ApaNa Magazine Issue 3 Aug-Nov 2020

ApaNa ISSUE No.3 I AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2020

Cor por ateCar ibbean's Responseto COVID- 19 Sustainability

Business

Doing Good

Plus

Coral Reef Restoration Alliance: Protecting Coral Reefs

Technology is Disrupting the Future of Work

Corporate Caribbean's Donations for COVID-19

Is the Pandemic Panic Over?

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Page 54

Page 66

Page 14

LET US TELL YOUR STORY

w w w.apanamag azi n e.c o m

ApaNa THE MAGAZINE FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Publ isher and Founder Deborah Hackshaw

Editor -at-Lar ge/ Wr iter Michele-Lauren Hackshaw Sal es and Administr ation Cennette Harry Design Sufidyan

Issue 3 I Aug - Nov 2020 ApaNa Magazine is dedicated to promoting sustainability, responsible business and social engagement in the Caribbean.

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CONT ENT S

16 CORAL REEFS IN CRISIS

34 TACKLING FOOD INSECURIT Y

FEAT URES

48 RESILIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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Coral Reef Restoration Alliance : Protecting Coral Reef s Interview with Susan Mahon, President of Coral Reef Restoration Alliance in Barbados

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Photographer Adapting to the New Nor mal in Tour ism St.Lucian Photographer Kirk Elliott goes virtual with his photo tour.

SUSTAINABILIT Y 18

Coral Reef s in Barbados and Beyond The beautiful coral reefs of the Caribbean and beyond are threatened and you can help to conserve and restore them.

36

Gardening for Health Home gardening can help fight food insecurity.

One solution is a garden-in-a-sack.

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Garden-in-a-Sack A garden-in-a-sack can help bring food security and extra cash to families.

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DOING GOOD 66

Cor porate Car ibbean's Response to COVID-19 Many Caribbean companies stepped up to fight COVID-19 in different ways.

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Cor porate Car ibbean's Donations for COVID-19 We provide examples of donations made by companies in 10 Caribbean countries.

Ultra-processed Foods They may be cheap, attractive and convenient but at what cost?

BUSINESS 50

Lear ning from Nature to Build Resilience in Your Business The supply chain is like nature's complex system. We look at bees and their resilience.

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Emerging Business Patter ns Some companies will suffer or survive due to new business patterns post COVID-19

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Technology is Disr upting Future W ork Increasing digitization and technology brings new ways of doing business and youth opportunities.

PLUS 14

Is the Pandemic Panic Over ?

That is good questions, as we enter different phases of the pandemic era.

64

Protect Your Business in the Digital Era 5 measures a business must implement to protect their business .

68

Notewor thy Some notable items that companies and philanthropists donated during the crisis.

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Publisher's Note

Dear Readers, More and more, we see an increasing number of companies succumb to the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has dominated our lives over the past several months. And, most of us are now experiencing COVID-19 fatigue.

Unfortunately, the pandemic is not going away any time soon and, we must find ways to adapt to what is now called the 'new normal'. We are still finding out what this means with every passing day. In the meantime, we each have a responsibility to ensure our survival and that of others with not only our words but our deeds.

In this issue, ApaNa highlights some ways that we can ensure our well being and the environment. One important observation is, despite the progress made in reducing poverty over the last decade or more, we expect levels to increase in the coming months. Food insecurity is on the rise more than ever before. This means that each household has to find ways to meet their own nutritional needs. For example, home gardening even in densely populated urban areas.

Deborah Hackshaw Publisher and Founder ApaNa Magazine

A LITTLE INSPIRATION

During the pandemic, building business resilience was paramount. Digital technology helped the business community to not only adhere to the social distancing rules but to carry on business despite the absence of onsite manpower. It also created opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop new products and services. ApaNa features a St.Lucian photographer who did just that.

Also, some of Caribbean businesses and philanthropists stepped up and provided much-needed donations and support to our governments and the less fortunate. We recognize their assistance by showcasing some of their donations.

The fight against COVID-19 should not make us lose sight of the environment and its impact on our livelihoods. Hence, the need to persevere in protecting our natural resources such as our coral reefs despite the challenges. ApaNa features an interview with Susan Mahon, President of CORALL Restoration Reef Alliance in Barbados, to discuss the work that her organisation is doing and how people can get involved.

We hope this issue provides you with a little inspiration to keep going in these uncertain times.

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"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future" Steve Jobs American Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Apple Inc

PL U S

Is the Pandemic Panic Over ?

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MOVING ON WITH CAUTION, OR NOT? Some people believe that the pandemic of doom has erupted as a panic of politicians and see the crisis as a comedy of errors. Perhaps, but hindsight is 20:20 vision.

Many thought that flattening the curve was a fool's errand that widened the damage but others will argue that governments succeeded in reducing the number of deaths. Some view this as an egregious statistical horror story of millions of projected deaths which prompted politicians to impose country-wide lock-downs. For some, this only impeded herd immunity which might be the only way to contain the virus. Herd immunity is achieved when 60% of the population has been infected. With overwhelmed healthcare systems, this was too high risk and perhaps, political suicide. What is clear is that extreme measures taken by the governments have collapsed livelihoods and economies.

The somewhat irrational policies and lock-downs are now being phased out - some more cautiously than others. Many countries are opening up without the needed measures in place to prevent or limit the impact of the anticipated new waves of the virus. It appears that we are moving from health panic into an economic and social panic.

As countries eased social distancing measures, opened up their economies and borders and people became more relaxed, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the United States. This has called a lot into question as it seems that, some people are moving on with caution while others are not.

We should heed the advice of the experts while acknowledging the flaws in expertise so that we do not manage one crisis by heading into another!

Perhaps the pandemic panic is over as people are anxious to move on but we must continue to move with caution or the pandemic panic will return and we will be back at square one.

apanamagazine.com / AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2020

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CORAL REEFS IN CRISIS PROTECTING THE CORAL REEFS AND LIVELIHOODS

Inside the Section...

PAGE 18 CORAL REEFS I N BARBADOS AND BEYOND We provide a synopsis of what is happening with regards to the coral reefs, its impor tance and what is currently being done.

PAGE 22 THREATS TO CORAL REEFS The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) provides a snapshot of the threats to the coral reefs and what we can do the help protect them.

PAGE 24 CORAL REEF RESTORATION ALLI ANCE: PROTECTI NG CORAL REEFS Susan Mahon, President, Coral Reef Restoration Alliance, discusses how her organisation is helping to protect the coral reefs of Barbados.

PAGE 32 NOTABLE ACHI EVEMENTS: CORAL REEF RESTORATION ALLI ANCE (CORALL) A snapshot of CORALL, their work and achievements.

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"Wh at w e d o o n t h e l an d af f ec t s t h e c o r al r eef s, an d v i c e v er sa"

CORAL REEFS

Coral Restoration Reef Alliance (CORALL)

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Cor al Reefs in Barbados and Beyond Caribbean Coral Reefs The Caribbean is home to nine percent of the world's coral reefs. They extend across thirty-eight countries from Florida to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern and Southern Caribbean to the north-eastern coast of South America.

They protect coastlines from storms and erosion and are a valuable habitats for fish and other animals. Many people depend on reefs for food, income and protection.

The coral cover has declined by more than ninety percent since the 1970s. Only one-sixth of the original cover remains. Some fear that it will disappear in less than two decades.

The coral reefs of Barbados, particularly on the south and west coast, have been under threat for over 40 years. Yet, reefs remain among Barbados' important natural resources and sources of income for its citizens.

Approximately 40% of Barbados' GDP comes from coastal tourism. It also protects the beaches and supports the marine ecosystem for flora and fauna for many types

of fish. However, the effects of climate change and human activity continues to degrade the coral reefs causing bleaching and even death.

Barbados Coral Reefs The coral reef communities of Barbados declined concurrently with that of the entire Caribbean basin. The average hard coral cover on the reefs in the Caribbean is said to have been reduced from about 50% to 10% between 1975 - 2000 (Gardener et al., 2003).

Underlying Causes The underlying causes are often not as obvious as the resulting deterioration.

"For instance, pollutants and litter can be carried down to the sea in underground streams and water courses - as well as flash floods - and their effects are not obvious until they actually reach the reefs. Tiny particles from sand and soil can smother reefs. Chemicals and sewage can poison reefs. Litter can strangle reefs.

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Sustai nabi li ty // CORAL REEFS I N CRI SI S

The transport of pollutants underground is 'invisible' so we must be especially careful that we design and manage our homes, farms, tourism facilities and industries to avoid the entry of damaging substances into our water courses - both above and below ground."

Threats to Coral Reefs Coral reefs face many threats which can stress coral leading to coral bleaching, physical damage and even death. Corals can recover from bleaching before they die.

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Sustainability // CORAL REEFS I N CRI SI S

Threats to Cor al Reefs Author : NOAA. How does climate change affect cor al r eefs? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coralreef-climate.html, 11/13/19

Climate Change

Land- Based Pollution

Over - fishing

Climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems.

