BCSI

Category: BCSI News

  • Establishing Scope in Projects – Sharing Experiences in Barbados

    Join PMI Southern Caribbean Chapter the Barbados Branch for their first technical talk on Project Management in Barbados. The talk will have the following discussion points.

    • Where does Scope Management Fit in the Project Management Body of Knowledge?
    • Process Overview of Scope Management
    • Example of challenges in Scope Management in Barbados Projects
    Date: Thursday 24 January 2013
    Venue: Mezzanine Floor, Terminal 1 Conference Room, Grantley Adams International Airport
    Time: Registration: 5:00pm – 5:30pm
    Presentation: 5:30pm- 7:30pm
    Cost: Members BBD $15.00    Guests BBD $20.00
    For further information see the link below or call Colleen 235 3062

    PMI SCC Barbados Branch Notice- 24 Jan 2013

  • BCSI Successfully Certifies Regional Construction & Building Professionals in the LEED GA Accreditation

    BCSI Successfully Certifies Regional Construction & Building Professionals in the LEED GA Accreditation

    Today the BCSI presented fifteen (15) local construction professionals with their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificates in a presentation at their Pine Plantation Road Headquarters. The presentation ceremony was attended by senior officials from the development agencies GIZ and the Caribbean Export Development Agency who funded the project, as well as officials from the Ministries responsible for energy, and building standards.

    The Executive Director of the BCSI Ms. Lisa Cummins stated that, “the successful completion of this first cohort of trainees is an indication that Barbados is moving closer still to its goal of both diversifying its services sector and stimulating growth in new areas as well as making new strides in equipping its professionals with the tools to effect the transformation into a Green Economy. The BCSI is committed to leading the charge to diversify our services sector resource base and place the sector on strong footing to enable increased competitive exporting of services. This training is in a new area that is trending globally and is a part of that overall thrust and we are pleased to have made this investment. We will be working now with these professionals to promote and explore the markets available for their services.

    The project was launched on August 28th, 2012 in collaboration with development partners GIZ and the Caribbean Export Development Agency. This initiative which was conceptualized and led by the BCSI allowed for a total of thirty –five (35) local and regional construction professionals from the architecture, engineering, interior design, construction and project management service sectors the opportunity to be certified in this environmentally sustainable and industry driven accreditation.

    The LEED online training and examination support program is one of the first national and regional initiatives of its kind and it provided both technical assistance and financial support to participants. A total of nineteen (19) Barbadian (16) regional construction professionals participated in this program and to date a total of twenty-five (25) professionals have successfully obtained their LEED Green Associate credential with the remaining participants scheduled to complete their accreditation by early January 2013.

    Armed with this new credential, which is being required more and more in large global and even domestic construction contracts, local and regional professionals can now enter markets such as the United States, Canada and Europe where such international environmental standards are becoming the tool by which market entry is regulated.

    Mr. Robert Glass, Project Manager of GIZ said that the initiative “could potentially facilitate the transformation of the domestic and regional market place as it relates to the construction sector by opening up new service sector niches as part of the global green building and green economy trends.” He further commented that “the LEED accreditation allows these professionals a greater opportunity to seize benefits under trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement which facilitates access into European markets.”

    The second phase of the program slated for February 2013 will focus on the accreditation of professionals in the specialized areas of the LEED accreditation which includes Building Design & Construction, Interior Design & Construction, and Operations & Maintenance as well as in the credential maintenance component. It will also ensure that our professionals have the best opportunity to penetrate new markets and capture increase business opportunities through the marketing of their accreditation on key market sites such as the World Green Build Council and the Green Step web portal. Here professionals will have the opportunity to capture more business opportunities and increase business clients as these web portals provide the opportunity for local and regional professionals to be connected with international clients from around the world.

    This initiative marks one of the first regional initiatives where there has been a measureable output to draw the services economy into the Green Economy and create tangible market and commercial opportunities for the business community in that process. Ultimately, the Green economy has to be made practical and commercially attractive to the business community. This is an important step in that process. The BCSI will continue to work with services professionals to identify new services and methodologies which can create opportunities for them while advancing our developmental interests.

  • ZERO in on Safety: 100 Days to SHAW

    It is anticipated that the Safety and Health at Work (SHaW) Act, which was passed in Parliament in 2005, will be proclaimed on or before January 1st 2013. The Act mandates that all workplaces in Barbados must secure the health, safety and welfare workers and provide protection to person against risk in the workplace.

    Consequently, it is prudent for the management of all workplaces to be mindful of its common law duty of care to employees and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the SHaw Act. Included in the employer’s execution of care he/she mist provide a safety policy. The policy must be written if there are 10 or more workers.

