{"id":49,"date":"2009-10-23T20:17:07","date_gmt":"2009-10-23T20:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/eyecarecaribbean\/2009\/10\/23\/caribbean-quarterly-bulletin-quarter-iii-2009\/"},"modified":"2009-10-23T20:17:07","modified_gmt":"2009-10-23T20:17:07","slug":"caribbean-quarterly-bulletin-quarter-iii-2009","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/media-items\/caribbean-quarterly-bulletin-quarter-iii-2009\/","title":{"rendered":"Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin – Quarter III 2009"},"content":{"rendered":"

Period: July – September 2009 (Third Quarter).
Author(s): Frank Bowen<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

1. The operating environment:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1.1 The major focus of attention for the Caribbean appeared to have been participation (by Heads of Governments) in the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). Among the issues highlighted during the presentations were:     <\/span>
·         The global economic crisis and challenges imposed on the economies of small and vulnerable States;         <\/span>
·         Climate Change and its impact on the environment; and, <\/span>
·         Trans-national organized crime and its negative effects on the socio-economic circumstances of Small Island States, particularly those dependent on Tourism.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1.2 Recent remarks by a British Jurist about the disproportionate amount of time spent by the Privy Council in hearing Appeals from independent Commonwealth (Caribbean) Countries have rekindled public debate on the retention of that Court as the final Appellate Court, by several countries in the region. Only Barbados and Guyana have established the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as their final Appellate Court.   <\/span><\/p>\n

1.3 Despite very high temperatures, the Caribbean continues to count its good fortune in not experiencing any major storms during this current Atlantic Hurricane Season that officially ends on November 30th. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Significant changes to project plans or programme development:<\/strong> n\/a<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3. Highlights from selected projects:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.1 CCB Secretariat:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

3.1.1 The 2009 Biennial General Meeting and Related Activities were hosted successfully during July 29th and August 1st, 2009 at The St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Highlights included:<\/span>
·    Wednesday July 29th: Meeting of the Executive Committee;<\/span>
·    Thursday July 30th: Plenary and Workshop Sessions; Opening Ceremony and Presentation of the James Alves Awards;<\/span>
·    Friday July 31st: Plenary and Workshop Sessions and simultaneous Meeting of Zones; <\/span>
·    Saturday August 1st: Business Session; Election of Executive Members and Social Evening; Several local dignitaries, including St. Kitts\/Nevis Governor-General and Prime Minster, attended the Opening Ceremony. While the Prime Minister delivered the ‘Feature Address’, the Governor-General presented the James Alves Awards to seven (7) citizens of the Federation who contributed to improving the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, ‘Outstanding Achievement Awards’ were presented to Dr. Michel Pean (Haiti) and Senator Kerryann Ifill (Barbados). <\/span><\/p>\n

3.1.2 The Secretariat coordinated the visits of a Technical Team to: St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and The Grenadines during August 17th – 20th. The visits were intended to        engage the Ministries of Health in reviewing V2020 Issues and exploring ways in which CCB can advance the Action Plans to Reduce Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment. <\/span><\/p>\n

3.1.3 Keva Richards, Program Officer, has been nominated by CCB to attend the Sightsavers EC Project Workshop in Kenya. The Workshop is intended to equip participants with the tools and skills to manage EC Projects in their respective regions.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.1.4 The dates for the Meeting of the Caribbean V2020 (INGO) Coordinating Group, revision of Caribbean Regional V2020 Strategic Plan and Related Activities have been finalised. The Secretariat will coordinate all logistics for the Meetings, to be held in Barbados.<\/span>
      ·    November 30th: Meeting of Caribbean V2020 (INGO) Coordinating Group;<\/span>
      ·    December 1st: Meeting re: Revision of Caribbean V2020 Strategic Plan<\/span>
      ·    [Evening] – November 30th \/December 1st: Meeting re: EC Project.  <\/span><\/p>\n

