The Caribbean Academy of Sciences, having had its inaugural meeting in 1988, is now almost 18 years old. During the period of its existence it can be very proud of its achievements. Its 10th anniversary conference on Science and technology was one of the highlights of CAS.

We have been supportive and instrumental in bringing distinguished speakers to the region including Nobel Prize Laureates to share their knowledge with us. This needs to be continued, but base funding remains a major problem for the Academy. We are struggling to maintain our existence in the context of islands being barely affording to pay dues to the Chapters. The Jamaica Chapter has been organizing many lectures and seminars over the course of the years. It has also joined a distinguished international body. This should continually enhance the profile of CAS.

The CAS has continued the tradition of panel discussions which have also involved the public in discussing issues of relevance to the country. The chapter had Panel discussions on Food Security and Food Safety as well as on IT education. The President also served on the National Committee for the Selection of Icons in Science in Trinidad & Tobago and regionally. This group recognized Scientists who have made sterling contributions to Science and Technology over the years. CAS was also represented by the President in helping to review and develop a Science Policy for the English Speaking region.

The now biannual technical Conference in which scientists in the region present their works to members of differing disciplines has been the catalyst for keeping CAS alive. Students have not been left in that they too have delivered papers on aspects of their research. There is need for CAS to establish a Journal. It is the pledge of the body to work towards the establishment of such a journal in the near future.

One of our major strengths is the multidisciplinary nature of CAS, covering as it does scientists from Natural, Agricultural, Medical, Social sciences and Engineering.

On the international front we have established very strong linkages with the Third World Academy of Sciences, The Latin American Academy of Sciences and we are on the executive of the International Council of Scientific Unions.

The Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) lends its support to

IANAS Project on Science Education. It is also represented on the water programme by the President.

While we are pleased with our achievements, there is still a lot to be done. We recognize that development is ultimately for and about people. As scientists and technologists it is part of our duty to assist in improving the quality of life of the people in the Caribbean region. One of our objectives is to raise the level of scientific consciousness in the region and to increase public understanding and appreciation of the importance and potential of Science and Technology in human progress. We will work with other regional initiatives to achieve this goal.

It has long been our hope and we need to market this more – to serve as a source of advice to regional Governments and non-governmental organizations in scientific and regional matters. Learned societies throughout the world are engaged in this. We should be no different. The Chapters already established in Guadeloupe and elsewhere can be the focal point for such initiatives. The Chapters need top promote more workshops to scope issues such as science teacher education, production of proactive authoritative statements and capacity-building initiatives. Human capacity building has to be stressed..

Our countries are struggling to improve the quality of life of the population. This entails the promotion of physical mental and economic health so that they can realize their potential.

The countries have to ensure that economic, social and physical development takes place in such a manner as to foster sustainability of the development process and avoid foreclosure of fundamental options for the future.

Only Trinidad and Tobago has petroleum and Natural gas as the mainstays of their economies. The other major earners are in agricultural products and tourism. There is still a large dependence on a single commodity. One aim of the Academy is to assist in efforts at enhancing local capability in Science and Technology.

Our Academy has to place emphasis on protection of air, watercourses and coastal areas from pollution of all kinds.

Rational utilization of available land and marine resources to achieve stable, self-sufficient countries has to be fostered by our Academy. There is needed an inventory of the region’s living and non-living resources to assess their potential and rate of extraction. We need reliable data on various physical, chemical, biological and environmental parameters. Size is the major constraint in most of the territories. The region needs to utilize more fully those resources which there are endowed due to their geographical location. Renewable and other forms of energy is of great interest to us. We would be willing to be part of any study or efforts aimed at ensuring our peoples have a sustainable source of energy.

There is need to foster programmes in Science Education. There is a need for us to sensitize University and A Level Science Students and establish a viable Student Association.

Governance of CAS has been a problem, since we are widely scattered and establishing a fixed headquarters has been put on hold.

The role of our Academy is the promotion of a strong advocacy for important Scientific and technological endeavors. We need to play a leadership role in promoting global cooperation to encourage meaningful exchange of ideas and research options.

Our special thanks go out to the Chapter in Guadeloupe for hosting this meeting