg was born in Trinidad and at age twenty attended the School of Communication Arts Of Raleigh NC, USA where he pursued a career in 3D animation. He then returned home to pursue a career in film and animation. After a successful period in Trinidad, Shaun partnered up with some of the top local talent and co-founded Blue Bottle Productions Ltd working with top advertising agencies and with award winning directors Hype Williams and Little X on internationally known artists Jay-Z and Eric Bennet music videos. Shaun’s first job was as an Animator on Walt Disney's Get Ed TV series at Red Rover Studios Toronto.

He then headed to Vancouver where he supervised and led his team on “The Nutty Professor Facing the Fear”. In 2008 in LA he work as an Animation Supervisor at Blur Studio where he supervised and animated on Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age, Brink , Dc Universe, Transformers and much more. In 2010 Shaun joined Industrial Light & Magic where he worked as an Animator on Michael Bay’s Transformers- Dark of the Moon. In his pursuits as a director his debut live-action short film FISH has already won Best Short Film at the Belize International Film Festival and is currently making waves in the festival circuit. He’s also joined Naughty Dog Studios where he heads up the Cinematics team as the Director of Photography and Animation Supervisor on The Last Of Us.

Working closely with the Full Circle Animation team on the ground here in Trinidad, this partnership was able to achieve several strategic outcomes. Shaun states “The level of professionalism in the country needs to rise as we deal with international directors”. This experience he felt, brought a critical learning experience for all involved.

Managing director of Full Circle Animation Studio Jason Lindsay agrees. “In order for us to achieve a sense of dependability here on the ground, we have to open up the playing field and allow productions like these to have a place here in Trinidad and the Caribbean to become a reality.”

“By collaborating on this level it allows us to really feed off of the enthusiasm, professionalism and values of Shaun and his experience in the international arena”. The full behind the scenes experience will be shared at the 12th Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival. Shaun will begin talks at a visit to the annual Caribbean Investment Forum at Hyatt Hotel in June.

The collaboration between Full Circle Animation Studio here in Trinidad Shaun and his production team in L.A. We will all be able to experience the process from the preproduction and story development stage through to the production.

This experience will leave the audience in awe as we would see for the first time how our local folklore can evolve into spectacular modern day creatures fit for the world stage.

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2013 Budget Recommendations Based on our interaction with our members and other stakeholders, TTCSI has compiled the following recommendations for the 2013-2014 National Budget.

Diversification of the Economy

The time is ripe for aggressive efforts to be made to facilitate the development of other sectors as major income and foreign exchange earners. Based on work done over the last few years, TTCSI has identified several service industries as useful prospects. Suggestions for the development of these and other industries are stated below.

Yachting

Regulatory and Institutional Reform

Government Expenditure Reform – Reduction of Transfers and Subsidies While governments should provide safety nets for the most vulnerable of society, the overall objective must be to reap economic returns from such spending in the short to medium term by providing avenues for less fortunate citizens to be integrated into the wider economy as productive agents.

Consequently, TTCSI believes that spending on transfers and subsidies should be systematically reduced as in some areas they reduce productivity and lead to economic decline. Some specific areas of concern are: • CEPEP and URP Reform - Make work programmes like CEPEP and URP, which are meant to deal with the problem of unemployment, divert labour from the private to the public sector. This results in vacant positions at many private sector firms and reduces overall productivity and growth, as private sector jobs generally tend to create greater value than those provided by make work programmes.

TTCSI calls for urgent reform of such programmes as CEPEP and URP. We support the measures articulated by the Minister of Finance in the last budget that proposes to “provide each company which elects to employ CEPEP and URP employees with an employment allowance uplift of salary of 150% per cent for tax deduction purposes”. These measures should be implemented as promised and any further programmes addressing unemployment should be carefully executed so as to not compete with the private sector.

Facilitation of E-Commerce

E-commerce is essential for a thriving services sector and has been one of the main reasons for the significant growth in the services sector in the developed nations. At the moment, e-commerce in T&T is archaic, largely because of a lack of relevant infrastructure in the banking sector to facilitate e-payments (for example e-payment legislation, which is essential to successful e-commerce). At the same time the constant challenges with the updating of the Audit and Exchequer Act is preventing all stakeholders from transacting business online with the Government (e.g. payment of VAT and other taxes online). These factors undermine the diversification of the economy, one of the key focuses of Government. TTCSI recommends that the Government take active steps to encourage the banking sector to provide the facility for the acceptance of online payments by its customers whether individuals or businesses - and particularly SMEs. Secondly, it is recommended that the Government ensure the early passage of the updated Audit and Exchequer Act to allow online payments to and from government entities.

Outstanding Payments & VAT Refunds Policy

The protracted delay in payment to the construction industry is undermining the capacity and confidence of the sector. TTCSI urges the Government to facilitate whatever mechanisms are required to ascertain and verify all overdue payments and in good faith, to expeditiously settle all amounts owed to the construction sector. The Government must meet its obligation to promptly pay monies owed on contracts and services rendered. TTCSI is also in support of making VAT payable only upon collection of payment and not solely based on the invoice date.

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• Elimination of VAT on goods and services imported for Yachting Services Industry into a Chaguaramas Free Trade Zone. E.g. VAT free sale of yachting spares.

• Industry needs more land in the Chaguaramas area (limited to only 2.2 square miles at present) for expansion and growth sustainability.

• Permit the free movement of yachts between bays in Trinidad and Tobago which is permitted in other Caribbean countries with thriving yachting sectors • Simplify the Single Harmonization Form, 1977 • Standardization of Immigration and Customs regulations for user-friendly access.

• Educate customs officials about yachting culture to create ease of interaction

Medical Tourism

• Incentives for investment in medical tourism.

• Support the development of international standards for private hospitals • Facilitate the granting of work permits to skilled medical professionals in support of industry development.

• Develop a health policy that recognizes the role of public and private institutions

Offshore Education

• Develop an immigration policy that facilitates genuine visiting students whilst protecting against immigration fraud.

• UTT should adjust its fee structure to remove the government tuition subsidies for foreign students.

The Creative Industries

• Amendments to the Corporate Tax Act • In an effort to support the development of the local Art and Culture industry, section 10G of the Corporate Tax Act grants a tax allowance to companies which incur expenditure on visual or performing artistic work produced by a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. We recommend that this provision be extended to individuals who incur similar expenditure.

• Section 10J of the Corporate Tax Act grants a tax allowance to companies sponsoring audio, visual or video productions for the purposes of local education or local entertainment or reflecting local culture for radio or television. As it stands, this section does not facilitate allowances for individual sponsors or investments made by companies or individuals. We recommend that tax allowances be extended to investments in productions by companies and also by individuals.

• All references to tax allowances for sponsorship in the Corporate Tax Act should be expanded to include investments. This should provide a greater incentive for companies and individuals to channel funds into the development of the local Art and Culture Industry.

Venture Capital Incentive Programme

• Revise Venture Capital Act to develop a more robust and proactive Venture Capital industry.

• Encourage and facilitate the development of the Venture Capital industry, incorporating lessons learnt from previous attempt.

• Support private sector initiatives in this regard.

