2. Significant changes to project plans or programme development:
2.1 Caribbean:
The prevailing economic environment has forced CCB to reduce or suspend some of its program activities and plans on account of reduction in program funding. Nevertheless, every effort is being made to ensure that core programs in Haiti are not curtailed, given its severe economic circumstances. In the other countries, measures are being implemented to improve efficiencies and source alternative funding through increased resource mobilization.
3. Highlights from selected projects:
3.1 CCB Secretariat:
· In an effort to streamline its operations, the Secretariat conducted interviews and has identified a candidate for the position of Program Officer. It is anticipated that the vacant position will be filled during April, allowing the candidate to begin a process of orientation in May.
· The Secretariat completed PADOR Registration (Potential Applicant Data Online Registration) with the European Commission making it eligible for consideration for program funding.
· As part of its ongoing support to CCB, Sightsavers International provided technical and resource assistance for the submission of a Concept Note to the European Commission seeking funding for programs in Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia. The Concept Note, with emphasis on Human Resource Development (HRD), was submitted on February 10th and its consideration by the EC for a full Proposal, is being awaited.
· The dates for the visit of Sightsavers Staff, Philip Hand and Adam Heeley, to CCB Secretariat and Program Office in Guyana have been confirmed and TOR agreed. Personnel of both Offices are currently reviewing the CAT and FAT Documents and Guidelines, updated Financial Forecasts and introduction of QuickBooks Software in preparation for the visit.
Itinerary – Secretariat: Philip: April 13th – 18th, 2009
Adam: April 13th – 19th, 2009
Itinerary – Guyana: Adam: April 19th – 23rd, 2009.
3.2 Guyana:
· Dr. Rameeza McDonald arrived in Paraguay in early January to take up her scholarship in Ophthalmology. She has commenced Language Studies (Spanish) as a prerequisite to embarking on the Course in Ophthalmology.
· The Refractive Program in Guyana continues to expand with the establishment of additional Vision Centres at: New Amsterdam (Region #6), and Charity (Region #2), while approval has been received from the Ministry of Health for a Centre to be set up at the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant (Region #6). The number of Centres in operation stands at nine (9).
· The Certificate in Refraction Techniques, which is in progress, has benefited from the incorporation of Course Notes from ICEE and expertise of CCB’s Executive Director, as part of the Faculty, for the Module in Public Health. The Trainees have now concluded the Theoretical Phase of the Course and will soon begin their Practicum.
· Meanwhile, discussions with the University of Guyana for the accreditation of the Certificate in Refraction Techniques and the establishment of a School of Optometry were advanced with the participation of CCB’s Executive Director. The revised Course Documents were submitted to the University Officials and are awaiting a meeting of the Academic Board, scheduled for April.
· Eye Care Guyana has achieved PADOR Registration with the European Commission, making Programs in Guyana eligible for EC Funding.
· Preparations are underway for the implementation of a Training Course in Eye Care for Health Personnel (25) in Region #2, scheduled for April 6th – 8th. It is anticipated that this will create greater awareness of common eye diseases and facilitate referral to appropriate levels in the Health Care Delivery System, including the Vision Centre located at Suddie.