Communications & PR - Caribbean
Global_PR Group Meeting
Presented by Colleen Wint
Communications & International Relations Manager,
CKLN
TNC , Dublin, May 2014
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Contents UPDATE
•
Main Activities – Communications
•
Main Activities – International Relations
•
Feedback and Impact
•
Objectives for 2014
•
Proposed Activities - 2104
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
The Caribbean Context
for and R&E Network

The Caribbean is one of the newest global
R&E networks

Challenges for R&E Network and NREN
development in the region include
population size, geographic size and
spread as well as equity and access

Over 20 countries – 4 primary languages:
English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and
various Creoles and indigenous languages

Total Caribbean population – 42.2 Million –
just under the population of Spain (46.6M)

Mostly islands but some mainland countries –
CARICOM members, as well as 5
associate members that are still UK
territories
Comparative Size (Sq. Miles)
Comparative Population
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
C@ribNET is the Caribbean's first dedicated
R&E Network, with connectivity to
the rest of the world's R&E networks
EU funds were secured and spread
across 19 (nineteen) countries to support
• the development of the core,
• the international connections, and also
• provided infrastructure for the NRENs.
Global R&E Networks
Showing Emerging Caribbean
National R&E Networks
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
BAHAREN
Emerging NRENs
in the Caribbean
CORPUHA
BZREN
JREN
RADEI
OREN
B@RNET
TTRENT
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Due to the varying levels of readiness
of the emerging NRENs, the CKLN
Assembly has agreed that C@ribNET
should be strengthened to operate
as a Regional-REN.
C@ribNET will become the main
R&E connectivity provider for all
institutions in the Caribbean, while
the building blocks for the in-country
NRENs are developed and cemented.
CKLN is therefore:
 assuming the role of providing
NREN services to institutions
 facilitating the development of
NRENs through collaboration with
the national resources.
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
2013 Communications & PR Activities

Launch of C@ribNET

2nd Assembly of NRENs

Press releases, photos produced and distributed

Develop Materials and merchandise for Launch and 2nd Assembly

Visibility (in person) at various meetings and conferences (UWI Hospital
(Mona), HWFMU , UWICHART, Ministry of Health (Jamaica), CARICOM-UN meeting

Discussions & collaboration with RedCLARA re C@ribNET Portal

CKLN News Update (online newsletter) produced and circulated
of 650 potential readers)

Share opportunities & events with stakeholders (Esp. scholarship or
research opportunities)
(25+%
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
2013 Communications & PR Activities

Start discussions & planning for
3rd Assembly

CARICOM agencies Workshop (plus
pre-workshop survey)

CKLN News Update (25% of
1500+)


Communication discussions
with NRENs – main issues
were governance/registration
and need for demonstrations of
C@ribNET for buy-in
HWFMU pilot in collaboration with
HWFMU, JREN, UWI Mona and
SVUS – Non-invasive surgery
demonstration
Press release on Pilot (25% of over
1600, plus republishing on other
sites)
Participate in Annual Caribbean
Conference on Disaster Management
– Education Sector Sub-Committee


Initiate bi-monthly
communiqués to OECS
Ministers
CARICOM agencies Workshop
(plus pre-workshop survey)



Presentation and contributing
panelist at CTU ICT Week
Conference
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Feedback & Impact

Positive feedback to launch and
live demo from national, regional
and international attendees

UWI Hospital for greater reach

Greater knowledge and
recognition of CKLN at
OECS,CARICOM-UN level, in
Pacific region

Positive feedback from other
regional/international partners on
launch

Greater Interest from international
networks for collaboration

Interest by Pacific region in
Caribbean NREN developments

Positive feedback on 2nd
Assembly & suggestions for 3rd


National and institutional interest
by MOH (Ja.) and UWI Hospital
for greater reach
Greater knowledge and
understanding of the potential of
C@ribNET and C@ribNET
portal by CARICOM agencies
Establishment of 17
communities on portal

Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Challenges

Perception that only large
universities/institutions can be
involved

Slow adaptation of C@ribNET
Portal => challenging and
uninviting for users

Perception that only larger islands
are /can participate

Little/no time to address
Facebook or other social media

Some potential projects not
coming to fruition – funds,
interest, agendas etc change.

Uneven development of NRENs,
govt. support, institutional support

Seemingly low (?) readership of
news letters and communiqué's
(average 25+%)

Limited/no involvement of some
NRENs in local projects - seen as
CKLN projects
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Status - Impact on Communications
& PR 2014
A number of changes and events have taken place over the past few months
that impact the audiences for which information has to be disseminated.
These changes include:

C@ribNET is technically functional and connected to all
the international networks

The CKLN is moving from a Foundation to an official
Agency of the Caribbean Community (CARIOM)
Secretariat

CARICOM has developed a strategy for a single ICT
space for the region

Caribbean governments have confirmed their approval
and support for CKLN to implement C@ribNET as the
region’s dedicated R&E network
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Status - Impact on Communications
& PR 2014

Regional ICT and Education Ministers are supportive of
the C@ribNET initiative

Some emerging NRENs are in advanced stages of
development in the region

CKLN is now has a more developed network engineering
group

Partner networks have indicated their willingness to assist
CKLN and C@ribNET in its development

C@ribNET is considered one of the main vehicles for
Euro-Caribbean research
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Proposed Activities for 2014-15
2014 - Transitional year – CKLN is
identifying additional funding
Primary Communications & PR
objectives

CARICOM is in negotiations with
the EU for EDF11 funds.


