During an SLP press conference earlier today, 1st Deputy Political Leader, Alva Baptiste made the following statement regarding the Hewanorra airport redevelopment matter:
“I start by making reference to a government press release issued and voiced by Ms Nancy Charles, on Tuesday 24 April, where she stated categorically and I quote:
“The Government of Saint Lucia has NOT Signed any Agreement with Mr. Sean Matthew for the Redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport! This is just another case of FAKE NEWS, LIES and Deceit of the St. Lucia Labour Party hoping to frustrate and delay the progress of the country”
The Press Release then went on to accuse the SLP of trying to tarnish Mr. Matthew’s reputation and followed with several paragraphs detailing Mr. Matthew’s biography. The question which immediately arose was why a government press release would fabricate such a lie about the Labour Party and then go to such lengths to promote the qualifications of an individual, if they were not contemplating an engagement with him. Or was that a case of “pwen duvant” (take in front)? In other words, take a pre-emptive strike on the opposition to disguise an actual action which was being contemplated?
The Labour Party immediately released a response to this blatant lie and challenged the Government and Nancy Charles to provide proof of any statement made by the Labour Party in respect of a contract to Sean Matthew.
The Labour Party reiterates, here, that as of April 24, 2018 it had made no statement in respect of an alleged contract issued to Sean Matthew or any entity associated with him.
We were aware, as would most St. Lucians, that reference was made by a local Talk-show host, on his program days earlier, to a recently registered company by the name of Executive Consulting and Management Services Ltd. (ECMS) of which Mr. Matthew was a director and that the company was allegedly the recipient of a contract to provide consultancy services in respect of the Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project.
Since those statements were made, a number of documents have emerged in the public domain pointing to negotiations of a contract between the previously named ECMS and the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) in respect of the Hewanorra Airport Redevelopment Project. Further, the documents suggest that the contract sum, under consideration is in the region of US$1.35 million to US$1.53 million or EC$3.66 million to EC$4.15 million in addition to expenses.
The Saint Lucia Labour Party has on several occasions stated its concerns about the current government’s departure from a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the airport redevelopment, which would insulate the country from the huge debt estimated in the region of US$150 million ($407 million), and at the same time avoid the negative impact that a loan of that magnitude would have on the country’s debt to GDP ratio. It is also important to restate here that the process was being managed by the IFC, a reputable World Bank agency. This was always intended to ensure that such a huge undertaking by the country would be conducted under the strictest transparent processes.
In his contribution to the recently completed budget debate, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Philip J. Pierre, revealed that the current government was also offered assistance with the financing and management of the Airport project, by the government of Canada. The offer from the Canadian Government required no government guarantee and also included construction of the North – South link road. This was also refused.
The question is why? If there is a good explanation the government has the responsibility to share it with the citizens of the country.
The Development Bank of Jamaica invites applications from interested persons for the position of:
MONITORING & EVALUATION OFFICER
The position assists with the implementation of the Bank’s M&E Framework and the utilization of the System to ensure accurate Development Impact reporting.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure that data collection templates/tools (e.g. application forms, on-line portal) are suitable to collect baseline information and data collected is consistent across all lines of business.
Prepare evaluation tools such as questionnaires/surveys, and undertake analysis of data derived from such tools.
Establish relationships with implementation partners – external and internal – to encourage accurate and timely data collection and submission of reports
Prepare development impact and outcome reports to fulfil DBJ’s accountability requirements
The required minimum qualifications, experiences and attributes are:
First degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Economics or related field.
Certificate in Project Management.
Training in survey and questionnaire design; sampling techniques, data quality control and data analysis.
Training in the Balanced Scorecard methodology would be an asset.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, clients and colleagues.
Computer literacy (proficiency in the use of MS PowerPoint, Word and Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Projects, Visio, SPSS, Views, NVIVO).
Three (3) years’ experience in a related position – preferably in the Financial sector
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their application by 9th May 2018 to:
In planning to respond to a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Tender, or some other kind of solicitation, one of the crucial steps is to determine the evaluation method the procuring team intends to use to select the suitable candidate to award a contract. In knowing what criteria will be used when submissions are being evaluated, you, as the Consultant, Contractor, or Vendor (of goods and/or services), can properly strategise preparation of your response, to increase your chances of being favourably considered.
However, in the procurement world – like many specialist fields – lots of abbreviations and jargons are bandied about, which can be confusing to most. Here, we will demystify three key, and frequently used, selection/evaluation methods:
Quality-Based Selection
Quality-Cost-Based Selection
Least Cost Selection
Quality-Based Selection (QBS)
Typically, QBS is used when the emphasis is on securing the most competent candidate. Selection is thus based on the quality of the proposals submitted, which tends to be limited to the technical proposals only.
Under QBS, financial proposals (or other similar documentation proposing the project cost) are not immediately included in the evaluation process. If financial proposals must be submitted at the same time as the technical proposals, the two-envelope system is typically used – where, though submitted at the same time, the technical proposal and the financial proposal are placed in separate envelopes.
Once the highest-ranked technical proposal is determined, the corresponding financial proposal would then be opened, and its owner is invited to negotiate with the procuring team. When those negotiations are successfully concluded, the financial proposals submitted by other bidders, should be returned unopened.
Quality Cost-Based Selection (QCBS)
Under QCBS, both the technical and financial proposals are used to determine the wining submission. Typically, the technical and financial proposals are submitted at the same time in separate sealed envelopes (two-envelope system).