Scientific evidence now clearly indicates that the Earth's atmosphere and ocean are warming and that these changes are primarily due to greenhouse gases derived from human activities.

Impacts from land-based sources of pollution including coastal development, deforestation, agricultural runoff, and oil and chemical spills - can impede coral growth and reproduction, disrupt overall ecological function, and cause disease and mortality in sensitive species. It is now well accepted that many serious coral reef ecosystem stressors originate from land-based sources, most notably toxicants, sediments and nutrients.

Coral reef ecosystems support important commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishery resources.

Fishing also plays a central social and cultural role in many islands and coastal communities where it is often a critical source of income.

As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent. Additionally, carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean from the atmosphere has already begun to reduce calcification rates in reef-building and reef-associated organism by altering seawater chemistry through decreases in pH. This process is called ocean acidification.

In the Caribbean, significant changes in the drainage basins due to agriculture, deforestation, grazing of feral animals, firs road building, and urbanization have increased the volume of land-based pollution released to adjacent coral reef ecosystems. Many of these issues are made worse because of the geographic and climatic characteristics of tropical islands.

Climate change will affect coral reef ecosystems, through sea-level rise, changes to the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and altered ocean circulation patterns. When combined, all of these impacts dramatically alter ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to people around the globe.

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The impacts from unsustainable fishing on coral reef areas can lead to the depletion of key reef species in many locations. Such losses often have a ripple effect, not just on the coral reef ecosystems themselves but also on the local economies that depend on them. Additionally, certain types of fishing gear can inflict serious physical damage to coral reefs, sea-grass beds, and other important marine habitats.

Coral reef fisheries may have disproportionately large impacts on the ecosystem if conducted sustainably. Rapid human population growth, increased demand, use of more efficient fishery technologies, and inadequate management and enforcement have led to the depletion of key reef species and habitat damage in many locations.

How You Can Help - Shrink your carbon footprint to reduce greenhouse gases - Drive Less - Reduce, reuse or recycle - Purchase energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs - Print less. Download More - Use Less Water - Do your part to improve overall coral reef condition - Reduce the use of lawn and garden chemicals - Do not dump household chemicals in storm drains - Choose sustainable seafood.

- Learn about good reef etiquette and practice it when in the water - Volunteer for beach and waterway cleanups - Apply fertilisers and pesticides sparingly - Dispose of lawn clippings in a compost pile - Pick up after your pets - Harvest rooftop rain water through rain barrels or rain gardens - Do not dump paint, oil, grease and anti-freeze - Maintain proper septic system function with inspections and pump-outs every 3 5 years - Choose sunscreens with chemicals that don't harm marine life.

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Email: dlthack@flyaircaribbean.com Tel: 1 758 712 3252 (WhatsApp) www.flyaircaribbean.com apanamagazine.com / AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2020

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Sustainability // CORAL REEFS I N CRI SI S

Ph o t o : Su san Mah o n , Pr esi d en t , Co r al l REef r est o r at i o n al l i an c e

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CORALL REEF RESTORATION ALLIANCE (CORALL) PROTECTING CORAL REEFS I nterview with Susan Mahon President, CORALL, Barbados

It is known that coral reefs in the Caribbean are under threat due to human actions and climate change.

Susan Mahon, Trustee and President of Coral Reef Restoration Alliance (CORALL), a Barbadian nonprofit organisation, believes that raising public awareness and getting people involved and the work that CORALL is doing will help save and restore the reefs of Barbados in time. She points out some successes to date.

Mahon is an Environmental Scientist and Sustainability Consultant and the former Academic and Managing Director of Bellairs Research Institute of McGill University and, former Managing Director for Harrisons Cave in Barbados. She lectures in Geography, Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Law. In 1992, at the Earth Summit in Brazil, the Executive Director of the United Nations Development Program

(UNDP) presented Mahon with the Global 500 Award in recognition of her 'outstanding practical achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment'.

Tell us about CORALL and why it was founded.

Coral Reef Restoration Alliance (CORALL also called the Alliance) stands for the restoration of CORAL reef ecosystems for the well-being of ALL. It is a registered not-for-profit charitable organisation that is run by an Executive Committee.

The Alliance was founded because the condition of the reefs in Barbados, entire Caribbean region and the world is deteriorating, and we must act collectively to prevent further deterioration and restore the reefs. We depend on the reefs to provide us with oxygen to breathe - much as we depend on trees and other plants. We also need the reefs to help us maintain lifestyles and businesses that are based on a healthy balance of nature.

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Sustainability // CORAL REEFS I N CRI SI S

How do you work and what programs do you run?

The alliance takes a two-prong approach to its activities: 'Ridge to Reef' and Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration.

We engage community members in the 'Ridge to Reef (R2R)' approach and encourage each person to apply the principle that: "What you do on the land affects the coral reefs, and vice versa."

CORALL's 200 volunteers work together with others to conserve and restore reefs. Our conservation and restoration efforts focus on planting coral fragments and monitoring their health at three pilot sites on the west coast of Barbados.

CORALL is raising awareness on the importance of the coral reefs and the need to protect them.

Have you seen any change in people's actions over the years?

CORALL has made significant strides in raising

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public awareness between its inception in 2017 and now. We have evolved from a handful of concerned citizens to hundreds of individuals and groups of active members.

It is challenging to attribute a change in behaviour to people's connections with CORALL, but it certainly does seem that they are becoming more aware of the significance of the coral ecosystems to their own well being.

Children and adults who participated in events that have been organised solely by CORALL or, in conjunction with other entities, have been visibly affected by learning the connection between corals and the production of oxygen for our own breathing.

Some have been astonished that corals are animals (not rocks) that feed by stinging tiny organisms with their tentacles and taking them into their gaping mouths.

Wonder has been expressed that algae within the jelly-like tissues of the corals give them their beautiful colours - and that the 'bleached' dead corals appear white. This is because only their

PHOTOS: CORALL and Government ministers at the National Botanical Garden (above, left), Coral reef in Barbados (above), R2R Assembly at UN House (top right), Minister of Environment and CORALL

skeletons remain after the colourful algae have been expelled due to warming of the surrounding sea water or other stressors.

Members of CORALL have been intrigued by the beauty and diversity of the marine life that exists on some reefs in Barbados and, by dead and dying reefs in other areas. Those who have participated in the planting of coral fragments, as well as monitoring their survival and health, have increased their appreciation of the factors that affect our reefs...and have shared their knowledge with others.

I have heard that spear-fishermen who use diving tanks to catch fish and those who drag nets along the sea-floor, have been criticized by other fishermen for unfairly affecting the balance of marine life on the reefs.

Has CORALL been impacted by the coronavirus? If so, how did CORALL respond?

CORALL has been impacted by the coronavirus crisis inasmuch as it has slowed down our activities. After the lockdown, we were

VIDEO: CORALL Bar bad o s - Co r al Nu r ser y Mo n i t o r i n g Pr o t o c o l

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Sustainability // CORAL REEFS I N CRI SI S

concerned that our fragments might have been damaged by overgrowth of algae or predation by animals like fire-worms but we found that they were in remarkably good condition when were able to return to the reefs after four months. Fortunately, the period of lockdown coincided with a good growing period for the corals between March and June.

The coronavirus pandemic has actually enabled us to show that planted coral fragments that have a good start, and are well-cared for during the first year of planting are likely to grow well and be healthy, even without us scrubbing the surroundings with a toothbrush.

We also confirmed that we need snorkelling gear to view the positive effects of our coral restoration in shallow waters. This will allow many more people to see the impact of our restoration activities and to participate in the interpretive tours of our nursery and surrounding reefs.

The knowledge we have gained as a result of the pandemic has led us to anticipate that our pilot projects will become a reference for us to help others.

What are the other challenges that your organisation faces?

The biggest challenge that CORALL faces is to maintain sustainability as an organisation. We expect that it will ultimately take decades to restore the reefs of Barbados to an optimal level of well-being that resembles the reefs of 40 years ago. And, so we expect that CORALL to be in a position to continue its work for a long time.

The situation can be likened to a person who is going on a nutritious diet. That person did not gain weight overnight. It will take months or perhaps years to reach the state of being unhealthily overweight. Months and even years will be needed to reverse that.

Patience and resources are vital.

What is your primary source of funding?

So far, CORALL has been very fortunate to obtain a grant from the Global Environment Facility - Small Grants

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Program (GEF-SGP) of the United Nations Development Program to implement a 3-year project called "Engaging the community and building capacity for coral reef restoration". This comes to an end in January 2021.

This is a matching grant so CORALL must prove counterpart cash and in-kind contributions to match our award. So we get voluntary contributions from CORALL members and the private sector. We will need many more contributions of time and resources over the years and expect that these will follow as we demonstrate success.

