Events

• Security Partners support Access Control Course in St. Kitts and Nevis
  Basseterre, St. Kitts, Tuesday June 18, 2013

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Tuesday June 18, 2013



Security partners in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, to include the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCSAPA), Customs, Coast Guard, the Police and the Defense Force, joined forces with the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in organizing a security course on “Access Control”. The event is sponsored by the OAS, through CICTE and in collaboration with the US Transportation Security Administration and the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.





The course commenced on June 17, 2013, and attracted more than 20 participants from various security related Ministries, departments, agencies and organizations within the Federation. It is currently being conducted at the Customs training facility and falls within CICTE’s Aviation Security Program. This program will provide participants with the opportunity to examine access control requirements in-depth. They will be exposed to subjects such as airside perimeter, perimeter barriers, zoning of restricted areas, terminal access control points, aircraft security, breach procedures, vehicle security in the SRA, ID systems and other identification requirements for those with access to the secure area of the airport.





In opening remarks, OAS Representative Starret Greene called for a vigorous and sustained implementation and enforcement of all elements of the Access Control policy for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. He suggested that priority should be given to strengthening enforcement mechanisms and remarked that violators should be dealt with swiftly and effectively, within the law. The OAS Representative encouraged the participants to remain vigilant and to be professional at all times. The OAS Diplomat recommended that participants should keep abreast of developments at the sub-regional, regional and hemispheric levels that are applicable to their duties and responsibilities.





Also providing brief remarks was the Chairman of the St. St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority Mr. Jonathon Bass. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ian Queeley, gave the featured address in the absence of the CICTE Point of Contact, Dr. C.G. Walwyn.





Ms. Shevaun Culmer is the Program Officer, within CICTE in charge of the Aviation Security Program.


• OAS Sponsors Workshop for Owners & Operators of Small Hotels in Federation
  Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday June 3, 2013

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday June 3, 2013



Owners and Operators of Small Hotels in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis participated in a workshop that was sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Executive Secretariat for Integral Development and supported by the Department of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. The OAS also collaborated with Tourism stakeholders in the Federation, namely, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism within the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Hotels and Tourists Association, to hold the event.





The workshop, held at the Ocean Terrace Inn hotel, during May 30 and 31, 2013, attracted 21 participants from tourism properties in both St. Kitts and Nevis. Officials from Government, the private sector and industry stakeholders also attended the two day event.





Facilitated by Consultant Ms. Shirlene Nibbs from Antigua and Barbuda, the workshop was conducted under the theme “Achieving Service and Business Excellence”, as part of a strategy to assist small hotels in the Federation and in the wider Caribbean region to operate at international standards in the context of costs, level of service, operational standards and quality. Consequently, the Facilitator placed emphasis on topics such as training, standards, branding and marketing. Also, participants were given the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive overview of the critical elements that were effective


in achieving profitability and excellence in respect of small hotel operations.





At the Opening Ceremony, OAS Representative in St. Kitts and Nevis remarked that the OAS had a genuine interest in the small hotels subsector. He told his audience that the organization had been working with owners and operators of small tourism properties, dating back to the 1980’s. Representative Greene said that the OAS understood that the hotel subsector was critical for the growth, development and sustainability of small businesses. He also pointed out that small tourism properties were essential in terms of providing employment, and that the subsector was indispensable for the viability of the hotel industry in the region. The OAS Diplomat mentioned that profitability was a strong measure of enterprise competitiveness, and called on the owners and operators to give due attention to competitive factors such as leadership, innovation, international benchmarking, quality focus and responsiveness to competition.





All participants received a certificate of attendance when the event was brought to a close on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 3:45 pm. Representative Starret Greene and Permanent Secretary Patricia Martin, in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport distributed the certificates.