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exporTT Ltd, the sole National Export Facilitation Organization of Trinidad and Tobago and the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) are proud to announce the provision of co-financing services by exporTT to facilitate services exports.

in collaboration with

Through this initiative exporTT is reaffirming its commitment to assist our dynamic service providers in exporting their services to the world, ultimately leading to export diversification economic growth and generation of additional foreign exchange revenues.

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT Co-Financing Services

Service exporters can now access funding to offset costs that can be prohibitive to exports.

Examples of these types of costs would include: • Registration and Renewal of Licences to Practice in Specific Countries • Examination Costs relevant to international Licencing to Practice • Registration at International Capacity Building Forum/Workshop • Tender Fees for International Tenders • Translation and Interpretation Services • Booth Rental at Trade Shows • Business to Business Matchmaking Services • Technical Costs re International Standards Certification • Shipping of Promotional Materials exporTT has given its commitment to keep working with the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) to develop new and exciting initiatives aimed at developing and promoting the export of local services to targeted markets around the world.

For more information contact the Secretariat at 622-9229

Presents:

Preparing our Children for the Future

Education, Technology & Intelligence 8th November

Ballroom Hilton Hotel 7a.m.-12:30p.m.

Featuring

Richard Gerver An advisor to the UK Government and one of the world's foremost thinkers on education, leadership, technology and change.

“He is one of the clearest and most passionate voices for radical change both in education and in business” - Sir Ken Robinson

Media Partner

Development Partner

Silver Partner

TTCSI’s Members + Educators Cost: $750 +vat TTCSI’s Non Members Cost: $900 +vat

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For further information contact the TTCSI Secretariat:622-9229 info@ttcsi.org • ddickson@ttcsi.org #45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

To register please visit www.ttcsi.org

Follow us:

Presents:

National Services Week 2013 Services Export-Dream It; Do It.

Dream it, SERVICES EXPORT:

Do it!

TTCSI NATIONAL SERVICES WEEK 2013

Written by: Florence Louis-Edouard

Going Global

Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries’ (TTCSI) National Services Week has brought mainstream attention to the services industries over the last six years. This event has become the annual marquee event of the services industries, hence highlighting the new driving force of the economy.

Structuring your Winning Pitch for Growth

T

his year, from November 5th to the 9th 2013, the TTCSI will host a series of events as part of its sixth annual celebrations for National Services week themed- “Services Export: Dream it; Do it!” It will focus on harnessing education to build capacity while expanding and promoting services exports.

7th November Ballroom Hilton Hotel 7a.m.-12:30p.m.

These events include: NOVEMBER 5TH - 3RD EXCELLENCE IN SERVICES AWARD The overall objective of the TTCSI’s Excellence in Services Awards is to inspire more innovation, while recognizing role models in the services industries for their outstanding performance and contribution to the sector.

Featured Speaker

Kamran Elahian

ICT Venture Capitalist & former Co-Chair of UN Global ICT Forum.

Featured Speaker

Stephen P. Arbeit

The categories include: • Best use of Innovation in Services • Best New Service Provider Award • Young Service Provider of the Year • Service Association of the Year • Service Exporter of the Year • Best Services Sector Feature (Media Award)

If you want to attract the right investor and capture the right markets for your business, come hear, experience and learn how to pitch your business.

The Global Marketing & Branding Guru

Media Partner

Development Partner

Gold Partner

Silver Partner

Cost: $600 +vat For further information contact the TTCSI Secretariat:622-9229 info@ttcsi.org • ddickson@ttcsi.org #45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

To register please visit www.ttcsi.org Follow us:

makers in Government, the Central Bank and the Private Sector for a one-day seminar: “Creating The Future You Want” featuring Finance Minister, Larry Howai and Central Bank Governor, Jwala Rambarran.

NOVEMBER 7TH - STRUCTURING YOUR WINNING PITCH FOR GROWTH Over the past years, the TTCSI has been documenting the difficulties faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in accessing funding. The causes are equally well known.

For example, traditional bank financing is often not available due to the lack of adequate collateral or the opaque modus operandi of many SMEs. It is in this context that the TTCSI proposes to host a training workshop on Investor Pitching for entrepreneurs as part of the Services Week 2013 celebrations. The ultimate goal of this program is to provide service providers with a general understanding of the investment criteria and prepare participants with the basic skills sets required to generate the business plan content designed specifically for an equity investor audience.

NOVEMBER 6TH – FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR - CREATING THE FUTURE YOU WANT In 2008, Trinidad and Tobago witnessed the takeover of RBTT by RBC. In addition, there were talks of the International Financial Centre that proposed a myriad of opportunities aimed at revolutionizing our local financial sector. Recognising the need for a clear vision, the TTCSI hosted a workshop in which stakeholders articulated their views and concerns for the sector.

The session will feature Kamran Elahian, a veteran entrepreneur with over 29 years of experience in the high-tech industry and global marketing and branding guru Stephen Arbeit.

It is with this goal in mind that the TTCSI is seeking to bring together the decision

In 2005, he was judged the best head teacher in the UK, after turning a failing

NOVEMBER 8TH – PREPARING OUR CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE – EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INTELLIGENCE This year’s marquee event for the National Services Week Celebrations will feature Richard Gerver.

school into a global innovation success story. Since then, he has become one of the world's most celebrated speakers and a best-selling author, helping governments around the world to shape education policy and major organizations to make the most of their talent.

The TTCSI is pleased to welcome him to an interactive session with teachers, parents, children, policy makers and all relevant stakeholders where some of the following topics will be addressed: • Change • Creativity and Innovation • The Future of Education NOVEMBER 9TH – CREATING A GREEN MINDSET – SECONDARY SCHOOL GREEN BUILDING COMPETITION On Saturday November 9th 2013, as the closing event for National Services Week celebrations, the TTCSI will be hosting the Final Judging and Awards Ceremony for this Secondary Schools Competition at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus - JFK auditorium.

The competition was developed in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council and aimed at empowering and inspiring 3rd to 4th form students to create a green mindset, while challenging them to identify a problem within the bounds of their school environment and present an alternative based on green environment principles.

For further information on the National Services Week 2013 kindly the contact the TTCSI Secretariat at 622- 9229 or at info@ttcsi.org.

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Flashback to

National Services Week 2012

Learning

Together Written by: Nirad Tewarie, CEO TTCSI

One of the critical elements in the development of a true knowledge-driven economy is a well-educated workforce. If T&T is to increase exports from the services sector, there is a need to pay increased attention to both the formal and informal education sectors.

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I

n this regard, there is general consensus that both teaching and testing methods need to be modified. Indeed the Ministry of Education is in the process of implementing an “integrated” curriculum, in which teachers’ lessons plans compliment one another and where “testing” evaluates skills in subjects such as music, dance and drama.

These changes are welcomed since more and more people are beginning to recognize that traditional testing focused on English and Mathematics (linguistic and logical mathematical) is counterproductive. There is a need to not only accept but to respond quickly to the reality that people learn in different ways and have varying levels of aptitude in line with the multiple intelligences which they possess.

