Events

• OAS Praised for its Work in helping to Develop Federation’s Energy Policy
  Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday May 13, 2013

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday May 13, 2013






At an Energy Awareness Fair, sponsored by the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the St. Kitts Electricity Company LTD (SKELEC) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Division of Energy and Climate Change Mitigation of the OAS Department of Sustainable Development (DSD/DECCM), received high praise for its singular role in helping the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in formulating a National Energy Policy.





The event, which was held on Friday, May 10, 2013 at Independence Square in Basseterre, was organized to educate the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis about the energy saving tips that could be used to lower their energy costs as well as to inform of the new Solar Rooftop Project to be undertaken by the Ministry of Energy and the planned fuel surcharge reduction initiative. It attracted a number of High level Authorities within the Federal Government, including the Honorable Dr. Earl A. Martin, the Energy Minister, leading energy organizations and groups in St. Kitts and Nevis, energy investment companies, college students, senior students from the leading high schools and scores of citizens in St. Kitts and Nevis.





OAS Representative, Starret D. Greene, who addressed the large gathering on the role the organization played in helping to develop the Federation’s National Energy Policy, said that one of the rationales for working with the Government was that the OAS understood the importance of creating a supportive policy environment. He said such an environment would help attract private investors who were required for the successful development of the energy sector. Mr. Greene remarked that the OAS believed that a sustainable energy sector required (1) the right policy framework (2) an attractive mix of incentives and (3) the existence of specific legal and regulatory provisions that dealt with issues such as land use, resource use and allocation of rights. He told his audience that just over two (2) years ago, with significant inputs from the Ministry of Energy and energy stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis, the OAS handed to the relevant authorities a National Energy Policy. He said that the Energy Policy had been approved by the Cabinet and that the Federation was positioned to begin implementing it. He credited his colleagues in the Division of Energy and Climate Change Mitigation of the OAS Department of Sustainable Development for their untiring efforts in completing the policy document.





The Division of Energy and Climate Change Mitigation of the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) has been partnering with governments, national institutions, international organizations and civil society groups, to advance policy responses to energy related issues such as modern energy services, linkages between energy and climate change, energy supply reliability and energy price volatility.


• OAS Representative Discussed Project Implementation in Nevis
  Basseterre, St. Kitts, Tuesday May 7, 2013

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Tuesday May 7, 2013



As part of monitoring and following up on those technical cooperation activities sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS), Starret Greene, OAS Representative in St. Kitts and Nevis made a visit to Nevis on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, to meet with Government officials and functionaries who are intimately involved in the coordination and management of two separate projects.





At Long Point, the OAS Representative met with Executive Members of HOPE Nevis Incorporated, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), to discuss the progress made in the execution of the project entitled “Building Resilience to Natural Hazards one Community at a time”. Implementation of this project commenced earlier this year with a measure of oversight provided by the OAS Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) under the program known as “Building Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean”.





During the meeting, members of HOPE reported to the OAS Representative on progress achieved in the successful conduct of workshops held in 4 of the 5 communities, namely St. Paul’s, St. Thomas, St. John’s and St. George’s. These workshops provided training to participants in (1) First Aid and CPR (2) Light Search and Rescue (3) Fire Safety and Emergency Care (1V) Radio Communications Techniques, and (V) Shelter Management and Initial Damage Assessment Methodology. HOPE Executives also discussed expenditures associated with the above activities and they confirmed that implementation of the activities was well within the agreed timeframe and on budget as well. Discussions included the challenges and difficulties that were being encountered in implementing certain activities, the lessons learned and possible solutions. It was also revealed to the OAS Representative that the first Technical Narrative Report would be sent to the DSD on May 1, 2013.





At the end of his informative and satisfactory discussions with HOPE Executives, the OAS Representative met with Mr. Ernie Stapleton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and the Environment. Both men discussed matters relating to a handing over ceremony of Furniture to the Nevis Energy Department that was purchased with funds from the Organization of American States, under the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Program (CSEP). Agreement was reached to organize a formal ceremony at the above Ministry before the end of May 2013. The OAS Representative will return to Nevis on an agreed upon date to formally hand over the furniture to Permanent Secretary Stapleton.

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