In the News

• here">Prime Minister Douglas Applauds the Work of the Organization of American States (OAS) in St. Kitts and Nevis sknvibes.com
• OAS Assistance to Focus on Education & Training in 2012 Miyvue.com
• Several issues discussed between PM Douglas and OAS official CUOPM

Photo Gallery / Videos

Tourism

• Capacity Building: Tourism Training and Certification Project

  Capacity Building: Tourism Training and Certification Project
  
  

  The Capacity Building: Tourism Training and Certification project is a sub-regional activity involving the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The project was for the most part designed and developed in Belize during 2009, with imputs from the other participating member countries. It won funding approval in 2010 by the CENPES and the three began implementation by the summer of the said year.This project fell under the priority area Sustainable Tourism as described in the OAS Strategic Plan for Partnership for Integral Development, 2006-2009. The overall objective of the project was to foster the development of professional and skilled workforce within the hospitality and tourism industry in the countries mentioned. However each country had different priority areas they wish to pursue. Consequently, the benefits that each derived were also different. In the case of the Federation of St. Kitts and nevis, the project the project allowed for a wide range of training events for a number of workers in the hospitality and tourism industry, in a number of targeted areas. For example, training was provided to (1) Guestroom Attendants (2) banquet Servers (3) Restaurant Servers, and (4) Froont Desk Repesentatives.
  

  
  

Education

• Anger Management and Conflict Resolution Programme in Schools

  Anger Management and Conflict Resolution Programme in Schools
  
  

  The Anger Management and Conflict Resolution Programme in Schools was submitted to FEMCIDI for funding during 2009 by the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis through its Ministry of Education and Information. It won approval in 2010, and began execution around September of the said year. The project fell under the priority area of Education as outlined in the OAS Strategic Plan for Partnership for Integral Development, 2006-2009. Among other things, the project sought to improve educational outcomes for the less advantaged and most vulnerable groups of students (at-risk youth) who engaged in risky behavior (school violence). The beneficiaries included students, teachers, guidance counselors, parents/guardians and the general public.

Security

• Strenghtening Official data Collection Process on Crime and Judicial Systems through a network of Public Security Official Data Coordinator (PSODC)

  Strenghtening Official data Collection Process on Crime and Judicial Systems through a network of Public Security Official Data Coordinator (PSODC)
  
  

  This is billed as hemispheric activity that involves the establishment of a network Public Security Official Data Coordinator (PSODC) in the Member Countries of the OAS. The project was designed to develop a network of information, providing standardized official data, compatibility and transparency in the access to statistics on public safety in the countries of the Americas. Under this project, the PSODCs in St. Kitts and Nevis will coordinate collection of information from the government institutions on Crime Trends and Judicial Systems, including Police Agencies, Prosecutors Offices, Prisons, and Courts.

OAS/FEMCIDI Funded Technical Cooperation Program

• Online Education Management Information System

  Online Education Management Information System
  
  

  The Online Education Management Information System (EMIS) project was submitted to FEMCIDI for funding during 2009 by the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, through its Ministry of Education and Information. This project won the support of the CENPES in 2010 and execution beagan in September 2010. This technical cooperatin activity fell under the priority area of Education as detailed in the OAS Strategic Plan for Partnership for Integral Development, 2006-2009. The main objectives of this project are to (1) increase the efficiency of publicly financed education (2) to allow for for more effective utilization of educational resources (3) to enhance the quality of service delivered throughtout the Education cycle (4) assist in the refocusing and strenghtening of institutional capacity and (5) increase the effectiveness of operational and teaching staff, by enhancing capacities for the collection and analysis of their performance evaluations.

Disaster Preparedness

• Disaster Mitigation and Management Project for Nevis

  Disaster Mitigation and Management Project for Nevis
  
  

  The Disaster Mitigation and Management Project for Nevis was submitted to FEMCIDI for funding during 2009 by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. However, it should be stated that the project emanated from the Office of Disaster Management in Nevis. It won approval in 2010 and execution started in October of the said year. The project fell under the priority area of Sustainable Development and the Environment as outlined in the OAS Strategic Plan for Parnership for Integral Development, 2006-2009. Its main objectives are to (1) strengthen the capability of the Federation to identify and mitigate the risks of natural and man-made disasters (2) help support public-private collaboration in human resource capacity-building in the sharing of scientific information, best best environmental management practices and enforcement issues. Beneficiaries included local government and private agengies, schools and te general population as a whole.

Education

• Online Education Management Information System (EMIS)

  Online Education Management Information System (EMIS)
  
  

  To implement an online Education Management Information (EMIS) to serve all primary and secondary schools in St. Kitts and Nevis.

