Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698926916689.pdf (Trinidad and Tobago)
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NIHERST) to Parliament for Fiscal Year 2014 Report of NIHERST for Fiscal Year 2014 Table of Contents Foreword Section 1: Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Strategic Objectives Section 2: Organisational Structure a) Organisational profile b) Services/products and “Special Projects” undertaken c) Corporate structure d) Delegated levels of authority e) Legislative and regulatory framework f) Reporting functions Section 3: Policies and Development Initiatives a) Policies b) Short, medium and long term plans c) Performance objectives and accomplishments Section 4: Financial Operations a) Budget formulation b) Expenditure versus income c) Debt policy d) Investment policy e) Internal audit functions f) Financial Report 2014 Section 5: Human Resource Development Plan a) Organisational establishment b) Category of employees c) Career path systems d) Performance assessment/management strategies e) Promotion – selection procedures f) Employee support services i iii 1 4 5 8 12 12 12 15 15 16 59 59 62 62 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 65 Section 6: Procurement Procedures Section 7: Public and Community Relations a) Client and public access to services/service delivery systems b) Community and stakeholder relations/outreach c) Strategic partnerships 68 70 70 70 Appendices 1.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011 – 2015 2.

NIHERST Procurement Procedures 3.

NIHERST Act 4.

List of tenders above $450,000 5.

Article 4: Employment and Promotion in the NIHERST – PSA Collective Agreement 6.

Financial Report 2014 7.


Video Productions 2014 Additional materials attached: Promotional material for key science popularisation events and activities Copies of published surveys and educational publications and DVDs ii FOREWORD The year 2014 was an important milestone year for NIHERST as it marked its 30th anniversary on 28 June.
This was an opportunity for the institute to celebrate its many achievements over the decades, which have contributed in truly groundbreaking ways to national capacity building in the tertiary education sector and in science, technology and innovation (STI).

NIHERST continues to strengthen its legacy in STI today, most visibly through the extensive science popularisation programme it pioneered in the 1990s.
This initiative enabled the institute to become the regional leader in non-formal science education - a key platform for nurturing a wider culture of STI upon which economic diversification and growth rest.

One of the commemorative activities was a series of 30 one-minute television features, each highlighting one of Trinidad and Tobago’s top scientists.
They were selected from the more than 70 scientists featured in the three volumes of the NIHERST publication, Trinidad and Tobago Icons in Science and Technology.

The videos were aired in July/August during CNMG’s news programme, one each evening for 30 days.

In July 2014, a new Board was appointed, with Prof. Prakash Persad, former Ag.

Chair, formally taking the helm as Chair.


The institute’s achievements and activities during the year continued to advance the goals and objectives laid out in its Strategic Plan for 2011-2015.

The focus was on the following three objectives of the plan, further details of which are presented under Policy and Development Initiatives: • • • Fostering a National Culture of Science, Technology and Innovation.
This covers activities under NIHERST's pioneering science popularisation programmes, spearheaded by the National Science Centre, as well as the annual national awards schemes and competitions which the institute stages.

Research and Intelligence Gathering.


The main activities in this area are: the ongoing surveys undertaken and related publications issued by the S&T Statistical Research Department; the work of the Policy Research and Intelligence Gathering Department on formulating a national science and technology policy; and supporting strategic foresight activities to boost development and innovation in priority sectors; and Building Strategic Alliances.
The focus in this area enables NIHERST to tap into the resources and expertise in global centres of excellence to accelerate progress in STI in areas of importance for national development.

In some local and regional collaborative initiatives, NIHERST shares its own expertise to support capacity building in other countries.
iii In 2014, NIHERST intensified its efforts, via new and ongoing programmes, to foster a national culture of STI, and improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, through both the formal education system and its own science popularisation initiatives targeting the general population.
Some key developments connected to the former included three new programmes which involved deepening ties and strategic alliances with regional and international partners: • The initiation of INVOCAB (Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean), a three- year regional project implemented in partnership with the Scientific Research Council(SRC) in Jamaica.
Funded by the EU, INVOCAB’s aims, inter alia, are to: improve teachers’ capacities in science education; implement an innovation framework in selected schools in the Caribbean; and further integrate Science and Technology into the primary and secondary school curriculum.

• The formal launch of NASA’s International Internship Program (NASA I2) now open to post-secondary level STEM students from Trinidad and Tobago.
Two students, the first from this region to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and exposure, were selected to intern at NASA’s Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley in the US, undertaking high tech research and receiving first-rate training and mentorship from NASA scientists.
• The launch of Seismology in Schools, which trained teachers from participating schools to introduce the science of geophysics to students from forms three to six, giving them hands- on experience of seismology and a taste of how scientists work, and showing the real world application of the physics, mathematics and geography principles being taught in the curricula.
In science popularisation, the institute staged the seventh Sci-TechKnoFest - its large scale, biennial science and technology festival first held in 1997.

The 2014 festival, exploring the theme, “Celebrating Human Ingenuity”, ran for three weeks at the Centre of Excellence, and attracting over 55,000 visitors, enjoyed record success and media coverage.

The year also saw a marked increase in requests for NIHERST to participate in events hosted by external agencies, both public and private.
This enabled the institute to add to its own outreach activities and impact more communities and target groups across the country.

It signals a growing recognition and need by agencies to include more scientific content in their events for the public.
Regionally, NIHERST’s expertise in science popularisation has benefitted teachers and students in Barbados in the last FY and St. Vincent and the Grenadines this FY, when staff from its Innovation Department visited those countries under its “Made in the Caribbean” initiative, implemented in partnership with the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST).
The iv project enabled trainers from NIHERST’s Innovation Department to share their expertise with educators in the region on the models and methodologies used by NIHERST in its invention and innovation vacation camps for young people.

After delays experienced prior to the re-appointment of its Board, NIHERST regained the momentum to proceed with the construction of Science City, with aim of completing Phase 1 A by the end of FY 2015.
In research and intelligence gathering, the S&T Statistical Department published two survey reports and undertook new surveys, in addition to conducting its annual Survey of Science and Technology Indicators.

The Policy, Research and Intelligence Department focussed on: refining the Draft National Science and Technology Policy; detailing the operationalisation of the National Science and Technology Fund (NSTF); and mapping the innovation systems of strategic sectors in the Trinidad and Tobago Economy.
In 2014, NIHERST also set the wheels in motion for the establishment of a National Science & Technology Database and Country Status Report, the aim of which is to determine the status of science and technology research in Trinidad and Tobago and to develop an updated system of researchers and research institutions that currently exist nationally.
With respect to internal administrative systems, NIHERST laid the foundation for two new departments: - - a Records Department, which would develop the institute’s records management programme and implement an electronic document and records management system solution across the organisation; and a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) mechanism, which aligns the institute with Government’s newly developed national system of monitoring and evaluation across all ministries to measure the progress on achievement of development goals and outcomes.
Details for all activities and achievements for the reporting period are presented under the following seven sections requested by Parliament: 1.

Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Strategic Objectives 2.

Organisational Structure 3.

Policy and Development Initiatives 4.

Financial Operations 5.

Human Resource Development Plans 6.

Procurement Procedures 7.

Public and Community Relations.

The financial statements contained in this report are not audited.
v Materials submitted with this report include copies of publications referred to in the report as well as clippings and flyers that give additional details on key programmes.

vi Section 1: Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Strategic Objectives In 2010, NIHERST’s valuable role and unique position in the country’s institutional infrastructure for advancing national development in STI was affirmed.
The new board appointed that year proceeded to shape a Strategic Action Plan 2011 – 2015, aligned with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s policy framework and the seven interconnected pillars for sustainable development.

(See Appendix 1 for a copy of the Action Plan.)

The pillars of particular relevance to NIHERST are development pillar 1: People Centred Development and development pillar 5: Creating a More Diversified, Knowledge-Intensive Economy.
The plan was completed in January 2011 and was limited by the information available at that point in time.

The following operational goals and expected outcomes were outlined in the plan: Operational Goal 1: Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification The studies undertaken will guide Trinidad and Tobago on the best way the country can utilise STI to rapidly improve its global ranking in competitiveness and create a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
They will also promote the use of renewable energy and other technological advances to create sustainable wealth generation and employment for citizens and a consequent reduction in poverty.

The five growth poles would become best practice examples of sustainable communities in the Caribbean.

The National STI Policy would become a model for other small island developing countries.
The development of a National Knowledge Network for sharing and disseminating knowledge within and among research and academic institutions, Government and other stakeholders is another long-term outcome that this focus area can influence.
Operational Goal 2: Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas It is expected that the creation of a fund for the commercialisation of technology and the undertaking of R&D and technical studies, based on international best practice for managing risks, will make for greater success of commercial ventures and will contribute towards Trinidad and Tobago becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Priority will be given to the creation of enterprises that are sustainable and innovation-driven, align to the development of the identified growth poles, and contribute to poverty eradication in the country.

Operational Goal 3: Building Collaborative Global Relationships The institutions that NIHERST collaborates with will contribute financial, human, information and infrastructural resources to assist Trinidad and Tobago in developing a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
The relationships will also promote NIHERST’s and Trinidad and Tobago’s international image and international standing in STI and global competitiveness.

1 Operational Goal 4: Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute It is expected that the operational efficiency and effectiveness of NIHERST will be improved and the institute’s brand name will gain greater recognition at home and abroad as a leading institution in STI.
Operational Goal 5: Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity The development of a culture of science, innovation and creativity will lead to improved performance of primary and secondary schoolchildren in science subjects.

It will also increase the innovation activities of existing enterprises, the number of patents approved for local citizens, and the number of technology-based start-ups by young entrepreneurs.
Objectives These operational goals are built on NIHERST’s identified strengths and provide the areas of strategic focus for the organisation in the context of its mandate, its capabilities and its role in the matrix of related institutions, as well as in the dynamic and evolving global environment.
The objectives of these operational goals/specific areas of strategic focus for NIHERST can be summarised as follows: 1) Research and Intelligence Gathering In Support of Economic Diversification  To provide policy support and advocacy to its line ministry in developing a national STI policy;  To undertake STI policy studies in support of economic diversification - e.g.
innovation and foresighting studies in priority areas;  To undertake international benchmarking and comparative studies on Research & Development (R&D)/STI, competiveness and innovation in selected countries, regions, sectors and areas; and  To develop a strong capability for knowledge management to support the knowledge-based economy and an effective National System of Innovation.
2) Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas  To establish a technology commercialisation fund (public-private partnerships including venture capital and angel investments) to help finance start-up enterprises in priority areas and niches identified in studies by NIHERST, including its foresighting “best bets”; and 2  To establish a contestable fund for increasing national R&D in identified niches and priority areas.
3) Building Collaborative Global Relationships  To build international relationships with world-class STI institutions; and  To establish and maintain linkages with specialised regional and international research, science and technology institutions, and initiate and implement joint STI projects of relevance to the rapid creation of a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
4) Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute  To restructure NIHERST in line with the Strategic Plan;  To develop a plan for the physical consolidation of offices; and  To develop a strategy to brand NIHERST as a world class STI institute.
5) Fostering a culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity  To construct a world-class National Science Centre;  To engage all citizens in the experiential learning of science;  To provide hands-on experience for developing capabilities in technological innovation and entrepreneurship; and  To recognise excellence in STI.

The Strategic Action Plan is built around the Objectives derived from the Operational Goals.
For each objective, we identify measures, targets, strategic initiatives, timeframes, resources required and accountabilities.

Appendix 1 refers.

3 Section 2: Organisational Structure a) Organisational Profile Over the years, NIHERST has developed distinctive competencies in the three key focus areas in science and technology: science popularisation, applied research on STI to inform policies, and external collaboration to advance the development and application of STI, both nationally and regionally.
The following gives a broad picture of the organisation’s competencies in these areas.

1.

Fostering a strong national culture of science, technology and innovation through its programmes in science popularisation, science communication and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

These are delivered mainly through the in-house and community outreach activities of the National Science Centre’s (NSC) in D’Abadie.
NSC is the only facility of its kind in the Caribbean and contains over 200 interactive science exhibits and manipulatives.

It occupies an area of 65,000 sq.

ft. of exhibit and office space and visitor facilities.

The programmes of the centre seek to support classroom science learning using engaging teaching strategies; to illustrate how science and technology permeate all aspects of daily life; and to reduce the barriers between science and society.
Through its Innovation Department, NIHERST has also pioneered programmes and activities that develop young minds to be creative, inventive and even entrepreneurial using science and technology, which is a key component in the shaping of a cohesive national innovation system.
The department focuses on: (a) the staging of the biennial Prime Minister’s Awards for Scientific Ingenuity (formerly the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation and Invention); (b) the conduct of formal and non-formal training in creative thinking, the process of innovation and invention, and entrepreneurship for students, notably through one of its flagship programmes, the Community Centred Design and Innovation (COMDESI) project run in partnership with the Heroes Foundation, as well as its annual Robotics, Cre8tivity and Young Inventors camps for children 5-17 years); (c) the staging of exhibitions and outreach activities that build awareness of innovation and invention; and (d) giving assistance to local inventors for protecting creative ideas, developing prototypes and attending international invention expositions.
In 2011, NIHERST reinstated and rebranded its Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology, recognising the imperative of highlighting and honouring the achievements of nationals working in all scientific fields, both at home and abroad.

Creating a more diversified, knowledge-based economy depends the understanding and regard that the wider national community has for the role of science and technology in development, and for those who contribute to that advancement.

to a significant degree on 4 2.


Demonstrating a strong focus on research and intelligence gathering in the fields of science, technology and innovation (STI).

A specialised capacity to collect and analyse data and information on STI indicators has proven invaluable to NIHERST’s role in the provision of policy advice and prescriptions to the Ministry.

Created in 1997, NIHERST’s S&T Statistics Department compiles data to inform S&T policy formulation and planning.
The institute has played a key role in STI planning and the preparation of three draft national policies on S&T over the period 1997-2013.

Its Policy, Research and Intelligence Department (PRID) is responsible for drafting the national S&T policy, while its International Projects Department is spearheading the establishment of a National Science & Technology Database and Country Status Report.

3.
3.

Building linkages with regional and international organisations and managing collaborative projects in research, science and technology sponsored by external agencies.
The International Projects Department manages collaborative projects with external agencies such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the UN, and the CTA ACP, NASA, Scientific Research Council (SRC) of Jamaica, University of Leicester, Durham University, Imperial College London, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the US Embassy in Port of Spain.
The unit also supports the operations of the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) and the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) whose secretariats are hosted by NIHERST.

b. Services/Products The following summarises the services and products that NIHERST provides to the national community: 1.

Science popularisation National Science Centre Sci-TechKnoFest Tue-Fri 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Under 5 years: Free, 5-17 years : $10 & 18 years and over: $20 Hands-on exhibits and activities on: animation, astronomy, energy, the environment, disaster awareness, the human body, music, sports and wellness, robotics and more.

Schools can plan special science themed visits.

Mega science and technology festival held biennially on a specific theme.
Past festivals have covered: science in everyday living, connectivity, energy, the environment, health and wellness, creativity, innovation and sustainability, and inventions.

Admission – price varies Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) Annual, week-long programme of lectures, workshops, field trips, design challenges and more for regional lower sixth form science students.
Local participants - TT$900; Regional - US$150 Community Science Weeks Rural and underserved communities come alive with science, technology and innovation.

The content is driven by community needs.
Free admission 5 Robotics, Creativity & Design The Robotics and Creative Design Labs – workshops, road shows and themed visits at the National Science Centre Vacation Camps A variety of STI themed camps ranging from 1 to 3 weeks Various venues in Trinidad and Tobago July/August vacation period for children 5-17 years Price varies from TT$100 plus per week Clubs Science Club Free to join SciEng Club Free to join Robotics Club TT$100 to join Community Centred Design and Innovation (COMDESI) Science Road Shows Workshops for Secondary Students Outreach through events staged by external public and private agencies Educational Resource Materials Forms 3 and 4 students acquire a working knowledge of the innovation process and engage local communities in developing innovative solutions to real life community problems.
8 secondary schools annually Hosted for free Target primary science education, particularly in schools in underserved areas, and help to bring to life concepts being taught at that level Hosted for free Focus on difficult areas of the CSEC examinations in physics, biology, chemistry and math Hosted for free NSC and the Innovation Department are invited to exhibit at events hosted by government agencies, NGOs, schools and private bodies on specific needs relevant to the needs of society and their own celebrations.
Print and DVD resources including online downloads Some examples: - Caribbean Women in Science and their Careers - Climate Change: The Basics, Impacts and Taking Action - Disaster Awareness Series (Floods, Landslides, Forest Fires) - Icons in STI series (5 publications) - Making Maths Easy - Natural Wonders of the Caribbean Parts 1 & 2 - Science for All (Understanding Volcanoes and Oil Spills) - Science Music Videos (different topics) National Awards and Competitions - Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology - Prime Minister’s Awards for Scientific Ingenuity - Science Music Video Competition 6 2.
Research and intelligence gathering S&T Statistical Department Conducts surveys on science, technology and innovation (STI) and analyses the collated data to inform policy formulation and planning.
Publications available at TT$50.00 or US$12.00 See: http://www.niherst.gov.tt/research/research-statistics.html Examples - Survey on the Public Perception of Science 2012 - Survey of Science in Secondary Schools 2011 Policy Research and Development Department International benchmarking and comparative studies on STI, policy support and advocacy in developing a national STI policy; advice to other agencies; innovation mapping?
International Projects Department National S&T Research Database for Trinidad and Tobago 3.
Special projects and collaborative relationships Collaborating Agency Project Caribbean Council for Science & Technology (CCST), CTA ACP-EU, CARDI, UWI and the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company NASA Caribbean Science and Agriculture Film and Video Competition and Caribbean Tales Film Festival NASA International Internship Program tenable at NASA Ames Research Center, California, USA Scientific Research Council (SRC), Jamaica Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean (INVOCAB) project University of Leicester, Durham University, Imperial College London, the British Geological Survey (BGS), the Ministry of Education and the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) Seismology in Schools project U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain National Youth Science Camp, West Virginia, U.S.A. Toco Foundation, Global Water Partnership- Caribbean (GWP-C) Eco-Solutions: Environmental Solutions for Sustainable Communities With the construction of Science City in Couva, which will accommodate the headquarters of NIHERST and a state-of-the-art, permanent national science centre (to replace the rented facility at D’Abadie), the institute will be expanding in exciting new directions, to better serve, educate and engage the national community and citizens of all ages.
New offerings will include internships, research and investigation opportunities for students at all levels.

7 Business locations During the reporting period, NIHERST was housed at three (3) locations as follows: 1.

Head Office – 77 Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine 2.

Marketing and International Projects – 8 Serpentine Road, St Clair 3.

National Science Centre – Cor.

Old Piarco Road, D’Abadie.


b) Corporate Structure NIHERST is governed by a Board of Governors whose term of office is for a period of three years.

The NIHERST Act allows for 14 members, excluding the NIHERST president who is a member ex officio.

During the reporting period, the term of office of the Board expired on November 23, 2013 and the new Board was appointed on July 3, 2014.
The members (excluding the president) were as follows: Prof. Prakash Persad –Chair Mr. Brian Juanette – Deputy Chair Mr. Ralph Campbell – Member Mr. Cecil Caruth – Member Mr. Raphael Esdelle – Member Prof. Stephan Gift – Member Mrs. Patricia Lee-Browne - Member Dr. Rawatee Maharaj-Sharma – Member Mrs. Zorisha Mohammed-Ali - Member Dr. Annmarie Phillip-Hosein- Member Ms. Denice Ramdhan – Member Mr. Nicholson Sookhoo - Member Mr. Andre Thompson – Member.
This Board met five times between its appointment and the end of this reporting period.

There were three standing committees - Human Resource, Finance and Audit - that were established to consider matters in their respective areas and provided recommendations to the full Board.

The executive leadership team comprised a cadre of senior officers who had helped to build the institute from its inception as well as a new generation of leaders.
The team comprised: 8 President – Mrs. Maureen Manchouck Vice President of Science and Technology – vacant (since 1991) Registrar & Head of International Projects – Ms. Joycelyn Lee Young Senior Human Resources Officer – Mrs. Giselle Dinzey Senior Accountant – Mr. Nazir Mohammed/Ms Sylvia Lalla Senior Statistician – Mr. Daniel Deen Science Education Advisor - Ms. Althea Maund/Ms.
Larrisa Mohammed Senior Policy Analyst – Ms. Julie David Systems Analyst II – Mrs. Kathy-Ann Joseph Creese Administrative Officer IV (NSC) – Mrs. Kalawati Sookhram Administrative Officer IV (General Administration) – Mrs. Lorraine Rollock.

The institute’s corporate structure by function, as at 30 September 2014, comprised the key operational areas and departments/units outlined in the chart entitled NIHERST Organisational Structure.
The departments perform the following functions: - Science, Technology & Innovation (STI).

The two departments falling under this area are responsible for STI statistical research, and STI policy research and intelligence gathering.

The overall head is the Vice President of Science & Technology, a position that is unfilled.

However, heading the S&T Statistical Department and the Policy Research and Intelligence Department are the Senior Statistician and Senior Policy Analyst respectively.
They both report to the President.

The policy department has a cadre of three officers and the statistical department four officers, who are supplemented by field officers, consultants and other contracted personnel as needed.

- STI Popularisation.

This is NIHERST’s largest area of operation.


The majority of programmes are implemented and administered through National Science Centre (NSC) in D’Abadie, which is responsible for supporting science education in the classroom and conducting out of school programmes to inspire and nurture minds in science and technology.
There are three key departments under NSC: (a) the Science Education Department, which is led by a Science Education Advisor; (b) Library Media Centre, which houses a special collection of resources in S&T Policy and Science Education, and which is headed by a Senior Librarian; and (c) Administration and Facilities, which is led by the Administrative Officer IV.
Complementing NSC’s work is the Innovation Department, which undertakes initiatives to seed a culture of creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurship (“technopreneurship”).

The department is headed by a Project Officer and operates the Creative Design and Robotics Laboratories at NSC.

The Innovation Department and NSC have a cadre of 14 and 60 officers respectively.
9 NIHERST ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Ministry of Science and Technology Board of Governors President Registrar Science Technology & Innovation STI Popularisation International Projects Unit Corporate Services S&T Statistics Senior Statistician National Science Centre Innovation Project Officer Library Media Centre Senior Librarian Human Resources Senior Human Resource Officer Policy, Research & Intelligence Gathering Senior Policy Analyst Science Education Senior Science Educator Creative Design Lab CDL Coordinator NSC Administration and Facillities Administrative Officer IV - 10 Accounts Senior Accountant Information & Communication Technology Systems Analyst II Marketing & Corporate Communication Marketing Officer General Administration Administrative Officer IV Health & Safety Health and Safety Officer Records Records Manager - International Projects.
This department manages the regional and international projects in which NIHERST is engaged, as well as special collaborative projects with other national entities.

The department is headed by the Registrar and has a staff of eight officers.

- Corporate Services.
Under this operational area falls the key corporate services of: (a) human resource management (recruitment, compensation and benefits, staff development and training, and industrial relations), which is directed by the Senior Human Resource Officer who supervises seven officers; (b) accounts, which has responsibility for budgeting, finance and accounts, and is headed by the Senior Accountant who supervises three officers); (c) ICT (hardware and software support, database management, etc.)
which is directed by the Systems Analyst 11, who supervises four officers; (d) general administration (property and facilities management, security, etc.
), which is headed by the Administrative Officer IV, who supervises a staff of 12 officers; (e) health and safety led by the Health & Safety Officer, who supervises two persons; (f) marketing and communications staffed with a Marketing Officer and six assistants and (g) the newly introduced Records Department led by the Records Manager who supervises and oversees the work of the Records Assistant and a cross-departmental team of record stewards.

- Registrar.
- Registrar.

This officer performs the function of Secretary to the NIHERST Board of Governors and such other duties as assigned by the Board, as per Section 9 of the Act establishing the institute.

The Registrar is responsible for preparing and securing the minutes of meetings of the Board, copying the same to the line Minister, as well as being the custodian of the seal of the institute.

c) Delegated Levels of Authority The Board has not delegated any of its functions to the President.
The President, as the head of the organisation, oversees all operations and, in the absence of the Vice President for S&T, the President’s authority for oversight falls with the Registrar.

According to the institute’s procurement policy, a department head can approve expenditure up to $25,000.00 for specified operational goods and services, which include inter alia stationery and office supplies, utilities, maintenance services, and up to $10,000 otherwise.
The President and, in her absence, the Registrar can approve expenditure up to $75,000.00 for specified operational goods and services.

Any other expenditure exceeding these levels up to $450,000 would require final approval from the President as recommended by the Management Tenders Committee.

See Appendix 2 for the procurement policy.

11 d) Legislative and Regulatory Framework NIHERST was established via Act of Parliament No.

20 of 1984 (Chapter 39:58 of Laws of Trinidad and Tobago).
A copy is attached hereto in Appendix 3.

The Act places the institute under a ministerial portfolio for policy and other direction.

Ministerial control is defined in more detail below.
The Act sets out in Section 12 the functions of the institute, which include: a) providing and promoting scientific and technological services; b) promoting and developing an indigenous capability in science and technology relevant to the developmental needs of the country; c) assisting national bodies and/or organisations in securing technology appropriate to their needs; d) promoting and operating facilities for higher and continuing education and in particular to: i. undertake, promote and facilitate scientific and technological research and development and the provision of scientific and technological services; ii.
provide, promote and facilitate the provision of continuing education and specialised training at the post-secondary level; iii.

develop and collect information on scientific and technological development, to evaluate technologies used in or to be imported into the country and to facilitate the dissemination and application of new technologies; assist persons and organisations in securing access to technology appropriate to their needs; iv.
e) discharging such other related functions as the Minister may assign to it from time to time; and f) undertaking all things necessary, incidental or ancillary to the efficient discharge of its functions.
The Act gives NIHERST the powers, with the approval of the Minister, to: a) establish divisions or departments, research centres and such other facilities as it considers necessary for the discharge of its functions; b) establish on its own behalf or jointly with other persons approved by the Minister research centres and such other facilities as it considers necessary for the discharge of its functions; c) undertake activities in the fields of research, science, technology, specialised education, continuing education and related matters, and the provision of scientific and technological services; d) designate certain training institutions as approved bodies for the purpose of providing specialised training and continuing education; 12 e) establish and administer examination councils and award certificates, diplomas and other evidence of competence; f) charge fees for services; receive grants, bequests, donations and gifts; be a beneficiary under covenants; and establish and administer trusts for the purpose of discharging its functions; g) employ officers necessary for the discharge of its functions at such remuneration and on such other terms and conditions of employment as it thinks fit; h) give certificates of distinction to institutions or persons making outstanding contribution in i) j) its fields of concern; liaise with external programmes in research, science and technology and the provision of scientific and technological services; provide representation on behalf of the Government on same; and advise the Minister on co-operation with other countries on scientific and technological activities; and invite and accept the co-operation for the purpose of devising, funding and operating programmes related to its activities.
The Minister exercises control over policy direction, finances and the appointment of the President of the institute, apart from the exercise of the above-mentioned powers.
Specifically, the line Minister has the power to: a) advise the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the appointment of the President of the institute inclusive of remuneration, terms and conditions of employment, as well as the termination of such appointment; b) determine the remuneration and allowances payable to persons appointed to committees set up by the Board and who are not Board members per se; c) direct the Board on policy matters and on the discharge of its functions or the exercise of its powers; and d) give approval for: - the payment of the annual salary of officers or employees in excess of $50,000, or such greater sum as the Minister may by Ordinance determine; the build up of reserves and their investment in securities; the borrowing of money in excess of $100,000 to discharge its functions; - - - varying by Order the amount that may be borrowed; and - the pledging of the institute’s assets as security for any loan.
Finances With respect to finances, NIHERST is governed by Guarantee of Loans (Statutory Authorities) Act regarding loans, as per Section 20 of the NIHERST Act.

