Sebastian Castaneda, COHA Research Fellow provides a commentary on the China Policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean which policy was published in November 2008. We think the commentary useful as we continue to strive to better understand ourselves in the context of the forces in the international community.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba's National Assembly will set up a powerful new agency on Saturday tasked with fighting corruption, which President Raul Castro has called a "deadly cancer" plaguing the communist-ruled island's economy.

In his regular Thursday spot on state television, Cuba's top economic commentator Ariel Terrero said the Comptroller General's Office, to be created through new legislation, will try to ensure that state revenues are properly used.

This week the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA) announced its latest anti-corruption initiative, the establishment of an online "tip-off" system to facilitate the easy reporting and providing of anonymous information by employees and members of the public without fear of repercussions.  This is a critical component of any anti-corruption regime within an institution.  WASA is the first public sector company in Trinidad and Tobago to implement such a mechanism. 

In keeping with CPI's Integrated Model for Procurement Education, the latest offering in the Procurement Intensive Seminar Series, The Finance & Procurement Intensive has been developed to be introduced for the first time in the Caribbean in September 2009. According to Margaret Rose, Executive Director of CPI, "For too long finance has underestimated the strategic role of procurement in attaining a corporation's business objectives.  As well procurement professionals lack capacity in translating their worth to finance, since they just dont speak the language of finance".  The F& P Intensive was developed to bridge the gap betweent these two "brother in arms" which share the same objective of maximising the corporation's bottom line.

Global mining giant Rio Tinto has found itself at the centre of a bizarre corruption scandal after the China Daily ran a front page story claiming it had bribed the "whole steel industry".

The newspaper, which is state owned, quoted an unnamed industry insider as the source of its story who claimed that Rio Tinto bribed each of the 16 Chinese steel companies in the current steel price negotiations in order to set benchmark prices at a higher rate than they would otherwise have reached.
 

KINGSTON, July 14 (Reuters) - A Jamaican government official stepped down on Tuesday after being implicated in a bribery scandal involving British bridge-building firm Mabey & Johnson, but he vowed to "clear my name."

Joseph Hibbert, Prime Minister Bruce Golding's junior minister of Transport and Works, resigned effective immediately after being linked to involvement with Mabey & Johnson and alleged corrupt business practices in the Caribbean nation.

The recent  5% diminution in the beleaguered Seimens share value demonstrates the inevitable correlation between corrupt practices and diminishing shareholder value. CPI Faculty Director, Dr. Erik L. Van Dijk exhorts that the anti corruption discourse must be broadened by exploring the potentially positive impact of anti corruption measures on shareholder value i.e. "The Value of Virtue".  Siemens in the wake of a global bribery scandal, will be shut out from World Bank financed projects for two years and the company agreed to pay $100 million to support anti-corruption work.

A little over a week ago, Sir Shridath Ramphal addressed some of those who will be the region’s future Ambassadors.

His comments were framed in the context of Caribbean foreign policy. However, they also spoke to the future of regionalism in a Caribbean that, in the true meaning of the word, appears to be slowly disintegrating.

In stark language that deserved greater media attention, he said:

"At this moment, (the) smaller, narrower, insular impulse is dominant. We are turning inward just at the moment when the external environment of crisis demands responses driven by the spirit of community.

Not only are we not going forward in fulfilment of professed goals, like the Caricom Single Market, we are actually retreating from both the spirit and letter of community agreements like those that bear on the movement of Caribbean people.

If we allow these negative instincts to prevail; we will lose altogether the reality of 'community' which is within our grasp; and endanger the Caribbean personality which should be its underpinning. They must not prevail."

"The International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management is proud to be working closely with CPI to assist in the investment in higher levels of procurement professionalism within the Caribbean, particularly the formation of the professional association CAPP" says IFPSM Director General Charles Holden.

The Caribbean Procurement Institute has been invited to participate in the National Conference on Procurement by the Public Procurement Bureau of Nigeria.  The Conference under the theme Business Ethics and Integrity in Public Procurement is scheduled to be held on 29th -30th June 2009 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Nigeria.

