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Ongoing Archive Articles: Caribbean Film Competition Caribbean Women in Science and Technology Caribbean Innovation & Entrepreneurship Climate Change Making Maths Easy Caribbean Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network Caribbean Icons in STI, Vol. II Regional Policy Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Caribbean-wide Science and Agriculture Film and Video Competition - Targeting Young Professionals
Who Won Best Agricultural Development Videos? Twenty (22) teams of young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 from seven Caribbean countries recently submitted entries in a film and video competition on the theme, “Promoting Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Agricultural Development in the Caribbean.’ Judging took place over the course of an insightful two-day conference on science communication that was held in August 2011, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, culminating in an awards ceremony that captured the camaraderie among the entrants and the delight of the competition organisers with the outcomes. A high level of creativity, knowledge and awareness of the issues facing agricultural development in the region was demonstrated by the young professionals who took part in the competition. Their videos will certainly help to raise public awareness and highlight the key issues facing agriculture and food security in the region, which were two main objectives of the competition. The videos also provide as an attractive mechanism for increasing the engagement of more young people to address agricultural challenges through STI and for promoting the use of ICTs for improving communication within the sector. The award-winning videos have been highlighted on YouTube and will be aired on television stations throughout the region during the upcoming weeks. All the entries were winners in their own right and after the difficult process of judging, the prizes were distributed as follows;
Recognising the value of the competition to national development, the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) sponsored an award to the top Trinidad and Tobago entry, which went to “Bee Wise”. “Promoting Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Agricultural Development in the Caribbean” was launched in July 2010 by the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST), The University of the West Indies (UWI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development (CARDI), the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP- EU (CTA), and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC). Copies of the videos produced for the competition are available on DVD for distribution to schools, public libraries, television stations throughout the Caribbean region. For further information, please contact: CCST Secretariat Newtown Trinidad, W.I. Telephone (868) 622 7880 or (868) 628 8523. E-mail: lovaan.superville@niherst.gov.tt or ccst@niherst.gov.tt
Caribbean Women in Science and Technology
 Despite the strides CCST has made in documenting the achievements of our scientists, engineers and inventors, there still remains a dearth of information on the accomplishments of Caribbean women in science and technology (S&T). NIHERST and CCST therefore embarked on a research project to correct this one-sided view that women have not excelled in the field of S&T. It is hoped that the information gathered would help to inspire girls and young women in our society to pursue careers in S&T and to aspire to excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour.
Caribbean Innovation and Entrepreneurship Downloads: Success Stories The publication, Success Stories in Caribbean Innovation and Entrepreneurship is one of three outputs from a wider project entitled Caribbean Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which was managed by the Caribbean Council of Science and Technology (CCST) with funding from the Technical Cooperation Fund (FEMCIDI) of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST). The other two, interrelated components of the project were training in foresight, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the establishment of a website to foster networking among current and future entrepreneurs http://www.rienet.net/. These success stories were drawn from 11 Caribbean countries, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago. The general objective of the project has been to build greater awareness around the critical roles that innovation and entrepreneurship play in sustainable socio-economic development. The more specific objectives include being able to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship across a diverse cross section of Caribbean businesses, to introduce the fundamentals of the innovation process in business and industry, and to provide a portfolio of success stories that will encourage more innovation in business, as well as provide positive role models for future generations of Caribbean entrepreneurs and innovators. This publication charts the development of 30 enterprises of varying sizes, several of them relatively new, and the myriad ways that they have been creative and resourceful in their entrepreneurial activities to generate new and successful businesses in the region. It aims to benefit a range of stakeholders in the region by providing insights into proven strategies for innovation. It will hopefully be an informative guide for existing businesses as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them to identify potential innovative business opportunities in some key and emerging sectors. The profiles illuminate new business models or approaches that can lead to more cost-effective operations and/or add greater value to the output of traditional enterprises and sectors. With the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean countries have made few strides in documenting their success stories in business entrepreneurship and innovation. This limits the benefits that could be derived from the sharing of experiences, the transfer of information and "know how" (including indigenous knowledge), and the provision of role models for younger generations of entrepreneurs and innovators. By addressing this knowledge gap, the publication is expected to inspire many more Caribbean nationals to have confidence in their own vision, creative instincts, and specialised capabilities in order to generate more success stories in Caribbean innovation and entrepreneurship. Climate Change for the Caribbean Introduction CCST in conjunction with the NIHERST wishes to launch an educational video documentary on climate change