Does CORALL work with the Government of Barbados in this regard?

CORALL must undertake its work within the context of national policies and plans, and we are keenly aware that cooperation is the key.

An aspect that is critical to the success of CORALL is good working relations and support from the agencies of the Government of Barbados such as the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve, the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy.

How do you connect with corporate sponsors and get them to support your work?

CORALL currently has a Coordinator of Membership and Events, Deborah Roach, who serves as Treasurer of the Alliance. She is gifted at encouraging corporate sponsors to contribute cash and in-kind services.

Hoteliers, supermarket managers, dive operators and suppliers of marine products have been among CORALL's biggest sponsors for our events and community engagements. They give prizes and cash for our fun activities and we anticipate that they will continue in their support as they increasingly recognise the importance of coral reefs to their businesses.

Our trustees also help to obtain corporate sponsorship.

In 2019, Sir Trevor Carmicheal who is Trustee Emeritus of CORALL obtained a donation of BD$20,000 from a business group of which he is a director.

3

In 2018, the High Commissioner to Canada donated proceeds from a silent auction in the amount of BD$7,670 to CORALL. These unrestricted funds enabled use to keep our CORALL Secretariat functioning and assisted in special training on 'micro-fragmentation and 're-skinning the reefs' that was provided by Dr.David Vaughan at Mote Marine Lab in Florida.

How can the public participate in your programs and activities?

We actively engage members and volunteers through participation in one of our four action groups. These groups are related to: (1) Ridge to Reef events and activities (2) engaging members of the public in communications and learning activities pertaining to coral reef ecosystems (3) monitoring and evaluating our out-planted coral fragments and, (4) establishing our coral nursery at Folkestone Marine Reserve.

Someone can make an invaluable contribution to the well-being of corals and ourselves by assisting, for

President and Monitoring Coordinator CORALL at Reef Futures Symposium 2018, Florida (top), President and Environment Minister at Small Island Futures Festival (inset), Coral members making first nursery trees (bottom).

instance, to organise events, produce educational materials, maintain our social media platforms or volunteer as administrators at our Secretariat.

Members of the Committee are voted in at each Annual General Meeting. Voluntary service on that Committee and action groups are good ways to contribute to the Alliance.

Should one know how to dive in order to get involved in CORALL's activities?

We emphasize that "You do not have to be a diver to become involved in CORALL".

When people think of coral restoration, they tend to think that it is necessary to dive, snorkel or swim.

Actually, those skills may help but they are not absolutely necessary. We do encourage people to develop those skills.

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How do you engage members and volunteers? How do they support CORALL? Members of the public can support our programs and activities in many ways. They can help to protect the reefs directly and indirectly through their everyday activities.

Members of the public are invited to become members of the Alliance and to 'Adopt a Coral' by logging on to our web page at www.corallbarbados.org/ adopt-a-coral.

We are currently refining payment options on our web page so that it is easier to pay using a credit card.

What is your vision for CORALL in the next five years?

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I envisage an organisation the goes from strength to strength. I must admit that before we created the Coral Reef Restoration Alliance, we had some detractors especially within the scientific community who predicted that the coral restoration in Barbadian waters 'would not work'. We have demonstrated, within the three years of CORALL's existence that, in the long-run, coral restoration is challenging but potentially possible.

We have planted fragments and they have grown well and healthy, and we now have enough confidence to establish the nursery.

Within the next five years, I anticipate that we will be able to establish more nurseries, interpretive areas and patches of healthy reefs, in collaboration with others.

These can serve as tourism attractions, learning tools and

vibrant habitats for a variety of marine animals and plants.

Ultimately, the challenge of humanly creating or re-creating a healthy coral reef ecosystem including the biological diversity, and all the checks and balances that exist in a natural ecosystem, is much more challenging than preventing the deterioration or complete destruction of a natural ecosystem in the first place.

PHOTOS: Top Left to Right: R2R Expo Carla and Monica of CORALL, PEG Farm R2R Exhibit with CORALL, Young CORALL Members - UN World Oceans Day 2019, Trent University Students Tour of CORALL Folkestone Nursery Site PHOTOS: Bottom Left to Right: Scoping for Coral Nursery at Folkestone with CORALL, Opening of CORALL R2R Assembly at UN House, Paint and Groove with CORALL.

I, therefore see an ever-strengthening role for CORALL in promoting the precautionary 'Ridge to Reef' approach. I expect that with CORALL's help, people will increasingly appreciate the importance of healthy, coral reefs and the types of things that we can all do to keep them healthy.

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NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Over the past three years, CORALL has made some strides in achieving its missions including obtaining finance, holding events and participating in various community activities. Here are some notable achievements.

CORALL REEF RESTORATION ALLIANCE

2020 APPROVAL FOR SMALL CORAL NURSERY CORALL received permission from the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy and, the National Conservation Commission (NCC), Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, to establish a small coral nursery within the designated recreational areas of the Folkestone Marine Reserve in Holetown, Barbados.

2018 BARBADOS CORAL REEF SYMPOSIUM CORALL hosted the Barbados Coral Reef Symposium at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Center in collaboration with the Coastal Zone Management Unit, and the GEF-SGP Program.

2019 R2R ASSEMBLY AND EXPO

2019

July 2019: CORALL hosted a R2R Assembly at the United Nations (UN) House followed by a public Expo at Southern Palms Beach Club, Christ Church, Barbados. The R2R involved decision-makers in sustainable environment stewardship and focused on the blue and green economies. The R2R Expo engaged the public in interactive exhibitions that featured activities of CORALL and other community-based organisations as well as businesses. Exhibitors included the PEG Farm and Nature Reserve, the Organic Growers and Consumers Organisation, the Waste Zero Trust, Slow Food and the Future Center Trust.

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SMALL ISLAND FUTURE FESTIVAL June 2019: CORALL participated in the Small Island Future Festival (SIFF) held at Pelican Village, Bridgetown, Barbados. Visitors to the booth was acquainted with the 'hands-on' practical aspects of coral reef restoration and the significance of coral reef ecosystems. Visitors also had fun contributing to the Ridge to Reef Mural while they painted their interpretations of the connections between land and sea onto a large canvas.

2020 / apanamagazine.com

The symposium focused on the scientific and technological aspects of coral conservation and restoration and, artistic interpretations of those topics.

The event attracted hundreds of people including school children, professors from the University of the West Indies, dive boat operators, artists, farmers, hoteliers and other members of the business community. One popular experience for visitors was viewing the inhabitants of the ocean through 'virtual spectacles'. .UNDP GEF-SGP GRANT CORALL obtained a 3-year grant (2018 - 2021) from the UNDP GEF-SGP to implement a project called " Engaging the community and building capacity for coral reef restoration."

Mission To foster the conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems in Barbados for the well-being of all.

Approach Ridge to Reef (R2): Encourages each person to apply the principle that: "What you do on the land affects the coral reefs, and vice versa' and youth development.

Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration: Focuses on planting coral fragments and monitoring their health at 3 pilot sites on the west coast of Barbados.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Adopt-a- Coral

Membership

Volunteer

You can adopt a coral fragment for US$30.00 (one piece) or US$50.00 ( two pieces) which goes towards the project.

You will be kept informed about how it is progressing with photos etc.

Become a member of CORALL and support the protection and conservation of the reefs of Barbados.

Membership options range from one to three years.

Join CORALL's 200 volunteers in its various programs activities throughout the year.

This includes beach cleanups, building fragment trees, monitoring, outreach, education in schools among others.

Website: www.corallbarbados.org

CORAL NURSERY PILOT PROJECT, Folkestone Marine Reserve, Holetown, Barbados The nursery is a pilot project to determine the best ways of nurturing broken coral fragments without having to take them out of the water.

CORALL will rescue 'fragments of opportunity', that is, those fragments that have broken naturally off living coral.

CORALL will tie them to underwater coral trees and modules made out of PVC pipe and cement blocks respectively. The fragments in the nursery will grow to a size when they can be planted onto the reef.

VIDEO: Co r al Nu r ser y Sn o r k el l i n g Assessmen t Ju n e 2020 apanamagazine.com / AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2020

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SUSTAINABILIT Y

Urban home gardening plays a significant role in household food security. It increases access to fresh vegetables for a healthier food supply and, additional cash.

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TACKLING FOOD INSECURITY 36 GARDENING FOR HEALTH

38 GARDEN - IN- A- SACK

40 GROW BAGS AND SACKS

42 HOW TO BUILD A SACK GARDEN LIKE A PRO

46 10 VEGETABLES TO GROW IN A SACK apanamagazine.com / AUGUST - NOVEMBER

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Sustainability // FOOD I NSECURI TY

g ar d en i n g f or h eal t h HOME-BASED URBAN GARDENS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS CAN HELP DEAL WITH FOOD INSECURITY AND HEALTH-RELATED PROBLEMS BY INCREASING FOOD ACCESS AND THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH FOODS.