The theory of multiple intelligences, developed by psychologist Howard Gardner in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, posits that individuals possess eight or more relatively autonomous intelligences. Individuals draw on these intelligences, individually and corporately, to create products and solve problems that are relevant to the societies in which they live (Gardner, 1983, 1993, 1999, 2006b, 2006c). The eight identified intelligences include linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, musical intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, naturalistic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence (Gardner, 1999).

According to Gardner’s analysis, only two intelligences—linguistic and logical mathematical—have been valued and tested for in modern secular schools; it is useful to think of that language-logic combination as “academic” or “scholarly intelligence”.1

If one were to accept Professor Gardner’s theory, it stands to reason that people will learn more if they are exposed to learning opportunities through methods which allow them to use their innate abilities.

A look at data from the Ministry of Education which quantifies the number of students writing CXC and the pass rates by subjects is interesting in this regard2. In many schools Spanish is a compulsory subject; French is not – the majority of students who write the French exam, want to do this subject. The average percentage of students who passed French in that period is 78.8%. The average pass rate for Spanish is 57.7%. That’s a 21% difference!

When Math is compared to subjects such as Integrated Science or Information Technology, the difference in the results is even more dramatic.

By contrast, the pass rates in Sports & Physical Education have consistently been of 88%. In Agricultural Science over the past three years, the pass rate has been 85% or better. While it is more than a little ironic that only test scores are being used to make the point, it appears obvious that students have to be constantly engaged in a multiplicity of ways to maximize their abilities and improve their ability to absorb knowledge in the areas in which they are weaker. Good teachers do this all the time. It isn’t easy though, and it requires constant effort, preparation and, ideally, a network of support.

This space is too limited to go into factors outside the classroom, such as student counseling and performance management of teachers. However, a strong argument can

be put forward that teachers today have a more complex job than in previous decades.

Many teachers try but are frustrated by their inability to get through to a majority of their students. Bearing this in mind and also accepting the importance of formal knowledge in subjects such as language and mathematics, (as they are foundation subjects on which much additional knowledge rests), there is a need to do more to bring about immediate and radical changes in the education system. These are not and cannot be the responsibility of just one entity. The sustainable development of the entire country is hinged, to some extent, on the creation of a more versatile and well-trained workforce.

It is therefore in all of our interests to assist in empowering our teachers and our administrators in the education system. In an attempt to contribute to this, TTCSI, in collaboration with the School of Business & Computer Studies and with the support of First Citizens Bank, is hosting a seminar on Friday 8th November, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel which features Richard Gerver. As a secondary school principal, Mr Gerver transformed a London, UK school on the brink of closure to one of the best performing in its educational district. He then went on to advise the UK Government on Education Policy.

It is hoped that his presentation will spark educators – both formal and informal – administrators and business leaders to approach teaching differently and rekindle the desire to inspire in those whose flames have become hidden.

2009

Subjects

No. Wrote

2010 % Passed

No. Wrote

2011 % Passed

No. Wrote

2012 % Passed

No. Wrote

% Passed

Additional Mathematics

-

-

-

-

-

-

1197

63.7

Agricultural Science (SA)

1039

77.6

1166

87.5

1141

84.7

1142

86.6

Biology

4457

72.4

4418

73.2

4438

72

4596

70.5

English A

21626

56.2

21617

67.6

20298

69.9

18187

50.7

English B

4914

54.9

5186

73

4965

67.1

4623

66.0

French

849

81.4

941

73.5

847

81.1

824

79.2

Human & Social Biology

4610

75.4

4589

56.9

4759

51.2

4395

46.4

Information Tech (G)

455

86.8

3645

78

3475

75.5

3466

74.0

Integrated Science

3847

78

4036

79.1

3771

68.5

3710

77.4

Mathematics

21171

46.6

21146

44.6

20469

40.2

18928

40.9

Phys. Ed. & Sports

1015

88.8

1115

94.9

1326

96.1

1428

92.4

Physics

3539

76

3259

76.8

3429

76.7

3611

77.0

Principles of Accounts

5806

57.7

5133

59.7

5116

59.3

4726

50.3

Principles of Business

9270

73.6

8785

75.4

8546

71.2

8280

74.6

Social Studies

9098

68

8584

74.9

8106

59

8009

63.2

Spanish

4720

61.1

4378

54.9

4168

56.3

3898

58.4

Visual Arts

970

64.4

996

65.7

947

55.5

1286

40.7

The Story of Gillian Lynne – adapted from The Element by Sir Ken Robinson Gillian was only eight years old, but her future was already at risk. Her schoolwork was a disaster, at least as far as her teachers were concerned. She turned in her assignments late, her handwriting was terrible, and she tested poorly. Not only that, she was a disruption to the entire class.

The school thought Gillian had a learning disorder of some sort. All of this took place in the 1930s. I think now they’d say she had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and they’d put her on Ritalin or something similar. But the ADHD epidemic hadn’t been invented at the time.

Gillian’s parents received the letter from school with great concern and sprang to action. Gillian’s mother… took her to a psychologist for assessment, fearing the worst. Nervous about the impression she would make, she sat on her hands so that she wouldn’t fidget.

The psychologist went back to his desk, and for the next twenty minutes, he asked Gillian’s mother about the difficulties Gillian was having at school and the problems the school said she was causing.

Eventually Gillian’s mother and the psychologist stopped talking. The man rose from his desk, and walked to the sofa, and sat next to the little girl. “Gillian, you’ve been very patient, and I thank you for that,” he said. “But I’m afraid you’ll have to be patient a little longer. I need to speak to your mother privately now. We’re going to go out of the room for a few minutes. Don’t worry; we won’t be very long.” But as he was leaving the room, the psychologist leaned across his desk and turned on the radio.

As soon as they were in the corridor outside the room, the doctor said to Gillian’s mother, “Just stand here for a moment, and watch what she does.” Nearly immediately, Gillian was on her feet, moving around the room to

the music. Anyone would have noticed there was something natural – even primal – about Gillian’s movements.

At last the psychologist turned to Gillian’s mother and said, “You know, Mrs. Lynne, Gillian isn’t sick. She’s a dancer. Take her to a dance school.”

Little Gillian, the girl with the high-risk future, became known to the world as Gillian Lynne, one of the most accomplished choreographers of all time, someone who brought pleasure to millions and earned millions of dollars. This happened because someone looked deep into her eyes – someone who had seen children like her before and knew how to read the signs.

Someone else might have put her on medication and told her to calm down.

But Gillian wasn’t a problem child. She didn’t need to go away to a special school. She just needed to be who she really was.

1 - (http://howardgardner01.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/443-davis-christodoulou-seider-mi-article.pdf) 2 - For the purpose of this piece, data on subjects in which fewer than 1,000 students wrote the exam has been deleted, with the exception of French.

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Exporting Education Globally…

Through the Energy Sector Written by: Natalie-Anne De Silva

What are international and national oil companies doing for global education, training and development? The 9th Getenergy Conference was the perfect opportunity to get the answer to this and other energy-related questions.

T

he Getenergy conference, which is now established as the only true global meeting of its kind - is the Global Education and Training marketplace for the Oil and Gas Industry. The two-day event, which took place at the Business Design Centre in London on June 4th to 5th, focused on the oil and gas sector and promoted industry discussion through the use of workshops, problem solving debates and expert Q&A panels.

