CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE. Monday 26 th March, 2018 Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

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1 CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE 72 nd MEETING OF THE RESTRICTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARDI Monday 26 th March, 2018 Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago BOD/72/18/04 MINUTES OF THE 32 nd MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BOG) OF CARDI Held at Radisson Hotel, Costa Rica 25 th October, 2017 Please find attached Minutes of the Board of Governors (BOG) of CARDI meeting held on 25 th October, 2017 at the Radisson Hotel, Costa Rica submitted for information only.

2 MINUTES OF THE 32 nd MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BOG) OF CARDI Held at Radisson Hotel, Costa Rica 25 th October, 2017 Welcome and Opening Remarks 1. The Chairman, BOD introduced Hon. David Osborne, Chairman, BOG and Minister of Agriculture, Montserrat who replaced the previous Chairman, Hon. Claude Hogan. 2. The Chairman, BOG offered greetings from the Government and People of Montserrat. He stated that CARDI is an important organization for the Caribbean and Montserrat has always been willing and supportive of the Institute. However, over the years Montserrat has not totally benefitted from its services and requested assistance in terms of technology. He referred to Dominica and its devastation advising that islands like Montserrat depended on them for supplying agricultural produce. 3. The ED welcomed the Governors and Representatives and apologized for the absences of Belize, Cayman Islands and Dominica. A list of the participants is attached at Annex 1. Agenda Item 1 - Approval of Agenda (BOG/32/16/01) 4. The order of the Agenda was revised and approved on a motion by the Governor from St Kitts and Nevis and seconded by the Governor from Antigua and Barbuda. Agenda Items 2 and 3 were addressed after Agenda Items 4, 5, 6, 7 8 and 9. See listing at Annex 2. Agenda Item 2 (i) Approval of Minutes of the 31 st Board of Governors Meeting held on 27 th October, 2017, Cayman Islands(BOG/31/16/02) 5. The Minutes of the 31 st Meeting of the Board of Governors were confirmed on a motion by the Governor from Antigua and Barbuda and seconded by the Governor from Barbados. 2

3 Agenda Item 3 (i) Matters arising out of the 30 th Board of Governors Meeting held on 8 th October, 2015 (BOG/31/16/03) 6. The Board noted the status of the Matters arising out of the Minutes of the 31 st Board of Governors Meeting including the following. Minute 35 Query Remuneration Package re Arlington Chesney 7. The Governor from St Lucia reported that Dr Arlington Chesney was contracted as a short term measure for a period of 2 years to renew the relationship with IICA and CARDI and therefore the allowance known as Professional Development Grant was not included in his contract. 8. The Board in reviewing the matter agreed to an ex gratia payment in the amount of approximately EC$35, owed to Dr Arlington Chesney and requested Management to prepare a payment plan to effect same. Agenda Item 4 Executive Director s Report 2016 including first quarter 2017 (BOG/31/16/04) 9. The ED in his presentation highlighted the following: - Internal changes and strengthening of external relationships - Completion of the vision documents entitled: CARDI The Future We Want and CARICOM Agriculture The Future We Want - Recruitment, upgrade and redeployment of scientists with emphasis on youth and gender equality - Institutionalizing a revamped ICT Strategy - Reentry of Guyana and The Bahamas as the newest Member State - Reduction of arrears from Jamaica - Establishment of the Caribbean Agricultural Hub Services Limited (CACSH) - Initiated activities towards the establishment of the Foundation and Endowment Fund - Completed the first phase of the Institutional Review - Prepared CARDI s Strategic Plan

4 10. Ambassador Patrick Antoine, Plenipotentiary Representative from Grenada recommended that for future the format should be a matrix presentation showing CARDI s work and its impact. 11. The Governor from Guyana stated that staff needs to be on the cutting edge and therefore recruitment should be at the PhD level rather than at first degree and then sent off for training at a higher level. 12. The ED responded that there have been challenges in attracting staff at 2004 salaries and for this reason the Institute has been recruiting young people and seeking attachments to Universities for higher training which will then benefit the Institute and the Region. 13. The ED advised that the organization is moving towards multi stakeholder innovation platforms as the mechanism for the implementation of CARDI's work programme across the Region. 14. The Governor from St Lucia sought information as to the involvement of Black Sigatoka Development (BSD) in St Lucia. 15. The ED responded that varieties of plantain were introduced and a disease management plan was developed. He stated that the reports will be circulated to Member States. 16. The Governor from Antigua and Barbuda requested technical assistance from CARDI in Giant African Snail (GAS). 17. The ED advised that CARDI received a request from the Minister of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago to assist with GAS. CARDI looked at the experience across the Region and determined that the best source of advice was from the Ministry of Agriculture, Barbados. Following which permission was sought from the Ministry requesting the services of Mr Ian Gibbs, Entomologist. 18. The Governor from Grenada also requested technical assistance from CARDI in the area of Citrus Greening. 19. The Board; (i) Noted the report 4

