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News
JAMAICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS INCREASE CAPACITY AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Since 2000 the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) has been spearheading reform in deaf education through the implementation of a bilingual approach. These efforts have been positively impacting the thirteen schools for the deaf on the island.
ADVANCES IN PASTURE FORAGE IMPROVES DAIRY FARMS IN NICARAGUA
The dairy value chain in Nicaragua is based on milk produced from tropical forage that has its growing cycle and development coincide with the rainy season (May - November), which in turn effects the growth during the dry season (December - April). When the waters levels diminish the pasture and forage reduce drastically, affecting milk production and cattle health.
NUTRITION STANDARDS INCREASED FOR LIVESTOCK IN HAITI
Livestock in Haiti is an additional source of income for families and often considered a Haitian's piggy bank since these animals are sold when families need to send their children to school or pay for a major expense. A relatively recent addition to many households is the domesticated rabbit since rabbits breed quickly and offer a source of protein.
POST HARVEST PRODUCTION IN ST. KITTS & NEVIS
Farmers in St Kitts and Nevis have been trying to grow onions and white potatoes for a number of years but the quality of the produce is often poor which can be attributed to the post harvest problems (soft rot in white potatoes and improper curing in onions).
VETERAN BEEKEEPER IMPROVES CONSTRUCTION IN HAITI
Beekeeping in Haiti is a growing but still underutilized industry in Haiti. Beyond the immediate benefit of pollinating agricultural fields, beekeeping creates a cottage industry where beekeepers can sell honey and secondary bee products like candles and waxes adding much needed income.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN ST. KITTS & NEVIS
Several major pests have caused major crop losses to farmers across the two islands, including cabbage loopers, aphids, whiteflies, and especially the diamondback moth, according to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) St. Kitts & Nevis as well as the Ministry of Agriculture.
COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES IMPROVED IN HAITI
Haiti was the subject of intense, international media interest in the days and weeks following the earthquake, and the Haitian Ministry of Culture and Communications fielded the vast majority of those inquiries, conducting as many as 40 interviews a day.
AGRIBUSINESS TECHNIQUES TO INCREASE PROFITS IN GRENADA
Farmers in Grenada operate with scant knowledge of production costs or profitability. At times they repeat crops without knowing the impact on their bottom line, or if their cash, time, and efforts could generate greater profits with other products.
SPECIAL NEEDS CENTER RECEIVES TRAINING IN EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
Special needs children in Nicaragua have limited access to therapies or activities with the exception of Los Mimados, a horse therapy center located in the heart of Managua that treats more than 300 children per week. The children ages 2-18 receive free physical therapy treatment both in the traditional sense and also by touching, riding, and enjoying horses.
GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT INCREASES CROP VARIETY IN ST. VINCENT
The growing season for vegetable production in the Caribbean is generally quite limited with some varieties being grown in the colder months. The short growing season forces hotels and restaurants to purchase vegetables from outside of St. Vincent and farmers are forced to lower their prices for vegetables to remain competitive with imports.
POST HARVEST TRAINING FOR CACAO FARMERS
The cacao farmers in Masatepe were lured into the cash crop of cacao several years ago with aspirations to reach the growing market for organic chocolate lovers. They began planting and have overcome many obstacles but they lacked the technology and skills to bring their small farms to a more profitable level.
ENGINEERS HELPING TO REOPEN UNIVERSITY IN HAITI
The State University of Haiti [Université d’Etat d’Haïti] (UEH) traces its origins to the 1820s with the establishment of the law school and the medical school. Since that time, the university has added a variety of other departments and institutions in Port-au-Prince and across the country.
NICARAGUANS RECEIVE DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING
The Volunteer Firefighters of Managua (Benemerito Cuerpo de Bomberos) of Managua was established in 1936. These volunteers have years of experience in disaster response but have minimal formal training. In light of the earthquakes around the region, the firefighters sought formal training in first response to supplement their experience in disaster response and wanted an opportunity to learn about new technologies and training techniques.
Guyana Community Improves Natual Oil and Soap Production
The Three Brothers Community in Guyana, an Amerindian community located near the Waini River, produces a natural oil and soap from oil extracted from the seeds of the Crabwood tree (Carapa guianensis). Its oil is thought to have therapeutic value and is reputed to be an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial as well as being very high in Vitamin E.