for Caribbean audiences.The topic of climate change is extremely relevant at present as research shows consistent trends for changing climatic conditions due to increases in carbon emissions into the atmosphere. In the past, alterations to the climate occurred as a result of natural causes. The present situation however, is somewhat different. Substantial climate changes are occurring due to human activity. Since the time of the Industrial Revolution, the effects of global warming have been increasingly rampant, thus contributing to the process of climate change. Small, low-lying coastal islands, like those of the Caribbean, are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change due to their low adaptive capacity. Impacts that the Caribbean are subject to include saline intrusion into freshwater aquifers, coastal flooding and erosion from sea level rise; heat stress, coral bleaching, biodiversity loss, increased emergence of vector borne diseases from increased temperatures; droughts or floods and decreased freshwater availability from changes in rainfall pattern; and direct damage of infrastructure and loss of lives from increased intensity of storms. Being a topic of great interest only in recent times, climate change is severely misunderstood and under publicised to the general public within the Caribbean. Many are in denial of extreme events occurring as a result of climate change, and those who are sensitized to the effects, are unaware of actions that could be taken to mitigate climate change. A survey conducted by NIHERST on the Public Perception of Science in 2005, has shown a need for public awareness material on the environment within the Caribbean, as well as the lack of material resources necessary for the teaching of science in the school system. Objectives CCST and NIHERST intend on contributing to science educational resources and addressing the major environmental concern of climate change through the production of highly informative multi-media learning resource tools that educate a diverse and wide range of audiences in the Caribbean region. It is anticipated that this project will disseminate critical information on the science of climate change, the contributing factors, the significantly increasing impacts of human activity and industrialisation on changes in the world's climatic patterns, and awareness on reducing these impacts and methods for successful adaptation. It is also expected that this project would encourage Caribbean countries to fulfil international agreements on climate change such as the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Content The focus is on the anthropogenic (manmade) causes and consequences of climate change, especially those relevant to the Caribbean. The video is to be used as a stand-alone piece suitable for broadcast airing and use in theaters. The segment is on the current issues of climate change, conservation efforts, and detrimental impacts of global warming in the Caribbean. It is intended for screenings in a small theater or viewing area, separate from the higher traffic of the exhibit floor. Lead by interviews with local scientists and conservationists, viewers should learn what is causing climate change, why it is a problem, and what can be done to reduce and adapt to its effects. Computer graphics accompany the interviews with scientists, to provide visual aid to the technical details of greenhouse gas accumulation, solar radiation, etc. A day in the life of the conservationists is demonstrated, to show what the individual viewer can do to minimize his or her carbon footprint. The video is structured around interviews, progressing from the recognition of the existence and consequences of climate change, then identifying the main causes both globally and locally, and finally providing the audience with a take home message, giving them simple, affordable steps that they can take in their everyday lives to reduce their impact. Target Audience The general public of the Caribbean region with particular focus on youth
The difficulty being experienced by over fifty percent of the students in the Caribbean school system in understanding mathematics prompted CCST to also inspire students, by distribution of these innovative resource materials for the teaching of mathematics at the primary level. These materials were produced under NIHERST's Making Maths Easy competitive grants scheme. The initiative encouraged educators to share best practices, create new materials and develop innovative methodologies that help to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics concepts from the earliest levels. The rationale for tackling the problem at the earliest stages is based on the fact that the students must have a solid foundation from as early as the infant level to be successful at the subject at higher levels. Current pedagogical thinking supports the view that students with a deeper understanding of the relevance of mathematical principles to real world situations are better able to grasp the more abstract nature of mathematics, which would consequently improve their performance in formal examinations. Low performance in mathematics is viewed as one of the factors inhibiting greater national progress in scientific and technological areas. The overarching goal of Making Maths Easy is to awaken students to a greater and more concrete appreciation of mathematical concepts, through methodologies and teaching/learning resources which develop the thinking skills of students in ways that the more examination-driven modes of instruction do not. CCST with generous sponsorship from the NIHERST has reproduced these resources for distribution to primary schools, and libraries throughout the Caribbean. Caribbean Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network A network of people and organisations dedicated to advancing economic and socialprogress in the region through the application of science, technology and innovation. Over the past three years the Caribbean Council of Science and Technology in collaboration with FEMCIDI of the OAS and the CTA have funded a number of projects throughout the Caribbean region with the aim of encouraging greater innovation and entrepreneurship and improved communications between key stakeholders, in particular between the R&D, policy making and private sectors. These projects have been complemented by a number of national initiatives backed by institutions such as NIHERST in Trinidad and Tobago, the NCST in Barbados, and the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The question many asked was what was going to happen once each project ended - would there be any way that we could keep in contact and continue to work