3.2 Barbados:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.2.1 A CCB Team, comprising the CEO, Program Officer and Technical Adviser for V2020-related issues, visited Barbados on August 19th. Meetings were held with Senior Officials in the Ministry to Health, including the Permanent Secretary and Chief Medical Officer, to discuss matters pertaining to V2020 Activities, Human Resource needs and the development of a National V2020 Plan. The Team also toured the Eye Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.2.2 Further, the Team held talks with PAHO’s Adviser for Health Systems and Services Development, Dr. Nelson Atehortua De La Pena, whose tour of duty will end soon. <\/span>
  
3.3 Grenada:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.3.1 CCB Team comprising the CEO, Dr. Gavin Henry (Technical Adviser – V2020 Related Programs), and Keva Richards (Program Officer) visited Grenada on August 17th and held discussions with several stakeholders on Council’s Programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

·    Discussions with Senior Officials of the MOH, including – the Minister of Health, Permanent Secretary, Chief Health Planner, and Government Ophthalmologist focused on exploring ways in which the two Organisations can collaborate to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan to prevent Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment. Issues relating to Blindness Prevention, Chronic Diseases, Tertiary-level Care, Eye Screening, Human Resource Development and implementation of the National Eye Care (V2020) Plan were mentioned.   <\/span><\/p>\n

·    Meanwhile, consultations with the Principal and Staff of the Resource Unit for the Visually Impaired reviewed progress made in Inclusive Education Services. Issues highlighted, included – Eye Screening and the need for collaboration with MOH; Staffing, in relation to Student-Teacher Ratio; and repairs to the Braille Embosser.   <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3.4 Guyana:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.4.1 Eye Care Guyana received several pieces of equipment acquired through support from ICEE for the expansion of Refractive Services. A total of eight (8) Vision Centers are now operational in five of the country’s ten Administrative Regions. <\/span><\/p>\n

3.4.2 Luke Arkapaw, a Volunteer Optometrist with ICEE, provided services to the Program in Guyana over the period September 12th to 26th. During his brief tour, he participated in an Outreach Clinic at Bartica; and visited the Vision Centres at Suddie, West Demerara and Georgetown Public Hospital. He also held discussions with the Program Manager and staff of Eye Care Guyana. <\/span><\/p>\n

3.4.3 In the ongoing negotiations for the Degree in Optometry to be offered by the University of Guyana (UG), the Appointments, Planning and Policy Committee, has given its approval, subject to clarifications of some administrative matters. However, the final hurdle remaining is for the Course to be approved by the hundred-member Academic Board of the University, due to deliberate the issue on October 13th. CCB\/Eye Care Guyana is currently preparing a budget defining start-up costs of the Course and its own contribution. <\/span><\/p>\n

3.4.4 At the same time, planning is underway for the training of the next cohort of Refractionists scheduled for October 19th; one Trainee will come from Jamaica, with the remaining candidates drawn from Guyana.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.4.5 In support of the initiative to develop ‘Accessible Services for Students with Special Needs’ at UG, CCB has offered to facilitate a visit by Peter O’Sullivan, Head of Special Student Services on the Mona Campus (UWI – Jamaica), to the University of Guyana Campus. He will observe current efforts to make the UG Campus more accessible; and discuss with the UG Officials some of the approaches used in the development of an accessible environment on the Mona Campus. Mr. O’Sullivan will make recommendations to CCB, to facilitate the Organisation’s advocacy and related efforts to make the UG Campus a more accessible environment for students with special needs.       <\/span><\/p>\n

3.5 Francophone Zone:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

3.5.1 Haiti:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

·         The political and social environment in Haiti appears to have stabilized and the security situation significantly improved. However, the country is still struggling to secure the required resources to support its developmental programs. The UN Special Envoy to Haiti, President Bill Clinton, has urged Donors to honour commitments made, as reportedly, only a small proportion of the pledges have been delivered. <\/span><\/p>\n

·         Despite these challenges and constraints, SHAA has continued to deliver services to its clientele, though on a reduced scale.<\/span><\/p>\n

·         Meanwhile, the CNPC has developed plans for the observance of World Sight Day, including Public Awareness\/Education and Screening Programs.<\/span>
               