Six Provide Trauma Care in the Central Plateau
Following the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, Hosean International Ministries (HIM) opened their complex in Pignon to house, feed, and educate over 350 people seeking refuge from the disaster. While many of the initial needs for food and medical attention were being met, founder of HIM Caleb Lucien noticed that many of the refugees especially the youth were potentially suffering from post traumatic stress.
Government Building Assessed by Structrual Engineer
Long-time FAVACA partner and Haitian Minister of Tourism, Patrick Delatour, now head of the Haitian Commission Responsible for Shelter Building and Reconstruction Planning, requested assistance from FAVACA.
Registered Nurse and Trauma Counselor Provides Immediate Relief
Following the devastating January 12th earthquake, veteran FAVACA volunteer Lory Servil, North Miami, provided her psychiatric nurse experience to benefit numerous domestic and international organizations providing care to the injured.
Nutritional Standards Improved in Haiti
Since 1979, Village of Vision for Haiti Foundation (VVHF, a non-profit organization, has served the growing need for education and care of preschool and school-age children of working families at Lamardelle, a small Haitian city located near the Dominican Republic border.
Veteran volunteer Bo Sterk, St. Augustine, returned to Haiti November 14-22, 2009 to provide a variety of trainings to the Regroupements des Jeunes Progressistes de Mathurin (REJEPMA) located in Plaisance de Sud in the Nippes Department. Forty participants learned the integral aspects of bee colony and hive maintenance.
National Heritage Park Established in the Bahamas
Dr. Keith Tinker of the Bahamas Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) is the principal heritage conservation agency in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It is committed to the preservation, interpretation and promotion of nation monuments, historical sites, museums, artifacts and eco-facts, which acquire national importance, and inspire public interest by reason of their historical, archaeological, anthropological and/or paleontological significance.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING IN ANTIGUA
The Directorate of Gender Affairs is committed to building a country in which women and men enjoy their full rights as individuals and are equal partners in shaping the economic, political, social, and development of their country.
The Hotel Villa Creole was established in 1948 in Petion Ville, Haiti. The hotel employs 155 people to oversee 70 rooms. In the past, FAVACA has provided fire and rescue training to hotels in Port-au-Prince and Petion Ville but many of the employees who partook in the training have not used the training often or due to the high turnover rate in the hospitality sector, have not been trained in fire and rescue safety.
HISPANIOLA YOUTH LOG-ON TO NEW SKILLS
For the past several years, the Levi-Strauss Foundation and FAVACA have provided small grants and short-term technical assistance to build the capacity of local institutions who work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the free trade zone located on the border region of Ouanaminthe, Haiti and Dajabon, Dominican Republic.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS PREVENT GANG ACTIVITY
The SRO program is the link between crime prevention in communities and crime prevention in schools. FAVACA, the Ministry of National Security and COMET held the training in Ocho Rios, Jamaica September 24-27, 2009 to train best practices in dealing with the prevention of youth gang activities.
REGIONAL LEADERS BENEFITS FROM PEST WORKSHOP IN GRENADA
Due to globalization and the increase in seaborne trade throughout the Caribbean, agriculture and other industries are under increased threat from coleopteran pests (e.g. beetles) and other insects. Infestation from these insects could decimate crops, paralyze the agriculture industry, halt construction, and cripple other industries.
STATIA BEAUTIFIES ISLAND FOR TOURISTS
For several years, and with the help of FAVACA, the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) has been pioneering the tourism industry on the small island of St. Eustatius, commonly referred to as "Statia". Since 2007, FAVACA has provided a number of trainings for the Foundation notably, food and kitchen sanitation, innovative methods to improve guest satisfaction, and new cooking techniques resulting in a number of exciting dishes being offered.
In U.S., young Haitians mobilize to help their nation
Lawrence Gonzalez wants to invest his energy, sweat and time in Haiti. And he believes he has found just the way to do it: Create a corps of Haitian students in the United States to work on service projects in the Caribbean nation.