  More information »

• Anger Management and Conflict Resolution Programme for Schools

  Anger Management and Conflict Resolution Programme for Schools
  
  

  To assist students in: Understanding how Anger is seen in our culture; Understanding that Anger can be positive or negative; Understanding the origins of Anger – hurt, denial, put down, shut down, let down; Understanding themselves – their feelings; Understanding some of the psychological/ social issues around Anger; Accepting that personality/ parenting/ behavioural issues can contribute to one’s feelings of Anger; • Building awareness of why we do what we do; Learning how to seek and accept help in managing Anger. 2. To assist Teachers and Guidance Counselors in: Understanding how Emotional Literacy can inhibit violent behavior; Building more positive relationships with students, parents/ guardians; Understanding how “acting-out” behavior can spiral out of control; Understanding the roots of anger and conflict; Working with students and their families in managing anger; Understanding how they can contribute to negative anger. 3. To assist parents and guardians in: Providing support to teachers and their children; Understanding anger and conflict issues; Developing the ability to look for signs of potential trouble in children.

  More information »

Tourism

• Rural Based Agro/Eco/Tourism Project

  Rural Based Agro/Eco/Tourism Project
  
  

  The development of an Agro/Eco/ Tourism Development Plan which focuses on small business projects that capitalize on the natural and man-enhanced assets of the rural communities

  More information »

OAS Internships

The OAS Student Internship Program is designed for undergraduate, graduate and young professional student to allow them to work within their fields of study. The program although unpaid is very competitive. The OAS has 28 national offices and some special programs located in the member states. Internships are available in almost all of the offices and this will allow interns to choose whether they prefer to work in their home country or in another office.

• Why the Organization of American States?

  The Organization of American States (OAS) is the main political forum of the hemisphere which promotes and supports Democracy, Human Rights, Multidimensional Security and the Integral Development in the Americas. The OAS seeks to prevent conflicts and to provide political stability, social inclusion and prosperity in the region, through dialogue and collective actions.

• What is our offer?

  We offer you a unique opportunity to gain work experience in different areas and in an international and a multicultural environment. You will have the opportunity to participate in a meaningful learning experience with orientation to the OAS mission, pillars, structure and projects in the hemisphere.

• Where can I do my Internship?

  The OAS has 28 national offices and some special programs located in the member states. This allows anyone interested, to participate in the internship program in their country of origin, or other country of interest.
  

  Besides working in the different projects of the Office, interns must participate in a series of activities that are part of a Complementary Online Program
  

  This is an unpaid internship. Candidates must meet a series of requirements.
  

• Requirements for application

  • You must have a GPA of 3.0 out of 4 (American scale) or equivalent according to the country. This means that you have to be in the top 25% of your class).
  • While being a student is a requirement for the application, you should also be at least in the second year of your undergraduate program
  • Your internship should last at least 10 weeks and at the most 6 months.

• Documents Required

  • Complete the application form (requested to internships@oas.org)
  • 2 letters of recommendation.
  • Official transcripts with your grades.
  • Currículum Vitae.
  • Copy of your passport.
  • Once you are selected, the Intern should submit Proof of insurance.

  All the documents should be sent to internships@oas.org

  Internships are available in Washington DC. Check out www.oas.org/internships.

OAS Scholarships

The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program), established in 1958, grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Research leading to a degree. The OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF), established in 1983, grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean OAS Member States. In addition to these programs the OAS, through its Partnerships Program for Education and Training (PAEC), is able to offer other attractive scholarship opportunities for academic studies with the support of its partner institutions in the Americas and around the world.

More information »

OAS - Rowe Fund Educational loan programs for Studies in the United States

The OAS - Rowe Fund loan program for studies in the United States was established in 1948.  This program grants financial aid in the form of interest-free loans for up to $15,000 dollars for graduate, research, and the last two years of undergraduate studies, including semester exchange programs.  Applications may be submitted at any time during the studies in the U.S. and are accepted and reviewed year-round.  For more information about how to obtain a Rowe Fund loan, find other financial aid for studies abroad, or identify a university in the United States according to field of study, cost, or location, visit: www.oas.org/en/rowefund and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/rowefund