CANADA Caribbean in the CARIBBEAN Canada s history and friendship with the Caribbean is strong and abiding. We have long-standing trade links and similar political systems. We belong to the same regional institutions that work to reinforce good governance, security and economic prosperity in the region. We also share personal ties: people from the Caribbean form one of the largest diaspora communities in Canada. Global Affairs Canada is an integral part of this relationship, working in partnership with the Caribbean region on the priorities the region has set for its countries. countries, as small island developing states, are vulnerable to economic shock, crime and natural disasters. Canada is enabling the Caribbean to build a more prosperous and integrated Caribbean community, contributing to increasing economic opportunities and security to its citizens. WHERE Canada s Caribbean Regional Development Program works in 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
WHAT Canada supports the development priorities that the region places on economic growth and security. Investments in the region are based on regional plans and expressed needs, the capacity of institutions, the division of labour among donors, and Canada s value added. Canada shares the Caribbean s vision of healthy and prosperous families, strong economies that provide meaningful employment, and self sufficient people. That is why Canada is supporting the Caribbean in its effort to build a more integrated, regional economy. The Caribbean has identified the need to address the security risks that crime and natural disasters pose to prosperity. To deliver on this priority, Canada s development program is supporting the Caribbean s efforts to strengthen regional capacity so that Caribbean countries can manage natural disasters and reduce their impact on people, communities and the economy. The program is also assisting regional governments to advance the rule of law and strengthen legal institutions so they can counter rising crime and maintain law and order, and personal security. Canada also supports the development agenda established by CARICOM to achieve regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. In line with Canada s 2007 commitment to provide $600 million in development assistance for the CARICOM region, the Caribbean region is one of Canada s 25 countries/ regions of focus. Development funding to the region totalled $59.79 million in 2013 2014, including imputed funds for multilateral organizations and mechanisms. Global Affairs Canada s total funding amounted to $63.84 million. Achievements in 2014 2015 With Canada s support, the following achievements have been realized: Under the Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Program, a process for the sustained delivery of the safer building course has been instituted in 10 participating countries, and 288 small contractors/ builders and construction industry practitioners received training in safer building techniques. Institutional strengthening of several investment/export promotion agencies in the region has resulted in an increase in foreign direct investment and employment within specific sectors. The BELTRAIDE and JAMPRO projects in Belize and Jamaica in the business process outsourcing sector are examples of this. Improvements were made in the quality of debt data for five countries Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint. Vincent and the Grenadines. Regulatory and supervisory capacity is being strengthened in the region in the insurance and credit union sectors through technical assistance. This helped enable the passage of insurance act legislation in four countries Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, and Saint Kitts and Nevis and credit union act legislation in three countries Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Some 830 community members were trained for participation in community disaster response teams and in first aid. In addition, 89 persons (56 women and 33 men) were trained in survey techniques to strengthen capacity in vulnerability assessments. Under the CARICOM Education for Employment program, 192 instructors and administrators (96 women and 96 men) benefited from competency-based education and training. Under the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) project, 618 local officials and 508 participants from 24 localities participated in 39 national local economic development (LED) workshops that were conducted to increase awareness of LED planning processes and approaches. In Jamaica, a citizen s scorecard for the justice sector and a new corporate and organizational structure for the Ministry of Justice were developed. Ten Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, and eight resident magistrates, received training on judicial case management in Jamaica. Ninety-five trainees, comprising permanent secretaries and senior-level public officials from 12 Caribbean countries Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, and regional institutions completed the leadership development program. Under the CARILED project, new investments of over US$6 million have been made toward 33 LED demonstration projects for microbusinesses and small and medium-sized enterprises. DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN THE CARIBBEAN To address the Caribbean s priority development goals, Canada s support is implemented through a variety of initiatives working together with multilateral, regional and bilateral partners. These initiatives are guided by the objective of achieving the best 2
