From the very inception of the integration process, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) recognised there were significant differences in the availability of resources or endowments and the levels of development among its Member States. It was acknowledged that specific measures had to be implemented to reduce the possible polarization which could result from deepening integration. The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is an important element of the Regime outlined in Chapter 7 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to address the needs of those countries, regions and sectors so designated by the Community Council as disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors in the Community. The Regime seeks to enhance the prospects for the disadvantaged countries, sectors and regions to compete successfully and/or to redress negative impacts arising from the establishment/operations of the CSME.

The concept of ‘disadvantaged’ was defined and agreed in the provisions of Article 1 of the Revised Treaty. Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, i.e., CARICOM Less Developed Countries (LDCs) have been designated as ‘disadvantaged countries’ and therefore qualify as immediate beneficiaries of the Fund. Provisions are also outlined for Member States that require special support measures of a transitional or temporary nature to also become beneficiaries in addition to Member States designated as Highly Indebted Countries (HIPC).

Established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Establishing the Community including the CSME, the CDF will provide technical and financial assistance to those countries, regions and sectors so designated by the Community Council as “Disadvantaged Countries, Regions and Sectors”. At the Twenty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community that took place in Antigua and Barbuda on 4-6 July 2008, Member States signed an Agreement “Relating to the Operation of the CARICOM Development Fund”, to launch the CDF with its headquarters in Barbados.

The CDF invites CARICOM Nationals to participate in the CARICOM Development Fund Logo Competition. This competition is part of the promotional activities towards heightening understanding of the institution and its work and is part of the process of engaging the public. The purpose of the event is to select an appropriate logo for the CDF.

PRESENTATION OF WORK

Formal presentations should be:

    1. on board in black and white and in colour;

    2. of a minimum size of 4” x 4”;

    3. representative of the values of the CARICOM Development Fund;

    4. easy to reproduce on any media and on any surface, and, capable of being reduced to ½ “ in size while maintaining clarity

THEME

The design can include a group of words or symbol reflecting the purpose of the CDF in providing technical and financial assistance to those countries, regions and sectors so designated by the Community Council as “Disadvantaged Countries, Regions and Sectors”.

FINISHED ARTWORK

Finished artwork is to be supplied in Digital Format (i.e. computer graphic formats on CD and there should be a hard copy on white paper).

The copyright of the chosen design will reside with the CARICOM Development Fund.

The CARICOM Development Fund reserves the right to modify any portion in the design of the winning entry.

DEADLINE DATE

The deadline for submission of the design is 4:30 p.m. Monday, 20 April 2009

PRIZE

US$3000.00 (Three Thousand United States Dollars)

INFORMATION

More information on the CARICOM Development Fund can be obtained by emailing: info@caricomdf.org  or secretary@caricomdf.org

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone is eligible to enter with the exception of CARICOM Secretariat and CARICOM Development Fund employees and their immediate family members.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES

The deadline for submission of the design is 20 April 2009. Kindly submit entries to the Programme Manager CSME Unit, for the attention of:

    Mr. Salas Hamilton, Specialist Communications
    CARICOM Secretariat, CSME Unit
    6th Floor
    Tom Adams Financial Centre
    Church Village
    St. Michael
    Barbados
    Email: salas@csmeunit.org  copied to info@csmeunit.org