Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment & Energy meets with owner of IAI and the LR Group in Bogota, Colombia

Digital photos: Minister Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy with 
Mr. Luis Vicente Cavalli, owner of Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) and the LR Group.

The Honourable Asot Michael with a view to bringing sustainable investment to the agro-industries in Antigua and Barbuda met yesterday with Mr. Luis Vicente Cavalli owner of Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) and the LR Group.

They specialize in Agriculture and Agro-Industries, Water treatment systems, reverse osmosis plants, as well as irrigation systems specifically for agricultural projects.

Since 1986 the company has been developing projects in Africa specifically in Angola, Gabon, Uganda and The Congo. They integrate training and technical development as well as secure dedicated financing for their projects from conception to execution. One of the defining features of IAI is the way in which they promote associations between the community and industry partners. They create Multi-disciplinary farms that twin agricultural and livestock activities together with Agroindustrial centers. They construct farm buildings, storage silos, produce processing plants; and offer crop management, dairy farm development, and poultry farm related services.

Minister Michael invited the company and their technical team to Antigua to hold talks with the Honourable Arthur Nibbs and the Ministry of Agriculture to analyze and appraise areas in need of investment and technological advancement in Antigua and Barbuda. The company has also extended an invitation to Minister Nibbs and his team to Colombia and to Israel to see firsthand the possibilities in person.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda believe strongly in strengthening linkages between agriculture and tourism and the overall development of agro-industries on the island.

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Barbados offers solar water heating assistance to other countries

With over 40 years’ experience in the development of solar water heating, Barbados stands ready to lend assistance to other countries in establishing their own programmes.

This was disclosed by minister of the environment and drainage, Dr Denis Lowe, during the just-concluded United Nations Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Apia, Samoa.

“Barbados wishes to offer itself as a regional inter-governmental implementation hub to assist in the execution of programmes and projects to fast track the achievement of the SE4ALL (Sustainable Energy for All) targets,” he stated.

Noting that Barbados’ achievements in the solar water heating sector to date were without international support, but with local skills, Lowe said it was that fact which now placed the country in a position to export its local expertise to other SIDS.

“However, if we are going to make SIDS truly climate resistant, it is imperative that several steps be taken since we as SIDS can only do so much on our own to combat the effects of climate change,” he stated.

Speaking on the topic: Linking SIDS and SE4ALL: From Barbados to Samoa and Beyond, the Minister said there was a need for technological transfer with the required adaptability to the specific circumstances of SIDS, to ensure countries took advantage of the best solutions available.

Lowe stressed that a number of steps needed to be taken by SIDS in order for them to realise the SE4ALL targets. These steps include the international community entering genuine partnerships with SIDS to facilitate access to finance.

“These partnerships must be focused on concrete deliverables,” the minister stressed, adding that the commitment to prescribe resources must be followed up by genuine efforts to assist capacity and institutional building.

Lowe also pointed to the need for the requisite policy, strategic regulatory environment to be in place for the projects and programmes to be undertaken.

“Importantly, renewable energy and energy efficiency cannot be viewed in isolation but should be seen within the context of a green economy which will lead to the forging of innovative partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society and international development partners to assist in this effort,” he stated.

SOURCE:http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Barbados-offers-solar-water-heating-assistance-to-other-countries-22742.html

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Antigua resident a semifinalist in world’s largest speech contest

ST JOHNS, Antigua -- Pearl Quinn Williams of Antigua outshone more than 13 regional participants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, representing 20 territories from Haiti in the north to Guyana in the south, with representation from the French, Spanish, Dutch and English Caribbean. 

Pearl Quinn Williams

Williams has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the contest. She is vying for one of nine spots in the World Championship of Public Speaking to be held at the Toastmasters International Convention on August 23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Williams, a member of The Antigua Toastmasters Club, in St John’s, Antigua, overcame fierce competition to win the hearts of the audience and judges alike with her speech, ‘Would You Kiss Me?’ The speech decried stigma and discrimination of HIV positive persons, and had several members of the audience in tears. 

When it comes to connecting with an audience, she said, “The key is to have a storyline that impacts the emotions of persons, and to which the majority can relate.” 

Ninety-one winners from districts around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area and district speech competitions. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures and style. 

“Toastmasters speech contests are another way to build your confidence, because your speaking and writing skills are sharpened, and you speak to many diverse audiences,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to competing on the much larger international stage in Kuala Lumpur!” 

Williams is a business banking officer for CIBC First Caribbean International Bank in St John’s, Antigua. She joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and leader, at work and in the community. 

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest is the world’s largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants from 122 countries. It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s 2014 International Convention.

 source:http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Antigua-resident-a-semifinalist-in-world%27s-largest-speech-contest-22383.html

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