The 2009 Global Corruption Barometer is a global public opinion survey released today by Transparency International (TI). It has found that half of respondents expressed a willingness to pay a premium to buy from corruption-free companies and believed that the private sector uses bribes to influence public policy, laws and regulations.

The initial shock and sadness in South Korea over the suicide death of former president Roh Moo-hyun began to give way on Sunday to anger among his supporters and the prospect of political upheaval that will pose a new challenge for current president Lee Myung-bak.

CPI Faculty Director (Finance and Investments) Dr. Erik L. Van Dijk explores the phenomenon of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) as one critical focus area for attracting foreign investment. This gives rise to the consequential need to strengthen ESG strategies to maximise their return, thereby contributing to sustainable growth and development.  The fact that Trinidad and Tobago is, at this point, the only CARICOM Member state with a SWF to the tune of approximately 2.9 billion USD is highlighted as key in the context of movements toward economic and political union through the CSME.

An international United Nations-backed commission is to investigate the murder of a lawyer in Guatemala. Rodrigo Rosenberg, who was shot dead on Sunday, had recorded a video prior to his death warning that he might be murdered and that President Alvaro Colom would be responsible for ordering the assassination.

WASHINGTON — In its first detailed effort to overhaul financial regulations, the Obama administration on Wednesday sought new authority over the complex financial instruments, known as derivatives, that were a major cause of the financial crisis and have gone largely unregulated for decades.

BBC News Caracas : Former Mayor of Caracas Juan Barreto has been charged with corruption over a scheme to fly airships equipped with cameras over the city to fight crime.

The Integrity in Public Life Amendment Bil (Trinidad and Tobago), which is expected to be debated in the Senate today, will open the way for increased white collar corruption, chairman of the T&T Transparency Institute (TTTI) Victor Hart insists. “The bill represents a retrograde step which will increase the likelihood of corruption in the country,” he said yesterday in a telephone interview. The bill, which seeks to impose new provisions to ensure that people making allegations have evidence to support them, was passed in the House of Representatives last week.

The Fifth Summit of the Americas was held in Trinidad and Tobago mid-April 2009 and saw 34 hemispheric leaders attempt to build on mandates set by past summits. In tackling regional economic development issues and facing the current global economic crisis, leaders were confronted by the need to address corruption as a fundamental stumbling block on the path to prosperity.

As the risk environment increases for companies worldwide, Transparency International (TI) today published the latest edition of a cutting-edge multi-stakeholder code that sets out best practice for companies seeking to address the threat of bribery.

With the uncovering of each new financial scandal recently, the need for greater accountability in the financial sector is becoming increasingly apparent across the globe. Understanding the links between corruption in procurement and the erosion of value at both the private and public sector levels is now crucial as we seek to redefine our corporate and public strategies to maximise efficiency in performance.  There is also a growing view among investment professionals that environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios.CPI recognising the need to develop programmes which explore this linkage, is proud to introduce the latest addition to our Faculty and Director ESG Finance and Investments Dr. Erik L. Van Dijk leading financial market analyst. 

Dr. Erik L. Van Dijk, Director ESG Finance and Investments Caribbean Procurement Institute explores the linkage between corruption and firm value in this article.  Van Dijk posits that there is Value in Virtue and proffers this as the basis for promoting the positive reasons for developing and implementing appropriate anti-corruption strategies and policies at firm and country level.  For the full article click here.

A delegation from Transparency International (TI) will participate in the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure that anti-corruption is integrated into efforts to face the effects of the economic crisis and ensure equitable prosperity in the hemisphere.

The creation of regionally owned funds to support integration processes and regional Aid for Trade agendas is currently being discussed in all ACP regions. Similarly on the European side, the European Commission and EU member states are exploring the potential of such funds as one of the delivery mechanisms to implement their Aid for Trade commitments. Intentions to make use of regionally owned funds have been expressed in the context of the ACP-EU negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) as well as in the joint EU Aid for Trade Strategy.

Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick has stepped down earlier than expected, following the British government's announcement that it is prepared to take control of the islands after an official investigation found wide-spread corruption.

Examining the experience of Serbia in implementing its new procurement legislation is instructive as CARICOM territories work to establish its own procedures.  Serbia spends some EUR 4bn a year on public purchasing, which can be a hotbed for corruption given the amount of money in circulation, says Transparency Serbia.
 

The work of the Caribbean Procurement Institute was singled out by top financial market analyst Erik L. Van Dijk as a good initiative which could assist in improving the regulatory framework and thereby encouraging foreign investment in the region. 

Several ACP subregions and countries have adopted interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the EU in late 2007, with a view to safeguard market access and allow more time for the ongoing negotiations towards more comprehensive regional EPAs. However, concern has been voiced on a number of the provisions contained in these agreements. And some call for the revision of those clauses before integrating them in the full EPAs

Yesterday, hearings at the Uff Commission of Enquiry into the Construction Industry and UDeCOTT continued in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.  The Round Table discussion on the White Paper on the Reform of Public Sector Procurement turned into vigorous debate between JCC representative Winston Riley, President of the Contractors Association Mikey Joseph, Carla Herbert Member of the Procurement Reform Committee and Legal Drafter, Calder Hart, Chairman of UDeCOTT, Victor Hart, Chairman of TTTI and Minister of Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert. 

Today, Tuesday 24 March, in the morning session, Victor Hart, Chairman of TTTI, will be joining representatives of the Attorney-General, UdeCoTT and the JCC at the Commission of Enquiry into the Construction Sector in a debate on the White Paper on the Reform of the Public Sector Procurement Regime.

The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI), local chapter of the leading international Anti-Corruption organisation Transparency International (TI) , will be hosting a training workshop entitled "Preventing Corruption in Construction Projects" at the Hotel Normandie in Trinidad and Tobago on April 3rd 2009.  This workshop is being sponsored by the Caribbean Procurement Institute as part of its effort to stimulate reform in procurement practices and sharpen the skills of professionals navigating procurement risks.

The Caribbean Procurement Institute (CPI) hosted another capacity building workshop from its unique Procurement Intensive Seminar ^TM Series at the Trinidad Hyatt on March 9 and 10, 2009.

The UN Global Compact Office has released the report of the fourth meeting of the Global Compact Working Group on the 10th Principle, held  on 26-27 February 2009 at UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting brought together business participants of the UN Global Compact with representatives of civil society, labour, business associations, Local Networks and international organizations.

(CARICOM Secretariat Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has moved to ensure urgent implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed with the European Community (EC). Significantly, the CARIFORUM/EU EPA is the first trade treaty between the developed and developing worlds to include public procurement conditions for parties. 

Canadian author and procurement lawyer Paul Emanuelli is in the final production cycle of his forthcoming drafting manual The Laws of Precision Drafting: A Handbook for Tenders and RFPs.  Drawing from an international selection of leading case studies and institutional best practices, Emanuelli’s new book outlines an accelerated seven stage drafting process honed through years of experience with complex procurement projects. 

Arguably the most significant enquiry into the procurement practices in the public sector construction sector in Trinidad and Tobago kicked off today chaired by Professor John Uff.  The terms of reference of the Commission include making recommendations and observations arising out of its deliberations as may be deemed appropriate, to ensure that, inter alia, Integrity and transparency in the public procurement practice are assured [Full Terms of Reference in body of article]. For full transcripts of proceedings and to obtain a live broadcast streaming feed online go to http://www.constructionenquiry.gov.tt

The Caribbean Procurement Institute has been privileged to have at its helm Independent Senator Helen Drayton from inception in December 2006.

CPI introduces the third intensive in the Procurement Intensive Seminar Series - The Precision Drafting Intensive.  It is a brand new course based on the new text The Laws of Precision Drafting : A Handbook for Tenders and RFPs authored by leading procurement lawyer and CPI Faculty Member Paul Emanuelli leading Canadian author and procurement lawyer.