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health issues. Lack of nutrition stores up health problems for later life. Poor diet also affects concentration in schools. The poorest people suffer most. Food insecurity undermines the objective of improving social inequality.

We need a sustainable food system based on diversity. This includes organic farms, solar-powered greenhouses, fruit and vegetable cultivation in towns and cities and even robots that pick weeds.

Home gardens could reduce food insecurity in households in urban areas. It has the potential to provide a sustainable source of fresh fruit and vegetables and opportunities for physical activity.

During the pandemic, persons who complied with the 'stay-at-home-order'' had limited or no access to fresh vegetables, especially urban dwellers who relied on markets and supermarkets for their food supply. Some did start their own vegetable gardens, but this proved more difficult for persons living in relatively densely populated areas with limited space and topsoil.

One cheap, innovative solution is the 'garden-in-a-sack' concept which makes it possible to grow food in small spaces such as backyards, balconies, rooftops etc. They are small and portable and can be moved during a hurricane or from prey animals. Households may grow food for their own consumption and exchange or sell the surplus for cash.This sack garden is a good community garden project. Community gardens help community development, environmental stewardship, and health promotion.

One devastating legacy of COVID-19 will be the dramatic increase in unemployment and poverty. It is anticipated that there will be a surge in the number of people who find it difficult to put food on the table. That means more food insecurity and less healthy eating. If this is not addressed immediately, widespread under-nourishment among Caribbean populations that were previously immune to hunger will likely prevail.

Gardening coupled with nutritional education, this can help overcome food and health-related problems.

The disruption in the global supply chain and the devastation of livelihoods as a result of policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention on food self-sufficiency over the last few months. It brought into focus the painful flaws in our current food system which is not sustainable. We must seek to immediately address the cracks in the system and maintain and even improve our food standards. We need to ensure food security and less dependence on food imports.

The Caribbean diet often leads to obesity and

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Sustainability // FOOD I NSECURI TY

Gar den- in- a- Sack 'GARDEN-IN-A-SACK' HAS BROUGHT FOOD SECURITY AND EXTRA CASH TO POOR AND VULNERABLE FAMILIES IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS WHERE LAND AND SPACE ARE LIMITED. The 'garden-in-the-sack' concept is not a new one. This urban agriculture solution became popular in Nairobi, Kenya over fifteen years ago when NGOs such as Solidarites International implemented community projects to tackle food insecurity among thousands of poor and vulnerable in slums and densely populated areas where there was no topsoil.

The vertical urban farm or home garden may consist of one or several sacks filled with manure, soil and small stones to enable the water to drain.The bag is used within the frame of vertical agriculture thereby maximizing limited ground space as both the top and the sides of the bags can be used for cultivation. In these multi-storey or vertical farms, gardeners can grow a variety of herbs and vegetables. It is ideal for

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leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, lettuce which can grow on the side of the bags but others such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage and tomatoes can easily be grown.

Sacks do not require much space and they are not expensive. They are economical in the use of water (approximately 60% less than on bare soil). It is also easy to use recycled water from home.

In these trying and chaotic times, these informal gardening operations will be critical to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger (ending hunger, improving food security and food nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Photo: Recetas Mierdaeuristhuerto

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Sustainability // FOOD I NSECURI TY

GROW BAGS AND SACKS Burlap or polyethylene sacks are good for sack gardens. Strong reusable shopping bags and specially designed grow bags are popular alternatives for growing vegetables in a balcony or patio. They are a perfect option if you have no space for an in-ground garden.

BURLAP OR POLYETHYLENE SACKS These are popular for sack gardens. and a cheap alternative to grow bags .

REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS Grocery shopping bags may be used.

It is best if is made of fabric. However, plastic and paper bags can also be used.

GROW BAGS Grow bags are thick heavy duty bags made of breathable fabric. Some may have a flap on the side for growing certain types of vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. The fabric prevents over-watering as it absorbs excess moisture. They come in a variety of styles and sizes,making them versatile and easily arangeable. Some are designed for specific vegetables.

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Par sley

Thyme

Rosemar y

Herbs You Can Grow in a Sack/Bag Mint

Cilantro

Oregano

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How To

HOW TO BUILD A SACK GARDEN LIKE A PRO

Build A Sack Garden

A Sack Garden is a great way to improve your family's diet with less water and space needed for a typical garden. This method has been used by NGOs such as Solidarites International to build thousands of sack gardens in Africa and the Caribbean.

Graphics: Solidarites

PREPARE YOUR SACK FOR PLANTING 1. Wash and dr y the bag 2. Put a shallow layer of stones or soil (10 - 15 cm high) at the bottom of the bag.

3. Place the tube, bottle or can ver tically on top of the stones or soil and f ill it with stones.

4. Pack the soil mix around the stone-f illed column 5. If using a can or bottle that is shor ter than the bag, when the soil reaches the top of the container, carefully pull it out leaving the rocks in the column centre.

6. Repeat until the bag is full with a centre column of stones or gravel.

7. Pierce holes in the side of the bag about 15 cm apar t with a utility knife or sharpened piece of wood.

PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES/ HERBS 8.

Water the bag thoroughly, on top of the stones and on the sides of the bag.

9. Carefully place the plants or seeds on the top of your back and leafy vegetables in the holes in the side of the bag.

10. Water again.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PLANTS 11. Water twice a day if the weather is dr y or once a day if humid.

12. Use organic insecticides and take out ill plants and weeds.

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Photo: EngineeringforChange

Mat erials & Tools For 50 - 100 kilo bag capacity -

1 Polyethene or Burlap Sack or Jute Bag 50 kilos of soil mixed with manure/ compost* 15 kilos of stones or gravel 3 - 7 cm width* PVC tubing or pipe (the height of the bag or coffee can, bottle or container opened at both ends, 15 - 20 cm long Utility Knife or sharpened piece of wood Trowel or Shovel (optional) Starter plants or seeds Water

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10 Vegetables You Can Grow In a Sack 01 02

03 04

* You may substitute soil and stones for 3 cubic metres of soil

05

Tips -

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Leafy vegetables are ideal for sacks but you can plant herbs and root crops at the top and leafy vegetables on the sides.

You can use wire mesh (chicken wire) shaped into a cylinder which can remain in the bag.

The column is for drainage and irrigation. If you are using a container that is shorter than the bag, place a cloth over the top to prevent soil from falling inside when filling the bag.

When piercing the bag, be careful not to make holes in the stone layer at the bottom of the bag Make small upside-down T-slits in the side of the bag Make sure the soil is well-moist before planting Use recycled water such as laundry or kitchen water

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Sustainability // FOOD I NSECURI TY

10 VEGETABLES TO GROW IN A BAG OR SACK 01

04

Tomatoes

Cabbage

Certain varieties of tomatoes grow well in a sack or large bag. You may choose varieties that mature early. Roma tomatoes are good to start with. You can grow tomatoes from seeds or buy tomato seedling from a nursery. Plant them deep into the soil. Tomatoes thrive on 6-8 hours of sunlight per day so find a spot which is not blocked by the sun.

02

05

Spinach/Kale

Lettuce

Spinach, like other leafy green vegetables including kale, celery, swiss chard, watercress, arugula, collard greens grow well in a sack or bag.

The requirements are similar. They may be grown from seeds or seedlings and should be kept in a sunny spot with shade in the afternoon.

Lettuce can grow well in plastic, reusable shopping bags. You can grow lettuce from seeds or seedlings.

The short roots mean that it can grow anywhere even in a shallow bag. However, a larger bag keeps the plants moist. Place the bag in a sunny spot which is not too hot.

03

06

Peppers/Chilies

Potatoes/Ginger

Peppers do well in a large bag or sack. Plant good quality seeds or plant starters. Place the bag in a place that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day and is sheltered from strong wind. Water regularly so that the soil remains slightly moist at all times.

The stem may need support if the plant becomes too large.

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You can grow cabbage in bags. The roots are relatively shallow but the leaves need sufficient space to develop. Propagating is easy. Ensure that the cabbage gets plenty of sunlight for the cabbage head to develop - at least 6 hours a day.

The growing requirements for cauliflower are the same as cabbage so you can plant them together.

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Potatoes can grow in almost anything. They do well in sacks or deep bags as they rely on depth to grow.

Start off with 12" -1 8" of soil in the bottom of your bag, place the sprouted potatoes in light soil and cover. As the leaves sprout, add more soil until they reach the top of the bag. Then let them grow freely.

You can grow ginger the same way.

07

10

Onions

Carrots

Onions are underground crops and can grow well in bags. Smaller varieties are ideal to grow to bags or burlap sacks. You can also plant green onions.

Plant the onions bulbs with the root side down and cover with just enough soil to allow the top to peek out. Place in a spot which gets a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight. Water as needed.

08

Carrots require well-drained soil so bags work well.