Other governing regulations are as follows: a.

The Financial Regulations – 1965 b.

The Financial Instructions – 1965 c. Exchequer and Audit Ordinance 13 d. Call Circular issued by the Ministry of Finance for the relevant year in which the Budget is due.

Human Resource Management NIHERST adheres to the following acts and governing regulations: a.
Industrial Relations Act 23 of 1972, Chapter 88:01 b. Maternity Protection Act, 1988 c. Minimum Wages Act 35 of 1976, Chapter 88:04 d. Equal Opportunity Act, 2000 e. Occupational Safety & Health Act, 2004 f. Workmen’s Compensation Act 24 of 1960, Chapter 88:05 g. Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act 32 of 1985 h. NIHERST-PSA Collective Agreement (January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007) i. NIHERST-PSA Memoranda of Agreement for cost items for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010 dated August 19, 2011, August 16, 2012, and August 23, 2013. f) Reporting Functions The Act requires the Board to take policy directions from the line Minister.
This is done via the Chairman, who must apprise the Minister on a regular basis, both on policy and operational matters pertaining to the institute.

The Board gives directions to the President on strategic and institutional policy matters as well as policy directions set by the Minister.

The President reports to the Board on the operations of the institute including finance, procurement, human resources, and matters of policy.
The President also takes instructions and reports to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry on matters referred to the institute by the Permanent Secretary.

By law, the President is required to submit an annual report on the activities of the institute within six months of the end of each financial year to the line ministry.

Reports on achievements have been submitted as required for inclusion in the ministry’s annual report.
In addition to the above, NIHERST also reports on its finances and budget, both annually and monthly, to its line ministry and the Ministry of Finance.

It reports monthly, quarterly and annually to these ministries and the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development for funds under the PSIP.

Quarterly and annual reports are also submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Special reports are submitted on request, as needed.
14 Section 3: Policies and Development Initiatives a) Policies NIHERST has been spearheading the formulation of a draft national S&T Policy to focus the investment in S&T in the country, to support Government’s development goals and identified thrust as outlined in the Medium Term Planning Framework and other relevant policy documents.

It will also steer the institute’s strategic direction and work programme.
Details of work done on the policy during the financial year (FY) 2014 are given in Section 2.2 below.
b) Short, medium and long term plans During FY 2014, the work undertaken by NIHERST, in accordance with and advancement of its 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, focussed on the following three strategic areas: • • • fostering a national culture of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, including an extensive science popularisation programme and national awards schemes; undertaking strategic research and intelligence gathering in science, technology and innovation to inform policy development and guide public and private sector investment, towards greater economic diversification; and promoting national advancement in science, technology and innovation through establishing and strengthening collaborative relationships with institutions of excellence worldwide.
In 2014, the institute refined and expanded core activities and introduced new initiatives, all aimed at strengthening national capacity in science and technology to better support Government’s development agenda and, in particular, economic diversification.

The activities built on the achievements over the past three years, accelerating progress on the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
The institute continues its leadership role in national STI development in accordance with its mandate, and to advance the mission and goals of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
c) Performance Objectives and Accomplishments for FY 2014 The wide range of programmes and initiatives undertaken by the various divisions of the organisation fall within the three strategic areas cited above (Section 3, b), and are fulfilled inter alia through the continued development of informal and innovative teaching and learning methodologies for national advancement in STI; ongoing surveys of key sectors and areas of importance to STI development, and data dissemination to specific stakeholder groups; policy development; advising Government on priority areas for, and funding of, R&D; mapping 15 innovation systems; and the fostering and strengthening of strategic alliances with national, regional and international agencies.
Strategic Goal 1: Fostering a national culture of science, technology and innovation 1.1 Construction of NIHERST Science City NIHERST will be establishing a unique Trinidad and Tobago Science City model for the 21st century that will involve children, teenagers, young adults and their families directly in the process of science and innovation, by tackling real world issues of climate change, food security, water stress, renewable energy, inter alia; engaging leading scientists, and promoting trial-and-error experimentation.
The project’s objectives are to: · · · · · · Grow and excite the next generation of science-confident citizens by providing a fun place for opening young minds to the sciences and for developing a culture of innovation; Act as a catalyst for the revival, growth and socio-economic development of the Couva region, preserving significant science and technology aspects of our national heritage and providing a unique tourism attraction to international visitors; Form a national hub around which organisations and associations in fields such as environmental awareness, astronomy and health care can widen their appeal to new audiences; Provide employment for secondary school and tertiary graduates through internships, part- time and full-time employment, and opportunities for the conduct of experimentation, research and development, and innovation; Complement and help to improve science education in the primary and secondary school system and provide training for teachers in self-directed discovery learning; and Release rental/leased office facilities, thereby effecting savings.
The project will be implemented in two phases that will see the construction of a state-of-art, purpose-built National Science Centre and high tech laboratory facilities that will facilitate R&D and commercialisation and innovation-based technology adaptation; and to provide experiential science learning facilities for developing a population and workforce that is scientifically literate, technology savvy, and innovative.
Phase 1 will comprise the planning, design and construction of the following facilities: · · · Main building: comprising exhibition halls, laboratories, kiddie learning and play areas, offices, storage facilities, bathroom facilities and a food court.

Outdoor science park which will feature educational and fun attractions with a focus on cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
Planetarium 16 · · Amphitheatre Staff and maintenance building along with food kiosks and restroom facilities, which will serve both staff and visitors to the outdoor science park.

Phase 2 will comprise an iconic, green science centre featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, NIHERST Headquarters building, and an additional workshop building.

1.1.2 Activities during FY 2014 a) Pre-Construction Works: Ongoing Contracts and Status of Works as at September 2014 i.
Contract for the Provision of Boundary Fence - This contract was awarded in July of 2013 to Mc.

Clatchie Construction Company Ltd.

The contractor experienced significant delays due to non-availability of the fencing materials from the sole local supplier.

The Contractor was granted an extension of time to complete the works.

As at September 2014, the works were 95% completed.

ii.
ii.

Contract for the Provision of Grass and Bush Cutting Services– This contract was awarded to Prolas Ltd. in September 2014 and subsequently renewed in July 2014.

As at September 2014, the works were 50% completed.

b) Architectural, Architectural Landscaping & Engineering Designs - The contract for the provision of architectural, architectural landscaping and all engineering design services was awarded to Arquitectonica International Corporation (Prime Consultant) in March 2014.
Sub-consultants to Arquitectonica are as follows:  Arquitectonica Geo – Landscape Architect  Thinc Design – Exhibit Designer  acla:works – Architect of Record  CEP Ltd. in association with Ramps Engineering Services Ltd. - Civil, Structural and MEP Engineers.

Status of Works as September 2014:  Status of Architectural Designs:  Site Plan – 100% completed Concept Designs –80% completed  Status of Engineering Designs:  Concept Designs – 20%.
Due to a delay in the appointment of the NIHERST Board of Governors, the contract for design services was not fully executed until July 2014.

As such, works under the contract did not commence until July 2014.
17 c) Quantity Surveying Services - A contract for the Provision of Quantity Surveying Services was awarded to BCQS International Ltd in September 2014. d) Statutory Approvals Approvals granted as at September 2014 were as follows:  EMA Approval – Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC 3718/2012) was granted to NIHERST on 15 November 2013.

 Town and Country Planning Division Approval – Outline approval was granted to NIHERST on 27 January 2014.
As at the end of the reporting period, WASA’s outline approval was pending pursuant to a request made early in May 2014.

NIHERST was advised by WASA that the initial application had been misplaced and resubmission of the forms was required.

The application forms were re-submitted at the end of May.

1.2 Science Popularisation Fostering a culture of creativity and innovation propelled by advancements in scientific knowledge and technology is a complex and long-term development task.
It requires a multi-pronged approach that more fully engages the general public, students of all ages, and business and educational institutions.

All countries today require their populations to be highly trained in the new and emerging scientific technological disciplines that are now driving growth, prosperity and global competitive power.

These include robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and the ongoing advancements in ICT.
The building of a critical mass of dynamic and creative scientific and engineering professionals rests on early and on-going nurturing of interest in science and technology, and high quality education - both through a modernised formal education system as well as through complementary, timely and frequent informal educational experiences that can inspire students and show science in a real world, relevant context beyond the classroom.
The National Science Centre (NSC) has been the main vehicle through which the institute implements its diverse science popularisation programme.

Situated in D’Abadie on over 60,000 square feet of land, the centre holds almost 200 highly interactive exhibits in thematic areas such as robotics, astronomy, energy, the environment, animation, disaster awareness, the human body, music, sports and wellness, creativity, invention and innovation, physical disabilities, and road safety.
In the Techkno Theatre, visitors of all ages can enjoy entertaining science shows and demonstrations.

18 The centre’s wide range of on-site and off-site programmes help to raise the scientific and technological awareness, literacy and engagement of the general population, and encourage more young people to pursue studies and careers in science and technology.
Exhibits and activities use non-traditional educational approaches designed to make scientific concepts more easily understood and captivating to both children and adults, and to show their relevance and application in everyday life.

Many programmes are also directly targeted at developing the creative and innovative capacity of our citizens.

NSC visitors For FY 2014, 15,253 persons visited the centre, for general and themed science visits, including Astronomy Nights.
Categories of visitor admissions: Adults with groups (free) - 817 Children 5-17 - 8,233 Children under 5 - 2,209 Adults 18 yrs and over - 3,040 Waived admission (children) - 954 Visitor feedback A survey of 265 visitors (approximately 2% of total visitors) conducted during the period showed that: • 99% of respondents found their experience enjoyable; • 95% found the educational value of the exhibits to be above average (i.e.
good or excellent), with the majority leaning towards excellent; and • 53% had visited the centre before.

This large pool of repeat visitors strongly demonstrates the institute’s success in continually engaging visitors in the activities of the centre, as well as advancing the levels of scientific and technological literacy in the visiting population.
The National Science Centre continues to develop its resources in science and technology for the education and enjoyment of visitors of all ages, and especially creating fresh and exhilarating learning experiences for the younger age groups.

In addition, the centre’s reach and impact on communities beyond its location are increasing as more and more public and private agencies are requesting NIHERST’s participation in the events they host for the public.
Following are reports on the achievements of specific or flagship programmes and main/ongoing activities.

19 1.2.1 Sci-TechKnoFest 2013 NIHERST’s large-scale, biennial science and technology festival, Sci-TechKnoFest (STKF), was held at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya over the period 1-20 October 2013 and attracted approximately 55,000 visitors.

STKF is a key platform for fostering citizen awareness and literacy around STI and reducing the barriers to knowledge and understanding.
NIHERST showcases cutting-edge concepts in science, technology and innovation in a rich variety of exhibits and activities to appeal to and engage citizens of all ages.

Previous festival themes explored science and technology in daily life, connectivity, energy, the environment, health and wellness, and creativity, innovation and sustainability.
The 2013 festival theme was “Celebrating Human Ingenuity”, which focused on the story of our collective experience as human beings with the innate creative capacity to invent and innovate, which has defined and advanced civilisations throughout history and is today the key driver of the global economy.

Like all previous festivals, the 2013 festival brought to life cutting-edge science, innovation and technological concepts in engaging ways that appealed to lay citizens of all ages.
It consisted of: a visiting international exhibition, “101 Inventions that Changed the World”; in- house exhibits from the National Science Centre; new exhibits and activities created specially for the festival; external exhibits by over 30 public, private and civil society agencies showing the application of STI in their operations; a science theatre; and specially themed exhibit areas catering to specific age groups (early childhood, primary and secondary school levels).
More than 43 secondary and tertiary school students were trained as science explainers, which served to broaden their knowledge and their appreciation of the importance of science to society, and orient them towards further studies and careers in science and technology.

Exhibits “101 Inventions That Changed the World” This was a new travelling exhibit created by the Australian-based firm, Grande Exhibitions, and was the main attraction of STKF 2013.
“Larger than life-size”, the exhibit provided a high tech, multisensory and hands-on experience.

Its showing in Trinidad and Tobago was the second venue on its world tour, immediately following its inaugural staging in the US.

Both children and adults were transported through time as they saw, through immersive theatre, live artefacts and interactive touch screen devices, the 101 inventions that played a significant role in human and social development.
20 The exhibit consisted of three sub areas:  The Immersive Gallery–A large walk-through theatre, in which the 101 inventions that changed the world were highlighted through the use of projected photography, video, animation, music, sound and written words.

 Real Artefacts - Sixty (60) genuine, historical exhibits were displayed and their creation and use was explained using touch screen displays.
 Inventors Den - Educational activities were conducted such as map making, microscope viewings, papermaking and hands-on activities on electricity, lasers, string telephones and much more.

In addition to bringing the excitement of international exhibits to the festival, NIHERST also had an impressive offering of the exhibits from the National Science Centre, many of which were either developed completely in-house or in partnership with external agencies, and on show in themed exhibit areas.
They offered the public a closer look at concepts in the following fields: Eureka: Brain Development, Health and Wellness, Road Safety, Music, Nanotechnology, Mathematic kits, Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy, and Natural Disasters.

Science vs. Spy: The science behind motion detection, lasers, and researcher-developed tools that utilize the concept of bio mimicry (researcher-developed tools useful to man which mimic behavior in nature).

Robomania: The varying functionality of robotics was showcased.
Visitors got to explore the concept of the application of robotic units to make everyday life easier, such as robotic vacuum cleaners and the use of tactical robots in situations that may be dangerous for humans to navigate.

The application of robotics in the manufacturing industry was also showcased, as well as the how these types of robots are programmed.

Sustainable Dance Club: Visitors, both young and old, generated enough energy to power their very own dance club.
In this system, when the plates on the floor were moved, kinetic energy was transformed into electrical energy, to power lights at varying degrees, impacting on the brightness 21 and intensity of the illustrations on the walls.

When enough energy was produced, a disco ball on the ceiling of the dance club was activated.

TechKno Theatre: This is where science met theatre/entertainment.
Top international and local artistes brought fun and laughter to learning with public lectures, science shows and performances for all ages.

The theatre was packed during peak hours (over 600 visitors).

Virtual World: This exhibit area explained and applied the technologies used in two-way mirrors, multi-touch screens, transparent projection film and the Xbox Kinect.

Visitors left intrigued about the possibilities of existing technologies.
Planetarium: Designed to depict an actual view of the sky, this area contained an inflatable dome equipped with a digital projector.

Visitors were given a guided tour of the October night sky and navigated the vast field of stars through introduction to various easily identified constellations.

Other festival areas included: a Creative Design Laboratory, flight simulators, and an Immersive Story Telling area exclusively for the early childhood and primary school age groups.
Partner Exhibitors NIHERST has forged strong partnerships with public and private sector entities that help advance the institute’s mission to popularise science, and interest students especially in the pursuit of scientific careers, by showing in their exhibits the application and relevance of STI in the real world.

Over the years, our festival partners have modified their offerings to match NIHERST’s interactive, visitor-friendly approach to education.
Many now incorporate computer simulation and multi–touch technology, thus engaging visitors with their content in more meaningful ways.

Partner exhibitors showcase careers that require students to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields at the high school and tertiary education levels.

Over 30 public, private and civil society entities supported STKF 2013.
(See list below, Section 7 c.) Audience For each festival, NIHERST conducts surveys of a random sampling of visitors, not only to gauge the visitor’s level of satisfaction with the event, but also to capture the knowledge gained by the visitor from having attended.
Past festival surveys consistently show that all segments of the public attend the festival, from the early childhood level to senior citizens; and that both the festival and 22 the National Science Centre itself appeal to a wide range of persons from students, teachers, legislators, senior officials and retirees.

Using structured, pre-coded questionnaires, during the 2013 festival, data was gathered from a visitor sample size of 4,044 persons, 73 per cent of them being students.
The feedback shows that school-aged children from 10- 14 years old accounted for 48% of the total visitorship.

The data collected indicated that 34 per cent of the survey respondents were repeat visitors from over the years.

Approximately two-fifths (41%) of the survey respondents indicated that they had visited the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre (NSC) in the past.
Eighty-eight percent (88%) of them found this particular exhibition to have surpassed the others in terms of the size of venue, interest level and engagement factor of the exhibits.

Approximately 97 per cent of those surveyed had an enjoyable learning experience, listing the following areas as being most educational: Eureka, Science vs. Spy, and Robomania.

Ninety (90) per cent of respondents indicated that the festival increased their knowledge about science and technology overall.
The offering of interactive exhibits proved to offer the public a rendering of scientific concepts that were easily digestible to all palettes as 98 per cent of visitors reported that the STEM content was comprehensible.

Over three-quarters (78 per cent) of the visitors stated that the festival ignited their own creativity, as they felt encouraged to be more creative and innovative in their daily lives.
While every person’s experience of the festival was different, it definitely left an indelible impression on the minds of the attendees, leaving comments such as: • Had interest in conducting experiments and practicing what was taught.

• Were encouraged to pursue a career in STE.

• Wanted to research more and learn more about science and technology topics.
The following samples of quotes from visitors, gathered over the three weeks via the NIHERST surveys and social media feedback, also showed the positive impact and great popularity of STKF 2013 on a diverse cross-section of the public:  “Extremely pleased, the children are highly impressed...” - Proprietor, Chaguanas  “It could never get better...... amazingly educational.” - Student, 10-14 years, San Fernando  “Awesome… You all really went all out this year.” - A. Mohammed Ali  “Had lots of fun at the fest 2day!!!!
Loved the skits in the theatre!!!

!” - V. Young  “Although our students were excited to attend, we still never imagined we would see so many interesting things on display.

This event really brought the science we teach them to life.” - A teacher accompanying students from Santa Flora  “It is a must-see for everybody!

I was very impressed with the professionalism of the NIHERST staff... and especially how they shepherded multitudes of school children.. and answered questions, offered help ….
My favourite exhibit was “101 Inventions that Changed the World.” - Anonymous visitor 23 Wow!

Could have spent hours in there.

Now that NIHERST has been fully activated in my consciousness, I will be paying close attention to and participating in all activities.
You are doing great work!” - Anonymous visitor 1.2.2 Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) The annual week-long Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) is the leading and longest standing non-formal STEM education programme for nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers in the region.

It is held in the first week in August and targets lower sixth form science students.
The forum serves as a unique and enriching platform for inspiring and mentoring young people towards advanced studies and careers in STI.

It aims to broaden their knowledge; develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills; foster in them a sense of pride in the region’s scientific heritage; and awaken their minds to the potential and possibilities that lie before them through careers in science and technology.
Students benefit from a first-rate science education experience which provides the right mix of academic, social and cultural activities for their holistic development, and heightens their sense of identity as the region’s future leaders in STI.
The core educational components of CYSF are: • • • presentations by, and engagement with, leading local and international speakers for knowledge on new and emerging technologies that are impacting global development, as well as mentoring and career guidance; field trips to research institutions and S&T-based companies where students can see “science in action” and potential career paths; and group challenges that push students to apply their scientific know-how, and develop their creativity, innovative and problem-solving skills, and ability to work in teams.
In 2014, the forum received 157 students with 32 from Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica, and the rest from 29 schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

During the week, students explored, through lectures/presentations and workshops, issues in fields such as tissue engineering/artificial hearts, neuroscience and brain machine interface technology, tropical meteorology, forensic science, and renewable energy and energy resource efficiency.
This year’s distinguished visiting keynote speaker was Prof. Miguel Nicolelis, Professor in Neuroscience at the Duke School of Medicine, Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology and Neuroscience and Co-Director of the Duke Center for Neuroengineering.

Prof. Nicolelis is a pioneering neuroscientist, and a specialist and world leader in neuroprosthetics.
His latest research work was critical to the development of the robotic exoskeleton which was debuted at the kick-off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

His very 24 inspiring keynote address at the opening ceremony was followed the next day by an equally riveting technical presentation, also opened to the public, on his groundbreaking work and revolutionary insights into how the brain creates thought and the human sense of self.
His talk outlined the science behind the technology he has developed for capturing brain function, which is paving the way for a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease and new ways of treating paralysis.

His participation was sponsored by the US Embassy in Port-of-Spain.
Another presentation, to which the public was also invited, was delivered by Trinidad-born and US-based scientist, Dr. Ravi Birla, Associate Professor at the University of Houston and Director of the Artificial Heart Laboratory, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering.

It focussed on his own research on the development of an artificial heart.
The participants also enjoyed field trips to 14 institutions to experience the application of STI in the real world, in business and industry.

The Socialising with Scientists evening gave the students the opportunity to have short one-on-one discussions with 28 top professionals in range of STI- related fields.

teams to problem solve and The Design Challenge required innovate under a set disaster/emergency scenario with a sustained loss of electricity.
They were asked to create a way to preserve food for several days without the use of chemicals, or a fixed line external power source.

Their device(s) had to be able to preserve milk and homemade bread and a mystery item (tomato slices).

The Science Seekers outdoor activity for “survival in the wild” provided knowledge and guidance on: jungle hygiene, insect stings and snake bites, useful jungle plants, shelter construction, procuring water and food, and building fires.
1.2.3 Community Science Weeks Started in 2003, this pioneering outreach initiative, designed to increase the scientific awareness and literacy of all citizens, has benefitted over 61,000 children and adults from 17 communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
A core part of NIHERST’s science popularisation programme, literally “taking science to the people”, science weeks are structured to make knowledge of, and developments in, science and technology more accessible to people in rural areas and communities that are underserved by the National Science Centre.
Through stimulating experimentation, demonstrations, workshops and exhibits that aid both teaching and learning, educators and students are able to better grasp scientific concepts, processes and issues, and understand their full impact on society and development.

Every science week is “owned” by the particular community - tailored to meet its unique needs and demands.

The events are embraced enthusiastically by educators and leaders in the communities.
There is a large degree of involvement by community stakeholders in planning the content and execution to ensure the exhibits and activities cover topics and areas of maximum relevance and appeal to community members and the local economies.

Residents from surrounding communities also attend the science weeks.
25 In 2014, NIHERST hosted the following Community Science Weeks, attracting a total of 9333 school children and residents: • Fyzabad Community Science Week held at Fyzabad Secondary School: 3-8 February, attracting over 5000 visitors, including 4450 students and teachers from 21 primary schools and six secondary schools in this district.
• Gasparillo Community Science Week held at Gasparillo Secondary School: 28 April – 3 May, with over 4800 visitors, including 3773 students and teachers from 13 primary schools, three ECCE schools and five secondary schools.
The events, enabling visitors to explore science and technology in new and inspiring ways, featured interactive exhibit areas, workshops, science shows, cultural performances, media library activities, an astronomy night for viewings of the night sky through high-powered telescopes, and a career day.

Some of the topics covered included: healthy life styles, road safety, electricity and magnetism, astronomy, momentum, kinetic and potential energy, forensic science and robotics.
There were fun-filled, interactive areas for specific age groups such as the Think Tank area, designed for ages 8 to 11, which focused on pollution, fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect.

The Brain Rush area, for ages 8 and up, included exhibits and interactive games encouraging brain development and enhancing problem-solving skills.

The Virtual World area all age groups showcased ICT in education.
Workshops were conducted on operational amplifiers for sixth formers and experimentation skills for third formers.

The student workshops conducted were: Experimentation skills for form 3 Global warming for form 3 Remedial mathematics for form1 The science of clothing and textiles for form 4 Hydroponics for form 4 Graphic design for form 4.
Feedback from visitor evaluation surveys for these science weeks showed they were very well received by the community, with visitors of all ages expressing full satisfaction with the content and materials presented.

1.2.4 Robotics Although creativity and innovation underpin all the work programmes of NIHERST, given its national importance to people-centred development, the institute pays special attention to this through its Robomania (robotics) and Creative Design Labs (CDL).
Robotics, including 26 automation and artificial intelligence, is one of the cornerstones of technological advancement and innovation globally and is an area of that needs to be fostered as Trinidad and Tobago builds its S&T capacity.

Consistent with the approach taken by the NSC, the labs deliver a wide range of very popular activities at vacation camps, workshops, road shows, Community Science Weeks, outreach activities and themed visits, to develop a creative and innovative mindset amongst nationals.
This exposes students of all ages to the application of the technology beyond their classroom work, including technology not yet taught within the formal school system.

The robotics activities provide students with the real life application of the programing and IT skills that they would have learned in theory in the classroom setting.

Students can see the transition from theory to practice as they use algorithms to program a robot’s tasks.
Critical thinking skills are honed as persons must think logically as they arrange the robot’s tasks in sequential steps.

Visitors also get to see robots and robotic applications that allow humans to perform tasks more efficiently or ones that may otherwise too dangerous.

Some of these include robotic arms, bomb disposal robots and robotic vacuum cleaners.

For the period January to April 2014, CDL conducted 19 electronics and robotics workshops reaching over 1,300 students in South Trinidad.
The 1-day electronics workshops covered topics such as the physics of the atom, electricity and electronics, and power generation and distribution.

Students also built pencil light bulbs and flasher circuits as part of the electronics project.

The one- day robotics workshops focused on introductory robotics, with students building their own robots using Lego Mindstorm EV3 robotics kits, and learning how to program them.
CDL/Robomania also facilitated demos/workshops at the following events: • • • • • • • • • Fyzabad Science Week Gasparillo Science Week Launch of STAR.TT facility- Penal Community Center Barrackpore East Secondary Career Fair Virtual Education Symposium- Hyatt Regency Women in ICT Seniors in ICT Tobago Science Expo St. Stephen’s Career Fair.
27 Towards the Launch of a Fab Lab CDL has been a pioneer in public education and training in innovation and invention, ‘technopreneurship’ (innovation-driven entrepreneurship) and the use of rapid prototyping technologies.

Having experienced the growing demand for training and access to these technologies, NIHERST hopes to create a new platform for innovation and invention.
Steps were taken to 2014 to transition the Creative Design Lab from its current state into a proper Fab Lab under the Global Network of Fab Labs curated by the Fab Foundation at MIT’s Centre for Bits and Atoms.

As of September 2014, repairs and renovations to the lab were identified.

These renovations are critical to converting the lab into a Fab Lab.
1.2.5 Vacation camps in Science, Technology, Innovation and Invention NIHERST offers an expanding range of camps during the July/August vacation period targeting young people between the ages of 5 and 17 to continue and broaden their science learning outside of school with high quality, hands-on experiences of science and cutting-edge technologies.
The camps’ explore the disciplines of ICT, science, engineering and math, with four distinct themes cutting across the diverse offerings: science, technology, creativity and innovation, and engineering.

Portions of the content are geared towards deepening students’ understanding of topics in the school science curricula, while other parts focus on providing children with science content that they would not normally encounter in the classroom.
The science camps focus on scientific principles and concepts, while the other camps expose children to the applications of science and the basics of the innovation process and entrepreneurship (“technopreneurship”).

Some camps also blend science with the arts to provide a holistic experience and fully engage the participants.

The camps are designed to satisfy the interests of all age groups, with emphasis placed on boosting creative thinking and problem solving using science and technology.
They have been oversubscribed in recent years, with parents requesting longer sessions, so the number and duration of camps have been expanded.