Some of the core sessions this year were geared towards the use of new technologies in skill and oil and gas development, overcoming language barriers in training, research, tackling competitive objectives and training priorities. But with over 400 attendees from more than 40 countries, 70 exhibits- ranging from education providers to national oil companies- Trinidad and Tobago could not be left out!

T&T EXPORTING EDUCATION Through collaborative efforts between Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) and the Energy Chamber of T&T, they facilitated the participation of five local education and training companies including Kenson School of Production Technology Ltd, HHSL Safety Systems Limited and University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies.

The Trinidad and Tobago delegation had the opportunity to profile its country Educational Services to the world during the two-day conference. The delegation took part in approximately 22 sessions and 70 exhibits along with workshops, debates and expert panels from specialist training providers, institutes, universities and oil and gas companies.

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His Excellency, Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to London also attended the event, and took the time out to tour the booths, as well as sit in on the L&D Session, which was part of the E&P business strategy that focused on the Energy Industry Competency Development Initiative in Trinidad and Tobago. The session was led by our very own Thackwary Driver, Chief Executive Officer – Energy Chamber Trinidad and Tobago and a Director of TTCSI. Other speakers in the session included: • Wayne Bertrand –Head of Petroleum Studies at the Faculty of Engineering, UWI • Blair Ferguson -Vice President of Operations at Kenson School of Production Technology Ltd. OPPORTUNITIES The forum allowed for the exchange of ideas.

It addressed key issues of meeting nationalisation targets in priority E&P markets and the sharing of best practice in the energy education sector. Discussions were also had on the role of local universities and development of education infrastructure in major hydrocarbon producing nations and the use of new technologies in skills training.

this year’s Getenergy event are testament to the importance of training and education for the future of the global oil and gas industry.”

The conference opened the doors to opportunities for technical training in the Middle East and consultancy services for developing appropriate programmes in other universities.

Local institutions were also able to form partnerships that would see the opportunity to offer English language programs tailored to the industry, as well as facilitate university exchange programs among other long-term and medium-term prospects.

CARIBBEAN HONOURED The Caribbean was well represented by not only Trinidad and Tobago, but our neighbouring island Belize as well. Belize Natural Energy won the Learning at the Core Award (one of four prestigious awards) for the oil and gas company that has done the most to advance the learning of their staff and communities.

Other featured speakers included Andrew Smith, HR Manager of BG Group; Thomas Palmer, Upstream Talent Coordinator, Saudi Aramco; Graeme Cook, HR Director of EnQuest; Nelly Francis, Head of Education and Learning at PETRONAS; Lawrence Stevens, Virtual Training Coordinator at ConocoPhillips and Juliano Loureiro of Petrobras University.

It was a phenomenal experience for the Trinidad delegation, as the team showcased the array of education and training services locally, to cater to the demand for a skilled workforce in the global Oil and Gas Industry.

In going forward, TTCSI and the Energy Chamber will continue to engage in discussions regarding export of education services and to formalise a strategy around this niche export. Assistance would also be given to companies that participated in the Getenergy Conference to follow up on opportunities.

Phil Andrews, chief executive Officer of Getenergy said, “The range and quality of speakers allied with the diversity of topics at

T&T looks forward to networking with 115 plus targeted exhibitors at Getenergy 10th Annual Conference 2014!

Meeting Energy Needs Through Education Written by: Lance Dowrich, Training Director, KSPT

The Kenson School of Production Technology (KSPT) participated in the 2013 Getenergy Conference in Islington, London by sending two of its top executives, Mr. Blair Ferguson, Executive Director and Mr. Rodney R. Jagai, Academic Consultant. KSPT participated as part of the T&T contingent under the umbrella of the Energy Chamber in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) and included representation from University of the West Indies, University of Trinidad and Tobago and HHSL Safety Systems Ltd.

T

he Kenson School of Production Technology was established in 1995 to meet in-house needs of the Kenson Group of Companies for job-specific training relative to upstream operations. The school is a post-secondary technical school registered with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago and also with City and Guilds of London. Its mission is to provide industry relevant customized training and is driven by a philosophy of developing high quality human resources to support the oil and gas industry locally, regionally and internationally. The Kenson Group has been providing Operations and Maintenance Services to the upstream sector in Trinidad and Tobago for a period spanning more than eighteen years.

For the KSPT representatives, the Getenergy Conference was a productive forum for communication with potential clients and suppliers. With the expansion of the Petroleum Industry in several African countries, many of their senior attendees spent considerable time at the KSPT booth discussing Tertiary Education, particularly technical training for their nationals.

They expressed keen interest in understanding how KSPT developed its capability in Tertiary Education and in determining if and how KSPT can be encouraged to set up a similar training facility

30

in one or more of the African Countries. There was certainly interest in sending many of their nationals to KSPT so that they can start developing their local capability.

KSPT interacted with nationals of Central American and several European countries. Their interests were similar to those of the African countries. However, since many of them already had oil and gas development and tertiary education institutions, their questions and discussions were more mature and focused on sharing of experiences and practices.

Several suppliers in Tertiary Education, some who would be in competition with KSPT internationally, and others who provided tools and materials in support of Tertiary education visited the KSPT booth. One area of commonality with these suppliers was in accreditation as they were familiar with and used the City & Guilds Certification. This led to a better understanding of the various levels of competence and hence equivalence across countries.

In our interactions, it was clear that KSPT was an international company with potential to participate in many countries globally. As such many overtures were received to bid for technical

training in these countries. We were approached by one provider to conduct training and certification in a middle-eastern country for which they were unable to access on their own.

Partnering or contracting KSPT was suggested and discussions on feasibility continue long after the end of Getenergy 2013.

There were suppliers of more advanced technical tools, particularly electronic and interactive teaching aids that could be supplemented for hands-on training. For us, the discussion was an eye-opener.

While we did have some exposure to these areas of technology, we were shown some of the more leading edge and new tools that are becoming available. This was certainly a learning area.

KSPT was also represented on a Panel Discussion on Tertiary Education for Energy, presenting our experience in this area and fielding questions on best practices, challenges in developing countries and exporting expertise internationally.

Since returning from the conference we have continued with several African countries and expect a contingent of trainees in October 2013.

We will also be sending several of our senior instructors to an African country to train their trainers so that they can commence basic and

introductory training in their countries. They will also be sending their trainers for on-site and hands-on training at KSPT in T&T in November 2013. We anticipate that we will be having more international students in the coming academic year.

In addition, we have engaged in detailed discussion on the animation of some of our training laboratory equipment. We have embarked on a pilot version to test out the supplier’s capability and to develop our own in-house capability in the use of animated training systems.

We anticipate the pilot to be concluded by the end 2013 and expanded into a full working system for several of our workshop models in the New Year.

Overall the participation in the Getenergy conference was useful and productive for the KSPT contingent. In this regard we were able to share our and opening up potential clients internationally in either their countries to coming to T&T for training. It further substantiated KSPT portfolio as the only local company that provides training solely for the Energy Industry. And consequently reinforced our strategy to increase the training of T&T nationals for global positions in developing countries.