3.5.3 Martinique:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

·         A Symposium, targeting Organisations in the Francophone Zone of CCB, and addressing the issues of: Re-Education, Orientation and Mobility, Inclusive Education and Social and Professional Inclusion, is scheduled for October 5th – 7th in Martinique. The Chairperson of the Zone, Dr. Michel Pean and the CEO of CCB, Arvel Grant, are scheduled to participate.                <\/span>
3.6 Jamaica: <\/span><\/p>\n

3.6.1 Following months of intense planning and the establishment of administrative systems, the Vision Centre within the Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) commenced operations during September. During the start-up week, the Facility received technical support through the assignment of a Refractionist from Guyana. For the first two weeks, orders and payments were received for 26 pairs of spectacles. Thus, this development moves Mandeville one step closer to the implementation of a Comprehensive Eye Care Model.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.6.2 Attention is now being given to the sensitization of Management of three other Hospitals within the Southern Region  – Black River, May Pen, and Percy Junor – for similar initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.7 St. Lucia:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

3.7.1 The St. Jude’s Hospital (and Eye Clinic) located in the south of the island was destroyed by fire on September 9th. Currently, patients are receiving services from a temporary Facility, but operations of the Eye Clinic, which provided regular services throughout the year, have been suspended.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.7.2 A CCB Team visited St. Lucia on August 20th and held a series of meetings with several stakeholders to review V2020 Program Activities. <\/span><\/p>\n

·    The meeting with the MOH included the Chief Medical Officer and other Senior Officials, and reviewed the National V2020 Plan and its implementation. Issues of Disease Control in relation to Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma; School Screening; the work of the Cuban Doctors; and Human Resource Development, were discussed.<\/span><\/p>\n

·    It was agreed that the MOH and St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA) would meet to explore the implementation of the National V2020 Plan and its incorporation into the National Health Plan. <\/span><\/p>\n

3.7.3 Another meeting was held with Officers of SLBWA, the Ophthalmologist and recently trained Optometrist. It sought to explore ways in which the Optometrist could be employed to assist the Ophthalmologist to enhance services at SLBWA Clinic (and the Hospital). Additionally, the Cataract Surgical Program, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma Screening; and equipment needs were also discussed; following which, the Team toured the Clinic at SLBWA. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3.8 St. Vincent and The Grenadines:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.8.1 St. Vincent and The Grenadines was visited by the CCB Team on August 18th, and discussions held with Officials of the MOH and CCB Member Agency on V2020 Program Issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

·    Discussions with the Permanent Secretary and Health Planner of the MOH covered issues relating to the development of a National V2020 Plan, Eye Services Delivery (including work of Cuban Medical Corps), Human Resource Development, including vacancies, and possible solutions. The Team also visited the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and spoke with Junior Doctors about training opportunities in Ophthalmology.<\/span><\/p>\n

·    The meeting with the National Society of and for the Blind served to bring them up-to-date with the earlier discussions with the MOH and outline their role in the process.  The Society also agreed to assist in the preparation of a Situation Analysis in relation to St. Vincent and The Grenadines.          <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Evaluations and impact assessment: Findings from FAT and CAT have been shared and will be reviewed with the intention of incorporating recommendations into the formulation of an Organisational Development Plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Partnerships:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

·     ICEE: The partnership between CCB and ICEE continued to be strengthened through technical support and the supply of equipment and materials for the Refractive Error Program; Course Materials for the Degree in Optometry and the short-term assignment of a Volunteer Optometrist.  <\/span><\/p>\n

·    UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean: Caribbean Sub-Regional Expert Meeting to assess the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). <\/span><\/p>\n

CCB (Project Development Manager) participated in the Meeting held in Antigua from August 20th and 21st. The Sub-Regional Meeting assessed the implementation of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 15 years after its adoption (1994 – 2009).<\/span><\/p>\n

On the sidelines, discussions were held with the Director and key Officials of ECLAC on possible areas of support for CCB. The Organisation has since invited CCB (and its Membership) to contribute to a study of the UNCRPD, with a focus on the Blind in: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. <\/span><\/p>\n

·    2010 Gus Hart Visiting Fellowship:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

