E-Government Development in the Caribbean

2011 ◽  
pp. 517-522
Author(s):  
B. Ubaldi
Keyword(s):  
International Cooperation ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Global Information Society ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Government Development

While in theory, the benefits of e-government are numerous, global experience to date indicates that in reality they remain much more elusive. Given e-government’s high impact on good governance and on the promotion of progress in developing countries, in order to better enable communities to benefit from e-government, it is important that the most adequate approach to the transition of a country or of a number of countries to the information society be identified in order for key issues to be addressed expeditiously, correctly, and effectively for an e-government that is at once as comprehensive as possible but also sustainable and meaningful. This is particularly true for a region such as the Caribbean, which already came late to the assimilation of the industrial age paradigm and which still has to determine its role in the global information society as well as its digital age. While it is common belief that for the majority of countries e-government development is more efficiently and more effectively targeted through national programs tailored to specific needs and characteristics, this is not considered to be the case for countries in the Caribbean region. Over the last five years, an unprecedented international cooperation for administrative reform and e-government capacity building has taken place in the Caribbean region (i.e., Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad, Tobago, Turks, and Caicos Islands). Such an effort has involved many regional and international organizations (e.g., the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank, the Interamerican Development Bank, the OAS, etc.); a lot of work has been accomplished to assist countries in enhancing the application of ICT to government functions in order to advance public sector reform, improve government services, enhance knowledge management and decision making, and promote economic and social development. This international cooperation was carried out through a rich mix of ministerial consultations, working group meetings, meetings of experts, informal consultations, research and development, and country surveys. The rationale behind this kind of intervention was the conviction shared within the international community that a regional approach would permit dealing with the various issues related to e-government development more efficiently and more effectively.

E-Government Development in the Caribbean

2011 ◽  
pp. 853-860
Author(s):  
Barbara-Chiara Ubaldi
Keyword(s):  
International Cooperation ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Global Information Society ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Government Development

While in theory, the benefits of e-government are numerous, global experience to date indicates that in reality they remain much more elusive. Given e-government’s high impact on good governance and on the promotion of progress in developing countries, in order to better enable communities to benefit from e-government, it is important that the most adequate approach to the transition of a country or of a number of countries to the information society be identified in order for key issues to be addressed expeditiously, correctly, and effectively for an e-government that is at once as comprehensive as possible but also sustainable and meaningful. This is particularly true for a region such as the Caribbean, which already came late to the assimilation of the industrial age paradigm and which still has to determine its role in the global information society as well as its digital age. While it is common belief that for the majority of countries e-government development is more efficiently and more effectively targeted through national programs tailored to specific needs and characteristics, this is not considered to be the case for countries in the Caribbean region. Over the last five years, an unprecedented international cooperation for administrative reform and e-government capacity building has taken place in the Caribbean region (i.e., Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad, Tobago, Turks, and Caicos Islands). Such an effort has involved many regional and international organizations (e.g., the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank, the Interamerican Development Bank, the OAS, etc.); a lot of work has been accomplished to assist countries in enhancing the application of ICT to government functions in order to advance public sector reform, improve government services, enhance knowledge management and decision making, and promote economic and social development. This international cooperation was carried out through a rich mix of ministerial consultations, working group meetings, meetings of experts, informal consultations, research and development, and country surveys. The rationale behind this kind of intervention was the conviction shared within the international community that a regional approach would permit dealing with the various issues related to e-government development more efficiently and more effectively.

scholarly journals Impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria on the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initial tsunami warning capability for the Caribbean region

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1865-1880
Author(s):  
Victor Sardina ◽  
David Walsh ◽  
Kanoa Koyanagi ◽  
Stuart Weinstein ◽  
Nathan Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Tsunami Warning ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Temporary Reduction ◽  
Earthquake Detection ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Seismic Networks ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc across the Caribbean region. While obliterating the infrastructure in the Caribbean nations found along their path, both hurricanes gradually destroyed the existing seismic networks. We quantified the impact of the hurricanes on the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initial tsunami warning capability for the Caribbean region relying on the computation of theoretical earthquake detection and response times after accounting for hurricane-related station outages. The results show that the hurricanes rendered 38 % of the 146 stations available in the Caribbean inoperative. Within the eastern Caribbean region monitored by PTWC the hurricanes exacerbated outages to an astonishing 82 % of the available 76 seismic stations. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Lesser Antilles suffered the brunt of both hurricanes, and their seismic networks nearly disappeared. The double punch delivered by two successive category 5 hurricanes added up to 02:43 and 04:33 min to the earthquake detection and response times, effectively knocking out PTWC's local tsunami warning capabilities in the region. Emergency adjustments, including the temporary reduction of the number of stations required for earthquake detection and ML magnitude release, enabled a faster response to earthquakes in the region than otherwise possible in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The disintegration of the state model in the English speaking Caribbean

2011 ◽  
Vol 73 (7) ◽  
pp. 553-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette Storr
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Small States ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Public Service Broadcasting ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
British Colonies

Public service broadcasting evolved in the small states of the English speaking Caribbean as state broadcasting. As such, state broadcasting has been forced to change to compete with private broadcasters, cable, satellite and the internet. This article assesses the paradigm shift in public service broadcasting within the former British colonies of the Caribbean, with particular emphasis on Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. Then the article discusses the changes in state broadcasting in the Caribbean region in recent decades in relation to market sector, audiences and digital technology. This is followed by a discussion on the policy directions, programming and mission of newly minted public service broadcasting (PSB) in the English speaking Caribbean with questions of the future of PSB in these small states.

