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The House of Pearson is the award-winning fashion house created by Quinton Pearson.

Based in Guyana, the House of Pearson is an impressive portfolio of collections by Quinton in couture, bridal wear, swimwear, resort wear and men’s wear.

From a young age, Quinton had a passion for sketching clothes and went on to study the art of fashion after high school. The talented designer still enjoys learning new skills and expanding his knowledge within his craft and the business of fashion.

Whilst he believes his personal style preference is simple with a natural clean look which includes items that are light and simple, Quinton’s designs for House of Pearson display the depth of his creativity and attention to detail within each piece.

With such a varied collection, Quinton credits his exposure to diverse environments and communities for the creativity that goes into his designs.

I gain inspiration from my travelling experiences, discovering various cultures and communicating with new people.

Quinton’s opportunities to connect with new places and people have also led him to witness other talented contributors to the industry.

Caribbean fashion is full of life, vibrancy and expression, in the six plus years I’ve been running my brand, I’ve seen so much growth and contribution by all the talented designers around the Caribbean and that is so commendable. I believe the industry is constantly growing and designers have been paving the way for their work to be supported internationally.

At the beginning of 2020, Quinton hosted his first House of Pearson couture runway show, which he counts as a landmark achievement in his career. During this time he was able to work with other local creatives in the art industry to make his dream a successful reality.

As a designer in the Caribbean, Quinton is aware that international exposure is important for those in the region who plan to expand their brand presence. His goal for global success with his House of Pearson brand is combined with greater philanthropic efforts to give back to his local community.

In five years, I see myself showcasing my creations on all the major runways in the world, styling celebrities, and making big charitable contributions to the youths of my community.

Quinton’s achievements so far have proven that House of Pearson is a valuable addition to the Caribbean fashion industry, having caught the attention of local and regional stakeholders, along with a growing clientele.

His ability to create designs for various occasions, such as couture, casual wear and formal wear, opens up even more opportunities for the House of Pearson to become a reputable name in fashion.

Connect with House of Pearson on social media:

Facebook: House of Pearson

Instagram: @house.of.pearson

From a long-proposed Caribbean Business Council (CBC) and a waning Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) now has three new private sector organisations – the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), and the recently announced CARICOM Manufacturers’ Association (CMA). Does this herald a strengthening of private sector engagement in trade and economic matters within the region? Is this a goal achieved?

I first addressed the role of the Caribbean private sector in regional and international trade in my article in February 2019 when we were looking at the protracted establishment of the CBC. The special meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Trinidad and Tobago in December 2018 confirmed that implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) required deeper involvement of the regional private sector.

I concluded then that Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and her fellow CARICOM prime ministers and trade ministers had to actively encourage private-public sector dialogue at the national and regional levels. In addition, the private sector organisations in the region needed to be more actively involved in positioning themselves to become effective partners with government and in contributing to shaping the national and regional trade agendas and achieving sustained growth and development.

CARICHAM

In April 2019, the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce was established. I welcomed this in my article of April 24, 2019. I see that CARICHAM (motto – growth through collaboration) now represents over 90,000 businesses from 21 chambers of commerce in 14 CARICOM member states, as well as in the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Martin. Its work centres on disaster risk reduction/mitigation, promoting trade, improving advocacy and membership value, and sharing knowledge/best practices. The current chair is Dr Thackwray ‘Dax’ Driver, president and chief executive officer of the Energy Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago.

CPSO

As chair of the Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on the CSME, Prime Minister Mottley championed forming the CPSO. In accordance with Article 22 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the intent was to designate the CPSO and the Caribbean Congress of Labour associate institutions of CARICOM, meaning they will have a functional relationship and contribute to meeting regional objectives. At the 40th Session of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2019, it was reported that progress was being made in establishing this organisation which should be functioning by the end of 2019. I wrote about this in my article of November 13, 2019.

