Synopsis: Day-2-Session-1-Country-Summaries

1. BELIZE
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Economic Development Council of
Belize
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

2. The Process
•
•
•
Launched on June 5, 2013
180+ participated (57% Private Sector; 24% Public Sector; 19% Civil Society)
Thematic areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Investment Climate
Skills and Productivity
Logistics and Connectivity
Each Working Group has met three times to date and all
continue to meet
4 Proposals from each group have emerged as priorities
All proposals have a regional dimension
Aligned with the Competitiveness Conference
Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action plans
feasibility and reform sequencing

3. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

4. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

5. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

6. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

7. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: TBD
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop by: TBD

8. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

9. The CGF Process
• Fully aligned with National Development
Initiatives to create a new platform for
growth
• Launched on May 8, 2013
• 250+ persons participated – public private
mix
• Thematic Areas: Skills and
Productivity, Logistics and
Connectivity, Investment Climate
• Each Working Group met at least 5-6 times
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated
the action plans feasibility and reform
sequencing
Dialogue
Recommendations &
Strategic Plans
Economic Diversification and Transformation
thrust towards knowledge based, innovation
driven economy
–
–
-
-
Medium Term Policy Framework 2011-2014
“Innovation for Lasting Prosperity”
20th July, 2012. Diversification Conference – 7
Business Clusters identified:
• Energy
• Food Sustainability
• Culture and Creative Industries
• Maritime Industries
• Tourism
• Financial Services
• ICT
Committee of National Stakeholders
established
Business Cluster Teams established to
develop strategic plans
Implementation
Accountability

10. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Develop/Upgrade Maritime Infrastructure
Ministry of Transport
Strengthen the governance structure and
the legal and policy framework for the
Maritime Industry
Ministries of Transport & Trade,
Industry and Investment
Improve the efficiency of port operations
through restructuring/privatisation
Ministry of Planning and
Sustainable Development
Migrate e-commerce environment to fullfledged electronic marketplace
Ministries of the AG and S&T
Provide universal access to high speed
broadband service
Ministries of Transport & Trade,
Industry and Investment

11. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Ensure continuity of Government
policies and programmes
Ministry of Finance and the
Econ. OPM
Build broad, long term consensus on
key priorities for sustainable
development which would inform
annual budget
Ministries of Planning and SD
and Finance and the Econ
Improve work ethic and productivity of
the workforce
Ministry of Public Admin.
Improve the ease of doing business –
approvals for construction projects
Ministry of Planning and SD
Improve the efficiency of general port
operations
Ministry of Transport
Strengthen enforcement of contractual
arrangements
Ministry of Justice
Reduce crime and violence
Ministry of National Security

12. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Enhance R&D and training for
research scientists and in applied
sciences
Ministry of Food Production &
UWI
Develop human resource capacity and
capability
Ministry of Food Production &
UWI
Improve land use and water
resources management
Ministries of Food Prod, Planning
and SD, Environment and WR
Build sustainable productive capacity
along the food and agri. value chain
Ministry of Food Production
Improve management of fisheries
resources and support aquaculture
and trade in fish and fish products
Ministry of Food
Production/SeaFood Industry
Dev. Company
Introduce finance and risk mitigation
measures
Ministry of Food Production

13. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Build human resources through
training interventions and skills
enhancement
Ministries of Tertiary Education &
Culture
Stimulate innovation and
entrepreneurship by
strengthening the policy and
legal framework and introducing
incentive schemes
Ministries of Planning and SD, AG,
Finance and the Econ.
Support local production and
higher levels of local content
Ministries of Trade, Industry and Inv.
and Culture
Provide support for marketing
and distribution
Ministries of Trade, Industry and Inv.
and Culture

14. Next Steps
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action: July 30th 2013
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: Early August 2013
• First Accountability Workshop by: Early
December 2013
Dialogue
Recommendations &
Strategic Plans
Implementation
Accountability

15. JAMAICA
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Collin Bullock, Planning Institute
of Jamaica (PIOJ)
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013: Nassau, The Bahamas

