UWI STAN & Perspectives. July - September 2015 by UWI STAN & Perspectives Magazine

South Campus See pg. 17

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015 STAN & PERSPECTIVES is a publication of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Office of the Campus Principal MANAGING EDITOR: Pro Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Clement Sankat

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Arnold Corneal

WRITERS

CONTENT EDITOR: Debra Coryat-Patton

Tony Fraser Pat Ganase Dr. Armando García de la Torre Wesley Gibbings Linda Hutchinson-Jafar Donna Ramsammy David Renwick Dr. Nicole Roberts

DESIGN & EDITORIAL TEAM: Linda HutchinsonJafar, Donna Ramsammy and Kathryn Duncan PRODUCTION: Caribbean PR Agency, a member of The Corporate Huddle

© University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher or agent. Views expressed are not necessarily those of The UWI STA or The Corporate Huddle.

Contents EDITORIAL

FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF THE CARIBBEAN

Disruptive Thinking for a Transformational Caribbean

Cultural Dexterity and Caribbeanness

A Union of Caribbean States: Reflections from the Principal

PERSPECTIVES

Teaching by Example

TRADE & INDUSTRY

Are Trade Relations Swayed by Moral and Ideological Concerns?

A ‘Mothering’ Worker

Like Father, Like Son

Caribbean Court of Justice - Independent and Relevant

There is No Foreign Exchange Crisis SPOTLIGHT

Integrating Persons with Disabilities into Mainstream

Brand ‘Jehue’

Earthquake! Standards and Codes for the Caribbean

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Developing Innovations along the Cocoa Value Chain

Software and Solutions for the 21st Century

R & D to Help Bump up Oil and Gas Production UWI IN SOCIETY

Diplomacy and Dollars the Caribbean Challenge

COLLABORATIONS

Eye on a NASA Career 50 Cutting Edge of the Scientific World 52 UWI Brings Royal College Surgical Skills Certification to Trinidad and Tobago

A Step-wise Progression to Deanship

Marked by Innovation and Creativity MY CAMPUS

Rhodes Scholar Cherrelle Dacon aims to improve the quality of life for HIV positive individuals

Solar Energy Policies, Society and Culture

UWI Games 2015

Editorial

Pg. 3

of this, the magazine has drawn

intensified our research & outreach.

considerable

New leaders have emerged, as

two

success,

international

winning

awards;

the

we build our total capacity, for

Commonwealth

quality, relevance, responsiveness,

Association

Universities

Award

(ACU)

for

responsibility and reach.

excellence in publishing, and also the International Association of

As part of the revised publication,

Business Communicators Award, the

we are now going beyond the

‘Silver Quill’.

reporting of information developed by

in-house

staff

writers

and

It is with great pleasure and

Since its last issue in 2013, many

columnists, and moving further

enthusiasm that I introduce ‘The UWI

new and exciting things have

to the incorporation of views and

St. Augustine News and Perspectives

been occurring at The UWI St.

perspectives spanning a diversity

(STAN)’, a publication that refocuses

Augustine Campus. The stakeholder

of topics; all geared specifically to

and advances the content of the

base of the University has grown

the real issues that we at The UWI

‘STAN’ magazine - the flagship

tremendously, as we have over the

St. Augustine Campus are now

publication of the St. Augustine

last two years in particular, forged

addressing in a strategic and direct

Campus.

new relationships with a host of

manner. With this being said, we

external

industry

thought it prudent to add to our

As many of our loyal readers are

leaders. The St. Augustine Campus

already recognizable title of ‘STAN’,

aware, the STAN magazine has been

has also extended its footprint to

the word ‘Perspectives’ in order to

in existence for over 13 years, and in

the southland of Trinidad, while our

broaden its scope. In this revised

so doing, has been able to keep our

student population and graduation

brand, we will present valuable,

student and staff population, along

output have also been significantly

interesting,

with the public at large, informed

increased, and in addition, new

information that would encapsulate

about the very interesting things

infrastructure has been built at

a wide spectrum of writers and

happening at the St. Augustine

various locations in and around

researchers, who continue to stamp

Campus.The primary focus of the

St. Augustine and its environs.

their mark of authority on numerous

magazine during that period, was

Further, we have also implemented

topics that affect the people of

to present solid content, based on

several new academic programmes,

Trinidad and Tobago and the region,

factual information.

enhanced our staff complement and

within the context of The UWI.

As a result

partners

and

reliable

views

and

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

More importantly, the new focus

develop a vehicle for communication

needs.

of STAN would be to consistently

that would regularly inform all

student population at UWI, along

promote the extensive work being

our stakeholders of the ongoing

with the many strategic partnerships

done on our academic programmes

activities of The UWI St. Augustine

that we have forged with members

as well as the impact of the research

Campus. Much of the work that

of the Private Sector, Government

and innovation conducted by our

is currently being undertaken at

agencies

faculty and students. In addition,

The UWI, especially in teaching

linkages, make our responsibility

the content will include various

and learning and research and

to share and engage the interest of

opinions that would speak to current

development, has had a significant

our various stakeholders even more

affairs and issues that challenge

impact on the people of our country

crucial. This magazine provides a

our society at large. It is our aim

and our region. It is our priority to

window for our publics, to not only

to ensure that the content of this

ensure that the population at large

witness our achievements, but also

publication is engaging, informative

continues to derive tangible benefits,

to play an active role in bringing

and refreshing, with the intent to

as our undertakings enhance their

awareness of UWI’s advancements

always apprise our publics about our

quality of life in many ways. The UWI

through research, development and

Campus of over 21,000 people and

has transformed many lives in over

service.

their ‘happenings and perspectives’.

67 years, and we must do even more

As many of you would be aware,

The rapid growth of the

and

our

international

in a very challenging, globalized

In the inaugural issue of this

world.

refocused STAN you will learn about

The UWI St. Augustine Campus

the critical, impactful work being

has made significant progress in

As the environment of higher

done by our Medical Sciences Faculty

the past decade, both in terms of

education becomes more dynamic,

and our Seismic Research Centre.

its physical and technical capacity.

it is paramount that our institution

You will get to know of the many

We are extremely proud of our

adapts and finds new ways of

ways that The UWI’s Cocoa Research

new faculties, programmes, staff

providing best practices in teaching

Centre (CRC) continues to pioneer

and infrastructure. In this vein, we

and learning that will cater to and

new studies that are recognized by

believe that it is critical that we

encompass all levels of societal

the international cocoa community.

Office of the Campus Principal, UWI, St. Augustine

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

STAN will enlighten you on the

The UWI St. Augustine Campus

magazine will showcase the many

current accolades bestowed on

Council, a distinguished alumni,

elements that have contributed to

our

athlete

Mr. Ewart Williams, in which he

the rapid evolution of our institution

Jehue Gordon. It will cover human

discusses the local economy and

from being regional to becoming

interest stories with many of our

its relevance to the international

global.

local celebrities, such as in this first

financial landscape.

world

rated

track

edition, in an interview with former

Keeping you connected to the work

Miss World Giselle La Ronde-West

In some of the following issues, STAN

being undertaken by The UWI is

who gives advice on balancing

will highlight some of our most

very important, if we are to solicit

the roles as a mother and working

notable achievements, such as the

your involvement and attain your

professional in a very challenging

incorporation of ‘Futurized teaching

endorsement. Sharing what we do

social and economic environment.

and learning methods and new

provides the best means for us to

This inaugural issue also captures

Blended Learning Initiatives’ that

validate our contribution to society.

interviews with our two Rhodes

have allowed us to facilitate learning

Our primary role as academics and

Scholars as our Campus continues

interaction

administrators is driven by our

to break new ground.

beyond the walls of the classrooms.

and

communication

mandate to propel the development of the West Indian societies. The

Readers will benefit from the words

Some of the articles will elaborate on

Mission Statement of The UWI’s

and advice of one of Trinidad and

the establishment of our programme

Strategic

Tobago’s most accomplished and

captures the primary purpose of

recognized entrepreneurs in Mr.

Outreach’ and our ‘Building Global

our beloved University, “To advance

A. Norman Sabga, who tells of his

Partnerships

Development’;

education and create knowledge

success under the mentorship of

allowing us to engage and connect

through excellence in teaching,

his father Anthony Sabga, in an

the international community with

research,

interview ‘Like father like son’; with

the many innovative reciprocal

service,

both individuals creating history

relationships.

new

and outreach in order to support

by being recognized with Honorary

partnerships with the Private Sector

the inclusive (social, economic,

Doctoral Degrees from The UWI (Mr.

will be highlighted, and hearing

political, cultural, environmental)

A. Norman Sabga to be conferred at

from our alumni as they progress.

development of the Caribbean

‘Knowledge for

Mobilization

Building

Plan

2012-2017

innovation, intellectual

aptly

public

leadership

region and beyond.”

our Graduation Ceremonies in 2015). The magazine will demonstrate the As many are aware, our country

continued positive impact of The

We look forward to this opportunity

and the region are facing many

UWI on this region, and how it has

and we are confident that your

economic challenges and a feature

transformed lives and continues to

tuning into our STAN magazine will

story in this first edition presents an

provide insights into the unfolding

keep us all informed and apprised of

interview with the former Governor

trends in sustainable development,

the rapidly moving higher education

of the Central Bank of Trinidad and

globalization, migration and culture

machinery of The University of the

Tobago and current Chairman of

to name a few. The content of the

West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Feature

Ambassador Irwin La Roque, CARICOM Secretary General

Disruptive Thinking for a Transformational Caribbean

The Forum on the Future of the Caribbean Bold action. Practical outcomes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is the enemy of disruptive thinking. So says Luke Williams, author of “Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business” (Pearson Education Inc. 2011). The author is not speaking about differentiation for the sake of standing out, but rather bringing critical thinking to innovation by breaking the existing molds we use for inspiring creativity and driving change. In his cautionary note to business leaders, he says, “Companies that try to differentiate themselves by focusing on incremental innovation instead of game-changing, disruptive innovation will differentiate themselves right out of business.” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

for a stronger, more empowered, diverse and ultimately sustainable Caribbean economy. A defining moment Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Clement Sankat, in his opening remarks, described the Forum as a “defining moment in the history” of the Caribbean. The Forum, he believes, ushered in an exciting new chapter of Caribbean development in this second decade of the 21st Century. “This Forum is really about our commitment to the success of the peoples of the wider Caribbean region, and by extension other developing nations and the global South,” he said. Disruptive thinking is at the core of the transformational agenda being pursued by The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Under the leadership of Principal, Professor Clement Sankat, the University has invested heavily into bringing the ideologies and philosophies of disruptive thinking to regional attention as a means of long-term viability and sustainability of small island Caribbean states. Much of the curriculum delivered at the Institute of International Relations is informed by the principles of disruptive thinking. Last May, the Institute hosted the Forum on “The Future of the Caribbean: Disruptive thinking. Bold action. Practical outcomes.” In promoting the event, the Institute set as an objective, to catalyse disruptive thought, research and action needed to build a transformed and sustainable future for the Caribbean.

The Forum was premised on a number of assumptions that have been determined to have a negative impact on the region’s economy. Among those are current geopolitical activities and trends that are seen to be driving a need for realignment and recalibration in the areas of governance and sustainable development all over the world – inclusive of the Caribbean. Faced with fiscal and current deficits, slow growth, extreme vulnerability to climate change, natural disasters and a general heating up of intraregional migration, speakers at the event made it clear that the region must seek new ways of surviving in a new world order. The Forum called for bold action, stronger advocacy and practical solutions. It also presented a unique opportunity for the region to harness its intellectual power and collectively carve out a future premised on shared responsibility and accountability

Further emphasizing the significance of the Forum, he said, “it is about working together to stimulate radical ideas, rethink the future of the Caribbean and taking bold actions with the aim of achieving sustainable development; it is about unlocking our potential as one Caribbean people; it is also about ensuring that people and human imagination are at the centre, with a focus on our youth!” Validating the Caribbean revolution Keynote speaker on Day-Two of the event was Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, who called for the re-kindling of the Caribbean revolution by re-energizing “our thrust and to re-focus our agenda for transformative development.” He stated that the future calls for a “deliberate detachment from many conservative and reactionary aspects of our traditions.” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor, UWI

by the rejection of indentureship and the rise of nationhood in the twentieth century. In all of this we “have sought to propel the region into a matured sense of social integrity and economic legitimacy. Critically, we have been in flight from the legacies of the imperial crimes that have been associated with our modern origins.”

Reinforcing the need for change, Sir Hilary referenced his childhood experiences as the source of his passion for disruptive thinking. He sees this as a means of challenging conventional wisdom and deliberately breaking the concepts and practices that have generated past successes which currently define the Caribbean region. As a young man, Sir Hilary said, he “was occupied, maybe obsessed” with the issue of development and finding an understanding of economic transformation as an instrument for the uprooting of abject poverty. “I knew then what we all know and want now. We wish to see the Caribbean world develop more aggressively in its material dimensions; we wish to see systems of governance and political relations that are rooted in the Caribbean philosophy of justice ‘as a must’ and freedom ‘as a fact.’ We wish for cultural and ethnic tolerance and respect. We wish for inner and outer respect for our evolving Caribbean identity…we wish for a validation of the Caribbean revolution.”

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Juxtaposing the Caribbean’s history of slavery and indentureship to the current period, he said there needs to be a “complete detachment” from its colonial scaffold and the inhibiting structures that have entrenched economic dependency and social backwardness. “In the Caribbean we have been seeking to do just this for over three hundred years,” he said, noting that the uprooting of slavery was a critical nineteenth century development which was followed

Taken collectively, Professor Beckles posits, these actions suggest that Caribbean people have been among the most revolutionary people in the world. We have placed the mental states of social justice, cultural tolerance, political freedom, and economic self-determinism at the centre of “our existential being.” He made a clarion call to pay respect to this liberating and uplifting legacy, and called for a return to our philosophical source . . . “to re-kindle the revolution.”

Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Themes for solutions At the close of the event, Professor Sankat reviewed the summary of propositions made for radical and revolutionary change and noted the submissions were reflective of “the enormous challenges that we as a region must address together.” He identified five broad themes which resonated strongly throughout the three days, and which the Forum’s steering committee will use to define a work programme and attendant concrete actions, with owners for delivery and timelines for implementation. He summarised the themes as follows:

Senator the Honourable Vasant Bharath, Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, Government of Trinidad and Tobago

1. Vision – “Firstly, we need a clearer longterm vision of where we are going as a region. This will shape the intermediary milestones that we need in order to meet the expectations of Caribbean people, our people, all of us.” 2. Coordination – “Secondly, we realize that we are already part of a process in motion, a multiplex world that requires coordinated responses within a broadened Caribbean space. “ 3. Youth Focus – “Thirdly, the necessity as we plan for the future, to focus on our youth. This requires a regional multifaceted approach that includes a focus on education, talent development, youth unemployment, poverty reduction and wealth creation with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship.”

Professor Andy Knight, Director, Institute of International Relations, UWI

4. Disaster Prevention – “Fourthly, we need a regional disaster prevention, emergency support and reconstruction facility. As we learned in this Forum, we are exposed to natural disasters but we are not properly prepared to deal with them.” 5. Policy – “…And finally, we have heard that policy has to be driven by knowledge, data generation and research.” 

UWI Staff members in attendance

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Feature

A Union of Caribbean States Reflections from the Principal

At the end of the three-day Forum on “The Future of the Caribbean: Disruptive thinking. Bold action. Practical outcomes” Principal, Professor Clement Sankat shared some reflections of possibilities for the region if disruptive thinking could be applied to drive radical change for sustainable development. Here are some of those ‘what if’ solutions.

What if… we removed every barrier to trade for manufactured and agricultural goods within the Caribbean region that have been certified by their States of origin? What if… we ensured the free movement of people within the Caribbean region? ...or what if we created a Union of Caribbean States? What if… we brought together the resources of the Caribbean including capital, technology, labour, energy, manufacturing, production and distribution knowledge, our land and marine assets etc. to build a robust production capability within the region... What if…Trinidad and Tobago utilized its geographic location and became a trans-shipment hub for goods going to South America…., would this not open up the Latin American market of over 350 million people to Caribbean and global exporters? What if… we build a bridge from Trinidad to Venezuela? What if… the regional UWI becomes the leading University not only for the English-speaking Caribbean, but also for the Spanish, French and Dutch speaking Caribbean, thereby serving great numbers of students from these countries;

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

What if…the Regional UWI introduces a liberal fee regime that opens itself up to the wider world, including the sons and daughters of the West Indian Diaspora and those from our Ancestral Origins? What if… all our State funded higher education institutions, universities, colleges and technical institutes are brought together to form one Regional Collegiate System anchored in quality, technology, mobility and efficiency? What if… all the countries of our Region implemented legislation with structured funding for research at 1% of our GDP? Or What if…there was a Regional Research Funding Agency (funded also as a percentage of each country’s GDP)…..could we imagine how this may propel problemsolving, creativity, innovation and knowledge generation for our societies? What if… University funding was guaranteed and enshrined in the constitutions of our countries in the Region and as a percentage of GDP, as it is in some Latin American countries… could we imagine how this will remove all publicly funded Universities from the financial challenges of the day?

