New UNESCO National Commission Secretary General highlights role as SIV National Coordinator

Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 12, 2004): New UNESCO National Commission Secretary General Mr. Antonio Maynard said that the Small Islands Voice (SIV) initiative provides an excellent opportunity for small island developing states to "Give a Voice" in the Global Village.

In his role as SIV National Coordinator, Mr. Maynard explained that working closely with his committee, he intends to provide avenues for all types of individuals to air their opinions on developmental and environmental issues.

He noted that via technology it is possible to get that voice to every corner of the world. This he explained is what the initiative is all about. To facilitate this aspect, SIV has established an Internet Centre at the Education Building, Cayon Street which can be accessed by the general public during working hours.

The SIV national coordinator encouraged residents to take advantage of this free service since it brings out the issues that impact the society and the Federation as a whole. He further noted that these issues can then be compared with those that are brought out by other developing states in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Mr. Maynard said that in carrying out his role he is ably assisted by a general committee as well as Education, Public Relations and Display Board subcommittees which undertake the roles specified by their names. He added that the members of the general committee represent different public and private sectors of society and were appointed because of their expertise in their various fields.

The opinions and suggestions gathered from the exercise will enable policy makers to make more meaningful and informed decisions with respect to development and environment, as well as various stakeholders who are interested in the public's view on the mentioned issues, concluded Mr. Maynard.

Opinions pertaining to development and environment can be emailed to unesconatcom@caribsurf.com, SIV information can be accessed at website www.smallislandvoice.org and young people can take part in a global youth forum at www.sivyouth.org (with user name view and password only).

St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service, 16th February 2004