JAMAICA: Minister highlights importance of water in region

#Montego Bay, October 12, 2018 – Jamaica – Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Water, Housing and Infrastructure, Hon. Karl Samuda, says water plays a pivotal role in the development of the region’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) 27th Annual Conference press briefing, which was held at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in St. James on Wednesday (October 10), the Minister said that water used in agricultural activities across the Caribbean will assist in strategic economic growth and job creation.

“We want to emphasize the significant role that water plays in the development of our agricultural sector.  With proper use, it will enable us to engage in smart agricultural strategies that utilize small amounts of water for maximum output.  That way, we can grow our respective economies and create more job opportunities for everyone involved,”   the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuda said the CWWA conference was successful in assisting with the establishment of regional strategic action plans for governance and building climate resilience in the Caribbean, through deliberations with other Water Ministers in the region.

“Several very important decisions and recommendations were also made,” the Minister informed the journalists.

The CWWA Conference, which explored climate resilience, innovation and partnership for sustainable water, ends on Friday (October 12).

Release: JIS

Contact: Serena Grant

Photo Caption: Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Water, Housing and Infrastructure, Hon. Karl Samuda (second right), addresses journalists at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) 27th Annual Conference press briefing, which was held at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in St. James on Wednesday (October 10).  With the Minister are (from left) Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank in Trinidad and Tobago, Evan Cayetano;  Division Chief, Economic Infrastructure Division at the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbados, L. O’Reilly Lewis; and  Executive Chairman at the Water and Sewerage Corporation in The Bahamas, Adrian Gibson.

Photo Credit: Serena Grant