possible results on the ground while ensuring that our investments represent the best value for Canadian taxpayers dollars. SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Initiatives to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean region focus on public institutions, and on entrepreneurship and access to markets. Accountable Public Institutions Effective and transparent public institutions are necessary for a stable business environment. A business climate with a clear set of rules will foster entrepreneurship and increase economic opportunities. Development initiatives that help strengthen Caribbean public institutions include the following: Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre IV This project aims to enhance the management of public finances in the Caribbean region. It helps countries increase the effectiveness of their revenue systems, prepare and execute more effective and transparent budgets, and formulate better fiscal policies. This initiative helps build technical capacity in the recipient countries by working with professional associations to jointly develop and deliver training programs and seminars. ($20 million, 2011 2016, International Monetary Fund) Supporting Economic Management in the Caribbean This initiative contributes to enhancing economic management in the Caribbean region by improving revenue generation (tax and customs), fiscal policies, and reorienting budgets toward more effective and efficient programs. ($19.7 million, 2010 2016, World Bank) Enhancing Public Financial Management in the Caribbean This fund supports two packages of technical assistance. The first, valued at $5 million, will help support fiscal and economic reforms that will form the basis for the sustainable public financial management needed as a precondition for investment and growth in Jamaica. The second, valued at $10 million, will respond to tourism-dependent Eastern Caribbean countries undergoing deepening financial vulnerabilities. ($15 million, 2014 2017, International Monetary Fund) Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Debt Management Advisory Service This initiative helps Eastern Caribbean counties to manage their debt by providing an advisory service through the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. ($7.5 million, 2008 2017, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank) Canada-Caribbean Leadership Program This initiative helps to strengthen the next generation of Caribbean leaders. Best practices are shared through this program to inspire and guide governance reforms and regional development. ($19.8 million, 2010 2018, Canada School of Public Service) Caribbean Local Economic Development This initiative provides support to as many as 50 local governments and agencies for economic development. As many as 500 microbusinesses and small and medium-sized enterprises in six countries will benefit from this project. ($19.5 million, 2011 2018, Federation of Canadian Municipalities) Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean This project improves the ability of CARICOM countries National Statistics Offices (NSO) to provide solid and credible social and economic statistics to policy makers for use in the development of customized programs to improve the social and economic well-being of Caribbean women and men, boys and girls. It supports activities in 14 NSOs and regional institutions. ($19.5 million, 2015 2022, Statistics Canada) Canadian Support to the Energy Sector in the Caribbean This project strengthens energy frameworks and increases the use of energy efficient technologies in Caribbean countries, through technical expertise and training by the contracting of expert consultants. Working with national experts, the consultants identify options for introducing renewable energy and energy efficiency which integrate Canadian and international technologies. ($5 million, 2015 2019, Caribbean Development Bank) 3
Entrepreneurship and Connecting to Markets Small economies, such as those of many Caribbean countries, face the challenge of accessing bigger and higher-value markets. Improved access to markets is an essential incentive for both existing enterprises and new entrepreneurs. It is also important for economic growth for Caribbean youth to acquire the skills that will enable them to take full advantage of new economic opportunities. Canada-funded initiatives that contribute to fostering entrepreneurship and creating access to markets include the following: Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages This project helps farmers to increase the quality and quantity of fresh, regionally grown fruits and vegetables, and help these small and medium-sized producers link with buyers such as regional grocery chains, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and restaurants. Technical assistance helps the producers to supply sufficient quantities of their produce and maintain internationally accepted food quality and safety standards. ($19.4 million, 2012 2018, World University Service Canada) Promoting Private Sector Growth Compete Caribbean This initiative helps to improve the competitiveness of the Caribbean private sector. Compete Caribbean helps create new job opportunities, encourages exports in non-traditional sectors, and promotes business climate reforms. ($20 million, 2010 2016, Inter-American Development Bank) Partnership for CARICOM Private Sector Development This initiative provides technical assistance to increase private sector participation and investment in