The evaluation methodology employed aims to identify the strongest technical proposal at the best price. Hence, each submission’s technical proposal scores and financial proposal scores are weighted, based on the quality-cost balance the procurement team wants to apply, and the weighted scores summed, to produce the final results. So, for example, the weighting could be as follows:
Weight assigned to technical proposal = 80%
Weight assigned to financial proposal = 20%
The technical proposals are evaluated first. The score assigned to each proposal is then weighted as prescribed.
Thereafter, the financial proposals are evaluated. Typically, the lowest-priced financial proposal is awarded the full weighted score. Using the above weights, that would be 20%. The weighted scores of the other financial proposals are calculated as a fraction of the highest scoring proposal. So, if the lowest priced proposal was $X, the weighted scores for another submission, for which the proposed price was $A, would calculated as ($A/$X), multiplied by weight assigned financial proposals (20%). Hence, their final weighted scores will always be less than that of the lowest-priced financial proposal.
Once the weighted technical scores and weighted financial scores are determined for each set of submissions, they are summed, to determine the final scores, and which is the winning submission
Least-Cost Selection (LCS)
For the LCS method, although the financial proposal will be the basis upon which the winning submission is determined, the quality of the technical proposal, is still a crucial consideration. Once again, both the technical and financial proposal are usually submitted using the two-envelope system.
The technical proposals are opened first and evaluated, based on the evaluation criteria specified in the solicitation documents. The proposals that achieve meet or exceed the minimum technical score, will have their financial proposals opened. Those below that score, are rejected, and their financial proposals should be returned unopened.
The qualifying financial proposals are opened, and the lowest-priced financial proposal is considered the winner of the contract.
However, it should be noted that the strongest technical proposal is not automatically selected. Any of the technical proposals that achieve the minimum score are eligible for consideration, but has the lowest project price will win.
Have any questions? Do share them in the section below, or on Facebook or Twitter page
INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AREA
OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS)
Below is the Opportunity Profile for the assignment of Monitoring and Results Specialist at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The profile consists of a description of the assignment, the qualifications and competencies required, and a brief description of the Bank.
Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:
1. You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
2. You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
3. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.
CDB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or religion. In order to be considered for this position, it is mandatory that you submit the following items:
(i) A cover letter addressed to the Director, Human Resources and Administration outlining how your experience and qualifications match the profile described; and
(ii) A résumé indicating nationality, and including the names and contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) for four persons who know you and your work well enough to comment on your suitability for this role.
CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that your background and interest will not be discussed with anyone, without your prior consent, nor will reference contacts be made until mutual interest has been established.
Please submit your résumé online, as indicated on the CDB website, with the required information in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format, in English. The deadline for submission of applications is May 2, 2018 at 17:00 hrs EST.
We thank you for your interest.
INTRODUCTION
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) is seeking to recruit an experienced professional to perform the role of Monitoring and Results (M&R) Specialist. The position will be funded by the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). The M&R Specialist will guide the design and implementation of appropriate monitoring systems for the UKCIF projects. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.CDB has been selected by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) acting through the Department for International Development, to manage a UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). UKCIF will support eight Commonwealth Countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and one ODA-eligible Overseas Territory to build or upgrade critical economic infrastructure in the Caribbean, to set the foundations for growth and prosperity, reducing poverty and increasing resilience to climate change.The Infrastructure Fund is available to the following countries: Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines; and the UK Overseas Territory of Montserrat.
OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS)
The Office of the Vice-President (Operations) is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Bank’s lending and related economic activities. The work of the Office of the Vice-President (Operations) is delivered through the Projects and Economics Departments, the Corporate Strategy Division, the Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Unit and the Infrastructure Partnerships area.
INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AREA
The Infrastructure Partnerships Area (IPA) is responsible for the leadership and management of a multidisciplinary team of technical consultants coordinating and implementing the identification, appraisal and supervision of capital projects and technical assistance (TA) interventions for inclusion in the UKCIF programme. IPA is also responsible for the preparation and submission of CDB results-based management (RBM) annual work programme and performance reports relating to the UKCIF programme and for integration with the reporting requirements of CDB and DFID.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Head, Infrastructure Partnerships, the accountabilities of the Monitoring and Results (M&R) Specialist will be to:
(a) Lead the design and implementation of appropriate monitoring and reporting systems for UKCIF and for its projects, coordinating the delivery of monitoring objectives for the programme;
(b) Collect, analyse and interpret data and present results of UKCIF at programme and project level;
(c) Monitor and report to the programme team on UKCIF progress, identifying and analysing issues; and
(d) Support the implementation of CDB’s Managing for Development Results (MfDR) Agenda including maintaining the Corporate Results Monitoring Framework and reporting annually on the Bank’s development effectiveness.
The M&R Specialist will work in close collaboration with the staff of the Corporate Strategy Division (CSD) who are responsible for developing and coordinating the long and medium-term strategic plans of the Bank, as well as preparing the annual work programme and budget in collaboration with the Operations and Corporate Services Areas. The Division has direct responsibility for among other things:
the administration of the Special Development Fund (SDF), the Bank’s largest source of concessionary funding, including reporting annually to Contributors on the performance of the Fund, and coordinating the exercises for replenishment of the Fund;
tracking the progress of implementation of the Bank’s strategic plans by maintaining the Corporate Results Monitoring Framework and reporting annually on the Bank’s development effectiveness, and
on-going awareness and capacity building of MfDR principles throughout the organisation.
Caribbean Export Development Agency is pleased to open our latest Call for Proposals (CfP) under our Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS). The DAGS is funded by the European Union under the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme. Designed to support established businesses with strong potential to export their products and services, DAGS is your opportunity to receive the necessary funding to support your business’ growth and development.
The grant allows you to be reimbursed to a maximum of 70% of the total value of your project and this is capped at 50,000 Euros. The minimum grant amount that can be applied for is 10,000 Euros.