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T

he local fashion industry has received a well-deserved boost with the formation of the Fashion Industry Development Committee (FIDC) which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment. As the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) attempts to diversify the economy away from oil and natural gas, it has now committed resources towards the growth and development of the fashion industry, which is a billion dollar global industry.

The FIDC has been mandated to oversee the development of a strategic plan for the industry, to develop opportunities for global access and to establish pilot projects to build capacity within the fashion industry.

TTBS Supports the

Fashion Industry

Through the Provision of Standards and Testing Services

Written by: Beverly Monroe and Nirmala Matmungal

The fashion industry is a modern concept. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, most clothing were handmade and customized for individuals by dressmakers and tailors. The subsequent invention of the sewing machine gave rise to mass production facilities and the rise in capitalism led to the proliferation of retail outlets and department stores. Today the fashion industry is highly globalized with garments being designed in one country, manufactured in another and sold internationally.

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The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) supports the initiatives of the FIDC through the development of standards and the provision of services with the aim of improving product quality and performance. The TTBS is mandated, under the Standards Act No.18 of 1997, to develop, promote and enforce standards. The TTBS has developed a number of voluntary and compulsory standards in the areas of garments, textiles and footwear to support the fashion industry. These include the following standards: • TTS 76: Part 3: 2007, Requirements for labelling Part 3: Labelling of garments • TTS/ISO 3758: 2005, Textiles - Care labelling code using symbols • TTS 76: Part7: 2008, Textiles - Labelling and advertisingRequirements • TTS 76: Part 9: 2008. Labelling – Part 9: Footwear Requirements The TTBS adheres to the international principles of standardization and utilizes a consensus- based approach in the development of standards and as such, has constituted a Specification Committee comprising the following key stakeholders to continue the development of relevant standards in support of the fashion industry: • Fashion organizations including the Fashion Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FATT) and The Fashion Entrepreneurs of Trinidad and Tobago (FETT); • Academia - The Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design of the University of Trinidad and Tobago; • State agencies- The Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries; • Government Ministries including the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, and the Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development;

• Business organization - The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and • Independent consultants with expertise in garment construction.

The most recent standard developed by this Committee is TTS 625:20XX, Assessment of garment quality – Requirements which establishes requirements pertaining to the various constructional features, finishing, and presentation of outerwear and underwear garments. It is expected to be used by a wide range of stakeholders including garment manufacturers in their quality control procedures; importers and distributors in their procurement procedures, export agencies in the development of export criteria for good garment construction and consumers to access information on best practices in garment construction. Other standards relating to inputs into the manufacturing of garments, school uniforms and sizing of garments will be addressed by this Committee in due course.

The TTBS is cognizant that a high quality end product can only be produced from good quality raw materials and in this regard, the TTBS has equipped its Fibre Products Laboratory (FPL) with modern technology and competent staff to conduct tests on textile materials as well as footwear. Some of these tests include: • Fibre identification and composition; • Textile quality testing (fabric weight and thread count); • Textile performance testing (colour-fastness, tensile strength and abrasion).

The FPL also encourages garment manufacturers to participate in the TTBS Registration Number System which provides the following benefits: • Reduced cost of textile testing; • Consultancy services on appropriate care instructions; • Inclusion on the TTBS database of garment manufacturers/importers where contact information is readily accessible to the public; and • Facilitates access to some regional markets.

The TTBS participates in regional and international standardization activities and keeps abreast of technological advancements and emerging trends pertaining to the evolution of the international fashion industry and as such, is well poised and committed to ensuring the sustainable development of this million-dollar industry.

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Building Business & Technology Capacity in the Masquerade Industry Written by: By Patti Mohan

Carnival has grown over the years into a viable and global economic industry and is considered Trinidad and Tobago’s most important cultural export. In spite of this, the more than 450 Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) have not been able to fully benefit financially from the Greatest Show on Earth-Carnival.

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espite some successes, these MSME’s have not been able to fully hone their craft and gain the requisite skills to advance their businesses to become competitive on the global stage. Entrepreneurial and managerial skills are just two requirements that were identified as shortfalls among the MSME’s. These skills are necessary for a company’s survival in this modern business environment.

It is with this in mind that the Inter Development Bank (IDB) under the MIF ICT4BUS Program has funded the I3M Project since 2010. Despite some challenges, much has been achieved since the inception. The Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) has partnered with several local, state and Non-for-Profit Organizations including the National Carnival Development Foundation, The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Blink Broadband Data Services and the Tourism Development Company, just to name a few to strengthen and promote economic growth in the masquerade sector.

Presently, with thirty-nine beneficiaries on board, the training component with a focus on business development and ICT skills has been completed through collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited and ExporTT. The workshops ran for a period of four months and more than 150 persons in the sector were trained in the following areas: Financial and Inventory Management, Marketing & Social Media, Market Access & Value Chain, etc.

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According to one of the training participants, Mr. Steven Edwards of Steven Edwards Production, “We consider our company to be one of the leaders in online “guerrilla marketing”, but the practical experience gained in the sessions helped to dissect what we do and re-strategize plans for what we expect to be our major event each year.”

Additionally, eight specially selected beneficiaries were provided with laptops to assist in their business operations.

Moreover, in ensuring connectivity amongst the beneficiaries and the wider world, Blink Broadband has provided over 25 persons with internet packages, free of charge to some and others at a discounted rate. The drive continues to get all 50 beneficiaries connected in the pilot phase of the project.

The mas band designers; event promoters, wire benders and artisans from across the country will soon be provided with additional ICT tools to enhance their business performance.

These tools will be available in the private section of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Hub, to be known as “The Carnival Gateway”, which is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of next year.

It is envisioned to be the one stop shop for Carnival and at the same time it seek to preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage and promote MSMEs in the masquerade industry.

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Business Nugget

Bridging

the Regional Gaps Written by: Lyndrison Lincoln

When it’s time for change -

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hile the EPA provides part of the framework for smoothing of the inter-regional investment and trade in services, it does not remove qualification, experience and other requirements that seek to protect the public interest from malpractice and substandard work.

Republic's Institute of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA). Further to a meeting with the EU counterparts, CAMRAC recommended that it would be beneficial for the CARIFORUM States to have an intra-regional MRA before attempting to secure agreement on the EU-CARIFORUM MRA.

These requirements could also serve to restrict commercial interaction if they are vastly different in both regions. For example, while the EPA would in theory grant a T&T architect access to the European market, that architect may still be unable to practice because he or she may not have qualifications that are consistent with EU requirements. As such, the EPA encourages parties to negotiate Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA).

Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) has and continues to play an important role in this phase by assisting with the administrative arrangements of the process. This process has been initiated with national consultations in Belize, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago along with an OECS consultation all completed. A meeting was held in June 2013 between representatives from the Architectural Boards and Institutes of Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago to discuss their views on minimum registration requirements.