transport, power, water and communications infrastructure. It enables financial institutions to increase the supply of loans to small and mediumsized enterprises, and helps simplify the regulations for private sector development. ($20 million, 2008 2016, World Bank) Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean This initiative enhances the competitiveness of Caribbean microbusinesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, by expanding and improving the network of business incubators in the region. ($20 million, 2010 2018, infodev/world Bank) CARICOM Education for Employment This project builds the capacity of Caribbean institutions to develop technical and vocational education and training (TVET) policy, occupational standards and curriculums in key economic sectors through partnerships with Canadian and Caribbean colleges/institutes, industry, government, and professional associations. The project helps improve access to pertinent labour market information to develop demand-driven TVET based on employers needs. This will lead to meaningful employment for youth and skilled workers in the region. ($19 million, 2010 2018, Colleges and Institutes Canada) Strengthening Distance Education in the Caribbean The project will provide technical assistance for new curriculum development and help build the capacity of the University of the West Indies Open Campus. This project will enable the Open Campus to increase access to post-secondary education for remote and underserved communities at as many as 42 learning sites across the Caribbean, using distance education technologies. The project will ultimately support economic growth and increase employment through the development of human capital. ($19.6 million, 2013 2018, University of the West Indies) EcoMicro Caribbean This project supports Canadian and other technical expertise to develop green financial products in partnership with microfinance institutions. These products increase access to clean and efficient energy products and services by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households in the Caribbean ($7.2 million, 2015 2020, Inter- American Development Bank) DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Natural disasters represent another great challenge to the economic prosperity of Caribbean countries. The increasing frequency and strength of natural disasters has a negative economic impact on the Caribbean, particularly on the most vulnerable communities. Canada-funded initiatives that assist Caribbean countries in their preparedness and capacity to respond to natural disasters include the following: Caribbean Disaster Responsive Fund This project provides short-term assistance following major disasters for critical humanitarian needs and timely damage assessment, to facilitate the restoration of critical services. The fund provides for the services of two technical experts one in water and sanitation and a second in airport damage assessment as part of a larger rapid response team. ($1 million, 2003 2017) name of organization? 4
Community Disaster Risk Reduction Program This initiative helps test innovative ideas for reducing the risk of natural disasters through supporting projects in local communities. The work is done with government agencies, local officials, community worker and community-based organizations by assisting them with training and information on best risk-reduction practices and determining which prevention measures are most effective. ($20 million, 2012 2017, Caribbean Development Bank) Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Program This initiative helps to increase the capacity of regional organizations, national governments and local communities to respond to and manage natural disasters and to reduce their impact on people. ($20 million, 2007 2018, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) The program includes the following components: Canada Caribbean Disaster Responsive Management Fund This local responsive fund was designed to support Caribbean-based non-governmental organizations, community groups and government agencies wishing to undertake small-scale projects at the community level to tangibly reduce the risks from natural hazards (e.g. floods, droughts, storms, and hurricanes) and climate change. ($3 million, 2008 2018) Enhancing Knowledge and Application of Comprehensive Disaster Management This project aims to establish an effective and collaborative mechanism for managing and sharing comprehensive management knowledge to be used for decision making for governments, local communities and the private sector. ($2.71 million, 2013 2018, Disaster Risk Reduction Centre of the Institute for Sustainable Development, University of the West Indies) SECURITY Canada also supports initiatives that help strengthen the rule of law and promote anti-crime measures in the Caribbean. Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening Caribbean Community member states suffer from outdated legal frameworks. This results in a weak justice system bogged down by delays and the inefficient delivery of justice through the courts. A transparent, predictable legal system and effective alternatives for the settlement of disputes for everyday citizens, including local and foreign investors, is required to further social and economic development at home and regionally. This project is intended to strengthen the justice apparatus in the Caribbean. ($20 million, 2014 2019, Caribbean Court of Justice) Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean The project seeks to support justice reform by (i) strengthening legislation, (ii) supporting CARICOM member states in making treaty policy at the national and regional levels, (iii) improving the legal services and legal education available to people in the Caribbean, and (iv) strengthening legal education and legal services such as alternative dispute resolution, restorative justice, and community-based peacebuilding. ($19.8 million, 2014 2019, University of the West Indies) Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation This initiative contributes to improving the justice system in Jamaica by strengthening justice institutions, promoting legislative and policy reforms that better position the state to ensure security, and encouraging communities to provide input into justice system reform. ($19.8 million, 2008 2019, Justice Canada and United Nations Development Programme) Citizen Security and Justice Program This project seeks to improve security and justice for people in crime-prone communities in Jamaica. Some project activities include (i) providing training in conflict resolution, healthy parenting and gang-interruption techniques to community members, including schoolchildren, (ii) setting up community action committees to implement safety plans, promote positive citizen-police relations, and ensure that government 5
services are better coordinated at the local level, (iii) making job skills and entrepreneurship training more accessible for vulnerable groups, particularly at-risk youth and women, and (iv) increasing access to justice, especially for women, by providing victim-support services, dispute resolution, and public education on justice-related rights and services, and by diverting children from the courts and incarceration by channelling them into reintegration programs. ($20 million, 2014 2018, Inter-American Development Bank) Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program The Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program enhances the capacity of beneficiary states to prevent and respond to threats posed by transnational organized crime throughout the hemisphere. Since 2009, the program has contributed close to $28.4 million to Caribbean security programming, particularly on police professionalization and justice reform, combating illicit drugs, anticorruption projects, and anti-moneylaundering efforts. REGIONAL INITIATIVES IN THE AMERICAS ALSO HELP THE CARIBBEAN Canada, through the Inter-American Regional Program, also supports regional activities in most of the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing issues that are regional in scope. These issues include increasing benefits from trade and controlling the spread of disease. The Caribbean region benefits from many programs that assist the Americas, including the following: Canada-Americas Trade-Related Technical Assistance Program The goal of the program is to assist partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region to maximize the opportunities and benefits of increased trade and investment through their bilateral free trade agreements with Canada, thereby contributing to broader poverty reduction and development mainly through enhanced trade and investment opportunities. ($18 million, 2009 2015, Conference Board of Canada) improved regulatory procedures, systems and private sector innovation. ($11 million, 2012 2017, International Finance Corporation) CANADA S CONTRIBUTIONS TO MULTILATERAL ORGANIZATIONS ALSO HELP THE CARIBBEAN Canada also provides support to multilateral organizations, which in turn implement programs in individual Caribbean countries or the region. Key institutions among these include the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United Nations Development Programme, and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Canada, along with the United Kingdom, is the largest nonregional shareholder at the CDB. Canada s contribution to the 150-percent general capital increase, approved by the board of governors of the Caribbean Development Bank in 2010, has largely strengthened the CDB s financial capacity to promote economic and social development in the region. Canada is also the largest contributor to the CDB s Special Development Fund, which provides grants and loans of longer maturity and lower interest rates to support poverty reduction. Canada is the IDB s second-largest donor of grant resources and has been a steady contributor to IDB trust funds since 1996. Canada has committed $250 million to create the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in the Americas, a fund that will be managed by the IDB. The fund aims to catalyze greater private investment in climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean by co-financing select private sector projects. Canada has committed $19 million to the creation the Canada- IMF Technical Assistance Sub-Account. Technical expertise is helping developing countries in the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa to increase their capacity to manage their debt and fiscal policies, and help them weather financial and economic crises. Canada shares a constituency with the Caribbean on the executive boards of the IMF and the World Bank in which the Canadian executive directors speak for Caribbean countries at board meetings. Canada-Americas Business Environment Reform This project supports the reform programs of selected governments to improve the business environment in as many as 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through Aussi disponible en français (16-041) All photos GAC/AMC 6