1

MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACHES

TO POVERTY ERADICATION IN THE

EASTERN CARRIBBEAN PROJECT

REPORT ON THE MEETING OF THE

PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE

24 JANUARY 2017

BAY GARDENS HOTEL, ST. LUCIA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background of the Meeting 3

Summary of Key Discussion Points 5

Summary of Action Items 17

Conclusion 13

Appendix I – List of Participants 15

Appendix II – Meeting Agenda 17

Appendix III – Technical Meeting Minutes 18

Appendix IV – Annual Work Plan 2017 22

Appendix V – Report on 2016 Annual Work Plan 23

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BACKGROUND OF THE MEETING

With financial and technical support from the Government of Chile and the

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Multidimensional

Approaches to Poverty Reduction in the Eastern Caribbean Project (MDAPP) seeks

to synthesize the linkages between the utilisation of innovative research

methodologies to obtain an experiential understanding of poverty, the

strengthening of social protection mechanisms and human development

capacities, and the placing of emphasis on community based poverty reduction

programmes.

This Project reflects the shared developmental goals of UNDP and the

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). It corresponds to the third

outcome of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)

which speaks to social protection and poverty reduction with a focus on

vulnerable groups.

The main project outputs are threefold. Firstly, the development of community

based capacity by training personnel to increase the economic participation of

marginalized groups. Secondly, the creation of community based advocacy

arrangements to promote inclusion of vulnerable groups in community, national

and sub-regional decision-making fora. Thirdly, the development of evidence-

based qualitative data collection tools and the conduct of poverty focused

qualitative research exercises completed at the community level to support

national and sub-regional poverty reduction programmes and initiatives.

The success of the Project is grounded in the active and participatory support of

‘in-country’ partners who facilitate the implementation of the Project with

support from UNDP Barbados and the OECS Sub regional Office and the OECS

Commission. Day-to-day project execution is the responsibility of the UNDP

Project Coordinator. The overall strategic guidance and execution of the Project

is provided by a Project Board/Steering Committee which comprises Permanent

Secretaries from the participating project member states.

The last Project Steering Committee meeting was held in Barbados in May 2016.

This meeting which was held on 24th January, 2017, at the Bay Gardens Hotel,

St. Lucia represents the third gathering of the Project Steering Committee. The

main objectives of the meeting were:

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1. To report to the Project Steering Committee and National Focal Points on

the Annual Work Plan (AWP) of 2016 and apprise them of the status of the

project.

2. To present the Annual Work Plan, 2017 for approval; and

3. To discuss the role of Focal Points in the implementation of AWP 2017.

The project term comes to an end in December 2017.

This Report documents the main discussion points and the progress of the

Project Steering Committee in achieving those objectives. It also provides a

concise summary of the action items to be undertaken following the meeting.

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SUMMARY OF KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

Chair Persons:

Dr. Didacus Jules

Director General, OECS Commission

And

Mr. Steve O’Malley

Resident Coordinator, UNDP Barbados and the OECS

Persons Present:

Representatives from Antigua and Barbuda; Commonwealth of Dominica;

Grenada; Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines1.

Agenda item: Welcome and Introductions

The meeting was called to order at around 9:20 a.m. by Dr. Xavier who handed

over to the Chair persons. Dr. Jules took the lead chair role and proceeded with

welcome and introductions. He informed that the operation and management of

the project is a fundamental approach to the work at the OECS Commission.

The Commission seeks to build collaboration at all levels in member states, and

in that respect plays the role of facilitator. The type of collaborative response

among Health Ministers facilitated following the Ebola outbreak in West Africa;

that of and Chief Health Officer of member states following the Zika outbreak; as

well as that of the Agriculture Officers, were examples cited to encourage a

collaborative approach among Social Development and Social Policy staff in

member states. These collaborations were sustained using video conferencing,

and WhatsApp group chat for sharing regular updates and hosting weekly

meetings. Dr. Jules advised that this approach should be taken by the Project

Board of Permanent Secretaries and Focal Points gathered to facilitate the

adoption of the multi-dimensional approach to poverty eradication.

Dr. Jules noted how other sectors realized success by building partnerships with

the private sector and the steering of relations with donor agencies towards

regional goals. He further informed attendees that the MDAPP project is another

1 See List of Participants in Appendix I on page 15.

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modality to have a say, share expertise across islands and promote seamless

collaboration to advance the poverty reduction and eradication agenda of the

OECS Commission and member states.