What if…the countries of our Region implemented long/mediumterm visions, strategies, direction and major capital development projects which CANNOT be changed through the electoral cycle (apart from exceptional circumstances)?  The University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago in conjunction with the United Nations System in Trinidad & Tobago, the Organization of American States, CAF (the Development Bank of Latin America), the Caribbean Development Bank and the Association of Caribbean States and a wide range of international development partners hosted the Forum. It brought together Caribbean Heads of Government, political leaders, academia, private sector leaders, young shapers, civil society, policymakers and international thought leaders. Over the last two decades, growth in the Caribbean has stagnated and many Caribbean countries face high and rising debt to GDP ratios, amid reduced Official Development Assistance that threaten prospects for medium debt sustainability and growth. Looking forward, the main challenges for the Caribbean include reducing poverty, inequality, vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters and financial sector weakness, according to the Forum’s background document.

(L-R) Stacy Richards Kennedy – Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP; Richard Blewitt – Resident Representative, UNDP; Professor Clement Sankat – Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine and Sharan Singh, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement and Internationalisation, UWI

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between The UWI and The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the opening ceremony of the Forum on the Future of the Caribbean. The MOU, enacted for an initial period of five years, will see the collaboration of both institutions in a number of areas. These key areas include joint research activities; the staging of joint seminars, conferences and academic meetings; special academic programmes; and a range of Education Abroad opportunities for graduate students with the UNDP at its various locations internationally. Also covered in the MOU are the exchange of academic materials, research data and other information; collaborative academic programmes; joint collaborative Grant Proposals; UWI’s access to international UN Volunteers; and the creation of a dedicated research and policy centre.

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

The Honourable Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Trinidad and Tobago

rinidad and Tobago and CARICOM, individually and collectively do not have a choice but to engage in political, economic and trade relations with countries which have differing and at times conflicting ideological and moral profiles to the regional political and economic community. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Dookeran reasoned that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would have to develop a multi-track policy in diplomacy and economic relations. “We have within CARICOM a track; we have beyond the region, another track with our traditional partners in the United States and Europe; and of course, we have a new track that

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

“We cannot only look inward, we have to form the strategic alliances that will promote our own development and interests; and I don’t see anything divergent about member states of CARICOM having relationships within the context of ALBA – the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of the America, a Latin American and Caribbean grouping established by then president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.”

is emerging in China and the wider world,” he observed, adding, “we will have to exploit what each of those tracks will bring to us in diplomacy and in economic benefits.”

He continued, “as long as such relationships do not interfere with the integrity of what we are attempting to achieve within CARICOM, they strengthen the whole of CARICOM. “

Dookeran, an economist by profession, commenting on regional and international issues asserted, “There is no contradiction at all in today’s world to have a multitrack policy to deal with the issues important to us.”

Only recently, U.S. President Barack Obama at a meeting in Jamaica with CARICOM leaders stressed and emphasized, with a cynical, almost chastising/scolding attitude towards CARICOM about its close and personal ties with Beijing.

It is quite urgent indeed that CARICOM establishes links on an economic and trade basis, rather than on ideological persuasions, said Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, conceding no role to moral differences.

Minister Dookeran noted that “while what is happening between the United States and China is of great concern to us in the sense that we must be very much interested, it will not affect us in our relationship,” with the two giants of international trade and politics.

The challenge for CARICOM is to turn the “transactional relationship of the present (in which Caricom countries are purchasing goods and services from China) into a bilateral relationship to ensure that we get more out of such a trading relationship,” asserted Minister Dookeran. Secretary General La Rocque echoed the opinion, “China is a world power and to the extent that our member states have relationships with China, it does not negate our traditional relationship with the U.S.” He said Venezuela is part of the Caribbean. “It is a relationship that has taken many forms over the years. We have seen Hugo Chavez in terms of what he has done, the vision that he had, Lula of Brasil in terms of creating the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to integrate the people; and what those two have done, is to bring not just economic relations, but the social dimensions to our convergence and we have to bring our people along,” La Rocque remarked. In this respect, Principal of the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Clement Sankat said the leaders of CARICOM must have the populations of regional member states begin to understand, in a fundamental way, the benefits that can be derived from associations with a wide divergence of countries.

“We must think, not only in terms of CARICOM, but include the Dutch, Spanish, the French countries and bring them into this fraternity. Education of our people and letting them understand that we are not going to win in these small little islands by ourselves is important. We have to embrace the idea of coming together as a broader regional force,” said Professor Sankat. Some concerns have been raised by parts of the private sector in the Caribbean region about associations with the likes of Cuba and the Dominican Republic on the basis of fear that these larger Caribbean countries can dominate and cause the loss of jobs and markets for the goods and services. “What we have been able to negotiate with the DR and Cuba to some extent, is not to allow the smaller member states to provide immediate reciprocal treatment when it comes to trade that does not cut across all of CARICOM, but I think it’s a start,” said the CARICOM Secretary General. He added, “We have to start thinking about how we use the CSME (CARICOM Single Market and Economy) to improve the conditions on the ground and improve the competitiveness of our private sector, so they don’t feel threatened. These are some of the new challenges that I am trying to deal with.”

But for the large corporate business community of the Caribbean, there are no concerns about ideological and moral differences in their economic and financial relations with countries. The Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has been in Cuba for 15 years and employs 30 Cubans who are in the majority staff. David Dulal-Whiteway, Managing Director of Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago said the bank has a role to play. “If we are operating in these countries as a bank, then the familiar face of knowing that you have a bank in Cuba or in Ghana means we can open doors for the right people. For us, it has not posed a challenge in the new markets.” Political Leader of the Movement for Social Justice, David Abdulah whose party has long-established relationships with Cuba and Venezuela said if CARICOM, back in 1973 in the period of the Cold War, defied the United States and formalized relationships with President Fidel Castro’s Cuba we should expect more now. “We have to recognise that in the context of Latin America, the people of the continent would like to engage with us; and given the geopolitical shifts, this is an opportunity for CARICOM countries to engage in trade and economic relations, on a somewhat different basis,” asserted Mr. Abdulah. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Trade & Industry

Like Father, Like Son

eadquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, the ANSA McAL

Group is one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the Caribbean. The company was founded in 1881 and will mark 135 years in business next year.

Photo: PIPS Photography

Mr. A. Norman Sabga Chairman and CEO, ANSA McAL Group of Companies

At the helm of the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce of close to 6,000 employees is Mr. A. Norman Sabga, son of visionary entrepreneur and Chairman Emeritus, Dr. Anthony N. Sabga. With brewing and distribution in St. Kitts and Grenada and operations in Barbados, Guyana and the U.S.A., the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business includes manufacturing, brewing, packaging, insurance, finance and merchant banking, trading/ distribution and retail, real estate, development, shipping, services and in retailing automotive/ industrial equipment.

Photo: Studio Works Ltd

Dr. Anthony N. Sabga, CMT, Hon LL.D (UWI) Chairman Emeritus, ANSA McAL Group of Companies

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

STAN met and spoke with Mr. A. Norman Sabga on how much he has learned from his father in managing and growing the business.

As a leader in your company, how do you see your role and how do you measure leadership in the organization? I see my role as inspiring others to perform. For me it’s the Heads of business, our Managing Directors/General Managers, who run the operations within the ANSA McAL Group. My job is to motivate them in creating the vision for their company, to monitor the business performance and to mentor senior executives. You can say I manage the people and not the organizations within their charge. In terms of leadership, that is something that is measured by depth of talent. When we place people in leadership, we look for continuity, quality and a culture fit. We need people who can articulate and act on a vision; but we also need people who can empathise and encourage others to follow. What was your first job in the company and how has that shaped where you are today? I started at the very bottom of the organization, working on the road in sales and marketing. Each day, I travelled from Mayaro to Carenage on the truck selling Frico Milk. I earned my stripes to become Sales Manager and then was promoted to Manager. Starting at the bottom brings with it a range and breadth of understanding of a business that can’t be learnt anywhere else. You gain insight into all the disciplines of an organization, you learn how to empathise with others, you learn about the importance of each person along the value chain and how essential they are to the making of a business. Certainly it gave me a deeper connection to the wider community and our customer base as I met people from all over the country and saw first-hand how they live and work. What do you consider to be the most important thing to do on a typical business day? My day is filled with dealing with approvals, testing and validating strategy, deliberating on people issues. It is a complex business and the demands are many, but I

believe that what is needed is a clear head at the start of the day. A proper night’s rest and an early workout at the gym sets me up for whatever the day might bring. I also have an open-door policy and I believe it is important to be readily accessible to my employees. What is the most important ability a business leader should possess to succeed? Certainly all of the attributes I mentioned previously. But the most important thing I believe, is an entrepreneurial flair. It’s the unique ability to turn ideas into money. When you get into business, you’re in business to buy well and sell well. If you’re engaged in services, then your services must be second to none. You need to understand how to price for that - and make a profit. You may get executives who are great at doing the business plan and doing the reports, people with strong academic capability; but if they can’t translate that into making money then it just doesn’t work. A good businessperson has to be able to do both. What lessons have you learned from your father that guide you in business – and in life? I would say firstly his sense of discipline. He had a strong drive and determination to succeed. I let that example lead me. I‘m also guided by his sense of fair play and integrity. He always treated everyone equally. From a very personal perspective, he also has a deep commitment to family and enjoys whatever he does. His famous quote which is relevant to us all is “Find the job that you like and you will never have to work one day in your life.” What would someone looking in say of you that is most reflective of your father and why? Our decision-making process is the same. We tackle issues in very much the same way, so the outcomes would mirror each other. We also foster the same kind of organizational culture – one that is rooted in a spirit of entrepreneurism. What people often see in both of us is the desire for continuous improvement, which has become a hallmark of ANSA McAL. Finding opportunities to do things better is part of our tradition of which I’m proud.

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

What would you consider to be the major moments in your career; and the most significant achievement? I guess I can start with the most significant. That was becoming Managing Director of Standard Distributors. It was my first role in senior leadership Among the major moments that followed were my appointments to the ANSA McAL Board and becoming CEO of the Group. Joining the Group signalled a major shift in leadership demands as I moved from heading a family-run business to being part of a public company. Taking on the role of CEO was a huge step and although I turned down the position three times, I immediately understood the value of the title once I said yes. The day after I was appointed, I had a revelation about the difference between authority and leadership. The level of respect that came with the position was an epiphany and yet another important lesson in life for me. Your role as chairman at this time would be very different from when your father was at the helm. What are some of the social and economic challenges today that make the job different and how do you address the new challenges? Basically the job is the same. What is different are the challenges. Few people remember that when my father took charge of this business, it was in receivership. There was a process of building and making changes along the way as he forged a new culture. I am fortunate to be building on those foundations. Since those days the world has changed significantly in terms of globalization. Products and services are coming from all over the world. It is a very different competitive frame and we have and continue to invest heavily to be able to compete with the global players. Being the biggest conglomerate business organization in the country and one of the largest in the Caribbean, what advice do you have for young entrepreneurs? My advice is simply to follow your passion. When you commit, you must commit fully. The principal reference STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

point is, if there isn’t the ability to create wealth, then your idea is going to fizzle out. Your commitment must be complete – not one foot in and one foot out; and equally important, along the way you should enjoy what you’re doing. UWI and partners recently held a Forum on the Future of the Caribbean with the theme: Disruptive Thinking. Bold Action. Practical Outcomes. What in your opinion, is the disruptive thinking needed to progress trade and enterprise in the Caribbean? First and foremost, all of the nations in the Caribbean are young nations – so we’re going through nation building by trial and error. In Trinidad and Tobago, the focus on education and the access to a university degree is a step in the right direction because we are able to change the pace of the developmental track. What is missing is the cognisance that the playing field is just not balanced in favour of local businesses and the willingness to act on that recognition. The level of subsidies and support for businesses in places like North America and China are just not evident at home. The challenge is, how do we open up our markets to these countries without protecting against different economies of scale? Regional governments need to work collaboratively to address this if businesses are to grow and remain viable. Multinationals have no allegiance to country. We do. The ANSA McAL Group is 100% home grown and we need the same levels of encouragement and accommodation to stay competitive. That’s the area that needs some disruptive thinking. What does the future look like in the long-term for the ANSA McAl group of companies? The future is bright. We have a group of talent that is second to none. ANSA McAL is being recognised as an organization where bright, young people can come to build a career. Our brands are recognised throughout the region and our businesses are iconic. We continue to invest heavily in both people and systems to compete and to stay relevant, and that’s the key to our continued success. 

The UWI St. Augustine South Campus Penal/Debe

Trade & Industry

“There is no Foreign Exchange Crisis” - former Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams Mr. Ewart Williams

he foreign exchange crunch is not a crisis. So says former Central Bank Governor and Chairman of UWI St. Augustine, Ewart Williams. In a recent STAN interview we asked him to help us to provide some perspectives on what might be causing a shortage of US dollars and what might be done to fix the problem. “Crisis is too strong a word”, Williams explains. “A crisis would be a situation where there is a serious foreign exchange scarcity that affects the ability of the Government or private agents to meet their foreign obligations. This is not our current case. There is clearly a problem of heavy foreign exchange demand and the Central bank is reluctant to meet all demands.” Williams believes that there are unnecessary delays which are causing a loss of confidence in the foreign exchange regime and a predictable reaction from the market. Changes in policy and distribution have created a high degree of uncertainty and this is increasing foreign exchange demand. When the private sector has confidence in the STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

system, they are prepared to operate with more latitude – “exporters would expatriate their earnings because they know that when they need it, they can get it…suppliers would also be willing to extend credit knowing that debts will be settled in a timely manner”. As Williams describes it, “there is a certain rhythm when market confidence exists. The current scenario is challenging the status quo, essentially upsetting “this rhythm” and changing the pattern of business practices.

sold at lower rates. So it’s actually costing them more to support customers. What’s more, as foreign currency rates appreciate, there is a commensurate increase in demand that is causing the market to overheat.

Retired banker Richard Young supports this opinion. “Delays negatively impact confidence, but they also generate instability as people start holding on to reserves... Given that the foreign exchange regime allows for free exchange, the banks can apply no controls. As a result, any artificial injections are quickly snapped up”.

Williams asserts that the current reserves are quite healthy. At US$10.5 billion dollars, reserves are equivalent to more than a year of reserves. The downside is that there is a lot of liquidity in the local financial system. That domestic liquidity is available to purchase foreign exchange, so customers are prepared to warehouse foreign exchange in anticipation that the shortage will get worse before it gets better. Businesses are cautious in engaging suppliers for fear that they will not have the funds to pay when payments are due so they are opting to pay up front. This increases the immediate demand for foreign exchange.

From a banking perspective, banks are under pressure to keep their customers happy and are prepared to go short to support the needs of customers. However, as the situation becomes more aggravated, banks are becoming reticent about being overdrawn as injected funds are being

Delays

negatively

impact

confidence, but they also generate instablity as people start holding on to reserves.

So what exactly is the source of the shortage? Williams explains that the issue is a complex one. The extensive construction being undertaken in the country is providing much needed jobs and increasing local incomes. However the pace of this spending by the government is putting too much liquidity in the system all at once. When coupled with the lowering of the purchase value of the US dollar, that liquidity is chasing foreign exchange and using it as a means of storing value. In some countries, to avert over-demand, the rate of foreign currency would be recalibrated by being allowed to float freely. Clearly the authorities are reluctant to let the rate depreciate to temper demand. In fact at the time of writing the rate of the US dollar was coming in at 6.3 representing an appreciation compared with the rates one year ago. The strengthening of the rate carries risks for both banking institutions and importers. The situation is further compounded by the tradition of hedging during an election period where there is such a high degree of unpredictability. It is understandable that no government wants to ease spending just before elections, “but if one wants to spend and create liquidity, then one must control demand through higher interest rates and that also carries a cost.” When asked why the situation was less complicated just two years ago under his watch, Williams explains that under his watch there were occasional shortages but there was more confidence in the regime so the shortages were short-lived.

Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from a unique foreign exchange regime. It’s one, he says, which the IMF found unorthodox but conceded that it worked. To put it simply, it is a system based on trust. He explained that Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from a unique foreign exchange regime. It’s one he says that the IMF found unorthodox but conceded that it worked. To put it simply, it is a system based on trust. The system has functioned remarkably well since it was established in the 1990’s. The country had just emerged from a currency devaluation and bankers determined that they could play by a set of common rules that required fair sharing of foreign exchange. As Williams described it, “There were about 10-15 major exporters and six authorized dealers (banks).” Under the agreed rules, purchases by any of the authorized dealers from the designated entities (the

oil companies) were shared among the other banks. The Central Bank would then enter the market to meet systemic shortages. But in the system where confidence existed, banks were prepared to use their short positions to meet temporary shortages confident that the Central Bank would provide the foreign exchange when they needed to repay. Williams explains that “during my tenure we asked that large foreign exchange purchase requirements of state enterprises be passed through the Ministry of Finance and met directly by the Central Bank. This effectively reduced competition between the public and private sectors for foreign exchange held by the banks.

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20 But over time the rules changed. The number of companies in the sharing arrangement was reduced in an attempt to give greater play to market forces. And more recently the distribution system was amended by, inter alia, extending the list of “authorized dealers”. This latter move seemed to have had a negative impact on the system. It is this growing lack of confidence that might be accounting for the persistent shortages despite the fact that CBTT continues to inject funds into the banking system. “It takes time”, says Williams, “to rebuild confidence once shaken. Also Central bank sales of foreign exchange without some action to deal with domestic liquidity will not adequately address the problem.” There is too much fiscal pressure and the country may simply have to resort to raising the interest rates; but understandably, nobody wants to see that. So should the Central Bank be having a different kind of conversation with the public? Williams says that perhaps it should. There is no legal requirement for the bank to declare its processes. There has been increasing disclosure on how the CBTT runs its business. Certainly there is much more published today than a decade ago. However, “there is no harm in publicly addressing people’s fears. – transparency creates trust.” Certainly, he believes that there should be open discussion on the foreign exchange regime with the key stakeholders. Some of the concerns that the CBTT is facing is that less money is being repatriated and some important customers are being affected – education payments and foreign STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

medical expenses for example, are among those outside of importers that are creating anxiety and heightening mistrust. Williams’ guidance is that “We need to introduce as many market mechanisms as possible”. He suggests using the exchange rate, if needs be, and better demand management policies to temper foreign exchange demand. “It would be good if CBTT was able to allow more exchange flexibility. It is not a sign of policy failure when the rate is depreciating– sometimes it’s a good thing.” “We cannot have an appreciating rate, an expansionary budget and systemic uncertainty. Should Trinbagonians be concerned that we are going to revert to the foreign exchange restrictions that were imposed in the 80’s? “No”’ says Williams, “I don’t think we’ll get there. The economy paid too high a price with that system of controls. After years of a liberalized system, it would be very difficult to go back to exchange controls. It would cause even greater chaos.” Is the situation further complicated by the sudden fall in oil prices? “Yes”, says Williams, but, at present, it is more the signalling effect of the oil price fall. People fear that lower oil and gas export prices would reduce the supply of foreign exchange and increase shortages. If oil prices remain depressed for an extended period there could be a problem. As of now we have a significant reserve cushion. The prospect for oil prices remaining depressed for an extended period is yet another compelling reason for tighter demand and particularly, fiscal policy.

Should

Trinbagonians

concerned

that

they

be are

going to revert to the foreign exchange

restrictions

that

were imposed in the 80’s? “No” says Williams, “I don’t think we’ll get there.”

So if there is still a lot of money available, should there be any concerns about Moody’s ratings? “Moody means we are not tending to a number of fundamentals”, Williams explains. The Moody’s rating should be seen as a strong warning about our economic management over the medium-term - its about how we are planning for the future. It’s about ensuring that we prepare to deal with future shocks, including the likelihood that oil/gas prices will remain depressed. It is also a reminder that we are not doing enough about diversifying the economy. We should note that our outlook is considered negative. That means that Moody’s will be having another look in six months or so and, if there are insufficient changes, there is the possibility of a further downgrade, added Williams. STAN was also keen to understand that given the current low oil prices if the country could access the Heritage & Stabilization Fund? Williams confirmed that the Fund had a stabilization component, which, in principle, could be utilised to finance government expenditure. But this was put in if the disturbance was deemed to be temporary.

21 However, from his perspective, the current situation is, more than likely, a structural change in the energy market and we should not use our savings to fix the structural gap. The response should be a more permanent one – serious budget reform, including learning to live with lower oil revenues. We should remember the HSF was introduced, in part, to strengthen fiscal discipline as well as to save for the long term. Clearly we are not saving enough of our declining oil revenues and we certainly should not use our little savings to finance more consumption and subsidies, said the former Central Bank Governor. STAN asked Williams for his opinion on what should happen next to fix the Forex situation and who needs to take action? He gave a very clear response; 1. We need to review the current forex distribution system to see whether the recent changes are contributing to the shortages. The banks should be at the center of the system since they serve the most customers. 2. We need fiscal discipline if we don’t want to tighten monetary policy disproportionally. I think though that interest rates will need to be increased gradually. But the emphasis should be on a quick return to budget balance to help reduce excess liquidity. Increasing the supply of savings instruments would also serve to mop up liquidity and ease foreign exchange demands. 3. If pressures in the foreign exchange market continue, we may have to allow more exchange rate flexibility. That may mean allowing the exchange rate to depreciate somewhat. 4. Diversification is critical over the medium term. We need to encourage and give incentives to activities that earn foreign exchange. 5. At all cost we should avoid recourse to exchange controls such as, for instance, restrictions on credit card purchases. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Brand ‘Jehue’

Spotlight

set to explore new frontiers

Jehue to launch

. . . as he keeps his eyes on Rio 2016

his own cologne

Q&A with outstanding athlete Jehue Gordon How has 2015 been so far for you as an athlete? What have been some of your most outstanding performances for the year so far? 2015 has been a very challenging year for me. Injuries have prolonged a lot of my development on the track. In my eyes, I have not done anything outstanding for the year. Apart from regaining my national title in the 400m at our championships, the year has been a quiet one for me. How are preparations coming along for the 2016 Olympics? Preparations for Rio are not in full effect as yet as we are still awaiting the end of the season to see what’s our next move. Rio is a very big picture and everything needs to be focused around that for the upcoming year and not the other way around. What are some of the challenges that you are facing at this time? At this time my biggest challenge is really the idea that people have of sports. Yes, we like to jump and wave when our sportsmen and women achieve success, but there are things that need to be in place in order for that to take place. For example, as much as we have facilities available in the country, they are not readily accessible at crucial times. Our thinking has not shifted in terms of one to fostering growth and development but one that inhibits and belittles our athletes’ ambitions. STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

this year and ponders culinary arts.

With regards to the development of young athletes in the field of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago, what are some of the shortfalls and what have been our strengths? Some of the shortfalls are basically the ability to have a system that fosters the growth and development of athletics in Trinidad and Tobago. The educational perspectives for athletes who are moving on after high school with options are not clearly stated. One of our strengths mainly is seeing governing bodies trying their best to educate coaches to a higher level of learning. What sticks out in your mind as the most life-changing experience that you have had to date? The most life-changing experience I have had to date was when my home was destroyed in 2008. It made me approach life differently such as paying attention to the simple things in life. I was without basic amenities, water, lights etc. At that point, my focus was getting out of that situation and never experiencing it again. Who would you give credit as being mentors in your life, for both your social well-being and then for your professional success? There are a lot of people who were instrumental in my development. Both my mom and dad, Marcella Woods and Vincent Gordon, my coaches Ian Hypolite and Edwin Skinner. Dr. Iva Gloudon was also instrumental in support staff. Apart from the above names there were people who aided in my athletic career: Oba Goulston, Jason Pilgrim, Ian Sharpe, Brent ELder, Zeph Nicholas, Margeret Ottley, Dinesh Anmolsingh and the Athletic association along with the TTOC and Ministry of sports who aided me.

How are your studies coming along? Is it a balanced mix with the athletic world?

country. Once I’m able to do that I would then venture out in establishing my own business.

I have finished my studies and would be graduating in October with first class honours in sports management.

What advice would you give to young up and coming athletes?

What are your most current plans and objectives with regards to your career?

In sports nothing is ever guaranteed. You have to work hard for what you want. Success is not going to be given to you and while you are on that path to achieving success, it is definitely not going to happen overnight. Patience is key!!

I am not limiting myself in terms of achieving. I would be launching a cologne this year and plan on building my brand much stronger locally. I would be graduating in October and would like to do other interesting things after like pursuing culinary arts (LOL!). It’s something that I like doing because I like to eat a lot even though I have such a small stature. Being part of a University system, what aspect of the experience you credit for some of your achievements both on the track and also in the classroom? I credit the diaspora of friends I was able to meet and form a really great relationship. That support system is invaluable. You may have had numerous offers for scholarships to foreign universities, why did you choose to go to UWI? I chose UWI because of the recognition that is has globally. The brand is very strong locally and definitely a great place to start a first degree. What has that experience been like so far? And how has it helped to further your career?

How did you feel receiving a national award and being recognised nationally for your athletic ability? I felt appreciated. However, I don’t do what I do to receive awards. I do it because of the love that I have for the sport and my ability to be the best that I can, knowing where I came from. So receiving an award is definitely a plus but not the icing on the cake for me.

On August 15, 2013, Jehue Gordon, a then 22-year old athlete from Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) blazed the track at the World Athletics Championships finals in the Men’s 400 metres Hurdles event in the brilliant time of 47.69 secs, his personal best and a national record. By copping the gold medal at the Moscowheld games, Jehue became the second T&T athlete to win a World Championship title at these prestigious games, since Ato Boldon had accomplished that feat in 1997 in Greece. Jehue will defend his World Championship title in Beijing, China in late August. 2015.

I enjoyed my university experience. Every single day!! ...even though it was only until my final year that I realised how to study effectively. The experience was definitely life-changing because you get a taste of the real world. You get to realise that in life nobody owes you anything and that you have to work hard for what you want. Where do you see yourself both as an athlete and a person in the next five years? In the next five years I see myself building my brand as an ambassador, not only for myself, but for my beloved

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Research & Development

Developing Innovations along the Cocoa Value Chain Photos: Andre Neufville

UWI St. Augustineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international Cocoa Research Centre seeks investors

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Cocoa has the potential to help change the fortunes of Trinidad and Tobago to a sustainable culture with its rich traditional cocoa lands. More importantly, the creative hearts and minds that may bring about the cultural transformation are already hard at work at the St. Augustine Campus of UWI and at its core institution, the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC).

he CRC is regarded as the research and science centre for cocoa growers and chocolate producers around the world. The plan to extend the services of the Centre to produce innovations along the entire cocoa value chain planters, processors, manufacturers, chocolatiers, science and art –has been seeded with funds from the EU/ACP Science and Technology Fund. Now, the CRC is looking to investors with an eye on future returns from the world cocoa economy, (now worth an estimated US$83 billion), to maximize the plan. Trinidad and Tobago is a country with great growth potential - history, cocoa estates, science and research, and eager entrepreneurs – to turn the noble bean, the fabled food of the Gods, Theobroma cacao L, into gold. INTERNATIONAL FINE COCOA INNOVATION CENTRE In order to facilitate the transformation of the cocoa industry sector in Trinidad and Tobago, the EU /ACP recently granted the Cocoa Research Centre some two million euros towards the development of the International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre (IFCIC). The overall goal is to stimulate interest, improve innovation and productivity and enhance value among all cocoa stakeholders: entrepreneurs, inventors, plantation owners, young graduates and the general public.

completed a PhD in Genetics before accepting a position as lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and became Director of the CRC in 2010. He believes that a revitalized cocoa industry has the potential to integrate the society from top to bottom, with science, technology and the imagination that Trinis bring to every endeavor. He remarks on the resilience of cocoa in Trinidad. “The first plantations in the Spanish colonies grew from Criollos collected in Central America. After the blast of 1727 – probably a disease – many trees died; and the planters introduced new plantings of a wild Forastero type (a hardier strain of cocoa from the eastern region of South America). In time, there developed in Trinidad by sheer chance, cocoa that had both Forastero (hardy, less susceptible

to disease) and Criollo (fine flavor) qualities. These became known as Trinitario. “In the 1920’s, disease struck again, this time the Witches Broom disease. The Cocoa Research Scheme was set up to see how the industry could recover from the devastating effects of this disease. Francis Pound led an expedition to the Amazon (Peru and Ecuador) to collect varieties with field resistance to Witches Broom. Over the next decade, he also collected from farms in Trinidad and cloned the best examples of Trinitario that he could find here. These were named Imperial College Selections, ICS 1 to 100. These were taken all over the world; so you could visit West Africa or Papua New Guinea and they would know Trinidad (from Trinitario) and the ICS clones obtained there.”

Dr. Baccus-Taylor stands next to a mill donated to the lab by Cadbury UK which breaks down coarsely grounded nibs into liquor and can also be used for the conching process to make chocolate.

National pride and appreciation for the importance of Trinidad cocoa might be the first step. Professor Pathmanathan “Path” Umaharan heads the CRC. He arrived in Trinidad from Sri Lanka in 1986 and STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

It is estimated that Trinitario trees account for 10% to 15% of the world’s production of cocoa beans. The potential high yield of cocoa may be as much as 8000 kg per hectare, but yield in Trinidad is among the lowest in the world with the best farm producing just about 1000 kg per hectare and the average farm about 350 kg. The work of the Innovation Centre is to harness the energy of people in cultivating, processing, manufacturing and commercializing cocoa and its products and to release the potential of the cocoa estates that lie fallow – an estimated 20,000 hectares in 1983 (Bekele, 2004). In other words, to “turn on” Trinbagonians and other Caribbean people to the untapped resource that is Trinidad cocoa. ROOTED IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH The Cocoa Research Centre is already proving its process. Chocolatemaking is now part of the Centre’s activities, led by research fellow Dr. Darin Sukha and contract officer Naailah Ali. The cocoa is grown in the CRC-managed International Cocoa Genebank (ICG,T) at Centeno, which is supervised by agronomist Annelle Holder-John. Another UWI graduate Dr. Surendra Surujdeo-Maharaj is the pathologist at CRC. One international chocolatier from Portland, Oregon is importing cocoa liqueur from the CRC. Charley Wheelock and his wife, Jessica have created a limited edition bar of chocolate called Trinidad Fundare, the proceeds from which will go to the CRC. Wheelock says, “It will be a unique, unprecedented treat for STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

chocolate lovers. The cocoa that goes into the bar comes from the CRC’s general harvest - meaning from all of the centre’s cocoa trees at the International Cocoa Genebank.” Prof. Umaharan acknowledged that the CRC needs to straddle business and science. They have long sold research and science services to the big chocolate manufacturing companies such as Mars and Cadbury. “The Cocoa Research Unit was elevated to a Centre in 2012 thus becoming UWI’s cocoa research portal to the wider society. Now the Centre is a hub, drawing on the work of all faculties of the university; but with an outward reach. For instance, farmers have been clamoring for small machines. Rodney Harnarine in Mechanical Engineering has developed a machine to break cocoa pods,” he said. Dr. Gail Baccus-Taylor, a Senior Lecturer/Researcher in food science & technology fully supports Prof. Umaharan’s and the CRC’s initiatives. Mentored by eminent food technologists George Moon Sammy and Dr. Edward Commissiong, she is passing on the mandate of “teaching, research, service” to her students. “We support CRC with human resource and occasionally analytical services,” said Dr. Baccus-Taylor who’s also Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Programme Coordinator of the Food Science & Technology Unit (FSTU), Faculty of Engineering. The FSTU assists in producing the food scientists and food technologists to feed the CRC programme and thus facilitates development of the Innovation

Centre. There is collaboration, support and interaction between the CRC and FSTU. For example, Dr. Saheeda Mujaffar, Lecturer/Researcher at the FSTU has conducted research in post -harvest drying of cocoa: what happens during drying to enhance flavours; how does the quality change based on different conditions. Ms. Naailah Ali is a MSc. Food Science & Technology graduate and currently a doctoral candidate at the FSTU/ CRC, working on fermentation and flavours in cocoa. At the CRC, Dr. Sukha attained his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Commissiong. Current and former students of the FSTU, such as Matthew Escalante, Rena Kalloo and Aveena Ramroop, contribute to the work of the CRC. Mr. Escalante is responsible for making chocolates and chocolate innovations at CRC, Ms. Kalloo is experimenting with cocoa pulp while Ms. Ramroop’s research is directed at investigating cocoa bean drying regimes. “I have tremendous respect for Prof. Umaharan’s work. We both came out of (first degree) Agriculture. I went to the Food Science and Technology; he to Genetics. We share concerns about the basic issues in agricultural production: what is the value chain and where the optimum benefit might be earned,” Dr. Baccus-Taylor remarked. Prof Umaharan picks up the discussion. “The Innovation Centre will train the trainers and develop best practices: principles of cocoa orchard management; fermentation and drying; chocolate making.

Professor Umaharan and Dr. Baccus-Taylor engage in sorting fermented and dried cocoa beans to select good quality beans for chocolate making.