In bags, they are not as distorted as when grown in the ground. The bag should be deep to allow the carrots to put down good roots. Holes in the bottom and side of the bag provide good drainage and airflow and helps to increase the yield of the carrots.

00

Beetroot/Radishes

Herbs

Beetroot and radishes are root vegetables that also do well in bags. A bag that is 6- 8 inches deep is big enough as they have a shallow root system.

They are virtually trouble-free. They are fast-growing vegetables. Beetroots will be ready in 45 days and radishes within 24 - 60 days.

Many herbs can be grown in a bag or sack. Some common herbs that you can plant in bags include basil, parsley, chives, rosemary, sage, fennel, chives and dill.

09 Beans/Peas Beans and peas are easy to grow in a big bag or sack. Most beans are climbers and grow upwards.

You can place the bag near a trellis or a wall in a sunny area. You can combine kale and celery if the bag is enough. Within weeks, the beans/ peas are ready for harvest.

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SUSTAINABILIT Y

Sustainability // FOOD I NSECURI TY

Be Heal thy.

Stay Heal thy.

Happy Body.

Happy M i nd.

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23

Ul t r a- Pr o c essed Fo o d s: Cheap, Attr active and Convenient But At What Cost?

By Mi c h el e- l au r en Hac k sh aw As the world advances, the demand for sustenance increases. People live busier yet sedentary lifestyles than usual with less time to cook homemade meals. This has led to the amplified consumption of ultra-processed foods which are easily found at fast-food restaurants, in gas stations and mini-marts. It has taken over our shopping baskets in supermarkets because it?s cheap, attractive and convenient.

We have been blinded by the unnatural chemicals, colourings, sweeteners and preservatives contained in these products due to the unrecognisable names of these ingredients.

Ultra-processed food is group four, the highest group of the NOVA classification which groups foods based on how much processing

they?ve been through.

The high amount of sugar, fat and sodium contained in ultra-processed food satisfies the taste buds which makes it easy to overindulge because they are calorie-dense and addictive.

But, by continuously overindulging in ultra-processed foods, our bodies pay a heavy price.

Evidence shows that the consumption of ultra-processed foods affects the nutrient availability in the small intestines because the animal and plant properties are altered.

Health issues arise when the vital nutrients from unprocessed and minimally processed foods are replaced by ultra-processed foods which lack nutritional value.

Ultra-processed food is associated with an increased risk of developing

non-communicable diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and some cancers.

Now is a good time to start treating our internal bodies with care and provide the vital nutrients it needs to function adequately. We can start by making small changes towards developing a healthy lifestyle by swapping junk food snacks with fruit or vegetables and, replacing sodas with natural juices containing little to no added sugars. Consider creating a meal plan and doing meal preps.

Always read the labels on products.

If the sugar, fat and sodium content are high it is ultra-processed and if the ingredient list is too long it is ultra-processed.

Don't forget to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your day.

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RESILIENCEAND T ECHNOLOGY BUILDING BUSINESS RESILIENCE AND EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TO SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC

Inside the Section...

PAGE 50 LESSONS FROM NATURE TO BUI LD BUSI NESS RESI LI ENCE

PAGE 54 TECHNOLOGY I S DI SRUPTI NG FUTURE WORK

Like bees, trade provides an essential service. We can learn from them to build resilience in our businesses to cope with the COVID-19 social and economic fallout.

Increasing automation and digitization because of the pandemic is disrupting work and has the potential to create entrepreneurial oppor tunities for the youth.

PAGE 60 EMERGI NG BUSI NESS TRENDS

PAGE 56 PHOTOGRAPHER ADAPTI NG TO THE NEW NORMAL I N TOURI SM

The emerging trends show that businesses must do more with less. They must synergise the online and offline capacity and take note changing demand trends.

During the lockdown, renown St.Lucian photographer, Kirk Elliott, launched a vir tual version of his photo tour of Castries - The St.Lucia Vir tual Photo Tour - for those who cannot travel.

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Business // BUI LDI NG RESI LI ENCE

Lear ning from Nature to Build Resilience in Business COVID-19 HAS REINFORCED T HE NEED T O BE RESILIENT AND AGILE. T HE SUPPLY CHAIN IS LIKE NAT URE'S COMPLEX SYST EM OF INT ERDEPENDENCE, ADAPTABILIT Y AND EFFICIENCY.

I

remember my first bee sting. I also remember the delicious honey and biting into that scrumptious honeycomb. My grandfather loved beekeeping.

As I watched him tending their hives - at a distance - I observed nature's complex system of interdependence, adaptability and efficiency. Many years later, I was able to apply these observations to business and development. Avoiding the next bee sting is about managing risk. However, I recently learned, from the loss of his last beehive to environmental change, ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to risk outside of your sphere of influence and control.

The impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on global trade is a case in point. The supply chain ecosystem extends across and between companies spanning the globe. Firms source goods and services from around the world, who in turn source from others.

Like bees, trade provides an essential service. When one

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part of the trade network is impacted by an event such as an economic shut-down, the whole ecosystem is vulnerable to disruption. Travel and tourism is another example. The disruption in the essential services of land, air and sea transport caused an unprecedented economic fallout in the tourism-dependent countries of the Caribbean.

As with my grandfather's bees, the interdependence of source markets and companies have made the overall system work efficiently in the past but can introduce unforeseen risks and vulnerabilities. With global growth being propelled by consumers, an incident in one part of the world can quickly spread. Just as the chain is as strong as its weakest link, companies have rapidly discovered unexpected disruption across their supply chain.

For example, some vehicle manufacturers have to slow down production in plants outside China during the

coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. For example, in February 2020, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had to temporarily halt production at a car factory in Serbia because it could not get parts from China.

experienced a spike in orders. To meet this pent-up demand, some companies had to be agile with finance to enable the rapid and flexible allocation of resources to add capacity and avoid bottlenecks.

This example reinforces that a company's supply chain is a strategic consideration. With the threat of a second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, and perhaps more, how can firms effectively manage the risk of these often unforeseen disruptions?

Moving forward, in anticipation of future disruption, companies should consider supply chain diversification.

A broad range of suppliers or source markets across different geographies mitigates the risk of one country or region being cut-off. These steps help to build resilience as it is anticipated that potential disruptions will multiply whether through contagious diseases or environmental hazards, financial crises or political instability. The failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation is another high risk, followed by biodiversity loss. Over time, the distances across which companies maintain supplier relationships may reduce to be closer to the consumer and mitigate risk.

As seen during the pandemic, to stem the contagion, employees were required to work from home. Enabling remote working to maintain productivity is essential.

Considerations range from the practical to the 'personal' to facilitate working from the home environment. This ranges from broadband speed to employee well-being. A process for timely two-way information-sharing is also necessary.

It is important to unearth hidden dependencies through an end-to-end review of a supply chain. By mapping suppliers and buyers, companies can plan for interruptions down to the component level. Where possible, alternative logistics and distribution options should be explored. Having visibility across operations, from sourcing to production to distribution, will enable companies to prepare contingency options in advance.

It would, however, be shortsighted to sever the connections which wire global growth. In fact, the suggestion of reverting to only domestic suppliers would reduce resilience. A range of options is critical as goods, services and skills may be unavailable, noncompetitive or uncertain close to home.

As threats multiply, resilience becomes critical.

Companies set themselves apart by anticipating external disruptions to inoculate against the sting in their tail.

As lock-down restrictions were lifted, some companies

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Business // BUI LDI NG RESI LI ENCE

Emer ging Business Patter ns T O BE VIABLE, COMPANIES NEED T O SYNERGISE T HEIR ONLINE AND OFFLINE CAPACIT IES AND INCORPORAT E CHANGING DEMAND T RENDS INT O T HEIR FUT URE COURSE OF ACT ION.

P

ost-COVID-19, some businesses are aware that capacity constraints will hit consumption and that, they must learn to do more with less. They must weave those insights into their future course of actions if they are to survive and should take note of the following changing demand trends: Cutbacks will drive both business decisions and consumer behaviour. On the consumer side, many people have lost their jobs or received pay-cuts.

So, prospects will be assessed before consumers think of spending. Premium products will likely bounce back quickest because consumers who buy them are not affected as severely as less affluent ones. This is also the case for the high-end tourism product.

Clothing as a category may take a serious hit as it is on the major discretionary purchases made by consumers. The other categories facing cutbacks on discretionary spending include dining-out or going to the cinema and many travel-related

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products and services. Now, the flip-side is that brands in some categories will see oppor tunities despite this shift.

While restaurants were in the last business categor y to open, the industr y feels conf ident that there will be a revival in demand for dining-in due to the people's social needs, but a delay is expected. The same goes for travel and retail. So, companies' must keep in mind that they should not cut too deep into the 'muscle and bones' of their business if they are to survive in the long-term.

There is the view that malls will see a lesser footfall but, many think that it will rebound because it is easier for malls to build trust in people as hygienic and controlled environments compared to stand-alone stores and open-markets.