The update given at the Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads held in Barbados in February 2020 was that the CPSO had been formed as a non-profit organisation located in Barbados. At this meeting, the CPSO’s representative presented a draft report on increasing regional production and addressing food security. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago had pledged to provide technical assistance to complete this report.

Since then, information in the public domain about the CPSO has been sparse. From my inquiries, I am informed that its chair is Mr E. Gervase Warner, president and CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago-based Massy Group. The organisation has four principal organs, the general membership of regional private sector enterprises, the council, the executive committee of the council, and a technical secretariat. It seems that the CPSO is to be the principal private sector organisation and is to contribute to the full implementation of the CSME within five years. It is not clear at this point what its actual membership is. It is my suspicion that the organisation remains a work in progress.

At the 41st Session of the Conference of Heads held on October 29, the communiqué informs that heads designated the CPSO an associate institution of CARICOM. They also agreed to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Community and the CPSO Inc to cooperate in furthering CSME implementation. I understand that this MOU will be signed on Thursday, December 3. Media reports indicate that an MOU was signed on November 16 with the Government of Barbados and it seems this concerned the offices of the CPSO.

I assume that the CPSO was represented at the 51st regular session of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held virtually November 26-27. I hope that it will be fully established early in 2021 with an interactive presence on the Internet and will be able to state its membership which should be a current priority.

CMA

On November 27, there was a surprising announcement that manufacturing associations from six CARICOM member states – Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago – had formed the CARICOM CMA. The Barbados association currently holds the chairmanship. This association will enable regional manufacturers to coordinate positions and to cooperate to benefit from the CSME.

WIDER COORDINATION

Although the CPSO has the status of an associate institution, I am assuming that, as in the past, all the regional private sector organisations will be represented at COTED meetings. CARICHAM and CMA should now join the already existing Caribbean Poultry Association, the Sugar Association of the Caribbean, and the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association. The services firms are represented by the Caribbean Network of Service Coalitions.

I would expect that all these regional private sector bodies will now need to be associated with the CPSO, which should be in a position to effectively consult with and coordinate their positions if the regional private sector is to have a unified position. The CPSO, in my view, as the premier regional body, also cannot only confine itself strictly to CSME issues, but must be able to represent the region in bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade and economic deliberations where private sector representation is required.

Although I continue to have questions about the CPSO as constructed and about private sector fragmentation, I am welcoming the establishment of the CPSO, CARICHAM and CMA. I wish them success in their organisation, management and coordination. I want to see the regional private sector actively engaged in CARICOM’s economic recovery and transformation in this time of COVID-19.

This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.

G20 Summit Declaration: We remain determined to support all developing and least developed countries as they face the intertwined health, economic, and social effects of COVID-19, recognising the specific challenges in Africa and small-island developing states.

Many of us remain fascinated by the ongoing crisis of democracy and governance which is taking place in the USA as COVID-19 is increasing there unchecked. President-elect Joe Biden has named his nominee for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as deputy secretary of state under President Barack Obama.

The situation in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) is also of concern, as increasing COVID-19 cases have led to the tightening of restrictions. Canada, too, is experiencing increased cases. As I have pointed out before, this is all of importance to us in the Caribbean, as our economic recovery is linked to actions taken in these countries to address COVID-19 and their economic recovery.

The G20 Summit chaired by Saudi Arabia and held virtually, November 21-22, was watched with interest, and many things in the Summit Declaration sound optimistic, with emphasis on cooperation to address the intertwined health, economic and social effects of the virus.

Reading some international newspaper headlines, my interpretation is that although G20 leaders were committing to unite in addressing the pandemic and its economic impact, in reality real progress was limited, and gaps remained among the countries. The hope from this meeting is the commitment to cooperate and to address the specific challenges facing the least developed countries and small island economies.

The CARICOM countries, mainly small island economies, many dependent on tourism, are looking at a bleak Christmas and new year period. The economic woes in some countries are compounded by flooding from an unusually active hurricane season which has brought a very wet September into November, undermining infrastructure and agriculture. This while some countries are still recovering from previous hurricanes.