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

The science developed at the UWI will fuel innovations at the Innovation Centre; and all learning will be channeled to the Innovation Centre. CRC can drive research in UWI in support of the cocoa industry.” Both Dr. Baccus-Taylor and Prof. Umaharan suggest that although there is no formal recruitment of students to cocoa research and science, there is goodwill and cross-fertilization for purposedriven projects like the Innovation Centre. For example, a programme with investments from chocolate manufacturers in Europe requires research to test levels of cadmium in chocolate. Cadmium occurs in soil of volcanic origin such as in Ecuador or Colombia or northeast Trinidad. To solve this real world problem, the project requires collaboration of scientists in genetics, chemistry, soil science and biochemistry. “Trinidad has a variety of soil types,” according to Prof. Umaharan. “We need information about the performance of cocoa varieties under different soil and climate conditions in order to help farmers get the most from their fields. We have obtained help from Bheshem Ramlal from the UWI Department of Geo Informatics to assist us with producing a GIS map of cocoa plantations. We will need to study climate, rainfall patterns, farmer constraints, agro-ecological regions and their characteristics in order to provide specific recommendations to different regions in Trinidad, and Tobago. With climate change causing drought in West Africa, what are the opportunities that arise?”

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Not stopping at only collaborations with other departments at UWI, Prof. Umaharan is seeking to build relationships with other universities. “Kew Gardens has assigned all its cocoa plantings to the University of Reading: 400 varieties are being grown in tunnels greenhouses maintained as tropical environments; 75% of their material is from Trinidad, quarantined at Reading over the years. To support breeding programmes in the region, the Americas will need another quarantine centre in the region.” THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH COCOA Currently, Prof. Umaharan is embarking on a strategy to encourage land owners to re-invest in their cocoa plantations, to prune, maintain, replant and produce enough cocoa beans to drive enterprise and innovation towards industry development. Other countries have built economies around single ideas and focus. Singapore became an Asian tiger through Lee Quan Yew’s drive and vision. In Belgium, every other shop is a chocolate shop. The International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre can provide that single focus to shift industry in Trinidad and Tobago, indeed the Caribbean, towards a sustainable future. “We have the competitive advantage in cocoa industry for the near future,” says Prof. Umaharan. “We have the longest plant breeding programme in the world; the most respected science and research programme, plus the reputation as a fine/flavour cocoa destination, with a number of

international awards to boast of, and the largest collection of cocoa varieties in the world. With small investments, we can build the model for integration across the cocoa value chain. In a few years, we can be known as producers of the best chocolate in the world. This opportunity may not last forever. The time to act is now.” 

The Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) in the Sir Frank Stockdale building is at the heart of the University of the West Indies in St Augustine. It was started in 1930 to foster Cocoa Research at the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad. The building is named in honour of Sir Frank Stockdale, the tropical agriculture scientist who was advisor to the Colonial Secretary from 1930. From 1937, Stockdale was Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the West Indies. The University College of the West Indies which started in Jamaica in 1948 merged with the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture to establish the second campus at St Augustine in Trinidad. Today, CRC operates as the catalyst for all research, innovation and development of fine flavor cocoa. CRC also manages the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad (ICG,T), located in Centeno Trinidad. ICG,T hosts the largest selection of cocoa varieties in one place, and is considered a collection of global significance.

Research & Development

Dr. Latchman and Nisha Nath, Chief Seismology Technician look at the digital “drum” recorder, which displays seismic signals from various stations throughout the area of the Centre’s responsibility from Trinidad in the south to St. Kitts in the north

Software and Solutions for the 21st Century

Significant Projects at the Seismic Research Centre

he Seismic Research Centre has been engaged in many significant earthquake and volcano related projects. The development of the automatic earthquake solutions system, now fully operational, utilizes a software package (SeisComP3) to process seismic data and locate earthquakes in near real-time. The project, funded through the Departmental Consultancy Fund engaged the services of a geophysicist for 18

months to work with SRC staff to develop the system. Dr. Joan Latchman, Seismologist at SRC said the auto-solutions releases were first tested in-house in August 2013, with a view to meeting the rapid response expectation of the Centre’s various publics that have become conditioned to “on tap” information. By mid-September 2013, a list of stakeholder recipients to

receive emails was compiled and by mid-October, the system was ready for general release of auto locations, with the first going out on 15th October, 2013. Earthquake parameters, along with a map display, are posted to the two primary social media, Facebook and Twitter. In addition to social networking sites, the solutions are sent via email to stakeholders in the Caribbean region including national and regional disaster management officials, government officials and members of the private sector. STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

“In the eyes of our stakeholders, this development has served to firmly move the SRC into 21stCentury operations. It has reduced some of the pressure in SRC responding to earthquakes that are felt outside of normal working hours, since we are not funded for 24/7 operations; although we do try to offer a 24/7 telephone response,” she said. Another project engaging the attention of the Research Centre is the Seismic Microzonation Studies, a project funded by the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, Trinidad and Tobago to pursue the microzonation of ten cities and major population centres in Trinidad and Tobago over the next 10 years. The data collected will be used to produce maps, which can guide planners and engineers in future building construction in Trinidad and Tobago. Field measurements for Port of Spain, the first city, were completed and represent the first comprehensive work of this nature in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean. Dr. Latchman said the project is a major thrust of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to develop the maps needed to guide their decision making in land use planning. “Such information is essential in a seismically active zone, such as the one in which our country is located, to promote sustainable development and mitigate impact from the larger earthquakes, to which we are vulnerable. It is an example of authorities recognising the important role that the STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

science can play, if allowed, in wise development,” she said. In the area of volcanoes, the Seismic Centre is currently involved in research on the Soufrière in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Soufrière Hills in Montserrat under a UK-based programme Strengthening Resilience in Volcanic Areas (STREVA) led by the University of East Anglia which is also researching volcanic sites in Ecuador and Colombia. Bringing together diverse researchers from universities and research institutes from within the UK and from areas affected by volcanic activity, STREVA is an innovative interdisciplinary project, which works collaboratively across different disciplines to develop and apply a practical and adaptable volcanic risk assessment framework. It can also be used to generate plans that will reduce the negative consequences of volcanic activity on people and assets. Dr. Richard Robertson, Director of the Seismic Research Centre said the research project is innovative since it brings together social scientists and physical scientists such as volcanologists. “It is to understand the hazards but also to look at how people live with them; how they impact people and how governments react to them,”

said Dr. Robertson noting that forensic audits were also carried out on both Soufrière Hills in Montserrat and La Soufrière in St. Vincent as part of the research. The research in St. Vincent involved the creation of four short films by a camera crew from the University of East Anglia which captured memories from people who were affected or witnessed the 1979 eruption of La Soufrière. The eruption did not cause any deaths since residents who were in harm’s way either self-evacuated or were evacuated. However it resulted in millions of dollars in economic damage. “The 1979 eruption in St. Vincent lives on in the memory of the people and it’s not recorded anywhere. So this was a way to capture the memory of the people. When people spoke of the eruption, it was like it didn’t happen too long ago,” he said. Three films captured the stories of people: what were the immediate impacts of the eruption, their experience in shelters and how they lived with the volcano being in close proximity to their homes. The fourth film deals with hazards of volcanoes and dispelling some local myths. “There are persistent rumours that the dome is growing so we went into the crater, sat inside it and we told the people it’s not growing and that is on film.”

“In the area of volcanoes, the Seismic Centre is currently involved in research on the Soufriere in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Soufriere Hills in Montserrat”

another aspect of the research is the impact of the mud flows on land.

Glowing Dome: The Soufrière Hills Volcano during an eruptive episode in 1997

The Seismic Research Centre also held an exhibition display including a model of the La Soufrière volcano at the National Science Museum in the UK for a week which was modelled off the 1902 eruption. In Montserrat where the Seismic Research Centre operates the Observatory, the research focuses on the Soufrière Hills volcano which has left two-thirds of the island uninhabitable and the capital city Plymouth covered in deposits from the volcano. Currently, 4,500 people

live in Montserrat from the original 12,000 before the eruptions began in 1995. Although some indicators suggest that the eruption hasn’t ended, no actual magna is surfacing. “We’re looking at turning points or particular points in the eruption, where either because the volcano is doing something or because the authorities did something that made a big difference to how people reacted and the forensic audit has allowed us to identify those points,” said Dr. Robertson, adding that

“The main thing that STREVA has been able to identify is the turning points and key factors that affect lives vs livelihoods in volcanic emergencies; whether people have jobs, proper shelters, whether we have good monitoring. So we have a better understanding now of the key factors that affect volcanic risks and factors that affect lives vs the factors that affect livelihood, so in case of a future emergency, we can better advise governments,” he said. The research is also focussed on the impact of ash from a volcanic eruption and the risk it could pose in the Caribbean. “When La Soufrière erupted in the past, ash fell in Barbados. These are some of the things we’re trying to estimate when volcanoes erupt, where would the ash go, how would it affect air travel, the impact of ash and what kinds of risks are associated.” 

The capital city of Plymouth covered over by ash after the devastating 1997 eruption

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Research & Development

Dr. Richard Robertson with a GPS receiver, tripod and recorder

Recent research indicates that economic damage of US$5 billion and US$6 billion respectively for Port of Spain and San Fernando could occur from a magnitude 7.5 earthquake. “My predecessors were urging preparedness and we have been doing this for more than 40 years and we are continuing to do it because preparedness is just not enough. We want readiness, we need to be ready because as it is now, the systems appear to be poised to deliver a significant earthquake,” Dr. Latchman added.

Photos: Andre Neufville

Earthquake! Strong T Standards and Codes needed

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER PERSPECTIVE JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015 2015

rinidad and Tobago is geographically located in an area of active earthquake activity and based on scientific evidence and trends, the country is overdue for a large magnitude earthquake. The fact that it hasn’t happened as yet shouldn’t make anyone complacent, said Dr. Joan Latchman, Seismologist at the St. Augustine-based Centre. “The patterns are there, the earthquakes are happening; the fact that we have small earthquakes happening suggests that a big one is on its way. That’s effectively what it is saying,” she said.

The country has been experiencing smaller events but as the seismologist explained, smaller faults rupture more readily and more quickly than the bigger faults. Dr. Latchman elaborated, “Those little ones are loading and releasing, loading and releasing on a fairly regular time frame. The bigger faults do so over a longer time frame and the even bigger fault, on an even longer time frame and the biggest faults, the longest time frame.” One of the strongest earthquakes which took place in 1766 was considered to have a loading time frame of 250 years. Since the event took place before the instrumental era, scientists relied on written accounts of felt observations. According to the patterns, strong earthquakes occur every 10-15 years in the Trinidad and Tobago area.

After the 1968 earthquake, no events occurred until 1988; that one was off the east coast of Trinidad. The last strong earthquake was on October 12, 2013 north of the Paria Peninsula. Dr. Latchman said the patterns of strong earthquakes in the Trinidad and Tobago area are being maintained. (See side bar on history of earthquakes in the 20th Century on pg. 35). “We’re at the south east corner of the Caribbean plate and earthquakes in general occur on the boundaries of the plates where the two plates interact; that’s where the earthquakes occur. Our systems here are very complex because north of us the plates are converging and south of us they are sliding past each other; ours is a transition zone and this gives rise to the different kinds of earthquakes we have,” she said.

Lloyd Lynch stands in front of a satellite dish, through which signals from seismic stations throughout the Eastern Caribbean are received in real-time.

Knowledge of earthquakes in the English-speaking Caribbean dates back to the advent of Europeans when they began documenting happenings before the instrumental era and the absence of a long historical earthquake database. As a result of this, slow moving plates and a relatively short period of scientific monitoring poses constraints on the study of earthquakes in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Based on the felt observations of the 1766 earthquake that were reported by people living at the time in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, the event is estimated to have been located north of the Paria peninsula with a powerful 7.5-7.9 magnitude. Dr. Latchman said if such a magnitude earthquake took place in the current period, it would be a disaster of great proportions

because the country doesn’t have the building codes and legislation in place for the building stock to withstand such impact. Her concern is that the country has been moving forward in development without addressing the hazards and risks. Lloyd Lynch, Instrumentation Engineer, Seismic Research said that most of the earthquakesusceptible developed countries have made significant advances because one or two pivotal events triggered an attitudinal change. For instance, destructive earthquakes in Japan in 1923 and San Francisco in 1906 gave rise to better earthquake engineering for the build environment, while a 1935 earthquake in New Zealand led to the establishment of building code and strong building regulation framework.

”The patterns are there, the earthquakes are happening; the fact that we have small earthquakes happening suggests that a big one is on its way. That’s effectively what it is saying,” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Seismic research plot

Although Trinidad and Tobago has not experienced significantly damaging earthquakes in its recent history “to bootstrap the standards and codes, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t prepare,” he echoed. To reduce earthquake losses, Lynch said there needs to be long-term prescription of building code and standards, land use planning and other policies. “The building code is basically the minimum standard that is deemed necessary to ensure that buildings will be safe. Critical facilities are required to remain operational during and after a major

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earthquake and should therefore be designed and constructed to even higher standards than the adopted building code. You need to do a site specific hazard study to obtain a more detailed understanding of the dangers posed by earthquakes at a proposed site. You need to have a strong engineering and construction industry of practice where sound ethics and good practice are observed.” Lynch said the World Bank’s Gross Capital Formation (GCF), a good proxy on how much the country is investing in the built environment

indicated that the GCF from 19832014 was US$198 b or TT$1.27 trillion. He further pointed out that there are earthquake producing structures passing near and through Trinidad and Tobago that are capable of producing major earthquakes (Magnitude 7.0-7.7). If assailed by one such event, that is - a direct hit, between 10-20% of the above exposure (TT$127 – TT$254 billion) could be losses due to the high level of vulnerability attributed to limited use of building code and standards with adequate earthquake resistant code provisions as well as ineffective land-use practices. 

History of Earthquakes in Trinidad and Tobago ‘Strong’ earthquakes offshore: 1928/09/26 – North of Tobago 1935/04/10 – Gulf of Paria 1945/11/23 – off South-West Peninsula 1954/12/04 – North of Trinidad 1968/09/20 – Paria Peninsula 1988/03/10 – East of Trinidad 1997/04/22 - South of Tobago 2013/10/12 – North of Paria On Land: 2001/11/17 - a ‘swarm of earthquakes’ in Toco. Largest was 4.1 magnitude 2004/12/02 - 5.5 earthquake near east coast on land, followed on same day by a large aftershock at 5.3 2006/09/29 - 5.8 on land and its largest aftershock was 5.5. under the Northern Range

About the Seismic Research Centre Established in 1953, the Seismic Research Centre is a Centre within The UWI. It operates the largest network of seismographs and other geophysical instruments in the Caribbean region. The SRC monitors earthquakes and volcanoes for most of the Englishspeaking Eastern Caribbean, manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory as well as conducts education and outreach activities in these countries. The Centre is involved in a regional effort to establish a tsunami warning system for the Caribbean.

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Research & Development

R&D at UWI

to help bump up oil and gas production Professor Andrew Jupiter heads up the PSU

aximum production of crude oil and natural gas must be the obvious priority of a petroleum-based economy like Trinidad and Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and that goal is expected to obtain a decided boost from a number of research and development (R & D) projects currently underway at the Petroleum Studies Unit (PSU) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine.

R & D has only been fitfully undertaken in the past by the petroleum engineering department at UWI, now merged with the geosciences department to form the PSU within the Department of Chemical Engineering, but has suddenly been given a new lease of life by the arrival of Professor Andrew Jupiter as holder of the TTMC Chair, with Distinguished Fellow status.

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Professor Jupiter, the former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs (MEEA) – though it wasn’t called that in his day – and subsequently a board member of Petrotrin and president of the National Energy Corporation (NEC), now National Energy, has made the leap into academia, as the obvious successor to Professor Richard Dawe, who held the TTMC chair until his return to the UK in 2011. Professor Jupiter seems to have found his ideal niche and has thrown himself into the job with gusto, particularly the research part of it. For decades, MEEA has been receiving R/D funds from energy companies signing on to production sharing contracts (PSCs) as part of the many payments made to the government under PSCs. “The R/D component in PSCs is now US$150,000 on signing, increasing at the rate of 6% a year thereafter, once a company holds on to the block,” he points out.

