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Migration as a catalyst for economic growth

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The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with the support of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office have just concluded a series of events to recognize and celebrate International Migrants Day 2023.

A panel discussion dubbed “CONVERSATIONS on Migration in the Caribbean: Engaging Migrants” held on Friday, December 15, created the space for migrant panelists with roots in Dominica, Syria, and the Dominican Republic to share their experiences.   The audience included government officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labour, United Nations representatives, and civil society.

Other activities to recognize International Migrants Day included a multi-cultural family fun fair called “Nations and Celebrations” which provided a space for migrant communities from diverse origins to showcase their foods, music, and other unique ways of celebrating festivities.

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While in Antigua, the IOM team also took the opportunity to engage with the public via the media regarding the importance of International Migrants Day, and to meet with key stakeholders that expressed interest in contributing to future activities that would seek to recognize and harness the potential of migrants as active contributors to sustainable development.

In his Opening Remarks at the panel discussion, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Agriculture and Barbuda Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene emphasized that the twin-island State has a history of being welcoming to migrants. s a nation our migration legacy has always been one of welcoming others to our shores whether it be due to economic hardship, natural disasters or even benign reasons of tourism and investment. Whatever the reasons, migrants have always been welcomed, and in many instances, incentivized to become fully fledged and productive members of our society […] since we recognize that the national well-being can only be realized by the combined efforts of all our residents, regardless of their country or origin.”

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The panelists all shared their experiences as migrants in Antigua, which has become their second home.  Coordinator of IOM’s Office in the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada moderated the discussion.  He reflected on some of the significant common messages that he received, “What they were basically saying is that education, Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals has been one of the most important enablers and to then contribute to the development of the country.  But at the same time, we also feel that there are stereotypes. We also feel that there is a certain level of discrimination that some migrants, certain nationalities are facing more than others.”

UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Didier Trebucq recognized that “Migration, when approached strategically, can significantly contribute to regional prosperity. And to be effective, it is also essential to develop campaigns to address stigma, enhance inclusion and tolerance.”

The activities of the past weekend have inspired renewed vigor within the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, IOM and other UN agencies, as well as migrant organizations, civil society and the private sector, to work together intentionally, with a joint objective of fostering inclusive policies that empower migrants and create a thriving and diverse society in Antigua and Barbuda.

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One response to “Migration as a catalyst for economic growth”

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

 

OECS MSME Guarantee Facility Project

Loan No.: IDA-62670, IDA-62660, IDA-62640, IBRD-88830, IDA-62650

Assignment Title: Senior Operating Officer (SOO)

Reference No. KN-ECPCGC-207852-CS-INDV

 

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project. 

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses, knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30th, 2021.  The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below. 

 

https://bit.ly/3iVannm

 

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have:

  • An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Finance, Banking or related field; and
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending. Applicants should also have:
  • The ability to design and implement risk management procedures 
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME banking operations
  • Knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures
  • Experience developing and presenting information in public, including responding to questions in real-time
  • Experience lending to MSMEs located in the ECCU
  • Knowledge of marketing and communicating with the MSME sector
  • Ability to draft procedures to be used in a lending operation
  • Familiarity with the mechanics of a loan guarantee program
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. 

 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours:

Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

Brid Rock, Basseterre,

St. Kitts.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 11th, 2021, to [email protected]

 

For further information, please contact:

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                            Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                          Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                  Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                          [email protected]