International Trade and Business Development

Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development in St. Lucia- Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development, St. Lucia

The study involves the formulation of a detailed, time bound and cost-effective Medium Term Development and Strategic Plan, including capacity strengthening arrangements which would assist the Ministry in addressing its weak institutional and human resource capacities; and recommendation of strategies including institutional arrangements and human resource needs to implement the capacity strengthening plan.

Preparation of a Draft National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) for St. Lucia-Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development, St. Lucia

The consultancy involves the development a NAS that consists of a long-term Strategy and an Action Plan that is aligned to St. Lucia’s national policies and strategies and will reposition the economy of the country along a sustainable path that is benefitting to all. The strategy and action plan would include a comprehensive review and analysis of prior studies, taking on board lessons learnt and their recommendations; intensive and inclusive consultations with key stakeholders including the public sector, private sector, NGO and CBO sector and the International Cooperating Partners.

This aim of this Strategy is for St. Lucia to take advantage of its eligibility as a country benefitting from the ‘Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM).

Conduct of a Strategic Plan and Business Plan for the Department of Social Services, Tobago House of Assembly- Division of Health and Social Services, Tobago House of Assembly

This consultancy involves a Strategic Planning Retreat with the Department of Social Services which would culminate in the development of a Strategic Plan and a Business Plan for the Department. There would also be a monitoring component to ensure that recommendations are implemented.

Conduct of a Staff Review of the Department of Social Services, Tobago House of Assembly- Division of Health and Social Services, Tobago House of Assembly

The staff review entails a review of the Governance Structure, Management Practices, Human Resources, Service Delivery and Technology in use.

Review Part IV of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Act No. 40 of 1999- THA, Trinidad and Tobago

The study involved the review of Part IV of the THA Act and development of  recommendations for revisions which would provide a financial relationship between Trinidad and Tobago based on formulae, principles and procedures which enable sustainable development and parity development with Trinidad with appropriate autonomy.

Fiscal Policy and Closing Differentials between Tobago and Trinidad – Tobago House of Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago

The consultancy involves the review of the operation of the fiscal system as it affects Tobago taking into account the difference in the economic structure of the island from Trinidad.

Trade Policy and Caribbean Development: Prospects and Options – Caribbean Development Bank

The consultants critically assessed the ongoing trade initiatives within the context of the production restructuring challenge facing the Region; identified and discussed specific aspects of the new trade policies that have or could circumscribe the supply response of countries in ways that were inconsistent with production and trade diversification and the development of production flexibility; critically assessed the constraints to production flexibility and product diversification facing Caribbean economies with a view to recommending policy approaches that were likely to promote a reduction in economic vulnerability and income volatility and provide opportunities for achieving sustained economic growth, increased employment and the elimination of poverty; and provided policy advice on the way forward in as much detail as available to decision-making authorities in Borrowing Member Countries.

Restructuring of the Policy Research and Development Institute and Department of Planning, Tobago House of Assembly – Tobago House of Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago

The consultancy involved the conduct an Institutional Assessment of the Policy Research and Development Institute (PRDI) and the Department of Planning and the development of a Strategic Plan of Action.

Conduct of a Strategic Planning Retreat of the Task Force for the Establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries – Ministry of Trade and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago

The consultancy involved the conduct of a Strategic Retreat to provide an opportunity for members of the Task Force and Ministry personnel to discuss and gain some consensus on the draft Constitution and to articulate some of the strategic issues which need to be addressed in the Strategic Business Plan for the organisation.

Development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for Tobago – Tobago House of Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago

The consultancy involved developing an economic development plan for Tobago which dealt with strategies/recommendations/actions for achieving sustainable economic development in the short and medium term, with related projections. Strategies to be prioritised in relation to a time frame of action and cost estimated for each action. A monitoring and evaluation plan was included.

Development of a Strategic Plan for the Tunapuna Regional Corporation

The consultancy involved the development of a Strategic Plan for the Corporation for the period 2004 to 2005.

Feasibility Study – Introduction of Value-Added Tax of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The consultant was required to undertake a feasibility study for the implementation of VAT and to determine the institutional framework and associated resource requirements for the implementation of such a tax.

Measuring the Economic Rate of Return (ERR) in a Tourism Project in Trinidad and Tobago – Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) Trinidad and Tobago

The consultant was required to develop and provide the methodology and analysis used in the calculation of the economic rate of return for an integrated resort development project and the economic rate of return for such developments which would be acceptable to international lending agencies.

Preparation of Rolling Three-Year Tourism Plan – Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) of Trinidad and Tobago

The consultants were required to review a number of plans that had been done for the tourism sector over the last few years, and to develop a rolling plan for implementation by TIDCO and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) – the two lead agencies responsible for the execution of tourism activities in Trinidad and Tobago. The consultants’ specific responsibilities included combining and synthesising the agreed existing strategic plans and studies; specifying the priority areas and the rolling plan on a yearly basis; and preparing a budget for the rolling plan on a yearly basis.

