Jamaica to Host Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference

Jamaica will host the 27th annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition from October 8 to 12 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

Over 400 regional delegates and international participants are expected to attend the five-day event, which is being held under the theme: ‘Climate Resilience: Innovation and Partnership for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Development’.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on Monday, October 8.

This will be followed by a week of discussions and deliberations on a wide range of themes and topics covering water, wastewater and solid waste management.

These include: ‘Climate-Resilient Infrastructure’; ‘Water and Waste – the Energy Nexus’; ‘Planning for Climate Variability and Change’; and ‘Waste Management and Security’.

The event is being co-hosted by the Government of Jamaica, National Water Commission and CWWA.

At the launch at Jamaica House on Wednesday (August 15) Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Karl Samuda, noted the effect of climate change on the ability of water authorities to provide potable water for their citizens, with resources rapidly depleting in some cases.

In this regard, he emphasised the need for a collective regional approach to develop a policy, which ensures that all residents of Caribbean states are able to access potable water.

Mr. Samuda expressed the hope that the deliberations by conference delegates will, among other things, result in the development of an effective water-harvesting strategy.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Audrey Sewell, in her remarks read by Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Doreen Prendergast, noted the progress made by a number of Caribbean countries in providing water for their citizens.

She said that a significant number of countries have reported levels well above 90 per cent.