OOCUR " The Year To Date"

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The year 2021 continues with challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. However, where there are challenges also lie in opportunities.  We continue to adapt, adjust and forge ahead in our “new” normal.

Girls in ICT Day – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrates Girls in ICT Day on the 4th Thursday of April every year. Many ICT/Telecommunications Regulators around the world including the Caribbean celebrated the day with a host of activities. The CARICOM Secretariat celebrated the day with a few activities. The article in CARICOM TODAY gives an overview of those activities and the Launch of the Guyana Girls Code Initiative - Girls encouraged to take interest in coding as Region observes Girls in ICT Day 2021 – CARICOM Today Let us continue to encourage girls to study and be involved in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

New Appointment – The Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) Trinidad & Tobago appointed Mr. Glenn Khan as its Executive Director effective March 1, 2021. Mr. Khan is no stranger to the Utility Regulatory community. He was a former Deputy Executive Director at the RIC; former Executive Director at the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) Dominica and former Chief Executive Officer at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Grenada. Glenn brings a wealth of experience to the post. On behalf of OOCUR, I congratulate Glenn on his appointment and wish him all the best and success. 

Volcanic Eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines – The eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent has displaced many on the island. The ash has also impacted residents in St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you navigate the way forward. Infrastructure services will be critical in the clean up and rebuilding process. Let us use our platform as utility regulators to assist and facilitate rebuilding in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

Our regulatory community lost another person. Ms. Carolyn Young, former Director  of Human Resources & Administration at the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) Jamaica.   Those of us who knew Carolyn, remember her vibrant and witty spirit and forthright nature.  Condolences are extended to her family and the OUR. May her soul rest in peace. 

Let us continue to take the necessary precautions and keep safe during this ongoing pandemic, recover from the volcanic eruptions and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

Kathleen Riviere-Smith

Executive Director

OOCUR