EITI implementation for impact in the Caribbean: Data use, public discussion, enhanced transparency

This event will gather stakeholders across the Caribbean region to explore how EITI disclosures and tools can support extractives governance.

4 – 7 November 2024
In-person

The EITI and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are co-organising a regional event to strengthen peer collaboration on EITI implementation in the Caribbean. The event will bring together government officials, experts and contributors from both EITI implementing and non implementing countries involved in extractive and exploratory activities.

The event will focus on fostering dialogue and sharing innovations, challenges and solutions related to transparency in the extractive sector. It aims to support public access to quality data, stimulate debate and drive policy-making on key issues such as the energy transition, anti-corruption and social and environmental impacts. Tools like the IDB's Investment Map will be highlighted for their role in promoting transparency and facilitating data access, contributing to the EITI’s goal of systematic disclosure and open data publication.

4 Nov
5 Nov
6 Nov
7 Nov

Day 1: EITI implementation and anti-corruption

8:30–8:45

Registration

8:30–8:45

8:45–8:50

Plenary session

Welcoming remarks: EITI implementation in the Caribbean to support regional priorities

8:45–8:50

Opening remarks by Penelope Bradshaw-Niles, Permanent Secretary - MEEI

9:00–9:10

Plenary session

Opening remarks

9:00–9:10

Ms. Julian Belgrade, Country Representative, Inter-American Development Bank

9:15–9:30

Plenary session

Keynote Address: Beyond disclosure: Harnessing EITI for Transformative Impact

9:15–9:30

Hon. Stuart Young, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries

9:30–9:50

Break

Morning tea

9:30–9:50

9:55–11:15

Plenary session

9:55–11:15

In this panel session participants will hear experiences from representatives of Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, who will share their experiences on how the EITI Standard can be used as a tool to combat corruption in the extractive sector. The session will include expert commentary on key topics such as contract transparency and beneficial ownership. Participants will actively debate practical statements regarding EITI Requirements and their effectiveness. This session is intended to open thematic areas that will be explored in-depth throughout the event.

Presenter:

Ms. Jessica Sánchez, Latin America and Caribbean Country Officer, EITI

Panellists:

Ms. Preciosa Simmons, Permanent Secretary, Mining Ministry of Natural Resources.
Mr. Gregory McGuire, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TTEITI)
Mr. Hon. Vice Minister Miguel Díaz, Dominican Republic

11:15–13:00

Plenary session

11:15–13:00

An interactive session on contract transparency. Participants will engage in a dynamic role-playing exercise to simulate real-world scenarios related to contract disclosure. This interactive approach will allow participants to gain valuable insights into the perspectives of different stakeholders and develop potential solutions.

Key discussion points:

Can we find what we should find? Explore the current state of contract transparency and identify information gaps.

How to overcome challenges to contract transparency? Discuss practical solutions to address implementation barriers and build trust.

What are the expectations on this matter for a company that supports EITI? Examine the role of companies in promoting contract transparency and fulfilling EITI requirements.

Does contract transparency weaken countries in their negotiations? How do companies face contract transparency? Analyse potential impacts on negotiations and explore industry best practices.

Facilitator:

Mr. Sherwin Long. Trinidad and Tobago, EITI National Coordinator EITI

Contributors:

Ms. Mariam Ortiz, Policy and Tax Legislation Subdirector, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Dominican Republic
Mr. Mohammed Badissy, Energy for Growth, Co-Director Contract Transparency
Ms. Verlier Quan-Vie, Vice President Commercial, National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC)

13:00–14:00

Break

Lunch

13:00–14:00

14:00–15:00

Plenary session

14:00–15:00

A workshop about beneficial ownership in the extractive sector in Latin America and the Caribbean: best practices and challenges

Moderator:

Mr. Jason Wilks. IDB.

Panellists:

Mr. Rodrigo Félix, Country Manager for Latin America. Open Ownership.
Ms. Melanie Richards, Independent Consultant
Mr. Noel Alonso. Directorio Legislativo and Joining the dots, Argentina

15:15–16:30

Plenary session

15:15–16:30

Moderator:

Esteban Manteca, EITI

Discussants:

Ms. Verlier Quan-Vie, Vice President Commercial, National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC)
Ms. Daniela Herkul, Senior Legal Specialist, Staatsolie, Suriname
Mr. Viceminister Miguel Díaz, Dominican Republic

16:30–16:45

Plenary session

Synthesis and wrap up

16:30–16:45

Day 2: EITI data and domestic resource mobilisation

8:45–9:00

Plenary session

8:45–9:00

Recap of Day 1

Speakers:

Mr. Esteban Manteca
Mr. Bernadette Cederboom

9:10–10:30

Plenary session

9:10–10:30

This roundtable will serve as an opportunity for National Coordinators to reflect on EITI implementation in the Caribbean, common challenges and future priorities. This discussion will strengthen the community of practice between EITI National Coordinators and EITI MSGs in the region.