CARICOM HEADS’ MEETING

CARICOM Heads of Government held their 41st Regular Meeting virtually on October 29 and chaired by Dr the Hon Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St Vincent and Grenadines. Their focus was on COVID-19, its impact on the region and on its economic recovery and transformation. Reviewing the health situation, the heads recognised that reopening and recovery require a careful balance between reducing restrictive measures and ensuring adequate actions to reduce the virus’ spread. Of course, in some countries, such as Jamaica, community spread has been experienced.

The heads also acknowledged that COVID-19 had exacerbated the development challenges, including high deficits and debt already confronting the region, and agreed to the idea of a Caribbean Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan under the leadership of the prime minister of Barbados. The use of a Universal Vulnerability Index to determine eligibility for development assistance was also urged. It seems that this index needs to be fine-tuned and vigorously marketed.

In addition, the heads also agreed to prepare a joint tourism policy and, in this regard, they established a Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Tourism to provide oversight for its preparation by December 31.

51ST COTED MEETING

Reflecting on the outcome of the Intersessional Heads’ Meeting in February, I assume that these proposals have taken account of work which was already in progress in CARICOM, prior to the pandemic, to strengthen the region’s economies, and work in progress also to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Given the fragility of the ecosystems in the region, sustainable development is critical in all the productive sectors, including mining and lumber, and in promoting renewable energy alongside oil and natural gas.

This week, November 26-27, the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) will meet virtually at the ministerial level under the chairmanship of Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hon Hugh Todd. At this session, also, ministers will be looking at the region’s response to the economic impact of COVID-19. I assume, picking up on the work mandated by CARICOM heads.

COTED has a critical role to play in the economic recovery and transformation, as it has direct responsibility for the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), for other development and economic issues, and for external trade. As pointed out in previous articles, this includes agriculture and food security; trade in services, including information and communications technology (ICT); trade and environment; energy; and tourism.

In addition, CARICOM must be looking not only at its intra-regional trade, but also at its extra-regional trade. With respect to the latter, from the webinar hosted by the Sir Shridath Ramphal Centre at the UWI, Cave Hill campus on October 9 about whether CARICOM needs a new foreign trade strategy, the panel felt that such a strategy needed to be seriously considered. This should be part of the economic recovery discussions as external trade remains critical to CARICOM’s growth and development.

I want to be assured that the work in CARICOM on the economic recovery and transformation is benefiting from proper collaboration and coordination, and that proposals are being fully developed not only for action within the region, but for active presentation to groups, such as the G20, the G7, to bilateral partners and to global institutions. CARICOM’s economic situation is now so critical that it cannot afford further mistakes and missteps.

This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.

Fashion designer and entrepreneur, Elizabeth Francis established Christique Clothing in 1995.

Based in Trinidad and Tobago, Christique Clothing is a bridal and resort wear brand built on sustainability and embodies the passion, vibe and ecology of the Caribbean.

Concerned with the effects of climate change, Elizabeth is focused on promoting change and raising awareness with her brand. Christique Clothing designs are made with natural fibres and produced with almost zero waste. She also likes to encourage her clients to wear ethical clothing and educates them on the benefits of wearing sustainable clothes which has a great benefit of saving the environment.

“I believe climate change is a serious global issue and as a designer, I want to do my part. The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters and so I want to encourage my clients to choose fabrics that are made from natural fibres and designs that are timeless and multi-purposed.”

As an island citizen who loves nature, art, music and fashion, Elizabeth’s inspiration for her designs are a reflection of the rich culture and environment within the Caribbean. Her 2020 eco-friendly bridal and resort wear collection called “Green Nuptials” was inspired by one of her trips to the rainforest in the beautiful “nature isle” of Dominica.

Over the years, Elizabeth has had the opportunity to meet and connect with other designers within the region. This has given her insight on the potential of the Caribbean fashion industry.

“Caribbean fashion is in great hands. I think we have come a long way from the coco palm and pineapple prints. There’s so much innovation, so much style and we do have our very own aesthetic, but it’s a blend of so many amazing factors.”