CREATING A BUZZ ABOUT BEEKEEPING IN DOMINICA
Beekeeping in the Caribbean has suffered great setbacks in the past several decades due to the introduction of Africanized bees, the Vero mite, and habitat loss due to man-made and natural disasters.
33rd ANNUAL MIAMI CONFERENCE ON THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA
The Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA), are pleased to invite you to be a part of our 33rd Annual Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Central America, taking place from November 30 - December 2, 2009, at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Miami, Florida.
FAVACA VOLUNTEER BUILDS THE CAPACITY OF A HAITIAN NGO
The Institute of Interuniversity Research and Development [Institut Interuniversitaire de Recherche et Development] (INURED) was created to promote and institutionalize social research and post-graduate training in partnership with academic and non-academic institutions in Haiti and elsewhere.
NICARAGUAN WEBSITE DESIGN LINKS INDIGENOUS WOMEN TO NEW MARKETS
The Association of Indigenous Women in the Atlantic Coast (AMICA- la Asociacion de Mujeres Indigenas de la Costa Atlantica) is an indigenous women's group which promotes the integral development of indigenous woman, the defense of their rights, the participation of woman in the decision-making process in their communities, and the integration of indigenous women into economic activities.
TWO HAITIAN HOSPITALS RECEIVE ADVANCED LIFE-SUPPORT TRAINING
FAVACA in collaboration with the Haitian Resource and Development Foundation (HRDF), a nonprofit organization helping with the development of Haiti, and the International Medical Equipment Collaborative (IMEC), shipped a variety of emergency room medical equipment to the Hospital de L'Universite d'Etat d'Haiti, commonly known as the General Hospital located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
EVACUATION PLAN AND FIRE SAFETY FOCUS FOR CAP HAITIAN HOSPITAL
Servicing a large majority of the healthcare needs in the Northern part of Haiti, the Justinian Hospital in Cap Haitien, Haiti is a vital resource for providing much needed medical services for a large sector of the population.
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4th ANNUAL POISON CONTROL CONFERENCE A SUCCESS IN JAMAICA
The Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN) is an organization with the goal of increasing awareness throughout the Caribbean on poison and poison prevention strategies.
VISUALLY IMPAIRED RECIEVES COMPUTER TRAINING IN BARBADOS
The National Disabilities Unit works to facilitate, advocate, and promote the advancement and empowerment of persons with disabilities in order to ensure equal opportunities for integration and participation in all aspects of community living in Barbados.
NICARAGUAN NGO RECEIVES TRAINING ON BUSINESS PLANNING AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETS
Fundacion Fenix is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) located just outside Managua whose main objective is to develop activities and programs to prevent drug use amongst children and teenagers as well as the promotion of the integral development for vulnerable groups. Fundacion Fenix has been working to develop sources that can provide a secure form of funds for their outreach program.
DOCUMENTARY ON COLONIALISM CREATED IN GRENADA
Dr. Oliver Benoit, Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences at St. Georges University requested an expert to provide a lecture on the legacy of colonialism in Grenada to students in a Caribbean Identity and Caribbean Issues & Perspectives class. Veteran FAVACA volunteer Valerie Scoon, a faculty member at Florida State University's College of Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts and President and CEO of True Vision Productions, shared excerpts from a documentary she has been creating on colonialism from several previous FAVACA missions.
GANG VIOLENCE REDUCTION STRATEGY
FAVACA in conjunction with United States Agency for International Development's Community Empowerment and Transformation (COMET) project and the US Department of State's Narcotics Affairs Sections from Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic held a regional gang violence reduction strategy workshop and study tour May 5-7, 2009 at the Mayfair Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida.
FLORIDA NGO BROKERS SHORT-TERM AID
Julienne Gage, a freelance journalist and broadcast news producer based in Miami, published an article on the value FAVACA brings through short-term aid projects.
The year 1982 was a critical one for Florida. The economy had sagged as part of a national recession. As Florida continued to absorb the tens of thousands of Cuban refugees who had arrived from Mariel in 1980, new waves of refugees arrived on our shores to escape the political instability of a communist regime in Nicaragua and the poverty of Haiti. Many Floridians with skills, experience and, sometimes, roots in the Caribbean were eager to help.
