The Caribbean, like other small states and vulnerable countries, faces challenges in logistics and connectivity including outdated infrastructure, cumbersome customs procedures, and the slow pace of transition for improved systems for trade. Improving logistics performance is a crucial policy objective, and the availability of advanced logistics services, including leveraging technology constitute some of the key objectives for the region.
Caribbean Export, in supporting the region’s private sector undertakes targeted interventions focused on export development, as well as export and investment promotion. Thus, this session seeks to provide the perspective of Caribbean businesses and their experience in regional and international trade.
The dialogue will explore the challenges that Caribbean MSMEs face in connecting to regional and global supply chains, as well as the attendant hurdles with shipping, transport, and related procedures. Leading port, logistics and supply chain experts will provide practical solutions to support businesses.
Programme
Moderator:
Damie Sinanan, Manager Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export Development Agency
Speakers:
- Darwin Telemaque, CEO Antigua Port Authority and Chairman, Port Management Association of the Caribbean
- Michelle Belgrave, Customs and Trade Compliance Director for the Caribbean, DHL Express
- Tamara Gibson, Managing Director, Native Caribbean Limited
- Nicholas Bynoe, Owner, Old Duppy
Darwin Telemaque, is a very accomplished professional with extensive experience in port operations, transportation, logistics, project management, and safety management.
For the past ten years, Mr. Telemaque served as the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and was instrumental in the recent state-of-the-art port redevelopment. He also holds the positions of Vice-Chairman of the International Committee of Ports of the Organization of the American States (OAS), Chairman of the Port Committee of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and Chairman of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC). He is passionate in these roles, advancing the growth of these organisations for the benefit of the region they serve.
Mr. Telemaque participates on multiple local development committees and consultancies and provides expert advice on several key discussions relating to port developments around the region. He is passionate about developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure for the region.
Michelle Belgrave is Customs and Trade Compliance Director for the Caribbean, at DHL Express, where she oversees the operations of 31 countries and territories to ensure Customs compliance and drives operational efficiency through the implementation of global SOPs.
Ms Belgrave has made a significant contribution towards achieving meaningful trade facilitation and Customs reforms throughout the Caribbean. She has a longstanding reputation as a business leader and global trade and customs professional.
In her different leadership roles, she has worked collaboratively with government authorities, business associations, and international organizations, identifying key areas of opportunity to improve the business environment, sharing best practices, and representing the express industry in international fora, including as Lead Representative of the express industry at the Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Express Companies (CLADEC), and currently as a Board Member of AmCham Trinidad and Tobago.
Contact
Global Supply Chain Forum secretariat
gscf@unctad.org
Mr. Jan Hoffmann
Head of the Trade Logistics Branch
Division on Technology and Logistics
UNCTAD, Geneva
jan.hoffmann@unctad.org
Ms. Pamela Ugaz
Economic Affairs Officer
Trade Facilitation Section
Division on Technology and Logistics
UNCTAD, Geneva
pamela.ugaz@unctad.org
Poinsettia Room