For her own brand, Elizabeth plans to continue building her brand locally with a physical retail store location in Trinidad, as well as collaborating with outlets in the Caribbean to retail her brand. She is also focused on developing the brand’s online presence, which will raise awareness of Christique Clothing for international clients planning a destination wedding or holiday in the Caribbean.

On a global scale, customers are becoming more conscious of their own carbon footprint and buying more ethical products. There is a growing awareness of eco-friendly fashion and its benefits on the environment. This places Christique Clothing in prime position to be recognised as a leader in sustainable fashion from the Caribbean.

Fashion Designer and Illustrator Ayanna Dixon is a true creative. Her passion for fashion was established from a young age, with her love of dressing up and attending fashion shows with her mother, who is a textile designer. She admits that her career as a fashion designer was destined.

An alumnus of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and The Art Institute of New York, Ayanna returned home to Jamaica and started her company ASD, whose mission is to empower women with her clothing and illustrated lifestyle products.

Her clothing is designed to be stylish and functional, whilst helping women to feel their best. The theme of her illustrations represent women of different body, hair and skin types and complements her brand’s objective to empower women through diverse representation.

“There is something in my brand for a woman at any stage of life; I have a Career Colouring Book for little girls, illustrated tees for tweens and clothing for women who want something beautiful, [and] empowering that you can wear with ease.”

ASD’s collection has been sold in three of Jamaica’s top boutiques. The brand has also collaborated with local companies such as Cafe Blue Coffee, where her illustrations were featured on limited edition coffee mugs. Ayanna is also working on having her products sold internationally.

Over the years Ayanna has achieved a number of accolades and her collections have been featured at shows in the US and UK which has given her international exposure.

Participating in regional and international fashion events, Ayanna is confident that the industry will continue to grow.

“It’s really inspiring to see all our talent flourishing. Shows like Mission Catwalk, [and] regional events like The Collection MoDa and Carifesta all highlight how much talent we have here. Hopefully through social media and ecommerce the world will be looking to us for not only our beautiful pieces but as a sustainable fashion resource.”

Protecting the environment is woven into Ayanna’s brand objectives and she has focused her charitable efforts on hosting an annual beach clean-up to remove garbage and collect recyclable waste from the local beaches where she enjoys spending her spare time.

Looking to the future, Ayanna plans to have a flagship store and production house located in Downtown, Kingston, as well as distribute her clothing and products internationally. With her clear vision and range of eye-catching illustrated collections, Ayanna and ASD are sure to put Jamaica and Caribbean fashion firmly on the global fashion map.

Social Media: @by.ASD

Shop: www.byasd.net

Indira Weech knew she was onto something great when her bath and body care natural line went from being perfect souvenirs to items in global demand.

But as encouraging as this was, frustration quickly set in for the owner of bahamaSpa, a small business located on the island of Nassau in The Bahamas.

We were offered a contract from a major luxury hotel to supply their spa as well as their retail and gift shop. We were also wholesalers for salons and spas requesting bulk supplies of our products as well as retail businesses selling directly to local customers, and we provided personalized gift services. We did exceptionally well in the tourism sector and due to persistent reorder demands from visitors who left the islands, we were in search of avenues to export our products so we could fill the demand.

Our major frustration coming from a small island was the lack of applicable assistance to help us grow and expand globally. bahamaSpa was in the process of restructuring when we learnt of WE-Xport, a valuable opportunity for export guidance which was exactly what we needed at the time, she recalled.

Indira immediately signed up for WE-Xport, a technical assistance programme offered by the Caribbean Export Development Agency designed to give regional female-owned businesses access to grant funding, training, export and networking opportunities.

From there her knowledge of export grew and things began to move quickly. She participated in workshops, was assigned a business coach and met other regional female entrepreneurs. Admitting entrepreneurship could be a pretty lonely road to travel sometimes, Indira confessed that WE-Xport became a safe space for her to share experiences and discuss challenges.