In FY 2014, a total of 1134 children took part in the following highly interactive camps, double the number in 2013.

The two-week long Funology and Explorer camps cater to children and teens in the age categories 5-7 years and 8-12 years respectively.

Both camps are run simultaneously on the same dates and at the same locations across Trinidad, viz.
Port of Spain, Preysal and San Fernando.
28 Venues Dates Funology Camp Attendance Topics Males Females Total UTT John S. Donaldson Campus Preysal Secondary School UTT San Fernando Campus 7 – 18 July 21– 31 July 11–22 August 35 16 40 22 12 22  Solar System  Astronomy  Space  Gravity  Rockets  Telescopes  Wacky Science 57 28 62 ____ 147 ==== Venues Dates Explorer Camp Attendance Males Females Total UTT John S. Donaldson Campus Preysal Secondary School UTT San Fernando Campus 7 – 18 July 21 – 31 July 40 11 11 – August 22 22 16 62 27 39 33 72 ___ 161 ==== Topics  Aerodynamics  Civil Engineering  Electricity  Robotics  Optics  Mechanical Engineering  Chemical Engineering  Wacky Science The Young Inventors and Robomania camps are three weeks long and target teenagers (13-17 years).
They are held at the National Science Centre as well as the UTT San Fernando Campus and Debe High School.

The Robomania camps covered: an introduction to EV3 programming; frequency and amplitude (obstacles detection); introduction to sensors; gears and speed; and precision turns.

Participants in Young Inventors learned about aerodynamics, Auto Cad, 29 civil and mechanical engineering, electronics, renewable energy and technopreneurship.
The projects undertaken by campers were: • • • Week 1: Build Challenge - Obstacle Course (Lego Mindstorms EV3 Kits Week 2: Programming Challenge - Multi Colour Line follower (Lego EV3 Kits) Week 3: Remote Control Challenge - Battle Bots (VEX Robotics kits).
Camp Venue Robomania (NSC) Dates 7 – 25 July Young Inventors (NSC) 4 - 22 August Robomania (UTT) Young Inventors (Debe) Total 7 – 25 July 4 – 22 August Male Female Total 25 19 24 17 85 7 14 8 13 42 32 33 32 30 127 The computer-based Tech Camps, of varying lengths, have something for each age group, Juniors (ages 7-9 and 9-12) and Seniors (ages 13 -17).
The camps were run back-to-back at the National Science Centre over the July - August period, with one camp (GrafX) being held at both NSC and UTT San Fernando.
Juniors were taught: Scratch (visual programming software) basic level, which enabled them to create and share their own animated stories and interactive games while reinforcing important mathematical and computational ideas; Makey Makey and Lego WeDo kits allowing students to explore programming physical objects in the real world (as opposed to virtual programming using Scratch alone); Kodu - a drag and drop junior game design software.
The seniors worked with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit graphics for websites and flyers; Android App Development to create a simple mobile app; and Unity Game Engine to learn the fundamentals of 3D game development and game logic as well as to create one level of a multi-level video game.

They also used Dot.Com to learn HTML and CSS to be able to code to create their own websites.
30 Camp Dates Camp Attendance e-Magination L1- NSC e-Magination L1 - NSC e-Magination L2 NSC e-Magination L2 NSC Kodu Nation GrafX (NSC and UTT San Fernando) Dot Com NSC App Builders NSC Gamerz World NSC 7 – 11 July 21 – 25 July 14 – 18 July 28 – 31 July 4 – 8 August 21 – 31 July 4 – 15 August 14 -18 July 11 – 15 August 18 -29 August 45 (total L1) 48 (total L2) 41 43 21 20 18 236 NIHERST’s Sci-Spy and Eureka camps offer participants a wide range of hands-on, minds-on experiences in various science fields.
The Sci-Spy camps are geared towards using exploratory strategies and techniques to introduce campers to topics that they would not normally encounter in their school setting.

The Eureka camps are more advanced and offer campers a deeper level of engagement with the content.
In the 2014 camps, children got to understand, for example, the scientific method and the work of scientists in different branches of science; undertake crime scene investigation; look at the science and/or technology behind natural and man-made wonders such as the Pitch Lake, the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef, Stonehenge, Machu Picchu and the pyramids of Egypt; and examine the science facts and fiction behind the superpowers of popular X-Men characters.
Enrolment in these camps increased from 2013, with Eureka doubling in number.
31 Age Group 7-9 Camp Name Sci-Spy: Three camp cycles, each two weeks long Venue Date Topics Total NSC 7 July to 22 August Sport Science 182 Pirates of the Caribbean (mapping and shipping) Superhero Science Up, Up and Away (flight science) Feel the Beat (science in music) Wonders of the World (iconic natural and man- made wonders) Money Math Private Investigator (forensic science) Eureka: Six camp cycles of one-week duration 10-12 Planet Earth 200 Science Dramatics Discover the Universe Being a Scientist Examining the Evidence Trinigold (the science of T&T’s economic resources) 32 The Tobago Science Camp 2014 was held from 7 - 18 July at the Mason Hall Government Primary School.
A total of 62 children between ages 5 to 13 (39 boys and 23 girls) were enrolled.

The camp was staffed by six camp counsellors from NIHERST and two persons brought by the THA.

The camp covered the following six topics: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Animals Attack - animal physiology, defence mechanisms and biodiversity Science vs Magic - chemistry and optical illusions Body Basics - human anatomy and physiology, health and diseases, nutrition and healthy lifestyles Dinosauria - paleontology, dinosaurs, archaeology and geography.

Surviving the Wild - environmental science, atmospheric science, innovation and basic survival skills.

Rides, Slides and Coasters - basic principles of physics as explored through amusement park rides.
The camp was very well received, with parents requesting more camps in more schools and children wanted longer camps.

1.2.6 Clubs The various clubs run by the NSC provide opportunities for students (ages 7 - 16) to expand and deepen their knowledge of scientific concepts as applied to daily life, reinforce concepts taught in the primary and secondary school science curricula, and foster life-long science learning.

All clubs meet twice a month.


 Science Club: Science Club is open to Juniors (ages 7-9) and Seniors (ages 10-16).

It helps to foster a positive attitude in students towards science.

The club utilises several methods of teaching including hands-on activities, use of technology, and audio-visual aids to meet the needs of its membership with various learning styles and abilities.
Science Club also provides academic support to the students with respect to problematic science topics they encounter in the classroom.

As at end of the reporting period, the club had a total of 80 members.

Meetings engaged members in a variety of interactive activities on topics such as: animal adaptation, locomotion, respiratory systems, diet and habitat, seeds, plants and maintenance and building of a hydroponics system.
All of these align with the “Living Things” strand in the new primary school curriculum.

The lesson objectives and pedagogical strategies were adapted to suit the developmental and learning needs of the various age groups.

33  Sci-Eng Club: In 2014, this club had a membership of 35 students.

Topics covered included: advanced machines, civil engineering, fantastic forces and static electricity.

 Robomania Club: In 2014, the 18 club members worked on various projects, including an EV3 football player.
They were also introduced to the Cubelets and Phantom DJI Drone systems.

1.2.7 Astronomy Nights At Astronomy Nights, held during the dry season, young visitors were enjoyed the Astrozone area, with activities that combined innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, intended to promote public understanding of what is out in space.

Visitors also have the opportunity to peer through NIHERST’s new Celestron telescopes to observe the night sky.
Also on offer are a variety of workshops and games which provide lots of ‘edutainment’ for families.

Astronomy Nights were held at NSC on 21 February (182 visitors); 11 April (618 visitors) and 23 May (555 visitors).

In addition, astronomy viewings were held at the two Community Science Weeks and attracted 460 visitors.
1.2.8 Community-Centered Design and Innovation (COMDESI) Based on the EPIC programme of leading US universities (notably Purdue University), the COMDESI project provides students in forms 2-4 students with an educational experience in working with communities to devise viable solutions to real world problems.

The project is administered by NIHERST’s Innovation Department in collaboration with the Heroes Foundation, which runs a Youth Development Programme in secondary schools.
COMDESI participants develop the skills for community engagement, communication, research, problem-solving, critical thinking and reflection, along with report writing and presentation skills.

They learn the rudiments of the process of innovation and how to move from a creative idea to a prototype, and receive basic training intellectual property, project management, and “technopreneurship”, which fosters innovative and entrepreneurial thinking and skills using science and technology.
in AutoCAD, prototyping, The project develops in students the aptitude for finding solutions to community needs and problems, by applying the knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom, and through the hands-on experience of problem-solving, design and innovation that the programme provides.
This contributes to the more rounded development of the students, helping to prepare them for the world of work, and fostering leadership skills and a culture of civic engagement and volunteerism in the next generation.

At its core is a well-structured nine-month training programme that students attend on Saturdays and during the Easter vacation.
They also meet with representatives from the targeted communities 34 to better understand their specific issues and needs, and then use the August vacation to work on their solutions and prototypes.

On 30 November 2013, NIHERST’s held an awards ceremony at Hotel Normandie for the 49 participants of the 2013 COMDESI programme.

The projects/solutions submitted were judged and all students received a participation prize.
Three additional group prizes were awarded for the Most Innovative Design, Best Prototype and Leading Team in Community Engagement.

At the ceremony, most students attested to the value of COMDESI, stating that the experience had been unforgettable, the technical and life skills they had developed would help them throughout their lives, and they felt inspired and encouraged to continue being of service to others.
In March, 53 students from seven secondary schools - Bishop’s Centenary College, Bishop Anstey High School East, St. Augustine Girls' High School, San Fernando Central High School, Malabar Secondary School, St. George's College and Arima Central Secondary School – signed up for the 2014 programme.
Following weekly training and mentoring sessions with the NIHERST staff on civic and community engagement, teamwork and leadership, the students attended a two-week camp, also facilitated by NIHERST staff, during the Easter vacation and received training in creativity, innovation, the design process, ideation, technopreneurship, prototyping, SolidWorks and technical drawing.
Working in teams, the participants were given three challenges to choose from and were required to create a solution for one of the challenges.

For a better understanding of the specific issues and needs required to solve the challenge, students identified a target community group, based on the challenge, and interacted with persons from those communities throughout the course of the programme.

They then crafted and built their innovative ideas on weekdays and Saturdays during the school term.
Their solutions, which were nearing completion, included: a collapsible rain cover and storage compartment for wheelchairs as well as an emergency water purification system that combined solar still and bio-sand filtration techniques.

Other teams had other innovative ideas but the demand of schooling and other commitments did not permit them completing their solutions.

The judging and awards ceremony was scheduled to take place at the end of October 2014.
1.2.8 External outreach events NIHERST also makes an impact on the national community by taking part in events hosted by valued partners and the outreach activities of external agencies engaging in the promotion of STEM education; highlighting specific socio-economic issues relevant to the national community, or hosting celebrations related to their areas of interest, causes or particular communities.
The institute’s pioneering efforts to popularise science over the decades has been a catalysing force for 35 such public and private organisations in improving their own public outreach approach or methodologies, and increased demand for the institution to take part in external events shows growing public appreciation for science educational content.
Following are the events NIHERST participated in during FY 2014 budget year: Name Date Area Goals The STEM Children’s Conference 16 and 17 January UWI St Augustine Brazil Secondary High School 23 April Brazil San Juan Government Secondary 20 March San Juan ICT for Girls ICT Conference Virtual Education Symposium Hyatt Regency 8 April 1-3 April 19-20 May Port of Spain Port of Spain Port of Spain South West Regional Health Facility San Fernando SDA Health Fair 8 April San Fernando BG World Day 3 June Port of Spain Digicel Career Day 5 July Port of Spain To promote STEM education to young people To improve awareness of STI within the community To improve the knowledge that students have on healthy lifestyles To improve ICT literacy in the community To educate on developments in education using ICT To improve awareness in the community on the dangers of smoking and the risk of cancer To improve the knowledge that students have on healthy lifestyles To enhance workers’ knowledge on alternative sources of energy To link brain function to career choices Number of students/participants 1000 550 750 2000 1000 400-500 100 600 36 Name Date Area Goals St Stephen’s College Career Day The East Port of Spain Community ARTS Festival Tobago Science Expo 19 Sept Ste Madeleine 27 Sept Morvant 26 Sept – 2 Oct Signal Hill Innovation Village of the Americas Competitiveness Forum Lakshmi Girls’ School Science Fair 9 – 11 Oct Port of Spain 15 Oct St Augustine To link brain function to career choices To link brain function to career choices To improve scientific literacy in the community To showcase innovation in development To provide an engaging experience as students improve their understanding of science concepts Number of students/participants 650 600 1000 1500 400 1.3 National awards and competitions 1.3.1 Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology This NIHERST awards scheme honours nationals working both locally and abroad for their outstanding achievements in STI.
Staged in collaboration with the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS), awards are given to persons distinguished in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, medical sciences, applied science and technology, and technological innovation in arts and culture.

There are also award categories for Junior Scientist and Junior Engineer aimed at persons under the age of 35 with exceptional abilities and achievements.
The scheme also enables the institute to document, through an ongoing series of publications, the accomplishments of these often unknown and unsung scientists, raising their visibility within the wider community, and presenting them as positive role models for our youth, and aspiring scientists in particular.

This is indispensable in developing a culture that values the contribution and legacy of its scientists.

The publications are distributed to schools, libraries and diplomatic missions.
They are often the only detailed biographical material available on the scientists featured.

In November 2013, NIHERST hosted its Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
The following 18 awardees were honoured: 37 Gold Professor Dave Chadee Professor Richard Dawe Dr. Roger Pulwarty Professor Haroun Shah Silver Dr. Ravi Birla Mr. Willi Chen Dr. Myron Chin Professor Stephan Gift Dr. Shirin Haque Dr. Rohanie Maharaj Professor Philip Phillips Mr. Jimi Phillips Professor Lexley Pinto Pereira Professor Terence Seemungal Junior Scientist/Engineer Mr. Jahson Alemu Dr. Yaisa Andrews- Zwilling Dr. Rajini Haraksingh Ms. Savitree Singh NIHERST took the opportunity to have two of the scientists, Professor Philip Phillips and Professor Haroun Shah, both based abroad, to each deliver a public lecture at The University of the West Indies.
Professor Phillips’ presentation on 26 November was entitled “Are High Temperature Superconductors full of Unparticles?” and Professor Shah’s on the 27 November was on “Harnessing the power of nano technologies to diagnose human infectious disease on a global scale”.

The publication featuring the biographies of the 17 awardees from the 2012 Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology, Trinidad and Tobago Icons in Science and Technology Vol.

3, was completed in 2013 and formally launched in March 2014.
The Call for Nominations of the 2014/2015 instalment of the Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology was advertised during the period May- July 2014 through traditional and social media, and promoted through local academic and research institutions and other scientific agencies and academies including CAS.

A total of 28 nominations was received.

Judging was undertaken by an international panel of five experts and was expected to finalised by November 2014.
38 1.3.2 Prime Minister’s Awards for Scientific Ingenuity The Prime Minister’s Awards for Scientific Ingenuity are offered biennially on the basis of two competitions: the Scientific Creative Solutions Competition and the Scientific Innovation & Invention Competition.

In FY 2013, Stages I and II of the judging of the 254 entries received for 2013 awards took place, with 57 entries making to the final stage of selecting the top winners in each award category.
The awards ceremony was held on 4 January, 2014 in the Port-of-Spain Ballroom of the HYATT Regency Hotel & Conference Centre.
The top three places in all four categories were as follows: Scientific Innovation & Invention Competition Senior Category 1st Place Richard Patrick Clarke - Sustainable Hurricane and Earthquake Resistant house 2nd Place Maurice Peter Vidale - Mounted reciprocal Trailing Tracking Guide for portable powered machine tools 3rd Place John Simon - Machine for Cutting of Masonry Wood and Other Materials Junior Category 1st Place Esther Crystal Njonge - Eco-light 2nd Place Kesheanne Francis, Giatri Kavita Lalla, Alissa Sophia Adams, Aleema Persad – Can-o- The Crusher 3rd Place Nishala Rampersad - Coconut Opener Scientific Creative Solutions Competition Results Senior Category 1st Place Dominic Gordon, Ruel Elis - Mobile Osh Inspection App 2nd Place Natasha Ramroop Singh - BioCatalyst for the Removal of Green House Gases 3rd Place Chade Gabriel - Drinking Straw Holder Junior Category 1st Place Deemarie Gordon - Safe Oil & Water Paint Remover 2nd Place Brittany Cochrane - Music CD Learning Tool for CXC Students 3rd Place Makida Alexander - Smartphone Application for finding lost Keys The total prize money of TT$1,250,000 was distributed amongst all 57 finalists, with the largest portions going to the top three in the senior categories.
Coming out of this competition, it should be noted vis-a-vis the quality of the winning entries, that: • Feedback from judges was used by entrants and winners to tweak their inventions as well as assist in patent applications 39 • • • 2 winners secured US patents with one seeking protection in the UK 1 winner filed at the local Patent Office in November 2013 1 winner’s patent is pending in the USPO (United States Patent Office).
Additionally, an invitation was sent out to all finalists to be part of the local contingent at the 2014 Innovation and New Product Expo [INPEX].

INPEX was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States between 18 and 20 June.

Four entrants who took part received awards.

One entrant caught the eye of tool manufacturer, Black & Decker, and this inventor entered into negations with the company for a possible licensing deal.
1.3.3 Science Music Video Competition The NIHERST Science Music Video Competition was launched in June 2012.

Unlike the educational material produced in-house by NIHERST for the public, this competition challenges youths between the ages of 14 and 28 to create music videos of their own that show the central role of STI in development.
Drawing on the popularity of user-generated content and the rise of viral videos in social media, tapping the power of the creative arts, and enlisting young people as the messengers, the music videos serve as an unconventional and exciting way to build awareness of STI as major forces for diversifying the national economy, increasing global competitiveness, and providing solutions to pressing national problems.
The project’s objectives are to: • • • improve the communication of STI issues to the general public and youth in particular; engage non-traditional audiences in STI issues; utilise ICTs towards improving the learning environment for science, technology and innovation; discover and support youth in creative modalities of promoting visibility of the importance of STI to improving national development; and increase media interest in, and coverage of, science and technology issues and more specifically their relevance to development in the Caribbean.
• • The winning science music video pieces play a role in information exchange, awareness building and improving understanding of science and technology.

It is also considered to be an important part of the wider mission to foster a national culture of science, technology and innovation.

Nurturing and recognising the creativity of our country's youth is also essential to spur economic diversification.
The intention is for the resulting productions to be promoted on social media platforms and also played at NIHERST events to communicate scientific information in an attractive and appealing way, and engage a broad range of viewers, and above all, our youth.

The competition has succeeded in capturing the attention and imagination of the targeted generation as they accepted the invitation to become “ambassadors” for science and technology.
40 Participants employed the knowledge, insights and tools made available to them during a 3-day training workshop in May 2014, to produce an array of entertaining videos with strong potential to increase public interest in and understanding of the issues covered, and their impact on human life and development.
Course content included: an introduction to music video production with a view to imparting practical and working knowledge of pre-production and post-production techniques applied to the making of a music video; an introduction to non-linear editing with fully interactive hands-on sessions; and finally an introduction to desktop music production designed to introduce students to basic music production.

Participants were paired with a mentor, highly knowledgeable in the respective topic areas.
Six weeks of scientific mentorship was provided, during which draft scripts were critiqued to assist participants in achieving stronger scientific messages in their music videos.

The mentorship encouraged research; the use of factual information as opposed to opinions or hearsay; finding a focal point and a channel of direction for the topic chosen; and making science fun and understandable.
Over 80 individuals and teams from across Trinidad and Tobago submitted a total of 21 “edutaining” videos which focussed on important development issues such as: climate change, renewable energy, water security and rainwater harvesting, family farming and small island developing states.

The music videos reflected a range of genres from hip-hop to spoken word to dancehall.
A panel of professionals assessed the videos in accordance with the guidelines and criteria set, namely: scientific merit, originality/creativity, potential public impact and presentation.

Heavy weighting was placed on scientific merit.

At the Awards Ceremony on 11 October, 2014 the winners were announced.

Five special prizes were also awarded for noteworthy videos.
These prizes of $5,000 each have been sponsored by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs (MEEA), The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) and the Ministry of Food Production.

The videos have been aired on YouTube, bringing greater visibility to the young artistes, some of whom have gained opportunities to perform nationally or create material for other agencies promoting science in the region.
Prize Winners of the 2014 Science Music Video Competition are listed in Appendix 7.

Selected videos from the competition to date can viewed at NIHERST Trinidad and Tobago YouTube.

41 Strategic Goal 2: Research & Intelligence Gathering One of the key aims of the NIHERST strategic plan is to strengthen the institute’s research and intelligence gathering capability, to better support economic diversification through clear policy direction supported by data and strategic foresight.
NIHERST has made significant strides in this area through the following: • • the work undertaken by its S&T Statistical Department, which conducts surveys on STI and analyses the collated data to inform policy formulation and planning; the work of its Policy Research and Intelligence Department (PRID), established in the last quarter of 2011, to undertake international benchmarking and comparative studies on STI and to provide policy support and advocacy in developing a national STI policy, and in advising government on funding for R&D; and • establishing a Science & Technology Research Database for Trinidad and Tobago - a portal for national researchers and research institutions.
2.1 S&T Statistical Research NIHERST has the only dedicated regional capability for collecting S&T statistics for the benefit of policy analysts, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and decision-makers and also contributing to international and hemispheric databases.
Since 1996, the unit has been responsible for issuing 30 sector-relevant surveys and publications, covering topics or sectors such environmental awareness and practices; public perception of science; innovation in the local manufacturing and tourism sectors; the performance of students in science and mathematics; and surveys of science and engineering graduates.

Data are uploaded onto the S&T Statistical Research page on the NIHERST website.
The page received 24,716 hits over the reporting period, which was a 54.4 per cent increase from the previous financial year.

The Department published two reports on the Surveys of Environmental Awareness and Practices, 2013; and Innovation in the Assembly-type and Related Industries Sector, 2012.

It also initiated two surveys: Survey of Secondary School Middle Form Students, 2014 and Survey of Mechanical Engineers, 2014.
These two studies originated from NIHERST’s participation in the Action Plan of Panama 2012-2016, OAS Working Group 2, which focuses on human resources, training and education.

Additionally, the unit conducted its annual Survey of Science and Technology Indicators, 2014.

1.

Survey of Environmental Awareness and Practices, 2013 This study is the second of its kind to be conducted by NIHERST as a similar study was undertaken in 2008.
The empirical results of this study will measure changes in attitudes and behaviour towards the environment overtime and also facilitate and inform the development of effective 42 environmental management, conservation and communication policies.

A report on the results of this study was published in January 2014.

2.
2.

Survey of Innovation in the Assembly-type and Related Industries Sector, 2013 This study focused on business establishments in the assembly-type and related industries sector of Trinidad and Tobago and provided a profile of these establishments along with indicators on technical product and process, organisation and marketing activities.
The results of this study will provide insights into the innovation process in industry in Trinidad and Tobago and assist decision makers in developing policies to create the environment and incentives to foster economic growth.

A report on the results of this study will be published in November 2014.

3.
3.

Survey of Secondary School Middle Form Students, 2014 The Survey of Secondary School Middle Form Students, 2014 targeted form three students in government, government-assisted and private secondary schools.

The results of this study are intended to provide data on key education indicators necessary for the advancement of science and mathematics education, and also the promotion of scientific and technological careers amongst school students.
Data were captured and analysed for publication and a draft report was compiled.

The results of this study will be published in February 2015.

4.

Survey of Mechanical Engineers, 2014 This study will provide information on the status and long-term outlook for mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology education from managers and practising engineers in Trinidad and Tobago.
The results of this study are intended to assist decision-makers, researchers, educators, employers and, in general, stakeholders in mechanical engineering education and professional development.

This study is still ongoing and the results will be published upon completion.

5.

Survey of Science and Technology Indicators, 2014 This annual survey was designed to measure Trinidad and Tobago’s investment in S&T and to provide data to the Ibero American Network on S&T Indicators (RICYT).
The major objective of the enquiry was to maintain a reliable time series of S&T indicators of expenditure and manpower.

The sectors surveyed included higher education, research institutions and public sector establishments.

These indicators are available on NIHERST’s website.

43 2.2 Research and Intelligence Gathering The work of the Policy, Research and Intelligence Department (PRID) is organised into two categories:  Technical Assignments, and  Collaborative Strategic Assignments.
The latter category is further sub-divided into works completed with national as well as regional and international stakeholders.

2.2.1 Technical Assignments National Science and Technology Policy In FY 2014, the department continued work on refining the draft science policy document, following feedback from the executive management of NIHERST on the way forward for the policy.
To effect these recommendations, it was necessary to conduct more in-depth interviews of stakeholders in academia and industry in an attempt to provide a more comprehensive description of the challenges in building STI capabilities at all levels of educational attainment, and the possible strategies that can be utilised to overcome these challenges.
The department interviewed a variety of relevant stakeholders in academia and industry, including persons from: the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training; NIHERST’s Science Education Department; Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA); The University of the West Indies (UWI) Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; UWI’s Department of Chemical Engineering, UWI’s Department of Electrical Engineering; and The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Department of Graduate Studies.
The department will also include an interview with the Educational Specialist attached to the Inter-American Development Bank.

National Science and Technology Fund (NSTF) The PRID commenced work on designing the operational guidelines for the NSTF and the Terms of Reference for the Evaluation Committee responsible for overseeing the Fund.

The department is also exploring a variety of financing facilities to be subsumed under the Fund.
These funding facilities will help the NSTF achieve its objective of improving the allocation of resources towards research teams and enterprises in science and technology.
Mapping the Innovation Systems of Strategic Sectors in the Trinidad and Tobago Economy The department reviewed literature on the methodological approaches utilised to map the innovation systems of strategic business sectors, and conducted preliminary desk research on the 44 energy services sector and relevant sub-sectors of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector of the local economy.
Following this, the department outlined the methodological steps to be applied in mapping the innovation systems for the energy services sector and sub-sectors within the ICT sector.

To this end, the department met with representatives from ExporTT and its line ministry to attain further information that has served to refine and focus the innovation mapping exercises currently ongoing for the abovementioned sectors.
2.2.2 Collaborative Strategic Assignments a) National Stakeholders National Innovation Policy, MPSD – The PRID collaborated with the Socio-Economic Policy Planning Unit of the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development (MPSD) on the crafting of the National Innovation Policy.
The department reviewed the Discussion Paper prepared by MPSD, and offered comments on thematic areas to be covered, as well as comments on the content of the document being used to guide stakeholder consultations on the development of the policy.
PROTEqIN Innovation Survey Instrument – The department reviewed and offered comments on the PROTEqIN Innovation Survey Instrument being used by the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business to ensure that the methodology utilised was relevant to Trinidad and Tobago’s context, and followed the guidelines established in the Oslo Manual (2005) and the Bogota Manual.
Consultancy for an Assessment of the National Innovation Ecosystem – A review was in progress of the Terms of Reference for the Compete Caribbean Consultancy for an assessment of the National Innovation Ecosystem.

The Department’s Senior Policy Analyst, Julie David is a member of the Steering Committee on Innovation responsible for overseeing the consultancy.
b) Regional Stakeholders The PRID also undertook a review of the draft Regional Policy for Quality Infrastructure prepared by the Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).