One immediate change in consumer behaviour is the preference for larger basket sizes as fewer

people want to venture out frequently for shopping needs, par ticularly during outbreaks.

Post-lockdown, more consumers looked for new household appliances and the latest technology as a bit of indulgence after being stuck at home.

They wanted to up-size and upgrade appliances for bigger smar t TVs, 5-in-1 conver tible refrigerators and 'hygiene team' washing machines to meet their changing needs.

Appliance stores received a huge increase in queries for such appliances.

It is not only what will be sold but how they will be sold that is the key question. Online sales did gain much traction since the lockdown worldwide.

Companies began installing or upgrading technology and implementing contactless process and implementing delivery-centric models which will prevail given the constant threat of COVID-19.

However, e-commerce and contactless payments and an eff icient delivery system are still in its

infancy in the Caribbean. The closure of the borders highlighted this void in the market, par ticularly in the food retail segment. At no other time than during this pandemic was this gap more apparent.

This is an untapped market in the Caribbean and, there is an oppor tunity for the region to put the necessary infrastructure in place for online retail to take off, accelerate and f ind uses in other areas.

One can expect it to leapfrog to the next level fairly quickly in the current climate with tremendous benef its. We need more eff icient, customer-friendly and savvy domestic online retailers.

With cutbacks, businesses will be more cautious as to how decisions are made. They will need to substantiate the demand to ensure viability.

Businesses must take note of the emerging patterns and subtle changes in consumer behaviour because it is not business as usual.

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Business // TECH NOLOGY AND DI GI TI ZATI ON 2

Technology is Disr upting Future Work New Oppor tunities for Youth in the Car ibbean 54

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Increasing Automation and Digitization During the lockdown, businesses and consumers increasingly realised that they needed to embrace technology and digital solutions and were even excited to do so.

Digital solution providers launched new software, redesigned current platforms and on-the-ground collaboration. They reported increasing demand and traffic to their platforms while sales and other business were being completed.

These solutions allow employees to process paperwork from home and process requirements 24/ 7 even during lock-downs. For example, there have been many promising developments in the logistics industry. In April 2020, Air Asia's cargo arm launched FreightChain, the world's first e-booking platform powered by blockchain. IBS is partnering with digital players in the sales channels and cargo payments space to integrate and add value to the customer.

of the West Indies (UWI), all courses will need a reboot to incorporate practical and application-based learning over theoretical knowledge.

Jobs in tourism and other parts of the service sector, as well as manufacturing, will continue to decrease while low-skilled and high-skilled jobs are going to be in demand. Unless effective transition policies and steps for acquiring the relevant skills are implemented, many of the unemployed or on the verge of unemployment might be forced to accept lower-paying jobs, thereby putting pressure on the wages of the low-wage sector.

Middle-skilled earners might be forced to accept low-wage manual work, reducing job quality and satisfaction. The Caribbean will have to deal with the challenge of rising unemployment. In addition to the fall in the tourism industry which is expected to take years to recover if a COVID-19 vaccine is not found, technology will wipe away some of their jobs.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Youth

Full digitisation of workplace increases workers ability to telework from one day to the next with access to all information and data resources and, the use of collaboration tools.

Technology is Disrupting Future Work Increasing automation and digitisation in the workplace is gradually altering the quality and quantity of jobs. New skills are demanded while older ones are becoming obsolete. The rise in newer jobs gives the Caribbean an opportunity to venture into newer market segments and compete with bigger economies.

These technological advancements are disrupting the future of work and the Caribbean should start considering this more seriously and ensure a smooth graduation-to-work transition for the upcoming youth.

According to Forbes, tech companies and the healthcare industry will benefit from technological surges. Cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data will be the most popular subsectors. This will require newer and greater skills but given the education structure of the Caribbean including courses offered at the University

The upcoming generation of youth has the power to address these problems. The Caribbean lags behind in terms of tech companies yet opportunities abound.

Youth with their risk-taking, energetic and creative spirit can establish their own cloud computing or software companies which will increase employment and boost the economy.

However, this cannot be achieved unless the Caribbean governments implement policies, increase tertiary-level education quality and promote entrepreneurship among these young minds.

Promoting youth entrepreneurship in the technology field is the key to the future of work and sustainable development. This is needed if we are to survive the wave of the fourth industrial revolution.

COVID-19 has reinforced the need to be resilient and agile. With the likelihood of a second wave of COVID-19 and other anticipated epidemics, the need for IT solutions and collaborative tools is paramount. It is no longer acceptable to have a business plan without a digital strategy at the heart of what you are doing.

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Business // TECH NOLOGY AND DI GI TI ZATI ON

Photogr apher Adapting to the New Nor mal in Tour ism Kirk Elliott is adapting to the changes in tour ism. He recently launched the St.lucia v ir tual photo tour show casing St.lucia using some photographic techniques for stunning images.

Renowned St.Lucian photographer, Kirk Elliott, the creator of the St.Lucia Photo Tour, ranked the # 1 outdoor activity by TripAdvisor, is not letting the COVID-19 keep him down.

Anticipating a fall in tourist arrivals, Kirk has taken the physical excursion experience for vacationers in Saint Lucia online. He recently launched his St.Lucia Virtual Photo Tour, a three-part video mini-series. Anyone, anywhere in the world with an internet connection can visit Saint Lucia virtually through this tour. Not only do you get to enjoy the wonderful sights of the island but you learn some of Kirk's techniques in photography.

And, it is free.

"When I had to cancel and refund every single photo tour that was on my books, I was truly touched by the pain my clients expressed at having to cancel", said Kirk.

Some of his clients have included the New York Times, the Travel Foundation, BMW (Saint Lucia) and many more.

"And I was blown away by their promises to join me for a

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photo tour whenever they are eventually able to visit or to sign up for an online photo tour," Kirk said.

He was truly inspired by the regret they expressed and the enthusiasm for the tour. It was then that he decided to reciprocate the goodwill of his clients by developing a free online tour that not only teaches some of his best photography lessons but also showcases stunning St.Lucia images never seen before.

Kirk plans to showcase photographs of everyday St.Lucia shot with his smartphone, with a drone and professional cameras.

Kirk believes that the pandemic has given the world a much-need moment to pause and reflect on the need for sustainable tourism. He sees virtual travel experiences likely to become part of the new tourism normal'.

"If visitors can't come to St.Lucia right now, why don't we bring St.Lucia to them", Kirk muses as he looks forward to seeing more virtual versions of the unique experiences that St.Lucia has to offer.

PHOTO: Aerial View of Rodney Bay Marina, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

By Kirk Elliott

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St. Lucia Vir tual Photo Tour

Kirk Elliott's St.Lucia Photo Tour is a niche tourism experience that introduces vacationers to authentic Saint Lucia culture, history and cuisine through the medium of photography.

The St Lucia Photo Tour was inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame in 2019 after receiving TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence 5 years in a row.

TripAdvisor also ranks the St Lucia Photo Tour as one of the Top 5 Photo Tours in the entire Caribbean.

With 30 years of Commercial Photography experience, Elliott makes creating amazing photography appear effortlessly natural.

Kirk Elliott: -

-

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Professional Photographer with over 30 years' commercial photography experience Founder and Chief Experience Officer (CEO) - St.Lucia Photo Tours National Geographic Certified Educator Sustainable Tourism Advocate

PHOTO: Aerial View of Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

By Kirk Elliott

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PHOT O BY K IRK ELLIOT T |

CAST RIES CENT RAL L IBRARY, SAINT L UCIA

Kirk Elliott, a professional photographer, takes his physical St.Lucia Photo Tour online. Kirk takes visitors to St.Lucia on a scenic tour of capital, Castries and Marigot Bay while helping you to build your photography skills.

For those who are unable to join Kirk in person in St.Lucia, join him in his three-part video series of this tour.

He will also share some of his techniques to create stunning images as he takes you around St.Lucia.

FREE PHOTO MASTERY M INI -SERIES L OCATI ON : SAIN T L UCIA Enjoy St.Lucia from the comfort and safety of home and become a better photography while doing so....

For more information, contact Kirk at:Kirk@KirkElliott.com or Instagram: @StLuciaByKirk Learn more about St.Lucia Photo Tours at StLuciaPhotoTours.com/ VT 62

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Improve your Landscape Photography Create amazing Drone Photos Shoot Candid Street Photos Do not miss Great Shots Get Natural Looking Portraits

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Plus // TECH NOLOGY AND DI GI TI ZATI ON

Protect Your Business in the Digital Er a 5 measu r es a bu si n ess mu st i mpl emen t t o su r v i v e t o day an d i n t h e f u t u r e.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how powerful, important and vital the digital era is to the existence and progress of businesses around the world.

Organisations that provided e-commerce and online services enjoyed exponential growth while others that did not were destroyed.

Here are some ways to protect your business in this digital era:

1. BOOST YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE Nowadays, 'digital ly dead' means 'physical ly dead' for most businesses.

