“Perhaps the time has come for the Ministerial sessions of the COTED to be more strategic in its outlook…The time consumed in rehashing the issues without resolution, has an economic cost and it fuels frustration among us all,Cheap Jerseys Supply,” Ambassador La RocqueBy Gary EleazarThe 33rd meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) opened yesterday at the Princess International Hotel with Secretary-General,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, warning that that it is not a business-as-usual environment, with the region requiring definitive action.LaRocque recognized that while there is a long agenda and much work ahead,Brian Gionta Jersey, “we need to advance the integration of our Community.”COTED is, he reminded, charged with the responsibility to promote trade and economic development of the region and as such has a major role to play. While the Community’s capacity may be constrained, “the global environment is not waiting on us,” he stressed.The on-going global economic and financial crises demand that “we face such challenges collectively rather than separately…the imperative for integration is as relevant now as when the Treaty of Chaguaramus was signed.”COTED stakeholders prepare for deliberations following the charge by the Secretary General.The Treaty of Chaguaramus is the instrument that has brought the CARICOM grouping together.LaRocque told those gathered that ever since his ascension to office in August last, he has met with stakeholders from all walks of life, including its leaders, and has come to recognize that “the citizens for whose benefit and in whose interest we are working must see and recognise the results of that work.”The Ambassador was encouraged by the hope and support for the integration movement, even as there has been exasperation at what some have seen as the slow progress or even stagnation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.“There is frustration at the perceived inconsistent application of, and in some cases, non-adherence to the decisions of the Organs of the Community…One constant concern, particularly to our youth,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, revolves around the procedure for issuance and recognition of skills certificates, which allows for free movement of skilled Community nationals…These procedures are not harmonised across all member states.”LaRocque also warned that there is also widespread unease over the length of time that some issues remain unresolved and are constantly on the agenda of meetings. “It has caused our stakeholders to call into question whether we are focused enough or committed sufficiently to take the required actions…I am of the view, however, that there may be capacity constraints in our member states as well as within the Secretariat which could preclude us from advancing as quickly as we would like.”He said that perhaps the time has come for CARICOM to prioritise its agenda in a strategic manner.“Perhaps the time has come for the Ministerial sessions of the COTED to be more strategic in its outlook…The time consumed in rehashing the issues without resolution,Air Max 97 For Sale, has an economic cost and it fuels frustration among us all.”Meanwhile, COTED Chairperson Maxine McLean who also holds the portfolio of Barbados’s Senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation reminded the stakeholders that the developments in Europe and with the Euro certainly bring home the vulnerability of the region’s small economies and reinforce the need for continued efforts to create a Single Market and Economy “if we are to weather the economic storms that we will definitely experience.”She noted that as part of the region’s efforts to expand production and enhance competitiveness, more attention needs to be focused on increasing intra-regional trade.“This requires that we put in place the necessary elements to create a favorable environment to increase such trade…Key elements of such and enabling environment include the harmonization of legislation and procedures relating to rights of establishment,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Outlet, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, availability of affordable transportation, regional standards, and of major importance the improvement of the productivity of our enterprises.”The CARICOM Ministers and other personnel that have gathered in Guyana for the 33rd COTED meeting will today conclude deliberations.

Six young Guyanese have been privileged to embark on a three-week undertaking in the United States initiated under the Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP).US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt (centre) with the YAP participants.Five students and one mentor representing several regions left Guyana for Denver, Colorado on Sunday,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, October 6. The group will travel to Washington D.C. before the exchange programme concludes on October 29, 2013.Kadeem Gordon, Kaya Dover,Cheap Jeseys NFL, Larrex McAllister, Blossom Dublin, Kayshell Jennings, and Mentor Ryan Hoppie are the second group of Youth Ambassadors to represent Guyana for the 2013-2014 period of YAP in the Caribbean.According to a release from the US Embassy in Georgetown, the recently selected participants met with U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt, prior to their departure.The US Ambassador congratulated the team and pointed out that YAP provides a rare opportunity for young people in Caribbean to see how young people in the United States are using creative ways to effect change.The Ambassador gave the students a preview of what to expect during their visit and emphasized the value for both countries to participate in the cultural exchange programme.The participants similarly shared their backgrounds and personal interests?as well as their expectations of the programme.The Ambassador further told the participants that he expects that the experience will have a positive impact on their lives and communities.The group also met with, Minister of Culture,Cheap Jerseys From China, Youth and Sport,Wholesale China Jerseys, Dr. Frank Anthony prior to their departure.Minister Anthony congratulated the participants and encouraged them to work on specific programmes to address issues and concerns relating to young people such as health, fitness, education and social behaviour.The YAP programme, which includes participants from the Bahamas, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, focuses on civic education, youth empowerment, environmental issues, social entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and food security.Through experiential activities, discussions, site visits, training modules, and home stays, participants are given the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, intellectual skills, and practical competencies to effectively lead efforts for positive social change in their home countries.The Youth Ambassadors Programme gives students and adult leaders an opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills that enable them to act as community leaders.? The project aims to sharpen participants’ sense of civic responsibility and foster civic activism.While in the United States, the participants can increase their understanding of American institutions,Cheap NFL Jerseys, while engaging in civic life in the United States.Participants also explore facets unique to each country’s history and identity, and engage in discussions and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level.Youth Ambassadors are required to implement follow-on activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other, reflect on their experiences,Wholesale Authentic NHL Jerseys, and integrate that learning into their lives.? A core goal of the programme is for the student leaders, once empowered, to bring their experience to bear in helping encourage and guide other student leaders through community-oriented service projects.