Press Release

Second UN Common Premises opened in the Eastern Caribbean

09 September 2022

Kingstown, September 9, 2022. The United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean is expanding its footprint and collective support in the region, with the establishment of the second UN Common Premises in the Eastern Caribbean region, this time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Housed on the 1st Floor of the National Insurance Services building, the new facility will see resident UN offices and agencies operating under one roof and in a more efficient and consolidated manner to the benefit of governments. This follows the opening of the first Common Premises in Antigua and Barbuda in March.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the inauguration of the new facility, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, said it marked a significant steppingstone in operationalizing of the UN Reform for the UN Multi-Country Office, and signified the ushering of a new dawn in delivering as ONE UN in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He noted that the facility currently housed the UN’s Country Coordination Officer, an extension of the Resident Coordinator Office, a newly recruited UNICEF Programme Coordinator and a UN Women Project Analyst. He added that they expected to soon see the placement of additional personnel for UN Women that would greatly assist with increased coordination among the UN agencies, and more tailored support to the government and other stakeholders.

Caption: UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, proudly delivered his remarks at the Inauguration Ceremony.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

“At a time of great disruption and uncertainty, this inauguration reminds us of our Common Agenda, the value of multilateralism…the importance of working together to prioritize the special and differential needs of the most vulnerable countries and ensure that the rights of those most at risk are provided for and protected,” Mr. Trebucq stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Hon. Senator Keisal Peters, described the proceedings as a prodigious moment in the partnership between the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Nations. She noted that

“today’s opening of the UN Common Premises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines further speaks to the responsiveness and the importance of repositioning of the UN Development System. Reflecting the purpose of enhancing cooperation, coherence and efficiency.”

The inauguration ceremony was held in the UN Common Premises on the 1st Floor of the National Insurance Services Building. Among the attendees were ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps, and other resident UN officers. Mr Roberto Valent, Regional Director, Development Coordination Office, Latin America and the Caribbean and Mr Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director, WFP also participated in the ceremony.

Caption: Mr Roberto Valent, Regional Director, Development Coordination Office, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Hon. Senator Keisal Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the entrance to the new UN Common Premises.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

The celebration of the new UN Common Premises came as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the wider region embarks on the new five-year UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF). Immediately following the launch of the new facility, the Resident Coordinator, joined Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in Cabinet for the signing of the Country Implementation Plan for St. Vincent and the Grenadines that operationalizes the new five-year MSDCF. The CIP is intended to guide the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country towards the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda and national development priorities.

Caption: L-R: Roberto Valent, Regional Director, Development Coordination Office, Latin America and the Caribbean, LaFleur Quammie, Country Coordination Officer for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Keisal Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Nicole Trudeau, Kenroy Roach, Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planner and Team Leader, and Coleen Phillips, National Correspondent (FAO), celebrate the official inauguration of the Common Premises.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.

Java Sealy

RCO

Social Media and Communications Associate

java.sealy@un.org +1 (246) 826 6115

La Fleur Quammie

RCO

UN Country Coordination Officer – St. Vincent & The Grenadines

lafleur.quammie@un.org (784) 534-8099

La Fleur Quammie is the UN Country Coordination Officer to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Her primary responsibility is to facilitate system-wide engagement between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the UN Sub-Regional Team, including the UNRCO. In this role, she plays a crucial part in ensuring effective and coordinated implementation of UN interventions in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, while also ensuring that the UN's work remains visible and aligned with government priorities.

La Fleur Quammie also plays a key role in the development and implementation of the Country Implementation Plan (CIP), which is a planning tool used to integrate programs and initiatives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level. Additionally, she provides support for Joint Programmes and coordinates activities for various resident and non-resident UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.