CIBS CONCEPT STATEMENT
Scope of Research:
CIBS seeks to interrogate the current issues facing the global communities and in particular the CARICOM states, states of the Guiana Shield and Amazon region with a particular emphasis on contested borders. border security, energy and food security, cross-border migration, trade and economic activities, the environment and climate change, as well as socio-cultural issues. The research conducted by CIBS aims to yield actionable recommendations and options and address the critical issues facing the states of the regional and the international community at large.
Mission and Strategic Goals:
The mission of CIBS is to serve both the regional and global community through the generation of knowledge. Its strategic goal is to provide evidence-based, data-driven reports and findings, offering innovative recommendations and options to stakeholders. To achieve this, CIBS is dedicated to building strategic alliances with similar institutions, fostering cross-border networks, and promoting collaborative research endeavors. In addition, CIBS aspires to stimulate public discourse and debate, fostering an informed citizenry. Simultaneously, the Center seeks to facilitate the emergence of new voices in policy discourse, thereby enriching the regional and global policy landscape.
CIBS aims to cultivate a community of scholars and researchers who are committed to reasoned argument and discourse, the dissemination of novel ideas, and the provision of sound solutions to regional and international issues.
Mission and Strategic Goals:
The mission of CIBS is to serve both the regional and global community through the generation of knowledge. Its strategic goal is to provide evidence-based, data-driven reports and findings, offering innovative recommendations and options to stakeholders. To achieve this, CIBS is dedicated to building strategic alliances with similar institutions, fostering cross-border networks, and promoting collaborative research endeavors. In addition, CIBS aspires to stimulate public discourse and debate, fostering an informed citizenry. Simultaneously, the Center seeks to facilitate the emergence of new voices in policy discourse, thereby enriching the regional and global policy landscape.
CIBS aims to cultivate a community of scholars and researchers who are committed to reasoned argument and discourse, the dissemination of novel ideas, and the provision of sound solutions to regional and international issues.
The major objectives of CIBS
are the production and dissemination of evidence-based research, consulting, and the provision of training and mentorship opportunities, especially for young researchers and practitioners.
Research Approach:
Research Approach: CIBS is committed to conducting rigorous, high-quality independent research with the goal of providing innovative, data-driven, and practical recommendations. The research activities will be supported by a dedicated team of academics, practitioners and professionals from the Caribbean and global community, contributing to a dynamic pool of researchers. This team will undertake endeavors such as policy briefs, research consultancies, workshops, country assessments, and in-depth analysis, further enriching the body of knowledge and informing evidence-based policy decisions.
Resource Mobilization:
Resource Mobilization: To sustain its research and training initiatives, CIBS will undertake a strategic approach to resource mobilization. In the initial phase, the Center will identify a core set of research issues and approach funding agencies and organizations, as well as the private donor community, for support for these projects. This approach will enable CIBS to initiate its research activities, build a robust foundation, and position itself as a valuable resource for addressing complex global and regional challenges. In order to establish a sustainable funding base, CIBS will also approach agencies which support its strategic vision in an effort to build a robust and legitimate space in the research arena.
The establishment of the Centre for International and Border Studies (CIBS), legally registered and with headquarters in Georgetown Guyana, represents a significant step towards addressing the critical need for independent research and knowledge generation in the Caribbean region. CIBS aspires to become a cornerstone of informed policymaking, a catalyst for robust public discourse, and a hub for collaboration among experienced scholars, young academics, practitioners, professionals and researchers, and institutions committed to fostering sustainable development and addressing regional and global challenges.
Organizational Structure:
CIBS comprises a group of Fellows, with an Advisory Board (comprising of three experienced practitioners and researchers along with the Director.
In order to support academic and professional development, there is also a category of Associates, especially young scholars and practitioners who will be mentored and coached by experienced professionals and professionals and will participate in research activities of the Centre.
In order to fulfill the CIBS mission, the Advisory Board will provide guidance on the long-term vision and strategic plans, support the delivery of high-quality research, and advise on the technical and financial sustainability of the institution. The Advisory Board members will be selected based on their strong professional reputation for integrity and experience and the capacity to promote and nurture innovation and the production of high-impact knowledge.
The Director of CIBS will have responsibility for its overall administrative management and will coordinate the research activities, maintain communication with all stakeholders including Advisory Board members, Fellows, Associates, and the donor community and building partnerships and networks. The Director is also expected to provide strategic direction and oversee finances and monitoring of the projects.
Fellows will, in the first instance, be appointed by invitation and thereafter, as the institution develops, additional Fellows will be engaged. They will form research clusters and facilitate the production of research proposals for submission to potential funders, facilitated by CIBS. The cluster team members will undertake the research projects and CIBS will be responsible for the final submission and dissemination of the research findings.
Logistical Arrangements:
The initial operations of the CIBS will be carried out, utilizing electronic platforms, and where feasible, cluster research teams will be assembled for specific research projects. It is also envisaged that, in the medium term, physical space will be acquired in Guyana, in the Essequibo region, which can serve as a physical hub for CIBS’ activities.
CIBS will also establish a website immediately and will post publications on completion, as well as existing publications authored by the Fellows, subject to their approval.
A bank account has been established at Citizens Bank, 231 Camp Street and South Road, Georgetown, Guyana (Tel # 592-226-1705). Savings Account # 219562480
CIBS was formally launched on Monday 13 May 2024 at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown Guyana. The feature presentation at the event was made by Mr. Carl Greenidge, Guyana Government Advisor on Borders.
CIBS can be reached by phone at 592-668-6653 or by email at CIBSgy@gmail.com