Comments were prepared and submitted to the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards for transmission to CROSQ.
45 c) International Stakeholders KISTEP-ISTIC Report – The department prepared Trinidad and Tobago’s Science and Technology Country Report for the KISTEP-ISTIC’s S&T Innovation Training Programme for High Level Policy Makers, 2013.

The programme was held during the period 11-15 November, 2013 in Korea, and NIHERST Chairman, Professor Prakash Persad, attended on behalf of the institution.
ALCUE NET Project – The department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, contributed to the creation of a database of Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral and multilateral ICT-related research projects related to living labs, e-health, digital inclusion and smart cities.

This database will contribute to the development of ALCUE NET – the Latin America, Caribbean and European Union Network on Research and Innovation, an initiative that is being funded by the EU’s 7th Framework Programme.
To this end, the PRID made contact with representatives of the UWI User Experience Living Lab (UXLL) and the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago to raise awareness of the ALCUE NET database, and to establish Trinidad and Tobago’s priorities in the areas of digital inclusion and living labs.

Global Research Council – Senior Policy Analyst at PRID, Ms. Julie David, attended the Global Research Council’s Meeting on Open Access to Publications in October 2013.
The department reviewed the Global Research Council’s a) Action Plan towards Open Access Publications and b) Statement of Principles for Funding the Future.

Ms. David’s attendance at the Meeting served to solidify the Americas’ position on these two themes.
Additionally, Ms. David presented to the Council on the “Status of Science and Technology in Trinidad and Tobago.” Draft CELAC Plan of Action – Comments were provided on the priority areas for action and the opportunities for collaboration in Science and Technology with member states within the Community of Caribbean and Latin American States.
Potential Areas of STI Collaboration between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago – A briefing document was prepared on the above-mentioned subject in preparation for bilateral discussions during the Official Visit of His Excellency Shinzō Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, to Trinidad and Tobago from 27 to 28 July, 2014.
Specifically, the department identified potential areas and activities within science and technology, on which Trinidad and Tobago and Japan could co- operate based on mutual socioeconomic and cultural interests.

46 2.3 National Science & Technology Database and Country Status Report Work commenced on the above-captioned database.

The aim of this new project is to develop an updated system of researchers and research institutions that currently exist nationally.
This database will help to promote collaboration among S&T research institutions and researchers nationally, as well as with international researchers/bodies seeking to collaborate with Trinidad in Tobago on S&T initiatives.

The database will also aid NIHERST in the nomination and selection of local candidates for international awards as well as NIHERST’s Annual Awards for Excellence in Science & Technology.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the database will facilitate the compilation of a country status report on S&T that will allow the local capabilities in S&T and Research and Development (R&D) to be matched to gaps identified from national science policy, sectoral policy documents and private sector needs reports and analyses.

Funding allocations for S&T could better be identified, thereby promoting innovation and commercialisation of technology in priority areas.
Strategic Goal 3: Building Strategic Alliances Central to NIHERST’s mission to promote and advance STI in Trinidad and Tobago is the building and strengthening of collaborative/synergistic alliances with national, regional and international agencies.

Such partnerships, particularly with global centres of excellence, tap into resources and expertise that can advance the institute’s mission, help build national capacity and accelerate progress in priority areas.
Some collaborations and exchanges enable NIHERST in turn to share its expertise with other national and regional agencies to support capacity building.
In FY 2014, the institute collaborated with the following:  Caribbean Council of Science and Technology (CCST) and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation – ACP/EU (CTA): - The Caribbean Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (RIENet) was established in 2010, supported and funded by the CTA and CCST in collaboration with NIHERST.
The aim of the network is to build a virtual community of interest that encourages the sharing of experiences, the transfer of “know how” and the provision of role models to encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in the region.

RIENet continues to provide a valuable communications network that connects stakeholders in the research, public, private, and NGO sectors throughout the region.
The articles featured on the website www.rienet.net have been sourced from a wide range of Caribbean countries, as well as international sources.

It also provides a database of resource persons which can be used to enhance the outcomes of various 47 projects and initiatives in the region.

A total of 72 articles were uploaded to the website during the 12 months covered by this report i.e.
one new item for each of the following six theme areas in each of the 12 months:  Around the Region  Champion of the Month  Research Update  Success Stories  Value Propositions  Foresight & Innovation.

The network has 475 registered members, with a further 221 registered as ‘followers’ on RIENet Facebook.
In addition to those in the RIENet database, the e-alert continues to be circulated each month to all those who are members of the FAO’s Carib-Agri e-mail network in the region and links to the updates are provided to the 1,400 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Entrepreneurship Club (TTEIC) ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trinidad- and-Tobago-Entrepreneurship-Innovation-Club/191970450275?fref=ts ), which has a demographic of 25 – 35 years of age; and the www.ttfi.net (TTFI) network (600 members plus 384 on Facebook).
The value creation associated with the RIENet during FY 2014 can be measured in a number of ways:  Through the continuing satisfactory level of visits to the RIENet website (over 25,300 on average each month during the period) and the Facebook page.

 Through use of the RIENet database to support a number of specific projects including: o The World Bank’s Climate Innovation Centre and M-Innovation projects.
In both cases a significant number of RIENet members continued to be involved with both during the period covered by this report.

o Participation and activities at CARIRI’s Centre for Enterprise Development associated projects – business acceleration and ICT for SMEs.

o The CTA/CARDI Coconut Sector Session in Guyana in late 2014 and the featuring of output over the ensuing months.

o Numerous individual connections e.g.


Carlone Moncur in the Bahamas with Neysha Soodeen of MACO Publishing (Barbados) and Rhonda Best of Alexander Bain (T&T and London), David Mullings (Jamaica/USA) and the CED Business Incubator, Ravi Ramkeesoon (USA) with various T&T groups, and Dillon Abdool with Mario Bento (Antigua) and Chinyere Nwaogwugwu (Jamaica).

48  One of the primary objectives of the RIENet is to encourage information sharing and collaboration on a regional basis.
These examples, coupled with the diversity of source countries associated with the monthly RIENet six theme area updates demonstrate that these objectives continued to be delivered upon.

 The challenge remains to be able to measure any contribution made by the RIENet and its participants towards economic and/or social progress in the region over the medium to longer term.
2nd Caribbean Young Professionals Science and Agriculture Film and Video Competition- “Adding Value to Local Foods” The ACP-EU (CTA), CCST and NIHERST collaborated with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development (CARDI), The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) to host the 2nd Caribbean-wide science and agriculture video competition, targeting young professional.

The project was administered by NIHERST.


The competition was formally launched during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture on 10 October 2013 in Guyana.

The launch highlighted the results of a survey of Caribbean people on local foods; showcased the winner of the first Caribbean-wide competition, which was a Trinidad and Tobago team, and how the experience benefited the team leader; and presented the second competition theme, video teaser and schedule of events.
This competition provided an effective platform for showcasing and nurturing the capabilities of creative, technology-savvy young Caribbean professionals (persons 18-35 years) with a passion for communicating the variety of ways that the full potential of science and technology can be leveraged for agricultural and economic development.
The mission was to motivate young people “to engage cutting-edge digital film and video technology to produce compelling films that are well researched, highly entertaining, ethically sound and powerful in promoting agriculture and adding value to locally produced food for health and wealth creation throughout the Caribbean”.
The project focused not only on communicating information but also on strengthening the capacity of young professionals in the Caribbean to use ICTs and promote science, technology and innovation in solving the challenges facing the agricultural and rural sectors.
The competition aimed to:  engage young professionals in science, technology and innovation issues for addressing agricultural challenges; 49  discover and support young professionals in the Caribbean in creative modalities of promoting visibility of the importance of science, technology and innovation to improving agricultural and rural development in the Caribbean;  support regional capacity-building in science communication, which will lead to   enhanced public engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI); increase media interest in, and coverage of, science and technology issues and more specifically their relevance to agricultural and rural development in the Caribbean; and improve the communication of science, technology and innovation issues, as it relates to economic development and specifically agriculture and value addition.
Sixty (60) teams were selected from the 84 entries received (from 12 countries which were Haiti, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Suriname, Guyana, St. Kitts, Montserrat, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago) to participate in a hands-on, customised, training workshop, held in Trinidad from 7-11, April.

Competition entrants were coached to produce world-class content by honing their filmmaking skills from the concept/script development to film distribution continuum.
They were trained to achieve a great product with whatever device/s they owned or had access to, whether a tablet, iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android phone, camera, etc.

They were also mentored by leaders in the film and video industry to produce their final products.

Topics covered for film and video production included: Content Development/Script Development, General Introduction to Professional Audio Equipment, and General Introduction to Producing Shooting a Film utilising all skills learnt.
Topics covered for animation included: Basic Drawing Techniques (for animation), the 12 Basic Principles of Animation, Software Tools (Basic 2D Toon Boom Tools and Basic 3D Maya Tools), and Stop Motion Animation.

Each team was assigned two mentors - a scientist and an expert in film and video production who oversaw the final production of films and videos for showcasing during the competition finals.
A total of 36 videos, focussed on the competition’s theme of “Adding Value to Local Food”, were submitted for judging.

The films emphasised areas for growth, and the entrepreneurship opportunities in the agricultural sector, through the application of science and technology, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and the implementation of strategies for improving the marketability of local products to consumers, both at home and abroad.
The videos highlighted these key issues around agriculture and food and nutrition security in the Caribbean and the need to add value to locally produced foods, through the eyes of young people.

They serve as a mechanism for increasing the engagement of young professionals in addressing agricultural challenges through Science, Technology and Innovation, and in encouraging the use of ICTs for raising awareness, improving communication on science and agriculture and educating the public on critical issues.
50 The Conference and Awards ceremony were staged at the Carlton Savannah Hotel, Trinidad and Tobago from 27 – 29 August.

Over 70 participants— filmmakers, animators, communication specialists, scientists and agricultural practitioners - from Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, participated in the three-day conference, where the videos were also presented for judging and €10,000 in prizes were awarded.
The conference sessions was led by local experts and top professionals who explored topics such: as the promotion of locally grown foods; increasing media interest in and coverage of, Science Technology Innovation (STI); supporting regional capacity-building in science communication; and utilising ICTs to help improve the environment for agricultural science and innovation.
They also stressed the importance of the competition for “identifying and motivating new talent, developing skills, and promoting new concepts, technologies, products, services and brands and bringing them to the attention of a wider public and target groups such as policymakers”.

The competition videos were showcased afterwards during the 13th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), held in Paramaribo, Suriname, from 6 – 10, October.
The winning film was also shown shortly after the prize-giving during the Alliance of CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture meeting, attended by numerous ministers of agriculture from the Caribbean and leaders of the partner organisations involved in the CWA.

The other videos were shown to participants during the course of the week.
All the short films, which ranged from documentaries to fictional stories, celebrated local foods in one form or another, identifying novel prospects for adding value through processing, increasing production efficiencies and promoting nutritional and health benefits.

Videos submitted to the competition can be viewed at http://on.fb.me/1zpmNVZ and are listed in Appendix 7.
- Made in the Caribbean This project is coordinated by CCST and implemented by NIHERST, with grant funding from the Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund for Economic and Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.

The project seeks to help build a foundation of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours conducive to the development of a culture of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
NIHERST’s technopreneurship and robotics camps were adapted and used as the model for this project.

Through the period 23-30 August, four trainers from the NIHERST’s Innovation Department shared their expertise with 20 national camp facilitators, including teachers from primary and secondary schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

They were trained to lead vacation camps and workshops for young inventors and innovators between the ages 7 and 17.
51 It is expected that through the technical assistance provided by NIHERST to participating countries that this project will assist in promoting youth innovation and invention on a regional scale.

It is also expected that it will encourage national governments, non- governmental organisations and other institutions to provide much needed investment in the popularisation of science and innovation.
Although it will take some time before the Caribbean is to be known for its “knowledge” industries or research centres, stimulating young people to innovate and think creatively will ensure that they see the world in non- conventional ways that will spur their entrepreneurial spirit.

The technopreneurship camps tapped the creativity of the children as they learned to design games, musical interfaces and video game controllers using everyday items such as paper, plasticine, water and paper clips.
Technopreneurship fosters innovative and entrepreneurial thinking and skills using science and technology.

The robotics camps also encouraged creativity and innovation.

Using Lego Mindstorms NXT kits, complete with sensors to detect touch, sound, light and ultra- sonic waves, campers were able to assemble robots and program them to navigate through a maze which they also designed.
The counsellors were thrilled to gain additional teaching methods for engaging their students, in a more hands-on way, in learning about science and technology, and imparting the core values of creativity, invention, innovation, leadership and responsibility to the young campers.

They found it very rewarding to see the children absorbing knowledge on subjects which just moments earlier they knew nothing about.
 NASA – International Internship Program I2 In August 2012, NIHERST signed an agreement with NASA to facilitate local students’ access to NASA’s International Internship Program (NASA I2), in what is the first such agreement to be signed internationally, piloting the initiative for non-US interns.

NASA I2 is one of the most highly comprehensive internship programmes and the ultimate workforce preparatory experience for careers in STEM.
It is a structured agency-wide program that provides a collaborative environment in which non-US interns (university undergraduate level students) or fellows (university graduate students) are able to work alongside international peers.

Following the signing of the agreement, the program was opened to Trinidad and Tobago students, and 2014 was the first year that this programme was executed with nationals from Trinidad and Tobago.
Students tackle practical problems that will see real applications in aerospace or on future NASA missions.

52 Local interns will be attached in the first instance to the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in California.

Work on promoting the programme and selecting candidates started in December 2013.
Applicants were selected according to NASA’s criteria: a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent for institutions with a different marking scheme, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and two signed recommendations with contacts for referees.

An application form of eight questions was also issued.
The applicant also chose their areas of interest from a total of ten topics: Human Performance with Telerobotic Systems, CIF-NASA Biocapsule Technology for Delivery of Protein Therapeutics in Space, Biosensor Development, Advanced Life Support/Water Recycling Internship Opportunity, Air Revitalization Systems, Electronics Prognostics: Application to Capacitors, Power Electronics Prognostics, Developing Biologically Inspired Machine Intelligence for Sustainability Base, Developing an Intelligent Integrated Control and Alarm System for Sustainability Base and Data Mining and Analysis for Sustainability Base.
Twenty-one (21) applications were received and screened by a panel who employed a rigorous two-stage process.

The first stage involved an assessment of the application form and supporting documents.

This assessment measured the applicant’s suitability in accordance with NASA’s criteria as well as fitness for further research and their potential to represent Trinidad and Tobago.

The 21 applicants were short-listed to eight for interviewing.

Students were assessed on key personal attributes i.e.
maturity, team skills, ambassadorial and leadership qualities, and communication skills.

The panel ranked the top five applicants for screening by NASA in order of priority.

All information on the finalists was submitted to NASA and their selectors accepted the recommendation of the panel regarding the top two candidates for the 2014 internships.
They were Jason Renwick, a 2nd year student at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UWI and Stefan Hosein, a national scholar who had recently completed his B.Sc.

at the Department of Computing and Information Technology, UWI.

Both interns are required to continue with the research conducted at NASA for the period of one year at UWI upon their return to Trinidad.
 US Embassy in Port of Spain: National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) In 2012, NIHERST was invited by the embassy to be its local partner agency in assisting in the selection of Trinidad and Tobago candidates to attend the annual camp that takes place in West Virginia.

It is open to secondary school students, 16 to 18 years old, from two educational districts which are rotated annually.

The two 53 candidates receive a full scholarship.


The nearly month-long camp offers opportunities for them to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds.

The programme includes: lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the US; overnight camping trips into the Monongahela National Forest; and a visit to Washington D.C.
Selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership.

In 2014, 24 candidates from St. George East and Victoria educational districts applied.

Alyssa Victoria Mike from St. Joseph Convent and Cindy Lisa Thomas from Naparima Girls’ High School were selected.

 The Toco Foundation: Environmental Solutions for Sustainable Communities.
In October 2011, NIHERST embarked on a project to develop more sustainable communities working with the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean and the Toco Foundation.

This Environmental Solutions project offers community-based solutions that focus on the issues of sustainable development, disaster preparedness, water conservation through the use of rainwater harvesting techniques, and zero carbon living through the adoption of renewable energy.
After consultation with the Barrackpore, Toco and Moruga communities the initial focus was on promoting the use of rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) some of which were also combined with solar energy solutions in water-scarce rural communities.
Rainwater harvesting is promoted as a technique to augment existing portable municipal supplies, and as a readily accessible emergency source of water in case of natural disasters like floods, landslide damages and hurricanes, which, may disrupt access to the main municipal water supply.

Rainwater harvesting is also seen as one of the means of building climate resilience into the water sector in the Caribbean.
The first installations of the RWHS were in July 2012 at a total of 9 schools in Barrackporre, Toco and Moruga.

In 2013, three more schools in Barrackpore were included, and with additional funding from Phoenix Park Gas Processors, three more in Toco, Mayo and Fishing Pond.

The RWHS at these schools were also outfitted with solar powered water pumps.
The power from the solar panels supplement the schools’ electricity during normal operations and in the event of a power outage, they power the water pumps so that the schools will have an uninterrupted supply of water.

In FY 2014, the Lopinot, Guaico and Biche communities unveiled rainwater harvesters systems built by their own residents and installed at the Lopinot Community Centre, Biche Community Centre and Jubiliee Presbyterian School.
In partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, the Water Resources Agency (WRA) and the GWP-C, the installation was accompanied by public education programmes on water 54 conservation.

Over 500 students and residents from the La Veronica R.C, Primary School, Lopinot Early Childhood Care and Education Centre and Jubilee Presbyterian Primary School, Guaico, and Biche benefitted from this.
The community members from each community who were taught how to install these rainwater harvesting systems, received training on the science behind rainwater harvesting, maintenance procedures and entrepreneurship.

Trainees are encouraged to ply their skills and create viable business opportunities for themselves in the supply and installation of the systems.

Many schools in Trinidad and Tobago are used as emergency shelters during a disaster incident.
If the schools in this project are put into service as emergency shelters, the solar systems and rainwater harvesting system will ensure that these shelters have a supply of water, which is a necessity.

As climate change continues to increase the intensity of natural disasters such as drought and flooding, these systems represent cost effective practical steps that small island nations like Trinidad and Tobago can take towards adaptation.
The public education programmes conducted at all schools teach students about the importance of water conservation and to help them better understand why the harvesters were being installed at their schools.

It was also done to help students appreciate having the RWHS.

Since the beginning of this project over 3000 students benefited from this awareness programme.
In addition to helping to provide an additional safe water supply, the project is giving community members new awareness, knowledge and skills that can be utilised beyond their communities.

With the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, now more than ever it is crucial to raise awareness and promote safe and hygienic water collection practices.

The rainwater harvesters have proved to be very beneficial to the schools which have experienced water shortages, particularly in the dry season.
The additional water supply has helped to decrease the amount of down-time created by the closure of school due to the lack of water.

The RWHS provide water to flush toilets and wash hands thus improving on school sanitation and eliminating the offensive odour of unflushed toilets.

The Rochard Douglas Presbyterian Primary School has estimated that the RWHS has cut its need for truck-borne water by half.

The initiative is also contributing to skills development and entrepreneurship.
In each community, a cadre of 10-25 persons was trained to install and maintain the RWHS.

Trainees attended entrepreneurship workshops, facilitated by NEDCO and other facilitators to help further develop their skills and knowledge base so that they can ply 55 their new skills within and beyond their communities.

The trainees also took part in a follow-up workshop that focused on the costing of RWHS.
With training in the installation and costing of the RWHS and in entrepreneurship, the trainees are now better equipped and empowered to go out into other communities to ply their skills and create viable business opportunities for themselves.

This small but exciting project has proved to be very beneficial to many schools and tradespersons.

It is hoped that rainwater harvesting will become a sustainable practice that would benefit many more schools, individuals and communities throughout the country.
This project was highlighted in international news by IPS-Inter Press Service for World Environment Day and in OAS COMCyT success stories in application of STI.

 Scientific Research Council (SRC), Jamaica - INVOCAB In February 2014, NIHERST entered into a participatory initiative with the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in Jamaica for a three-year project entitled “Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean” (INVOCAB).
This EU-funded project is spearheaded the SRC and NIHERST, in collaboration with local stakeholders in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, including the Ministry of Education.

This project was created to improve teachers’ capacities in science education, as well as to implement an innovation framework in participating schools.

It also aims to further integrate Science and Technology into the primary and secondary school curriculum and help change students’ attitudes and dispositions towards science.
Sixteen primary and secondary schools (eight primary and eight secondary) in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica collectively will benefit from planned activities under the project.
The action aims to contribute towards improving the levels of innovation in the Caribbean by building and strengthening capacities in STI, and specifically science education, as an enabler for poverty reduction, growth and socio-economic development of Caribbean countries by: - improving the competence of teachers in the transfer of knowledge and technical skills of science subjects at the primary and secondary levels; - - promotion of science to the young by raising awareness; and - promotion of S&T at all levels of society.
improving students’ capacity to think critically, problem solve and apply science In August, 2014, NIHERST welcomed representatives from the SRC, the Ministry of Education, the Mico University College and Kingston Technical High in Jamaica.

The officials visited the 56 NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre during 19-20 August for knowledge-sharing on the coordination and organisation of NIHERST summer camps.
The two-day visit entailed an extensive tour of the NSC and an arranged visit to three innovation camps, entitled Sci Spy, Eureka and Tech Camp, whereby the representatives were immersed into the coordination and execution of NIHERST innovation camps by way of reviewing camp manuals, observing activities and engaging in hands-on experiments.

They engaged in discovery learning, problem-solving, peer-to-peer engagement and capitalise on knowledge transfer of how to creatively teach science subjects.
From 17-24 November, representatives from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica travelled to Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) in Germany to observe the running of their Global Innovation Week, and to share knowledge in the fields of science education, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The team was exposed to best practices in organising and implementing an innovation programme through participation in such activities.
The Ministry of Education also benefitted by being able to improve the curriculum of the Technology Education subject for form 3 students, adding components learnt during the Global Innovation week.

 University of Leicester, Durham University, Imperial College London, the British Geological Survey (BGS), and UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) - Seismology in Schools: This programme is an adaptation of the successful Seismology in Schools project developed in the UK and adopted by schools around the world.
In July 2013 NIHERST partnered with the University of Leicester, Durham University, Imperial College London and the British Geological Survey (BGS) to implement the programme locally.

One of the key coordinators of the project in the UK is Trinidad-born, Professor Aftab Khan, Professor Emeritus of Geophysics at the University of Leicester and a highly regarded expert in his field internationally.
Taking part in this pilot initiative are: Arima North Secondary School, ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando, Couva East Secondary School, Iere High School, Queen’s Royal College, Lakshmi Girls’ High School, Signal Hill Secondary School and St. Stephen’s College.
Launched in April, 2014, with the training of teachers from the participating schools, the programme will introduce the science of geophysics to students from forms three to six, give them a taste of how scientists work and see the physics, mathematics and geography principles being taught in the curricula come alive.

This programme enables students to create theoretical seismology links with real world occurrences through the ability to record major global earthquakes and local disturbances.
Recordings made could then be added to a national database where data 57 comparisons could be made with other schools around the world that are part of the Seismology in Schools Programme.

simulating seismic waves with slinkies; and The programme additionally aims to promote understanding of basic science concepts through classroom activities that focus on seismology and earthquakes as a unifying theme.
Such activities include:  building a seismometer; simulating earthquake location with two microphones;   modelling earthquake processes with a brick and sandpaper;   modeling earthquake damage from building resonance State-of-the-art seismometers, which have been sponsored by NIHERST, Durham University and Imperial College London, were installed in the pilot schools and also at SRC and the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre.

The equipment is capable of monitoring seismic activity around the world.
Students will collect data and study them using seismic analysis software.

They will be the first students in Trinidad and Tobago to join the global network of schools in the programme and their data will be uploaded and shared on the BGS international database.
In order to ensure project sustainability and succession planning the following items form the support, monitoring and evaluation strategy: 1) Provision on an email address to all schools participating in the programme with the specific purpose of providing support to challenges or concerns that may be encountered.

The email address which has already been distributed to the teachers involved in the programme is sis.support@uwiseismic.com.
It will be monitored and responded to by the SRC and NIHERST SIS team.

2) Provision of a networking platform for teachers, students and administrators of the programme to interact, share ideas / information and discuss problems.

This has already been implemented in the form of a facebook page called Seismology in Schools - Trinidad and Tobago and could be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seismology-in-Schools-Trinidad-and- Tobago/272086322972644?fref=ts.
Information and activities of relevance to the programme and the topic of seismology as well as answers to questions would be addressed by SRC and NIHERST.

3) Identified links on the secondary school forms 3-4 physics, mathematics and geography curriculum to the activities that could be conducted by the seismology instrumentation.

This would allow for the stations to be used in classroom activities where both teachers 58 and students would place a greater value on the lesson material.
The Ministry of Education’s Curriculum Division (namely, the officers for physics, math and geography) would be responsible for this area.

4) Identifying activities/ projects through the use of the seismology stations that could be used in SBA assignments.

The Curriculum Division would also be responsible for this area.
Section 4: Financial Operations a) Budget formulation The institute's budget is prepared based on the activities and programmes aligned to its strategic plan and is formulated in accordance with guidelines in the Call Circular issued by the Ministry of Finance for the relevant year in which the budget is due.

The budget is primarily funded by Government by way of subventions, which account for approximately 95% of the total budget.

The institute generates the other 5% by way of miscellaneous receipts.
The Board approves the budget before it is sent to the line Ministry.

b) Expenditure versus income Total Income under the Recurrent Budget increased from $36,603,060 in 2012, to $36,200,000 in 2013 to $40,500,400 in 2014 which represents a slight decrease of 1% and an increase of 12% respectively over the income in 2014.Revenue from sources other than government’s subvention increased from $1,063,699 of total income in 2012 to 1,370,846 (29%) in 2013 and decreased to $1,294,965 (6%) in 2014.
Expenditure was reduced from $35,324,291 in 2012 to $35,187,895 in 2013 (0.5% decrease) and increased to $35,879,539 in 2014 (2%).

Unspent funds amounted to $3,638,239 in 2013.

Unspent funds in 2014 totalled $1,672,887, which were due primarily to unspent balances in Hosting of Conferences and Seminars, Promotions, Publicity and Printing, and Other Minor Equipment Purchases.
Income under the PSIP increased from $8,050,000 in 2012 to $19,300,000 in 2013 and $69,000,000 in 2014 which represent corresponding increases of 140% and 258% over the 2014 allocation.

Expenditure increased from $7,172,973 in 2012 to $12,436,441 (73% increase) in 2013 and $31,727,551 (155% increase) in 2014.

The increase in expenditure was due mainly in respect of payments to consultants in the starting of the construction of the National Science Centre (or Science City) project.
59 Following is a summary of the expenditure versus income for the reporting period.
60 Account (Sub-Head/Item/Sub-Item) 2011 2012 2014 ================================= ====== ======= ============ A. RECURRENT EXPENDITURE $ $ $ INCOME 01 Government Subvention 28390,864 36603,060 34863,613 04 Other Income TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE 1288,024 1063,699 1294,965 29678,888 37666,759 36158,578 01 Personnel Expenditure: 6916,197 6104,061 6263,710 02 Goods and Services 19503873 26877,644 24870,261 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 690,624 969,681 1736,680 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 1483,120 1372,905 1897,973 TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE 28593,814 35324,291 34768,624 B.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INCOME:-- Government Subvention 6353,000 8050,000 31642,153 EXPENDITURE Establishment of a National Science Centre 0 1300,152 22,188,036 Sci-TechKnoFest 3123,379 1574,971 4914,604 Development of a National Innovation System 1094,377 2278,314 1000,000 Research & Development Foresighting 191,931 404,600 193,360 61 Exhibitions on the Environment 488,245 680,823 650,000 NIHERST- President's Award Scheme for Excellence in Science Teaching, Research & Development 306,076 534,775 770,994 Community-Centered Design and Innovation (COMDESI) NISTADS / NIHERST Collaboration on S&T Policy Studies Upgrading of the National Science Centre, D'Abadie Expansion & Upgrade of 8 Serpentine Place 179,057 236,351 500,000 0 162,987 335,159 500,740 0 0 0 1000,000 Document Handling System 90,000 TOTAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE 5883,805 7172,973 31642,153 62 c) Debt policy NIHERST does not have a debt policy but consideration is being given to developing one.
d) Investment policy NIHERST also does not have an investment policy.