I had a great business coach who assisted me in research, finding the right route to export and making the right decisions as a small business. I have become more disciplined in record keeping and organization because I knew if we were to expand internationally I needed to improve in this area. I also ask for help and assistance more since being enrolled in the programme. I find it very reassuring to know I can still ask for assistance long after our cohort officially ended.

Asking for help was not something I was accustomed to doing and WE-Xport gave me a sisterhood of like-minded female entrepreneurs whom I could now rely on for sound advice, emotional support, encouragement and gentle kicks in the pants when needed. I am eternally grateful for this network, she pointed out.

However, the most rewarding opportunity that WE-Xport presented for Indira was the chance to participate in trade shows including the 4th CARIFORM-EU Business Forum in Germany. Prior to signing up, she had been working on export packaging for bahamaSpa but accelerated this once she was enrolled in WE-Xport.

The response to the new packaging and to our products at shows in the Caribbean and in Europe was outstanding. Increased demand and growth came particularly through the CARIFORUM exhibition. That show was impeccably organised by the Caribbean Export team. It showcased some of the most exquisite brands from the Caribbean. I was very proud to display my pride and joy, bahamaSpa.

The response from the attendees was absolutely amazing. People lined up to meet me and discuss the products, some waited until the trade show was done to ask more questions and a few said they wanted to leave smelling like paradise. It was breathtaking and very affirming. I felt very comfortable and ready but most of all I was prepared. I felt I had grown as a business woman. I was also fortunate to have met a very knowledgeable and successful businessman who is involved in natural products and an expert in the field of manufacturing cosmetics, Indira outlined.

After WE-Xport concluded, Indira continued to focus on her export goals and building capacity for the business. She hired new staff, trained the old ones, secured a dream contract with a major island resort, and was in the midst of creating a storefront for her factory when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

We were on such a positive trajectory that we were blindsided. The lockdown was initially a huge shock for me, Indira said, revealing she opted to pay her staff for the entire three-month period. I still feel this was the right decision even though it left me with very little cash and lots of bills.

Sales dwindled as the lockdown dragged on and with little income, Indira was forced to innovate. While browsing social media, she realized men and women were struggling with hair and skin care, since salons were closed and their personal beauty supplies were running low.

She decided the time had come to launch a hair care line she had been working on for two years: Good & Kinky Boost and Good & Kinky hair oil.
I came up with a marketing strategy which worked for me, BOOST, made fresh Thursday, delivered free on Friday, softer more manageable hair by Saturday. The reviews were great and the products have great potential. I launched something during the COVID-19 lockdown that had become highly requested and a money maker. Sometimes, one simply has to take a leap of faith, Indira proudly said.

However, it wasn’t always a bed of roses. Unfortunately due to the new COVID-19 protocols and social distancing regulations in Nassau, Indira’s factory did not pass inspection and she lost all the money she had invested renovating the workspace.

But as fate would have it, the businessperson she met at 4th CARIFORM-EU Business Forum in Germany became her business mentor during the lockdown. With their expert guidance, Indira has finalized an achievable and manageable planfor export to the European market.

They are convinced bahamaSpa is definitely a scalable business; with their insight, market research and other factors, they are convinced that a marketing drive centred on London, Paris, Rome and Frankfurt will produce remarkable results. Export is now on the horizon! I plan on making bahamaSpa a Caribbean Export success story! I am so grateful that I was afforded the opportunity to participate in WE-Xport, it opened doors for bahamaSpa. My mantra is: With two pots and a spoon, bahamaSpa will make it all the way to Harrods! Indira confidently said.

If you haven’t heard already, Absolutely Caribbean, our first virtual event kicks off next week.  We have more than 50 producers exhibiting over the two days.  From organic beauty products to aged rum, hot pepper sauces and condiments, these are some of the best and most exciting producers from the Caribbean.

