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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Remarks
by
Hon. Philip E. Davis, M.P.
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Works & Urban Development
on the Occasion of the
Caribbean Water & Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference Awards Banquet
Thursday, 9th October 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Atlantis Resort
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Salutations
Ministers of Water from around the Caribbean
Mr. Lester Cox, Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation of The Bahamas
Mr. Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Urban Development
Executives and Staff of the Water & Sewerage Corporation
Delegates
Invited Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good Evening
We have progressed very quickly through the week thus far to arrive at the penultimate day of this very important Conference. Having completed the Plenary and Technical Sessions, I trust that all of us have taken advantage of the many opportunities to meet and dialogue with colleagues from different parts of the Caribbean. Though your origins are diverse, you share similar responsibilities and challenges; and as professionals in industries that are vitally important to our small nations, you need to be able to provide your Governments with strategies and solutions to improve living standards and the quality of life for all.
Notwithstanding the repetition, that the challenges posed by water scarcity, pollution, and climate change cannot be overstated. As Small Island Developing States, interesting new sources of energy, extended beyond solar and wind energies to include tidal energy and sewer bio-gas, should be explored as they may one day prove to be cheap and easily managed sources of green energy.
Accordingly, those of us who are presently involved in the High Level Sessions must develop strategies and long-term solutions to address water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. All of us have roles to play in national development and the co-dependent regional development. CWWA is that organism that has a key role as conduit.
I am certain that we agree the magnificence of the Exhibition laid out for us. I trust that this method of information sharing has secured a boost in clientele and enlarged networks for the various vendors and companies that they represent. These Conferences serve an important purpose, and we must all take full advantage of the opportunities provided.
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my esteemed honour to welcome and recognise our participants. With a rousing round of applause, as they stand, help me to recognise:
· Ministers attending the High level Forum
· CWWA Officials and Delegates
· Conference sponsors and those who contributed in any way
I also take great pleasure in acknowledging those that organised this Conference and worked so hard to make it a resounding success. Please stand and be recognised.
And, last but not least, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the contributions made by those receiving rewards tonight.
Tomorrow the High Level Session continues. It is vital to note that this last phase defines the way forward for the Water and Sanitation Sectors. We must end it strong and decisively, so that when we reflect on our conclusions, the details which undergird the vision and mission make us all very proud.
Thank you all.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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