Consideration is being given to having one developed by a consultant.

e) Internal audit functions There is one junior post on the establishment for an internal auditor.

However, due to the unattractive compensation, the post has been vacant for several years and this function has been outsourced as funds permit.

f) Financial Report 2014 The Auditor General completed the audit of the 2010 Financial Statements in August 2014.
The audit of the Financial Statements for 2011 is scheduled to begin in early 2016.

NIHERST is awaiting the audited Financial Statements from 2004 to 2007 from the Auditor General’s department.

The private auditor, R. Ramdass & Company Ltd, contracted by the NIHERST to audit the 2011 and 2012 Financial Statements, is still to submit the audited statements.
63 Section 5: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN a) Organisational establishment As at 30 September, 2014, NIHERST employed 125 persons on a full-time basis (consisting of permanent, long-term contract, and short-term contract) with a significant number being employed in contract positions aligned to civil service posts and salary ranges in order to maintain internal equity with permanent staff.
The Board of Governors through its Human Resource Committee continued its work with Management on the proposed restructuring of the institute which would equip it to better facilitate the successful implementation of its strategic plan.

The procurement process for the provision of specialist consultancy services for the development of a new organisational structure and compensation system for NIHERST, including the conduct of a job evaluation and compensation survey, was completed.
In October 2013, the NIHERST Board of Governors approved the contracting of the services of HRC Associates for the job.

The project was scheduled to start in November 2013 and end in February/March 2014.
In accordance with the project work plan, management committees were set up, data was provided to the consultant, meetings of the management committees and the consultant were held, and a town hall meeting was convened with staff and the recognized majority Union, the Public Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PSA).

The PSA expressed its wish for a more collaborative approach since the project had already started and the Union was only now invited to join in the job evaluation phase.
The Union asked to be an equal partner at the table to ensure the interests of the employees are served and protected.

Work on the project ceased while NIHERST held talks with the PSA.

The PSA was to submit a proposal for NIHERST to contribute part of its budget to the PSA to do the necessary research to participate as an equal partner in the restructuring exercise.
NIHERST did not receive any such proposal for the rest of the budget year and funds were allocated for the entire project to be completed within the 2014 budget year.

b) Category of employees The institute’s operations are carried out by two major categories of staff, which are permanent and contracted officers.

When first conceptualised, the institute’s staffing needs were met by officers who met the government standard requirements given the prevailing technologies of the day.
Moreover, the requirements for employees given its portfolio at the time, was very small.

As the institute’s workload expanded, there was a need to recruit and maintain a workforce of a greater number in a variety of new directions.

These events gave rise to the dual categories that exist at present.

For the jobs made necessary by changes in technology and new areas of endeavour, a 64 substantial number of contract officers were hired to complement those who held established positions.
The job categories also include manipulative, clerical, secretarial, administrative, technical and professional.

NIHERST also hires part-time science demonstrators who assist with explaining science exhibits and concepts to visitors at the National Science Centre.

The institute continued to facilitate the MTEST on-the-job training programme with 19 trainees gaining experience at its offices during the review period.

c) Career path systems Career path systems at NIHERST are similar for most positions.
Manipulative staff are the exception here with all employees in these positions generally operating without stratification.

Manipulative staff can, however, move into other classes (clerical, etc.)

once they show the requisite experience, attitude and qualification.

In the other classes, there is stratification and here employees can move to the next grade once they meet the requirements and a position is available.
There are insufficient levels in each job family remaining at NIHERST because a number of positions were transferred to COSTAATT in the year 2000. d) Performance assessment/management strategies The institute’s employees are assessed annually using the Performance Management System used in the Public Service.

The Human Resource Department supports supervisors and managers where necessary by providing draft standards/targets for job duties against which the performance of employees is measured.
e) Promotion – selection procedures The selection procedure for promotion within Article 4: Employment and Promotion in the NIHERST-PSA Collective Agreement was applied for both permanent and contract employees (see Appendix 5).
Attention is drawn in particular to the following, which states that: “ARTICLE 4: EMPLOYMENT AND PROMOTION (1) Appointment to the permanent establishment shall be conditional on - (a) passing a medical examination conducted by a specified medical practitioner; and satisfactory completion of a probationary period of twelve (12) months.

(b) (2) During the probationary period either party may terminate the employment at any time with seven (7) days’ notice.
65 (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) The period of probation may be extended where NIHERST considers this desirable but in no case shall the total period of probation exceed eighteen (18) months.

The appointment of an employee on probation may be confirmed before the expiry of the probationary period.

The Institute will inform the Union of all persons who are confirmed in their appointments to the permanent establishment.
It shall be the policy of the Institute to fill all vacant positions by promotion from within NIHERST, therefore, when promotional opportunities arise vacancies will first be advertised within the Institute.

If no suitable candidate is found among the employees the post will be advertised through the news media.

In determining suitability for promotion merit shall be the main criterion.

However where two (2) or more employees are equally suitable seniority shall be the deciding factor.
(9) On promotion an employee shall receive an increase in salary not less than the value of an increment in his former salary scale.

(10) NIHERST will supply the Association with a copy of the job specification for each category of position on its permanent establishment as designated by the job titles in the Schedule of Salaries attached to this Agreement.

Copies of these specifications will also be available for scrutiny by employees.

(11) Each employee shall be given a list of his/her specific duties.
(12) Both parties agree to meet to develop a system of performance appraisal.” f) Employee support services Staff Development and Training 2013 - 2014 NIHERST encourages staff development in order to achieve enhanced individual and organizational effectiveness.

This has been imperative in the context of its operating environment and mandate.

NIHERST has therefore provided opportunities for employees to upgrade their job knowledge and skills through short professional training programmes.
It has also supported employees who meet the criteria in the pursuit of tertiary and higher degrees, where there is mutual benefit.

66 During the year October 2013 to September 2014, training and development continued to strategically focus on the capacity development of staff by expanding the knowledge, skills and abilities of key personnel in key departments in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation in preparation for the NIHERST Science City.
These include but were not limited to Disney’s Approach to Quality Service, NIHERST Science City - Strategic Planning, and Technopreneurship for the Caribbean.

We were generally directed by the government’s goal of attaining sustainable integral development and a more diversified knowledge-intensive economy.
Purpose for training The overall aim of NIHERST training and development programme is to enable staff to develop in the areas necessary to increase their productivity on the job and enhance self-growth for long- term professional development and to strategically contribute to the objectives of the organisation.
Some objectives for the training conducted in 2013-2014 include:  Improving the necessary competences of staff required to contribute to the areas of STI  Increasing the promotion of S&T at all levels of society  Promoting Creativity, Inventiveness and Entrepreneurship  Gaining practical knowledge in Innovation in Education and Business to continue to strengthen the business arm of the institution  Updating existing technical knowledge and skills in the area of Microsoft Windows Server for ICT  Exposing staff to various topics relevant to technopreneurship and innovation  Creating brand ambassadors for the new image of NIHERST as a world class STI institute  Training key staff in health and safety to ensure the organisation complies with OSHA’s safety requirements.
In addition to implementing NIHERST HSE Committee.

 Providing employees with the opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

The key training programmes attended were: 1. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference and Expo 2014, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 2.

INPEX – The Invention & New Product Expo 2014, Pittsburgh, USA 3.

MCSA 2008R2 & MCSA 2012 – COMBO Bootcamp 4.

Caribbean MIX Leadership Conference 5.


VII Americas Competitiveness Forum 2014- The Human Imagination at Work.

During the period, 61 persons received individual training, some of whom conducted “knowledge their department or at staff members either sharing sessions” with other in 67 management/supervisory level in order to pass on valuable information or to enlighten team members.
Group Pension, Health and Insurance Plans NIHERST has a pension fund plan for its permanent employees established since January 1, 1988.

As at September 2014, there were 59 members, 41 from NIHERST and 18 from COSTAATT, 17 pensioners and 7 deferred pensioners.

NIHERST and COSTAATT contributed at the rate of 17.7% of basic salary and the members contributed at the rate of 6% of basic salary.

The Institute approved a 2.7% increase to pensions in payment with effect from January 1, 2014.
NIHERST provides a Group Health and Life Insurance Plan for all employees, permanent and contract, if they wish to join.

As at September 2014, there were 59 members on the plan, with 4 members being retirees.

The Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (LADD) benefit was $200,000.00 and NIHERST contributed 50% of the premium for this benefit.

Major medical coverage was $500,000 and NIHERST contributed 60% of the premium in respect of the health insurance benefit.
Employee Assistance Programme NIHERST has been contracting the services of Petrotrin EAP Services Limited (PEAPSL) to administer and provide an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to all members of staff since December 1, 2004.

The services provided include organisational support; assessment, counselling and referral services; management/supervisory training; transition management; prevention services and peer support.

The PEAPSL contract for these services runs from 1 March to 28 February each year.
During the period of this report, three educational outreach sessions were conducted as shown below.

Session Date 19 Sept 2013 Ethics in the workplace 9 May 2014 16 May 2014 For Men Only For Women Only The staff continued to make use of the services of the EAP through the outreach sessions and also through the counselling sessions provided which ensures strict confidentiality and promotes the wellbeing of staff.
The EAP continues to constitute a benefit and also a safety net for staff who see the need to utilise its services.

68 Section 6: Procurement Procedures The procedures in effect for the period under review followed the NIHERST procurement policy.

Relevant aspects are quoted below: “NIHERST shall invite and consider offers and tenders for the supply of articles or services or for the undertaking of works of all kinds necessary for carrying out the functions of the Institute.
A minimum of three quotations are required.” “In cases of emergency where the safety of people, property, plant and equipment is in jeopardy or where the continuity of the operations of the Institute or its fiscal health demand that contract(s) be awarded with urgency, the President and/or Board of Governors may award contracts as determined to avert the danger or to bring the situation under control and minimise the loss or liability.
The Chairman of the Management Tenders Committee may also give approval to award contracts in this instance if the contract to be awarded is within the limit of the Committee.” “Whenever the expenditure to be incurred for the acquisition of articles or the undertaking of works or services exceeds $10,000.00, the (Management Tenders) Committee shall invite a minimum of three (3) firms or persons as may be selected by the Committee to make offers for their supply.
In the case of articles or services involving expenditure less than TT$10,000.00, Heads of Departments can invite proposals or quotations.” “Alternatively, the Committee may opt to place a notice in the print or other media inviting offers for the supply of the articles or the undertaking of works or services whenever the Committee deems it desirable to do so such as in the case where the Committee is unaware of the vendors who are capable of the job or in the case of expected large tender amounts.” “Public invitations must be invited for the acquisition of articles or the undertaking of works or services of the value of $5,000,000.00 and above.
Such invitations should be duly signed by the Chairman of the Management Tenders Committee.” “The Committee may use its discretion in inviting a sole tender in the following cases:  where the item is made by a sole manufacturer or is available from a sole distributor;  when replacement parts and accessories of equipment and machinery of a particular make or model are available from only one source; for standardisation purposes; and   where no-one else can provide the services or work to the standard and/or timeline required by NIHERST.
69 The reason for inviting a sole tender must be properly recorded.” The Management Tenders Committee can approve contracts valued at $100,000 or less, while the NIHERST President approves contracts up to $450,000.

The Board approves contracts in excess of $450,000 with guidance from the Finance & Audit Committee of the Board.

Appendix 4 shows the contracts over $450,000 that were awarded for the period under review using the tendering process.
There were only three (3) such contracts, of which all were selective tenders.

They were for: 1) a specialist consultancy services for a job evaluation & compensation survey; (2) purchase of equipment for the Technology Lab at Science City; and (3) purchase of two vehicles.
70 Section 7: Public and Community Relations a) Client and public access to services/service delivery systems NIHERST strives to ensure that all members of the national community are aware of and have access to its programmes and the information it disseminates.

Advertising and information dissemination are done through traditional and social media, as well as on the NIHERST website, and promoting to schools is through direct marketing.
In many of its science popularisation activities, the Science Centre reaches out to rural and underserved communities, particularly through its Community Science Weeks and road shows, and events hosted by external agencies.

The institute also offers free/reduced admission and provides transport, so disadvantaged persons can still attend or participate more easily.
In FY 2014, NIHERST increased its expenditure on traditional media (print), creating advertorials after all events and for commemorating STI-related international days, so as to increase visibility of the NIHERST brand and its core programmes.

b) Community and stakeholder relations/outreach (See paragraph above as well as Section 3.)
c) Strategic partnerships (local, regional and international) Details of all projects undertaken with key regional and international agencies are given in Section 3: Building Strategic Alliances.

Following is a list of the main local, regional and international agencies and organisations that collaborated with NIHERST during the period being reported on, as sponsors on key initiatives and/or exhibitors and facilitators at key events.
Several are longstanding partners who have embraced the NIHERST mission and add great value to our programmes and activities for the public.
List of key partners during reporting period British Geological Survey Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) Columbus Communications Durham University Embassy of the United States of America European Union 71 Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) Grande Exhibitions Imperial College London Ministry of Education Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development Ministry of Science and Technology NASA Organization of American States (OAS) Scientific Research Council (SRC) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation – ACP/EU (CTA) Technische Universität Dresden (TUD Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) The Heroes Foundation The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) The University of the West Indies (UWI) Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Toco Foundation UNDP (Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund) University of Leicester Sci-TechKnoFest 2013 Exhibitors Angostura Holdings Ltd, Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business Artistic Revolution BorderCom International Briko Air Services Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Forestry Division Global Water Partnership Caribbean Hop Along Learning Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) Kenson School of Technology Limited Metal Industries Company Ltd (MIC) Ministry of Energy
 and Energy Affairs National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) National Museum and Art Gallery National Training Agency (NTA) Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) Offshore Technology Solutions Ltd Pan Trinbago 72 Petrotrin Petting Zoo Powertrin Ltd Professional Airline Training Solutions Ltd (PRO-ATS) Serpentarium Trinidad/Reptile Conservation Centre of Trinidad and Tobago Sugarcane Feeds Centre Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society Trinidad and Tobago National Commission for UNESCO The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) The University of the West Indies (UWI) Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA) Community Science Weeks: Exhibitors and Contributors to Career Day Arrive Alive British Gas Cocoa & Coffee Industry Board Eastern Regional Health Authority Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Fisheries Division Forestry Division Forestry Information Unit Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) Life Guard Association Ministry of Food Production & Marine Affairs Ministry of Health Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) Petrotrin Petrotrin Petting Zoo Rapport Services Sugar Cane Feed Centre The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) Toco Handicraft Group Turtle Conservation Group 73 APPENDIX 1 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH SCIENCE AND
 TECHNOLOGY (NIHERST) STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN 2011-2015 January 25, 2011 1 Table of Contents NIHERST STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN 2011-2015 ........................................................................................... 3 1.
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 3 2.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 4 3.
INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................ 5 Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE) ........................................................... 6 The National Commission for Higher Education ....................................................................................... 7 Economic Development Board ................................................................................................................. 7 Council for Competitiveness and Innovation ............................................................................................ 8 Other Institutions ...................................................................................................................................... 8 NIHERST Business Eco-system .................................................................................................................. 8 4.
AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS .............................................................................................................. 10 1) Research and Intelligence Gathering ................................................................................................. 10 2) Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas ............................... 10 3) Building Collaborative Global Relationships ....................................................................................... 11 4) Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute ........................................................................ 11 5) Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity .............................................................. 11 Focus Area 1: Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification ................. 12 Focus Area 2: Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas .............. 12 Focus Area 3: Building Collaborative Global Relationships .................................................................... 12 Focus Area 4: Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute .......................................................... 12 Focus Area 5: Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity ............................................... 13 STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 33 2 NIHERST STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN 2011-2015 1.
INTRODUCTION Since its establishment in 1984 the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) has actively pursued its mandate to promote the development of science, technology and higher education in Trinidad and Tobago.

The pursuit of this mandate has been guided both by changes in national development priorities and government’s policy imperatives.

Over the odd thirty years or so, NIHERST has developed distinctive competencies in the following areas: 1.
Fostering a culture of innovation through its outreach programmes in science popularization and science communication, particularly through the National Science Centre.

This thrust is enhanced by its commitment to the development of creativity, as well as “technopreneurial” thinking and skills, through the undertaking of various activities, including the co-ordination of the Prime Minister’s Biennial Award for Innovation and Invention.

2.
2.

Demonstrating a strong focus on research and intelligence gathering in the fields of science, technology and innovation (STI).

This is exemplified by its pioneering efforts in the undertaking of foresighting and innovation studies.

A specialized capacity to collect and analyze data and information on STI indicators have proven invaluable to NIHERST’s role in the provision of policy advice and prescriptions to the Ministry.

3.
3.

Building linkages with regional and international organizations and managing collaborative projects in research, science and technology sponsored by external agencies.

Leveraging on these competencies, NIHERST was instrumental in achieving, among other things, the following: 1.

Promotion of post-secondary education and training, and applied research and development in immediate and emerging priority areas (1984-1994).

2.
2.

Preparation of base documents that informed the draft national policy on a seamless education system and a national tertiary education policy (2002-2003) as well as the draft national science technology and innovation (STI) policy.

3 3.

Spearheading the establishment in 2000 of a national community college, known as the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).

4.
4.

Spearheading the establishment of the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), a national accrediting agency to perform “full accreditation functions".

5.

Laying the groundwork for the creation of NCOSTI (1995-2005).

6.

Supporting the establishment of University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) through Outreach and Service Learning (2006-2010).
Looking ahead, NIHERST will be required to deliver even more in terms of using science and technology to help diversify the Trinidad and Tobago economy away from its heavy dependence on energy.
The rest of this document is structured as follows:  Section 2 briefly outlines the evolving socio-economic environment in which NIHERST is likely to operate over 2011-2015  Section 3 details the institutional framework that would guide the research and policy- based work of the Institute  Section 4 determines the areas of strategic focus leveraging on the organization’s inherent strengths and the current policy framework  Section 5 concludes with the roll-out of the Strategic Action Plan in 2011-2015.
2.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The Strategic Action Plan was developed in the context of the policy framework articulated by the People’s Partnership government, particularly the seven development pillars.

The seven pillars are designed to do the following: 1.

Foster people-centred development 2.

Move closer towards eradicating poverty and promoting social justice 3.

Ensure national and personal security 4.

Expand the use and availability of Information and Communication Technologies 5.
Steer the country towards a more diversified, knowledge intensive economy 6.

Entrench good governance 7.

Present an accommodating foreign policy 4 The pillar which is of particular relevance to NIHERST is the development of a more diversified, knowledge intensive economy.

Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is at the crossroads.
A booming energy sector supported Trinidad and Tobago’s impressive economic performance over the past decade, but the prospective depletion of natural gas reserves sometime over the current decade will require a major transformation to maintain a sustainable economy.

STI is critical to help stimulate the non-energy sector, diversify the depth and range of economic activity and increase global competitiveness.
There is an urgent need for the creation of new growth poles, largely premised on the development of knowledge intensive industries, leveraging high value export niches.

In its 2011 Budget, the Government proposed the development of five growth poles using a cluster development approach.

The first pole covers Couva, Charlieville, Carapichaima and Chaguanas.

The second pole will focus on developing the South Western Peninsula of Trinidad.

The third growth pole will be the East Port of Spain Area.
The fourth growth pole involves developing the North-Coast.

The fifth growth pole is in the North East region of Tobago.

NIHERST will utilize STI to facilitate the development of projects in these growth poles.

The 2011 Budget also endorses the creation of a National Innovation System (NIS) that effectively links Centres of Excellence, small and medium enterprises, finance, marketing and market development systems.
The NIS is intended to facilitate the restructuring of the economy, and NIHERST through its foresight studies and exercises is well positioned to make a significant contribution in the successful implementation of this restructuring effort.

STI can also generate positive impacts on the delivery of social services, in promoting environmental sustainability, and, in general, improving the quality of life of the citizenry.
For example, a well designed business incubator program will enhance the links among entrepreneurship, innovation and small business development.

Or the development of alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind energy improves the long term sustainability of the country’s energy supply.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has committed itself to the integration of STI into the activities of every sector.

NIHERST has a very important role to play in this regard.

3.
3.

INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT The role and repositioning of NIHERST must be contemplated in the context of the institutional environment, and the role and function of other relevant institutions, both existing and proposed, including the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education; the Economic Development Board; the Council for Competitiveness and Innovation; and the National Commission for Higher Education.
5 Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE) NIHERST’s line ministry, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE), is responsible for tertiary education, technical and vocational education and training, and science and technology.
With specific reference to STI, the MSTTE is responsible for policy direction, monitoring and the governance by:  Being a responsive research and results driven organization, optimally resourced with the capacity and intelligence systems to satisfy the needs of all key stakeholders for Science, Technology and Innovation to achieve national aspirations  Understanding and facilitating the STI needs of Trinidad and Tobago and facilitating an environment that creates the capacity to understand, adopt and adapt scientific and global technologies, knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, innovation and growth in various modern and advanced products and services, leading to country competitiveness  Ensuring the platform for advancement of Human Development, within the context of STI intellectual leadership, by increasing access to quality tertiary education and training that fosters the capacity of citizens to understand, adopt and adapt scientific and global technologies  Developing and promoting a national STI culture and regional leadership in STI Outcomes have been defined by the MSTTE relative to three categories, namely Human Development, Users and Governance.
The outcomes most relevant to NIHERST with respect to these categories are as follows:  Human development – increase in the number of scientists, technologies and engineers engaged in R&D; scientific and technologically literate population; a culture of science, technology and innovation  Users- increased entrepreneurs; increased retention of science and technology graduates; mastering the use of imported and indigenous technology; understanding and application of STI in all organizations; development and growth of knowledge based industry; application of knowledge to products for best-in class performance  Governance- national system of innovation; substantial increase in public/private sector investment in research development and innovative activity The key strategy themes identified by MSTTE include:  Develop and analyze STI priorities, policy, options and implement  Manage STI capacity building and competitiveness 6  Manage research and innovation  Manage innovation mapping and intellectual property progress  Manage contestable research, development and innovation and training funds  Manage alliances, relationships and strategic linkages  Manage, measure, report, monitor STI development performances Consistent with the above, the Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, in his contribution to the 2011 Budget debate in the Senate, articulated the need for the strengthening and rebranding of the Ministry as follows:  Renewing the focus on research, monitoring and evaluation.
 Placing significant emphasis on fostering a culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

 Strengthening the Science and Technology thrust within the Ministry.

 Developing a National Life Skills policy for all levels of education and training.
 Enhancing the ICT capability consistent with the new approach towards data driven policy formulation to encourage data management and sharing among agencies and institutions The National Commission for Higher Education The establishment of the National Commission for Higher Education seeks to enhance the effective governance of the national higher education system.
The Commission has broad based representation which will ensure that planning for tertiary education development and transformation, and policy formulation, implementation and review will take cognizance of all elements and activities within the national education system.
It will be specially tasked with the responsibility of eliminating duplication and waste, enhancing coordination and synergies in the sector, and promoting the seamless progression from pre-school to university level in a range of subjects.

The Commission will also seek to promote an appropriate research agenda consistent with government’s development strategy.
Economic Development Board In the People’s Partnership Manifesto the Economic Development Board is described as an agency to “provide advice on economic policy after consulting with Communities and stakeholder advisory councils.” The Board was recently established and is in the process of formulating its strategic agenda consistent with government’s policy direction.
7 Council for Competitiveness and Innovation The Council for Competitiveness and Innovation has been identified in the People’s Partnership Manifesto in the context of the need to upgrade the country’s global competitiveness infrastructure to and provide incentives for research and development.

The Council was recently established and is in the process of formulating its strategic agenda consonant with government’s policy.
Other Institutions There are other institutions which NIHERST will have to partner with to facilitate economic restructuring and realignment in the context of the National Innovation System.

These institutions include the Business Development Company, UWI, UTT, eTecK and CARIRI.

NIHERST must ensure that it locates its role within the matrix of these and other related institutions to avoid duplication and to maximize its contribution to national development.
NIHERST Business Eco-system NIHERST has performed an environmental scan of institutions locally, regionally and internationally that form part of the STI community in which the Institute operates.

NIHERST intends to build collaborative ties with the regional players and global centres of excellence.

It also intends to extend links with enterprises and enterprise development institutions, and to seek project funding from international agencies.
Figure 1 below depicts the major institutions in NIHERST’s business eco-system, one that is more diversified and global than the system within which it functioned over the past decade.

8 Figure 1: Drawing of NIHERST’s Business Ecosystem1 i Abbreviations can be found in Appendix 1 9 4.

AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS Areas of strategic focus represent the strategic priorities of the organization, in the context of its mandate, its capabilities and its role in the matrix of related institutions.
NIHERST should seek to leverage its distinctive competencies to facilitate the utilization of research, science and technology in the service of innovation and competitiveness.

It should seek to position itself to take advantage of opportunities which present themselves in the dynamic and evolving global environment.
The objectives of the specific areas of strategic focus for NIHERST can be summarized as follows: 1) Research and Intelligence Gathering In Support of Economic Diversification  To provide policy support and advocacy to MSTTE in developing a national STI policy  To undertake STI policy studies in the support of economic diversification- e.g.
innovation and foresighting studies in priority areas  To undertake international benchmarking and comparative studies on Research & Development (R&D)/STI, competiveness and innovation in selected countries, regions, sectors and areas  To develop a strong capability for knowledge management to support the knowledge-based economy and an effective National System of Innovation 2) Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas  To establish a technology commercialisation fund (public-private partnerships including venture capital and angel investments) to help finance start-up enterprises in priority areas and niches identified in studies by NIHERST including its foresight ‘best bets’  To establish a contestable fund for raising national R&D in identified niches and priority areas 10 3) Building Collaborative Global Relationships  To build international relationships with world-class STI institutions  To establish and maintain linkages with specialized regional and international research, science and technology institutions, and initiate and implement joint STI projects of relevance to the rapid creation of a sustainable knowledge-based economy 4) Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute  Restructure NIHERST in line with the Strategic Plan  Develop a plan for the physical consolidation of offices  Develop a strategy to brand NIHERST as a world class STI institute 5) Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity  To construct a world-class National Science Centre  To engage all citizens in the experiential learning of science  To provide hands-on experience for developing capabilities in technological innovation and entrepreneurship  To recognise excellence in STI The Strategic Action Plan is built around the Objectives derived from the Areas of Strategic Focus.
For each objective we identify measures, target, strategic initiatives, timeframe, resources required and accountabilities.

Each focus area of NIHERST’s Strategic Action Plan is expected to have long-term outcomes that are beneficial to NIHERST and the wider community.
11 Focus Area 1: Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification The studies undertaken will guide Trinidad and Tobago on the best way the country can utilise STI to rapidly improve its global ranking in competitiveness and create a sustainable knowledge- based economy.