HAITIAN HOSPITAL RECEIVES EMERGENCY ROOM EQUIPMENT
Over 2 million people live in the Port-au-Prince and Petion Ville area of Haiti and until recently there were no emergency rooms or ICU units to support any of the population living Haiti.
SECONDARY TEACHER TRAINING SEMINAR
Pwof Ansanm, a nonprofit organization in Haiti, supports programs and individuals whose mission it is to improve Haitian education through teacher training, curriculum development and material development. Pwof Ansanm holds biannual trainings for secondary teachers and requested the assistance of FAVACA to provide experts who could provide lessons in democracy (civics) and children's rights program, and provide organizational development expertise.
LOCAL NONPROFITS RECEIVE BOOST
The Family and Parenting Center (FPC) is a small nonprofit organization in Jamaica that ensures that facilities across the country are utilized for the empowerment of individuals, families and communities with psychological and social needs.
Honduran Micro-credit foundation opens new revenue streams
The Adelante Foundation of Honduras is a micro-credit lending organization that supports women in rural areas of northern Honduras. René Lincona, Executive Director of the foundation sought assistance in overhauling and rewriting their business skills lessons to improve the content and impact for their 5,000 clients.
Guyana Receives At-Risk Youth Development Training
Partners of Americas has been working in Guyana for several years implementing a program called Educare which provides educational and work development programs for at-risk youth. Educare has had some great success implementing these programs however Educare feels there is a need for some of their youth counselors to be trained in good counseling skills to enable them to reach out to more of the youth in their programs and help to work on issues that are affecting the youth.
International Firefighting Assistance
International Firefighters Assistance, Inc. (IFA) is a non- profit organization that provides humanitarian assistance, support, education and training to firefighters and emergency rescue workers in underprivileged countries.
FAVACA has teamed up with Choukoun, a micro-business organization aimed to combat poverty, by providing microloans to entrepreneurs creating small businesses aimed to benefit the community of Deschapelles, Haiti. Donations can be made through FAVACA to support the efforts of Choukoun.
On November 14, 2008 in the Fellowship Hall of Coral Gables Congregational Church, FAVACA participated in a joint fundraiser for Haiti.
FAVACA Article in the Journal of Comparative Social Welfare
An article was recently published in the Journal of Comparative Social Welfare looking at the satisfaction of past FAVACA volunteers and FAVACA regional partners. FAVACA was rated very high in satisfaction from both volunteers and partners.
Haitian Teacher Training Focuses on Planning Skills
The International Coalition is a small nonprofit organization with members in both South Florida and in the Northwest Department of Haiti working to help provide education to children in Mare Rouge and just outside of Mole Saint Nicolas. Education is a priority for nearly every Haitian however the cost of schooling is often a deterrent as well as the poor quality of schools across the country.
Hospitality Center in St. Eustatius Cooks up a Training
The St. Eustatius Tourism Center recently constructed a hospitality school which trains recently graduated high school students to become formalized with the necessary skills to enter into the hospitality industry. The department which focuses on food services at the Tourism Center expressed their need for an updated and improved curriculum.
The Bahamas Responds to Emergencies and Disasters
The Bahamas Responds to Emergencies and Disasters Hurricane Ike passed through the Bahamas in August 2008 and caused millions of dollars worth of damage to the infrastructure of the islands as well as a great deal of physical damage to the local population. The National Emergency Medical Service, which provides all emergency services in the Bahamas, contacted FAVACA to help train emergency personnel on new techniques to drive emergency vehicles during times of disaster as well as methods to evacuate people from an emergency situation in Grand Bahamas and New Providence.
Belize Receives Elderly Care Plan
The National Council on Aging (NCA) is in the final year of their 5 year plan and contacted FAVACA to find an expert who could help to evaluate their success in implementing the plan. The volunteer was also requested to work with NCA’s staff and board members to develop another 5-10 year strategic national plan on aging. 2007 FAVACA Volunteer of the Year, Martha Pelaez of Miami Florida, agreed to provide the requested training and offer her suggestions in designing and implementing a new strategic plan.