5 (ii) (iii) Also noted the issues raised and actions to support issues Agreed to the presentation as a matrix showing CARDI s impact Agenda Item 5 Report on CARDI s Institutional Review (BOG/31/16/05) 20. The ED reported that Member States and Stakeholders along with the Agriculture and Food Cluster were canvassed in developing the Concept Notes on CARICOM Food and Agriculture and CARDI, The Future We Want. He stated that it was felt that the Institute needed a review of its systems and through the technical cooperation agreement with IICA resources were garnered to conduct said Review. 21. The Board; (i) Endorsed the Report; (ii) Recognised that the 2 nd Phase will focus, with support from IICA, on an in-depth review of the financial and Human Resource systems initially; and. (iii) Also recognised that the 2 nd Phase will be initiated before the end of Agenda Item 6- Report on operations of Caribbean Agricultural Commercial Services Hub Limited (BOG/31/16/06) 22. The ED reported that CACSH conducted, initiated and/or completed a number of activities consistent with its mandate as a fully owned CARDI commercial subsidiary. He also reported that the strategic objectives of the Company were to generate sustained income in a viable business model from a diverse range of initiatives. 23. The ED advised that the office facilities have been relocated and he also advised that the financial reports were being finalized and will be distributed on completion. 24. The Board; (i) Endorsed and supported the initiatives of CACSH (ii) Noted that the financial reports when completed will be circulated to the Board. 5

6 Agenda Item 7- Status on the Establishment of CARDI s Foundation and Endowment Fund (BOG/31/16/07) 25. The ED reported that a law firm in the United States with experience in the setting up of Foundations was retained to provide the required legal services in the Establishment of the Foundation. He also reported that the instruments will be shared with the BOG prior to completion of the registration process. 26. The Board noted the Status of the Establishment of CARDI s Foundation and/or Endowment Fund. Agenda Item 8 CARDI s Strategic Plan (BOG/31/16/08) 27. The ED advised that consultations were conducted with stakeholders in Member Countries and thanked the Board for supporting the initiatives as outlined in the Strategic Plan The Governor from Jamaica asked whether the structure proposed was consistent with the mandate of CARDI. He was of the view that the Institute s Core function should be made demonstratively clear by its results, which is, applied research. He felt that CARDI needs to be focus and consolidate its efforts throughout the Region. 29. The Governor from St Lucia stated that Member States needs and focus were different and therefore one programme will not support all of the countries. 30. The Chairman, BOG agreed and stated that Member States need to support and understand the shortfall within countries. 31. The Chairman, BOD added that in the context of the challenges facing the Institute concerning its viability, the following are important factors - Applied Research - The commercial entity engaging with private sector in generating resources - Farming Systems Research Approach 6

7 32. He also added that presently CARDI cannot afford to pay competitive salaries and was seeking to build a cadre of expertise. He added that due to the liabilities in its book, CARDI has not been able to attract donor funding. 33. The ED noted the submission regarding the specifics of projects to be implemented and advised that a differentiated strategy will be adapted and applied in the implementation plan. 34. The Governor from Jamaica advised that his Government will be willing to contract CARDI outside of its normal contributions to carry out activities in Jamaica beginning at the Bodles Station. 35. The Board; (i) Approved the Strategic Plan and (ii) Agreed that CARDI will proceed to prepare its Implementation Plan. Agenda Item 9 Consolidated Financial Status (BOG/31/16/09) 36. Mr Curtis Nero, Head, Finance Unit advised that the Institute continues to engage Member States of its arrears by writing and through visits by the Executive Director. He also advised that Jamaica is the only country in arrears that has adhered to its payment schedule and stated that in some cases other countries arrears worsened. 37. The Governor from Guyana stated that Guyana will continue to remain current in its contributions; however the arrears will not be addressed as services were not provided during the stated period. 38. The Governor from Guyana also stated that CARDI needs to submit updated audited accounts. 39. Mr. Curtis Nero, Head Finance Unit responded that the 2013 Accounts are presently being reviewed by the Auditors and the 2014, 2015 and 2016 will be finalized by March, He clarified that Guyana s arrears was for the period prior to the cancellation of services. 7

8 40. The Chairman, BOG added that in order for the Institute to be able to respond to the Region s needs Member States would need to remain current in their contributions to CARDI. He urged Member States to make a contribution to their payments and also urged defaulting countries to adhere to the payment schedule. 41. The Governor from Barbados stated that obligations to Regional Institutions should not be treated frivolously. He stated that a legal position should be obtained from the CARICOM Secretariat on the treatment of arrears to Regional Institutions. 42. The Chairman, BOD indicated that in spite of CARDI not receiving contributions from Guyana, the Institute maintained a presence in Guyana, implemented several projects, and Ministers participated actively at meetings of the Institute. 43. The Governor from St Lucia advised that Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica were recovering from the recent Hurricane and therefore may be unable to pay their contributions in the near future. 44. Ambassador Patrick Antoine, Plenipotentiary Representative from Grenada proposed a redistribution of the contributions amongst unaffected Member Countries. 45. The ED advised that he has undertaken to hold discussions with the affected Member States. He also advised that there needs to be a strategy in place as these disasters are part of the future. 46. The Governor from Barbados was uncertain that this charter could be put in place by Governors and recommended that it be addressed through the CARICOM Secretariat. 47. The Board; (i) Noted and Congratulated the Bahamas, Belize Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago for meeting their obligations by keeping up to date with their quota subscriptions; (ii) Noted (a) The high level of arrears as at 30 th September 2017; and (b) The very negative impact on the operations of the Institute 8