They will also promote the use of renewable energy and other technological advances to create sustainable wealth generation and employment for citizens and a consequent reduction in poverty.
The five growth poles would become best practice examples of sustainable communities in the Caribbean.

The National STI Policy would become a best-in-class model for small island developing countries in Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

The development of a National Knowledge Network for sharing and disseminating knowledge within and among research and academic institutions, Government and other stakeholders is another long-term outcome that this Focus Area can influence.
Focus Area 2: Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas It is expected that the creation of a fund for the commercialisation of technology and the undertaking of R&D and technical studies, based on international best practice for managing risks, will make for greater success of commercial ventures and will contribute towards Trinidad and Tobago becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Priority will be given to the creation of enterprises that are sustainable and innovation-driven, align to the development of the identified growth poles, and contribute to poverty eradication in the country.

Focus Area 3: Building Collaborative Global Relationships The institutions that NIHERST collaborate with will contribute financial, human, information and infrastructural resources to assist Trinidad and Tobago in developing a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
The relationships will also promote NIHERST’s and Trinidad and Tobago’s international image and international standing in STI and global competitiveness.

Focus Area 4: Positioning NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute It is expected that operational efficiency and effectiveness of NIHERST is improved and the Institute’s brand name would be recognised at home and abroad as a leading institution in STI.
12 Focus Area 5: Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity The development of a culture of science, innovation and creativity will lead to an improved performance of primary and secondary school children in science subjects.

It will also increase the innovation activities of existing enterprises, the number of patents approved for local citizens, and the number of technology-based start-ups by young entrepreneurs.
The outcomes listed above are dependent not only on NIHERST but also on other institutions in the national innovation system playing their part to support these outcomes.

The Strategic Action Plan below gives further details on each strategic area of focus.

13 5.

NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification Objective 1: To Provide Policy Support and Advocacy to MSTTE in Developing a National STI Policy 1.1.1 Coordinating the development of a national STI policy and strategy National STI policy and strategy completed Draft STI Policy, 2006 Policy review and update Office of the President Policy completed Study completed All requests met All requests met All requests met All requests met All requests met 1.1.2 Undertaking a study on venture capital requirements to stimulate STI development 1.1.3 Technical support to the: - National Council for Competitiveness and Innovation - Economic Development Board - National Commission for Higher Education - Transformation Unit re: National Innovation System Study completed with concrete policy recommendations Information resources and support provided Not applicable Not applicable 1.1.4 Policy support for National Commission for Higher Education and other relevant public bodies & institutions Number of policy briefs and recommendations completed Not applicable Objective 2: To Undertake STI Studies in Support of Economic Diversification 1.2.1 Undertaking business feasibility studies based on completed foresight sector studies in prioritised areas: 1.
High-value cocoa development 2.

Bio-active agents for new products (biotechnology) 3.

Caribbean health & wellness spa 4.

Global connectedness & competitiveness for creative industries Number of business studies and roadmaps completed (initially derived from Foresight "Best Bets" ).

1 study and roadmap completed 1 1 14 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 Office of the President 5.

NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 1.2.2 Technical studies to support development of the 5 growth poles 1.

Renewable energy: i) National - Development of a renewable energy resource map ii) South Western Peninsula- Feasibility of wave energy utilisation with IMA & UTT 1.2.2 Technical studies to support development of the 5 growth poles 2.
4Cs- Renewable energy & agricultural development/innovation for poverty eradication and disaster preparedness: (iii) Application of renewable energy in Carapichaima- Korea village or other suitable community (iv) Revitalisation of sugar with TT/ India Chamber of Commerce) 3.East POS- Renewable energy & entrepreneurship in creative arts: (vi) Study on the application of technologies for port disaster preparedness (vi) Study on leveraging cultural capital to develop community theatre arts Number of technical studies completed in the 5 growth poles i.e.
1.

North Coast 2.

South Western Penisula 3.

4 Cs (Carapichaima, Couva, Charlieville and Chaguanas) 4.

East POS and 5.

North East region of Tobago: Number of technical studies completed in the 5 growth poles i.e.

1.

North-Coast2.

South Western penisula, 3.

4 Cs (Carapichaima, Couva, Charlieville and Chaguanas) 4.

East POS and 5.

North East region of Tobago: Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Not applicable 2 completed Not applicable 4 completed 2 completed 2 completed Office of the President 15 5.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.

Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 4.

North-Coast- University City in St. Augustine (vii) Technical Study on Smart City for St. Augustine (viii) Mobile learning/business solutions to support Smart City.

5.
5.

North East region of Tobago- High-value tourism products & Renewable Energy (ix ) Feasibility study on medical tourism (x) Study on application of methane capture and utilisation to support industrial development with environmental sustainability.
Objective 3 : To Undertake International Benchmarking and Comparative Studies on R&D/STI, Competitiveness and Innovation 1.3.1 Undertaking country policy studies on competitiveness and innovation to improve T&T's competitive ranking: - Singapore (STI management for global competitiveness) - Costa Rica (ICT exports, national innovation system, biodiversity and sustainability development) - India (Agriculture, biotechnology and agri- technology) - Brazil (Smart City, renewable energy and 16 5.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification biotechnology) - Uruguay ( SME innovation and high-tech exports) - Ireland (FDI into non-energy sector) - New Zealand (STI governance) 1.3.1 Undertaking country policy studies on competitiveness and innovation to improve T&T's competitive ranking: Number of case studies & action plans completed to inform policy not applicable 2 (Singapore & Costa Rica) 2 (India &Brazil) 2 (New Zealand & Ireland) 2 (Uruguay & Ireland) 2 (Israel & South Africa) Office of the President - Israel (High tech start- ups/ commercialisation of innovation) - South Africa (STI management infrastructure development) Objective 4: To Develop a Strong Capability in Knowledge Management to Support T&T's Knowledge-Based Economy 1.4.1 Creation of the leading STI portal in the Caribbean 1.4.2 Development and implementation of a knowledge management ecosystem for NIHERST Number of persons visiting portal Knowledge management (KM) system developed and information shared 16,700 Not applicable 10 % increase 20 % increase Portal Created System developed 30 % increase Review and update 17 5.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities 1.

Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 2.

Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas 3.
Building Collaborative Global Relationships/Partnering Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.4.2 Development and implementation of a knowledge management ecosystem for NIHERST Increase in size of information collection 1.4.3 Implementation of the EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation Best practice and application of the EU-LAC Joint Initiative Objective 1: Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas 8000 books 240 DVDs 94 videos 25 subscriptions Not applicable 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Initiative implemented 2.1.1 Establishing a technology commercialisation fund (public-private partnerships incl.
venture capital & angel investments) Number of new starts ups funded Not applicable Guidelines for operation completed 2.1.2 Establish a contestable fund for R&D in support of 1.2.1 & 1.2.2 (public-private partnership) Number of consortia projects funded Not applicable Financing of "best bets" Financing of "best bets" Financing of "best bets" Funding Sourced & Financing of "best bets" 2 4 4 4 Objective 1: To Build International Relationships with World Class STI Institutions 3.1.1 Undertake assessments to identify institutions for collaborative partnerships - A*STAR, Singapore (R&D) - National Council for Science, Technology and Communication, India (STI) - The IdeaFactory, Singapore (Business incubation) - Institut Für Offene Kommunikation, Germany (S&T) 18 5.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 3.
Building Collaborative Global Relationships/Partnering 2 Number of STI agreements undertaken 3.1.1 Undertake assessments to identify institutions for collaborative partnerships: - North Shore City Council, NZ, (Smart City) - Curitiba, Brazil, (Smart City) - The Icehouse and New Zealand Trade Enterprise, New Zealand (Innovation Commercialisation/ SMEs) - Wuppertal Institute, Germany (Renewable Energy) - Juergen Stau, Germany (Renewable Energy) - Chocolate Research Facility , Singapore, (High value cocoa products) - Windsor- Essex County Government, Canada (Smart City) 3 4 4 International Projects Unit Sign and executing 2 agreements a year Objective 2: To Establish/Maintain Linkages with Specialized Regional and International Research, Science and Technology Institutions 3.2.1 Develop collaborative projects Number of collaborative projects finalised 2 Microsoft Innovation Centre (Software Development)launched Certificate in Foresight Studies launched with Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business GWP-C (Community based Rainwater Harvesting Project.)
CCST (Caribbean Knowledge Network) CCST (Innovation Sector Study 1.

Service sector 2.

Manufacturing ) GWP-C (2nd Community based Rainwater Harvesting Project.)

CCST (extend Caribbean Knowledge Network) CCST (Mapping Agriculture and Climate Change) International Projects Unit 19 5.

NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 4.
Position NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute Objective 1: To Position NIHERST as a World Class STI institute 4.1.1 Restructure NIHERST in line with Strategic Plan New Organisational Plan for NIHERST developed Not applicable Organisational plan completed and approved NIHERST restructured 4.1.2 Develop a plan for the consolidation of offices Plan developed Not applicable Relocation POS offices to east Trinidad completed 4.1.3 Develop a strategy to rebrand NIHERST as a world class STI institute Strategy developed and activities implemented Not applicable Strategy completed Activities implemented Activities implemented adjustments made Activities implemented adjustments made Objective 1: To Engage Citizens in the Learning of Science 5.
Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity 5.
1.1 Creation of a world class National Science Centre 5.1.2 Hands on Minds on - National Discovery Programme in STI Develop a plan for the construction of a permanent National Science Centre Staging of Sci-TechKnoFest & community science weeks (CSWs) Staging of National Science Fair with Ministry of Education 350 visitors a day – CSWs 2,500 visitors a day forSci- TechKnoFest Currently not done 20 Feasibility study completed Start of construction Sci-TechKnoFest Held 3 community science weeks held Sci- TechKnoFest Held 3 community science weeks held Sci- TechKnoFest Held Fair held Fair held Fair held Fair held National Science Centre/ Science Education Unit Office of the President/Human Resources Office of the President Human Resource Unit Newly constructed headquarters completed Activities implemented adjustments made Construction completed 5.
NIHERST Strategic Action Plan 2011-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Measure Target Accountabilities 5.1.2 Hands on Minds on - National Discovery Programme in STI Hosting of Caribbean Youth Science Forum Launch of a vacation science academy for gifted students (i.e.
with a passion for science) Baseline 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Forum hosted with 250 participants Not applicable 10% increase in participants 15% increase in participants 20% increase in participants 30% increase in participants 40% increase in participants Academy Launch with 1160 participants 10% increase in participants 20% increase in participants 30% increase in participants 5.
Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity Objective 2 : To Provide Hands-On Experience for Developing Capabilities in Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship 5.2.
Establish Junior Engineers Club (JEC) Launch of JEC Debe launch Not applicable Tobago launch Chaguanas Launch 5.2.2 Re-launch Prime Minister's Awards for Innovation & Invention and introduce new competitions in technological innovation (Robotics with Microsoft Innovation Centre ) Objective 3: To Recognise Excellence in STI Percentage of entrants in Prime Minister's Awards 180 10% increase 20% increase 30% increase 5.3.1 Administer appropriate award schemes to recognise excellence in STI Launch of a new system of STI awards 5.3.2 Recognise Teachers for excellence in the teaching of Math & Science Introduction of "Best Science & Math Teacher Awards" Review and revised icons awards Not done Launch of Awards Distribution of awards Distribution of awards Office of the President Launch of Awards 5.3.3 Document T&T's Scientific Legacy Produce publications on T&T's scientific legacy 1 biennial publication Publication issued Publication issued 21 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification Objective 1: To Provide Policy Support and Advocacy to MSTTE in Developing a National STI Policy 1.1.1 Coordinating the development of a national STI policy and strategy 1.1.2 Undertaking a study on venture capital requirements to stimulate STI development 1.1.3 Technical support to the: - National Council for Competitiveness and Innovation - Economic Development Board - National Commission for Higher Education - Transformation Unit re: National Innovation System Fees for local consultant for 10 mths.
- $200,000 Fees for international reviewer - $126,000 Venue, breaks & materials for 3 consultations - $75,000 Sub-total - $401,000 Fee for 3 mos consultancy by local expert - $157,500 Fees for 90 consulting hours by subject experts @ $6,000 per day +10% +10% -10% Sub-total - $540,000 $594,000 $653,400 $588,100 1.1.4 Policy support for National Commission for Higher Education and other relevant public bodies & institutions Fees for 50 consulting hours @ $6,000 per day +10% +10% -10% Sub-total - $300,000 $330,000 $363,000 $326,700 22 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification Objective 2: To Undertake STI Studies in Support of Economic Diversification 1.2.1 Undertaking business feasibility studies based on completed foresight sector studies in prioritised areas: 1.

High-value cocoa development 2.

Bio-active agents for new products (biotechnology) 3.

Caribbean health & wellness spa 4.


Global connectedness & competitiveness for creative industries Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 Fees for consulting business analysts @$157,500 per study x 2= $315,000 Fees for consulting business analyst for 1 study = $157,500 +10% per study x 2 studies= $346,500 +5% per study x 2= $363,825 1.2.2 Technical studies to support development of the 5 growth poles 1.
Renewable energy: i) National - Development of a renewable energy resource map ii) South Western Peninsula- Feasibility of wave energy utilisation with IMA & UTT $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $25,000 $25,000 $50,000 23 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 1.

Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 1.2.2 Technical studies to support development of the 5 growth poles 2.
4Cs- Renewable energy & agricultural development/innovation for poverty eradication and disaster preparedness: (iii) Application of renewable energy in Carapichaima- Korea village or other suitable community (iv) Revitalisation of sugar with TT/ India Chamber of Commerce) 3.East POS- Renewable energy & entrepreneurship in creative arts: (vi) Study on the application of technologies for port disaster preparedness Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 Fees for 6 consultancies of 3- 4 mths.
duration @ $500,000 per study= $3,000,000 Equipment & Supplies for implementation for 4 applied projects @ approx.

$400,000 each = $1,600,000 Fees for 3 consultancies of 3-4 mths.

duration @ $525,000 per study= $1,575,000 Fees for 3 consultancies of 3-4 mths.

duration @ $551,250 per study= $1,653,750 Fees for 3 consultancies of 3-4 mths.

duration @ $551,250 per study= $1,653,750 Equipment & Supplies for implementation for 3 applied projects @ approx.
$350,000 each = $1,050,000 Equipment & Supplies for implementation for 3 applied projects @ approx.

$500,000 each = $1,500,000 Equipment & Supplies for implementation for 3 applied projects @ approx.

$500,000 each = $1,500,000 (vi) Study on leveraging cultural capital to develop community theatre arts $115,000 $115,000 Sub-total -$4,600,000 $120,000 Sub-total -$2,625,000 Sub-total -$3,153,750 Sub-total -$3,153,750 1.
North-Coast- University City in St. Augustine (vii) Technical Study on Smart City for St. Augustine (viii) Mobile learning/business solutions to support Smart City.

24 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 1.

Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 2.
North East region of Tobago- High-value tourism products & Renewable Energy (ix ) Feasibility study on medical tourism (x) Study on application of methane capture and utilisation to support industrial development with environmental sustainability.
Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 $50,000 $50,000 Objective 3 : To Undertake International Benchmarking and Comparative Studies on R&D/STI, Competitiveness and Innovation 1.3.1 Undertaking country policy studies on competitiveness and innovation to improve T&T's competitive ranking: - Singapore (STI management for global competitiveness) - Costa Rica (ICT exports, national innovation system, biodiversity and sustainability development) - India (Agriculture, biotechnology and agri- technology) - Brazil (Smart City, renewable energy and biotechnology) - Uruguay ( SME innovation and high-tech exports) - Ireland (FDI into non-energy sector) - New Zealand (STI governance) Contract for Sr. Policy Analyst @$35,000 p.mth.
incl.

perks -$420,000 Contract for Jr. Policy Analyst $20,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $240,000 Sub-total- $660,000 Contract for Sr. Policy Analyst @$35,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks -$420,000 Contract for Jr. Policy Analyst $20,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $240,000 Sub-total- $660,000 Contract for Sr. Policy Analyst @$35,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $420,000 Contract for Jr. Policy Analyst $20,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $240,000 Sub-total- $660,000 Contract for Sr. Policy Analyst @$35,000 p.mth.

incl.
incl.

perks - $420,000 Contract for Jr. Policy Analyst $20,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $240,000 Sub-total- $660,000 25 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.
Research and Intelligence Gathering in Support of Economic Diversification 1.3.1 Undertaking country policy studies on competitiveness and innovation to improve T&T's competitive ranking: Travel for 2 officers Travel for 2 officers Travel for 2 officers Travel for 2 officers - Israel (High tech start- ups/ commercialisation of innovation) Singapore (12 dys) - $120,000 New Zealand (8dys)- $125,000 Uruguay(8dys) - $95,000 - South Africa (STI management infrastructure development) India (12 dys)- $95,000 Brazil (10dys) -$95,000 Ireland (8 dys) - $90,000 Israel (8dysl – $115,000 South Africa (10dys) - $140,000 Sub-total - $255,000 Sub-total - $215,000 Sub-total - $220,000 Sub-total - $185,000 Objective 4: To Develop a Strong Capability in Knowledge Management to Support T&T's Knowledge-Based Economy 1.4.1 Creation of the leading STI portal in the Caribbean Contract for web master @$15,000 p.mth.
incl.
perks - $180,000 +2% $192,780 +2% $196,636 2% $200,569 1.4.2 Development and implementation of a knowledge management ecosystem for NIHERST Maintenance fee Maintenance fee Maintenance Fee Fee for KM & ICT consultancy - $200,000 IT hardware & software - $150,000 Sub-total - $350,000 $15,000 $15,750 $16,540 1.4.3 Implementation of the EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation Travel to 1 meeting & 2 workshops - $65,000 Travel to 1 meeting & 2 workshops - $70,000 Travel to 1 meeting & 2 workshops - $77,000 TOTAL for Focus Area 1 3 technical studies @ 20,000 each = $60,000 Sub-total - $125,000 $7,843,500 3 technical studies @ 30,000 each = $90,000 Sub-total - $160,000 $4,989,280 $5,736,036 $5,674,484 26 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2.
Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas Objective 1: Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas 2.1.1 Establishing a technology commercialisation fund (public-private partnerships incl.

venture capital & angel investments) Seed Technology Commercialisation Fund - $1,000,000 No additional funding.

Infusion of equity and angel investment New cycle of govt seed funding $5,000,000 No additional funding.
Infusion of equity and angel investment 2.1.2 Establish a contestable fund for R&D in support of 1.2.1 & 1.2.2 (public-private partnership) Seed R&D Fund - $1,000,000 New cycle of govt seed funding $5,000,000 No additional funding.

Infusion of equity and angel investment TOTAL for Focus Area 2 $2,000,000 $0 $10,000,000 $0 3.
Building Collaborative Global Relationships/Partnering Objective 1: To Build International Relationships with World Class STI Institutions 3.1.1 Undertake assessments to identify institutions for collaborative partnerships - A*STAR, Singapore (R&D) - National Council for Science, Technology and Communication, India (STI) - The IdeaFactory, Singapore (Business incubation) - Institut Für Offene Kommunikation, Germany (S&T) As at 1.3.1 above As at 1.3.1 above As at 1.3.1 above As at 1.3.1 above 27 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 3.1.1 Undertake assessments to identify institutions for collaborative partnerships: - North Shore City Council, NZ, (Smart City) - Curitiba, Brazil, (Smart City) - The Icehouse and New Zealand Trade Enterprise, New Zealand (Innovation Commercialisation/ SMEs) - Wuppertal Institute, Germany (Renewable Energy) - Juergen Stau, Germany (Renewable Energy) - Chocolate Research Facility , Singapore, (High value cocoa products) - Windsor- Essex County Government, Canada (Smart City) Fiscal Year 2012 As at 1.3.1 above 2013 2014 2015 As at 1.3.1 above As at 1.3.1 above As at 1.3.1 above 3.
Building Collaborative Global Relationships/Partnering Objective 2: To Establish/Maintain Linkages with Specialized Regional and International Research, Science and Technology Institutions 3.2.1 Develop collaborative projects GovTT contribution to Microsoft Innovation Centre as per MOA (facilities & other operational costs) - $1,612,800 Fees for curriculum for certified in foresight studies - $30,000 GovTT contribution to Microsoft Innovation Centre as per MOA (facilities & other operational costs) - $1,612,800 GovTT contribution to Microsoft Innovation Centre as per MOA (facilities & other operational costs) - $1,612,800 GovTT contribution to Microsoft Innovation Centre as per MOA (facilities & other operational costs) - $1,612,800 Contribution to 2 other projects - $60,000 Contribution to 2 other projects - $70,000 Contribution to 2 other projects - $80,000 Sub-total - $1,642,800 Sub-total - $1,780,800 Sub-total - $1,652,800 Sub-total - $1,662,800 TOTAL for Focus Area 3 $2,962,800 $3,100,800 $2,972,800 $2,982,800 28 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 4.
Position NIHERST as a World Class STI Institute Objective 1: To Position NIHERST as a World Class STI institute 4.1.1 Restructure NIHERST in line with Strategic Plan 2013 2014 2015 +2% +2% +2% $403,920 $412,000 $420,240 Fiscal Year 2012 Contract for Marketing & Communication Mgr @$18,000 p.mth.

incl.

perks - $216,000 Contract for PR & Communication Officer @ $15,000 p.mth.

incl.
incl.

- $180,000 Sub-total - $396,000 4.1.2 Develop a plan for the consolidation of offices Joint project with science centre construction.

See 5.1.1. below See 5.1.1. below See 5.1.1. below 4.1.3 Develop a strategy to rebrand NIHERST as a world class STI institute Fee for marketing & branding consultancy -$200,000 Promotions- $300,000 Promotions - $335,000 Promotions - $340,000 TOTAL for Focus Area 4 $596,000 $703,920 $747,000 $760,240 5.
Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity Objective 1: To Engage Citizens in the Learning of Science 5.1.1 Creation of a world class National Science Centre Fee for consultancy to upgrade previous feasibility studies & technical specs for design - $600,000 25% cost of building (200,000 sq.ft.
x$650 per sqf = $$162.5M) & exhibit construction ($40.0M)+ 10% project management 50% cost of construction + project management fees $110.0M 25% cost of construction + project management fees $55.0M 29 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 5.
Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity 5.1.2 Hands on Minds on - National Discovery Programme in STI 5.1.2 Hands on Minds on - National Discovery Programme in STI Fiscal Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 fees for total est .$220M) $55.0M Promotions, transport & materials for CSWs @$250,000 each x 3= $750,000 Promotions, transport & materials for CSWs @$260,000 each x 3= $780,000 Construction of mobile RE exhibit using HRV for CSWs & Sci-TechKnoFest 2013- $850,000 Desk top exhibits for classes – 2 sets of 10 = $600,000 Promotions, transport & materials for CSWs @$260,000 each x 3= $780,000 Desk top exhibits for classes – 2 sets of 10 = $600,000 Sub-total -$1,600,000 Staging of Science festival - $4,500,000 $1,380,000 Incl.
staging science festival $6,000,000 $5,880,000 +2% $146,880 +2% $149,818 +2% $152,815 $1,200,000 $1,225,000 $1,225,000 +2% +2% +2% $677,280 $690,827 $704,645 Contract for additional Science Educator @ $12,000 p.mth.

=$144,000 Catering 7 dys - $400,000 UWI accommodation - $400,000 Honoraria, transport & promotions - $400,000 Sub-total - $1,200,000 Contract for Sr.

Innovation Educator@$18,000 p.mth.incl.

perks = $216,000 Science materials & kits $200 p.a.
x 1160 students- 30 NIHERST Financial Projections for 2012-2015 Focus Areas Strategic Initiatives 5.

Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity Fiscal Year 2012 $232,000 Sub-total- $664,000 2013 2014 2015 Objective 2 : To Provide Hands-On Experience for Developing Capabilities in Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship 5.2.
Establish Junior Engineers Club (JEC) $400,000 Promotions, materials & equipment $425,000 $450,000 5.2.2 Re-launch Prime Minister's Awards for Innovation & Invention and introduce new competitions in technological innovation (Robotics with Microsoft Innovation Centre ) $400,000 Prizes - $2,000,000 Promotions - $200,000 Promotions - $100,000 Prizes - $2,500,000 Promotions - $120,000 Publication on inventors and icons - $80,000 Promotions - $90,000 Publication on inventors and icons - $90,000 Sub-total - $210,000 Sub-total - $2,200,000 Sub-total - $180,000 Sub-total - $2,590,000 Objective 3: To Recognise Excellence in STI 5.3.1 Administer appropriate award schemes to recognise excellence in STI 5.3.2 Recognise Teachers for excellence in the teaching of Math & Science 5.3.3 Document T&T's Scientific Legacy TOTAL for Focus Area 5 TOTAL for Strategic Plan $2,200,000 $55,780,000 $110,780,000 $55,600,000 $15,602,300 $64,574,000 $130,235,836 $66,017,524 31 NIHERST Operational Financial Projections for 2011-2015 DESCRIPTION REVENUE 2011 APPROVED ESTIMATES $ 2012 2013 2014 2015 $ $ $ $ GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION 32,199,490 37,963,312 41,371,213 45,109,122 49,210,279 OTHER INCOME 1,000,000 1,100,000 1,210,000 1,331,000 1,464,100 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE 33,199,490 39,063,312 42,581,213 46,440,122 50,674,379 PERSONNEL EXPENDITURE 6,752,960 7,428,256 7,799,669 8,189,652 8,599,135 REMUNERATION TO BOARD MEMBERS 689,400 689,400 689,400 689,400 689,400 GOODS AND SERVICES 23,358,930 28,030,716 30,833,788 33,917,166 37,308,883 MINOR
 EQUIPMENT PURCHASES 692,300 1,038,450 1,194,218 1,373,350 1,579,353 CURRENT TRANSFERS AND SUBSIDIES:- PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES 1,605,900 1,766,490 1,943,139 2,137,453 23,51,198 MEDICAL HEALTH CONTRIBUTION 100,000 110,000 121,000 133,100 146,410 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 33,199,490 39,063,312 42,581,213 46,440,122 50,674,379 32 Appendix 1 List of Abbreviations BDC – Business Development Company CARIRI – Caribbean Industrial Research Institute CCI – Council for Competiveness and Innovation CCST – Caribbean Council for
 Science and Technology COC – Chamber of Commerce CONICIT - English Acroynm for The National Council for Scientific Research and Technology COSTAATT – College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago EU – European Union GEF – Global Environmental Fund GWP-C – Global Water Partnership – Caribbean ICGEB – International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology IDB – Inter-American Development Bank IMA – Institute of Marine Affairs MoA – Ministry of Agriculture MoED – Ministry of Education MoFA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs MoFin – Ministry of Finance MoPI – Ministry of Planning MSTTE – Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education MTI – Ministry of Trade and Industry NCHE – National Commission for Higher Education OAS – Organization of American States PSA – Public Service Association 33 RICYT – Inter-American Network of Science and Technology Indicators SRC- Scientific Research Council TTMA – Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturing Association UNDP – United Nations Development Programme UNECLAC – United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UTech – University of Technology UTT – The University of Trinidad and Tobago UWI- The University of the West Indies 34 21/01/2011 APPENDIX 2 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION OF GOODS, SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED AND WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND FOR THE DISPOSAL OF UNSERVICEABLE ITEMS PREAMBLE 1.
NIHERST shall invite and consider offers and tenders for the supply of articles or services or for the undertaking of works of all kinds necessary for carrying out the functions of the Institute.

A minimum of three quotations are required.

2.

3.

Contracts for such articles, works or services which exceed $10,000.00 (inclusive of VAT and all other related charges) shall be considered by the Management Tenders Committee.
Such articles, works or services valued at $10,000 or less shall be considered by Heads of Departments.

Schedule A lists the Heads of Departments who may approve the issuance of contracts for works or services valued at $10,000 or less.

The President shall establish a separate operational limit of no more than the limit established for the Management Tenders Committee for the acquisition of specified articles, works or services above the value of $10,000.
The operational limit and list of articles, works or services to which this rule applies are described in further detail in Schedule B.

4.

All officers engaged in procurement must sign the Code of Ethics detailed in Schedule C. 5.

In this document, the word “services” includes service and consultancy contracts and their renewal, but excludes personnel services such as part-time lecturers and researchers, and contracted staff.

6.
6.

Wherever dollar value limits are specified in this document, the limits are inclusive of VAT and all other related charges unless otherwise stated.

THE MANAGEMENT TENDERS COMMITTEE 7.

The President shall appoint a Management Tenders Committee, consisting of a Chairman and four (4) members of the Institute.

A Secretary to the Committee shall also be appointed by the President and shall attend meetings but shall not be a member nor be entitled to vote.
The Committee may co-opt other members if necessary to give an opinion on matters before the Committee.

The members of the Committee shall be appointed to serve for a period of one (1) year from the date of their appointment, but shall be eligible for re-appointment.

1 LEVELS OF AUTHORITY 8.


The Management Tenders Committee shall, in accordance with the levels of authority, invite and consider offers for the supply of articles or services and/or for the undertaking of works of all kinds necessary for carrying out the functions of the Institute.

The Committee shall make recommendations or decisions on the acceptance or rejection of such offers in accordance with the stipulations stated in this document.

9.
9.

In the case of articles, works or services involving expenditure in excess of $100,000.00, the Committee shall refer its recommendations to the President for the final decision.

10.

Articles, works or services costing above $450,000.00 must involve the Management Tenders Committee in making recommendations to the President.
In this case, however, it shall be the responsibility of the Board of Governors, or relevant sub-Committee of the Board where applicable, to make the final decision for awarding the tender.

11.

The Management Tenders Committee/President/Heads of Departments shall not for the purpose of giving themselves the authority to act, subdivide the quantity of goods or services or works to be undertaken in portions, which fall within their respective financial limits.

12.
12.

The Committee shall also be responsible for the disposal of unserviceable goods belonging to the Institute in accordance with procedures established for this purpose.

MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE 13.

The Committee shall meet as often as is necessary to transact its business.

Notices and agendas of meetings shall be circulated by the Secretary to members at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time fixed for such meetings.

14.
14.

If a member or any officer engaged in tendering has any personal interest, pecuniary or otherwise, in a proposed contract, he/she shall disclose his/her interest and not take part in any deliberation or decision related to the contract in question.

15.

Minutes of each meeting shall be properly prepared by the Secretary within two (2) weeks of the meeting and shall be confirmed by the Committee at the succeeding meeting and kept at the Institute’s office by the Secretary of the Committee.

16.
16.

The decisions of the Committee shall be taken at Committee meetings or, in cases where the Chairman shall so direct, by the circulation of papers among Members, the latter to be ratified at a subsequent meeting of the Committee.

17.

In the absence of the Chairman for any meeting or part thereof, the Committee may elect from among the members present a person to perform the functions of Chairman.

18.
18.

At any meeting of the Committee or for the purpose of voting on papers circulated, a quorum shall consist of three (3) members.

2 19.

Decisions shall be by majority vote of members present, with the Chairman exercising a casting vote if necessary.

Any member who dissents may request for such dissent to be recorded.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 20.


In cases of emergency where the safety of people, property, plant and equipment is in jeopardy or where the continuity of the operations of the Institute or its fiscal health demand that contract(s) be awarded with urgency, the President and/or Board of Governors may award contracts as determined to avert the danger or to bring the situation under control and minimise the loss or liability.
The Chairman of the Management Tenders Committee may also give approval to award contracts in this instance if the contract to be awarded is within the limit of the Committee.

21.

Nevertheless, the following process shall be observed: Within three (3) working days of the award of the contract, the appropriate authority must be advised of the action taken and a written report of the action taken must be submitted.
The report must include: a) A statement of the emergency circumstance that prevailed and the potential loss or liability b) c) d) The estimate of the scope and cost of the works or services The cost incurred The reasons why the particular contractor was chosen.

Further, a detailed report of the expenditure incurred must be submitted to the relevant authority within 30 days of the occurrence.

REPORTS 22.
REPORTS 22.

The Management Tenders Committee shall report to the NIHERST Board of Governors (or the relevant sub-Committee of the Board) on matters for their consideration.

23.

NIHERST shall submit monthly reports to the Ministry of Finance on all contracts awarded above the value of $5 million, together with the relevant details on the prescribed form for each contract.

Other reports shall be submitted on request from the said Ministry.

3 INVITING PROPOSALS 24.


Whenever the expenditure to be incurred for the acquisition of articles or the undertaking of works or services exceeds $10,000.00, the Committee shall invite a minimum of three (3) firms or persons as may be selected by the Committee to make offers for their supply.

In the case of articles or services involving expenditure less than TT$10,000.00, Heads of Departments can invite proposals or quotations.

25.
25.

Alternatively, the Committee may opt to place a notice in the print or other media inviting offers for the supply of the articles or the undertaking of works or services whenever the Committee deems it desirable to do so such as in the case where the Committee is unaware of the vendors who are capable of the job or in the case of expected large tender amounts.

26.
26.

Public invitations must be invited for the acquisition of articles or the undertaking of works or services of the value of $5,000,000.00 and above.

Such invitations should be duly signed by the Chairman of the Management Tenders Committee.

27.
27.

The Committee may use its discretion in inviting a sole tender in the following cases:  where the item is made by a sole manufacturer or is available from a sole distributor;  when replacement parts and accessories of equipment and machinery of a particular make or model are available from only one source;  for standardisation purposes; and  where no one else can provide the services or work to the standard and/or timeline required by NIHERST.
The reason for inviting a sole tender must be properly recorded.

28.
The notice for the supply of articles, works and/or services shall, as far as possible, contain: a) b) c) d) e) f) the exact description of the desired articles and/or a precise definition of the services required (mention should be made as to where and when additional information can be obtained); the form and manner (if any) in which offers are to be made; the date and time within which offers are to be made; the place where and the manner in which offers are to be submitted; the desired date of completion for works on services; and any other information deemed essential.
The Secretary may also fix and request a non-refundable fee for a copy of the tender document(s).

4 29.

The Committee may deem it necessary to arrange for a meeting or site visit between a NIHERST representative and the vendors invited to tender.
In such instances minutes to any such meeting must be prepared expeditiously and circulated to all invited vendors, whether or not they attended the meeting, so that information disseminated at the meeting can be considered by all vendors in the preparation of their proposals.

The minutes to the meeting shall form part of the specification for tender.

THE TENDERS 30.
THE TENDERS 30.

Offers for the supply of articles or for the undertaking of works and services shall be made in writing and must be signed by the person making the offer or, in the case of a company, partnership or firm by a person duly authorised by such company, partnership or firm.

The Institute may prepare and print such forms or documents as in its opinion are necessary and appropriate for the submission of tenders for the supply of goods or services or works to be undertaken.

31.
31.

Alterations or erasures in any offer made to the Committee must be initialled by the person making the offer or in the case of a company, partnership or firm by a person duly authorised by such company, partnership or firm.

The Committee may reject any offer that fails to comply with this rule.

32.

The Committee shall have in its possession a specially constructed box in which all offers shall be placed.
The box must be marked Tenders Box and must conform to specifications that ensure the security of the documents placed in it.

There must be two (2) independent locks, the keys of which will be held by the Secretary and a duly authorised member of the Committee.

RECIEPT OF TENDERS 33.

Any persons or company making an offer to the Committee must place the offer in an envelope addressed to the Chairman.
The envelope must be sealed and deposited into the tenders box before the closing date and time specified.

34.

Tenders which cannot be accommodated in the tenders box provided must be lodged for safekeeping with the Secretary of the Committee.
A written acknowledgement of all such Tenders will be issued by the designated official receiving same and shall include the name of the bidder, the name of the person delivering the Tender, the name of the person receiving the tender, the date and time of delivery and the signatures of both parties.

35.

Electronic bids are permissible and are not limited to vendors that are not resident in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Committee may also require that the bid be subsequently received in hard copy.
5 OPENING OF TENDERS 36.

On the day fixed for the opening of offers the Secretary and the duly authorised member of the Committee holding the key to the tender box shall unlock the box and remove the tenders.

Upon the opening of the offers, the names of the persons, companies, partnerships or firms making offers and the tendered sum(s) must be recorded on a Schedule of Tenders Received Form.

Other information that the Committee considers relevant should also be recorded.
Each offer must be signed by the two (2) persons who opened the box.

These persons must also sign the Schedule of Tenders Received Form.

The Committee shall then consider the offers received.

Each person who made an offer shall be entitled to be present either personally or through a duly authorised representative at the opening of the tender box.

37.

The Committee may require an offer to comprise a technical bid and a financial bid, to be submitted in separate sealed envelopes.
Where both technical and financial bids have been received, the financial bids must remain sealed.

The financial bids shall be opened sequentially in the order of the technical ranking until a suitable bid is obtained.

The unopened bids shall be returned to the tenderers.

In the case where both technical and financial bids are received, the tenderer shall be entitled to be present at the opening of the financial bid.

CONSIDERATION OF TENDERS 38.


Where there is no significant difference in the quality of items or in the capacity to undertake the required services between tenders, the lowest tender shall be accepted by the Committee.

39.
Where there are significant differences in the capacities of persons, companies, partnerships or firms making offers for the supply of articles or to undertake works and services for the Institute, the Committee shall take account of: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) adherence to the specifications; price quoted; evidence of previous performance; any warranty or guarantee given; technical skills and adequacy of technical and supporting staff; the adequacy of stocks or spare parts held in Trinidad and Tobago; compatibility with other goods, works, services used by the Institute; and 6 h) any other matter related to the quality or adequacy of performance of the supply of goods, works or services in selecting which offer shall be accepted by the Institute.
40.

In its consideration of any offer, the Committee may: a) b) consult with any member of staff or any person who in its discretion is considered competent; and require any person who made an offer to attend a meeting of the Committee at any time with such information as the Committee may require for the proper assessment of the offer and the tenderer's capacity to execute the same.

WITHDRAWAL OF TENDER 41.


An offer may only be withdrawn by letter to the Chairman and signed by the person making the offer or duly authorised employee of a company, partnership or firm.

ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS 42.

Where an offer has been accepted, the person, company, partnership or firm who has submitted the offer shall be notified of its acceptance by letter.

The letter and the offer shall constitute a binding agreement.
A formal agreement may also be required depending on the nature and value of the article, service or works to be provided.

43.

For contracts in excess of $1,000,000.00, the successful tenderer will be required to establish a performance bond and sign a formal agreement with the Institute.

44.
The letter of acceptance and formal agreement shall contain such terms, conditions and provisions as the Institute may determine and shall specify: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) a description of the articles to be supplied or the works and services to be undertaken; the price to be paid and any terms of payment for the supply of such articles or the undertaking of such works and services; the period within which the matters contemplated by the contract are to be performed; the correction of defects and warranties; a provision for termination on breach of contract; the resolution of disputes; and any other applicable conditions.
7 45.

The formal agreement for major contracts must be prepared in triplicate for distribution as follows: a) Original b) First Copy c) Second Copy - - - President Person/company/partnership/firm to whom the contract is awarded Management Tenders Committee file The agreement must be signed by the person duly authorised by the accepted company, partnership or firm and by the President or any officer authorised to do so on her behalf.
Once a binding contract has been established, a purchase order shall be issued to the supplier/contractor.

DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS OR UNSERVICEABLE STORES 46.

Whenever an article which is the property of NIHERST and was originally valued at more than TT$50,000.00 is determined to be unserviceable or to be surplus to the requirements of the Institute, the Committee, once informed, shall report to the Board of Governors or relevant sub-Committee of the Board to this effect.
The report shall contain a full description of the article(s), the quantity thereof, the place(s) where the article(s) are stored, and a recommendation on the method for disposal of the article(s) (e.g.

sell, donate, cannibalise or discard).

On receipt by the Board of a report, it may in its discretion bestow upon the Committee the custody and control of the surplus and unserviceable articles.
The Committee shall dispose of the articles by such methods of disposal as the Board or relevant sub-Committee of the Board may consider proper or desirable and shall report to the Board or sub-Committee of the Board the result thereof.

The Committee shall make arrangements for the deposit of the proceeds of any sale less all expenses incurred as a result thereof with the Accountant.

47.
47.

Articles originally valued at less than $50,000.00 that are determined to be unserviceable or surplus to the requirements of the Institute may be disposed of at the discretion of the Management Tenders Committee.
February 7, 2011 8 Schedule A Operational Heads of Departments Department Innovations and Inventions Unit Post Registrar Incumbent Ms Joycelyn Lee Young International Projects Unit Registrar Ms Joycelyn Lee Young General Administration Administrative Officer IV Mrs Lorraine Rollock Personnel Senior Human Resource Officer Mrs Giselle Dinzey S&T Statistical Unit Senior Statistician Mr Daniel Deen Accounts S.S.S.U.
Senior Accountant Mr Nazir Mohammed Systems Analyst II Mrs Kathy-Ann Joseph-Creese Documentation Centre Senior Librarian Ms Karen Ross NSC Administrative Officer IV Mrs Kalawati Sookhram Science Communication Unit President (in her absence Ms. Althea Maund) Mrs Maureen Manchouck (in her absence Ms Lee Young) Unless otherwise stated, in the absence of the incumbent, the President (and in her absence the Registrar) may approve expenditure for any department.
9 Operational Expenditure Schedule B Heads of Department may approve expenditure of up to $25,000.00 for the below listed items of operational expenditure without going to the Management Tenders Committee for approval.

The President, and in her absence the Registrar, may approve expenditure of up to $75,000.00 for the below listed items of operational expenditure without the expenditure formally going to the Management Tenders Committee for approval.
Items of Operational Expenditure:  Stationery and Office Supplies (paper, pens, toner, etc.)

 Materials and Supplies (lumber, paint, electrical fittings, etc.)

 Utilities (water and sewerage, electricity, telephones, cable and Internet)  Groceries and Medicine  General Insurance  Maintenance Services (air conditioning units, generators, vehicles, aquaria, waste disposal, pest control, painting, etc.)
 Short-term Rental of Equipment  Property Rental (office space, warehouse storage space, parking space rental, etc.)

 Advertising in the Local Media  Industrial Relations Services  Foreign/Local Travel services (airline, boat and train tickets, hotel accommodation)  On demand Technical and Professional Services (e.g.

field interviewers, CYSF hosts/chaperones, photographers/videographers, musicians, masters of ceremonies, counsellors, etc.)

 Fees (brokerage, legal, copyright, membership fees, etc.)
 Workshops, conferences & seminars This schedule may be amended from time to time by the NIHERST President.

___________________________ President ________________ Date 10 Sample Code of Ethics Schedule C CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE NIHERST MANAGEMENT TENDERS COMMITTEE In this Code the words “Chairman”, “Committee”, “Members” and “Secretary” all have their respective meanings in relation to NIHERST’s Management Tenders Committee.

NIHERST is referred to as “the Institute”.


PRELIMINARY Adequate and reliable supplies of goods and services are essential for the proper functioning of any organisation.

It is therefore necessary to establish procedures and protocols to ensure that these needs can be met in an equitable, transparent and efficient manner which is the reason for having tendering procedures and a code of ethics for officers who are members of the NIHERST Management Tenders Committee.
1.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS 1.1 Members are required to attend meetings of the Committee held during the normal working hours of the Institution and to make every effort to attend any special meeting of the Committee held outside of normal working hours.

1.2 A Member may be excused from attending a meeting where there is another URGENT commitment.

In that case, the Member should communicate his/her anticipated absence to the Secretary or Chairman prior to the start of the meeting.
1.3 Draft minutes of meetings and supporting documentation for agenda items will be circulated by the Secretary at least two (2) days prior to meetings.

Members are urged to read their documents carefully prior to meetings in order to be able to make meaningful contributions to discussions.

11 1.4 Members are required to hold in strict confidence all information discussed at meetings of the Committee as well as all information and documentation received by virtue of their position on the Committee.
1.5 Under no circumstances may an officer accept personal gifts, favours or rewards of any kind from suppliers/vendors or other interested persons or firms, with an interest in supplying goods and /or services to the Institution under NIHERST tendering procedures.
1.6 Where a Member has any interest, direct or indirect, pecuniary or otherwise in the award of a tender /contract, he/she must so indicate to the Committee and not take part in any deliberation or decision relating thereto or be present during discussions on the particular matter.

1.7 All requests for information outside that obtained during meetings of the Committee must be made directly to the Chairman or if the Chairman is not available to the Secretary who will inform the Chairman of the request.
2.0 BREACH OF CODE The following actions by Members will constitute a breach of the Code of Ethics: 2.1 Conduct to prejudice the outcome of the award of a tender/contract including but not limited to: a) the unauthorised release of information to persons within or outside the Institution b) the release of information to unauthorised persons and proposed tenderers c) the unauthorised use of information d) the falsification of information with a view to affect the outcome of an award e) failure to declare interest in a matter.
2.2 Acceptance of a gift, favour or other reward from persons or companies being considered for the award of a tender/contract.

2.3 Any conduct that would make a Member liable to criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by the Institution.

2.4 Neglect of duty as a Member including but not limited to failure to attend Committee meeting without valid excuse.
12 3.0 CONSEQUENCES OF A BREACH OF THE CODE OF ETHICS 3.1 Where it is established that a Member is in breach of this Code of Ethics, he/she shall be removed from the Committee without prejudice to any other action that might be taken in respect of the particular matter.

3.2 Where a Member’s conduct in breach of the Code of Ethics results in financial loss to the Institution or opens the Institution to financial liability, the Member may be required to make good such loss or liability.
4.0 APPOINTMENT, TERM OF MEMBERSHIP AND TERMINATION THEREOF 4.1 Appointment shall be at the will of the NIHERST President or by his/her duly authorised representative unless so otherwise advised.

4.2 A Member may resign from the Committee upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to the NIHERST President or Secretary.
I _________________________________________ being a Member of the NIHERST (Print full Name) Management Tenders Committee hereby agree to abide by the Code of Ethics for the Committee as set out above.
_____________________________________ ________________________ (Signature of Member) Date (yyyy/mm/dd) _____________________________________ ________________________ (Signature of Witness) Date (yyyy/mm/dd) _____________________________________ (Print Name of Witness) 13 CODE OF ETHICS FOR OFFICERS OF THE NIHERST MANAGEMENT TENDERS COMMITTEE ENGAGED IN TENDERING This document is an appendix to the NIHERST Tendering Procedure.
PRELIMINARY Adequate and reliable supplies of goods and services are essential for the proper functioning of any organization.

It is therefore necessary to establish procedures and protocols to ensure that these needs can be met an equitable transparent and efficient manner which is the reason for having tendering procedures and a code of ethics for officers engaged in tendering.
Participation by staff of an organization in Tendering is a serious responsibility and officers should recognize the confidence that is placed in them to carry out their functions with due diligence, thoroughness, fairness and integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Officers need to make a careful study of NIHERST’s Tendering Policy and Procedures.
Officers should make every effort to attend briefing meetings on matters related to Tendering and meetings of the Management Tenders Committee when requested to do so.

An officer may be excused from attending a meeting where there is another URGENT commitment.

In that case, the officer is required to communicate his/her anticipated absence to the meeting Chairman prior to the start of the meeting.
Officers are required to hold in strict confidence all information pertaining to tenders that comes to their knowledge by virtue of their post and responsibilities including information and documentation from tenderers and others and matters discussed at meetings.
Under no circumstances may an officer accept personal gifts, favours or rewards of any kind from suppliers/vendors or other interested persons or firms, with an interest in supplying goods and /or services to the Institution under NIHERST tendering procedures.

14 1.6 Where an officer has an interest, direct or indirect, pecuniary or otherwise in the award of a tender /contract, he/she must so indicate to his/her supervisor and not take part in any deliberation or decision-making relating thereto.
BREACH OF CODE The following actions by officers will constitute a breach of this Code: 2.1 2.2 2.3 conduct to prejudice the outcome of the award of a tender/contract including but not limited to the unauthorised release of information to persons within or outside the Institution, the release of information to unauthorised persons and proposed tenderers, the falsification of information, and failure to declare interest in a matter.
demand or acceptance of gifts, favours or other rewards from vendors and tenderers.

conduct that may open the officer to criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by the Institution.

2.4 neglect of duty and responsibilities as set out in 1.0 above.

CONSEQUENCES OF A BREACH OF CODE 3.1 Where it is found that an officer has acted in breach of this Code, responsibility for tenders shall be taken away from him/her.
3.2 Where an officer’s conduct results in a financial loss to the Institution or opens it to a financial liability, the officer may be made to make good such loss or liability.

______________________________________________ being an officer with I responsibility for tenders hereby agree to abide by the Code of Ethics for Officers Engaged in Tendering as set out above.
15 _____________________________________ ________________________ (Signature of Officer) Date (dd/mm/yyyy) _____________________________________ ________________________ (Signature of Witness) Date (dd/mm/yyyy) _____________________________________ (Print Name of Witness) 16 APPENDIX 3 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION(RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) ACTCHAPTER 39:58LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOAct20 of 1984Amended by188/198977 of 2000L.R.O.
Current Authorised PagesPagesAuthorised(inclusive)by L.R.O.1–17..UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education2Chap.

39:58(Research, Science and Technology)Note on Subsidiary LegislationThis Chapter contains no subsidiary legislation.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.
39:583CHAPTER 39:58NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION(RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) ACTARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONSSECTION1.Short title.2.Interpretation.PART IESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT, FUNCTIONS ANDPOWERS OF THE INSTITUTE3.Establishment and Incorporation of the Institute.4.Board of Governors.5.Appointment of the President of the Institute.6.Procedure and meetings of the Institute.7.Declaration of interest of members.8.Appointment of committees and power of the Board to delegate.9.Appointment of Registrar.10.Custody and use of Seal.11.Policy directions.12.Functions of the Institute.13.Powers of the Institute.PART IIFINANCIAL PROVISIONS14.Funds and resources of the Institute.15.Institute may build up reserves and invest surplus funds.16.Power to borrow.17.Exemption from tax.18.Application of funds.19.Accounting of the Institute.20.Institute a statutory authority.21.Minutes.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education4Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)PART IIISTAFF AND RELATED MATTERS22.Interpretation of Part III.23.Establishment of Pension Scheme.24.Transfer of officers of Government to the Institute and vice versa.25.Past service benefits.26.Death or retirement prior to establishment of pension scheme.27.Transfer on secondment.SCHEDULE.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.

39:585CHAPTER 39:58NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION(RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) ACTAn Act to provide for the establishment and administrationof the National Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology), and for mattersconnected therewith.
[1ST JANUARY 1985]1.This Act may be cited as the National Institute of HigherEducation (Research, Science and Technology) Act.2.In this Act—“appointed member” means a member appointed to the Boardunder section 4;“Board” means the Board of Governors appointed undersection 4;“Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board appointed undersection 4;“member” means an appointed member and includes a personappointed as a temporary member to fill a casual vacancyand also includes the President of the Institute;“Minister” means the Minister to whom the responsibility for thesubject of science and technology is assigned;“officer in the public service” means the holder of any office thepower of appointment to and disciplinary and general controlover which is vested in the Public Service Commission;“President” means the President of the Republic of Trinidadand Tobago;“President of the Institute” means the President of the Instituteappointed pursuant to section 5;“Registrar” means the Registrar of the Institute appointed undersection 9;20 of 1984.Commencement.175/1984.Short title.Interpretation.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education6Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)“Scheduled Institutions” means the organisations and institutionsset out in the Schedule.PART IESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT, FUNCTIONS ANDPOWERS OF THE INSTITUTE3.There is hereby established the National Institute of HigherEducation (Research, Science and Technology), hereinafter referredto as “the Institute” which is a body corporate.4.
(1)The Institute shall be managed by a Board ofGovernors comprising—(a)fourteen members appointed by the President, oneof whom shall be appointed Chairman and anotherDeputy Chairman; and(b)the President of the Institute who is ex officio amember of the Board.

(2)Appointed members shall, subject to subsection (5)hold office for a term of three years and are eligible forreappointment.
(3)Where a casual vacancy occurs on the Board by reasonof death, resignation or termination of appointment the Presidentshall appoint another person to fill the vacancy for the period ofthe unexpired term of office of the vacating member in the samemanner in which the appointments to the Board are required bythis Act to be made.

(4) The President may appoint a temporary member tothe Board where an appointed member has been granted leave ofabsence or is otherwise temporarily unable to serve on the Board.
(5)An appointed member may resign his appointmentby giving one month’s notice in writing to the President.
(6)The appointment of any person to the Board and thetermination of appointment of any person whether by death,resignation or otherwise shall be notified in the Gazette.Schedule.EstablishmentandIncorporation ofthe Institute.Board ofGovernors.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.
39:587(7)The Board may pay to its members other than thePresident of the Institute such remuneration and allowances asthe Minister may determine.5.

(1)There shall be a President of the Institute appointedby the President on the advice of the Minister.

(2)The President of the Institute shall be the ChiefExecutive Officer of the Board and shall be responsible to the Boardfor the day to day management, administration, direction andcontrol of the Institute.
(3)The President of the Institute shall be appointed fora term of five years and shall be eligible for reappointment.

(4)The President of the Institute shall be paid suchremuneration and be given such other terms and conditions ofemployment as the President acting on the advice of the Ministermay determine.

(5)The President of the Institute may resign hisappointment by giving six months’ notice in writing tothe President.
(6)The President may on the advice of the Ministerterminate the appointment of the President of the Institute—(a)by giving six months’ notice in writing; or(b)in the case of serious misconduct, without notice.

(7)The period of notice referred to in subsections (5)and (6) may, be reduced by mutual agreement between thePresident of the Institute and the Institute.
(8)The appointment and termination of appointment ofthe President of the Institute whether by death, resignation orotherwise shall be published in the Gazette.6.
(1)The Board shall meet at least once every quarter andat such other times as may be necessary to transact the business ofthe Institute.Appointment ofthe President ofthe Institute.Procedure andmeetings of theInstitute.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education8Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)(2)The Chairman or in his absence the Deputy Chairmanshall preside at all meetings of the Board, save that in the casewhere both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent, theMembers present may choose one of their number not being thePresident of the Institute to preside at that meeting.

(3)The Board may make Rules for the regulation of itsproceedings and the conduct of its business.

(4)Seven Members shall constitute a quorum.


(5)The decisions of the Board shall be by a majority ofvotes of members present and voting and in the case of an equalityof votes the Chairman of the meeting at which the vote is takenshall have a second or casting vote.
(6)The Board shall be deemed to be properly constitutedfor all purposes, notwithstanding any vacancy in its membershipor any defect in the appointment of any of its members.7.A member who is a member of a company or other bodyor is a partner or is in the employment of a person or a company orother body or is married to or who is or whose spouse is a relativeof a person who is interested in a contract or a proposed contractwith the Institute that is the subject of consideration by the Boardshall disclose the fact at the first meeting of the Board at which itis practicable for him to do so and shall take no part in theconsideration of, or vote on, any question relating to such contractor proposed contract.8.
(1)The Board may appoint such number of committeesas to the Board may seem fit and may delegate any of its functionsto such committees.