Steve O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator for UNDP OECS and Barbados

introduced himself and informed that he was happy to extend support to the

OECS Commission and Member States and that he is looking forward to an

active year.

Mr. Eugenio Poessel (Head, Department for Horizontal Cooperation of Chile’s

AGCID2) expressed that it was an honour being present and thanked the OECS

for the invitation. Mr. Poessel congratulated the OECS on achievements to date

and reminded the attendees of the Chilean approach to South-South

Cooperation. Chile he informs, remains committed to providing support to

countries in the areas of Social Development, Climate Change Adaptation,

Agriculture and Food Security and Technical support for Institutional

Strengthening.

He shared a little on the experience of working with Guyana on climate change

adaptation initiatives. He concluded with a reminder to attendees that there is a

lot of work to be done together.

The attendees took turns introducing themselves, stated their administrative

posts and country of origin.

Adoption of the Agenda

Following introductions, Dr. Xavier asked to move for the adoption of the agenda.

PS Prevost of Dominica motioned to adopt and was seconded by Ms. La Fleur

Quammie-Harry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Annual Work Plan 2016

Dr. Xavier presented the report on the 2016 Annual Work Plan. The presentation

delved briefly into the project’s initiation in 2015 as well as the rationale. Dr.

Xavier explained that the idea behind the project is to advance the work in

poverty reduction measurement and the design of approaches to halt its

persistence by moving beyond the focus on income to improve well-being. The

project’s approach aims to assist with understanding poverty and well-being in

a broad and holistic way by adopting a multidimensional approach.

2 Chilean Agency for International Cooperation and Development

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Dr. Xavier shared the main achievements for 2016 including the conduct of the

Gap Analysis and the study Tour to Chile. Additionally, there was the selection

of consultants for the training and advocacy activities. Committee members

would have the opportunity to meet with the consultants later at the Technical

Meeting. However, the Project Coordinator indicated that several of the other

planned activities were not realized. She pointed to some of the main challenges

which accounted for this including: the absence of a Project Director, delays in

procurement and financial processes, and limited financial resources vis-à-vis

project scope.

Some of the strategies employed for addressing these challenges included the

merging of related activities under the same output and the move to UNDP

procurement procedures. In the case of the latter, the impact was clearly

demonstrated as the amount of time needed for procurement of a consulting firm

reduced from 114 days under OECS procedures to 49 days utilizing UNDP

procedures.

The report also provided a financial update on the project. Whereas 1.7 % of the

budget was spent in 2015, expenditure in 2016 amounted to about 25% which

means about 73% of the budget is expected to be spent on the project’s main

activities.

The report on 2016 concluded with a recommendation by Dr. Xavier for more

strategic (realistic) planning and conceptualization of projects that would involve

prior assessments of the key components of the projects, namely budget,

staffing, scope, context and timelines.

Q&A

Some of the questions posed included:

1. Why is there a separate research component for the Advocacy

consultancy?

2. How will the project manage existing and emerging vulnerabilities in

communities selected?

3. How does the MDAPP work relate to that of LSMC (Living Standard

Measurement Committee) and NAT (National Assessment Teams) that

work with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), as well as efforts to

institutionalise the Poverty Assessments?

4. How will the MDAPP and the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment CDB

project be harmonized?

5. How to work with the different donors in the space? For example, the World

Bank, UNICEF (additional MICs to be conducted), CDB, USAID etc.

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Attendees provided updates on the different social protection initiatives in their

respective countries. These include:

Social Protection Reform in Grenada, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua case was explained. It involves requisite legislative reform.

SVG, Dominica, Grenada and Antigua are working with the World Bank.

The Juvenile Justice Project was also noted as a relevant, parallel

initiative.

Attendees referred to lessons from the Chile model that could be used as

reforms move forward.

The ECPA representative informed that they are working on a framework

for collaboration with MDAPP.

Background information was provided by the UNDP representative (Ms.

Adjodha), on efforts towards adopting the multidimensional approach in

the sub region, to date. The work is informed by that of the OPHI3. Regional

efforts include the work of the LSMSC to calculate MPI using Labour Force

Surveys, Household Budgetary Surveys etc.

Dr. Jules challenged the group to respond to the question: Why are we doing this

project? Is it because the funds are available? Dr. Jules noted that Antigua offers

a programmatic framework that the other states could learn from. This issue of

social protection, he noted has an impact on the movement of people. Improved

social protection within the sub region is important to facilitate a progressive

movement of people. Therefore, collaboration at this level is critical. We are

therefore taking on this project to start with a redefinition of what is poverty.