Examples: - Open an e-Shop - Use digital marketing to reach new and potential customers - Exploit automation and logistics innovations for your business - Keep your digital presence active - Star t promotions via digital marketing tools - Do deliveries.

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2. SWITCH TO REMOTE OFFICE With the right organisational tools and strategies in place, a remotely-based team can be managed just as eff iciently as one in the off ice. This can help to reduce your overheads.

Examples: - Rethink the off ice situation of your business beyond the lockdown.

- Experiment with the concept of remote off ice - Develop strategies and use the right tools to facilitate distributed teams working from different locations.

3. DIGITIZE YOUR WORK FLOW Digitizing your company's workflow provides you with flexibility and helps you become independent from the off ice space and the physical presence of employees.

Examples: - Change internal workflow processes as necessary - Migrate your workflow to a digital environment - Switch to paperless Clothes - Buy, Sell, Swap

4. ADAPT AND LEARN Be aware of new trends and patterns so you can adapt your business accordingly. Get your staff to learn new skills, improve existing ones. Online education is available for free or at a cost.

5. FINAL THOUGHTS Use the current circumstances as an oppor tunity to char t the course. This is no doubt this is a diff icult period which can make businesses and people more creative, eff icient and more resilient or, it can break them. Focus on what is impor tant.

What you business will do in the next 3 - 6 months may determine its prof itability or its very existence.

Embrace the new digital era and f ind the help and suppor t to increase your online presence and reach new markets. apanamagazine.com / AUGUST - NOVEMBER

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DOING GOOD

Co r po r at e Car i bbean 's Respo n se t o COVID- 19 66

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The Caribbean recorded its first imported case of the coronavirus(Covid-19) in March 2020, the same month that the World Health Organisation declared it a pandemic.

By June 2020, the region seemed to have the pandemic under control. However, it was clear very early on, that public funds alone could not meet the demands of this crisis. It was clear that public funds alone could not meet the demands of this crisis.

It is commendable how businesses - small, medium and large and philanthropists across the Caribbean immediately answered the call to support first responders, remove barriers to healthcare and, provide products and services to those in need. They gave millions of dollars' worth of direct and indirect support at all levels - regional, national, community and individual - in various forms.

In this issue, ApaNa Magazine recognises the people, businesses and nonprofit organisations that have stepped up to support governments, employees and communities in the Caribbean despite their uncertain future. We showcase just a few of them.

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Doing Good // CARI BBEAN COVI D-19 RESPONSE

Giving Back We highlight how businesses and philanthropists helped the Caribbean and its people at the height of the pandemic and, as we ease the lock-down.

Food and Meals The economic shutdown affected people's livelihoods and their ability to acquire food.

Businesses and civil society organisations immediately stepped in to provide food to front-line workers and families in need. This continues beyond the lockdown

NOTEWORTHY Popular donations during COVID-19

Face Masks As people embraced the face mask movement to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the production and donation of protective masks soared exponentially to meet the demand.

Donations were made to governments, workers and communities in need.

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Medical Supplies and Equipment As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 rose in the Caribbean, companies, universities, diplomatic missions and philanthropists quickly committed funds and/ or purchased much-needed ventilators - a life-saving piece of equipment - and medical supplies for hospitals and medical facilities.

Money, Wages & Welfare Support Despite the negative impact on business' operations and financial resources as a result of the closure of the tourism industry, the contraction of the trading and agricultural sectors and the sudden shutdown of our society to contain the spread of the virus, some businesses continue to pay wages and extend benefits to their workers. Businesses and philanthropists also donated cash to government, communities, families and individuals to support their well-being and welfare.

Hand Sanitisers Washing and disinfecting your hands are the first line of defense against the coronavirus (COVID-19). While soap and water are preferred, it is not always available.

Hand sanitisers are popular because of their convenience. Early on in the pandemic, even before some countries recorded their first case, there was a shortage of hand sanitisers. Several companies quickly transformed their facilities to produce hand sanitisers to replenish stocks. Many of them also donated and distributed hand sanitisers to government agencies, hospitals and communities.

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Ri h an na CO VI D-1 9 RESPO N SE $20+ million

Barbadian-born Rihanna, through her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), was one of the f irst celebrities to respond to the global f ight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

By the end of April 2020, CLF and par tners had donated US$20 million to 34 organisations in 14 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the United States.

The funds suppor ted feeding programs, trained front-line staff, COVID-19 testing and care, the purchase of medical equipment and supplies, development of vaccines and other therapies and, domestic violence and marginalized community initiatives.

The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded in 2012, was named after Rihanna's grandparents. CLF funds education and response programmes and engages in global advocacy to improve the quality of life of young people.

14+ countries 34 organisations

www.claralionelfoundation.org

BARBADO S

GIVING BACK Rihanna, the Barbadian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, donated US$700,000 worth of ventilators to the Government of Barbados in March 2020.

Rihanna with the Honourable Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

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Rihanna has funded several projects in Barbados including the Clara Braithwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2020 / apanamagazine.com

CORPORATE CARIBBEAN'S DONATIONS FOR COVID- 19 ApaNa provides examples of how Caribbean corporate citizens contributed during this crisis.

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Doing Good // CARI BBEAN COVI D-19 RESPONSE

ApaNa

apanamagazine.com

Th e b est read Carib b ean su st ain ab ilit y & social en gagem en t m agazin e WITH - Feat ure Art icles - Int erview s w it h b usiness an d social lead ers - Exp ert Op inions and Persp ect ives - St ories and Case St ud ies - Sp ecial Rep ort s

Do nat i o n s REGIONAL

Available on: issuu.com/apana

CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank donated US$250,000 million through its regional operating units in the OECS/ ECCU to purchase testing kits.

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank donated EC$4 million through its regional operating units in the OECS/ ECCU to purchase testing kits.

Republic Financial Holdings/ Republic Bank donated 12,000 litres of alcohol-based sanitizing cleaner to vulnerable institutions including homes for seniors and orphans in Anguilla, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St.Lucia, St.Maarten, Suriname and, Trinidad and Tobago.

TO ADVERTISE 1 246 256 5345 in fo@ap an am agazin e.com

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Sagicor Financial Company Limited donated US$1 million to support governments in the containment and response efforts to Covid-19. The focus was on enhancing early detection and providing equipment for the immediate cared for those already infected.

ANTIGUA

& BARBUDA

Antigua Distillery Limited donated hand sanitisers and disinfectants to emergency and essential workers including health and medical personnel, EMS, the police and national guard, Her majesty's prison and other persons on the frontline. The company also supported the government in providing care packages to those in need.

Epicurean Fine Foods and Elite Island Resorts donated almost $1 million worth of food to the government for its Food Grant Program.

Harney Motos Ltd donated 2 new ambulances to the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services.

Jumby Bay Resort through its Jumby Bay Fund led by Jumby Bay Island homeowners donated more than EC$1 million in supplies to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

Supplies included KN95 masks, 3-layer surgical masks, ventilators, ventilator rolling stands, ventilator battery packs, full face masks for ventilators, tubing and vents, ICU beds, sterilized 100% cotton thread and elastic thread, medical compressor and vacuum system. Jumby Bay also provided food for families who lost their income due to COVID-19, that is, approximately 1% of the population by end April 2020. Other donations include toiletries, laundry detergents, hand sanitisers and gloves.

Photo: CIBC Fir st Car ibbean, Barbados

Photo: Supreme Ventures Jamaica

Rubis Caribbean donated 2,000 KN95 masks, 2,000 surgical mask and 2,000 surgical gloves to the Ministry of Health.

BARBADOS Barbados Light and Power Company Limited donated $100,000 to the Welfare Department to assist families in need during the crisis.

JADA Group Barbados donated over 500 Particulate Respirator KN95 masks and disposable filter masks to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to help medical staff in the fight against Covid-19.

20 March - 29 April, 2020

Rubis Caribbean donated 2,000 KN95 masks, 2,000 surgical masks and 2,000 pairs of gloves to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Prison Service.

Sagicor Life Inc donated 3 thermal imaging scanners to the Ministry of Health to assist in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

West Indies Rum Distillery donated 55 gallons of hand sanitisers to fire stations, Covid-19 isolation centers and the Customs Department.

Photo: RBT T Bank , Grenada

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PHOTOS: Sagicor Life Inc, Ministry of Health, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados (1), Jumby Bay Resort Antigua & Barbuda (2); Rubis in Antigua & Barbuda (3); Sandals in Jamaica (4)

DOMINICA

GRENADA

Belfast Estate donated $100,000 to the Welfare Department to assist families in need during the crisis.

Rubis Caribbean donated 2,000 KN95 masks, 2,000 surgical mask and 2,000 surgical gloves to the Ministry of Health, Wellness for distribution to frontline workers.