(2)Membership of a committee under this section is notlimited to members of the Board.
(3)Subject to the directions of the Board a committeemay determine its own procedure and times and places of meetings.Declaration ofinterest ofmembers.Appointment ofcommittees andpower of theBoard todelegate.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.
39:589(4)Where persons not being members are appointed tocommittees under this section, the Board with the approval of theMinister may determine the remuneration and allowances payableto such persons.

(5)The Board may reject the reports of any committeeappointed under this section or adopt it with or withoutmodifications.

(6)The Board may delegate any of its duties, functionsand powers to the President of the Institute under such terms andconditions as it may prescribe.
(7)Any delegation of the Board’s duties, functions orpowers to a committee or to the President of the Institute isrevocable by the Board at will and such delegations do not precludethe Board from itself discharging the functions delegated.9.The Board shall appoint a person to be Registrar of theInstitute and such person shall be the Secretary to the Board andto the Institute and shall have such other duties as the Boardconsiders fit.10.
(1)The Seal of the Institute shall be kept in the custodyof the Registrar.

(2)The Seal of the Institute shall only be used by authorityof the Board or a committee and every instrument to which theSeal is affixed shall be signed by a member and countersignedby the Registrar.
(3)All documents, other than those required by law to beunder Seal, and all decisions of the Board may be signified underthe hand of the Chairman, the President of the Institute, a memberduly authorised, or the Registrar.11.The Board shall consult with the Minister on matters ofpolicy and in the discharge of its functions or the exercise of itspowers the Board shall conform with any special or generaldirections of the Minister.Appointment ofRegistrar.Custody anduse of Seal.Policydirections.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education10Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)12.

(1) Subject to section 11, the functions of the Instituteare to—(a)provide and promote scientific and technologicalservices in the country;(b)promote and develop an indigenous capabilityin science and technology relevant to thedevelopmental needs of the country;(c)assist national bodies and/or organisations insecuring technology appropriate to their needs;(d)(Repealed by Act No.
77 of 2000);(e)promote and operate facilities for higher andcontinuing education and in particular to—(i)undertake, promote and facilitatescientific and technological research anddevelopment and the provision of scientificand technological services;(ii)provide, promote and facilitate theprovision of continuing educationand specialised training at thepost-secondary level;(iii)develop and collect information onscientific and technological development,to evaluate technologies used in or to beimported into the country and to facilitatethe dissemination and application ofnew technologies;(iv)assist persons and organisations insecuring access to technology appropriateto their needs;(v)designate where it considers it appropriatecertain training institutions as approvedbodies for the purpose of providingspecialised and continuing education;(f)discharge such other related functions as theMinister may assign to it from time to time; and(g)do all things necessary, incidental or ancillary tothe efficient discharge of its functions.Functions ofthe Institute.
[77 of 2000].UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.

39:5811(2) The Minister may by Order amend the Schedule.13.
(1)In the exercise of its functions and without prejudiceto the generality of section 12 the Institute may with the approvalof the Minister—(a)establish divisions or departments withinthe Institute;(b)establish on its own behalf or jointly with otherpersons approved by the Minister research centresand such other facilities as it considers necessaryfor the discharge of its functions;(c)undertake activities in the fields of research,science, technology, specialised education,continuing education and matters related theretoin association with or at the request of or as theagent for the Government or for such othernational or international body approved by theMinister and the provision of scientific andtechnological services as it may considerappropriate on such terms and conditions as maybe agreed between the Institute and theGovernment or the appropriate body as the casemay be;(d)designate certain training institutions as approvedbodies for the purpose of providing specialisedtraining and continuing education;(e)establish and administer examination councils andaward in its own right or jointly with any national,international or overseas body approved by theMinister, certificates, diplomas and otherevidence of competence;(f)charge fees for any service it provides to anyperson, receive grants, bequests, donations andgifts and be a beneficiary under covenants andestablish and administer trusts for the purpose ofdischarging the functions assigned to it;Schedule.Powers of theInstitute.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education12Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)(g)subject to subsection (2) employ such officers andemployees as it considers necessary for thedischarge of its functions at such remunerationand on such other terms and conditions ofemployment as it thinks fit;(h)give certificates of distinction to institutions orpersons making outstanding contribution in thefields in which the Institute is concerned;(i)liaise with external programmes in research,science and technology and the provision ofscientific and technological services and providerepresentation on behalf of the Government inconnection with such programmes and the bodiesby which they are administered and advise theMinister on co-operation with other countries onscientific and technological activities;(j)invite and accept the co-operation of otherpersons approved by the Minister for thepurpose of devising, funding and operatingprogrammes related to the activities of theInstitute and co-operate and liaise with anyother persons approved by the Minister involvedin similar or related activities;(k)do all things necessary, incidental or ancillaryto, or convenient for, the efficient discharge ofits functions.
(2)No officer or employee of the Institute may be paidan annual salary in excess of fifty thousand dollars, or suchgreater sum as the Minister may by Order determine, without theapproval of the Minister.PART IIFINANCIAL PROVISIONS14.The funds and resources of the Institute shall consist of—(a)such amounts as may be appropriated thereforby Parliament;Funds andresources ofthe Institute.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.
39:5813(b)special grants or funds as may from time totime be provided by Government for thefinancing of special research projects or specialtraining projects;(c)sums arising from grants, covenants, donationsand other receipts from other persons includingnational and international bodies;(d)all sums from time to time received by or fallingdue to the Institute as fees or payments forservices rendered;(e)such sums as may from time to time become dueto the Institute by reason of its provision offacilities, processes or services;(f)sums borrowed by the Institute in accordance withsection 16; and(g)all other sums or property that may in anymanner become lawfully payable to or vested inthe Institute in respect of any matters incidentalto its functions.15.The Institute may, with the approval of the Minister, buildup reserves so, however, that the limit of such reserves shall bedetermined from time to time by the Minister, and such reservesand all other funds of the Institute not immediately required to beexpended in the meeting of any obligation or the discharge of anyfunctions of the Institute may be invested from time to time insuch securities as the Board with the approval of the Ministerconsiders fit.16.
(1)The Institute may for the purpose of discharging itsfunctions borrow such sums of money not exceeding in theaggregate one hundred thousand dollars.

(2)Loans in excess of the amount specified insubsection (1) may be effected with the approval of the Minister.
(3)The Minister may by Order vary the amount specifiedin subsection (1).Institute maybuild upreserves andinvest surplusfunds.Power toborrow.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education14Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)(4)The Institute may not pledge its assets as security forany loan without the written approval of the Minister.17.The Institute is exempted from stamp duty, corporationtax, Customs duties, purchase taxes, motor vehicle taxes and allother taxes, charges, levies and imposts on its income or profit oron assets which it acquires for its own use.18.The funds of the Institute shall be applied in defraying thefollowing expenditures:(a)the remuneration, fees and allowances of themembers and of members of committeesestablished by the Board;(b)the salaries, fees, allowances, gratuities, pensionsand other payments of the officers and employeesof the Institute;(c)the capital and operating expenses, includingmaintenance and insurance, of the property ofthe Institute;(d)the making and maintenance of investments undersection 15; and(e)any other expenditure authorised by the Board inthe discharge of its duties and functions.19.
(1) The Board shall by resolution make Rules andRegulations for the proper control of the system of accountingand for the finances of the Institute.

(2)The accounts of the Institute shall be audited annuallyby the Auditor General.
(3)The President of the Institute shall, within six monthsof the end of each financial year, submit to the Board forconsideration and transmission to the Minister a report dealinggenerally with the activities of the Institute during the precedingfinancial year containing such information relating to theoperations and policies of the Institute as the Minister may fromtime to time require.Exemptionfrom tax.Applicationof funds.Accounting ofthe Institute.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.

39:5815(4)The Minister shall cause a copy of every reportsubmitted under subsection (3) to be laid before Parliament.
(5)The financial year of the Institute shall be 1st Januaryto 31st December in each year except that the first financialyear shall be from the date of incorporation to the end ofDecember, 1984.20.The Institute is a statutory authority for the purposes ofthe Guarantee of Loans (Statutory Authorities) Act.21.

(1)All decisions, orders, Rules and Regulations made bythe Board relating to the operations of the Institute shall be recordedin the Minutes of the Board.
(2)Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Boardshall be kept by the secretary and shall be confirmed by the personpresiding at the next meeting and a copy of the Minutes when soconfirmed shall be forwarded to the Minister within seven days ofsuch confirmation.PART IIISTAFF AND RELATED MATTERS22.In this Part—“the Pension Scheme” means the pension schemereferred to in section 23.23.The Institute shall within five years of its establishment,with the approval of the Minister, provide for the establishmentand maintenance of a Pension Scheme for the benefit of the officersand employees of the Institute.24.
(1)An officer in the public service may with theapproval of the Public Service Commission and with his consentbe appointed on transfer to the service of the Institute upon suchterms and conditions as may be acceptable to the officer and theInstitute, and upon such transfer such officer shall have preservedto him his superannuation or pension rights accruing at the time ofInstitute astatutoryauthority.Ch.
71:81.Minutes.Interpretationof Part III.Establishmentof PensionScheme.Transfer ofofficers ofGovernment tothe Institute andvice versa.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education16Chap.
39:58(Research, Science and Technology)Past servicebenefits.Death orretirement priorto establishmentof pensionscheme.Transfer onsecondment.such transfer but shall become a member of the Pension Schemeupon such transfer if the pension scheme has by then beenestablished or otherwise within one year of the establishment ofthe Pension Scheme.
(2)An hourly, daily or weekly rated employee of anyScheduled Institution may be transferred to the service of theInstitute upon such terms and conditions as may be acceptable tothe employee and the Institute.25.The Board may in the Pension Scheme provide that anemployee’s service with the Institute prior to the establishment ofthe Pension Scheme shall be taken into account in calculating suchemployee’s benefits under the Pension Scheme.26.Where an employee of the Institute dies or retires beforethe establishment by the Institute of the pension scheme, theInstitute shall be responsible for the payment of superannuation,pension or death benefits accruing to that employee.27.
(1)Any officer in the public service and any employee ofany public body or any private body whether such body be nationalor international may, with the approval of the Public ServiceCommission or the body and with his consent, be transferred onsecondment to the service of the Institute or from the service ofthe Institute to the Public Service or the service of such body.
(2)Where a transfer on secondment contemplated bysubsection (1) is effected the Institute shall make with theappropriate authority or body such arrangements as may benecessary to preserve the rights of the officer or employeetransferred to any pension, gratuity or other allowance for whichhe would have been eligible had he remained in the service of theGovernment or of such other body or of the Institute as the casemay be.
(3)Except where the Board may decide otherwise, aperiod of transfer on secondment shall not in any case exceedfive years.UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGONational Institute of Higher Education(Research, Science and Technology)Chap.
39:5817SCHEDULECentral Experimental Station.College of Health Sciences.Eastern Caribbean Institute for Agriculture and Forestry.School of Dental Nursing.Caribbean Industrial Research Institute.Institute of Marine Affairs.The College of Nursing.

(Sections 2and 12).
[188/1989].UNOFFICIAL VERSION UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2012MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRSwww.legalaffairs.gov.tt APPENDIX 4 List of Tender Contracts above $450,000 awarded during the period October 2013 to September 2014 Request Description Selected Vendor(s) / Amount Initially awarded ($TT) Specialist Consultancy Services - Job Evaluation & Compensation Survey HRC Associates ($1,484,556 VAT inclusive) Science City – Purchase of Equipment for Technology Lab (1) Amazon.com US$61,758.50 (approx.TT$401,430.25) 10- i Mac 21.5"- $15406.30 USD/$100140.95.09 TTD 10- Apple Mac Book Pro- $25499.90USD/ $165,749.95 TTD 10- Alienware- $18,999.90 USD/ $123,499.35TTD 10- Apple Mouse-$449.90USD $2,924.35 TTD 10- 18.4" Laptop NOtebook Carrying bag- $ 497.90 USD/$3,236.35 10- 15.6" Laptop Notebook Carrying bag- $459.50 USD/ $2,986.75 20- Kensington MicroSaver Notebook- $245.20 USD/$1,593.80TTD 20- Belkin Wall mount surge protector- $199.90 USD/$1299.35TTD (2) Dell Inc US$27,712.90 (approxTT$180,133.85) 10-Dell Precision T7610BTX Base - $25,912.90USD/$168,433.85TTD 10- Dell Monitor 23"-$1800.00USD/$11,700.00TTD Lacie.com US$5,995.00 (approx.
TT$38,967.50) 5- LaCie NAS pro- $5,995.00USD/$38,967.50TTD Total cost: US$95,466.40 ($620,531.60) Tenders Received/Requested Justification / Comment A team evaluated the proposals recieved and HRC Associates were scored the highest.
Quanlitatively, this company was selected for the following reasons: * Its approach and methodology - partnering and facilitative approach with the client; and holistic change approach including not only organization, team and job design but also values and culture, leadership, individual and team competence, and reward and recognition.
* Technical capability of the firm - the core business of the firm is that required for the scope of NIHERST's project, it has been in business since 1990 specializing in organization strategy, job evaluation and compensation, change and transformation, and also executive recruitment.

Firm has a positive relationship with several unions, and has been able to make a case to the Chief Personnel Officer on behalf of several state agencies.
* Relevant qualifications, strong competence and experience of key professional staff in the relevant areas.

Recommended supplier for the majority of items was selected based on lowest cost.

* Amazon.com was selected as the least expensive supplier for: I Mac 21.5", Apple MacBook Pro, Alienware- 18.4' Laptop, Apple USB mouse, 15.6 Inch Laptop Notebook messenger bag; Kensington Micro Saver notebook lock.
* Amazon.com was selected as the supplier for the Belkin Mini 3 AC Surge Protector and the 18.4 Insch Laptop notebook carrying bag even though newegg.com was least expensive because newegg.com also included a shipping charge on the laptop bag and only allows 5 sure protectors per customer.

* Dell was selected as the least expensive supplier for Dell Precision Base and as the only supplier for the Dell 23" Monitor.
* Lacie.com was selected as the supplier for the LaCie 5 big NAS Pro because it includes a 3 year warranty in the price.

The overall cost was $620,531.60.


1) HRC Associates - $1,484,556 VAT inclusive 2) Employers Solution Centre - $348,967.50 VAT inclusive 3) Aegis Business Solutions Limited - $864,000 VAT exclusive 4) Human Systems Limited - $864,000 VAT inclusive 1) Computer Synectics (per unit prices) - I Mac 21.5"- $16,265 TTD Apple Mac Book pro- $17,775 TTD Apple Mouse- $425 TTD 2) Memory Bank Computers Ltd.
I Mac 21.5"- $18,095 TTD Apple Mac Book pro- $$18,278 TTD Apple Mouse- $365 TTD 3) Amazon.com i Mac 21.5"- $1,540.63 USD/$10,014.09 TTD Apple Mac Book Pro- $2549.99USD/ $16,574.93 TTD Alienware- $1,899.99 USD/ $12,349.90TTD Apple Mouse-$44.90USD $2,92.43 TTD 18.4" Laptop NOtebook Carrying bag- $ 49.79 USD/$323.32TTD 15.6" Laptop Notebook Carrying bag- $45.95 USD Kensington MicroSaver Notebook- $24.52 USD/$159.38TTD Belkin Wall mount surge protector- $19.99 USD/$129.93TTD 4) Newegg.com Alienware- 18.4" Laptop- $2,109.99 USD/$13,714.93 18.4" Laptop notebook carrying bag- $43.37 USD/$281.90TTD 15.6" Laptop notebook carrying bag- $45.95 USD/$298.67 Kensington MicroSaver Notebook- $50.99 USD/$331.43 Belkin Wall mount surge protector- $19.98 USD/$129.87 5) Lacie.com LaCie NAS pro- $1,199.00USD/$7793.50TTD 6) Dell Dell Precision T7610BTX Base -$2591.29USD/$16,8433.38TTD Dell Monitor 23"-$180.00USD/$1,170.00TTD 7) Target Direct Belkin Wall mount surge protector-$20.18USD/$131.17 Kensington MicroSaver Notebook-$40.77USD/$$265.00 LaCie NAS pro -$1,149.00USD/$7468.50TTD 18.4" Laptop NOtebook Carrying bag -$44.07USD/$286.45TTD Alienware- $2,099.99/$13,649.93 8) Diamond Systems Dell Precision T7610BTX Base- $179,650.00TTD Page 1 of 2 List of Tender Contracts above $450,000 awarded during the period October 2013 to September 2014 Request Description Purchase of Vehicles for NIHERST Selected Vendor(s) / Amount Initially awarded ($TT) Massy Motors Limited Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. Massy Motors Limited for the supply of 1
 Nissan E26 Urvan High Roof Wide Body Panel Van (ERVW-1335) $180,000.00 (duty free) Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Ltd for the supply of 1 Toyota Fortuna 3.0L Diesel (KUN51R- NKPSYT) $280,372.50 (duty free) Total cost of vehicles: $460,372.50 Tenders Received/Requested Justification / Comment The vehicles were selected based on adherence to the required specifications and cost.
The overall cost was $460,372.50.

1) Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. Toyota Prado Leather (KDJ150R-GKAEY) - $425,872.50 (duty free) Hiace Low Roof Panel Van 3.0L (LH200R-SBMDE) - $213,235.00 (duty free).
1 Toyota Fortuna 3.0L Diesel (KUN51R-NKPSYT) $280,372.50 (duty free) 2) Massy Motors Limited - 1 Nissan E26 Urvan High Roof Wide Body Panel Van (ERVW-1335) $180,000.00 (duty free) 3) McEnearney Motors - did not quote since they were unable to meet the requiremenst for the Sport Utility Vehicle and their duty free prices were unavailable.
4) Southern Sales Group of Companies - did not quote Page 2 of 2 APPENDIX 6 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (RESEARCH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY) UNAUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------------------------- FIXED ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Fixed Deposit Interest Receivable VAT Receivable Debtors Prepayments Suspense Cash at Bank Cash in Hand LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued Expenses Creditors Deferred Income VAT Payable NOTES 2014 $ 3 3,795,585 2013 $ 2,548,640 2,461,279 6,622 1,341,905 310,949 2,626,376 744,789 48,191,950 10,013 ------------------ 2,450,913 10,366 1,908,804 4,393,579 2,550,359 281,630 31,198,764 7,513 ------------------ 55,693,883 42,801,928 4 3,792,578 480,447 49,043,622 353,889 ------------------ 53,670,536 5,981,456 601,389 32,982,088 245,741 ------------------ 39,810,674 NET CURRENT ASSETS 2,023,348 2,991,254 TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES FINANCED BY: Reserve Balance at Beginning of the year (Deficit)/Surplus for year Director ------------------ 5,818,933 = = = = = = = 5,539,894 279,039 ------------------ 5,818,933 = = = = = = = Director ------------------ 5,539,894 = = = = = = = 6,343,073 (803,179) ------------------ 5,539,894 = = = = = = = The accompanying notes on pages 4 to 9 form an
 integral part of these Financial Statements.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ------------------ 2014 $ 2013 $ INCOME Government Grants Interest Income Miscellaneous Receipts EXPENDITURE Personnel Expenditure Goods and Services Pension & Gratuities Health Plan Contributions Board Fees Minor Equipment Purchases Depreciation Charge: Equipment and Machinery Furniture and Fittings Motor Vehicles Exhibits 34,863,613 6,622 1,288,343 ------------------ 36,158,578 ========== 33,013,870 21,297 1,349,549 ------------------ 34,384,716 ========== 5 6,263,710 24,870,261 1,897,973 181,132 335,355 1,736,680 455,414 23,921 115,093 ------------------ 35,879,539 ========== 6,083,867 24,144,719 1,797,655 190,459 469,480 1,249,751 426,102 94,046 58,466 673,350 ------------------ 35,187,895 ========== Surplus (Deficit) for year 279,039 (803,179) The accompanying notes on pages 4 to 9 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,2014 OPERATING ACTIVITIES (Deficit)/Surplus Adjustments: Disposal of Assets Depreciation Decrease in Deferred income Sub Total Decrease in Accrued Expenses Increase in Creditors Sub Total Increase in Vat Receivable Increase in Receivables - Interest Increase in Debtors Decrease in Prepayments Decrease in Suspense Sub Total CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES INVESTING ACTIVITIES 2014 $ 2013 $ 279,039 (803,179) 818,878 16,061,534 17,159,451 (2,188,878) (120,942) (2,309,820) 675,047 3,744 4,082,630 (76,017) (463,159) 4,222,245 19,071,875 803,064 16,391,488 16,391,373 3,932,948 (520,010) 3,412,938 2,312,315 (82) 10,268 (2,236,240) (196,940) (110,679) 19,693,632 Purchase of Fixed Assets Increase in Fixed Deposit CASH PROVIDED USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (2,065,824) (10,366) (2,076,190) (1,249,751) (14,597) (1,264,348) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Loans Repayment of loans for year CASH PROVIDED USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash/Cash Equivalents Prior Year Adjustments Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of the year 0 0 0 0 0 0 16,995,684 31,206,278 18,429,284 0 12,776,994 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 48,201,962 31,206,278 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS/ REPRESENTED BY Cash at Bank Cash in Hand 48,191,950 10,012 48,201,962 31,198,764 7,514 31,206,278 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 1.
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES The National Institute of Higher Education (Research, Science and Technology) (NIHERST) is a Statutory Authority incorporated by Act of Parliament No.

20 which was assented to on June 28, 1984.

The principal objectives of the Institute are as follows: a.

To provide and promote scientific and technological services in society; b.
To promote and develop an indigenous capability in science and technology relevant to the developmenttal needs of the society; c. To assist national bodies and/or organisations in securing technology appropriate to their needs.

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are stated below: a.
Basis of Preparation These financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), and are stated in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars.

These financial statements have been prepared on a historical basis.

b.
b.

Adoption of new and revised IFRSs and (IFRICs) During the current year, the institute adopted new, amended and revised International Financial Reporting Interpretations (IFRICs) which are relevant to its operations and are effective for accounting periods commencing on or before January 1, 2013.

The adoption of these Standards did not have a material effect on the financial statements, however additional disclosures were required.
c. Property, Plant and Equipment It is the Institute's policy to account for property, plant and equipment at cost.

Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis at the rates estimated to write-off the assets over their expected useful lives.

Current rates of depreciation are: Equipment - 331/3% Furniture and Fittings - 10% Motor Vehicle - 25% Exhibits - 25% d. Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise of bank balances.
e. Investments Held-to-Maturity investments are carried amortised cost.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 f. Grants Funding Grants are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grants will be received and the Institute will comply with all attached conditions.
Grants relating to revenue are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the period necessary to match them with the expenditure for the year, which they are intended to compensate.

Grants relating to the purchase of property, plant and equipment are deferred in liabilities and are credited to the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straightline basis over the expected lives of the related assets.
g. Receivables Receivables are carried at original invoice amount less provision for impairment of these receivables.

A provision for impairment of receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Institute will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the recivables.

The amount of the provision is the difference betweeen the carrying amount and the recoverable amount.
h. Payables Payables are carried at cost which is the fair value of the consideration to be paid in the future for services rendered.

i.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.

j.

Financial Instruments Financial instruments carried on the Statement of Financial Position include cash and bank balances, receivables, investments and are stated st their approximate fair values determined in accordance with the individual policy statements associated with each item.
k. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Institute and the revenue can be reliably measured.

Revenue is recognised upon performance of services and customer acceptance.

Interest and investment income are recognised as they accrue unless collectability is in doubt.
l. Impairment of Assets Non-financial assets The Institute assess at each reporting date whetther there is an indication that an asset may be NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 impaired.

If any such indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Institute makes an estimate of the asset'srecoverable amount.
An asest recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair fair value less costs to sell and value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.

When the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value.

m. Employee Benefits The Institute's full time employees are covered by The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) Pension Plan, a Defined Benefit Plan.

The pension accounting costs for the plan is assessed using the projected unit acturial method.
Under this method the cost of providing pensions is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income so as to spread the regular cost over the service lives of the employees in accordance with the advice of the qualified actuary who carries out a full valuation on the plan every three years.
n. Provisions Provisions are recorded when the Institute has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made.

3.
FIXED ASSETS SCHEDULE 2014 Equipment COST: B/F 2014 At beginning of the year Acquisitions 2014 Disposals/Adjustments Accumulated Depreciation: B/F 2014 At beginning of the year Disposals/Adjustments 2014 Charge NET BOOK VALUE AT 2014 DECEMBER 31 NET BOOK VALUE AT 2013 DECEMBER 31 Exhibits TOTAL Motor Vehicles $ Furniture & Fittings $ 1,774,930 239,209 0 $ 12,819,480 $ 11,298,152 1,366,242 0 $ 26,533,033 2,065,824 0 ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- 28,598,857 ========== ========== =========== ========== =========== 640,471 460,373 0 12,664,394 12,819,480 1,100,844 2,014,139 0 928,521 0 23,921 10,444,669 0 455,414 23,984,394 0 818,878 ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- 24,803,272 12,146,130 0 224,450 465,074 0 115,093 10,900,083 12,370,580 580,167 952,442 1,764,311 3,795,585 ========== ========== =========== ========== =========== 1,061,697 520,677 448,900 853,483 2,548,639 ========== ========== =========== ========== =========== 673,350 846,409 175,397 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 4.
DEFERRED INCOME I) Cash Donations Balance as at January 1, 2014 Increases for the year 2014* Decreases for the year 2014** Sub-Total II) Non Cash Donations Balance as at January 1, 2014 Less Decreases for the year 2014 Increases for the year 2014* Less Depreciation for the year 2013 Sub-Total Total Deferred Income 5.
GOODS AND SERVICES Travelling Uniforms Electricity Telephone Water and Sewerage Rent/Lease-Office Accomodation Rent/Lease-Vehicles & Equipment Office Stationery and Supplies Books and Periodicals Materials and Supplies Maintenance of Vehicles Repairs and Maintainance-Equipment Contract Employment Training Official Entertainment Repairs & Maintenance-Buildings Short Term Employment Fees Official Overseas Travel Other Contracted Services Janitorial Services Security Services Postage 2014 $ 32,948,272 16,095,350 49,043,622 0 0 0 0 49,043,622 2014 $ 1,175,692 45,453 670,415 712,739 9,079 4,219,775 238,142 422,514 144,187 621,375 163,056 106,127 7,874,712 414,459 31,560 498,341 1,293,961 354,565 140,822 464,436 379,776 973,917 2013 $ 16,472,789 31,650,320 (15,174,837) 32,948,272 33,816 0 0 33,816 32,982,088 2013 $ 929,078 71,212 589,036 664,662 12,011 4,164,848 353,727 395,479 122,410 282,039 193,494 148,985 7,247,801 371,637 21,463 788,098 1,794,211 160,120 182,960 1,363,237 288,620 1,000,069 26,229 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Research, Science & Technology) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 5.
GOODS AND SERVICES Insurance Promotions,Publicity & Printing Hosting of Conferences & Seminars Employee Assistant Programme Total Goods and Services 2014 $ 378,267 1,235,391 2,260,886 38,602 24,870,261 2013 $ 285,065 954,627 1,703,818 29,783 24,146,732