The quantification of heavy oil resources had been estimated at 1.5 billion barrels onshore and 3.6 billion offshore.

relations with the ministry to be able to access them.” Professor Jupiter is particularly keen on applied research, not research for its own sake, and has chosen projects that will lead directly to bumping-up current oil and gas production levels. That is evident from the two major projects now in progress: Professor Andrew Jupiter

“Heavy oil recovery from Trinidad tar sands by radio frequency heating,” which will be applied to heavy oil (API gravity of 18 degrees or less) in general as well. Tar sands doesn’t even have an API rating per se. The PSU is performing a crucial service here by throwing the spotlight on a potential source of crude oil that has been virtually ignored in the past, which is perplexing because the few private sector tar sands advocates around firmly believe the extraction of this thick stuff could eventually lead to the addition of as much as 50,000 barrels per day (b/d) to the country’s oil output. “We have signed an MOU with Harris Corporation of Orlando, Florida, a top class organization that has done work for the US government to help us with this,” Professor Jupiter reports. “MEEA has given us TT$543,000.” What’s more, the research has caught the eye of at least one private sector company, Trinity Exploration and Production of San Fernando. “Trinity is interested in the heavy oil part of the project, not the tar sands part,” he reports. “It considers radio frequency heating might work in some of its wells. The company has donated US$10,000 to this project.”

For some time, Professor Jupiter has felt that this money was simply not being utilised for its designated purpose and was simply piling up in the ministry or being transferred to the consolidated fund.

Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine recently announced that the ministry had given a grant to the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) for “the quantification of heavy oil resources,” which had been estimated in 2010 in a paper by Professor Dawe, Dr. Raffie Hosein who holds the bpTT reservoir engineering chair at UWI, and Wayne Bertrand, at 1.5 billion barrels onshore and 3.6 billion offshore, mainly in the Gulf of Paria. Professor Jupiter hastens to point out: “Our project has nothing to do with quantification. We are moving to the next step, to retrieval through the method we are studying.”

He set about to rectify that unsatisfactory situation. “I knew where the R/D funds were and had enough good inter-personal

“Radio frequency heating,” he explains, “will minimise the environmental impact of both tar sands and heavy oil recovery. The outcome of this research will be an attempt, for the first time, to recover tar sands in Trinidad and Tobago but don’t minimise what it can also do for heavy oil.” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

2 “A new technique in sequence stratigraphy for deep water successions in non-glacial times”, with an even more prestigious collaborator, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. MEEA has dished out TT$463,000 for this project, which is directly relevant to the huge deep water exploration programme involving nine blocks, which is now in train. Professor Jupiter explains: “The research we are undertaking will give us a better understanding of deep water, so we will know how to proceed in terms of exploiting deep water resources – how we can optimise exploration in deep water, that is the important thing.”

Its importance is accentuated by the fact that the deep water is considered the “last frontier,” for oil and gas exploration in the country, which, if successful, will provide a brand new hydrocarbon province to add to those that already exist on land and offshore. As the operator of all nine deep water blocks, the Anglo/Australian multi-national, BHP Billiton clearly has an interest in this sort of research and though it is not directly contributing to it, it is doing so indirectly. As Professor Jupiter explains, BHP Billiton is “funding a full scholarship for a student to study reservoir characterisation in Trinidad and its extension into deep water. The student has started an MPhil and will move into a PhD afterwards. It will cost BHP Billiton TT$737,000 over the period.” He confidently expects the findings of the student “to be helpful to the company as they unfold.” In particular, “we expect to better understand how a reservoir is moving, its maturity, etc. As you move forward, the geological horizons in deepwater will differ from those elsewhere and these horizons may present special challenges.” A BHP Billiton team has actually visited the PSU to investigate how the company could work with it and start using its laboratory to do their own testing. “We have already done such work as testing oil samples on behalf of Advance Oil,” he says. On a much broader front, Spanish major, Repsol, which is heavily involved in Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of its 30% shareholding in bpTT and its own oil activities off the east coast, has signed an MOU for “technical advice and assistance to university courses” as well as to help with heavy oil equipment for the PSU’s laboratory and possible “heavy oil research collaboration.” “Repsol invited us to visit its laboratory in Madrid,” Prof. Jupiter says, “and has agreed to devote 40 man hours to helping us choose equipment for our lab. When we purchase equipment, Repsol is prepared to help us.” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

The PSU is performing a crucial service here by throwing the spotlight on a potential source of crude oil that has been virtually ignored in the past.

In addition, the Spanish company sent “one of its top people” from Madrid to “give us a lecture at the Unit on how you select and rank heavy oil projects. We had 69 attendees and the information given will certainly help Trinidad and Tobago in terms of heavy oil recovery.”

hydrodynamics.” Project 1 will look at “how waves affect platforms and that type of thing,” Professor Jupiter explains 2. “The effects of fracture damage and anisotrophy on the static and dynamic elastic properties of rocks

The head of the PSU is adamant that the fall in oil prices will not affect the willingness of the private sector to continue to help fund energy-related research. “My answer to this is definitely not. The contractual arrangements we have set in place will apply whether the oil price is high or low.”

Professor Jupiter stresses that he wants to have “very good relations with the private oil companies, so the university can be relevant to the environment in which it is working. We have had dialogue with them to find out what they want from us. The response has been positive.”

In fact, he is busy developing other research projects with MEEA funding that include:

He will be working closely with the industry liaison committee, set up by the petroleum engineering department and now headed by Repsol’s Allan Russell. “We will have regular meetings with them at least once per semester to discuss our programme and how relevant it is going forward. In my view, that is critical.” 

1. “Coastal erosion, coastal flooding, coastal structure response to various loads, coastal/offshore structure vulnerability, design development and offshore

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

UWI in Society

Diplomacy and Dollars – the Caribbean Challenge

Professor Andy Knight on how Caribbean relationships are changing

Professor Andy Knight

t’s debatable whether ideology and military-might ever fully trumped money even through the peaks and troughs of post-World War II tensions, détente and eventual thawing of the Cold War in the early 1990s. Such a perspective can be said to have found willing succour at the dawn of the modern era in Latin America and the Caribbean during which time political alignments, by and large, appeared to have kept faithful stride with economic necessity over economic preference. Today, with ideological lines much less easily recognisable, the notable exceptions are providing pathways to defining the rule. However, currently divisible, for example, China, Cuba and Venezuela nevertheless continue to present to the Caribbean region the challenge of straddling the line between diplomacy and dollars, particularly in the presence of the giant neighbour to the north, the United States of America.

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Lingering ideological dynamics have been, in the view of Professor W. Andy Knight, Director of the Institute of International Relations (IIR), subjected to a virtual “lag” particularly in the case of relations that have positioned the United States on the one hand, at the end of a spectrum along which reside its hemispheric neighbours Cuba and Venezuela and an increasingly ubiquitous China. “The situation between Cuba, China and Venezuela on the one hand and the United States is a remnant of Cold War thinking,” Prof. Knight said in an interview with STAN. “Whenever there is a transition from one world to the next, you always have a lag in terms of doctrines and adherence to certain norms.” What is being witnessed in the region is a “lag of Marxism” which opened the door to defining Cuba, China and Venezuela in the same camp versus a hegemonic USA. He, however, noted that “China has moved on” and no longer adhered to the “USSR/China view of the globe” and has “realised that it has to embrace some elements of capitalism but at the same time do it at their own pace.”

“The situation between Cuba, China and Venezuela on the one hand and the United States is a remnant of Cold War thinking” “This is a very important dimension,” Prof. Knight added. “They (China) have opened up their economy to the global economy but at the same time have put in place certain structures to limit whatever damage might be caused by an open capitalist system.” It is thought in some quarters that China’s growing interest in the Americas owes more to economics than to geo-political gain, or that both features of overseas’ engagement are more frequently than not at play. The changing picture was also recently framed by the fact of the unfolding romance of Cuba by the United States. Speaking on the margins of the VII Summit of the Americas (SOA) in Panama in April, President Barack Obama said of the changing dynamic that “after 50 years of policy that had not changed on the part of the United States, it was my belief that it was time to try something new.”

41 In return, Cuban President, Raul Castro said significantly, that “everything can be on the table” in the shaping of a new relationship. But even as the major contestants appear to be accelerating the march to greater cooperation and deepened collaboration, the pace of change on the grounds of historical ideological affiliation in the Caribbean has been somewhat slower. Prof. Knight opined there might be some justification for this. “Within the Caribbean, we still have some leaders who are resistant to what we call the ‘Washington Consensus’ and therefore want to have alternatives to the United States in this region … for good reasons.” “The United States has been playing hot and cold with the Caribbean,” he added. “Sometimes they come bearing gifts … at other times they completely ignore us. So we get ignored on the one hand or we get embraced on the other hand; but it’s always hot and cold.” As a consequence, the IIR Director added, “some leaders of the Caribbean recognise this and they want to look at forging new relationships with other possible leaders and countries that can contribute to our economic and social upliftment.” Within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), for example, Belize, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines have all been rewarded, via generous international assistance grants by the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their diplomatic support. The other remaining member states maintain

Against the backdrop of the urge to develop and deepen relationships with old and new partners, as alternatives to US dependency, Prof. Knight asserted, “it’s not surprising that many Caribbean countries either select Taiwan or mainland China to do business with and to have a relationship with because they can offer certain things that the Americans may not be offering at this particular point in time.”

that has not endorsed the PetroCaribe oil alliance and also not signed on to the pro-Venezuela Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA). “Some of the Caribbean leaders, to their credit, decided to sit on the fence on this issue … to stay out of it,” Prof. Knight said. “Trinidad and Tobago surprised me because I thought they were going to sit on the fence as well. I was absolutely surprised in Panama (at the SOA) when the Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) made this announcement in support of Venezuela, because I was thinking about the repercussions this could have for United States/Trinidad relations.”

One of the challenges to a more cohesive approach to the diplomacy of dollars, Prof. Knight suggested is the fact that “CARICOM, as a group of countries still has problems getting its act together and speaking in one voice because of these kinds of rhetorical differences between the different leaders.”

There is an overall need, suggested Prof. Knight, for the countries of CARICOM to achieve a greater degree of unanimity on foreign policy issues. What is required is “a more cohesive approach to foreign policy within CARICOM.” Acknowledging that it is a difficult task, he added, “If it was easy, we would have done it already.”

In the case of Cuba, with which the regional grouping has continued to display international support, Prof. Knight suggested that in the long-run, there will be benefits to be derived from improving relations with the United States.

He further elaborated, “The leaders in the Caribbean region are like big fish in small ponds. It is very, very difficult for them to think beyond their own political space. They think about what would be best for their own national interest and don’t think what would be best for the Caribbean’s interest. I think that has to change.”

ties with the People’s Republic of China and have been at the sub-regional epicentre of dramatically intensified overseas investment and commercial activity by the communist republic.

He also expressed surprise at the concerted expression of concern by CARICOM countries over President Obama’s March 9 Executive Order which declared “a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the situation in Venezuela.” It was a move joined by countries such as Trinidad and Tobago

The best hope, Prof. Knight argued, “is that we do things collectively. I do not hold out too much hope that we will have any success in reaching a common foreign policy any time soon, but I do have a hope that the whole integration process, if started from the bottom up might be successful.” 

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UWI in Society

CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE INDEPENDENT AND RELEVANT Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine endorses the CCJ issues related to the the Treaty of Chaguaramas and an appellate jurisdiction – on ordinary appeals of law on any domestic law including criminal law, civil law, constitutional law and human rights.

Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Dean of the Faculty of Law, St. Augustine Campus, UWI, unreservedly supports the abolition of appeals to the London-based Privy Council and for more countries to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as their final appellate court. “There are no weaknesses to us adopting the CCJ. The only weakness is our reluctance and our timidity,” she said candidly. “Unreservedly, all of us need to get rid of appeals to the Privy Council. There is no justification whatsoever to retain appeals, whether it is on appeals of legal substance or whether procedural.” In fact, she added that the Faculty of Law has been for a long time supportive of abolishing the Privy Council as the final court for Caribbean countries. “I certainly endorse it,” she said emphatically. Antoine, a Professor of Labour Law & Offshore Financial Law said the Portof-Spain-based CCJ in its short tenyear history has proven its relevance to the Caribbean: “It has already proven its relevance in general because of its original jurisdiction in relation to CSME (CARICOM Single Market and Economy) and the Treaty of Chaguaramas.” She indicated that there were several trade related and judgments adjudicated by the CCJ.

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All Caribbean Community (CARICOM) jurisdictions with the exception of The Bahamas have accepted the original jurisdiction. “It is the appellate jurisdiction, appeals from domestic law that remains an issue, “ added Professor Antoine.

Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine

Further, she asserted that the jurisprudence of the Court in its appellate jurisdiction was also important to the region: “It’s certainly very relevant to those countries that have already acceded to the appellate jurisdiction and is important to those of us who have not. If we took the time, we could see the kinds of things the CCJ has been saying about jurisprudence in the Caribbean which is the fact that we share a common heritage and a legal heritage that clearly makes it relevant.” The CCJ has two distinct jurisdictions: original, to deal with

The Caribbean media’s most widely reported ruling from the CCJ was the case between Jamaican Shanique Myrie vs the State of Barbados. Ms. Myrie, then 22 years old, arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados on March 14, 2011 but was denied entry. She was subsequently subjected to a body cavity search by the Barbados Customs and Police under demeaning and unsanitary conditions and placed in a cell overnight until her deportation to Jamaica. A year later, Ms. Myrie filed an original application at the CCJ, for redress under Community law and on October 04, 2013, the CCJ’s President Sir Dennis Byron delivered the historic judgment in favour of Ms. Myrie and ordered the State of Barbados to pay her damages.

According to the Dean of the Law Faculty, this ruling in favour of a private citizen, among others, such as the TCL cases and cases on government action from Belize demonstrate that the jurisprudence of the court to date was very independent and not swayed by any government. She pointed out that arrangements for protecting the independence and integrity of the CCJ were among the finest in the world, a fact noted by UK jurists, since CCJ judges were appointed by an independent and neutral Judicial Commission unlike the US and Britain whose judges were political appointees. She also challenged the view that judges in foreign courts are immune from any subjectivity or bias, perceived or real, citing the example of the Mappin Case, involving the attempt to break the monopoly of Cable & Wireless (a UK company) in Dominica. Caribbean legal practitioners and Caribbean judges are of the highest calibre and often created the defining precedents particularly in Constitutional jurisprudence, which ended up in Privy Council judgments, although rarely getting the credit which is instead bestowed upon the Privy Council Law Lords in citations. Professor Antoine referred to statements made by former CCJ President Michael de la Bastide who noted that the Privy Council, more often than not, agreed with the local courts’ decisions and the reasoning merely adopted. Between 1983

President of the CCJ, the Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron

“We share a common heritage and a legal heritage that clearly makes it relevant.” Professor Antoine and 1993, 63 percent of decisions by local courts were upheld by the Privy Council. “The evidence is that our judges are sound,” she said. Professor Antoine also points out that through the CCJ, the Caribbean has the potential to develop its hybrid legal traditions which accommodate its civil law heritage, a move facilitated by the presence of a Dutch judge on the Court. At a CCJ Symposium earlier this year, Professor Antoine elaborated, “ I say indigenous jurisprudence, because we have recognised that when Civil law is mixed with common law,

often what bears fruit is something entirely new – hence the term hybrid - like a Julie mango – not the same as French law or Dutch law entirely as the case may be.” She also cautioned that courts often have to face what are known as ‘hard questions’, meaning controversial questions of law. Further, she added that it is a fallacy that any final court is immune from scrutiny. Certainly, neither the Privy Council nor the Supreme Court in the US has been. In fact, the Privy Council itself ‘flipflopped’ on several occasions with regard to the death penalty issue. 

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UWI in Society

Integrating Persons with Disabilities into Mainstream UWI Network Conference puts the spotlight on rights, roles and recognition The UWI Network and Outreach for Disability Education and Sensitization (NODES) in collaboration with the UWI Disability Studies Unit (DSU) held its first conference to debate how persons with different abilities and needs are perceived and educated and the structures required to enable such individuals to live as full-fledged members of Caribbean society.

he two-day conference on April 23 and 24 which had as its theme ‘Towards social integration — rights, roles, recognition of persons with disabilities’ was overwhelmingly attended and supported by persons with disabilities, activists and educators. “The most important outcome of the conference was that we brought together most, if not all, of the disability groups and activists in the country and created a real network and platform for dialogue,” said NODES Chairperson, Dr. Jean Antoine-Dunne. According to the conference’s background, Caribbean society has erected extraordinary barriers to seeing as equal those who are different. It is no coincidence that unique amongst world literatures, there are only two Caribbean literary works that in any way privilege or foreground persons with intellectual or learning disabilities. STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Dr. Jean Antoine-Dunne

The conference featured papers on topics such as: Policy formation and implementation; Legal framework; Employment and access; Representation and selffashioning; Assistive technologies; Human rights; Inclusive education; Disability trauma and abuse; Women and disability; Children and disability; Ageing and disability.

Dr. Ben Braithwaite and Niobe Rodrigues, sign language interpreter

The conference proved that there was a strong groundswell of support for action to take place but an important issue was ensuring the legal rights of all persons with disabilities.

