Contractors, suppliers attending CWWA urged to raise standard of products and services
DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, August 17, 2017
During a briefing held on Wednesday August 16, at the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWIs) boardroom, contractors and suppliers who will attend the 26th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conference and exhibition, were urged by GWI to raise the profile of their products, services and support as it relates to the Tourism industry.
Guyana Water Incorporated Managing Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles.
The CWWA conference slated to be held at Guyana Marriott International Hotel between October 16 and 20,2017 under the theme, “Promoting Innovation and Creativity in Water, Wastewater and Waste Management.” It will bring together over 400 participants from the Caribbean, Latin America, North America and Europe. The conference will focus on water resource, quality, supply, management and wastewater management.
CWWA Executive Director and Co-Conference Chair, Patricia Aquing said that the event will include not only discussion of issues, but also organisation of technical and cultural events and tours to scenic landmarks in Guyana.
She noted that these activities will boost the tourism sector since, “we consider this conference as contributing to that drive since the country is promoting itself as a tourism destination.”
In brief remarks, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams urged the contractors and
Minister within Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams.
suppliers whilst attending the conference, to network with each other and exchange information and experiences.
“We recognise that you are very important in promoting and executing the plans that we (government) have for the water sector for Guyana…. the government expects you to do a job that is satisfactory not only for Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) but for the citizens of Guyana,” she said.
Minister Hastings-Williams underscored that this conference is crucial for the proper managing of water and for the benefit of the people. “We have found that while visiting the numerous villages, water is being wasted…and we take this for granted not knowing that we are wasting a natural resource.”
She noted that hosting this conference will be significant for Guyana and its people as it will emphasise topics encompassing the water sector that are also in keeping with the government’s ‘Green Economy’ agenda.
Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Executive Director and Co-Conference Chair Patricia Aquing.
GWI’s Managing Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said the event is important as it relates to sustainable development for Guyana and the Caribbean. “We have many challenges like non-revenue water as a developing country and the importance of knowledge in getting us where we have to go, along with the importance of research is critical for the country’s development hence our (GWI) agreement to host this conference,” he explained.
He disclosed that GWI is currently conducting a customer satisfaction survey that aims to provide the agency with information how to better to serve their customers. This will be prepared and form part of its presentation at the conference.
Dr. Van West-Charles reiterated that the event is an opportunity for the contractors and suppliers. “Without the participation of the contractors and suppliers in our daily work, many of our challenges, we cannot overcome but they have considerable capability which they can share with the rest of the Caribbean and other participants in terms of marketing of the products and what Guyana has to offer among many areas,” he said.
The event will be divided into two ministerial sessions, one for ministers with responsibility for water and those
A section of the contractors and suppliers attending the briefing.
responsible for waste management. This will see a number of experts, professionals and researchers presenting their research findings and technical papers on the various subjects including climate change, drought management, integrated water resources management, and non-chemical water treatment.
Participants include experts, researchers, professionals, students, the media, private companies, development partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), United Nations Environment (UNEP), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDA), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), CARICOM, among others.
Last year’s conference held in Trinidad and Tobago saw Guyana being awarded first prize for the best tasting water.