Hello I think I was a little upbeat in contemplating the formation of a metric association while the Secretariat is still functioning and government is committed to the metrication process. We will have to wait for the findings and recommendations of the consultancy which is currently underway.
In the mean time, I was thinking of an association, either private or quasi government, that would operate in the interest of organizations to continue to assist with training where necessary; assist with maintaining the metric system (the Chairman's visit to Jamaica revealed that there are still substantial issues with the country's transition to the metric system after the disbanding of the Jamaica metrication secretariat); the association would continue to champion the metric cause. As kilopascal suggested - involve the entire Caribbean community. Maybe CARICOM could be approached in an effort to encourage those caribbean islands that have not metricated. There is a dire need in our country for scientific research, for emphasis on scientific innovation and development. Every year schools on the island engage in a science fair where innovative and creative ideas from students are on display and at the end of the fair all of their work and effort are put away. The association could be a means for channeling these innovative ideas to companies, for further research and possibly marketing. The precise objectives of the association would need some more thought. How would companies, students, consumers, and by extension the country and the Caribbean benefit? What would be the need of companies, or the country post metrication etc.? The idea may be vague at the moment but it is always wise to start somewhere. Thank you for your honest responses and advice. Regards Judy H. Rene Coordinator Saint Lucia Metrication Secretariat From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Martin Vlietstra Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2011 12:26 PM To: U.S. Metric Association Cc: [email protected] Subject: [USMA:51295] Re: Saint Lucia Metric Association Hi Judy, Forgive me for following on to Ezra's e-mail. I think that Ezra's question was whether you were looking to form a body that would ultimately be responsible to government (maybe at arms length) and be funded by government or are you looking to form a private association that would be self-funding and independent of government? Regards Martin Vlietsta _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: 31 October 2011 22:02 To: U.S. Metric Association Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [USMA:51294] Re: Saint Lucia Metric Association Hello, Judy! Thank you for writing and inquiring about creating the metric association. I am interested in finding out a bit more regarding the rationale and goals for such an association. Both UKMA and USMA were founded in response to the government's lack of a metrication program (in the USA) or the government's lack of will to complete metrication (in the UK). If I understand the situation in St. Lucia correctly, the government there (at least the current one) is committed to metricating the country. In that context what would the purpose be for a St. Lucia Metric Association? All the best, Ezra _____ From: "Metrication Secretariat" <[email protected]> To: "ezra steinberg" <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected], [email protected] Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 12:08:56 PM Subject: Saint Lucia Metric Association Dear Ezra We have been thinking very seriously about establishing a metric associaton in Saint Lucia and would be grateful for some guidance on how to go about it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Best regards Judy H. Rene Coordinator Saint Lucia Metrication Secretariat
