In an effort to enhance the implementation of the CARICOM Strategic Plan 2015-2019, the CARICOM Secretariat is currently hosting a Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop. The two-day workshop, which began on Monday, provides training in the use of a CARICOM online Monitoring and Evaluation Tool. It is being held at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown Guyana. The training seminar is being attended by professionals from CARICOM Member States who work in the areas of youth development, education, and crime prevention and security.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of Human Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Ms. Myrna Bernard, said the online monitoring tool was very timely. She said monitoring and evaluation has now taken on a more prominent role as the ‘value for money’ paradigm has taken traction.
Ms. Bernard said the practical sessions would afford hands on capacity-building opportunities and enhance the technical skills of participants to use the tool. She said it would also assist in the development of bench-marking techniques.
Director of Strategic Management at the CARICOM Secretariat, Mr. Craig Beresford, also stressed the value of the tool to the CARICOM Region. He said it would form part of the framework for implementation of the Regional Strategic Plan, allowing for transparency in the implementation of projects and programmes.
The Strategic Plan, approved by CARICOM Heads in July 2014, will seek between 2015 and 2019, to better meet the expectations of the Region’s populace by targeting a defined range of specific outcomes within specified time frames, focusing on a few practical and achievable goals. The Plan was developed in consultation with Member States and focuses on building economic, social, environmental and technological resilience, strengthening the CARICOM Identity and Spirit of Community and Strengthening Community Governance.
The monitoring and evaluation tool, being demonstrated at the workshop was created in early 2014 in collaboration with UNICEF originally to facilitate monitoring of the progress of the Regional Framework for Action for Children. It has since been extended to include the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP) and the CARICOM Crime Prevention Action Plan. USAID was also a partner involved in this initiative and provided the necessary resources to facilitate the workshop.