Greater Miami Chamber Salutes International Business Leaders
Today, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce presented the second annual International Business Leadership Awards at the Hilton Miami Downtown hotel. Awards were presented to companies that engage in international business or activities that support international business development in Florida.
Rebuild Haiti: MISSION POSSIBLE
On November 14, 2008 in the Fellowship Hall of Coral Gables Congregational Church, FAVACA participated in a joint fundraiser for Haiti. All proceeds were donated to support the efforts of three leading south Florida international organizations to provide urgently needed assistance to those affected.
Guyana once had a thriving beekeeping operation and use to be one of the leading honey producers in the Caribbean. Docile Italian Honey Bees thrived in the region creating bountiful honey and easy to manage hives; however increased shipping to the country brought Africanized bees to the country in the mid-1970s.
Haitian Studies Association Conference
The twentieth annual Haitian Studies Association Conference took place November 6-8, 2008 at Club Indigo in Montrouis, Haiti. The Conference features a variety of roundtable discussions and presentations by leading Haitian and Haitian-American experts as well as other experts with an interest in Haiti.
Haiti still reeling from the effects of Hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike an estimated 600 people have died and more than 70,100 others across the country are homeless. Hurricane Hannah slowly made its way across Haiti dumping down rain on an already saturated country causing damaging floods and dangerous mudslides.
Barbados Nonprofits Receive Training on NGO Strengthening
The recent worldwide food and energy shortages have increased the need for social services on the island of Barbados and around the globe. During times of difficulty, citizens flock to the social service sector to receive the services that citizens are unable to afford and governments are unable to finance.
Autism Gains Public Attention in Jamaica
In the past three years, the matter of Autism and developmental and mental health disorders has just begun to gain public attention in Jamaica; however, there is a major lack of knowledge on how to treat the issues relating to autism.
Rum Cay Students Document the Cultural History of the Island
The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and relaxing atmosphere which draws tourist from around the world. However with number of tourist ever increasing, the islands have begun to escalate the amount of development projects in order to capture more and more of the tourism market. With expansive development projects, often times mean the loss of components of the islands heritage and local histories.
Conference tackles Jamaican gang violence
The South Florida Times, August 8,2008
MIAMI — In an effort to improve the social and economic climate in Jamaica, agencies from the tropical island and the Sunshine State will collaborate to tackle the rampant gang violence in the popular tourists’ paradise.
Jamaican Cops Get Advice from U.S. Colleagues
Miami Herald, August 08, 2008.
Jamaican police officials gleaned law enforcement tips from South Florida authorities as part of a trip aiming to help them curb gang violence on the island.
IICA Saitn Lucia and Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Forestry address food safety in pig production, IICA ECS News, September 2007.
Local Doctor Travels to Guyana to Teach, The Star Newspaper, July 1, 2007.
C.A.R.E. and SLHTA Collaborate to Provide Culinary Workshop, The Voice, May 26, 2007.
Investment Bureau Holds Business-Coaching Course, Cayman Net News, May 7, 2007.
Chief Fire Rescue Officer Commends Search and Rescue Team, ZIZ RADIO and TV News, February 15, 2007.
Crime, violence can aggravate behavioral disorders in children, Jamaica Gleaner Online, May 22, 2006.
Jamaica Turns to CARD FAVACA for Expertise with Autism, USF Department of Child & Family Studies News, May 2006.
Workshops for Honey bee Keepers, St. Vincent Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, January 2006.
CIIB/FAVACA Small Business Workshops, January 25, 2006.
Workshops target small business, Caymanian Compass, January 31, 2006.
Americas Relief Members give recognition to Relief Organizations for humanitarian efforts during 2005 hurricane season, CDERA News Center, December 13, 2005.
Governor Jeb Bush Team to visit Prime Minister Douglas, chamber officials next week - St. Kitts & Nevis GIS, October 2, 2003
NEMO Continues Training of Members - National Emergency Managment Press Release, September 29, 2003
NCSA arming children to fight drugs - September 24, 2003, The Barbados Advocate
Scientist ventures abroad to volunteer- July 28, 2003, Tallahassee Democrat
Alzheimer's seminar well supported - July 18, 2003, Jamaica Gleaner
Haitian exporters look to shelve wares,woes - July 13, 2003, The Miami Hearld