The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Works joined the Bahamas Contractors Association in welcoming regional contractors to the Caribbean members conference October 18 at the British Colonial Hilton.
Renward Wells, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development, told the contractors that the conference theme, ‘Strengthening and Building Regional Ties’ is most intriguing because the region is vast, beautiful and filled with many paradoxes.
“Our region captivates the minds and imagination of the entire globe and there is no place on earth filled with so much beauty,” said Mr. Wells. “Yet we know that we have not come close to capitalising on our full potential.”
He said the islands are similar in geography and culture, yet each is distinct and has its own unique identity. And he emphasised that despite the many similarities, they are at the same time very diverse.
“One thing we are all quite aware of, is that we are all on a constant quest for excellence. And when excellence is realised among us, we have the power to change the world,” he said.
Mr. Wells pointed out that the Caribbean region produced world class talent in the likes of Sir Sidney Poitier, Derek Wolcott, Usain Bolt, and Bob Marley. He said the same sense of revolution in the sports and entertainment world can be best applied where it is needed the most, where it can benefit the built environment to be improved and mastered.
“We indeed can be extremely revolutionary. It is up to us now to bring the same level of revolution to our construction and engineering sectors. We must find ways to pool our resources, to sharpen our skills and our contacts. This will result in larger projects that are controlled by Caribbean contractors within and outside our own home countries,” said Mr. Wells.
He said there is opportunity for Caribbean contractors to become world leaders, because they have the talent. How it will happen, he said, is up for discussion.
“It simply calls more for cooperation and a greater pool of resources. And Let me say, it is so important for this group of individuals and contractors to help address one of the major issues that we face on the globe today. And, that is one of energy security.”
Mr Wells explained that engineers and architects can design and add geothermal air conditioning systems, solar water heaters, permanent magnet motors,variable frequency drives on motors and can look at the size of electrical lines, and then design electrical efficiency. They can also design piping and plumbing to complement the electrical design for sustainable efficiency.
“There are many things we can do to be able to help address the most pressing issue, I believe is important to the economy of The Bahamas, and indeed to many of the economies in the region. That is energy security and the price we pay for fuel and electricity and others,” said Mr. Wells.
Mr. Wells said engineers and architects can design with open designs and take the abstract designs they have in their imagination and put it on a blueprint. He commended architects for having the skills to make abstract concepts a concrete reality for civic society. He said he believes that the regulation of this industry is important to that effort going forward.
Being a mechanical engineer as well, Mr. Wells said he appreciates discussions about the built environment and how it can be improved to accommodate the unexpected challenges of urbanisation.
By Gena Gibbs
Bahamas Informations Services