Additionally, the CDB is reviewing its approach to Country Poverty Assessments

with the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Project (ECPA). He questioned

the existence of two similar projects and advised against moving forward in silos.

Members of the ECPA team were advised to ensure convergence of initiatives

with or without the concurrence of the CDB. The OECS head and the UN will

intervene to ensure the collaboration occurs, and that lessons from the MDAPP

are infused in the CDB’s ECPA. The aim is not for a mere overlap, but to insist

that the multi-dimensional approach is adopted.

According to Dr. Jules, to adopt the multi-dimensional approach in both

qualitative and quantitative assessments it is not necessary to go to the CDB

board. We need also to think of how we are going to put this work to use. He

informed that the CPA has a 2.7-million-dollar budget. It is time to think of how

to collaborate irrespective of the implications for redesigning both MDAPP and

3 Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative

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ECPA. The aim is ensuring efficient use of resources. Additionally, we need to be

in control of resources when donors approach us.

Feedback from Project Countries on Chile Study Tour

The Project Assistant, Juliana Foster shared with the committee some of the

main lessons and recommendations emanating from the national reports on the

Chile Study Tour. Some of the critical lessons include Chile’s efforts to legislate

its social policy initiatives, targeting families as opposed to an individual and the

importance of the psychosocial approach to supporting families in need.

2017 Work Plan

Dr. Xavier moved to the next agenda item- Presentation of the 2017 Annual Work

Plan. She informed that the main activities to be undertaken in 2017 were

community-based training for enhanced economic inclusion, support to

community groups, design and implementation of Advocacy and IEC strategies

and the development and use of a qualitative multidimensional poverty tool.

The Way Forward- 2017 Work Plan

Dr. Xavier explained that the main objective in 2017 is to leave the beneficiary

countries with one research tool to continue on with multi-dimensional poverty

assessment. Efforts have to be made to collaborate with the ECPA to avoid a

situation where persons on the ground are trained in a CPA tool as well as a tool

from MDAPP, and are confused about which one to use.

She also highlighted the need to address critical quality assurance matters and

invited members to reflect upon and share any concerns for emerging risks, the

appropriate actions for risk mitigation and sustainability arrangements, (that is,

the transition and phasing out).

Consideration was given to the opportunity for obtaining direct support from

Chile with getting the tool developed and have it Caribbeanised. UNDP Resident

Coordinator advised on sending requests early if expert assistance is needed.

In the likelihood that bids for this consultancy are received from persons outside

the region, these are likely to be more expensive. At the same time there is a

risk that it may be difficult to find Caribbean experts who are truly skilled in

conducting Participatory Action Research as opposed to mere focus groups and

interviews (general qualitative research).

Some clarification was sought on the role of Permanent Secretaries and Focal

Points in the upcoming consultancies. It was noted that they are expected to

link the consultants with communities, introduce them to gate keepers and other

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resource persons or groups. It is also their role to demand the quality of work

needed.

Concern was expressed over the capacity building effect of the research whereby

the community approach leaves technical staff with the mobilising role and not

an opportunity to receive training as well. Suggestions were given on how to

navigate this situation. Dr. Xavier responded that there is also a need to avoid a

conflict of interest where public servants are paid extra to undertake community-

related work, whereas there may be community persons in need of such

opportunities. Focal Points also highlighted the challenge in getting men to

participate in such initiatives.

Ms. Adjodha informed that the idea is to replace the PPA. It is important to

engage persons targeted by qualitative assessments in problem solving, so that

problem solving becomes part of a way of life. The aim is to give people

information that they can feed back to the Government and facilitate

decentralization of governance. It is the beginning of a deep process of promoting

well-being beyond income.

Dr. Jules noted that Ms. Adjodha articulated the philosophical intent. The

concern here is that there is a gap- we must ask how realistic is this? This type

of idealism can be attributed to the work of Amartya Sen. We need to remember

that people look to Government rather than to doing for themselves. This poses

a challenge for the methodology and for that, full communication and outreach

for full effect is needed.

Ms. Adjodha noted that we may not get where we want to, but it is an important

approach. In light of the awareness that the philosophy may get lost along the

way, the sub region must commit to building it over time. We need more

Government support in the beginning, but it may happen over time.

Ms. Adjodha noted that the quantitative component- the MPI, has been

addressed with the work done through the Living Standards Measurement

Committee. The need is for a qualitative complement. The idea is to review and

make a decision about integration with the CPA.