9 (iii) Urged the defaulting Member Countries to make urgent efforts to (a) Meet their current contributions to CARDI; and (b) Indicate the plan to reduce their arrears by responding to the suggested payment schedule; (iv) Noted the financial position as at 31 st December, 2016; (v) Also Noted that the Audited Accounts for 2013 is being reviewed by the Auditors; and (vi) Further Noted that provision is being make to have the Audited Financial Statements for 2014, 2015 and 2016 completed by March, Agenda Item 10 Any other business (BOG/31/16/10) (i) Rationalisation of Regional Institutions 48. The Governor from Guyana stated that there needs to be a rationalization of regional agencies and a recommendation sent to CARICOM Secretariat for review. 49. The ED stated that the CARICOM Heads of Institutions commissioned a review of all the Regional Institutions for relevance and efficiency. He also stated that the CARICOM Secretariat had initiated a review on the financing of regional institutions and CARDI met with the Team and presented the necessary information. (ii) FAO s Regional Conference March, The Governor from Jamaica advised that Jamaica will be hosting the next FAO Regional Conference in March, 2018 regional conference in March, He encouraged the participation of Caribbean Ministers to show support for the FAO and stated that the conference had only been held once in the Caribbean and it may be a long time before it returns to the Region (iii) Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Hurricane Maria 51. The Governor from St Kitts/Nevis proposed and the BOG endorsed condolences on the loss of lives to the sister countries which experienced devastation due to the passing of the recent hurricanes. He recommended if not as a Region, individual countries should look at contingency funding in the event of catastrophes in the Region. 9

10 52. The ED advised that discussions are being held with IICA to develop a project on Hurricane Recovery Efforts utilizing resources from the IICA/CARDI programme which will assist Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, (i) Date of the next Board of Governors Meeting 53. The Board agreed that the next meeting of the Board of Governors would be scheduled during the CWA There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m. 10

11 List of Attendees: Annex 1 Governors and their Representatives present Governors Hon. Arthur Nibbs Hon. Dr David Estwick Hon. Yolande Bain Horsford Hon Noel Holder Hon. Karl Samuda Hon.David Osborne Hon. Eugene A. Hamilton Hon Ezechiel Joseph Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource, Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries,Grenada Minister of Agriculture, Guyana Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Lands, Housing and the Environment Montserrat& Chairman, Board of Governors Minister of Agriculture, Health, National Health Insurance, Human Settlement, Community Development, Gender Affairs, Social Services, Land and Cooperatives, St Kitts/Nevis Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives, St. Lucia Governors Representatives Mr Jedidiah Maxime Mr Lennox Chandler Amb. Patrick Antoine Mr Shaun Baugh. Ms Adonia Chin Mr Gregory Rahming Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda Chief Agricultural Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Barbados Plenipotentiary Representative from Grenada Principal Director, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Agriculture, Jamaica Technical Adviser, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Agriculture, Jamaica Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, The Bahamas 11

12 Governors absent: Hon. Godwin Hulse Minister of State, Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Belize Hon.Juliana O Connor-Connelly Minister of Education, Sports, Youth, Agriculture & Lands, Cayman Islands Hon. Johnson Drigo Hon Saboto Caesar Hon. Renward Ricardo Wells Hon Clarence Rambharat Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dominica Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, St Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, The Bahamas Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago CARDI Representatives present Mr Ignatius Jean Chairman, Board of Directors Mr Barton Clarke Executive Director Mr Curtis Nero Head, Finance Unit Mrs. Debbie Maharaj Executive Assistant 12

13 Annex 2 AGENDA Organisation of Meeting 1. Approval of Agenda BOG/32/17/01 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the 31 st Board of Governors Meeting BOG/32/17/02 held on 27 th October, Matters Arising from the Minutes of the 31 st Meeting of the Board of BOG/32/17/03 Governors held on 27 th October, 2016 Administrative Matters 4. Executive Director s Report 2016 including 1 st Quarter 2017 BOG/32/17/04 5. Report on CARDI s Institutional Review BOG/32/17/05 6. Report on operations Caribbean Agricultural Commercial Services BOG/32/17/06 Hub Limited (CACSH) 7. Status on the Establishment of CARDI Foundation and Endowment Fund BOG/32/17/07 Work Programme 8. CARDI s Strategic Plan BOG/32/17/08 Financial Matters 9. Consolidated Financial Status BOG/32/17/09 Information 10. Any other business BOG/32/17/10 (i) Date of next Board of Governors Meeting 13