An MRA between two states would detail the qualifications and other technical requirements necessary for recognition by the relevant licensing body of a professional service in one jurisdiction for professionals in another jurisdiction. This would facilitate the reciprocal provision of professional services of CARIFORUM and European professionals, in accordance with new commitments to market access in the CARIFORUM-EU EPA. Consequently, regional architects have formed a committee called the Caribbean Architects Mutual Recognition Committee (CAMRAC) to assist in the preparation of a MRA with the EU. The committee is comprised of members of the Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects in the Caribbean (ACSAC), the Federation of Caribbean Associations of Architecture (FCAA), Regional Boards of Architecture and the Dominican 36

A regional consultation scheduled for later this year with CARIFORUM stakeholders should lead to the development of the draft text for the intra-regional MRA thus paving the way for successful completion of the process shortly thereafter. Once this is completed, focus will turn again to finalize the CARIFORUM-EU MRA, which has already been drafted.

Successful negotiation of the intra-regional MRA and the CARIFORUM-EU MRA would open up new markets to Caribbean architects thereby creating the potential for increased revenue generation by regional architects through joint ventures or individual projects. The experience and success of these agreements would then be utilized to facilitate the development of similar agreements for other professional service industries

Communicate or Die

Written by: Peter D Neptune ACM MBA

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esearchers are now coming to terms with the fact most successful businesses are the ones that are fully focused on the future, can plan and motivate their workers to innovate, and have accepted change as an on-going part of everyday business.

With never ending changes in technology, staff capabilities and market movements driving the evolution of competitive businesses, most leaders have identified managing change as the most important challenge affecting the long-terms success of their operations.

Researchers have also identified the important role that communications play in setting the culture of the firm and the speed at which the organization is able to adapt to change.

They have sung the praises of leaders who effectively communicate their vision, and walk the talk in order to make their change efforts succeed. They’ve sanctified the importance of changing organizational culture and employees’ attitudes. They’ve teased out the tensions between top-down transformation efforts and participatory approaches to change. And they’ve exhorted companies to launch campaigns that appeal to people’s hearts and minds. Still, a recent Harvard study shows that in most organizations, two out of three transformation initiatives fail.

So the more things change, the more they stay the same. Much of the reason for this dismal performance in terms of change comes from the lack of respect business leaders have for communications. The Boardroom can readily buy into the need to upgrade technology, systems, production process, distribution or even product development and marketing, but very few of them plan to, or give real consideration to the need to communicate their vision and mission to their staff or key stakeholders.

The truth is that just issuing an email about your plans is not enough, and leaders who take communications seriously enough to fully embracing stakeholders and consider them to be not just a factor of production, but more of a partner in their business that deserves disclosure about their role in the vision, growth and execution of the company’s strategic plans, have been most successful at competing and growing their business – even in a recession.

Too many CEO’s consider communications as a second thought and often vest this important function into the hands of their HR manager or into corporate services.

However, the truth is that unless employees and other stakeholders such as suppliers, shareholders and even customers, fully understand their role and their future in your business, your business will not have a future. The Caribbean, like many other parts

of the world, face a communications crisis within corporations which can manifest itself in the form of business inertia, the development of poor business practices and corporate culture, confusion of roles and responsibilities, and the development of information silos within the organization that can dis-empower workers, paralyse operations, and undermine strategic planning and decision making. Developing a culture of communicating and sharing information – and doing this early in the process, and as often as possible, should be one of the key objectives of any corporate transformation strategy.

Effective communication is the first line of defence for any competitive business, and it is a key monitoring tool for any manager who is seriously thinking about achieving their corporate objectives and the long term success of their operations.

About the writer: Peter D Neptune is an Accredited Change Manager and communications consultant. He has an MBA (with distinction) in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the Ashcroft Graduate School of Business, UK, where he is researching the role of Communications on successful Change Management and Organization Transformation Projects in the Caribbean 37

A Look Inside the

Yachting Industry Written by: YSATT

T

he Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) is a non-profit trade organization established in 1994 to ensure the proper growth of the yachting industry. YSATT's members consist of most organizations that have an active interest in the yachting industry. These businesses offer a host of yachting facilities and repair services that have formed the largest cluster of yachting services in the English speaking Caribbean. In light of this, Chaguaramas has earned the reputation of being the Repair Hub of the Caribbean.

YSATT is also the liaison between the government and the yachting industry.

YSATT interacts closely with the Yachting

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Steering Committee (YSC), which is a Cabinet-appointed Committee with the responsibility to oversee the development of the yachting industry and also advises government agencies on various issues related to the development of the industry.

For example, YSATT works with the Customs and Excise and Immigration Divisions to ensure that the entry and clearance procedures for foreign yachts are done with minimum hassle.

In an effort to ensure a better relationship with Custom and Excise and Immigration Officers, and a more efficient service to the visiting cruisers, YSATT has created and presented an Immigration Information

Module (IIM) designed to sensitize all new Immigration Officers assigned to Chaguaramas area on the overall activities of the yachting industry. Additionally, the Module provides information on YSATT’s role, the intricacies of the culture of the visiting cruisers and the importance of the yachting industry to our economy. Due to its success, the Chief Immigration Officer has requested YSATT to conduct a similar training session to other Immigration Officers. Currently, YSATT has an amended version of this module for the Customs Officers assigned to Chaguaramas.

YSATT also partners with the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and the YSC to

increase yacht arrivals by promoting Trinidad and Tobago through advertisements placed in popular sailing publications.

In addition to assisting TDC, YSATT also disseminates industry information and statistics to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment (MTII) and the Ministry of Tourism. The organization has been instrumental in co-ordinating co-operative efforts in the industry for example, on-going environmental audits, semi-annual environmental clean-up campaigns and other industry-wide activities.

The yachting industry has been identified by the Government as one of the key sectors for diversifying the economy. Though the sector

seems to have been in a decline in the last few years, it has been noted that there are great benefits to be derived from reviving and developing the sector further. According to a 2000 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean report, the 1990's was the hey day of the industry in Trinidad and Tobago with approximately 637 foreign vessels coming to the shores of Chaguaramas.

It is with this in mind that the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries and the Commonwealth Secretariat embarked on a draft National Strategy for Export of the Yachting Services. The strategy 2012 report states that at present there are twelve marine/boatyard facilities and capacity for

some 975 visiting yachts. In addition, there are approximately 150 repair contractors ranging in size from 1-person operations to businesses with twenty or more employees.

Approximately 1,400 people are directly employed by the yachting industry.

Thus, in an effort to strengthen the competitiveness of the yachting industry, the objective is to increase the number of yacht arrivals by 500 and attract 100 charters to base in Trinidad and Tobago contributing to an additional US$12.5 million to services exports.

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Member’s Corner In October 2013, First Citizens Bank Limited joined the Institute as its first Founding Sponsor. Recognizing that much of the Institute’s success rests on support from the business community and its leaders.

Founding Sponsors provide not only a financial backbone for the organization but more importantly would become the strongest allies in promoting good governance.

T

he Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute (CCGI) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening principles of good governance across the Caribbean.

Its genesis evolved from several factors that underscored the need to increase Corporate Governance best practices in the Caribbean region. This includes study findings in 2011 that suggests lagging governance practices in the area of disclosure as compared to other emerging markets1 and was further catalyzed with the formation of a Corporate Governance Steering Committee at the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 2012. Conversations and collaborations around creating a Caribbean Institute began taking place within the international community including the International Corporate Governance Network, as well as the Global Corporate Governance Forum, a division of the International Finance Corporation. A model for the Institute was established with much insight and guidance from directors’ institutes around the world.