Dr. Xavier added that collaboration is needed with the development of the tool,

for example there may be a need for more funding, to allow for the tool to be

tested in additional communities.

Dr. Jules stressed that a unified approach is needed since both projects have

financial limitations and therefore a road map to move forward is needed. He

recommended a methodological workshop with technical persons from all three

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projects to review the entire approach. Agreement is needed on how to reshape

the two projects into one unified effort. He further informed that Mr. O’Malley

and himself will talk to the CDB parties and communicate to them that it is in

their best interest to move towards converged methodologies. The strong

quantitative component that is already in place now needs a solid qualitative

multidimensional component.

The ECPA representative informed that the CDB now has persons in the field

looking into an approach with the qualitative tool. She further extended the CDB

support to the harmonized approach.

Dr. Jules stressed that collaboration is practical. He noted that the CDB

personnel are already in the field alone. He advised that we in the sub-region

cannot allow agencies to define multiple scope for the same problem.

Mr. O’Malley encouraged parties to return with a quality road map, and to note

that support will be granted from the heads when challenges emerge. Dr. Xavier

agreed to have this meeting held by February 7.

The OECS Director General suggested a Meeting of Ministers of Social

Development; communication of work with UN and member states to create a

solid agenda for social protection in the OECS. This has implications for

movement of people. He recommended adopting clear policy prescriptions and

programmes aligned to the objectives of the SDGs.

Motion to adopt AWP 2017- Director Almira Henry moved to adopt and was

seconded by Brandon Antoine of St. Lucia.

The Chilean representative was invited to share last comments. He reminded the

group that Chile is promoting South-South cooperation. He appreciated the deep

discussion of the project and is open to share experiences in social protection

and social policy.

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SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS

Report on 2016 Annual Work Plan

1. There is significant appreciation for the project and the reports on the

status. Committee members are eager to support the upcoming activities

and have pledged their commitment.

2. There was recognition of a range of external parties engaged in the region’s

poverty initiative such as the WB, CDB, UN and OECS. It was agreed that

it is important to steer these processes with donors.

3. There is need for harmonization and strategic collaboration between the

MDAPP and the ECPA. UNDP is fully willing to provide support. The way

forward involves deciding on how to merge the work plans of both projects.

4. Projects are heavily reliant on Focal Points so the project should move

ahead in working with Focal Teams.

5. Need for a fourth meeting of the Ministers of Social Development. The

option of virtual meeting with more technical persons should be explored.

Chile’s representative stressed that Chile is not a donor but rather a partner

facilitating South-South cooperation. Chile stands ready to provide more

technical support. The suggestion moving forward is to identify areas for

collaboration with Chile with implementing recommendations coming out of

the Study Tour Reports and with the various activities to be conducted in

2017.

2017 Annual Work Plan- The way forward

Research includes PAR to inform development of qualitative research tool

for MDP assessment.

Support from Focal Points for mobilization and access to local resources;

Incubator labs will be hosted. These are short term intense activities to

provide opportunity for training. Inclusion of mentors to sustain training

after;

Advocacy material will be developed to provide support to community

groups;

A final board meeting will be held before the end of the year when the

project closes;

Time-lines: IEC ends in June, Training for increased economic inclusion

in August, development of qualitative tool and research to end by start of

last quarter.

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Other key issues:

1. Development of a road map for collaboration with CDB and other

stakeholders

2. More permanent dialogue with all parties involved

3. Meeting of Ministers forum to be held

4. Be mindful of work of LSMC and financial issues

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CONCLUSION

The objectives of the meeting were met. The Project Board Members, Focal Points

and Project Management have to ensure quality control as activities are

implemented throughout 2017. This is important if the project is to deliver on its

projected outputs. The OECS Commission remains committed to promoting

harmonization of social protection initiatives through increased sharing of

technical know-how among member states to support adoption of the multi-

dimensional approach to poverty reduction and for alignment of poverty

initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP and Chile also stand

ready and willing to provide technical support.

