NASSAU, The Bahamas – Beverly J. T. Taylor, Assistant Director of Education for Science and Technology, has been appointed chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST).
Taylor is the first Bahamian told hold the post in the 26-year history of the CCST.
Taylor brings to the organization 40 years of experience in the field of science education.
“She has worked closely with local, regional and international organizations in developing, implementing, coordinating and promoting activities relating to science and technology and science education,” the release stated.
Her many contributions and achievements in science and technology and science education, include the following:
Establishing and coordinating key science education programmes in The Bahamas, such as the country’s first structured Agricultural Science Education and Primary Science Programme, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO)-funded project on Vector Control Education, The Bahamas Association of Science, Technology and Mathematics Educators (BASTME), pioneering The Bahamas Science Exhibitions, the Children’s Environmental Summit, Youth FOCUS Bahamas, the Science and Technology Careers Exposition and The Golden Coral Award.
Representing The Bahamas at major regional and international science fora, including the First Meeting of The Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (1994), The Caribbean Region Steering Committee of CASTME, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) Associated School Project Network (ASP Net), the UNESCO’s Ministerial Round Table and General Meeting in 2005 (where she was part of the team drafting the final presentation of UNESCO’s “Basic Sciences” Communique 2005.)
Leading a team of young scientists and technologists through the formulation of The Road Map for the Advancement of Science and Technology – The Bahamas’ first Strategic Plan for Science and Technology, approved by the Cabinet in 2005.
Serving on The Bahamas’ Urban Renewal Project Commission and as a member of The Bahamas National Trust.
Mrs. Taylor is currently the chairperson of both The Bahamas National Science and Technology Committee and the National UNESCO Commission’s Science and Technology Sub-Committee.
Prior to her appointment as chairperson of the CCST Executive Committee, Mrs. Taylor served four years as a member and as The Bahamas’ focal point, through which she has furthered the work and goals of the CCST in The Bahamas.
Mrs. Taylor will be supported in her duties by other newly-elected and re-elected members of the Executive Committee, who are:
Vice Chairperson – Dr. Lennox Chandler, Director of the National council for Science and Technology in Barbados.
Secretary – Mrs. Maureen Manchouck, President of the National Institute for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. James S. de Vere Pitt, Director of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in Grenada.
Mr. Armando Rodriquez Batista, Advisor to the Minister on Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba.
Mrs. Merlene Bardowell, Director of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) in Jamaica.
The release stated that the CCST looks forward to the continual dedication, focus and vision of its new executive, as they work to further the Council’s mission and achieve the goals identified in its current work programme.
According to the release, this year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the CCST by member Governments of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), to promote regional cooperation in science and technology. To date, the Council’s membership includes 14 countries.
At the plenary session of the Council held in July in Barbados, members convened to celebrate past achievements and to invigorate commitment to the Council’s future planned activities, which will address key issues relating to strengthening the region’s Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) capability.
These issues will reflect the priority areas identified in ST&I Policy Framework for the Caribbean, which the CCST prepared for CARICOM,” the release stated.
It said the central focus of the 2006/2007 work programme will be a major foresight initiative aimed at increasing sensitization with Member Countries of the global mega trends that are transforming the world economy, and the implications for the Caribbean region.
The initiative will help to determine which scientific and technological R&D will advance Caribbean nations’ “best bets.” These will form the basis of a proposed regional innovation strategy, furthering the region’s developmental goals and its international competitiveness.
The CCST has also been designated by CARICOM as the agency for coordinating and implementing CARICOM’s policies and programmes in science and technology.
“This additional role will enable the Council to make even greater strides in fulfilling the mandate it was given 26 years ago,” the release stated.