A vision was developed for the CCGI that centered on creating exceptional value for a Membership that would consist of business leaders at the highest levels, who were dedicated to strengthening their leadership

capacity, as well as performance of their organizations. The Institute set its sights on becoming a convener of talented leaders, a standard-setter and a provider of resources and research that would galvanize change towards responsible governance.

Over the coming years the Institute aims to serve members in the following twenty CARICOM countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands.

Headquartered in Port of Spain, the Institute began operations in January of this year and started with modest steps toward building a membership base and establishing partnerships that would prove invaluable in these early stages of growth.

THE LAUNCH October 3rd, 2013 marked the formal launch of the Institute to the business community with a reception held at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The event brought together captains of industry and a cross section of business leaders from all sectors. The event

was sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and featured distinguished speakers including Ms. Sharon Christopher, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, First Citizens Bank Limited, Mr. Norman Christie, Regional President, BP Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. Joe Esau, Chairman of Agostini’s Limited and the Caribbean Communications Network Limited and Mr. Kurt Kisto, Executive Director Caribbean Constituency, Inter-American Development Bank who acted as moderator.

Each presenter shared invaluable insights on lessons learned from their personal experiences, but more importantly, the launch event sparked critical awareness of the state of corporate governance and fuelled conversation and collaboration towards meeting the urgent need for improving standards of practice in the region.

Alex Kjorven, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, stated at the Launch that “this event marks only the beginning. We hope to see the brainpower and influence present here this evening be emboldened and synchronized towards achieving tangible improvements in the way organizations and markets perform”.

A CLOSER LOOK Standards The Institute is working to increase the standard of corporate governance best practices around the region. Starting with Trinidad, in 2012 the Institute was chosen to act as the Secretariat for the Trinidad & Tobago Corporate Governance Code (TTCGC). Together with its partners, the T&T Chamber of Industry & Commerce and the T&T Stock Exchange, the Institute will be hosting the formal release of the Code on Tuesday November 26th, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

The TTCGC was developed under guidance from a Working Group led by former Justice of Appeal Roger Hamel-Smith. It consists of individuals representing a variety of public and private companies, state-owned enterprises, regulatory authorities and professional associations.

This initial Code will be introduced on a voluntary “apply or explain” basis and consists of Principles, Recommendations and Guidance tailored for companies with public accountability.

Over the past several months, the Code has undergone numerous iterations, consultations and reviews from various stakeholder groups including the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago and key players in the international corporate governance

community. Overall, there has been widespread support for the introduction of a consolidated document outlining best practices. Together with its partners, the Institute is looking forward to publishing the Code at the end of the month and releasing it at the Launch event on November 26th.

For more information on the Code visit www.caribbeangovernance.org/codes-guides/ttcgc

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT The Institute collaborates with global leaders in education, training and also in planning regional research projects to deliver much needed insight into corporate governance in the Caribbean.

On October 30th and 31st, 2013 the Institute, along with the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank Group, will be conducting a series of closed-door Round Table discussions on risk governance, with Chairmen and CEOs from leading financial institutions including banks, insurance companies and credit unions. These conversations will provide invaluable insight into challenges faced and strategies for addressing the risk oversight function at the Board level. It will allow the organizers to better customize the resources being developed and inform the Institute in efforts to index best practices for various industries.

Meanwhile, the Institute is actively working towards building an assessment-based Director Training Program, which will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. It will leverage curriculum from international authorities on corporate governance and hopes of creating an exceptionally interactive and intimate learning experience, estimated to begin in 2014.

increased corporate governance has been our growing and active membership base.

The path towards creating a movement begins with the individual and the Institute. It has gained momentum through the enthusiasm and initiative of early adopters. In these short months since inception, the Institute has attracted members who are directors and senior executives from both private and public sector organizations across the Caribbean, such as the board of directors from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Barbados Stock Exchange, Beacon Insurance Company Limited and Reinsurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to discounts and invitation to exclusive events and forums, our members become part of a Caribbean-wide network of like-minded individuals coming together and working to galvanize positive change in areas that affect them as directors.

Members are encouraged to play an active role on committees and initiatives of the Institute, and be involved in designing its learning agenda lending subject matter expertise in helping to develop practice guidelines for their respective industry.

Directors or former Directors can apply for membership to the Institute either as an individual or as part of a full Board where discounted rates are offered depending on group size. The costs of membership are TTD$1,500 per individual or $7,000, $9,500 or $12,000 for groups of 6, 9 or 12 respectively.

For more information on how to become a member visit: www.caribbeangovernance.org/membership www.caribbeangovernance.org T: +1 868 221 8707

MEMBERSHIP The most palpable indication of the Institute’s success and demand for

F: +1 868 221 5306 Email: info@caribbeangovernance.org

1 - 2011 Syntegra Change Architects: Case Study of Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices in Trinidad & Tobago

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41

What’s Going On NOTEWORTHY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

THE ENERGY CHAMBER 1. The Energy Chamber October 31st, 2013 General Meeting at Cara Suites from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

2. November 6th, 2013 – “Improving Asset Performance” – sponsored by Waypoint Ltd at Cara Suites from 8:00 am to 10:00 am 3. November 7th, 2013 - "Improving Safety Performance Through Training" – sponsored by Set, Ready & Go Ltd at PLIPDECO Corporate Communications Centre from 7:30 am to 11:30 am 4. November 20th, 2013 – Local Content Conference – at Cara Suites from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Call 6-ENERGY for further details.

T&T GROUP OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION LIMITED TTGPA The Trinidad and Tobago Group of Professional Associations Ltd. will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary of the Professional Culinary Classics on Saturday 16th November at its usual ‘stomping ground’, the Sepp Blatter Hall, Centre of Excellence.

TRINBAGO UNIFIED CALYPSONIANS ORGANISATION (TUCO) CALYPSO HISTORY MONTH November 2 - TUCO North Zone Temporama - Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah - 6:00pm November 3 - Calypso Boat Ride-Coral Vision (Breakfast Shed Wrightson Road) - 6:00pm November 6 - Calypso Show-Nu Pub, Corner of Ariapita Ave & French Street, Woodbrook - 8:00pm November 7 - Vintage Calypso Classics- Central Bank Auditorium - 6:00pm November 12 - The Gala-Lord Kitchener Auditorium - 8:00pm November 13 - Explainer Birth Nite Show-Nu Pub - 8:00pm November 17 - Calypo Stories- National Library, POS - 10:00am November 20 - Annual Calypso & Soca Awards - Caribbean Restaurant Windies, Toronto November 27 - Family Day- National Carnival Commission- Queens Park Savannah - 9:00am

FASHION ENTREPRENEURS T&T FETT presents Voir Caribe 2013 Fashion Runway Show at the Creative Art Centre, Circular Road, San Fernando. Starting @ 6:30pm on Saturday 23rd November 2013. TSVP 772-2402 / 301-2300

ASSOCIATION OF FEMALE EXECUTIVES OF T&T (AFETT) Suit Me Up- November 9 2013 at Cruise Ship Complex Wrightson road, Port of Spain. It is one of AFETT’s signature Social Outreach and fundraising events, which the organization has successfully run for the past 11 years. It is geared towards making affordable used and new clothing available to workingwomen.

CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO CCULTT- Small Business Development Workshop The Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago hosts a one (1) day workshop on Small Business Development for all interested members and non-members on November 12, 2013 at the League’s offices, Cor. John and De Verteuil Streets, Montrose, Chaguanas from 9:30am – 3:30pm.

For further information and for registration please call 671/4704/11 or email culeague@tstt.net.tt ART SOCIETY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 70th Anniversary Exhibition November 15th-30th- ASTT Headquarters Jamaica Blvd & St Vincet Avenue, Federation Park- 622- 9827

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HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF T&T As HRMATT closes off another year, we will do it with a ‘Caribbean’ flair. Join us on November 23rd at the Pier 1 Dock where we will set sail for our first Year End Party & Cruise, as we end another successful year of major achievements. For more information and for tickets, call the HRMATT Secretariat (868) 624-4519.

TRINIDAD HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION Christmas Mixer and Auction on November 27, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 5:00pm to 9.00pm Contact the THRTA at 634-1174 or via email at info@tnthotels.com.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce will host one of its signature annual events, the 9th Annual Business Hall of Fame (HoF) on November 16, 5:00-9:00pm, at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. The HoF inducts business exemplars who have contributed significantly to the economic and social development of the country. For more information contact sboodoo@chamber.org.tt.

The Business Opportunity Trinidad and Tobago Conference (Biz-oppsTT), scheduled for November 27 & 28 at the Chamber’s Offices, is a new initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It will showcase to the private sector the many business opportunities available in key public sector areas. For more information contact iabdool@chamber.org.tt.

T&T PUBLISHERS & BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION Annual Dinner and Awards for media excellence on December 5th, 2013. The Award recognizes stalwarts in the industry with careers spanning over twenty years. Title sponsor: TSTT YACHT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO YSATT will be having our annual Christmas Cook Out Fundraiser on Friday 13th December 2013 from 4:30pm by the docks at Power Boats. The objective of this event is to provide all visiting cruisers with a taste of the fun and excitement of a Trini Christmas as well as to raise funds for charity and the organization.

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Mobile Market Continues To Dominate Written by: Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad & Tobago

“Every day we are moving closer to having almost as many mobile- cellular subscriptions as people on earth” so says Brahima Sanou, Director of the International Telecommunications Union Telecommunication Development Bureau, in one of that organization’s on-line articles titled “the World in 2013”.

A

ccording to that report, which was printed in February 2013, the number of mobile telephone subscriptions globally was reported to have stood at 6.8 billion; just about four months after the world officially marked the global population reaching 7 billion.

Statistics for Trinidad and Tobago alone are staggering, as at the end of December 2012, the number of mobile subscriptions reached 1.88 million, in a country where the population stood at 1.3 Million in 2011.

This reflects a 3.1 percent increase in the number of mobile subscriptions compared to December 2011.

These figures were released in the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TATTs ) Annual Market Report – Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors - January to December 2012, which is available on its website www.tatt.org.tt.

TATT is the regulatory body responsible for the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

The market report, which is published annually, provides information on the performance of key segments within the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors and zeroes in on prevailing market trends in the following areas • Fixed and mobile telephone • Internet • Free to Air Radio • Free to air Television • Subscription television • International telephone

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The 2012 market report indicates that revenues in Trinidad and Tobago’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors continue to climb reflecting prevailing global trends, such as faster uptake of mobile services and slower growth in the fixed line telephone market as a consequence of the popularity and accessibility of mobile telephony.

For 2012, total revenue for the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors is estimated at TT $5.3 billion, an increase by 12.6 percent from 2011. Of this figure, the telecommunications sector generated revenues totalling TT $4.4 billion or 82.9 percent of overall industry revenue.

Broadcasting yielded TT $908.8 million or 17.1 percent of the overall industry revenue.

It should be noted that the TT $5.3 billion or US $834.1 million generated by both sectors in 2012, equates to 3.3 per cent of this country’s Gross domestic Product.

This steady growth in the local telecommunications and broadcasting sectors is taking place against the backdrop of a volatile global economic environment.

However, while there may have been anticipation that this environment would have somewhat impacted Trinidad and Tobago’s growth thrust, in his 2012 Budget presentation, Minister of Finance, Senator Larry Howai revealed otherwise. He noted that after three years of negative growth during the period 2009-2011, Trinidad and Tobago’s economy reached a turning point in 2012.

Growth he said “is expected to be in the vicinity of 1.2 per cent. The return to economic growth in 2012 is anchored on the improved performance of the non-energy sector”.

The telecommunications and broadcasting sectors are components of the non-energy sector described as “burgeoning” by Dr Ronald Ramkisson during an address at one of TATT’s ICT Open Forums. Commenting on the sectors’ 2012 performance, he added, “We have come a long way from when the state was the primary provider of telecommunications and broadcasting services”. Dr Ramkissoon credited the liberalization process undertaken by TATT for the current success of the sectors over the last nine years.

Revenue increases are indicative of subscription increases, which took place across both sectors during the period under review. There were increases in the Internet and subscription television markets, as well as mobile markets.

It is anticipated that over the next three- year period the markets will continue to experience growth as TATT embarks upon a number of initiatives that would deepen competition, strengthen infrastructure and keep this country abreast with international trends. These initiatives will be documented in TATT’s 2013 to 2016 strategic plan.

Some of the initiatives include: • Strengthening of the regulatory framework including amendments to the Telecommunications Act • Engagement of a third mobile telephone provider • Establishment of number portability All of these initiatives, TATT is confident, would redound to the benefit of the average consumer of telecommunications and broadcasting services.

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Dream it, SERVICES EXPORT:

Do it!

TTCSI NATIONAL SERVICES WEEK 2013 The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries will host a series of innovative, life-changing events to showcase the benefits and contributions of the services sector.

For the 6th year, TTCSI will host for the National Services Week celebrations five major events, each tailored to grow your business.

3rd Annual Excellence in Services Award.

5th November Hilton Hotel

Featured Speaker Richard Young - Chairman of the Economic Development Board.

Financial Services Sector

Creating the Future You Want.

6th November Hilton Hotel

Going Global

Structuring your Winning Pitch for Growth 7th November Hilton Hotel

Featured Speaker Jwala Rambarran Central Bank Governor.

Cost: $500 +vat

Featured Speakers Kamram Elahian - ICT Venture Capitalist.

Stephen Arbeit - Global Marketing & Branding Guru.

Cost: $600 +vat

Preparing our Children for the Future

Education, Technology & Intelligence 8th November Hilton Hotel

Featured Speaker Richard Gerver - Global leader on Education reform.

Creating a Green Mindset

Secondary School Green Building Competition 9th November

JFK Auditorium University of the West Indies.

Cost: $750 +vat (TTCSI’s Members + Educators) Cost: $900 +vat (TTCSI’s Non Members)

To register please visit www.ttcsi.org

Follow us:

TTCSI

For further information contact the TTCSI Secretariat: 622-9229 • info@ttcsi.org • ddickson@ttcsi.org 45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

I