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APPENDIX I – LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Country/Agency Name Job Title

Antigua and

Barbuda

1. Ms. Valerie Smith

PS, Ministry of Social

Transformation and Human

Resource Development,

Antigua and Barbuda

2. Ms. Almira Henry Director of Social Policy,

Research and Planning,

Chile 3. Mr. Eugenio Poëssel

Head, Department for

Horizontal Cooperation of

Chile’s AGCID

Commonwealth

of Dominica

4. Ms. Careen Prevost

PS, Ministry of of Social

Services, Family and

Gender Affairs, Dominica

5. Dr. Kyra Paul Social Planner

Grenada 6. Ms. Lima Cooper-

Frederick

Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Social

Development and Housing

7. Ms. Jicinta Alexis Gender Analyst, Ministry of

Social Development and

Housing

Saint Lucia 8. Mr. Brandon Antoine

M&E Officer, St. Lucia

Social Development Fund-

9. Mrs. Lavorne Verdant-

Desir

Research Officer, Ministry of

Equity, Social Justice and

Empowerment

10. Mr. Imran Williams

Programmes Manager, St.

Lucia Social Development

Fund,

11. Ms. Mary Wilfred Program Development

Officer Department of Youth

and Sports,

12. Ms. Tanzia Toussaint

Assistant Director, Ministry

of Equity, Social Justice and

Empowerment

Saint Vincent

and the

Grenadines

13. Mrs. La Fleur Quammie-

Harry

M&E Officer, Ministry of

National Mobilization and

Social Development

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Country/Agency Name Job Title

OECS

Commission

14. Dr. Didacus Jules Director General, OECS

Commission

15. Ms. Lyndel Archibald Project Coordinator, JJRP

16. Ms. Gale Archibald Head, Research and

Statistics Unit

17. Ms. Geraldine St. Croix Project Coordinator, ECPA

18. Mrs. Juliana Foster

MDAPP Project Assistant

19. Ms. Beverly Best

OECS Development

Cooperation Unit

20. Ms. Sharon Jacob Administrative Assistant,

OECS SDU

UNDP 21. Mr. Steve O’Malley

UN Resident Coordinator

22. Dr. Julie Xavier

UNDP MDAPP Project

Coordinator

23. Ms. Cherise Adjodha

Project Coordinator, UNDP,

Statistical Capacity

Building

Absent were:

Director, Ministry of Social Development, St. Vincent and the Grenadines-

Merissa Finch-Burke

Permanent Secretary, St. Lucia- Mr. Donovan Williams

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APPENDIX II – MEETING AGENDA

MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACHES TO POVERTY ERADICATION IN THE

EASTERN CARIBBEAN PROJECT

MEETING OF THE PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE

January 24, 2017

Ixora Conference Room, Bay gardens Inn

Objectives:

4. To report to the Project Steering Committee and National Focal Points on the Annual

Work Plan (AWP) of 2016 and apprise them of the status of the project.

5. To present the Annual Work Plan, 2017 for approval; and

6. To discuss the role of Focal Points in the implementation of AWP 2017.

MEETING AGENDA

9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m. Adoption of Agenda and endorsement of meeting objectives

9:30 a.m. Report on Annual Work Plan, 2016

10:15 a.m. Discussion

10:45 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. Feedback from Project Countries on Chile Study Tour

11:30 a.m. Annual Work Plan, 2017

12:00 p.m. Discussion

12:30p.m. The Way Forward and Adjournment of PSC Meeting

1:00 p.m. Lunch

2:30 Technical Meeting for National Focal Points (to include briefing with

consultants for training and advocacy activities)

4:30 p.m. Adjournment

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APPENDIX III– TECHNICAL MEETING MINUTES

Following the lunch break, the main country representatives participated in the

technical meeting

Dr. Xavier invited attendees to comment on the lessons from Chile and share

ideas for adopting some of the recommendations.

St. Lucian representative noted how the Chilean model raised awareness

of the other dimensions of poverty. The use of the proxy means test to

determine income is the main tool in St. Lucia. Appreciated the

biopsychosocial tool used by Chile. Experience resulted in greater

awareness of the need for more collaboration with the other islands.

Antigua and Barbuda also noted Chilean model has support for all ages-

from the cradle to the grave. Recommended closer collaboration with local

government in Antigua, to apply lessons from Chile in that space.

The representative from St. Vincent and the Grenadines informed of

progress towards a social registry in the country. SVG needs an MIS. Mr.

Liverpool, one community leader who went to Chile on the study tour is

ready and constantly asks for project updates. She has recommended

adopting the single intake form approach. MOUs should be developed to

ensure collaboration and continuity. Additionally, it was noted that in

Chile, there was buy in of political powers, and that the requisite

legislation is needed in SVG.

Dominican representative noted opportunities for using Chile model as

they proceed with Social Protection Assessment with the assistance of the

WB. Support is needed to move towards an integrated social service

delivery system.