    The Labour Dept. is currently observing a public awareness campaign entitled  ” Zero in on Safety: 100 Days to SHaW. Towards this end, the dept. will host a training seminar on workplace policies for public and private sector employees. The seminar is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 5th 2012 at the Labour Department. Limited spaces are available, only the first 30 persons registered can be accommodated. EAch company may be represented by no more than two nominees. Places will be secured and guaranteed based on early registered. Kindly, contact our office at 310 -1523/24, to sign up for the seminar, no later than Friday, November 23rd, 2012.

    A draft program me schedule for the workplace seminar in enclosed. Grateful for your participation in empowering our initiatives.

    8:30am                           Registration

    9:00am                           Zero in on Safety – Introdution to Safety and Health at Work

    9:45am                            The Impact of HIV on the Workplace  (Labour Dept)

    10:15am                          Break

    10:30am                          Workplace Policies – Promoting Safety, Health and Welfare Everyday

                                                                  – Intro to Safety Polices (Labour Dept)

                                                                  – The Business Model (Private Sector)

                                                                  – Drafting Workplace Policies Group Component (Labour Dept)

    12:00 pm                       Evaluation

    12:25pm                         Close

     

     

     

  • Global Services Coalition Statement on Plurilateral Service Agreement

     

    Global Services Coalition Statement on Plurilateral Services Agreement

     

    Washington. Referring to talks in Geneva toward a plurilateral agreement on services, eleven business organizations comprising the Global Services Coalition (GSC) today applauded Governments for their concerted efforts in responding to business calls to reignite global interest in the growth and development of the services sector.

     

    The agreement includes 19 countries comprising more than 70% of global services trade. Among the eleven members in the Global Services Coalition are some of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. They are listed below.

    The Coalition calls on those WTO members which have not yet participated in these meetings to delay no longer and to join in as soon as possible to launch formal negotiations by the end of this year, to achieve early practical outcomes in support of global economic growth.

     

    The complete text of the Coalition’s Communique follows:

     

    Global Services Coalition Communique

    Washington, DC, 19 September 2012

     

    Services – The New Agenda!

     

    Meeting at the 4th Global Services Summit in Washington DC on 19 September 2012, business organizations comprising the Global Services Coalition (GSC) applauded Governments for their concerted efforts in responding to business calls to reignite global interest in the growth and development of the services sector.

     

    Over recent months, a group of WTO members have been meeting regularly in Geneva as the “Really Good Friends of Services” to consider what could be done, and how, to allay business frustration over stalled Doha Round outcomes on services. Discussions have focused on developing a coherent, new agenda towards an international plurilateral services agreement that would be ambitious, flexible, and inclusive with the goal of attracting maximum support and providing a means for extending its outcomes to all WTO members.

     

    The Global Services Coalition calls on those WTO members which have not yet participated in these meetings to delay no longer and to join in as soon as possible. The Global Services Coalition urges all the participating Governments to move rapidly to capture the existing hard-won momentum towards launching formal negotiations by the end of this year – to achieve early practical outcomes in support of global economic growth.

     

    The services sector accounts for the bulk of GDP and new job-creation in most of the world’s economies. Services industries are everywhere providing the key value-added which is enabling more and more economies to find an entry into global supply chains, enhancing growth, development, and job opportunities. But international business in services is severely hampered by long-standing trade, investment, and regulatory barriers of all kinds, and it is threatened by new protectionist restrictions.

     

    In the current global environment, marked by low growth in many economies, Governments need to take concerted action to reverse recessionary drift. Opening up to international business is the most efficient spur to economic growth. By operating both the demand and supply levers at the same time, reform of trade and investment regimes is the most effective means of bolstering commercial expansion, facilitating business innovation, and creating jobs. New market access abroad means new export opportunities, while acting as a catalyst for inward flows to bring the benefits of cheaper inputs and more efficient businesses at home.

     

    The fourth Global Services Summit, entitled, “Services – The New Agenda!” was oriented to shed new light on key challenges facing services trade and investment in the current global economic climate, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle them through a coherent new negotiating agenda in the interests of growth and wealth-creation worldwide. Insightful discussions included cross-border trade and the digital economy; the problems for business of local preferences and other localization requirements; the impact of state-owned and state-assisted enterprises; the role of trade facilitation and enhanced logistics in global value chains and the role of services in generating momentum in the Asia Pacific economies.

     

    The Global Services Coalition brings together businesses that lie at the heart of the functioning of modern, competitive economies. The Coalition’s members are committed to working together with all Governments to help reap the productivity gains and development dividends that services sector reform can deliver.

     

    The Global Services Coalition includes:

     

    Australian Services Roundtable

    Canadian Services Coalition

    Coalition of Service Industries Malaysia

    Coalition of Services Industries (USA)

    European Services Forum

    Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries

    Japan Services Network

    Mexican Services Network

    NASSCOM (India)

    Taiwan Coalition of Services Industries

    TheCityUK (United Kingdom)

     
  • Launch of the ACPCultures+ Programme’s second Call for Proposals.