Lianna Balkaran, presenter with cerebral palsy

According to the document, this suggests a peculiar lack of awareness amongst the most elite of Caribbean peoples about the nature of disability and the status of those with functional limitations. Through the inaugural conference, the university group demonstrated to government and policy makers how serious they were about addressing the rights and needs of persons with varying disabilities. “As a university, we are putting our intellectual weight on this,” Dr. Antoine-Dunne said adding that the

conference received tremendous support from the UWI fraternity including Campus principal, Prof. Clement Sankat, deputy principal, Dr. Rhoda Reddock and various departments. The conference which received enormous media support was also addressed by First Lady, Mrs. Reema Carmona, wife of President Anthony Carmona. There were multiple presentations by persons with different abilities and workshops on Mental Disorders; Integration and Participation and Ministering to the Disabled.

“People with disabilities have no legal rights because there is no legislation. If the law is not on your side, there is nothing you can do. The first thing that needs to be addressed is the legal safeguards to protect the rights of the disabled. We need the will to ensure that the laws are given priority,” Dr. AntoineDunne said. “We also need a policy document that will take effect immediately in relation to the education of persons with disabilities. It is of fundamental importance that we give children and young adults a right to an education that suits their potential. We don’t only need special schools, but we need to enshrine the right to an education that will develop the individual potential of each child and young person and this means giving persons with disabilites the right to mainstream education. That right should be facilitated through adequate and meaningful support, and that to me is essential.” STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Roundtable on Integration: (L - R) Dr. Beverly Beckles, Joanne Owen, Pat Clarke who is President of the Confederated Disability Groups, Ireland, Glen Niles, President of Down Syndrome Family Network

At a roundtable discussion at the US Embassy shortly after the conference, visiting guest speaker John Wodatch, a Disabilities Lawyer spoke about the need to implement legislation and the benefits of enacting disability legislation and of giving persons with disabilities access to education and services, according to Dr. AntoineDunne. Wodatch is credited with writing the first federal disability rights regulations in the 1970s, and played an important role drafting the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its implementing rules. Dr. Antoine-Dunne who has been working in the field of disability for thirty five years, both in the Republic of Ireland and in Trinidad and Tobago said it was because of education that her daughter Eileen, who was born with Down syndrome became an independent person. “It has given my daughter a voice; she perceives herself as an independent person and addresses issues and she knows her rights.”

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Roundtable on Mental Disorder: (L - R) Nicole Cowie, Jacqueline Huggins, Dr. Sarah Chin Yuen Kee and Catriona Persad

During the conference, the documentary, ‘Dis Abled Mis Labeled’ which looked at the landscape of disability in Trinidad and Tobago was screened. UWI’s Film Unit coordinator, Yao Ramesar introduced the film directed by Dr. Antoine-Dunne which documents the testimonies of persons who are living with disability themselves or affected by disabilities in a loved one, usually a child. NODES emerged out of a conviction that the many dispersed groups advocating for persons with disabilities in society could be enabled if UWI academics used their skills and training to work alongside other voluntary groups and persons

with disabilities. Other members of the NODES executive are: Dr. Paula Morgan, Dr Innette Cambridge, Dr. Benjamin Braithwaite, Joanna Owen and Jacqueline Huggins. For this conference NODES created a partnership with the DSU which pioneered Social Disability Studies in the Caribbean in 2004. The DSU facilitates the empowerment of the diverse community of persons with disabilities and has concentrated on disability as a social phenomenon and a social construct. The unit has been involved in research, publications and outreach work with persons with disabilities since its inception. 

One of the major highlights of the conference was a keynote address themed ‘Towards Independence and Social Equality’ delivered by 35-year old Eileen Dunne from Ireland who was born with Down Syndrome. She is a member of the National Advisory Council of Down Syndrome Ireland, “which means I have a say in the running of the association”. Eileen received mainstream primary, secondary and tertiary education in Ireland and has won innumerable awards. She also holds two gold medals from Special Olympics Ireland. Describing her eight years at primary school with her brothers as “very, very happy days”, Eileen said teachers and children made her feel welcome. “I became just another pupil in the school.” Describing Secondary school as a “new experience in her education” with the student body in their hundreds, Eileen highlighted some memorable events including a three-day trip to Paris and being picked to play on the school volleyball team. “My school days were really happy days. The other children accepted me. To them I was just Eileen. This has continued down the years,” said the keynote speaker who studied Business Studies at college and at graduation was awarded the Principal’s Trophy for student of the year. Eileen is back at college pursuing media studies. Although the attitude of the Irish towards persons with diasblities has improved over the last 35 years, Eileen said there is still some way to go.

Professor Rhoda Reddock, Dr. Paula Morgan, Pat Clarke, Her Excellency Mrs. Carmona, His Excellency Mr Carmona, Eileen Dunne keynote speaker, Seamus Dunne, Dr. Jean Antoine-Dunne, Naomi Dunne, Dr. Innette Cambridge

“We are no longer charity cases. We are people with special needs and it is up to meetings such as this one to point out how to meet those needs and to help us fulfill our potential in life. We are people with rights. We have the right to be accepted into the community. We have the right to have a voice in the community,” she said, noting that for the last 17 years she has participated in voting in Ireland’s elections. “We have the right to have a job that is real,” she asserted.

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Collaborations

Eye on a

NASA Career Stefan Hosein speaks about his scholarship and a lifetime opportunity Stefan stands in front of a NASA hangar with an old aircraft on display

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49 From left, David Neilson (assistant mentor), Stefan Hosein and Rodney Martin (mentor).

able to bring these techniques and knowledge back to Trinidad and Tobago is a success, not only for me but for the country on a whole.” At NASA, Hosein’s work focused on using machine learning techniques to predict alarms in the hot water pumping system at NASA’s sustainability base.

A short stint at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has whetted 21-year old Stefan Hosein’s interest in possibly landing a dream career at the US space agency. Hosein was one of two students from the St. Augustine Campus of UWI who won scholarships to participate in a four-month internship at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California beginning September 2, last year. “I would love to get a job at NASA after I finish all my studies. Next year I will be starting postgraduate studies, but once I am done, NASA is definitely at the top of my list,” he told STAN. Hosein and Jason Renwick from Santa Cruz were awarded the internships, following a rigorous competition which included more than 20 of the nation’s brightest local students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It was the first NASA International Internship Program (NASA I2) with Trinidad and Tobago as a result of a partnership between NASA and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST). Other partners included the U.S. Embassy, Port of Spain and UWI. Hosein who graduated with a degree in computer science last year and currently works as a researcher on a collaborative project between UWI & T&TEC said he is fortunate to be working on projects which are related to the research he did at NASA. “I did some work in machine learning and data mining when I was an intern and being

During his internship at NASA, he attended and made a presentation at a workshop organized by NASA, the University of California Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon University. He met “many awesome and interesting people” such as the director of NASA Ames Research Center, Simon Peter Warden who retired in March this year and one of the researchers who implemented an algorithm which is currently being used on the International Space Station and other top scientists. “It was awe-inspiring to see all these highly qualified and accomplished persons during a normal work day,” added Hosein. The NASA internship left a profound impression on him. “It made me realize what I can achieve,” he said,“I was not sure if I would be able to handle all the work that I would be assigned to do at NASA, but not only did I succeed, but my mentor requested that I come back for summer as a result of my hard work and dedication. Also, the internship allowed me to meet people from all over the world - from Mexico to Italy to India and this definitely gave me a more holistic view of the world.” Hosein went through a rigorous process before being selected for the scholarship. “After applying, there is an interview with some prominent researchers in the STEM field.” Says Hosein, “This is the most challenging part” - as the assessment is not only about intellectual ability but also looks at personality traits to determine adaptability and culture fit for NASA’s work environment and institutional values. “Once you successfully pass the interview stage, NIHERST will send the remaining applications to NASA who will make the eventual selection.” Reminiscing on the initial shock at being selected, Hosein’s enthusiasm is still very evident. Few young people will ever get the chance to visit NASA and be part of the cutting edge research. For him, it’s a lifetime opportunity that he will always cherish.  STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Collaborations

Cutting Edge of the Scientific World

Jason Renwick (second from left) and colleagues from NASA Ames

ne of the two students from UWI St. Augustine to receive a

scholarship to NASA in 2014, Jason Renwick has recently returned from his second consecutive internship with the world-renowned space agency to continue his studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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Under the mentorship of Drs. José Celaya and Chetan Kulkarni, Renwick engaged in performing aging experiments of electrolytic capacitors over a four-month period in Fall 2014 at the Prognostics Center of Excellence. He returned in the Spring term of 2015 for a second internship period during which he executed detailed analysis on the experimental data collected in his previous placement. Renwick has

been inspired by the experience which he described as a perfect fit with his career interests. He said, “I cannot begin to describe the influence studying electrical engineering had on my internship. My field of study was directly related to my area of research (and) I plan to continue studying Electrical Engineering at UWI in September in order to complete my BSc.”

Prior to joining UWI in 2013, Jason Renwick attended Trinity College, Moka where he pursued scienceoriented subjects at the CSEC and CAPE examinations. He believes that some of his success comes from creating balance in his life. While in high school he was actively involved in sports such as table tennis, cricket and dragon boating. During his internship at NASA he had less time for sports but he often socialised at nearby coffee shops where he says he met really interesting people. “My flexible work hours and the friendliness of people made bringing balance to my work and social life easy,” he says. “Some of them have become great friends.” “My coffee shop conversations have also made me a great coffee enthusiast,” he adds humorously. He did however find some time for his hobbies of astronomy and photography. Outside of those light Californian moments, his energies were entirely focussed on working on electronic prognostics as an International Intern with the Diagnostics and Prognostics Group at NASA. In simple terms, the study of electronic prognostics is the scientific investigation of electronic components to gain insights into the process of deterioration or how deteriorated components behave. The aim is to develop capability to anticipate and to predict The Remaining Useful Life (RUL) or more specifically, the amount of time a component can be expected to continue operating within its stated given specifications. Those specifications range from current health status to anticipated future operating conditions, input command, environment and loads.

“I have always considered NASA to be the best of the best and held the possibility of working there in high regard, as a life achievement.” In the research approach to prognostics in electronics, the student must direct research efforts towards a number of factors including the identification of components of interest, critical failure modes, precursors of failure under different failure mechanism conditions, modelling of degradation processes and prognostics algorithms, electrical and thermal overstress. “Electrical Engineering is not the easiest of degrees,” Renwick reflects. “We had a demanding work schedule during my time at UWI. Learning to manage my time and adapt to varying workloads helped me adjust to the working lifestyle at NASA.” So how did Renwick get NASA’s attention? He was routed through NIHERST, he explains. “NIHERST promoted the application to all students – both undergrad and postgrad.” The Institute then shortlisted twenty students for interviews after which five students were selected as the finalists. Renwick shares details of the selection process. “These five students then had their resumes forwarded to NASA Ames by NIHERST. The scientists at NASA reviewed the list against their own criteria and named the students they were bringing into the 2014-2015 programme.” Renwick was fortunate to be named in the final cut, making his once-in-a-lifetime story a reality.

He reminisces on how he jumped at the chance when he first heard of the opportunity. “I have always considered NASA to be the best of the best and held the possibility of working there in high regard, as a life achievement. Although I may have been a little sceptical at first, I did not want to let the slightest possibility of my getting accepted to work at NASA go by. I am glad I decided to give it a shot and applied.” When asked what impact the experience has had on his academic life, Renwick said, “In the Caribbean, we do not have significant grounding in research and development. The internship at NASA was purely research based and this gave me great exposure to a side of academia I may not have got in Trinidad and Tobago.” He knows that the experience has marked him but there’s one in particular that distinguishes his time at NASA. “There were many experiences to choose from but one thing that always stuck with me was the experience of being around a working quantum computer. Not everyone may be able to relate but seeing a working quantum computer solidified the idea that I was on the cutting edge of the scientific world. I certainly won’t forget that.” 

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Collaborations

Group photo at the end of the course at the Anatomy Lab with course directors, Michael James Ramdass, Professor Michael Parker and Eric Drabble (Right to left front row).

UWI brings Royal College Surgical Skills Certification to Trinidad & Tobago Department of Clinical Surgical Science inaugurates RCS courses

or the first time in Caribbean history, The University of the West Indies’ Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Mt. Hope, Trinidad was granted a franchise from the prestigious UK-based Royal College of Surgeons to conduct training of the Basic Surgical Skills course in Open surgery, Electrosurgery and Endoscopic surgery. This is done under the leadership of Dr. Michael Jimmy Ramdass, Lecturer in Surgery with the support of Head of Department, Professor Vijay Naraynsingh and Melrose Yearwood, Grade 8 Research Technician II who is also administrator for most of the short courses and workshops.

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Other countries where tertiary institutions were franchised to engage medical trainees in the Basic Surgical Skills course from the Royal College of Surgeons are Greece, Norway, Jordan, UAE, Kuwait and Bangladesh. The inaugural course conducted by the Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences took place on March 29-30, this year, at the end of which participants were able to demonstrate a wide range of surgical techniques from handling instruments and safety in theatre to undertaking bowel anastomosis, tendon repair, vascular surgical techniques and laparoscopic surgery, according to Course Director for the West Indies, Dr. Ramdass.

“It’s an inter-collegiate course and a requirement to attain the membership diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons. It’s a basic surgical requirement that all young surgical trainees, residents-intraining have to do and is mandatory in the UK,” he added. Prior to the franchise, trainees had to travel to England to undergo the course which is an expensive undertaking since additional money is required for accommodation, ground transport, meals and airfare. At UWI, trainees pay US$1500 for the course – the equivalent of the course fees in the UK. At the end of the course conducted locally, participants receive a Certificate from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Aimed at Year 2 and Specialist Trainees (ST1 & ST2) interested in pursuing a career in surgery, the course is designed to introduce core surgical skills at the very start of a surgeon’s training by teaching correct basic techniques, which may not specifically have been covered during their foundation or core training placements. The Royal College of Surgeons and the local Faculty also held three workshops in 2012, 2013 and 2014 at the Anatomy Lab at the Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Mt. Hope involving a total of 91 participants who received workshop certificates. Among those from the College were Mr. Michael Parker, Mr William Thomas and their research fellows, Mr. James Ansell and Mr. Akan Emin in the first two courses. Mr. Neil Warren of the Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy was a proctor on the January 2014 workshop to teach laparoscopic skills. In the more recent course in 2015, there were thirteen local academic members including external assessor of the College, Mr. Eric Drabble, Dr. Ramdass, Professor Naraynsingh, Mr. Ravi Maharaj, Mr. Patrick Harnarayan, Dr. Dilip Dan, Dr. Shamir Cawich, Mr. Dale Hassaranah, Mr. Ian Ramnarine, Mr. Dexter Thomas, Mr. Lakhan Roop, Dr. Yardesh Singh, Dr. Dave Harnanan, and Dr. Nigel Bascombe. In open surgery, trainees were coached in understanding and practicing safe operating techniques, gowning and gloving, the correct techniques for laying safe surgical knots, characteristics and handling of surgical instruments, principles

Students Avinash Nath and Shanta Baijoo being supervised by Professor Michael Parker on Surgical Techniques at the Anatomy Lab.

of handling tissues and recognising differing requirements for differing sites (e.g. skin, bowel, abdominal wall, vessels and tendons), local anaesthetic techniques, and assessment and primary surgical management of infected and contaminated soft tissues. They were also taught the principles behind the practical and safe use of electro-surgery devices. In endoscopic surgery trainees learnt the differences between open and endoscopic surgery, including the manipulation of instruments in a three-dimensional surgical environment while viewing a remote two-dimensional image. They were able to practice visuospatial awareness involved in depth cueing and the ‘fulcrum’ effect of instrument manipulation. Yearwood said the course is also open to trainees from other Caribbean countries and the faculty has already received a number of queries. “We’ve made provision for

(Above) Students learn laparoscopic techniques under the supervision of Dr. Shamir Cawich using equipment donated by Storz, Germany.

regional students,” she said, adding that accommodation at a reduced cost has already been arranged. Dr. Ramdass said the 2015 course which involved 30 students was oversubscribed and plans are in place to have a further 30 students for each of the 2016 courses. “In the future, we would like to have it twice a year in March and November and we already have approval from the College.”  For further information on the course, contact: Melrose Yearwood at melrose.yearwood@sta.uwi.edu or Dr. Michael J. Ramdass at jimmyramdass@gmail.com STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Collaborations

Cultural Dexterity and Caribbeanness Representing The UWI at the 24th Annual Havana International Book Fair

By Dr. Armando García de la Torre & Dr. Nicole Roberts

Cuba nos une en extranjero suelo, Auras de Cuba nuestro amor desea: Cuba es tu corazón, Cuba es mi cielo, Cuba en tu libro mi palabra sea. Jose Marti

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he plane touched down around 6 p.m. Cuban time to thunderous applause. It was an odd but somehow pleasant feeling to finally touchdown in Cuba. The Cuba of Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro. The Cuba of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Revolution. The Cuba of Ernest Hemingway and Reinaldo Arenas. The Cuba of Celia Cruz and José Martí. My “Dreaming in Cuban” had become reality.

