IsraAID Dominica, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the Work Online Caribbean Pilot Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip residents of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Anguilla, and Montserrat with the skills needed to excel in the digital freelancing sector.

This innovative, six-week training program is offered at no cost, thanks to funding provided by the UNDP. The initiative is poised to empower participants with the tools and knowledge to navigate and succeed in the competitive online job market, fostering economic resilience and opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Program Highlights

The Work Online Caribbean Pilot Program provides a comprehensive framework to support aspiring digital freelancers, including:

• Weekly Group Coaching Calls: Interactive sessions led by experienced trainers will offer guidance, foster peer collaboration, and address challenges faced in the online job market.
• Personalized Mentorship: Participants will benefit from two one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to their individual goals, ensuring targeted support and sustainable career development.
• Self-Paced Learning Modules: New course materials will be released weekly, allowing participants to balance their training with personal and professional commitments.

“By enhancing digital skills, this program aims to create economic opportunities and strengthen communities across the Caribbean,” said a spokesperson for IsraAID Dominica. “We are committed to helping individuals achieve their aspirations in the digital economy.”

Call for Applications

Nationals from the BVI, Anguilla, and Montserrat are encouraged to apply by January 17, 2025. Participants will gain access to a dynamic learning environment designed to help them thrive in global online platforms.

For more information or to register, visit www.workonlinecaribbean.org or contact the program team directly at applywoc@israaid.org or +1 767-616-6567.

About IsraAID Dominica

IsraAID is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to responding to emergencies and building capacity in communities worldwide. Through innovative programs, the organization supports sustainable development and enhances livelihoods, including in the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and Montserrat.

The launch of the Work Online Caribbean Pilot Program marks a significant step toward digital empowerment and economic growth in the region. With its emphasis on flexible, skills-based learning, the initiative is expected to leave a lasting impact on participants and their communities.

The British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) call for greater disaster resilience among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean has received formal endorsement from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and Ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The endorsement came during the Sixth High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, earlier this month.

BVI Special Envoy and UN Representative Benito Wheatley highlighted the devastating economic toll of extreme weather events on SIDS, exacerbated by climate change. Speaking at the meeting, Wheatley emphasized the financial hurdles these vulnerable nations face in achieving climate resilience.

“Small Island Developing States continue to bear the brunt of hurricanes and extreme weather, yet many are unjustly excluded from concessional financing and grants because they are classified as middle- or high-income countries,” Wheatley said. “This leaves us without the resources needed to build resilience and recover effectively from disasters.”

The meeting’s outcome document echoed Wheatley’s concerns, stating, “The Ministers and Authorities recognized the high and increasing cost of reducing risk to improve human security outcomes and promote climate resilience. In particular, they highlighted the challenge for SIDS classified as middle- and high-income countries that remain vulnerable but ineligible for international development assistance.”

The statement also called for increased investment in adaptation measures, concessional financing, and the integration of multidimensional vulnerabilities into disaster risk reduction strategies.

Nahuel Arenas Garcia, UNDRR Chief for the Americas and the Caribbean, commended the BVI for its leadership in bringing attention to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS. “Ensuring that SIDS have access to just financing and disaster risk reduction tools is a global responsibility,” Garcia said.

The meeting, chaired by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, coincided with the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management. Delegates strongly encouraged the implementation of early warning systems across the region to mitigate disaster impacts.

The endorsement underscores a growing consensus on the urgent need to address climate vulnerability in SIDS. As Wheatley noted, “The fight for resilience is not just about survival; it’s about justice and sustainability for our future generations.”

The BVI’s advocacy efforts highlight the broader plight of small island nations grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and economic exclusion, a message resonating across the Caribbean and beyond.

In celebration of the natural beauty of the Caribbean and Cape Air’s deep-rooted presence in the region, the airline unveiled a striking new livery on 13 November on one of its Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.

Introduced in San Juan, this vibrant design will soon be seen on flights to Virgin Gorda and Culebra, bringing a fresh burst of colour and symbolism to mark Cape Air’s 35th anniversary in aviation.

The livery pays thoughtful tribute to the spirit of the Caribbean, featuring iconic imagery that represents both the airline’s core values and the cultural heritage of the region. At the centre of the design is a large sea turtle, symbolising Cape Air’s resilience and connection to the Caribbean. The turtle, known to represent endurance, adaptability, and patience, reflects the journey of an airline that has served Caribbean passengers for decades. Cape Air’s CEO, Linda Markham, highlighted this connection, stating, “The sea turtle represents our long-standing commitment to the Caribbean, where we’ve grown alongside the communities we serve.”

In addition to the turtle, the design features hibiscus flowers in bright hues, evoking the joy and sunshine characteristic of Caribbean life. Representing good fortune, the hibiscus mirrors Cape Air’s optimistic outlook for the future. “As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, this flower symbolises the hope and prosperity that guide us forward,” said Markham.

The livery also includes a dynamic school of fish, a nod to teamwork and unity, which Cape Air says forms the foundation of its approach to service. Few places foster such a strong sense of community as the Caribbean, where Cape Air has long prided itself on close ties with local markets and passengers. “The school of fish reminds us that our strength lies in our collective efforts – from our dedicated team to the passengers who trust us to connect them with the places they love,” Markham noted.

These anniversary celebrations are not only about aesthetics but also serve as a reaffirmation of Cape Air’s commitment to the Caribbean. Since its establishment, the airline has woven itself into the fabric of local life, building partnerships with tourism boards, small businesses, and communities in the territories it serves. The Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, small yet versatile, embodies this adaptability and accessibility, making it the ideal canvas for such a tribute.

Passengers fortunate enough to board this special aircraft will be treated to an enhanced travel experience as they connect with destinations like Virgin Gorda and Culebra. Cape Air hopes this symbolic livery will serve as both a celebration of Caribbean culture and a reminder of the region’s unique natural beauty.