The event programme has shaped up nicely and is bursting with interesting sessions that you simply won’t want to miss.  Here are just some of the highlights –

Partners, Original Flava, will show us how versatile Caribbean products are in everyday cooking.  ITC-Alliances for Action will present a review on the main food trends and opportunities for the future.  There will be sessions on plant-based ingredients which have seen a surge in demand in recent years. Another will run through the history of rum, including a selection of some of the best ones available.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn all about trends, business innovation and social inclusion within the coffee market as well as learning all about chocolate as a mass product with the potential to leverage real change within our food system.  What’s more, you will be able to book slots with each and every one of our producers to find out more about their products and how they are made.

Over the last few years, we have seen a growing trend for Caribbean products across Europe which is really exciting and provides great opportunity for our producers.  In 2018 alone, over 26 Billion Euros worth of goods and services were exported globally from Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and 17.6% of this was to Europe.  If you want to read more about the profit potential of Caribbean products across the UK, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, make sure you read our report (here).

If you haven’t signed up already, what are you waiting for?

https://expo.absolutelycaribbean.com/whatson.html

See you there!

“Clothing that Flaunts” is the slogan for Trinidadian designer, Reuben Gonzales’ self-titled fashion brand. As a graduate of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design (CAFD) at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), Reuben’s designs as a student caught the attention of local fashion supporters which led to him taking his work overseas and representing his country at regional showcases.

Reuben started his journey in the fashion industry with an intention to design costumes for theatre. He did however develop a love for fashion and grasped the opportunity to develop his own clothing brand.

Reuben’s initial passion for theatre costume is evident in the dramatic features and bold fabrics he chooses to create his designs for his label. Reuben is also inspired by his environment and the richness of Caribbean culture.

“I have three main sources of inspiration which are fauna, flora, and cultures native or synonymous with my country, the Caribbean, and my heritage. Each collection or garment that I design must have that mix of all three elements.”

One of the highlights for Reuben as a designer is the creative process, which allows him to express his vision and he thoroughly enjoys each stage, which includes making mood boards, choosing fabrics, colours, illustrating, draping, and pattern drafting.

As a Caribbean-based designer, who has had the opportunity to showcase his work in regional shows and print publications. His presence in the Caribbean fashion industry has also exposed him to the talent across the region.

“The Caribbean fashion industry has a plethora of creativity, vibrancy and diversity that showcases the Caribbean aesthetic.” Our industry is growing and quite young in comparison to the major fashion capitals, however, there is a wave of new talent that is helping the Caribbean get that international recognition we so deserve.”

For his own brand, Reuben’s goal is to take his designs beyond the Caribbean and to have an international presence in fashion retail stores, boutiques, and the wardrobes of those who love to make a bold fashion statement.

To see more of Reuben’s collections, visit:

https://rgfashion.co/
Instagram: @rgfashiontt
Facebook: rgfashiontt

In the past week, there have been developments in other areas of the region’s foreign trade agenda which are of note. They are as follows:

• CARICOM-USA – The USA has extended the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA) for 10 years to 2030. I actually viewed the session of the US House Ways and Means Committee which considered the bill and recommended its adoption. This was a bipartisan effort. It was clear, however, that the adoption of the bill emphasised the interest of Haiti, the only least developed country (LDC) in the Western Hemisphere. Other CARICOM member states need to ensure that they are using the market access preferences granted under these arrangements.

• WTO DG SELECTION – At the World Trade Organization (WTO), the candidates for the post of director general (DG) were further narrowed to two women, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Ms Yoo Myung-Hee of South Korea. Indeed, history is expected to be made as a woman should be the next WTO DG, if all goes to plan. The question is, which one will receive the support of a critical mass of the 164 WTO members, including the principal trading powers, by November 6?

The 79-member Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), which also operates at the WTO in Geneva, has formally endorsed Dr Okonjo-Iweala. From this, I am assuming that CARICOM WTO members have also endorsed her. To be the clear, DG-designate Okonjo-Iweala needs to secure the support of Latin American countries, some important countries in Asia, such as India and Japan, the European Union (EU), and the USA and China.