CCB has nominated Senator Kerryann Ifill for the 2010 Gus Hart Visiting Fellowship, established by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, following a request. The Fellowship, includes “one all-expenses paid week in Chicago to interact with commercial, civic, and media professionals, deliver the Annual Gus Hart Lecture and be honoured by the Chicago Council’s Board and other leading figures”. The Gus Hart Visiting Fellow also receives a $10,000 honorarium.  <\/span><\/p>\n

·    Christoffel-Blinden Mission (CBM):
<\/strong>In an effort to advance the training of Ophthalmologists in the region, CCB has sought the help of CBM to identify training opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly at Institutions supported by CBM.<\/span><\/p>\n

·    Caribbean Optometrists Association (CARIOA):
<\/strong>CARIOA, in conjunction with the Trinidad & Tobago Association of Optometrists, has invited CCB to a one-day Conference on October 8th, (World Sight Day) in Trinidad. The focus will be on, “The Public Health importance of Optometry”. <\/span><\/p>\n

·    KIWANIS of Eastern Canada and Caribbean:
<\/strong>CCB has re-submitted the Memorandum of Understanding to the Kiwanis, focusing on ‘Early Intervention Services for Children with Vision Loss and Blindness’, for consideration. It is anticipated the Clauses which had prevented the signing of the earlier version, would now be accepted.     <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/span>
6. In-country Fundraising and Funding:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

6.1 EC Funding Application:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

·    The EC’s approval of the Proposal submitted on its behalf by Sightsavers International for the Project, “Promoting V2020 to eliminate avoidable blindness through capacity building”, has been confirmed. This Project is aimed at building the capacities of Partners and V2020 Committees in; Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia; and to establish and strengthen mechanisms, and approaches to develop, implement and monitor eye health activities that increase access to services for persons who are blind and visually impaired. The Project is slated to commence in January 2010 and will extend over five (5) years. <\/span><\/p>\n

·    Sightsavers, CCB Secretariat and Partners have scheduled discussions to define preparatory activities to facilitate the commencement of the Project.<\/span><\/p>\n

6.2 The Proposal, submitted to the IADB re: funding for Project: “Introducing Swell Form Graphics and Easy Converter Technologies to the Caribbean – The era of tactile graphics <\/span>
      and audio text for all”, was unsuccessful. CCB intends to make some adjustments and submit the Proposal to another Donor Agency.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Advocacy:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

7.1 Website Development:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

·      CCB introduced a new Logo and posted several Reports to its Website. It is anticipated that other developments and improvements will accrue, over time.<\/span>
·      The Web Manager visited the Secretariat during August 17th to 21st,  and undertook several tasks including:<\/span>
–          Calibrating, configuring and validating three (3) new high-powered Laptop Computers;<\/span>
–          Providing Project Development Manager with codes re: publishing capabilities on Website and orientation in the pre-positioning of Documents for upload;<\/span>
–          Refurbishing and updating eight Dell Systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

7.2 Blind Cricket: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

·    The 2009 Annual Regional Tournament was hosted by Guyana during July 19th – 24th, with participation of teams from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana. The Windward Islands were absent, due to financial constraints. At the conclusion of the games, Jamaica was declared Regional Winners of both the League Cup and Champion’s Trophy.          <\/span><\/p>\n

8. Future events that may be of interest to the Communications Team: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

8.1 Phase II – MRH Development Project – Establishment of Vision Centre. <\/span>
8.2 Commissioning of Vision Centers at: Mandeville Regional Hospital (Jamaica); and Port Mourant, Guyana.<\/span>
8.3 Approval by University of Guyana for the Degree in Optometry to be offered as one of its Courses.<\/span>
             
End of Bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Period: July – September 2009 (Third Quarter).Author(s): Frank Bowen 1. The operating environment: 1.1 The major focus of attention for the Caribbean appeared to have been participation (by Heads of Governments) in the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). Among the issues highlighted during the presentations were:     ·         The global economic crisis and challenges imposed on the economies of small and vulnerable States;         ·         Climate Change and its impact on the environment; and, ·         Trans-national organized crime and its negative effects on the socio-economic circumstances of Small Island States, particularly those dependent on Tourism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[81,82],"class_list":["post-49","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-media-items","tag-2009-biennial-general-meeting","tag-keva-richards"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eyecarecaribbean.com\/site\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}