DEMONSTRATE,
DEMONSTRATE,
DEMONSTRATE
ICT is a CARICOM priority, and
C@ribNET a major platform==>

Strengthen C@ribNET Portal
(esp. more “user friendly”) and
encourage its use

Work with the “Coalition of the
willing” to execute VIRTUAL
EVENTS


Indications from international
donors
suggests
continued
support for C@ribNET and the
development of NRENs
High expectations for securing
funds from the EU for C@ribNET
beyond 2015.
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Communications Objectives for 2014

We usually communicate evidence, information and knowledge in order
to inspire and inform an audience to impact some action/activity, to fulfill
an identified knowledge gap.

Demonstrate our successes

The Primary Communication Goal is to demonstrate (inform and
inspire) CKLN as a credible CARICOM agency, responsible for and
capable of contributing to upgrading and diversifying the skills and
knowledge of human resources in the region through greater regional
collaboration and connectivity.

Encourage Use the network

Secondary Communication Goal is to demonstrate the benefits of
C@ribNET (inform and inspire) for Caribbean users involved in Research,
Education and Development activities between the Caribbean and the rest
a of the world
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Proposed Activities for 2014-15






ICT Ministers/COTED Meeting
via C@ribNET
3rd NREN Assembly
AT least 3 CKLN events using
C@ribNET (health, e-learning,
Climate Change/Sustainable
Development)
Attend/participate/present in
Internet 2 Global Conference
Produce advocacy materials
(e.g. videos)
Communications support to
emerging NRENs
News Letter (virtual)
Promote other regional events
(health, culture, climate change,
disaster management
Produce promotional video
Continue to update website
Demonstrate use of C@ribNET
to/with national, regional and
international stakeholders
Utilise and/or create Advocacy
and Promotion opportunities,
events & materials for C@ribNET
Strengthen and promote use of
C@ribNET portal
Communications surrounding
Security Project
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Promoting Greater
NREN Involvement in
New Impact Projects
 Education
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
DENGUE FEVER AND
CHICKUNGUNYA (or CHICK-V)
SEMINAR
The main objectives are to:
Health
HUGH WYNTER FERTILITY
MANAGEMENT UNIT, UWI PILOT
TELECAST
• Introduced and demonstrated Minimal
Access Surgery (MAS) and promoted
current and potential uses of
C@ribNET to enhance the services of
the Unit to benefit students and its
clientele
• Another demonstration was made to
Ministers of ICT and included a
connection to JANET in the UK
Initiate the establishment of a
medical/health related community
with a focus on dengue fever that
uses the R&E networks in the
Caribbean and Latin American
region

Demonstrate core principal of
CARICOM - functional cooperation
– CKLN, CARPHA, CTO, CCCCC

Collaborate with DANTE, TEIN*CC,
RedCLARA and Internet 2

June 12, 2014, in T&T
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
CARIBBEAN POLICE ACADEMY PROJECT
Crime &
Security

Goal of the project is to connect 13 Caribbean
countries together using virtual collaboration
technology to facilitate
- Regional Training
- Enhancing regional security
- Strengthening collaboration among member
institutions and extra-regional partners.

35 Police training academies from across the
Caribbean will be connected to C@ribNET

The CKLN will enable each institution to
participate fully and securely on the same platform
fostering:
- Information Sharing
- Collaboration
- Streamlined Training Delivery
The partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and CKLN
benefits the entire region
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –
C@ribNET Launch - Feb. 2013
EduVision 2014
CKLN supported JREN’s participation in
EduVIsion 2014, Montego Bay Jamaica
Education
Interactive workshops for academics,
college lecturers etc:
• Collaboration with JREN
Collaboration between CKLN/C@ribNET,
Internet 2 and JANET enabled this mini
MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –C@RIBNET LAUNCH –FEB 2013
master class. Dan Nichols, Internet 2
Multimedia Specialist, provided
invaluable assistance and guidance and
even provided a short lecture to students
at the University of Trinidad & Tobago
More master classes to
include smaller islands
and institutions
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
We welcome further
collaboration, support and
partnerships with fellow
Global-PR Members
THANK YOU!
MINI MASTER CLASS IN STEEL PAN –C@RIBNET LAUNCH –FEB 2013
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network
Contact
Colleen Wint
Communications & International Relations Manager
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network, CKLN
Email: colleen.wint@ckln.org Mobile: (876) 370-3628
Website: www.ckln.org
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network