together longer term? Conscious of the need to provide an answer to this question the Caribbean Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network was established. A new website has been developed to create a front face for the network - http://www.rienet.net. However, this project is about more than just a website. It's about facilitating the development of a regional virtual community of interest that connects persons who have a passion for research, innovation and entrepreneurship and use it to advance both our own aspirations and contribute towards improving our national economic and social positions. It is an open access site so anyone can use it. However, those who become members will be part of a regular updating and communication process that we hope becomes a two way exchange. Over 300 people being invited personally to join the Network. What we hope is that you will be able to provide us with your stories, notices of upcoming events, and participate in online conversations that will be set up shortly. We are looking for positive, constructive, forward-looking contributions and comments. There are plenty of other channels for the 'moans and groans'! This is our chance to do something really positive here in the Caribbean and, with your help, start to make things happen. So please become involved and let's see if we can overcome the communications and information sharing issues that many of you have mentioned were holding things back. The site will be updated monthly so please send any items or requests to ian.ivey@nextcorporation.net. We have a large number of contacts both within and outside the Network so if we can help connect you up with someone who may be able to assist you, we'll do our best. Caribbean Icons in STI, Vol. II  First conceptualised in 2003, Caribbean Icons in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) set out to record and honour the invaluable contribution of our scientists to national, regional and, in some cases, international developments in their respective fields. It also aimed to provide role models to inspire budding scientists in the school system. Volume II of the series, a joint effort by NIHERST and the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST), was completed in 2010. It highlights the life and achievements of individuals in science education, engineering, medicine, innovation and natural sciences. About the Book The publication features profiles of 38 outstanding men and women. These achievers represent 11 countries in the Caribbean, and their stories span more than 150 years of Caribbean history. "Our Icons defended natural habitats, dived for interesting artefacts, managed outbreaks of disease, discovered viruses, protected the region's crops, chased hurricanes, and also braved battlefields to treat injured soldiers. They often enjoyed full, well-rounded lives, as shown by our line-up, which includes a war veteran, an Olympian, a preacher and a middle-aged marathon runner!" "The lives of these individuals are a testament to the boundless potential of Caribbean people, who represent such a small fraction of the world's population. By showing how our Icons used the few opportunities they had to triumph over their obstacles, we hope to inspire our young readers to shine in their own fields, and to become the Caribbean Icons of this new century." Our Featured Icons: Medicine
Science and Science Education
Engineering
Trail Blazers
The books are distributed to schools and libraries throughout the Caribbean. For further information, please contact: NIHERST International Projects Unit Regional Policy Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Downloads: Policy Document The Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) has prepared for the consideration of the leaders of the Caribbean a Regional Policy Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), which attempts to specifically guide the region's policy and decision-makers on building STI capacity to meet the pressing new demands of the knowledge-driven era. The policy document reflects the output of eighteen months of public consultations held in ten countries across the region, with the participation of the region's top academic and technical advisors as well as stakeholders from all interest groups. The recommendations are in accordance with regional, hemispheric and international agreements endorsed by CARICOM Heads. CARICOM leaders have long recognized the need for building STI capacity in the region. However, as global developments race ahead in the developed and developing nations, it has become even more urgent for the Caribbean to adopt and implement policies for immediate and further advancement in STI. The delay has already been costly in terms of both the physical infrastructure and the human resource development required to support innovation systems. There must be now clear policy direction, backed by more substantial commitment of resources, to drive the process and match the scale of the tasks ahead. The CCST was conceptualized three decades ago to achieve for Science and Technology what the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) is attempting to do for trade today. A Regional Policy Framework for STI is directly in line with the 'single development vision' being articulated through the mechanism of the CSME. A single vision for STI will, in the same vein, foster greater collaboration and networking to optimize relatively scarce resources and help in the advancement of common STI goals that would be difficult to achieve individually by member states. A strategy for STI, harmonized with other sectoral polices, will directly support the economic aims of the CSME, since Science, Technology and Innovation cut across and underpin advancement in all socio-economic sectors, and drive productivity and competitiveness. The CCST has included in this Regional Policy Framework recommendations for the use of future-oriented, strategic-planning tools such as technological foresighting, and technology and innovation road mapping, to support the policy development process and identifying niche areas in key sectors. It is hoped that this proposed framework will be endorsed by CARICOM and translated into policies and action plans for immediate implementation, to accelerate the growth of all member states and ensure the sustainable development of the region. Articles: Caribbean Women in Science and Technology Caribbean Innovation & Entrepreneurship Climate Change Making Maths Easy Caribbean Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network Caribbean Icons in STI, Vol. II Regional Policy Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Caribbean Film Competition |