• OACPS-EU POST-COTONOU NEGOTIATIONS – I last gave an update on the OACPS-EU post-Cotonou negotiations in August, when the negotiating timeline was extended. As expected, the negotiations resumed in September. Some sources feel that there is a 99 per cent chance that the negotiations will be concluded this year.

The protocols with the Caribbean and the Pacific, from reports, seem to be moving along well. Nevertheless, there seems to be some concern about that with Africa. There are still human-rights and migration issues to be resolved. As I pointed out before, the impression is given in the media that these are issues which primarily concern Africa, but they are also of interest to the Caribbean and the Pacific.

As also previously signalled, the EU’s primary focus is on Africa as it aims to change the relationship to a partnership of equals. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josef Borrell, recently referred to Africa as the EU’s natural partner and neighbour, and said that to face common challenges, the EU needs a strong Africa, and Africa needs a strong EU.

The EU wanted to unveil its new Africa strategy at the EU-Africa Summit, scheduled for the end of this month. The summit has been postponed and could be rescheduled for December. COVID-19 is now central to these deliberations.

BLACKLISTING

For the Caribbean, since June, the focus has been on the EU’s blacklisting of member states as non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (finance ministers), you will recall, issued a revised list in June which included ten OACPS members, including, at least one CARICOM member state, and putting others on notice. The OACPS president-in-office, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, sent a letter to the top leadership of the EU condemning its unilateral action, noting that money laundering could be fought in the context of the 2000 Cotonou Partnership Agreement and that the post-Cotonou negotiations provided the opportunity to demonstrate the parties’ commitment to dialogue and a strengthened partnership. I understand that discussions have been ongoing between the OACPS and the EU on this blacklisting issue in the post-Cotonou negotiations.

On October 6, the EU finance ministers updated its money-laundering list and, of interest to CARICOM, added Barbados. CARICOM responded by issuing a strong statement deploring the EU’s ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent action. CARICOM called on the EU to pursue a mutually collaborative engagement towards shared goals of effective tax governance to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In CARICOM’s view, blacklisting, even greylisting, does serious damage to the reputation of its member states.

It is likely that this week, there could be further information on the progress towards completing the post-Cotonou negotiations, an objective of which is the transformation to a partnership of equals. You may wonder whether the OACPS and the EU are actually moving in this direction.

This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.

Rhaj Paul – The Tailor & Designer

Barbadian tailor and designer, Rhaj Paul is widely known on the island for his signature style and tailored outfits that incorporate distinctive features.

As a designer, Rhaj has also experienced success with his striking t-shirt designs that feature clean typography, with inspirational themes or Bajan colloquialisms.

Quality, precision, and originality go into each creation by Rhaj and the demand for his work has grown consistently over the years. His designs have also trended on social media, with regional influencers proudly wearing their Rhaj Paul t-shirt designs.

More recently, Rhaj has shown the agility of his skill in response to COVID-19 and has added tailored masks to his catalogue of designs.

Quality Conscious Style

Rhaj’s love of style and originality is apparent in his work and whilst he describes his personal style as “Street Chic”, he has a clear vision of his ideal customer and ensures the craftsmanship that goes into his creations are designed specifically for this target audience, whom he describes as “A quality conscious gentleman with a keen sense of style.”

An International Vision

As a designer based in the Caribbean, Rhaj is confident in the region’s ability to make a global impact.

“The Caribbean fashion industry has a lot to give the world. We bring a unique perspective on fashion and execution, and I am pleased to be a part of that dynamic.”

His goal for his own work is to have an international presence. Specifically, in Senegal, France and the United Kingdom.

A Ministry of Style

Rhaj’s passion for bringing his ideas to life is a key motivator for the designer. The skill, quality and originality that goes into each piece has created a solid foundation for Rhaj and attracted a style-conscious clientele.

With his impressive portfolio and growing popularity over the years, he has proven his work has filled a niche for those who are not afraid to stand out and make a statement with their style.