Another representative from St. Lucia questioned what will be different

with this project in light of the recommendations from previous projects

not being utilized in the past. Recommendations to revise Proxy Means

Test and align it with SDGs is one example.

Representative from Grenada shared the Grenadian experience with using

the MPI as a targeting tool. It is hoped that it could be used in designing

Grenada’s programmes. Also recommended was the family intervention

model- moving beyond targeting just the individual. Lessons from Chile

could be explored with the Grenada SEED programme.

Regarding the MDAPP activities for 2017, the definition of community

informing the project was questioned; further concern was expressed over

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achieving harmonization with other projects being implemented in the

sub-region at the moment.

The MDAPP Project Coordinator encouraged the attendees to recognize

their power in ensuring collaboration among all these projects and

directing them to where the gaps exist.

Mr. Pöessel reminded the country representatives that AGCID was available

to provide technical support in their efforts at implementing some of the

lessons learned in Chile.

Agenda item: Technical Meeting: Presentation from Consultants

Virgil Patrick and Nigel Mitchel of GBEST were present. Presentation was made

by Mr. Mitchel on the company’s plans to implement the training activities.

Key points:

GBEST undertook ground proofing exercises to assist with completion of

inception report. These exercises were undertaken in all the project

countries. In St. Lucia official permission is pending from the Ministry of

Social Development, but this will be received by the end of the week.

Community inception visits were conducted: Antigua- Potters, Urlings,

Liberta and Barbuda; Dominica -Bagatelle, Woodford Hill, Sineku and

Silver Lake; SVG- Rose Place, Diamond Village, Langley Park, Barrouallie

(2 meetings in Barbuda; Sineku hamlet in Carib community asked about

rest of Carib community being involved; Woodford Hill already has

development plan from involvement with CARILED project); Grenada- New

Hampshire/Vendomme, Mount Tout and Rose Hill.

National liaisons have been set up.

Noted some excellent synergies with pairing of Ministries.

Noted risk of consultation fatigue on the part of the clients.

The Grenadian representatives questioned the communities visited in Grenada.

Ms. Adjodha was concerned with apparent biases emerging from preliminary

community engagement. Cautioned against the use of the language being used

to describe situation in communities.

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Ethnic Vision connected to the meeting virtually. Danielle Toppin and Selwyn

Cambridge were present.

They provided a brief overview of their approach to the Advocacy and IEC

development. Ms. Toppin informed that they have reviewed the Gap Analysis. It

contains a lot of qualitative information so they are going to try to build on this.

Their approach is driven by the need to create rich data through story telling.

They will seek responses on challenges accessing social services, capture the

experiential side of accessing services. They intend to look into the use of the

term poverty in the different project countries.

Ethnic vision informed of their two pronged approach to economic

empowerment. They aim to build on existing research and work. They will go

deeper and present avenues for persons to tell their stories. The aim is to create

people driven data.

The approach to advocacy involves capturing stories and using social media to

communicate issues with access to social services. SMS etc. are some of the tools

to be used. They will use existing platforms to create a space for people to

unearth their own experience and identify drivers behind poverty. Mr. Selwyn

Cambridge informed that there was concern with engaging non English

speakers; as well as those who do not engage because of the stigma associated

with poverty. They are creating a mechanism so that research creates two-way

discussions. Technology will be used as a platform. The success with use of SMS

after the Haiti earthquake of 2010 was noted.

Grenadian PS expressed support for the approach to be taken by Ethnic Vision.

She likes the proposed use of social media, but is concerned that persons being

targeted may have cell phones but no data.

Ms. Paul of Dominica expressed concern that older persons still use creole

language so targeted advocacy is needed. Grenadian Representative advised on

use of TV and radio.

The Consultants took note of the concerns and assured the representatives that

they would adjust their approach accordingly. Ms. Toppin informed that agencies

become curators of the space, once the project ends.

La Fleur Quammie-Harry of SVG asked who is responsible for packaging of IEC

material and dissemination. Dr. Xavier informed that the consultants will

develop it but the Focal Points are expected to provide support in disseminating

it. Ms. Toppin informed that agencies will become curators of the space once the

project ends.

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APPENDIX IV – ANNUAL WORK PLAN 2017

Report can be found at link below:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzay-vEDnfh9MVc1TWJOV1RZeTQ

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APPENDIX V – REPORT ON 2016 ANNUAL WORK PLAN

Report can be found at link below:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzay-vEDnfh9MVc1TWJOV1RZeTQ