55 Panellists: Dr. Garcia (far left) and Dr. Pemberton (second from right)

We were here as part of a UWI, Faculty of Humanities and Education delegation of six lecturers and instructors from the departments of History and Modern Languages and Linguistics, to the 24th Annual Havana International Book Fair [Feria Internacional del Libro de la Habana]. The 2015 Fair took place over a ten-day period from February 12 with more than 300,000 attendees and nearly 1,500 exhibitors and presenters; the largest in the Caribbean. Each year the Fair is dedicated to a nation of our world. This year’s honoree was India, showcasing Cuban editions of Indian authors and sacred Hindu texts. The historic 18th century Spanish colonial fortress complex of San Carlos de la Cabaña served as the main exhibition centre together with El Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, as well as several subvenues across the capital, including Pabellón Cuba, and the Centro Dulce María Loynaz where literary, artistic and academic events were scheduled. Dr. Claudius Fergus (Head, History), Dr. Nicole Roberts, (Head, Modern Languages and Linguistics), Dr. Armando García de la Torre (History), Diego Mideros Camargo (Instructor, Spanish), Paola Palma Rojas

Statue of El Libertador Bolívar on Ave. de los Presidentes

(Instructor, Spanish) and Dr. Rita Pemberton (History, Retired Senior Lecturer) engaged in presentations and discussions throughout the Book Fair. Dr. García de la Torre organized and chaired this first panel from The UWI, St. Augustine to present at the prominent Havana event. Cosponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Cuba, the panel session, entitled, “The Caribbean: Perspectives from Trinidad and Tobago” featured research presentations by Drs. Fergus, Pemberton and Roberts. The panel brought together enlightening perspectives on PanCaribbeanism, specifically, Sport as a catalyst for Pan-Caribbean consciousness in early 20th century Trinidad (Dr. Fergus); the evolution of a Caribbean curriculum in History at secondary and tertiary levels and its concomitant development

in Trinidad and Tobago’s Education policies (Dr. Pemberton); and the challenges and opportunities for multilingual publications in the Caribbean (Dr. Roberts). The panel was favourably received by a large audience of Cuban scholars, journalists, secondary and tertiary students, and the general public. Following the panel session, the Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago in Cuba, Dr. Jennifer Jones Kernahan hosted a reception in honour of the visiting UWI scholars. It was an evening of Trini culture in Cuba amidst the sounds of steel pan as well as short films of life in the twin island republic. Along with the visiting delegation, dignitaries of the Diplomatic Corps in Cuba and of the Cuban Ministries of Foreign Relations and Tertiary Education and other top scholars from the University of Havana were in attendance. STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Castillo El Morro in Havana

El Capitolio in Old Havana

Throughout the week the FHE lecturers also visited and held meetings at diverse Cuban institutions such as: UNEAC (National Union of Cuban Authors and Artists), where leading Cuban authors were interviewed; Casa de las Américas (Institute for the Study of the Americas); the Headquarters of the Cuban National Programme for Martí Studies; and the Foundation Antonio Núñez Jiménez (Institute for the Study of the Environment and Indigenous Cultures). The lecturers also met with the Lead Historian and Director of the National Library of Cuba and members of the Cuban Academy of History, and visited the Revolutionary Museum Abel Santamaría and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de la Habana. Also, discussions were held to bring the annual conference of the Association of Caribbean Historians to Cuba. In the Faculty of Humanities and Education, as researchers and teachers we are constantly seeking to advance the social conscience of our students who we feel must

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graduate from The UWI with a steadfast commitment to the Caribbean region. In collaboration with the vision and mission of The UWI, we seek to ensure that our students, like ourselves, are deeply rooted in Caribbean development. It is clear that a failure to prepare for the globalised world is to fail our own economy, our region and our people. For this reason, we feel that this visit to Cuba was pivotal to capitalising on the richness of Cuban and Trinbagonian intellectual resources, assisting with our own appreciation of diversity and ensuring that we continue to promote the experience of global mobility as a real one for our students. Overall, the panel presentation by The UWI FHE scholars as well as the visits and meetings proved to be successful, opening new roads for future collaborations and exchanges between The UWI, St. Augustine campus and leading institutions in Cuba. But it is important that this should not remain as simply another UWI trip to a Caribbean country

with little or no outcomes. In the interest of relevancy and engaging Caribbean real world learning, The UWI must continue to further promote the sharing of cultural experiences both at the level of staff and the student body. It is through such initiatives and visits that information is strengthened and trust established between nations at the level of the people. An MOU between The UWI and the University of La Habana exists. There is a need for enhancing that agreement and further expanding it to include other such institutions in Cuba. This kind of capacity building can and should take place at the level of The UWI so as to continue to build on its current strategic goal of regionalism and internationalisation.  Dr. Armando García de la Torre is a Lecturer in History, UWI, St. Augustine. His area of specialisation is Latin American Studies. Dr. Nicole Roberts is a Senior Lecturer in Spanish and Head, Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at The UWI, St. Augustine. She is also a translator.

The UWI forges relations with Cuba APRIL 2015 His Excellency Guillermo Vázquez Moreno, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Trinidad and Tobago paid a courtesy call on University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat. During the visit, they discussed possibilities for collaboration, particularly in Research and Innovation Management Systems, Molecular Science, Agroprocessing, specialist Health Services, Music, Arts and Culture, Software Development, Informatics and the preservation of historical buildings.

JULY 2015 Professor Sankat delivers an address at the University of Havana, Cuba.

Professor Sankat preparing to deliver his speech at the University of Havana

They looked at the potential for the establishment of Postgraduate exchange programmes between both countries and the possibility of facilitating Cuban students to pursue their higher degrees at The UWI under its Pan-Caribbean initiative.

Professor Sankat (left) greets Fransisco González García, Rector of the University of Havana. On the right is Sharan Singh, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement and Internationalisation, UWI

Left to right: Sharan Singh, Fransisco González García, and Professor Clement Sankat in front of the university’s ‘Alma Mater’ statue

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Perspectives

“I’m not your traditional mother,” says Giselle LarondeWest. “As a life choice, I work full-time and I’m also wife and mother.. Housework is something that’s shared in our home like everything else.” In her contemporary lifestyle, Giselle has distilled what it means to be a good mother, the proof of which is two sons, 21-year old Kye and 16-year old Kristof, well on their way to being responsible young men. “We are very proud of them,” she says of her sons.

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Giselle Laronde-West’s untraditional parenting

“In the year (1987) when I travelled as Miss World – beauty with a purpose – it was all charity work: fashion shows, appearances to raise funds for children around the world. It was eye-opening and heart-wrenching to be among children in poverty and extreme circumstances. I lived with a new family, the Morleys and loved the travelling, the good life, being independent. It was glamorous on the outside, but I became self-reliant. I leaned how to do my own hair and makeup, earned an income and cultivated the discipline of being on time, every time and maintaining a professional approach in any given situation.” However, she was determined to return to Trinidad, to family and friends. It was an emotional time, growing up away from Trinidad, figuring out what was “normal life” and adjusting to fit back into home.

“In that year, I earned enough to go to university. But I spent the next two years in the Caribbean being Miss World in the other islands. I entered Goldsmith College in London in 1989, and completed the degree in Communications and Sociology. I was returning to Trinidad with a job at the Trinidad Hilton, so I spent six months in Hiltons around London.” Laronde-West was the public relations officer of the Trinidad Hilton from 1992 until 2001. On returning to Trinidad, she married Heathcliffe. “My good friend became more than a good friend,” she says. They were married in 1993. A year later her son Kye was born and five years later Kristoff came along. It might seem that she sailed through motherhood, taking everything in stride.

But La Ronde-West believes that parenting is not a one-person task. “The only thing that works is a good support system. Our parents were accommodating for babysitting. But it’s important that your partner understands you, your job, your desire to succeed. We complemented each other. If one parent was not there at the end of the work day, the other was there. If I had to stay late at the Hilton, Heathcliff made sure to leave his job at four. And if he was in the theatre, I had to be home.” “Of course, every woman’s initial instinct is to care for the children, so there’s that emotional pull. It’s just as important for children to know their parents. Having good baby sitters or day care makes a big difference. We’ve had a very good person to take care of them for the last ten years. We also have very close family – my sister has two girls, born just after the boys, so there’s the extended family of cousins. Both parents need to understand the roles and responsibilities of being parents. It’s a privilege and honour to bring a child into the world,” she says. The word for Laronde-West might be equanimity: the quality of being calm and even-tempered, composure. Or what the Buddhist calls upeksha (Sanskrit) which means “nonattachment, nondiscrimination, even-mindedness, or letting go.” This is how she describes herself, “I’ve always been level-headed.

What will be, will be. And I leave the flow of life to God.I believe my greater impact will be to give back to the earth, through young people,” she asserts. She might add, beginning with her sons. But she is also a role model to young women, especially those going into business. She is ready to train, mentor, coach youngsters in etiquette, diplomacy, communications skills. Laronde-West stresses the benefit of sport to a healthy mind and lifestyle. Swimming, athletics, netball, volleyball, hockey, she played them all in secondary school. Today, she is still a sensei at the Shotokan Karatedo International Federation Trinidad & Tobago (SKIFTT) and competes internationally. Both Kye and Kristof are black belt karatekas. Kye plays football and entered university on a football scholarship. Kristof is on the national waterpolo team (under-17). “Both boys are steeped in our culture too: music, entertainment. They have grown up seeing Heathcliff and me, involved. What they have developed that is surprising is an entrepreneurial streak. Kye is part of the company, called Trump that creates the Island Crashers parties in Tobago over the last weekend in June. Kristof has created his own line of accessories, Toff Beads,” she added. She is quietly proud of the ways in which they astonish her. “We’ve always been a close family. We travel every year. A new country, different people are an education in itself. We have loved our sons. We have also

given them respect, to be who they are, and do what they want to do. Yes, they have had opportunities, and we are happy to have afforded some. We dearly hope they will have good lives.” For herself, she says, “I have been (the corporate communications manager) at Angostura for 15 years. When I left the Hilton – for no other reason than wanting a change – I chose to remain in hospitality. I haven’t regretted being here, and will most likely remain until I retire.” That does not mean that she is settled. Laronde-West still accepts challenges, and interviews and writes about youth for Maco People Trinidad. She stretches herself in other ways too: seeking spirituality and the essence of Christianity rather than religion and looking for the fitness regime that suits her lifestyle. Here is a woman living the life she might have dreamed of when she was 23, before she was persuaded to enter the Miss Trinidad and Tobago leg of the Miss World contest. Even those twists and turns of destiny have not swayed her. “It was a divine path,” she says today. It did not change the essential Giselle, the woman who has blossomed into a loving mother, good wife, career executive, writer, citizen and exemplar. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Perspectives

r. Gabrielle Hosein refers to herself as a mothering worker. Anyone reading her weekly column Diary of a Working Mother in the Trinidad Guardian since its inception in 2012 would have followed Dr. Hosein’s development from birthing and nurturing, to a fierce and empowering motherhood that is concerned, not just with the child, but with the world that she must inhabit. Her column which began as an online blog the year before (http://grrlscene.wordpress. com) evolved into a citizen’s perspective of many things – politics, economics, selfhood and empowerment – even as it continues to observe the world as the place where all children should to be safe and loved.

Photo: Arvin Isaac

A ‘Mothering’ Worker Dr. Gabrielle Hosein finds balance in a feminist space

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Dr. Hosein is a lecturer at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), at St. Augustine, UWI. In 2014, she became the Graduate Studies Coordinator of the Institute’s programme. She completed her M.Phil in Gender and Development Studies in 2004 and a PhD in Anthropology at the University College in London four years later with a thesis titled ‘Everybody have to eat: Politics and Governance in Trinidad’. Dr. Hosein doesn’t see herself leaving the Institute which she describes as an academic space that is feminist, committed to activism and social change. She credited Professors Rhoda Reddock and Patricia Mohammed for creating “a scholarship that wasn’t here before; fostered research that did not exist.” Because of their work, the Institute is a dynamic, path-shaping place advocating better understanding of men’s and women’s status. In order to do her life work – teaching, engaging, activism, academic research and writing and raising her daughter, Ziya – Dr. Hosein has to organize and marshal her time. “I devote a lot of time to the job during the week. On two nights, my classes run late, 8 p.m. I have chosen to give all to the career during the week, including the writing which most academics use their weekends for. But when I leave at 4.30 p.m. on Fridays, my weekend belongs to Ziya.”

“UWI thus presents itself as a model workplace which hopefully will cast its influence on other agencies and institutions in the Caribbean.” She adds, “I am fortunate to have a support system - our West Indian tradition of grandparents bringing up children – in my mother. Ziya spends two nights with my mom when I may not see her at all, but I am glad that they have that chance to create a relationship. I pick up Ziya on Mondays. My husband picks up on Tuesday to allow me to work until 11 p.m.” Her time off on weekends is spent in nature or activities with the now four year old. “Although I breastfed for two and a half years, I was back to work after five months.” The IGDS is currently working with the Human Resources Department to draft guidelines for a Gender Policy at the UWI St. Augustine. “Creating this policy places the university once more in the forefront, not only in research and professional training, but in establishing the means through which men and women may work in society in equitable

and harmonious ways. The UWI thus presents itself as a model workplace which hopefully will cast its influence on other agencies and institutions in the Caribbean,” wrote Prof. Mohammed. The Institute has also proposed a significant research study on Work/ Life Balance and Aging covering the working population and focusing on the challenges of working mothers. Mothers in the work force often do double duty: the work outside the home, be it a career or simply to supplement the family’s income; and mothering whether one child or many. Until the expectations of the society change to expand the father’s role, by and large, the routine caring and nurturing tasks of parenting fall to the mother. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

The Dean’s List

A Step-wise Progression to Deanship

ut-going Dean of Medical Sciences, Prof. Samuel Ramsewak looks back at his tenure at The University of

the West Indies (UWI) spanning over two decades at various teaching and administrative levels and there are no regrets. “It’s taken a lot out of me but it was an opportunity, a privilege to be at this level. I never in my wildest imagination saw myself in this position coming through school and at university. Although it took a lot out of me, I’m not in any way disappointed that I took this road; it just happened, from one thing to the other,” he said of the 24 years he spent at the university. Describing himself as a “country person,” growing up in Sangre Grande and attending the Guaico Presbyterian School, Professor Ramsewak looks forward to being involved in family-oriented activities when he demits the Dean’s office at the end of July after serving two terms.

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His departure also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Faculty of Medical Sciences as a full faculty of the UWI. The Faculty includes the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing and a programme of Optometry. There are also plans to continue his affiliation with the university. “I see myself maybe getting back into my clinical work, bearing in mind that I have been in administration for 8 years so (I’m) expecting to find my feet again and I want to undertake some courses and attend some workshops, so whatever continuing medical educational activities, I would want to do that. I would want to look particularly at areas which speak to standards of institutional development,” he said. Prof. Ramsewak joined The UWI in 1991 as a senior lecturer, having already embarked on a significant research agenda in his field of obstetrics and gynaecology and was appointed chair and professor. Along the way, he went on to become the head of obstetrics and gynaecology unit, then as head of the surgical department, elevated to deputy dean and finally to deanship. “It was a step-wise progression, I was seeing the platforms developing along the way, so I felt comfortable coming into this and I think this has been one of the real important things that served me well in being able to understand the university at all its levels,” he remarked.

Upon his appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, he drew up a map in which he identified priority areas. The first was the human aspect of the enterprise. Again relying on his simple, country upbringing and a natural affinity for bonding with people, he developed an open door policy for his staff and students. “In other words, I felt that I had to work with people in such a way as to make them comfortable, that they were not to feel that the administration was antagonistic to them. I felt it was important that they had a voice; that they could approach me and it’s the reason why I never closed my office door.” The second goal was developing graduate programmes which saw an increase in students from 5060 when he became dean to the current figure of close to 400. “I see that as one of the real positive developments in the faculty over the years and lots more can be done,” he added. Another goal was responding to the needs of students. Drawing an example, he said two years ago, the Faculty approached the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tertiary Education and the South West Regional Health Authority to allocate and refurbish a three-story building to house students who were on a 4-6 week rotation at the San Fernando General Hospital. Improvements were also made in the shuttle service between Mt. Hope and the St. Augustine Campus; the creation of a recreation and study centre and a fully equipped gym for students.