    Launch of the ACPCultures+ Programme’s second Call for Proposals.

    The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States has the pleasure to inform you that the second Call for Proposals of the ACPCultures+ Programme has been launched on Septembe,18 2012. It will be closed on December, 20 2012.
    This Call for Proposals to which EUR 14 800 000 has been allocated, is addressed to ACP and European operators carrying out cooperation projects in the field of audiovisual and cultural sectors.  This second and last call for proposals within the 10th EDF is different from the first call for proposals for the following points: new priorities, a widespread range of eligible operators and projects and a new grant range.
    The application forms and all necessary information relative to the Call are available on the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Development and Cooperation EuropeAid –
  • Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s Summit Geared to Deliver Real Value

    Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s Summit Geared to Deliver Real Value

     

    The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s third Nation Entrepreneurs’ Summit is all geared up to deliver real value to the entrepreneurial community. The summit which is scheduled to take place on November 16th at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, has taken a major change of format to better facilitate the needs of the SME/entrepreneurial community.

    In addition to presentations by the key note speaker, progress reports by the CEO et.al and entrepreneurs’ panel discussion, there will be five focused workshops designed to address the real needs and issues of the business community.

    These works are as follows:

    Strategy Execution – Delivered by Alex Mackenzie of the business execution firm, McKinney Rogers. This session will feature an intense focus on the skills, techniques and methodologies associated with bringing your strategies to Life.

    Strategies of Internationalization – Delivered by Kevin Mulcahy of Babson College for Entrepreneurship and a representative from the US Customs &Border Protection. This session will feature an analysis of the export strategies used by the most successful companies in the world and the rationales behind the decisions to adopt individual strategies.

    Survival tips for a Recession – Delivered by Prof. Steve Gold of Babson College for Entrepreneurship featuring a focus on the strategies and techniques necessary to survive this time of austerity.

    Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs – Delivered by Derek Browne of Entrepreneurs in Action, Chris Birch of Greenwich University and Michael Potter of Redwood.                                                                                                        Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs will focus on startup and growth strategies with advice and techniques for startups & young businesses seeking to grow and expand in the current economic climate.

    Funding & Finance – Delivered by Jerome Dwight of RBC Wealth Management provides a much needed analysis of the variety of methods of financing your business and innovative/creative ideas

    The workshops will be ninety (90) minutes in duration and will be repeated to allow for delegates to attend the two sessions most relevant to their current situation. Speaking on the changes to the structure, Programme Manager, Chris Harper stated “over the past year, the BEF has been observing and listening to the voices of entrepreneurs across all spectrums and this year’s summit is designed to directly address the most common concerns identified”.  This year’s summit is also appropriately priced at BBD $300.00 with discounts being extended to members of the SBA & BYBT. Tickets are currently on sale at the Virgin Atlantic office in Hastings, Christ Church.

    BEF Summit Agenda

    BEF Poster

  • “Technical Assistance & Grant Proposal Writing Workshop Series”

    “Technical Assistance & Grant Proposal Writing Workshop Series”

    The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) invites you to the take advantage of the “Technical Assistance & Grant Proposal Writing Workshop Series,” which is scheduled to take place from September 10th- 13th, 2012 between 8:00 am to 12:00pm at the BIDC Conference Room located at Building # 2 opposite Oran Limited. The workshop features the following key donor and development support agencies;

    • Inter- American Development Bank (IADB)
    • Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA)
    • Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
    •  Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) and the association of
    • Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (Barbados Chapter)

    This workshop will provide participants with direct information on the grant proposal writing process. Registrants will also have the opportunity to gain in-depth insight into and knowledge on the specific grant and development support funding windows which are best suitable to their individual needs. Participants will be guided step by step through the grant proposal writing process. Emphasis will also be placed on completing specific grant applications, the evaluation of development funding windows, the development of effective proposal writing and the preparation of the budgetary components of the grant application process.

    All interested persons will be required to pay a minimum contributory fee of $50.00 (BBD) for non-members and $35.00 (BBD) for members of the BCSI. This registration fee includes access to the requisite donor funding information and resource packages and it also covers a lite liquid and refreshment break. Participants can also indicate on their registration forms which workshops they will like to attend. These sessions are specifically geared towards business professionals and entrepreneurs who require donor funding to increase the competitiveness of their businesses.

    All interested persons are asked to complete the attached Registration Form and submit it to the BCSI Secretariat via email to Ms. Meshia Clarke at email address mclarke@bcsi.org.bb copied to Ms. Sophia Clarke at email address sclarke@bcsi.org.bb or via fax to telephone number 429-5352 as there are a limited number of spaces available. For further information on the “Technical Assistance and Grant Proposal Writing Workshop Series” please feel free to contact Ms. Meshia Clarke at telephone number(246) 429-5357.