Trade Policy and Caribbean Development: Prospects and Options – Caribbean Development Bank

The consultants critically assessed the ongoing trade initiatives within the context of the production restructuring challenge facing the Region; identified and discussed specific aspects of the new trade policies that have or could circumscribe the supply response of countries in ways that were inconsistent with production and trade diversification and the development of production flexibility; critically assessed the constraints to production flexibility and product diversification facing Caribbean economies with a view to recommending policy approaches that were likely to promote a reduction in economic vulnerability and income volatility and provide opportunities for achieving sustained economic growth, increased employment and the elimination of poverty; and provided policy advice on the way forward in as much detail as available to decision-making authorities in Borrowing Member Countries.

Opinion Poll of Opinion Leaders and Shapers in Trinidad and Tobago – BP Energy Company of Trinidad and Tobago

In order to assist in the smooth merger, particularly image-wise of BP and Amoco into one company, the consultants were hired to conduct focused discussions among key opinion leaders and commentators; develop a planned programme for ensuring the key information is available to the general public in a timely, user-friendly and consistent form; and identify areas for interventions such that BP Amoco’s role as a full corporate citizen of Trinidad and Tobago would be widely recognised.

Business Plan, Lagon Doux Project – Cape Development Limited, Trinidad The Lagon Doux Project entails the development of a 532-acre all-inclusive resort at Mayaro/Guayaguayare, Trinidad.

The consultant produced a business plan that provided a foundation for long-term financing and a base document for potential investor(s) in the hotel project. Market Research Study (with Earle and Phillips) – First Citizens’ Bank Limited, Trinidad The consultants evaluated the effectiveness of strategies undertaken by the Bank for image and business development. Research activities included an External Customer Satisfaction Survey, an Internal Customer Satisfaction Survey, and exploring the potential for the establishment of a marketing system as well as the feasibility of product placement.

Team Building Training Programme – NCB St. Lucia Limited

The consultant designed and conducted a workshop aimed at improving the sense of “teamness” and community so as to empower staff to better contribute to the business and organisational transformation of the Bank.

Management Audit, Human Resource Management, Organisational Development, Business Development Programme for the National Commercial Bank St. Lucia Limited – NCB St. Lucia Limited

The consultant conducted a management audit, developed and implemented an organisational and change management strategy and team building exercise to strengthen human resource capabilities; strengthened the human resource management function in the organisation, including development and execution of systems of job analysis and positive evaluation and compensation practices; and provided advice and proposals on Government’s divestment or issue of its shares.

Investment-Oriented Sectoral Studies for Botswana – Commonwealth Secretariat

The consultant conducted studies of selected sectors of the economy, which had been identified as having investment potential and created a reliable database in support of the economic diversification programme.

Development and Implementation of Action Plan to Increase the Level of Savings and Investment in the Insurance Industry – Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC)

The consultant developed and implemented an action plan geared to encourage the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider fiscal measures proposed in the 1997 Budget that would impact on the level of savings in the country as well as on investment in the insurance industry.

Survey of Credit Facilities in St. Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent – Hivos (Netherlands development organisation)

The consultant conducted a survey of saving and credit facilities in three of the Windward Islands, to determine their viability, strengths, weaknesses and impact on the general community, and to provide recommendations for relevant improvements.

Market Segment Research Study for Tourism Promotion in Trinidad and Tobago – Asesores en Turismo, Hotelería y Recreación (THR), Spain

The consultant conducted interviews with key informants of the tourism industry to provide relevant data for the study being pursued by THR, Spain.

Developing Business Strategies for the 21st Century – Kairi Consultants Ltd.

The consultant conducted a seminar that reviewed the economic environment and offered a scenario to the year 2000, including developments in regional and global trading blocs, and focused on the management of human resources to meet these challenges. The target group of participants included Chief Executive Officers, General Managers and Corporate Planners.

STABEX: Implications of Bottlenecks and Delays of the Framework of Mutual Obligations on African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States – ACP

The consultant provided a comparative analysis of the principles, rules and procedures on the use of STABEX transfers under Lome III and Lome IV; identified the difficulties and delays encountered by ACP States in concluding the COM; and developed recommendations and a time-phased action programme to implement the same.

Review of the Computerised Loan Portfolio Management Functions of the Dominica AID Bank Information Systems – AID Bank

The consultant conducted a review of the entire bank portfolio and suggested measures to achieve prudential guidelines supported by other measures to maintain viability of the organisation.

Review of Trade Problems Affecting Garments with Special Reference to Trade Facilitation, Trade Financing and Customs Regulations – CEDP

The consultant reviewed the specifics of countries or groups (e.g. OECS) in respect of customs regulations, trade facilitation and trade financing in the textile and garment industry and the identification of major difficulties that could arise among countries in the harmonization of procedures across CARICOM with special regard to the impact on existing firms and on the workforce employed in the industry. Production Strategy for the Textile and Garment Industry in CARICOM – CEDP The consultant developed a production strategy for the CARICOM Textile and Garment Industry based on an evaluation of the region’s competitive advantage in the international industry.