“I felt it was important that they had a voice; that they could approach me and it’s the reason why I never closed my office door.” A major goal achieved was attaining financial independence for the Faculty of Medical Sciences. ”It was a major transformation. Part of this was that we achieved a very small increase in tuition fees but we increased the number of students and cut expenses in many areas, so that was a kind of economic transformation for us,” said Professor Ramsewak. He is immensely proud that the Faculty of Medical Sciences has produced scores of professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists throughout the Caribbean. “One thing I try to tell people is that they are not here for just an education; they are here to be relevant to the society. I think we are accomplishing that,” he said. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

The Dean’s List

Marked by Innovation and Creativity Professor Brian Copeland reflects on his eight years as Dean

rian Copeland is passionate about teaching. His

approach to the classroom is one of collaboration, drawing out an exchange of ideas that values perspectives of both the student and the teacher.

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He is currently wrapping up his eight years as Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UWI’s St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad. As he leaves, he is less focussed on looking back and more on looking forward. His natural capacity for ideas and his curiosity to forge solutions, keeps him occupied way beyond the classroom. Research and innovation he believes, are central to national development and wealth creation. He is very much committed to directing current thinking in education towards building a culture of innovation through research, lectures and by example.

His areas of interest are broad and include design projects in microprocessing systems, complex logic systems using CPLDs, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and advanced control system algorithms. He has also invested heavily in Technology Management with significance to the economies of small states and with noted success, has conducted extensive research and application of Steelpan Technology – specifically, amplification, digital synthesis, sound field mapping and modal studies.

In an article on “Sustainable Development in T&T and the Caribbean: Innovation Systems’ which he co-authored with St. Clair King, he advances the cause for diversification. Premised on the fact that our petroleum resources are finite and that the economy is vulnerable to external shocks, Professor Copeland posits “that economic diversification in today’s globalised economy depends not on continued increase in productivity in the exploitation of our economic factors, but in continuing increases in innovation in the creation of products and services.” What is required, he advocates, is an Innovation System. Copeland explains the term. While innovation describes a product or process that has been created anew and has begun to produce returns on investment and value to society, an Innovation System is a structure which allows for innovations or creative ideas to be nurtured to successful commercialization. Innovation Systems he says, are an innate and essential characteristic of all developed nations. For the nations of the region to collectively achieve developed status, he believes “they must close the gaps in the wealth generation pyramid, kick-start the engine of knowledge innovation and then proceed to maintain the system.” “If we have an innovative and life-long learning society, which possesses a community of scholars, researchers, engineers,

technicians, research networks, and firms engaged in research and in production of hightechnology goods and service provision,” he says, it then forms a “national innovation production system, which is integrated into international networks of knowledge production, diffusion, utilization, and protection.” It is his thinking on Innovation Systems that has focussed his creative energies into the steelpan and the Steelpan Initiatives Project - the PHI and the revolutionary G-Pan which has been now made famous through international exposure by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO). The band, with its repertoire of Latin, Jazz and Calypso music, has played throughout Trinidad and Tobago, at Carifesta in Guyana and of note for King Juan Carlos of Spain during his visit to President’s house. The G-pan includes a tenor pan which features 37 notes instead of 29 and three full octaves rather than the two and a half octaves of the tenor. The instrument consists of three drums with 36 notes each, which eliminate the need for four, six, nine and twelve bass pans in a steel orchestra. While his deanship will be forever marked by his pioneering work in pan and the theory of Innovative Systems for wealth generation, Copeland has also been recognised for his role in establishing the Mona School of Engineering in 2009 and in introducing the pre-engineering programme as a more natural

... economic diversification depends on ... continuing increases in innovation in the creation of products and services. progression into the discipline through immersion - a more hands on exposure to engineering through a vocational study programme taught through the NESC. Of significance also, has been his work in developing a more transparent and relevant set of metrics for professional staff assessment and the codification of administrative systems, curriculum delivery and teaching spaces. Among these are the Faculty Administrative Handbook, the creation of the Classroom Technology Support Unit which provides technical support and recommends new technologies for classrooms, and the Standards for Instructional Spaces which addresses location, geometry, door location, seating, acoustics, lighting, ventilation, black/whiteboard sizing and location and a number of other features to enhance the teaching and learning experience. 

STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

My Campus

Rhodes Scholar Cherrelle Dacon

aims to improve the quality of life for HIV positive individuals Cherrelle Dacon, a 23-year old Research Assistant at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine has copped the prestigious Caribbean Commonwealth Rhodes Scholarship from a field of seven candidates. It was the second time in three years that a recipient from UWI, St. Augustine has been awarded the prestigious honour. Cherrelle obtained her BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at the University of the West Indies where she is also engaged in postgraduate studies in the Management of HIV Infection. Her work as a Research Assistant has focused on the molecular characterization of avian pathogens towards the development of an effective vaccine against bacterial infections. Academically, she is interested in researching chronic HIV infection, particularly the systemic effects of HIVassociated inflammation and development of novel strategies to detect and eliminate reservoirs of the virus. Ultimately, she aims to improve the quality of life and interventions available to HIV positive individuals.

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Cherrelle at work

STAN’s Q&A with Rhodes recipient, Cherrelle Dacon:

You were selected for the Rhodes scholarship from a short-list of seven candidates – what edge did you have over the other candidates? It might seem cliché, but I am very proud of the other candidates as finalists; they represented the Commonwealth Caribbean well and I’m glad that my Rhodes experience gave me the chance to meet and ‘lime’ with them.

I can’t say for sure what edge I had over the other candidates since we each presented unique talents and interests to the selection committee. However, I’m confident that my involvement in well-rounded activities outside of my academic interests played a significant part in their final decision. As a UWI St. Augustine student, I volunteered for and was President of the UWI Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, an international non-profit organization that works to provide safe and affordable housing to low income families. I also served as a Vice-Chancellor’s Ambassador of the UWI Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (UWI STAT) corps, of which I am currently an Alumni Ambassador. In terms of sport, I am an avid dragon boater having first started competing with Holy Name Convent Secondary School’s team and currently competing with team Angels and Saints. In my opinion, the screening and selection committees must judge the applications of numerous immensely talented individuals every year, thus the application and interview processes are the sole chances to demonstrate the unique passions and talents that make you the choice candidate for the Rhodes Scholarship. Therefore, my most important piece of advice to anyone applying for the Rhodes is the same that was given to me by my mother and sister: “Be yourself!” How did UWI contribute towards your success? UWI St. Augustine’s academics and research focus on areas of importance to the Caribbean community, and I think this approach impacted my decision to study HIV infection; a disease which has had profound health and social impacts on the region. I’m also very thankful to my lecturers for their support during my time at the UWI and also for the invaluable support and advice I got from them during my application and admissions process. The availability of a wide range of opportunities for social involvement that are available to students at the UWI was also crucial to my success as most of my extra-curricular activities (UWI STAT and Habitat for Humanity) were based on the St. Augustine campus. As a student volunteer, I was happy to see Student Advisory Services hosting an annual Volunteer Open Day as part of their UWI Engaging the Community initiative; I hope this initiative continues and that students will take advantage of the volunteer opportunities at the UWI.

Graduation

How important it is for students to engage in wellrounded activities? How has this worked for you? I think it is extremely important for students to engage in extra-curricular activities because they aid in your personal and academic development. Volunteer experience for example, allows you to give back to your community, teaches you valuable life skills, exposes you to potential career paths and is valued by employers. Naturally, I have a quiet personality, but my experiences as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and UWI STAT Ambassador challenged me to interact with new persons and thereby improve my communication skills. Involvement in sport can also complement your academics. On a dragon boat I set small goals for myself – to keep paddling no matter how tired I get during the session; to work on a flaw in my technique; to encourage newer team members – and when I achieve these goals, I move on to others. Similarly, I tend to utilise the discipline and perseverance that I’ve honed through the sport to continuously improving my academic performance. In terms of the Rhodes Scholarship, Cecil Rhodes envisioned scholars as individuals who would not only have intellectual and academic achievements, but would also demonstrate leadership abilities, integrity of character, sympathy for and protection of the weak and the energy to use their talents to the full, as evidenced through participation in sport. Therefore my involvement in extra-curricular activities was crucial to my selection as the 2015 Commonwealth Caribbean scholar.

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Overall, I think it is most important for students to devote their time causes and activities in which they have a strong personal interest as you tend to make a greater contribution to your communities and learn a lot more out of your extra-curricular experiences in this way. Did you think you might ever end up at Oxford? No, I definitely didn’t think that I would end up pursuing my DPhil at Oxford. As a BSc Biochemistry student, I became passionate about studying immunology at a more advanced level and because I knew that I’d need a scholarship to fund my postgraduate studies, I’d been researching prospective courses and funding opportunities for a while. Although the programme at University of Oxford matched my research and academic interests perfectly, I had actually crossed Oxford off my shortlist because I felt that my application would not have been competitive enough to gain admission. It wasn’t until I’d been shortlisted to the interview for the Rhodes Scholarship that I began to consider that I had a sound chance of being accepted to my programme of choice. Overall, my experience has definitely taught me not to be reluctant to have great ambitions and that a belief in your ability to achieve your goals is as essential to success as are hard work and dedication. Are you looking forward to your time at Oxford? Of course I am and on so many different levels! My programme (DPhil in Infection, Immunology and Translational Medicine) exactly matches my academic interests in HIV infection because of its focus on applying research in infection and immunity to improving available treatments for immune mediated diseases, so I’m very excited to get started on it. Apart from academics, the city and University of Oxford are renowned for their rich history and cosmopolitan nature so I look forward to soaking up as much of the city’s culture- its historic buildings, museums and theatre as I can. I love photography as well, so I’m keen to start exploring the nooks and crannies of the city with a camera in hand. I’m also particularly looking forward to meeting the other scholars in the Class of 2015; we’ve been getting to know each other via social media and e-mail so we’re all eager STAN JULY JULY--SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER2015 2015

to finally see each other and interact in the flesh. Between my studies, activities at Rhodes House and student life, I doubt that I’ll have a dull moment at Oxford! What are going to be your goals when you arrive there to the time you leave? One of my main goals is to continue to apply myself academically and successfully complete my DPhil. I also look forward to participating in sports and volunteer work as part of the Oxford community and if possible, I’d like to collaborate with the Jamaican and Commonwealth Caribbean scholars on outreach activities that will impact our region. I also plan to further develop my leadership abilities through interactions and activities with the Rhodes community. I feel incredibly lucky to have won the 2015 Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes, so my plan is simply to learn as much as I can during my time at Oxford and to enjoy my experience as a Rhodes Scholar to the fullest. 

My Campus

SOLAR ENERGY POLICIES, SOCIETY AND CULTURE Rhodes Scholar Kiron Neale’s journey at Oxford Beyond academia, he is also an individual who loves the performing and creative arts and often expresses this through hip-hop break-dancing and painting with watercolours and acrylics. However this artistic side is very much balanced by an active sporting life that revolves around football and sprinting. Though harmonizing sport and the arts is quite challenging, he admits that they all happen in their own timing and bring much fun into his regular routine.

iron Neale is the 10th Trinidad and Tobago national to have received a Rhodes Scholarship tenable at Oxford University in the U.K. and also the final Valedictorian of the U.W.I.’s Faculty of Science and Agriculture 2012 Graduation Ceremony at the Trinidad campus (the Faculty was demerged later that academic year). He pursued a BSc. in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, and Geography whilst at the U.W.I. and even did a student exchange visit to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. His work at present revolves around solar energy

but specifically looks at bridging the gaps between residential solar energy policy, society and culture. Kiron’s research is focused on Trinidad and Tobago and his solar interests have taken him through an MSc. in Environmental Change and Management and at present, a DPhil in Geography and the Environment both at the University of Oxford. Still at Oxford, Kiron is also presently the President of the Linacre College Common Room and manages the student-oriented affairs of his college together with a vibrant Executive team.

What has been your experience so far at the University of Oxford? My time at Oxford has been quite transformative thus far. I’ve been exposed to a rich and certainly unique academic experience that can truly be seen as the Oxford brand and all that it entails. The major highlights for me have certainly been travelling all over the U.K. with my classmates during my MSc. in Environmental Change and Management. I can also add the camaraderie of the Rhodes community and family-like ambience of college life at Linacre College to this list. I’ve been part of the University’s track and field team, my college’s football team, as well as occasionally danced and performed at several of the Rhodes events held here at Oxford. I have also had the chance to visit some amazing places as well- from Italy and Greece last year to places further east such as Pakistan back in March of this year. Recently, I have taken up the position of President of the Linacre College Common Room (essentially the college’s student body). It’s a prestigious and demanding role but one that I enjoy; trying to address the college’s student-oriented issues and representing the student body to the College itself. However, on a more academic note, now that I am presently pursuing my DPhil (Oxford’s PhD), it has been a truly a mind opening journey. STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

Meeting HRM Queen Elizabeth II

The flexibility of the programme at least in terms of schedule is quite rewarding, in that it gives me the chance to learn and explore at my own rate and in my own way; of course guided by supervisors who have a wealth of knowledge and fascinating academic input. The experience at Oxford has been and is truly a life changing one hands down. What would be the most valuable memory to date? Perhaps one of the most memorable moments during my time at Oxford (perhaps the crowning moment of my experience thus far....no pun intended) was getting to meet Her Royal Majesty at a reception held for Youth, Education and the Commonwealth back in 2013. My first day of arriving in the U.K. and Oxford saw me collecting an invitation from Buckingham Palace to attend this reception which as you can imagine was a most special way to be oriented to British life. However, whilst this was a most memorable occasion, if I were to think reflectively, the memories and experiences I’ve had at Oxford would all be part of this great and fantastic phase of my life that would in essence define itself not by a single memory or event but by everything that my tenure at Oxford would STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

have taught me and engraved in me. I think the individual that would return from Oxford would be different to the one that would’ve gone in. And on that basis my memories and whatever words of advice I may have been told would be part of who I am; so returning simply as the man that I will become is the most valuable thing in itself. What areas of research are you currently engaged in? Though my overarching research looks at the potential nexus been residential solar energy policies, society and culture in Trinidad and Tobago, I am engaged in a comparative study of small island states to identify lessons-learnt, best practice and knowledge transfer possibilities from other more successful solarized island energy systems. With that said, I literally just returned from Hawaii where I met with some of their key policymakers and actors in their energy system on the island of Oahu. I developed a residential social housing solar energy index for my MSc research which allowed me to map and index Canada, the U.S.A. as well as Trinidad and Tobago. The index considered incoming insolation, household energy consumption, photovoltaic efficiency, electricity grid pricing, solar system costs and a few more

secondary factors. The mapping and indexing was done at the state/ province/municipal level yielding a total of 79 locations that were examined. Of these locations, Hawaii emerged as number 1 and even further, it was the only location to make the standards for favourability as guided by the index’s framework. This then meant that as island states, there can be opportunities for comparison between Trinidad and Tobago and Hawaii. This comparison was made even stronger when careful study revealed that the conditions in both locations were quite similar with the only difference being noted in the price of residential electricity (a difference that has its roots set in the export/import nature of the respective locations). This is an important distinction to have been made and highlights our local energy context in Trinidad and Tobago as a challenging one for alternative energy not only solar as a specific resource (namely for legislative and socio-economic reasons). So having continued my solar research at the doctoral level, the indexing exercise pointed me in the direction of case studies, in this case Hawaii, which displayed progressive solar energy management at the governmental level. The next step would be exploring the sociocultural dynamics surrounding energy in Trinidad and Tobago and teasing out the factors that can influence the implementation of residential solar energy such that it is a mainstreamed energy resource (where mainstreaming is a state beyond implementation). 

My Campus

UWI Games 2015

Some 500 Caribbean athletes from the St. Augustine, Mona, Cave Hill and Open campuses gathered in Trinidad in the last week of May to compete in the biennial Inter-Campus Games. Participants displayed their skills in ten sporting disciplines as they vied for the coveted championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cup that would distinguish them as the best sporting team of The University of the West Indies. Athletes took part in Basketball, Football, Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Cricket, Netball and 6-a-side Hockey.

The Champion Campus this year was Mona. PERSPECTIVE STAN JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015

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Photos: Keiyon Mitchell

The popular annual UWI T20 2015 Tournament took place at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground of the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), between January and April 2015. Twelve teams started the competition, playing preliminary, quarter-final and semi-final rounds with undefeated teams progressing to the final, to battle for for a cash prize of TT$30,000. Emerging as winner of the 2015 competition was Club Crusoe of Tobago which defeated FC Clarke Road in the Final. Club Crusoe dominated at the Man-of-the-Match Awards with Captain Navin Stewart winning “Man-ofthe-Series” and the “Biggest Six - Prelims”, and Leron Lezama winning “Man-of-the-Match” of the Finals. FC Clarke Road’s Derone Davis was awarded “Biggest Six Post-Prelims”.

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