Open Educational Resources Potential at The University of the Bahamas

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Christina Ramirez Smith
Keyword(s):  
National Development ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Accreditation Standards ◽  
Academic Faculty ◽  
World Class ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The University

This chapter explores the potential for implementation of OER at the University of The Bahamas (UB). Several questions guide the chapter's review: (1) How are OERs currently utilised in the Caribbean region? (2) What challenges must be overcome in order for UB to address concerns of the Bahamian government, academic faculty/staff, students, and future accreditation standards necessary for development and recognition in the region and internationally as a credentialed institution? (3) What are the benefits for a newly minted university to implement OER within the context of national development? The chapter concludes with recommendations for UB to consider as it transitions to providing a world class education for the citizens of The Bahamas.

Anguilla-Antigua and Barbuda-Aruba-Bahamas-Barbados-Bermuda-British Virgin Islands-Cayman Islands-Dominica-Grenada-Guyana-Jamaica-Montserrat-Netherlands Antilles-Saint Kitts and Nevis-Saint Lucia-Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-Suriname-Trinidad and Tobago-Turks and Caicos Islands: Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Caribbean Region

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-257
Author(s):  
Lee A. Kimball
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
International Labor Organization ◽  
Cayman Islands ◽  
State Control ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Port State Control

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control in the Caribbean Region is the fourth in a series commencing in 1982 with the Paris Memorandum (Europe). The other two cover the Latin American (1992) and Asia Pacific (1993) regions, and further regional developments are in the offing. These documents represent an innovative exercise by port states at the regional level to guard against accidents and pollution caused by vessels that do not conform with generally accepted international rules and standards. Following the practice of the Paris MOU, most also ensure conformity with international standards for seafarers to ensure acceptable living and working conditions on board ships. Each MOU identifies the relevant rules by reference to specific conventions adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Paleomagnetic and structural study of the NEastern Caribbean plate as mean to give paleogeographic constrains for fauna dispersal.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leny Montheil ◽  
Douwe Van Hinsbergen ◽  
Philippe Münch ◽  
Pierre Camps ◽  
Mélody Philippon
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Plate Motion ◽  
Lesser Antilles ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Greater Antilles ◽  
Caribbean Plate ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
The Caribbean

<p>Since the Eocene, the northeastern corner of the Caribbean plate is shaped by the indentation of the buoyant Bahamas platform with the Greater Caribbean Arc, the suture of a portion of the Antillean subduction zone along Cuba and Hispaniola and the subsequent relocation of the plate boundary along the strike slip Cayman Trough. Puzzlingly enough, these major re-arrangements followed a plate motion reorganization (Boschmann et al., 2014). During this kinematic reorganization, the Lesser Antilles trench initiated (or subduction intensified) along the eastern boundary of the Caribbean plate and progressively bent, resulting in an increase of subduction obliquity from south to north (Philippon et al., 2020a). This curvature has been, and still may be, associated with deformation within the Caribbean plate. Interestingly, in the 10-15 Ma following the plate reorganization, a hypothetical, now submerged “landbridge” allowed the dispersion of terrestrial fauna from South America to the Greater Antilles: the GAARlandia landbridge (land of Greater Antilles and Aves Ridge). Although it has been recently shown that Puerto Rico and the Northern Lesser Antilles where connected once forming a land mass called GrANoLA around 33-35 Ma (Philippon et al., 2020b), these rapids and drastics geodynamical changes may have impacted the regional paleogeography, which remains to be constrained. The intraplate deformation in the north-est Caribbean region associated with the plate reorganization, the Bahamas indentation, and the plate boundary curvature likely hold the key to (part of) the evolution of this landbridge.<br>At present day, the N-Eastern border of the Caribbean plate shows parallel to the trench faults dissecting the plate in a sliver-like manner. This “sliver” is cross cutted by perpendicular to the trench faults in four crustal blocks: Gonave, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Northern Lesser Antilles. Present-day and past kinematics of these blocks, and even their existence, are still debated.</p><p>In this study, in the course of the French GAARAnti project, we focus on paleomagnetically determined vertical axis rotations that affected Puerto Rico and the Northern Lesser Antilles blocks since the Eocene, and use these to inform kinematic reconstructions constrained by regional structural analysis and Ar<sup>40</sup>-Ar<sup>39</sup> geochronology. These reconstructions will be used to refine the paleogeographic evolution of the NEastern edge of the Caribbean plate since the Eocene in order test the GAARlandia hypothesis.</p><p>A new set of paleomagnetic data (180 Oligo-Miocene specimens of sediments sampled in 18 sites) indicates that the Puerto Rico block underwent an early to mid-Miocene 10° counterclockwise (CCW) rotation. This result clearly differs from those of Reid et al., 1991 who concluded a Late Miocene 25° CCW rotation and that is currently used by the community to interpret the tectonic history of the northeastern Caribbean plate. The use of a larger dataset, that geographically covers the entire island, and of a more recent reference frame explain the difference observed between the two results. This new result will lead to a re-interpretation of the tectonic evolution of the region that will be integrated in a regional kinematic reconstruction.</p>

Life Assurance in the Former British West Indies.

