…important milestone in the work of the Civil Society Movement.
CARICOM Civil Society Consultations in Member State have moved on to Belize where Social Planner John Flowers, described the event as “yet another important milestone in the work of the civil society movement.”

The interactive sessions between the CARICOM Secretariat and Civil Society organizations in Belize, 13-15 September 2010, which are facilitated by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) and funded by the ninth European Development Fund (EDF), are part of a series to heighten awareness within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of the potential of Civil Society to contribute to the development agendas of Member States and the wider Caribbean Community.

In delivering welcome remarks to participants drawn from Civil Society Organisations in Belize, on behalf of Minister Peter Martinez and the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation, Mr. Flowers recalled the Landmark CARICOM Civil Society Encounter in Guyana in 2002 and its “Statement of principles – Forward Together”. This Statement acknowledged that Civil Society had a vital role to play in the development of regional, political and social policies, the development of those programmes and frameworks currently in existence, their modification, where necessary, and the creation of new areas as required.

At that time, the Forward Together Conference considered the establishment of mechanisms for continuous dialogue between the Governments of the Community and Civil Society as an essential way to complement relevant programmes to ensure social reconstruction, cohesiveness, peace, poverty reduction, and equity that would enhance regional integration and make the Community more economically viable.

He cited “a long history of partnering and working together in Belize” with evidence of this existing in every sector (Health-NHI_BFLA, BCVI, CARE-BZ; Education-Church-State-Community arrangements; Social Services-YES, NOPCAN, HHM; Environment-co-management_SATIIM and Belize Audubon) and included a wide range of roles.

He said Government had also been open and inclusive in the processes which gave rise to human rights and national development reports, plans and policies.

As of May 2010, 113 NGOs were listed in the NGO Registry and more than BZ$ 3M was made available annually through the Official Charities Fund and ‘grants to institutions/organizations’ to support the work of civil society, Mr. Flowers said.

Further, civil society representation could be found on major decision making and advisory bodies across the nation such as the Senate, statutory boards and commissions and working groups, he added.

Mr. Flowers acknowledged “of course, no partnership is free of challenges/conflicts…and we have agreed to disagree on many occasions. To our benefit we have been able to do so in an open and relatively free environment – a quick glance at our Central American neighbours stands in direct contrast.”

Mr. Flowers congratulated SPEAR, the Society for the Promotion of Education, Advocacy and Research of Belize, a long standing member of the NGO community which he described as at the forefront of political reform, community development and the struggle for social justice.

CARICOM Civil Society Project officials have to-date held consultations with civil society in Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The CARICOM Secretariat team continues on to The Bahamas 16-18 September, Jamaica 20-23 September, and Montserrat, 24-25 September.
(CARICOM Secretariat)