  • BCSI Launches Green Project

    BCSI Launches Green Project

    TO BRING LOCAL construction professionals into the green economy while creating a new construction services niche and generating export opportunities, Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) has launched a new project.

    With support from the German Agency for International Cooperation and the Caribbean Export Development Agency, service providers ranging from architects, engineers, contractors, interior designers, urban planners, real estate developers and policymakers will benefit from support to gain their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate and Accredited Professional designation.

    BCSI executive director Lisa Cummins noted that as more countries embraced the conversion to a green economy, professionals involved in major building projects were required to have a LEED credential and to undertake construction in a sustainable way.

    “With very few professionals on island with the credential, we found that a large percentage of the market – both actual and potential – was closed off to our service providers.

    “Additionally, they were unable to bid on major and residential projects with large overseas firms because too few of our service providers had the certification. This project was developed to address that challenge, create new opportunities and enable our construction services providers to enter that green building market space confidently and competitively,” she said.

    The executive director further noted that “these are extremely difficult economic times and we have to look at innovative ways of securing our existing market share even while expanding our market base in order to stimulate economic growth, promote business development, and support exporting”.

    She said that BCSI was committed to doing its part, particularly in the non-traditional sectors where there is high growth potential, and was therefore appreciative of the unwavering support of its development partners who have continued to invest in efforts to promote private sector development.

    “Supporting our construction professionals to gain LEED certification is part of a much bigger process which will roll out later this year,” Cummins added.

    The entire CARIFORUM region has bought into the five-year project and the BCSI is leading not only Barbados, but also the region in developing a critical mass of professionals who can compete with their counterparts around the world on an equal footing.

    Thirty-five professionals from across the region will take the LEED Green Associate exam each year for three years and 35 more will take the specialized Accredited Professional programme.

    Participants will benefit from online preparation for the LEED exams, provision of all training materials, study guide and support for successful applicants to take the qualifying exam. Two years of the project will be dedicated to credential maintenance

  • A BCSI Professional Development Initiative Opportunity (LEED Online Training & Examination Program)

    A BCSI Professional Development Initiative Opportunity (LEED Online Training & Examination Program)

    As one of the follow up initiatives from last year’s Green Build Conference held in Toronto, Canada. The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) has developed a project proposal for regional building and construction professionals to gain their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate and Accredited Professional Designation.

    This credential provides an opportunity for construction professionals to bid on contracts, access markets and capitalize on business opportunities in the specialized area of green building. Without such a certifiable credential building professionals across the region will be excluded from entering such markets where this designation has been mandated.

    Coalitions from the CNSC are invited to extend this opportunity in their own countries and among their own members and coordinate submission of regional delegates to the BCSI.

    The participants who register to take part in the first phase of this regional project will have the opportunity to benefit from financial support provided in the areas of online training and examination for the LEED GA certification. Interested professionals who enroll in similar programs which provide on line training and move on to take the LEED examination pay a total out of pocket cost of over US$625.00 not including travel and accommodation.

    The support provided by the BCSI will allow for participants to engage in a one (1) day a week online training program for one (1) month in preparation for the examination. Participants enrolled in this regional project will benefit from resource materials and study kits which include;

    1. LEED Pre- Course Materials
    2. LEED Green Associate Comprehensive Study Guide
    3. LEED Study Score Card
    4. Green Step Practice Exam
    5. Definitions Worksheet

    Registered participants will also have the full cost of their examination fee covered, participants taking part in this program will only have to pay a minor contributory fee of US $175.00 which will go towards the online training and participant application fee. All building and construction professionals interested in taking part in this regional initiative are asked to read the attached documents carefully and sign and complete the Participant Agreement Form. All forms must be submitted to the BCSI Secretariat no later than Friday August 31, 2012 at 5:00 pm as this is a regional initiative and space is limited. Registration for this program will be on a first come first serve basis.

    All completed registration forms are to be returned to the BCSI Secretariat to Ms. Meshia Clarke at email address mclarke@bcsi.org.bbcopied to Ms. Sophie Clarke at email address sclarke@bcsi.org.bb or via fax (246) 429-5352. The BCSI looks forward to the active participation of the regional coalitions in this capacity building initiative.

    PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT- LEED GA Online and Exmination Program

    Administrative Note- LEED GA Online and Examination Program-(final revised)

  • Trade In Focus

    Trade In Focus

    This bulletin is presented as part of the Private Sector Trade Team’s efforts to deliver more current and succinct information to the business community in Barbados. Our articles will provide the latest information on trade and economic developments from around the world, and will focus on those that could impact favorably or negatively on Barbados and the CARICOM region.

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