H.H.V Whitchurch & Co.Ltd, Greens Wholesale, Issa Trading Ltd, Fine Foods Ince, A.C.Shillingford & Co.Ltd, A & A Low Price Centre in Calibishie, J. Astaphan & Co. Ltd, Starrin & Sons Co.Ltd and Jolly's Pharmacy donated food and other supplies to persons and institutions in need to fight Covid-19.

Secret Bay/ Fort Young/ Dive Resort donated 50 meals per day to front-line workers and healthcare professionals at four locations across the island for at least 30 days.

The initiative was called 'Koudmen Kitchen' which is creole for 'helping hand'.

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Grenada Distillers Limited donated hand sanitisers to senior citizens' and children's homes. In collaboration with the government, hand sanitisers were donated to the public transport/ bus association, traffic department, prison and law enforcement entities. Hand sanitisers were also provided to the distillery's employees.

RBTT Bank donated US$5,000 to the Grenada Red Cross Society to assist families under its food and care delivery component of the COVID-19 operations.

Rubis Caribbean donated 5,000 surgical masks and 2,000 medical gloves to the Ministry of Health.

St.George's University donated medical equipment to Grenada General Hospital and laboratory through the Ministry of Health.

Westerhall Estate donated hand sanitisers to prisons, medical facilities, police stations and assisted living homes.

GUYANA

BOSAI donated $200,000 to the hot meals feeding programme, an initiative of the Linden Business Network and, food hampers to seniors and families in Region Ten through the Region Ten Regional Democratic Council.

Demerara Distillers Limited donated 12,000 litres of rubbing and sanitising alcohol (70%) to JNF and Alexandra hospitals, children, elderly and nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and the National Emergency Operations Centre.

Digicel Guyana donated over $1 million in food supplies the Kingston community emergency food drive, The Shaheed Boys Orphanage, Prabhu Sharan Orphanage and Hope Children's Home.

Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) donated over $350,000 worth of sanitising agents to NGOs including the Periwinkle Cancer Club, Linden Cancer Foundation, Berbice Cancer Society, the Giving Hope Foundation, Women on the Move and the Debra Shipley-George Go Care Foundation.

Rubis Guyana donated $700,000 to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and over $1 million to CDC.

JAMAICA Digicel donated $3.5 million for 100 portable handwashing stations to be deployed around Jamaica.

The Digicel Foundation also supported children's homes and infirmaries with cleaning and sanitation supplies.

J. Wray & Nephew donated 50,000 litres of high strength alcohol to the National Health Fund for hospitals and clinics; 20,000 litres to produce hand sanitisers for civil servants and, 30,000 litres to staff and communities in the Corporate Area, Clarendon and St.Elizabeth.

Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP)/ West Kingston Power Partners/ Jamaica Private Power Company donated J$1 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to combat Covid-19; J$500,000 of non-perishable food items, bottled water and personal hygiene items to the Ministry of Labour & Social Security for distribution to quarantined communities such as Seven and Eight Miles in Bull Bay, St.Andrew; sanitising solutions to Western Kingston and Old Harbour Bay and neighbouring communities, Old Harbour Bay Fishing Marketing and The Golden Age Home in East Kingston and, basic food packages to St.Andrew Eastern constituency. The partners outfitted the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) with four 10 x 10 ft heavy-duty outdoor tents as a triage area.

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PHOTO: Rubis St.Vincent & the Grenadines

Jamaica Public Service Company/ Korea East-West Company donated advanced testing equipment that provides coronavirus test results in an hour.

Rubis Energy Jamaica Limited donated JMD$2 million worth of sanitation products and personal protective equipment to staff and wards/ patients of several state care facilities including Bellevue Hospital in Kingston, Port Antonio Infirmary in Portland, the St.Elizabeth Infirmary, Granville Place of Safety in Trelawney, Yadel Girls' Home and Sunbeam Boys' Home in St.Catherine.

Sandals donated JM$5 million to the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) to purchase ventilators for hospitals and another JM$2 million to support food security and welfare needs in Jamaica; JM$500,000 to each of 63 Members of Parliament to provide care packages to those in need in their constituencies.

Supreme Ventures Foundation donated $1 million to Child Protection And Family Services Agency to create a special contingency fund for children in state care who may fall ill during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Charles Wilkin Q.C and Mr.Kenneth Kelly donated EC$21,000 to cover the costs of tests to be done by Next Generation Laboratory for persons who cannot afford it.

Mrs. Ying Jin of Galaxy Caribbean Real Estate donated US$20,000 to purchase a turbine-driven ventilator for the Intensive Care Unit at the JN France General Hospital.

St.Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation donated an antibody-based, Rapid Test Kit that can process up to 250 samples to the government.

University of Medicine & Health Sciences donated 42 cases of gloves to JNF General Hospital and another set to the Royal St.Christopher & Nevis Police Force.

ST.LUCIA

ST.VINCENT

Bank of Saint Lucia donated US$40,000 to purchase ventilators.

Amalgamated Security Services (St.Vincent) Limited donated 200 face masks to the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Baron Foods Ltd donated $25,000 to the Government of Saint Lucia to fight COVID-19 and $35,000 worth of condiments, sauces, seasonings and spices to the St.Lucia National Meals Program to feed the poor and frontline workers.

Caribbean Grains Saint Lucia Limited donated 4,000 1kg packs of Caribbean Grains Unbleached flour valued at $12,400 to the National Meals Programme.

Maher Chreiki and Group of Companies donated EC$100,000 and another EC$105,00 to purchase 10,000 masks for distribution to the public, 1000 KN95 masks for doctors and nurses at hospitals and clinics, 100 blood testing kits and 50 temperature testing kits.

Digicel St.Lucia donated US$140,000 to the OECS Commission to purchase ventilators for St.Lucia.

Massy Stores St.Lucia donated US$100,000 to the OECS Commission to purchase ventilators for St.Lucia.

Rubis Caribbean donated 2,000 KN95 masks and 2,500 gloves to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to help protect healthcare workers and, EC$20,000 worth of fuel to the government for the use by the national police and emergency services during the curfew.

Saint Lucia Distillers donated 100,000 face masks to frontline workers and 70% ABV rubbing alcohol sanitisers to schools, police and fire departments and homes for the elderly.

The Tribe of Twel/ Landmark Events/ The Sewing Center/ Lorraine Francois/ Althea Emmanuel donated 1,500 reusable face masks to the non-clinical staff at the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital.

Valley Cold Storage Ltd donated 200 cases of the chicken to the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to be distributed to orphanages and homes including St.Lucy's Home, The Boys Training Centre and The Wellness Centre.

& THE GRENADINES

Mustique donated 8,000 rapid test kits for the PCR machines to bolster testing capacity.

Rubis Caribbean donated 2,000 KN95 masks, 2,000 surgical masks and 2,000 surgical gloves to the St.Vincent Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

St.Vincent Distillers Limited donated disinfectant solution to the country's first responders, healthcare workers, the police station, clinics, hospitals and the airport.

TRINIDAD

& TOBAGO

Alstons Marketing Company Limited (AMCO), distributor for Always® brand of feminine hygiene products donated over 300,000 pads to 5 secondary schools and, 20,000 pads to the nonprofit organisation, Kids in Need of Direction (KIND) to help families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Angostura Holding Limited donated 70,00 bottles of hand sanitisers to first responders, businesses and communities; 7,000 bottles of hand sanitisers to all schools in Trinidad and Tobago and, the Tobago House of Assembly. Angostura also donated cleaning and sanitising products for schools including washing sinks, soap dispensers, liquid soap, paper towels, cleaning detergents as well as thermal temperature scanners, health and safety signs and water tanks.

CARIB Breweries/ Ansa McCAL donated 80,000 half-litres of hand sanitisers to front-line public sector workers including the army and social workers. Each ministry would receive over 100 boxes, each containing 24 bottles.

Development Bank of Latin America donated US$40,000 to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to fight COVID-19

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PHOTO: St.Lucia National Meals Food preparation and delivery - St.Lucia News Online (above), The OECS Commission received US$140,000 from Digicel and US$100,000 from Massy Stores St.Lucia respectively to fight COVID-19 in St.Lucia (left).

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Sai n t Luc i a Nat i o nal Meal s Pr o g r am 5,000+ Meals

To Persons in Need During the Pandemic

CONTRIBUTORS Baron Foods Limited

Flow

Pink Papaya

St.Lucia Development Bank

Bay Gardens Resorts

Government of Saint Lucia

Rendezvous

Sandals Grande St.Lucian

Caribbean Grains

Jacques

St.Lucia Cadet Corps

Sandals Halcyon

CIBC First Caribbean

Jade Mountain

Coco Palm Resorts

June's Catering

St.Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture

Windward & Leeward Brewery Ltd

Coconut Bay

Ladera Resort

Events St.Lucia

Marigot Bay Resort

Windjammer Landings St.Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association

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AM ANDA-JANE TANIC PAINT INGS Email: amandatanic@gmail.com w w w.amandaj ane.net