Connect with us

Business

Minister Bradshaw Urges Partnerships Among Water Agencies

Water and wastewater utility companies and agencies within the Caribbean have been encouraged to foster consistent cooperation amongst themselves in an effort to strengthen the regional industry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works, and Water Resources, Santia Bradshaw, made the call during the opening ceremony of the 7th Caribbean Water Conference 2023, which opened, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Speaking to over 100 delegates from Barbados, the Caribbean, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that while there was cooperation amongst local agencies within individual countries, this needed to be strengthened at the regional level.

“Even though some limitations may prevent us from always being on the cutting edge of technology, there is no excuse for us reneging on joint regional initiatives that see us pooling resources, whether human, financial, inventory, or otherwise.

“There is clear evidence of consistent cooperation between water and wastewater establishments and other agencies within individual countries. The next step should be fostering consistent cooperation within the region. We can only grow stronger together. It is essential for regional utilities and stakeholders to engage in joint discussions and planning sessions, rather than working separately with various bodies,” Ms. Bradshaw stressed.

The three-day conference, which has been organised by the Barbados Water Authority and the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA), is being held under the theme Operators: Pillars of Recovery and Resilience.

Executive Director of CAWASA, Ignatius Jean, said while water operators play a vital role in providing running water, it was unfortunate that the only time they are remembered “is when the water stops running”. Mr. Jean said the conference is an acknowledgement of the work water operators do to keep the water utilities functioning.

He noted that CAWASA, which represents 12 publicly owned Caribbean water utility companies, lives and thrives through partnership. He encouraged operators at the conference to share their experiences and to network. 

Also lauding regional water operators for their work over the past years, he praised their response to natural disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During these trying times, the water sector has played a key role, displaying resilience and sheer determination to meet the needs of the people of the Caribbean,” Mr. Jean said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Barbados Water Authority, David Wright, expressed gratitude to CAWASA for choosing Barbados for the conference. 

He pointed out that the Caribbean region has repeatedly shown that even with limited resources, once the islands and organisations partner in lending assistance in crisis or emergency situations, it can recover. 

The conference covered topics such as Bridging the Gap between Science and Wastewater Operators for Resilience Systems and The Caribbean Water Sector in a Post-Pandemic Climate. 

It ran from Wednesday, June 28, to Friday, June 30, and included an Operators Competition at the Golden Ridge Station. The contests that will took place were Pipe Laying and Joining, Service Connections, and the Installation of Valves. (PR/GIS)

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (LPECCUL) marked an impressive milestone on Saturday night, hosting a memorable 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Accra Hotel. The evening was a celebration of history, resilience, and growth, honouring LPECCUL’s four decades of commitment to financial empowerment and community service in Barbados.

Guests arriving at the gala were greeted with the warm sounds of steelpan music by Ms. Allana Goodridge, a graduate and former junior member of the credit union, who set an elegant tone for the evening. The festivities were expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Paula Palmer, who delighted the crowd with a mix of exciting prizes and giveaways sponsored by Stade’s Distillery Visitor Centre.

A highlight of the evening was the special achievement award presentation by Mr. Anton Lovell, CEO of Co-Operators General Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Lovell recognised LPECCUL for its outstanding success and commended the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, underscoring the strength of their collaboration.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, delivered a compelling speech on the origins of the credit union. He shared insights into its formation, early challenges, and eventual growth, citing the various business ventures and investments made over the years. Lt. Col. Browne emphasized the importance of credit unions in Barbados expanding their focus to attract and support younger members, highlighting the value of investing in youth-led businesses as a way forward.

Closing the event, LPECCUL President Sheena Edwards delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. She expressed deep appreciation to the evening’s special guests, including representatives from credit unions across Barbados, eight of LPECCUL’s original 40 founding members: Anthony Seale, Charles Holder, Donald Hoyte, Oliver Jones, Ian Bridgeman, Julie Alleyne, Keith Burnett and Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, and former company manager Curtis Smith. She also extended her gratitude to the dedicated LPECCUL staff, The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental to the credit union’s enduringsuccess.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a celebration not only of LPECCUL’s history but also of its ongoing mission to inspire financial independence and support the community. As LPECCUL continues to innovate and expand its services, the credit union remains committed to fostering financial success for all members.(PR)

Continue Reading

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024, for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). 

The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme: “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.”

“We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change, to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank, Novaline Brewster, said.

“Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development.

Ms. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference’s theme.

“In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled: “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors,” she revealed.

Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. 

Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados’ Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, is the current Chair of the committee. (PR/GIS)

Continue Reading

Business

Barbados to Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024 for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.” “We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference theme. “In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors.” Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge is the current Chair of the committee.

Continue Reading

Trending

© 2022 Advomag. All rights reserved.