What is the CCST
The Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) is an intergovernmental organisation for the promotion of cooperation in science and technology, with the long-term goal of furthering the social and economic development of its member countries.
This mandate includes promoting cooperation in the transfer of science and technology in order to facilitate the adaptation of imported technology and the development of domestic technologies. In addition to this, the CCST is charged with the responsibility of increasing the bargaining power of the Caribbean countries in science and technology-related issues.
The Role of the CCST
The Secretariat of the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology is currently hosted at the Office of the President of the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in St. Augustine, Trinidad. Previously, the Secretariat was hosted at the offices of UN-ECLAC in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 2-5 July 2000, received a presentation by The Honourable Prime Minister of Grenada on Science and Technology in Sustainable Development.
Based on this presentation by Dr. Keith Mitchell, the Conference agreed in principle, to designate the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) as the agency for Coordinating and Implementing CARICOM's policies and Programmes in Science and Technology and noted that CCST would work closely with the CARICOM Secretariat and National Science Councils as part of its efforts to strengthen Science and Technology in the Region.
According to Appendix 1 on the Conference decision on Science and Technology in Sustainable Development - (Agenda Item 12), it was agreed by the Heads of Government to:
In principle, designate the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) as the agency for coordinating and implementing CARICOM's policies and programmes in Science and Technology
Request the CCST
- to give priority to regional issues with a science and technology option and content; and
- to include in its future planning, Waste Management and Water Resources Management.
For more information on the work of the CCST and its member countries go to http://www.ccst-caribbean.org.