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From Reflections to Action: Celebrating Unite Caribbean Group’s Evolution in 2024

by with No Comment Press release

By Thomas Chollet, CEO and Co-Founder, Unite Caribbean Group

 

Taking the time to reflect as a leader is a deep and humbling discipline that goes beyond simple self-assessment or evaluation; it is essentially a journey you’d take into one’s experiences, decisions, and influences that you’ve had on others. As I sit down to take the time to reflect on the past 12 months of this year, I am enfolded with emotions. This year has been a significant chapter in our journey at Unite Caribbean Group, one marked by both milestones and challenges, like many other companies. We have spent time fortifying our foundation and expanded our capabilities to create of group of Caribbean change makers, while simultaneously being reminded of the intricate combination of the international development industry

On one hand, we have much to celebrate. We’ve reached the pinnacle of our creation cycle with the establishment of two NGOs to fully become a group of specialised international development organisation, opened new offices in French Guiana and the Dominican Republic, and successfully partnered with UK development organisations and international foundations to develop new responses to local needs, Additionally, our cooperation with local governments has blossomed into opportunities that will allow for us to work on meaningful contracts that underscore our shared trust and commitment. It is a reminder of the impact we can create when we choose to work together, driven by a shared vision for the future.

Yet, with every milestone achieved, we are compelled to confront our challenges. I see Unite Caribbean as a disrupter in the international development market; we use management consulting approaches to solve social, economic and environment development issues in the Caribbean. As a small, international yet Caribbean-based Group, we find ourselves navigating a landscape often riddled with clutter and existing frameworks that make it rigorous to address the most pressing development issues in the region. Experts too often are recruited without knowledge of the uniqueness of the region, its political landscape and historical developments, climate inactivity, difficulties in conducting business, and resource constraints. Too often, Unite Caribbean is tasked with collecting data or organising meetings with key stakeholders in the region, while the analytical work and expertise are being brought on by Western countries. This situation highlights a reliance on external resources for analysis, which can undermine local capacities and perspectives.

Unite Caribbean is changing the game, our 20+ in-house management consultants from 8 nationalities located across the region are bringing more than that:

– This year has underscored the critical need for a strong talent management strategy. We aim to recruit top talent from across the Caribbean—English, Spanish, Dutch, and French speakers—who are passionate about driving change. Our success hinges on nurturing our current team and ensuring everyone feels empowered and engage.

– We need to educate and demonstrate to our clients and partners that a locally based organisation can drive more effective and sustainable development from within the region.

    Through these trials, I have learned invaluable lessons that have permanently shaped my leadership philosophy. I understand now more than ever that it’s imperative to communicate openly with our clients and within our team. We should embrace the opportunity to educate our clients and partners by sharing our knowledge and tackling difficult concepts. As leaders, we must be present, offering continuous support and mentorship for our team to succeed —acting as a strong voice in the room, yes, but also a humble listener.

    As we look forward to the year ahead, my vision is clear and ambitious. As a newly established Group with 2 distinct yet complementary branches, we’ll aim to start a new cycle of growth; getting closer to the development needs of the countries through redefined geographic and sectoral strategies, engaging with our development partners to advocate for inclusive changes and a peer-to-peer approach, and ensuring a symbiotic relationship between our consulting efforts and our NGOs. We’ll also work to develop and expand our team and reaffirm our dedication to tackling urgent issues like social inclusion and climate vulnerability, by creating a comprehensive HR growth plan.

    As I wrap up this reflection, I have hope that the Unite Caribbean Group will succeed. Regardless of our geography, gender, or origin, our combined voices have the ability to effect significant change by transforming obstacles into chances for development and change. Onward, we must remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Uniters can thrive, as the best ideas often come from unexpected sources.

    #KnowYourRights campaign Saint Lucia

    #KnowYourRights Campaign launched to Stop Gender Based Violence in Saint Lucia

    by with No Comment GovernancePress releaseProjects

    The “Know Your Rights” campaign to stop Gender Based Violence in Saint Lucia was officially launched during a press conference at the French Ambassador’s residence this morning. This nationwide communication campaign aims to raise awareness among the public, and more specifically among women and young girls in Saint Lucia, who are victims of violence.

    plastic collection

    RePLAST OECS Plastic CollectionProject achieves Major Milestone!

    by with No Comment Press releaseWater and Waste

    Castries: August 8th 2022 – The RePLAST OECS Pilot Plastic Collection Project has collected over 150,000 lbs of PET & HDPE Plastic bottles since beginning operations in January 2021.

    The plastic collection activities of the RePLAST OECS Project commenced in January 2021 and have been supported by the government of France, the government of Saint Lucia, the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States Commission, and the private sector. Unite Caribbean Ltd., a cooperation development consulting firm, designed and managed the project and is currently implementing a third instalment, primarily supported by the private sector. Unite Caribbean Ltd has been coordinating the combined efforts of the public, community organisations, volunteers and recyclers since the inception. This has resulted in the collection of 150,000 lbs of PET & HDPE plastic bottles and the export of over 91,000 lbs of this material to recycling facilities in the wider Caribbean region.

    RePLAST Project Manager and Unite Caribbean’s Director Waste and Water, Ronald Roach, declared « Since we started working on RePLAST OECS, back in 2020, we had this vision of achieving this important milestone. We are proud of the result, and grateful to volunteers, patrons and our partners who made it possible ».

    Among those, Heineken Saint Lucia has been a supporter of the project since the early days. The company contributed financially to the project and as a partner in the marketplace. Louise Victor, Corporate Affairs Manager, Heineken St. Lucia, commented “This milestone is commendable and at Heineken Saint Lucia Ltd., we are proud to partner with REPLAST in championing recyclability efforts. The work of REPLAST is aligned to our Brew a Better World ambition which includes maximizing the circularity of our products and giving a second life to all input and output materials.”

    Massy Stores is also a key partner of RePLAST OECS. The company was involved in the public education campaign, supported collection points and is one of the biggest rewards partners of the RePLAST marketplace “We congratulate RePLAST-OECS on achieving this milestone. Massy Stores (SLU) continues to be at the forefront of St. Lucia’s plastic reduction and recycling efforts. The company remains committed to support environmental awareness and advocacy groups, waste management and recycling projects.” Says Sariah Best-Joseph, Divisional Head – Marketing & Corporate Communications, Massy Stores St. Lucia Ltd.

    The OECS Commission is supporting RePLAST OECS under the ReMLit Project (Building Resilience in the Easter Caribbean through a Reduction of Marine Litter) . “The achievement of this milestone represents a significant step in contributing to a culture of waste separation and recycling in our region in support of a circular economy.” – Susanna Debeauville-Scott, Project Manager, Ocean Governance & Fisheries Project, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission.

    Collecting 150,000 lbs of plastic would not have been possible without the engagement of committed and motivated volunteers like Darwin Clement, Coordinator – Northern RePLAST Collection Points, who adds “We will not stop there. Our volunteers will continue the fight to keep the plastic off our streets, landfills and oceans for a better environment, for a better Saint Lucia.”

    The impact of the RePLAST OECS project has been far reaching, across different levels of Saint Lucia’s society; prolonging the lifespan of landfill, reducing the frequency of flooding in urban areas and uniting communities towards a common goal of reducing plastic pollution in St. Lucia.

    Know more

    To learn more about the project visit: https://unite-caribbean.com/public/replastoecs/FAQ.html

    Become a RePlast patron at: https://replastoecs.com/register/
    Follow the Project updates and collection points openings on social media: @replastoecsproject

    Media contact

    For more information on RePLAST OECS and other Unite Caribbean initiatives contact us.

    RePlast OECS creating a plastic waste recycling value chain

    RePLAST-OECS Pilot Projects Completes Phase 1 With Key Targets in the Bag

    by with No Comment Press releaseProjectsWater and Waste

    Castries, September 1st ,2021. LAugust 31st marked the completion of Phase 1 of the RePLAST OECS Pilot Plastic Recycling Project, with all key implementation targets met. Against a long-term plan to create, pilot and replicate a novel end-to-end process for plastic waste management in the Caribbean, the Project was launched in May 2019 as a non-for-profit public private initiative by the Caribbean consulting firm Unite Caribbean with Saint Lucia serving as the pioneering Pilot Country.

    Implemented over a two-year period, the Pilot phase focused on research, design and testing.
    A community-led andincentivized Plastic Waste Collection System involving Public, Private and Local communities has been established in partnership with Gros-Islet town council, Vieux-Fort town council, the Laborie Development Foundation and CYEN. At August 31st, RePLAST-OECS has 254 trained volunteers attached to its four collection points. Hotel partners to date are Bay Gardens Resorts, Harbour Club, Coconut Bay and Hotel Chocolat.

    In 21 days of operation since community collection begun in four areas, more to 65,000 lbs of plastic bottles has been collected, and effectively diverted from the Deglos Landfill. More than 41,000 ECD has been redeemed by the +1,700 registred patrons in cash value, creating livelihood opportunities for saint lucians..

    Following the dispatch of two Experimental Shipments of Saint Lucia stockpile of plastics to the partnering recycling plant in Honduras in May and June 2020, the volume collected by the pilot phase is currently baled to be exported in the coming weeks by two selected recyclers, equipped and trained by the project to support commercial shipments.

    LThe Initiative is now entering a period of review and assessment of the outcomes, with recommendations to guide the eventual upscaling of the system in Saint Lucia, and its replication in the OECS. This would then result in a sustainable recycling programme in Saint Lucia and the OECS Countries.

    Unite Caribbean ascribes the achievement of its milestones to the committed coalition of Public and Private Sector Partners, Community Partners, Volunteers and the Patrons. “From a project management perspective, having to deal with a major pandemic is the kind of challenge no project wants to have to deal with it. Yet, REPLAST OECS met its planned implementation timeline, give or take a few months lost, due to the mandatory periods of enforced nationwide protocols”, said Project Director, Shanta King. This, she went on to say, was recognized and commended by representatives of the collation of project donors in the final reporting meeting.

    “Despite the economic downturn, Saint Lucian companies who truly endorse and support recycling still agreed to support the incentive programme. And despite the sobering reality of life during COVID-19, Community partners and volunteers stood up as the face of the Project, something which has been as effective as our educational outreach in motivating others to reuse and recycle plastics, said Thomas Chollet, CEO of Unite Caribbean

    The pilot project of RePLAST OECS was mainly funded by the Government of France represented in Saint Lucia by the French Embassy. Additional funding was provided by development agencies GIZ, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC), Massy Stores, Heineken Saint Lucia and the Coca-Cola Company.

    The period September to December shall see a review of the system to adjust and develop Phase 2. Collection activities may be reduced to fortnightly collections.

    New funding streams are being pursued to support the continuation of the project in Phase 2, which can hopefully be expanded island-wide in 2022.