1971 ◽  
Vol 97 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 251-295
Author(s):  
M. M. de Souza ◽  
A. Farncombe
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
British West Indies ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
British Guiana ◽  
Leeward Islands ◽  
Dependent Relationship ◽  
British Honduras ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
British Colonies

The Caribbean is usually taken to include the number of widely scattered islands in the Caribbean Sea, as well as four neighbouring mainland territories which, for historical reasons, are closely associated with one or other of the island groups. The islands comprise: three Republics—Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic; three former British Colonies which have become independent countries within the Commonwealth during the last ten years, Jamaica (1962), Trinidad and Tobago (1962), and Barbados (1966), and a number of other islands which continue to have some level of dependent relationship with one or other of the ‘metropolitan’ countries including Britain (the Windward and Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas); France (Martinique and Guadeloupe), the Netherlands (Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire), and the United States of America (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The Mainland Territories include the independent Commonwealth country Guyana (formerly British Guiana and independent since 1966), French Guiana, Surinam (Dutch Guiana), and British Honduras.

Taking Stock of Regional Democratic Trends in Latin America and the Caribbean Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Political Representation ◽  
The State ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
The Caribbean

This GSoD In Focus Special Brief provides an overview of the state of democracy of Latin America and the Caribbean at the end of 2019, prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, and assesses some of the preliminary impacts that the pandemic has had on democracy in the region in 2020. Key findings include: • Democratically, the region was ailing prior to the pandemic, with some countries suffering from democratic erosion or backsliding, others from democratic fragility and weakness. Overall, trust in democracy had been in steady decline in the decade preceding the pandemic. Citizen discontent has culminated in a protest wave hitting several countries in the region at the end of 2019. • The COVID-19 pandemic has hit a Latin American and Caribbean region plagued by unresolved structural problems of high crime and violence, political fragmentation and polarization, high poverty and inequality, corruption, and weak states. • Long-overdue political and socio-economic reforms have compounded the health and economic crises caused by the pandemic. This, coupled with heavy-handed approaches to curb the virus, risk further entrenching or exacerbating the concerning democratic trends observed in the region prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. • The challenges to democracy Latin America and the Caribbean during the pandemic include: the postponement of elections; excessive use of police force to enforce restrictions implemented to curb the pandemic; use of the military to carry out civil tasks; persistent crime and violence; new dangers for the right to privacy; increases in gender inequality and domestic violence; new risks posed to vulnerable groups; limited access to justice; restrictions on freedom of expression; executive overreach; reduced parliamentary oversight; political polarization and clashes between democratic institutions; new openings for corruption; and a discontented socially mobilized citizenry that rejects traditional forms of political representation. • Despite the challenges, the crisis ultimately provides a historic opportunity to redefine the terms of social contracts across the region, and for governments to think innovatively about how to open up spaces for dialogue and civic participation in order to build more inclusive, sustainable and interconnected societies, as well as more accountable, transparent and efficient democratic systems of government. The review of the state of democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 uses qualitative analysis and data of events and trends in the region collected through International IDEA’s Global Monitor of COVID-19’s Impact on Democracy and Human Rights, an initiative co-funded by the European Union.

scholarly journals Impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on the PTWC Tsunami Warning Capability for the Caribbean Region

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Sardina ◽  
David Walsh ◽  
Kanoa Koyanagi ◽  
Stuart Weinstein ◽  
Nathan Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Tsunami Warning ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Temporary Reduction ◽  
Earthquake Detection ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Seismic Networks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Successive Category

Abstract. In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc across the Caribbean region. While obliterating the infrastructure in the Caribbean nations found along their path, both hurricanes gradually destroyed the existing seismic networks. We quantified the impact of the hurricanes on the PTWC tsunami warning capability for the Caribbean region relying on the computation of theoretical earthquake detection and response times after accounting for hurricane-related station outages. The results show that the hurricanes rendered inoperative 38 % of the 146 stations available in the Caribbean. Within the eastern Caribbean region monitored by PTWC the hurricanes exacerbated outages to an astonishing 82 % of the available 76 seismic stations. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Lesser Antilles suffered the brunt of both hurricanes, and their seismic networks nearly disappeared. The double punch delivered by two successive category 5 hurricanes added up to 02:43 and 04:33 minutes to the earthquake detection and response times, effectively knocking out PTWC's local tsunami warning capabilities in the region. Emergency adjustments, including the temporary reduction of the number of stations required for earthquake detection and ML magnitude release, enabled a faster response to earthquakes in the region than otherwise possible in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document