Caribbean Region
Who we are
Once in development, our mission will be to promote a civil society information system (GuideStar) across the Caribbean Region as a sophisticated technology tool that will have tremendous effects in encouraging civic engagement and increasing third sector visibility.
Status
Development Phase Preparation
Commencement of Current Phase
Following a Preliminary Assessment visit in May 2005, the Development Phase Preparation is ongoing.
Project Progress Statement
Undertaken in collaboration with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Preliminary Assessment visit in May 2005 generated significant interest in the project from key umbrella and support groups, governments and multilateral agencies such as the UNDP, CIDA and the EU. A follow up visit in August focused in detail on securing the required support in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to meetings with civil society leaders, in-depth discussions were hosted by the UNDP to discuss how the project might progress with their collaboration. Discussions regarding the recruitment process for a Project Manager, and how the UNDP might support this, were also initiated during this visit.
It was decided during this follow up visit that the Development Phase will focus primarily on Trinidad and Tobago. Assuming the successful conclusion of this phase, similar Development Phase processes will then be initiated in Barbados and Jamaica. Representatives from these two countries will be present in an ‘Observer’ capacity during the IT Development Phase. Whilst the deployment of a CSIS will be undertaken on a country-by-country basis, developing strategies for broadening participation of other Caribbean countries will be an ongoing objective of the projects.
The details of our partnership with UNDP are currently being finalised.
Principle Expected Challenges
- The complexity of managing a project which requires strategies for participation at both the national and regional levels.
- Aligning national interests with regional strategies.
- Securing the buy-in and participation of national government agencies and regional governmental bodies
Go back to… Current Engagements