The OECD Council has approved the Principles for Enhancing Integrity in Public Procurement in the form of OECD Recommendation on 16 October, with the OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria emphasizing the importance of the Recommendation.  The Recommendation demonstrates the political commitment of OECD countries to tackle risks of waste, fraud and corruption in the whole procurement cycle, from needs assessment to contract management and payment.

Christ Church, Barbados – Member States of the Caribbean Forum of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (CARIFORUM) and the European Community (EC) assembled in Barbados at the Sherbourne Conference Centre yesterday October 15, 2008 to commemorate the beginning of a new chapter in the history of their economic relationship by signing of the CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement. DOWNLOAD the final EPA text here.

Leading world expert in public procurement Professor Khi V. Thai, is the latest addition to the CPI faculty of professors and experts.  CPI is privileged to have Professor Thai on board given his extensive research and experience in public procurement.  Professor Thai is the founder and Director of the Public Procurement Research Center at Florida Atlantic University and Chair of the Advisory Board of the International Public Procurement Conference (IPPC) Body.

With close to 300 registered participants from 43 countries and 81 presentations from all the continents IPPC was very succesfull. Not only was the amount of papers enormous but also the quality of these papers was impressive.

Margaret Rose, Chief Executive of the Caribbean Procurement Institute has been appointed to serve on the Advisory board of the International Public Procurement Conference (IPPC).  Ms. Rose is the first Caribbean National to be appointed to the IPPC Board. 

The third International Public Procument Conference (IPPC) will be held on 28th -30th August in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  IPPC facilitates in the international exchange of knowledge and knowhow on public procurement. In the footsteps of IPPC 1 (Fort Lauderdale, USA) and IPPC 2 (Rome, Italy), the third IPPC in 2008 under the central theme "Enhancing Best Practice in Procurement" will once again provide an opportunity for practitioners and reseachers in the field of public procurement to share best practices, discuss critical issues of concern and exchange work experiences.

Officials of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and CPI are planning a series of meetings during September 20th - 27th 2008 in Trinidad to explore with the 500 members of CIPS and 126 CAPP members the development of strategic alignment initiatives between the two bodies. It is expected that out of these meetings, an MOU will be signed between the two bodies to pursue joint membership benefits and initiatives in the region.

The Government of Canada has decided that the Caribbean Community will be a region of focus for international development assistance for the next ten years. In line with this priority, CIDA has approved a Strategic Programming Framework for the region and is in the process of designing a new initiative on Strengthening Democratic Governance and Accountability in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Procurement Institute has been invited to participate and make a presentation to Government Procurement experts and professionals from throughout the CARICOM at the Government Procurement Workshop ....

In another Caribbean exclusive deal, CPI has partnered with RFP Mentor, premier trainers in RFP methodologies headed by leading expert Michael Asner to develop region specific courses to sharpen the skills of procurement professionals in the Caribbean. Michael Asner is recognized as one of North America\'s leading speakers, consultants and authors dealing with both public and private sector procurement and specifically the Request for Proposal....

The Caribbean Procurement Institute is proud to announce the negotiation of an exclusive contract with Northern Standard Institute, Canada to facilitate and provide training programmes developed by leading Canadian Procurement Lawyer Paul Emanuelli, author of the Governement Procurement Text, in the Caribbean region....

With over 170 persons from throughout the Caribbean and North America, including Ministers of Government, Professors, Senior Public Sector Officials, lawyers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project and finance managers and auditors in attendance, CPPC 2008 was a resounding success!....

The Caribbean Procurement Institute was launched on the 19th March 2008 at the Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Trinidad.  The Institute with a vision to be the premier resource for specialised procurement education and expertise was founded by its three directors, Helen Drayton (Chairman), Margaret Rose (CEO) and Woodrow Whiteley (Dir. Finance).  The objective of the Institute is to respond specifically to the needs of the regional community with training ....