16. The Process
• Launched on May 2, 2013
• Over 200 contributed (14% Private Sector; 46% Public
Sector; 18% Civil Society; 22% International)
• Each Working Group met for 5-6 times weekly since the
launch
• 18 Proposals have emerged as priorities
• 5 Proposals have a regional dimension
• Aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica, Medium Term
Framework and Government Growth Strategy
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

17. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

18. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

19. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

20. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: September 2013
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop/Forum by:
December 2013

21. SURINAME
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Competitiveness Unit Suriname
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

22. The Start
• Competitiveness Unit Suriname launched June 2012
• First National Competitiveness Forum Suriname held
on February 7 –8, 2013; opened by the Vice President
of the Republic of Suriname, H.E. Robert L. Ameerali
• 450+ persons participated
• 4 working tables and panels; 49 national and
international speakers and presenters
• Final report with Recommendations
• Working groups established at Forum as concrete first
implementing step

23. The Process
• Launched on March 11, 2013
• 4 working groups: Access to Finance, Education and
Innovation, Public Private Partnerships and
Decentralization of Economic Development
• 107 pp contributed (53% Public Sector, 47% Private
Sector & Civil Society)
• Each Working Group met for 5 times, (once weekly)
• 54 priorities have been identified
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

24. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

25. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

26. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

27. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Finalize technical Decentralization
Process of the districts (approval of
legislation)
Resource assessment on district level
•15.3 mln
USD
•IDB (Phase1)
• 5 mln
USD
Cabinet of the
Vicepresident
National Assembly
DLGP PMU
none
Develop/ implement a Local
Economic Development program
for the districts
Ministry of
Regional
Development/CUS
DLGP
35 mln
USD
none
Establish 10 Regional Administrative
Development Centers (Growth
centers)
Ministry of
Regional
Development
30 mln
USD
none

28. Next Steps
• Continue: stakeholder involvement, alignment, endorsement,
writing of ToR's, project proposals, programs
• Secure finance for TA and implementation
• Establish mechanisms for Implementation, M&E and Reporting
• Appointment of focal points for implementation of each action:
Dec 13
• Announcement of implementation phase: Jan 14
• Execution of projects/programs Jan 14-Dec 15
• First Accountability Workshop by: Dec 14

29. THE BAHAMAS
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Khaalis Rolle, Minister of State for
Investments in the Office of the Prime
Minister
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

30. The Process
• Launched on April 4, 2013
• 125+ contributed (70% Private Sector; 15% Public
Sector, 15% Civil Society)
• Each Working Group met for 5-6 times
• 17 Proposals have emerged as priorities
• 4 Proposals have a regional dimension
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

31. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

32. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

33. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

34. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

35. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation phase:
TBD
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each action:
TBD
• First Accountability Workshop by: TBD
• CGF is informing the National Development
Strategy

36. DOMINICA
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Rosamund Edwards, Financial
Secretary
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

37. The Process
• Launched on March 17, 2013
• 150+ contributed (X% Private Sector; X% Public
Sector, X% Civil Society)
• Each Working Group met for 5-6 times weekly
• 10 have national dimension
• 2 priorities have regional dimension
• The CGF is helping prioritizing actions within the
National Development Strategy
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

38. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Establish an OECS and/or Caricom
Association of importers that would
provide countervailing power to the
Caribbean ship owners Association
Improve the capacity of the local
shipping fleet and local seafarers
Improving the quality of vessels for
Agricultural Exports
Improving the Processing Time of
Passengers entering and leaving
Dominica at the Ferry Terminal
DAIC, MOT
250,000
Min. of
Publ/energy,
MOE
Public-Private
250,000
DASPA,MOF
2,100,000
3,000,000

39. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Provide Venture Capital concessionary
financing and Technical Assistance, with
transparent and flexible conditions to
enable growth of private sector firms by
20% within 1 year
MOF, MOT,
Export DA,
Private Sector,
IDA
Restructure tax and incentive regimes to MOF, Min. of
create the enabling environment for
Legal Affairs,
private sector
IDA
Public-Private Sector collaboration to
MOF, DA
invest in viable business ventures in
Business Forum
selected priority productive sectors
Establish legal and administrative
framework for Intellectual Property (IP)
to become leading Center in CARICOM
Min. of Legal
Affairs, IP Office

40. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Support Ministry of Education and MOE, TVET
Human Resource Development for Council, Private
the introduction of TVET/CVQ
Sector
Improve quality and drive
productivity of employees within
the private sector
DCA Business Forum,
Trade Unions, TVET
Council. Private sector,
MOT, National
Productivity Council
(NPC)
Institutional Strengthening of
Private Sector Organizations
MOT, MOF, DBOS,
NPS, Private Sect.
Increase the employability of
unemployed youth
Min. Of
Communication,
TVET, DSC, NTA

41. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: TBD
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop by: TBD

42. BARBADOS
Public-Private Dialogue Focal Point:
THE SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP OF BARBADOS
with focus on
THE BARBADOS ACTION TEAM
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas
44

43. The Process
The Social Partnership
•Chaired by Prime Minister
•Launched in response to local economic challenges. It…
i) Makes policy recommendations
ii) Meets quarterly
iii) Establishes Protocols covering Economic Social & Development
issues
To date 6 Protocols drafted and implemented by Social Partners
The Sub-Committee of the Social Partnership
•Chaired by Minister of Labour
i)
ii)
iii)
Ensures adherence to the terms and conditions of the Protocols
Aims to deepen and widen the Social Partnership
Meets monthly
46

44. The Barbados Action Team
The Barbados Action Team (BAT) was established within the Social
Partnership by the Chairman, The Prime Minister, February 2012. The Social
Partners are duty-bound to confront and provide leadership in crafting
solutions to national problems.
The BAT consists of three Working Groups (WGs) each comprising 6
members and representing the Social Partners. The Prime Minister Chairs
the BAT while each WG has a Chairman and a Co Chair
•
Efficiency Working Group (EWG)
•
Growth Working Group (GWG)
•
Social Safety Net Working Group (SSNWG)
How does BAT work?
• Develop short and mid term phases of solutions for realising
opportunities with the highest priorities
• Mobilise groups and resources to execute identified actions
• Guide and monitor the execution of the action plans
• Measure the achievement of the objectives in the action plans
47

45. Top Priorities for Efficiency Working Group
Passenger facilitation at Grantley Adams
International Airport (GAIA)
Applications to the Town and Country
Development Planning Office (TCDPO)
Payments to and from Government
Transactions by the Corporate Affairs and
Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO)
The drafting of legislation
Export food and agricultural products to
the EU and EU registered vessels
48

46. Top Priorities for Growth Working Group
International Business
Construction
Tourism
Agriculture
Energy
Youth
49

47. Top Priorities for Social Safety Net
Working Group
Welfare Department
Housing Neighbourhood Upgrade
Programme (HNUP)
Housing for the Elderly
Vagrancy
50

48. Next Steps
•
•
•
•
•
•
Further strengthening of the Social Partnership and
the work of the Sub-Committee
Continue the consultation process-BAT
Closer collaboration between GWG and EWG
Focus on implementation of actions identified
Publish and promote the work of BAT
The tripartite model has served the country well thus
far. It is our expectation that this model will continue
and be strengthened in this period of protracted
recession and global economic challenges.
51

49. SAINT KITTS and NEVIS
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Mr. Calvin Edwards
Deputy Financial Secretary
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

50. The Process
• Launched on February 26, 2013
• 150+ contributed (40 Private Sector; 40% Public
Sector, 20% Civil Society)
• Each Working Group met once per week over 8
weeks period
• 11 Proposals have emerged as priorities
• 1 Proposal has a regional dimension
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

51. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

52. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

53. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

54. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: TBD
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop by: TBD

55. SAINT LUCIA
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Reginald Darius
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic
Affairs, Planning and Social Security
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

56. The Process
•
Launched on January 22, 2013
•
Over 161 participation (36% Private Sector; 53% Public
Sector, 11% Civil Society)
•
Each Working Group met for a period of 6 weeks
•
Proposals with National Priorities and Regional
Dimension:
•
•
•
Logistic and Connectivity – 3 National & 1 Regional
Investment Climate – 3 National/Regional
Skills and Productivity – 4 National & 3 Regional
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

57. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

58. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

59. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

60. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation phase
August 2013
• Appointment of individual focal points for
implementation
• First Accountability Workshop
January 2014

61. SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Laura Browne, Ministry of Finance
and Economic Planning
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

62. The Process
• Launched on January 17, 2013
• 120 persons attended the launch and 66 persons
contributed (35% Private Sector; 53% Public Sector,
4.5% Civil Society, 4.5% regional institution, 3%
International Institution)
• Each Working Group met 1-2 times weekly
• 12 Proposals have emerged as priorities
• 4 Proposals have a regional dimension
• CGF is feeding in the National Development Strategy
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

63. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

64. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

65. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

66. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: End of July 2013
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action: Mid August, 2013
• First Accountability Workshop by: Mid
September, 2013

67. GRENADA
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Mr. Timothy Antoine, Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Finance
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

68. The Process
• Launched on December 11, 2012
• 150+ contributed (60% Public Sector, 25% Civil Society
15%, Private Sector)
• Each Working Group met at least 6 times
• 8 Proposals with several dimensions have emerged as
priorities
• A number of the proposals have a regional dimension
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

69. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Development of ICT (Establish Broadband
backbone Network, E-Government Services)
Improve Air and Maritime Transport
Ministries of
Tourism and
Finance
US$5M
Strengthening of the national agricultural produce
supply chain to reduce trade imbalance, and value
chain logistics to increase competitiveness
Ministry of
Economic
Development
To be determined

70. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
Reduce energy Cost by investments in
renewable energy technology such as tidal,
Geothermal and Solar PV and explore grid
interconnectivity with neighboring countries
Revise Investment Promotion Act 2009 to
address sector and international treaty obligation
deficiencies.
Enact a Small Business Development Act.
Increase production and exports and strengthen
the capacity and resources of the Marketing &
National Importing Board (MNIB) to focus
more on the export of local produce and the
development of exports.

71. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
The provision of the highest standard of health
care throughout the State through an improved
public health system and health care facilities and
the establishment of an National Health Insurance
Scheme
To develop ICT capacity that will maximize the
use of technology for communication and
adoption of relevant software to meet Grenada’s
developmental needs and enhance
competitiveness. In this regard, emphasis would
be placed in the use of hardware and software to
maximize productivity in both the private and
public sectors

72. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders
ENERGY: To develop and implement a
sustainable energy development plan to deliver
access to affordable and reliable energy. In this
regard, special focus will be given to the
enhancement of energy efficiency through the
reduction of waste in the national grid
EDUCATION: The development of an efficient
education system that provides for uninhibited
access, quality education that will produce a welleducated workforce

73. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: December 2013
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop by: March
2014

74. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Denise Knight, Ministry of Finance
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

75. The Process
• Launched on November 19, 2012
• 120+ contributed (30% Private Sector; 55% Public
Sector, 15% Civil Society)
• Each Working Group met for 5-6 times on a
weekly basis, over an eight week period
• Twelve (12) Proposals have emerged as priorities
• One (1) Proposal has a regional dimension
• Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action
plans feasibility and reform sequencing

76. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

77. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

78. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

79. Next Steps
• Announcement of the implementation
phase: July 17 2013
• Appointment of individual focal points
responsible for implementation of each
action
• First Accountability Workshop by: September
18 2013

80. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
CGF Chapter
CGF Focal Point:
Juan Reyes, Ministry of Economy
Planning and Development
Caribbean Growth Forum Regional Workshop
June 24-25, 2013 Nassau, The Bahamas

81. The Process
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Launched on November 1, 2012
150+ contributed (31% Private Sector; 39% Public Sector,
16% Civil Society; 14% International Organizations)
Each Working Group met for 6-7 times.
14 Proposals have emerged as priorities
CGF is aligned with the National Development Strategy
2030
Second Phase announced on May 21, 2013
Focal Points identified
Independent Civil Society Observatory for monitoring
implementation created
Yesterday’s regional exchange validated the action plans
feasibility and reform sequencing

82. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

83. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

84. Top Priorities for CGF Stakeholders

85. Next Steps
• First Accountability Workshop by November 1, 2013
Reporting mechanism every 4 months
Not started
In progress
Completed