Moderator:

Mr. Esteban Manteca EITI

Panellists:

Ms. Novella Majana. National Coordinator. EITI Suriname
Mr. Patricia Priego, National secretariat, EITI Dominican Republic
Mr. Sherwin Long. National Coordinator of Trinidad and Tobago EITI

10:30–11:45

Plenary session

10:30–11:45

Use of open data to increase citizen participation and monitoring of projects, using technology to monitor extractive activities, revenue and environmental information.

Facilitator:

Mr. Nazera Abdul Haqq, Digital Public Management Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank

11:45–12:00

Break

Tea break

11:45–12:00

12:00–13:15

Plenary session

12:00–13:15

In-group discussion where participants will explore innovative digital tools designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. Guided by experienced facilitators, this exercise will provide insights into various tools and their practical applications.

Speakers:

Mr. Orlando Trujillo and a representative from Jamaica. Mapa regalías (TBC)
Ms. Carla Flores, Cartocritica

13:15–14:15

Break

Lunch

13:15–14:15

14:15–15:15

Plenary session

14:15–15:15

Communicating domestic resource mobilisation and EITI implementation: the example of Trinidad and Tobago.

Speakers:

Mr. Sherwin Long TTEITI
Ms. Mel Flanagan (TBC)

15:15–16:30

Plenary session

15:15–16:30

Demands of citizens, and role of EITI reporting and reports, weaknesses and strengthens.

Moderator:

Ozwald Warwick, Chief Education Officer, Oilfield Workers Trade Union

Panellists:

Mr. Reinardus Artist, Suriname EITI
Ms. Carla Flores, Cartocrítica, Mexico
Mr. Mauricio Alarcón. Ciuadanía y Desarrollo. Ecuador
Ynes Rosso, Articulacion Nacional Campesina

16:30–17:00

Plenary session

Synthesising lessons from Day 2 and wrap up

16:30–17:00

Day 3: EITI implementation and the energy transition

9:00–9:10

Plenary session

Welcoming remarks

9:00–9:10

Ms Jessica Sanchez, Country Officer, EITI International Secretariat

9:10–10:30

Plenary session

9:10–10:30

This session will explore the role of the EITI in promoting transparent and accountable energy transition. The session will focus on strengthening understanding of how stakeholders can use the EITI as a tool for strengthening disclosures and public debate around national energy transition commitments and their implications for the extractive industries.

Contributors:

Sebastian Sahla, EITI International Secretariat
Joel Ramirez, Dominican Republic EITI

10:30–11:00

Break

Tea break

10:30–11:00

11:00–12:00

Plenary session

11:00–12:00

This session will explore the linkages between the extractive industries and climate change and opportunities to leverage the EITI to promote transparency on greenhouse gas emissions.

Contributors:

Sebastian Sahla, EITI International Secretariat
Dr. Priya Marajh - VP-Advocacy and Member Engagement, Energy Chamber of T&T

12:00–13:00

Break

Lunch

12:00–13:00

13:00–14:30

Plenary session

13:00–14:30

This session will delve into the potential for strengthening environmental reporting in line with the 2023 EITI Standard. Participants will work in groups with guidance from civil society representatives.

Presenter:

Ms. Jessica Sánchez, Latin America and Caribbean Country Officer, EITI

Discussants:

Cherisse Braithwaite-Joseph, The Cropper Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago
Yness Rosso, Articulacion Nacional Campesina, Dominican Republic
Sayeed Ali, Operations Lead, I AM Movement, Trinidad and Tobago

14:30–16:00

Plenary session

14:30–16:00

This moderated fishbowl discussion will explore why the renewable energy sector’s rapid growth must be underpinned by transparency and good governance. The session will allow stakeholders to explore opportunities for sharing lessons on good governance between the extractive industries and the renewable energy sector.

Moderator

Sebastian Sahla

Discussants

Mohammed Badissy, Energy for Growth Hub
Hannibal Anyika, Senior Sustainable Energy Development Analyst, MEII

16:00–16:30

Plenary session

Closing remarks

16:00–16:30

Day 4: Field visit

8:00–13:00

Plenary session

8:00–13:00

Participants to tour Turure rehabilitation project in Valencia meeting with company and community residents. The site serves as a carbon sink and serves an agricultural microbusiness site for fenceline community residents.

Four different locations: