Sustainable Business Magazine - Issue 106

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SUSTAINABLE ISSUE 06/19

B U S I N E S S

M A G A Z I N E

SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (SRDC)

HYDRO-QUEBEC

SKELEC GHANA

TRAVEL GUIDE

FLOW CAYMAN BAHAMAS TRAVEL GUIDE ALSO FEATURED THIS ISSUE CARILEC • SITEMASTERS

S U S TA I N I N G T O M O R R O W. T O D AY

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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2 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SUSTAINABLE

B U S I N E S S

M A G A Z I N E

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE United Kingdom • T: +44 (0) 1603 299 124 Email: info@sustainablebusinessmagazine.net www.sustainablebusinessmagazine.net

Editor:

George Newell

Assistant Editor:

Daniel Baksi

Profile Writers:

Elizabeth Cope Isobel Moss

Welcome to the latest edition of Sustainable Business Magazine.

September is upon us, and still the pandemic dominates our thoughts. The picture across the globe remains uncertain, a combination of domestic restrictions and an uneven vaccine rollout adding complexity with each passing day. In the US, there is a growing cause for concern, as industries from healthcare to shipping grapple with staff shortages. A similar situation presents itself across the Atlantic, where authorities in the UK are tackling a burgeoning fuel crisis. Further afield, the arrival of the Delta variant is posing new challenges in Australia, hitherto a stronghold in the fight against COVID-19.

In many ways, these events are continuation of trends that started in 2019, when the pandemic brought life as we knew it to a standstill. But there are exceptions to this rule, and developments over recent months have shined an important light on the need for continued vigilance with regards to other matters, not least those concerning the environment. In late August, Hurricane Ida made landfall on the United States, and with it brought floodwaters that claimed numerous lives across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Maryland. In September, eruptions on La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja ridge have precipitated mass evacuations, with toxic gas clouds potentially set to follow. These crises are natural, others are of our own making. Haiti has been struck with political turmoil once again: thousands travelling north to the US border, as they look to escape poverty and conflict. Nor can we forget the events unfolding within Afghanistan, the consequences of which are yet untold.

Each month, Sustainable Business Magazine is published in the small hope that by championing new ideas and thought leadership across sustainability, that we might help in some way to alleviate such struggles – if not now, then in the future. Our sixth issue of the year features as its headline piece an interview with Hydro-Québec, commemorating the 50-year anniversary of its pioneering La Grande complex. We reflect on that project, and on Hydro-Québec’s work since then to embrace sustainability and engage with local Cree communities. Moving south, our interview with Rob Mayo-Smith, Country Manager at Flow Cayman Islands, discusses Flow’s work to improve connectivity across the islands, and efforts to give back to Cayman communities. Likewise, our piece on the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) continues our series with CARILEC, before we talk to Wilfred de Gannes, Chairman and CEO of Trinidad and Tobago’s Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company (SRDC). To round out the issue, we’re excited to present two sustainable travel guides: Ghana, and the Bahamas. Together, they present all that the countries have to offer in terms of green, sustainability-minded tourism, as the industry looks to recover from what has been a devastating last eighteen months.

We hope you find this issue interesting and inspiring. The Sustainable Business Magazine Team

Projects Manager:

Helen Stoneley

Sales Director:

Jake Curtis

Sales Executive:

Shaun Peacock

Sales Executive:

Owen Curtis

Web Administrator:

Ashley Hewitt

CONTENTS 04

Interview - Hydro-Québec

10

Travel Guide - Ghana

24

Interview - FLOW Cayman

28

Foreword - Carilec

30

Interview - SKELEC

34

Travel Guide - The Bahamas

48

Interview - Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company (SRDC)

56

Interview - Sitemasters

60

Advertisers Index

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SUSTAINABLE ISSUE 06.21 06/19

B U S I N E S S

M A G A Z I N E

SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (SRDC)

HYDRO-QUEBEC

SKELEC

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE FLOW CAYMAN BAHAMAS TRAVEL GUIDE ALSO FEATURED THIS ISSUE CARILEC • SITEMASTERS

S U S TA I N I N G T O M O R R O W. T O D AY

FRONT COVER HYDRO-QUÉBEC

Sustainable Business Magazine is committed to promoting sustainable printing.

This magazine is printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified material and manufactured using environmentally sustainable procedures.

All lithographic printer inks used are vegetable-based.

sustainablebusinessmagazine.net

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: HYDRO-QUÉBEC

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE – LESSONS LEARNED FROM A HYDROPOWER GIANT Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Hydro-Québec about the pioneering La Grande River complex, the importance of reflection, and the company’s vision for its hydropower system to become a natural battery in the American northeast.

By Daniel Baksi The story of Hydro-Québec begins more than seventy years ago. The early decades of the 20th Century in Québec had seen the development of an efficient and expensive electricity sector, dominated by the interests of a select group of privately-owned utilities. Recognizing this, 4 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

demand for a public hydroelectric utility in Québec began to grow. It was in 1944 that the Government of Québec took the decision to nationalize power production within the state, leading to the establishment of Hydro-Québec as a public utility, responsible for the generation, transmis-

sion, and distribution of electricity in the Canadian province.

Fast-forward to 2021, and Hydro-Québec is the fourth largest hydropower producer in the world. From its base in Montreal, the company operates a total of 61 hydroelectric power plants across both annual and multi-annual operation, both servicing the power needs within Québec, and exporting hydro-power to neighboring Ontario, the Maritimes, and across the border into the United States. To do so, the company is equipped with one of North America’s largest transmission systems, boasting a total of more than 34,000 kilometers of high voltage lines.

With size comes responsibility. As a producer of clean and renewable energy, Hydro-Québec is acutely aware of the role it plays within a global fight against climate change. “We’ve enjoyed a long history of environmentalism,” explains Sandie Poliquin, Senior Environmental

Advisor at Hydro-Québec. “The environmental department dates as far back as the 1970s, introducing environmental policies and good practices early on. It was in 1989 that we then officially adopted sustainable development into our company principles. That’s an important foundation: more than three decades on, there’s much we’ve learned, and we continue to learn each day. We’re proud that our sustainability efforts have been recognized by Corporate Knights Magazine, and to be the recipient of an Eco Vadis gold medal, with a sustainable approach that remains thoroughly integrated across our practices and our values.”

LA GRANDE This year, Hydro-Québec is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of its pioneering La Grande complex. One of the largest hydroelectric developments in the world, the project is comprised of eight separate hydroelectric generating stations, and a total installed generating capacity of more than 16,020 megawatts. “This year provides an excellent opportunity to assess how far we’ve come in our approach to sustainability over recent decades,” explains Ms. Poliquin. “In its initial stages in the 1970s, La Grande was envisaged as the project of the century. As a company, however, we had little knowledge of the Northern Québec region that was to provide the project’s location.

In the early 70s, there were no recognized impact assessment protocols, and no existing environmental regulation and legal requirements. Mappings were scarce, as SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: HYDRO-QUÉBEC

was general and scientific data on the environment, and we had to find novel ways of forecasting the environmental impacts of the project.”

To govern its approach, Hydro-Québec assembled a team of high-level specialists from around the world, including biologists and archaeologists with northern environment experience, to elaborate environmental protocols and begin what turned out to be a 30 years-long study of Québec’s northern region. “All the information and data we collected would be shared with the different specialists involved to create what we refer to as a ‘monitoring network’, providing us with long-term data,” explains Ms. Poliquin.

“This was a feat that had never before been achieved: to build generating stations and reservoirs, and then to measure real-time changes. Even today, what we achieved on La Grande remains impressive.”

In the years since La Grande, several follow-up programs continue to improve techniques in measuring impacts and forecasting capabilities. “Perhaps no lesson to come out of La Grande was more important than our understanding of the need to engage local communities in the process of decision making,” says Ms. Poliquin.

“Science tells us what to measure and what to mitigate. Through the years the value of pre-concerns of our host communities have become fundamental to our work – and sustainability commands us to address each set of issues. In La Grande, the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement of 1975 put in place tables with the Cree communities as a form of initial engagement. But it was new to all parties, and overall, Hydro-Québec took an approach of information dissemination as opposed to community discussion.

As a form of community engagement, there was considerable work yet to be done.”

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP Despite the challenges of La Grande, Hydro-Québec has taken the time to reflect on its experience, with the aim of transposing improved best-practice on 6 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

projects that were to follow, an approach that has proved fruitful for the latest stage of La Grande, known as the Eastmain-1-A/ Sarcelle/Rupert Complex (EM1ASR). We understand the value of listening to communities” says Ms. Poliquin. “We also know that sustainability isn’t static. As a concept, it must evolve, because environmental issues change. Notions such as biodiversity and climate change, which are today top-ofthe-agenda, weren’t being discussed three or four decades ago, and it’s key therefore that we’re able to integrate these concepts across our operations. As the third phase of La Grande, EM1ASR is a whole different ballgame. At the start of 2002, we signed important agreements with the Cree Nation, with the aim of establishing a mutual beneficial economic relationship, and an important pillar for all our work since. But it was even prior to that, during the planning phase of the project, that our work really began – in our meetings with the Cree communities, and in the public information sessions with tally men and their families.”

Much of the change in approach owes itself to improvements in meaningful partnership and added consultation structures and strategies. “In the EM1ASR, the emergence of radio shows and the internet have brought a completely new dimension in our capabilities to reach out to the Cree communities,” explains Ms. Poliquin. “We were more present very early in the project

“THANKS TO THE STRUCTURES WE HAVE IN PLACE, THE CREES ARE NOW ABLE TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF TRADITIONAL AREAS, AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ESSENTIAL DISCUSSIONS.”

– whether that’s through radio show call-ins, public sessions, official committees, or by placing Hydro-Québec representatives directly into the Cree communities at certain important gatherings to address their worries and concerns. It’s a new attitude, and one reflected in the company itself. Now, not only are we a team of 150 environmental advisors from a breadth of fields – biologists, anthropologists, sociologists, archeologists, geographers, and more – but we’re also 75 Community Relations Advisors, dedicated to improving our engagement across the province.”

For Hydro-Québec, the result of these efforts has been the establishment of a two-way channel of communication which gave way to a more robust sustainable approach. “With Eastmain 1A, it’s no longer about information dissemination,” says Ms. Poliquin. “Thanks to the structures we have in place, the Crees are now able to share their knowledge of traditional areas, and to participate in essential discussions. We saw this in our Lake Cisco study. The Cisco fish is an important food source for the community of Waskaganish, as well as a vital cultural touchstone, with the traditional technique

of catching the fish by scooping having been passed down through generations.

Through our workshops with the Crees, they shared knowledge on spawning sites, migration patterns, and general information on the species. This forged better study protocols and allowed to add value to findings. We saw the same partnership in our fieldwork, with Cree technicians operating boats, helping with the gear, and collecting and compiling data. By involving the Crees in the studies, it helps both parties to better-understand environmental and social objectives, and assists us when it comes to SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: HYDRO-QUÉBEC

“IT’S THE MAGNITUDE OF OUR STORAGE CAPACITY WHICH UNDERLINES THE VISION OF THE NATURAL BATTERY. WE BELIEVE THAT, OUR RESERVOIRS CAN PROVIDE A CLEAN, RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ALWAYSON OR COMPLIMENTARY SOURCE OF ENERGY. OUR SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THIS VISION.” communicating results at the community level. The examples were multiple in all studies, and the gains were enormous.”

SCIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY Research is an important component of Hydro-Québec’s work. “We partner with universities on a range of environmental issues, from greenhouse gas emissions, to reservoirs, and mercury studies,” says Ms. Poliquin. “We’re always looking to enhance our contribution, and to that end, we often look to experiment new and upcoming technologies. We achieved this in Eastmain 1A, partnering with a university from Québec to conduct an environmental DNA 8 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

study, and demonstrating the promise of a water sample as a means to assess biodiversity in water bodies. Similarly, our work with environmental consultants takes us right to the cutting edge, whether we’re exploring technologies for ice cover or for salt water intrusion. In doing so, we’re able to move research forward, but we’re also able to advance our own techniques, and to positively impact our environmental assessments.”

Providing access to this research is another key ambition for the company. “With our installations in very distant areas of Québec, we’re very conscious of the unique body of knowledge that we’re acquiring,” explains Ms. Poliquin. “We bring that knowledge to

universities and similar organizations in the form of interviews, and through the publication of our results. We’re fortunate to have a massive document center, complete with tens of thousands of reports – on bird sightings, fish species, and much more, with data often drawn from areas where no other studies have been conducted before.

We receive, and fulfil, requests for information throughout the year from universities, researchers, communities, and the public. In addition to scientific reports, we put effort into presenting results, publishing accessible summaries which wrap up long term studies. As well as publishing in French, which is the official language in Québec, we include summaries in English or translate key documents. We address lessons learned in our projects and studies. It’s a practice that makes science go further for all our partners and stakeholders, and for Hydro-Québec itself.”

Hydro-Québec is currently channeling this focus into the delivery of its Collective Energy Initiative. “We’ve invited all Quebeckers throughout the province to reflect together on three key areas related to Québec’s energy future,” explains Lynn St-Laurent, Senior Communications Advisor at Hydro-Québec. “That’s something we’ve not done for a very long time – to engage with individual stakeholders in-depth about our collective energy future, with a goal to build the foundation for collective action on how we move towards a lower carbon economy, and how we pay for it.

Conversations throughout the initiative were organized by three main themes: the green economy, sustainable mobility, and responsible energy use, and we’re now in the second phase of analyzing the thousands of responses we received. Come October, we hope to have finalized that, with the expectation of rounding out the initiative with a select number of projects that we can carry through to implementation. Those might be catalysts – projects in which Hydro-Québec can play a leading role, but it isn’t yet core to our activities – or they might be amplifiers – tapping into

our core capabilities and expanding on our work to date. We’ll then be announcing which projects will be moving forward, before seeking to realize them sometime in 2022.”

THE BATTERY OF THE NORTHEAST The long-term vision at Hydro-Québec is to translate an already vast network of hydro power reservoirs into a ‘natural battery’, capable of serving the power needs of regions across Canada and the American northeast.

“Our 28 reservoirs are, in essence, vast pools of stored energy in the form of water, with an approximate capacity of 180 terawatt hours,” explains Ms. St-Laurent. “It’s the magnitude of this storage capacity – large enough to power the six New England states for almost a year and a half – which underlines the vision of the natural battery. In past decades, we’ve seen renewable technologies added to the grid across northeastern US, in the form of wind and solar farms. The region plans to substantially increase their use of these variable sources of energy, which need non-intermittent energy sources to back them up. A lot of that back-up is currently being provided by thermal generation. We believe that in the future, our reservoirs can provide that back-up, in a new form: a clean, renewable source of always-on or complimentary source of energy.”

The potential for Hydro-Québec’s natural battery vision has been highlighted in recent research, most recently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in February 2020.

“MIT researchers examined how northeastern states might achieve deep decarbonization, and came to the conclusion that new transmission interconnections can facilitate that two-way trade,” explains Ms. St. Laurent.

“Our reservoirs are flexible: they’re able to store energy for hours, days, months, or even on a seasonal basis, and return that energy back to market during periods of low renewable production and high demand. Likewise, if there’s low demand in our markets, and too much renewable energy online, we can import and absorb that into our system. It’s a means of efficient, affordable integration

of higher levels of intermittent energy sources, a way of decarbonizing the grid in our neighboring markets without sacrificing reliability. If we achieve that, the reward is a reduction in total power system costs in the range of five to six percent, and a reduction in cost for end-users, which is always a priority.”

Bringing new transmission online is not necessarily easy, but Hydro-Québec is working hard to bring more projects online.

“We’re currently working on two transmission projects: one through New England, called the New England Clean Energy Connect, and one to New York City, known as the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE),”

says Ms. St. Laurent. “As of this year, construction is already underway in New England, and the transmission line has obtained all major permits from its start in Québec, right through to the delivery point in Maine.

Likewise, the CHPE is fully permitted, with a decision on the competitive solicitation process due before the end of the third quarter.

If all that moves forward, we plan to have that transmission line commissioned in 2025.

With improved grid integration, an additional line in New England, and an additional line into New York, then Hydro-Québec can fulfil its role as a natural battery for our US markets.” c Hydro-Québec has recently completed a vast review of scientific knowledge and environmental impact mitigation measures relating to Québec hydropower. In line with its principles regarding the sharing of scientific data and lessons learned, the company is happy to include this new publication here... issuu.com/hydroquebec/docs/wsp_generic_english_final_dec_2020_low-res SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA

GLORIOUS GHANA WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE. Located only a few degrees north of the Equator on the Gulf of Guinea, nowhere has a better claim to being “the center of the Earth” than Ghana. First gaining independence in 1957, the country is a wonderland of coastal savannahs and tropical rainforests.

Those journeying here will find a jam-packed tourism destination, with a rich variety of cultural activities and nature-based adventures.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) holds responsibility for the regulation of tourism in Ghana, including licensing, researching, marketing promoting, and developing tourism facilities and services within the country.

After March last year, our industry was massively impacted by the fall in demand for both international and domestic tourism. In response, we launched several campaigns, including our “Ghana Guru” online information platform, designed to keep people informed about our country.

As Ghana was forced to shut down, we continued to do the needful to sustain the interest of people to travel. As part of our “Stay Home and Know Ghana” campaign, we made videos of our attractions available online to boost morale, inspire hope, and keep tourism alive online, if not in person.

Then again during the Christmas period, we then held our “See, Snap, and Wait” program, which included a photo competition, encouraging travel to the country side but careful respect the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols.

In Ghana, we’re particularly mindful of the value of sustainable tourism. The examples of Mole National Park in the North and the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary in the Volta Region demonstrates the country’s commitment to protect the flora and fauna. It’s a concept that we continue to develop across all work, on a national basis, as we

hope to improve Ghana’s status to become a leading green destination.

In the same vein, it’s vital that our work benefits the local people who manage our attractions, and for whom tourism represents a way of life. Environmental conservation is a major concern for us. The Ghanaian cultural heritage is our major product that defines our uniqueness and we will continue to preserve this heritage that make us Ghanaian and share these values with our international tourist. We also pride ourselves on providing education, facilitating awareness at the level of our local communities, reminding people of what we need to do to conserve the environment and preserve our cultural values to continue to be authentic.

In April, we were proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts to organize a stakeholder consultative workshop, with the objective of developing effective and efficient short-term strategies to promote domestic tourism. Between 2021 and 2022, we’re expecting approximately 700,000 people to visit Ghana. We’re looking forward to bringing together our shareholders, media, traditional authorities and NGOs to join the campaign to make it a fantastic experience for tourists and locals alike.

Spencer Doku, Manager, Research Monitoring and Evaluation, Ghana Tourism Authority Visit ghana.travel for up-to-date information.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA

WHERE TO START GHANA KEY FACTS

YOUR EXPERIENCE Capital:

Accra

Population:

31,822,474

Language(s):

Akan, English

Currency:

Ghanaian cedi

Time zone:

GMT

Dialling code:

+233

Major resort areas: Accra. Kakum National Park.

Mole National Park. Kumasi.

Busua Beach. Nzulezu Ghana.

St. George’s Castle. Lake Volta.

Tourist season:

November - March

Annual visitors:

1.13m (2019)

Annual tourism earnings:

3,312 Billion US$ (2019)

Avg. temperature:

86 °F (day), 75 °F (night)

Highest point:

Afadjato. 885 m

KEY ATTRACTIONS

KEY REGIONS

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Larabanga Mosque

Ankasa Conservation Area

Market

Northern

Artists Alliance Gallery

Manhyia Palace Museum

Central

Beach

Mount Afadjato

Western

Black Star Gate

National park

Eastern

Cocoa Research Institute

Nightlife

Epam Forest Reserve

Nzulezo Stilt Village

Fort Apollonia

Tafi-Atome

International Stingless Bee Centre

Volta Region

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Bolgatanga

Wa

Tamale

Sunyani

Ho

Kumasi

Enchi

Koforidua

ACCRA Cape Coast Newtown

Sekondi

GULF OF GUINEA

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA

WHATTO DO IN...

NORTH GHANA WALK AMONG THE WILDLIFE AT MOLE NATIONAL PARK It’ll take a domestic flight or a roughly two-day drive to reach Ghana’s largest national park. The reward, however, is well worth it. Located in Larabanga, the phenomenal Mole National Park is more than 4500-square kilometers in size. The park is home to a vast array of wildlife, from wild pigs, to apes, antelope, buffalos, and an impressive roster of bird species. An absence of natural predators on-site allows visitors 14 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

the unique opportunity of experiencing safaris on foot, with parties typically beginning at 6am or 4pm, each in the company of an experienced wildlife ranger. If you’re visiting in the dry season (Nov-April), you might even catch a herd of elephants bathing at the park’s watering hole!

GET YOUR GROOVE ON IN TAMALE Reveling in its newfound status as the hub of Ghana’s thriving music scene, Tamale is the capital city of the country’s Northern

Region, and the fastest-growing in West Africa. Expect pre-show street parties, carnivals, and concerts that fuse traditional Dagbon sounds with the latest contemporary twists!

Or, if music isn’t your thing, try the delights of Ghanaian cuisine at the National Culture Centre, including Tuo Zaafi and Tubaani Koko, or head to the Jungle Bar’s elegant balcony for a taste of the popular Pito beer, brewed from millet, or the spicy local drink zoomkoom. For a more historical experience, visit one of Tamale’s many unique mosques, or pop to the Zongo Leather Factory.

Also in North Ghana: • Take in Ghana’s Islamic history at the 13th Century Larabanga Mosque.

• Visit protected Sacred Groves such as Jaagbo in the Tolon-Kumbungu district.

CENTRAL GHANA CROSS THE CANOPY IN KAKUM NATIONAL PARK More than 350-square kilometers of undisturbed rainforest is waiting to be discovered in Kakum National Park. Having officially opened in 1994, Kakum is famous for its canopy walkway, formed of seven individual bridges and reaching heights of approximately 30 meters above the forest floor!

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in order to maximize their chances of spotting some of the park’s unique wildlife, which includes the endangered Diana monkey, forest elephants, and the Frazer-eagle owl, while trained guides are available to explain cultural, economic, and medicinal values of the park’s fauna. After a hard-day’s exploring, take a much-needed break at the park’s small Rainforest Café, which offers fresh produce sourced from local farmers.

Also in Central Ghana: • Pay your tributes at the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park.

• Get some eco-education at the International Stingless Bee Centre.

Experience stately elegance and exceptional service Landmark hotel in midtown Obuasi, the Cofkans has set the standard for lavish rooms and suites, exquisite dining and 5-star events. Experience stately elegance and exceptional service at the famous Cofkans.

info@cofkanshotelgh.com cofkanshotelgh.com

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BOYBOISON

Elite

Lodge

Get the best out of your vacation Boyboison Elite Lodge is located in Takoradi, Ghana. It is located in close proximity to major transport roads and offers free WiFi to guests.

The lodge offers rooms that are tastefully decorated with modern furniture and fittings.

All the rooms are self-contained each having a fresh bedding, air conditioning system, telephone, work table and chairs, TVs, and refrigerator.

The lodge features a bar which serves an

array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Breakfast is served at a surcharge.

Laundry/dry cleaning service are available at a fee. Airport pickup services are also available upon request. The premises are guarded by security personnel. Onsite parking is available.

Boyboison Elite Lodge is 20 minutes to the Takoradi harbor, 15 minutes to Takoradi Airport, STC Bus terminal and Essipong Sports Stadium.

J.B. Danquah Road Fijai Sekondi, Takoradi, Ghana Contact M. +233 26 619 1914 E. jacobwemegah1@gmail.com 16 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE us: T. +233 31 202 7227

TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA SOUTH GHANA WALK ON WATER AT NZULEZO STILT VILLAGE Situated on Lake Amasuri in Ghana’s Jomoro District, the small village of Nzulezo is constructed entirely out of wood and raffia.

According to oral history, its construction took place approximately 500 years ago, when migrants arrived from a prehistoric city in the Ghana Empire, led by a snail – now immortalized as a totem. Today, the village is home to around 600 people, all of whom share the single walkway that runs down the village’s center. Access is exclusively the by local canoe, so you’re sure to be in for an adventure. Additionally, the surrounding Amasuri Wetland is home to crocodiles, a variety of marine turtles and fish, and monkeys.

KICK BACK AND RELAX AT BUSUA BEACH This litter-free, sandy beach has local crafts and souvenir shops, food and juice-stands to name a few, resulting in a good mix of locals and visitors. Warm ocean waters are perfect for swimming and a spot of surfing.

If you want to stay longer, get your accommodation at the Busua Beach Resort, Busua Inn, or Scorpion Lodge. Just around the corner, an eco-surf lodge is being built by the Ahana Waves Surf School & Camp, where surfing lessons and rentals are readily available.

EAST GHANA SEE THE MONKEYS AT TAFI-ATOME Protection of Mona Monkeys in the village of Tafi-Atome has been ongoing for over 200 years, with locals believing them to be messengers to the gods. In 1996, the village started to put more work into protecting the monkey’s tropical rainforest habitats and began offering tours. The Sanctuary is a remarkable success story, with the forest’s monkey population now thriving alongside a variety of bird and insect-life. Despite the monkeys being entirely wild, you can expect to get up close and personal! Stay at the sanctuary’s 6-room guest house where a community cook serves meals and refreshments.

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR AT THE COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE The Eastern Region is the birthplace of Ghana’s famous cocoa industry, with the country’s first cocoa farm was founded at Mampong, Akwapim. The Cocoa Research 18 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is happy to educate visitors about the processes involved in experimental cocoa production and the products themselves. There is also a guesthouse available with a clubhouse bar, tennis court, and indoor games available.

Also in East Ghana: • Witness the mythical “Big Tree” at Epam Forest Reserve.

• Discover the last surviving silk cotton tree at Aburi Botanical Gardens.

Also in South Ghana • Pay your respects at the Wassa Domama rock shrine.

• Travel back in time at Fort Apollonia on the Western coast.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA

THE SACRED MONKEYS OF TAFIATOME There’s a special guest to be found in the traditional sacred grove of Tafi-Atome, in the Hohoe District of Ghana’s Volta Region.

Mona monkeys, with their distinctive red, brown and white coloring, have enjoyed over 200 years of protection by local villagers, thanks to a belief that they are messengers to the gods and spirits.

That all changed in the 1980s, as the growth of Christianity displaced traditional beliefs in the region. The mona monkey, one of 138 species of Old World monkeys, now has ‘near threatened’ status, according to the International Union for Conservation of 20 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Nature (ICUN). It is a downturn in fortunes brought on by a combination of human activity, including hunting, deforestation, and the loss of the monkeys’ natural habitat.

To stop the slide, in 1996, the village of Tafi-Atome established the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Cultural Village. An eco-tourist attraction under the guidance of the Peace Corps, the Sanctuary allowed villagers to focus on the protection of the forest. Planted as early in 1997, mahogany trees line the edges of the sanctuary to prevent further encroachment of farmland upon the sacred forest.

L I V E

L I K E

R O YA L T Y

Move from the ordinary, to royalty.

Ridge Royal Hotel takes you to the ridge of comfort and luxury, in the best style possible. Situated in the historic city of Cape Coast, Ghana, Ridge Royal Hotel boasts a picturesque landscape in a serene environment. It’s richly inviting, and comfortably your own.

At Ridge Royal Hotel, we invite you to experience the very best that the hospitality industry in Cape Coast and its surroundings has to offer. We pride ourselves with international hospitality services, with a well-trained and dedicated team guaranteed to make your stay one to remember. We are constantly striving to exceed our guests’ expectations, and will welcome you at any time.

Number 1, 2nd Ridge, Cape Coast – Ghana T. +233 (0) 312003222 +233 (0) 501672908 E. reservations@ridgeroyalhotel.com.gh W. www.ridgeroyalhotel.com.ghSUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE | 21

TRAVEL GUIDE: GHANA

THE EFFORT HAS BEEN A SUCCESS. TODAY, THE TROPICAL FOREST IN TAFI-ATOME THRIVES WITH A MORE THAN 700-STRONG MONA MONKEY POPULATION...

The effort has been a success. Today, the tropical forest in Tafi-Atome thrives with a more than 700-strong mona monkey population, to be found throughout the canopy foraging for fruit, flowers, seeds, and insects, which they carry in their cheek pouches.

Guided tours through the forest are readily available, starting off with an absolutely-necessary morning with the monkeys. Despite being entirely wild, expect to get up close and personal, with hand-feedings of bananas. The monkeys are friendly, and enjoy climbing on visitor’s arms and shoulders!

Funds from the Sanctuary are well-invested.

Over 1000 residents from Tafi-Atome have benefited from the provision of electricity, while improvements have been made to the local school and clinic. In autumn of 2020, the village was able to make investments 22 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

in the decoration of a number of existing structures, and complete the construction of a new tourist reception area, washroom, three pavilions, bamboo and wire fencing, and a car park.

For visitors, the Sanctuary is easy to reach, at only a 45-minute drive from Hohoe.

Accommodation options include the local 6-room guest house, where a community cook serves traditional meals and refreshments. Nearby, a number of attractions are also worth your time, including the local cemetery and Wli falls, the highest in West Africa. Don’t miss the opportunity to partake in the cultural village tour, with kente weaving or fufu pounding just two of the many activities on offer, all designed to give you a real-life insight into the daily lives of local people! c

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| 23

INTERVIEW: FLOW CAYMAN ISLANDS

24 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

KEEPING THE CAYMANS AT THE CUTTING EDGE Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Rob Mayo-Smith, Country Manager at Flow Cayman Islands, about providing the Caymans with quick and reliable connectivity, giving back to communities, and business during COVID-19.

By Elizabeth Cope When Flow Cayman Islands was established back in 1955, it was the start of an era. With its vision of connecting the Caymans to the rest of the world, Flow set about transforming the country’s telecommunications landscape, delivering the first mobiles to the islands, before later becoming the first company to introduce fiber optic. In 1996, Flow connected the Caymans to Jamaica with what was at the time the world’s largest undersea cable. In the early 2000s, Flow innovated yet again with the introduction of Blackberry, and in 2011, became the first provider in the Caymans to operate a 4G network.

As the company continued its drive to modernize, Flow acquired a local business provider a of IT solutions, now packaged as IT Outsource to customers across the Cayman Islands – a unique development amongst Flow’s numerous regional branches.

“Most of our businesses have what we’d call an ICT or business-solutions zone, but ours is

specific, providing all sorts of products that a customer may want to outsource,” explains Rob Mayo-Smith from Flow Cayman Islands.

“It’s a special part of our service, helping us to support our customers with more complex IT issues, whether that’s disaster recovery, or regular network oversight and maintenance.”

THE POWER OF FIBER As the Cayman Islands’ only provider of mobile, text and fiber services, Flow is continually working to ensures its customers enjoy a fast and reliable service.

“We’re already blessed with a high-quality network, but our customers’ expectations are always growing, and we’ve had a lot of requests to accelerate our fiber network,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith. “For us, responding to those expectations is key if we want to keep our customers satisfied. We already have fiber in most of the Cayman Islands, with penetration currently at 55%. But it’s our aim to reach all of the islands.”

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

| 25

INTERVIEW: FLOW CAYMAN ISLANDS

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The build-up of fiber across the Cayman Islands is a major project for Flow, and the company is hard at work replacing its supply of already-laid copper. “As a technology, fiber is newer and more reliable,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith. “As a result, it’s faster, and higher quality, and alleviates the issue of connection faults. “Once we’ve rolled out the fiber across the island, we then individually upgrade our customers from the copper that they’re currently on, onto the fiber we’ve installed. For the customers, the benefits are obvious. fiber will mean that when working or studying from home, or doing video-calling in general, the quality is a lot better. Likewise, if you’re streaming a movie, you’ll be able to get higher definition.”

THE CAYMAN COMMUNITY Over the years, Flow has played an active role in supporting community projects across the Cayman Islands. “Community support is in our bloodline,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith. “It’s an element of our operations that we take significant pride in, being a part of the community, and giving back wherever we can. Among our programs, we provide scholarship fund26 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

www.vmsop.com

ing for young Caymanians who are currently enrolled in university, and offer apprenticeships at our own offices, giving young people the opportunity to learn about telecommunications. We even see many of them then joining the business afterwards, if they find it’s a career they really want to pursue.”

Each year, Flow’s annual mission week provides a focal point for its community activity. “Particularly in 2020, the country had been impacted heavily by severe hurricanes,” explains Mr. Mayo-Smith. “During mission week, we raised funds, donated our time, and encouraged our customers donate non-perishable items, including clothing and shoes. It was a commitment that we embraced as a business, and individually through the contributions of our staff members.”

TURNING THE CORNER Flow has also been supporting its customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “The last year has been a challenging one for many of our customers, with lots of people struggling financially,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith.

“By helping where we can and ensuring our customers stay connected, we can prove

the difference. Our efforts can carry them through tough times, such as losing a job – a known reality for many people. Over the last year, we offered free upgrades for all our customers, particularly during the country’s lockdown, which ran from April to late August.

Until that stage, the closure of schools meant that young people were studying from home, and most adults were working from home. We could see these changes in the traffic: the data that we were carrying over our network dropped in Georgetown, and instead started picking up in the Caymans’ more suburban and rural areas. With that, came a new responsibility. We recognized the need to help individuals access greater bandwidth, in order to meet their own demands, and to keep everyone connected at fast speeds, at the same time.”

Prospects remain bright in the Caymans, where the government’s tough but successful approach to the pandemic has kept community spread of the virus to a minimum. “As a country, we’re generally well-equipped for working from home,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith. “A large volume of the international business located here is organized within the financial and profes-

“BY HELPING WHERE WE CAN AND ENSURING OUR CUSTOMERS STAY CONNECTED, WE CAN PROVE THE DIFFERENCE. ”

sional services sector, including a lot of companies headquartered in the United States. As they still feel the effects abroad, not everyone has returned to the physical workplace – but locally, we are seeing a lot of people making the return. The Caymans also has quite an advanced vaccine process, which is going well.”

LOOKING AT THE LONG TERM Not everything is returning to normal, however. “Regardless of how things develop from here, the biggest change we’ve seen is a bigger demand for products like Microsoft Teams and Zoom,” explains Mr. Mayo-Smith.

“Likewise, we’ve seen an increase in the amount of visualization and e-commerce in the community, and we expect that demand to remain. For us in the long-term, that means that all our customers are demanding faster, and more reliable connectivity. It demonstrates precisely why we’re accelerating full fiber to the Cayman Islands as a whole, as we look to deliver the connectivity required to keep our customers connected.”

The Caymans’ fiber roll-out is not the end for Flow; the company is already looking to 5G as the next evolution in

the Islands’ mobile network. “We pride ourselves on being a company with so many firsts,” says Mr. Mayo-Smith. “It’s our goal to keep the island ahead with breakthrough and cutting-edge technology, so that we can continue to uphold what we’re known for: being a reliable phone service, with a powerful network, all the while keeping our customers first. In that regard, 5G is something that is very relevant, and we’d love to bring it to the Cayman Islands at some

stage in the future. 5G enables faster connectivity, either on-the-move or at home. It’s potentially game-changing for businesses that rely on fast telecommunications on-themove, and it also has relevance for security services, and for customer convenience. For our consumers, it means that any of their devices will be able to connect seamlessly, from wherever they are in the country. We believe it can mark a new era of data speed on the move.” c

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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CARIBBEAN ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICES CORPORATION

CARILEC TEAM, CHAIRMAN AND EDF CEO.

THE CARIBBEAN ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICES

CORPORATION (CARILEC) SUPPORTS THE CARIBBEAN

IN ITS THRUST TOWARD SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CARILEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MR. THOMAS HODGE.

A foreword to the ‘Caribbean Energy’ series by Thomas Hodge, Interim Executive Director of CARILEC. The Caribbean power sector is witnessing important changes in the energy landscape: Changes to the regulatory framework, high-penetration of renewable energy technologies, increased use of electric vehicles, and greater customer demands. Electric utilities are at varying stages of readiness, and have their own unique challenges for renewable energy adaptation, and future demands. CARILEC recognizes the benefits of the changes in the power sector and welcomes them.

CARILEC TECHNICAL TOUR AT BAHAMAS ELECTRICITY CORPORATION.

28 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

BACKGROUND CARILEC was formed in 1989 (as part of an electric utilities modernization project funded by USAID) nearly 16 years after the oil crisis of 1973. The corporation’s main focus was on “modernization of electric utilities” – which at the time, was not particularly

focused on generation diversification or renewable energy production. By 2008, oil prices skyrocketed, and the levelized cost of electricity for wind power and solar PV continued to decline. Almost overnight, renewable energy had firmly asserted its position in the region’s energy landscape and things began to change rapidly.

CARILEC’s role in the region’s thrust toward sustainable energy is to facilitate capacity building, communication, and cooperation among its electric utility members, associates, and other stakeholders. In the context of this task, CARILEC’s role is particularly important.

CARILEC’S SERVICES CARILEC understands the importance of collaboration, shared learning, and networking in improving utility operations.

quakes, flooding, and volcanic eruptions.

This service is especially important to strengthen energy security for all member utilities. Some of the activities undertaken by the secretariat under this programme include the deployment of engineers to undertake damage assessments and line crews to carry out transmission and distribution line restoration work.

With the introduction of IPPs, regulatory bodies, and consumer groups, forums are necessary to promote effective communication between stakeholders. In this regard, CARILEC organizes several utility symposiums and conferences for utility industry professionals and stakeholders.

CARILEC understands the need to promote engagement and effective communication between utilities, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders. Since 2010 CARILEC has brought over 550 utility personnel and Caribbean regulators together in renewable energy and regulatory forums.

Technological advances in the industry (such as AMI and Internet of Things)

have brought changes to the way power is served to consumers. Today’s customer also demands a higher quality of service, is digitally connected, and sensitive to the environment. In preparing Caribbean utilities for the new environment, CARILEC trains approximately seven hundred utility employees in about 35 courses each year. The courses cover diverse disciplines ranging from utility-specific technical courses to management training. CARILEC also offers technical certifications and web-based training.

CARILEC’s Disaster Assistance Programme (CDAP) is one of the many benefits afforded to members of CARILEC and is a service which is opportune during times of major disasters such as hurricanes, earth-

THE PURSUIT OF PARTNERSHIPS CARILEC is aware of the importance of partnerships and the potential to influence change on a larger scale. As part of its strategic objectives, CARILEC fosters relationships with organizations that have mutual interests or shared visions including CARICOM, CDB, IDB, OAS, the Clinton Foundation, Carbon War Room, and Rocky Mountain Institute, amongst others. With varying perspectives and a diverse pool of strengths, CARILEC’s collaborative projects bring the best in experience, research and financing to the region.

THE FUTURE CARILEC will continue to play a constructive role in the transformation of the region’s electrical sector to a more robust, modern, and sustainable model. Although oil prices are low, the utilities know that history is capable of repeating itself. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden recently quipped, “There’s an old saying: The best time to fix a roof is when the sun is shining.” The sun is shining now, figuratively speaking. The time is now. c

BOUILLANTE GEOTHERMAL PLANT, GUADELOUPE.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: ST. KITTS ELECTRICITY COMPANY (SKELEC)

THE

BACKBONE

OF ST. KITTS

30 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Clement Williams, General Manager of the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC), about ongoing sustainable projects, dealing with climate change and delivering quality service.

By Isobel Moss The St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) is a public utility provider on the island of St. Kitts, responsible for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution services. SKELEC originally existed as the government-run St. Kitts Electricity Department (SKED) as far back as the 1950s. At the time, power across St. Kitts was produced from a single internal combustion engine (ICE) plant, located on Central Street, in the capital city of Basseterre. “From the ICE plant, electricity was run overhead towards the Governor General residence at the time,” says Clement Williams, General Manager of the SKELEC. “There were one or two streetlights. Electricity was turned off at night, when there was no production and then it would start up again in the morning.”

On 1 August 2011, after assuming the resources and operations from government, SKELEC was officially formed. The company’s principal power station is located at Needsmust, and supplies electricity 24 hours per day to all areas on the island of St. Kitts. “Our penetration across the island is at about 98% of the population,” says Mr. Clement. “The current demand for electricity is roughly 24 megawatts, a slight decline from a peak of 28 megawatts pre COVID-19.”

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: ST. KITTS ELECTRICITY COMPANY (SKELEC)

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SWITCHING ON SKELEC is currently working to implement the government’s renewable energy policy, calling for a rreduction in reliance on diesel in favor of greater integration of renewables into the country’s grid. “Sustainability has been a topic at the forefront of our mission for many years now,” says Mr. Williams. “One of our initial steps was to convert street lighting across St Kitts from the molecule mercury vapor bulb into new LEDs, a project that we carried out independently and in collaboration with the central government. When that’s completed by the end of this year, we’ll be reaping the benefits of those significant energy savings, and will have successfully eliminated mercury waste from our lighting system.”

One major renewable energy project has seen SKELEC partner with Swiss company Leclanché in the roll-out of a new solar farm.

“It’s set to be a large utility-scale project, and one of the largest solar farms in the Caribbean at 30 megawatts, including significant battery storage equivalent to about 10 hours per day,” says Mr. Williams. “It’s going to be located on an area of land in the Basseterre Valley. At peak times, we expect to cover 32 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

about 30% of our daily demand from that solar panel. We also have other long-term plans for the incorporation of wind energy, and we’re in discussion with our sister utility for the possibility of geothermal in Nevis, and perhaps interconnecting both islands.

Beyond renewables, but with significant benefits in terms of reducing our carbon footprint, we’re evaluating the possibility of replacing some of our older fleets with newer-generation plants run on LNG.” RESILIENT OPERATIONS As a major public utility, SKELEC grapples with the increasing challenges of climate change, and the uptick in hurricanes to hit the Caribbean in recent decades. “We saw

what happened with Irma and Maria in 2017, and then Dorian in the Bahamas,” says Mr. Williams. “We’re very susceptible to the effects of hurricanes. To that end, we’re currently upgrading one of our feeders to be more hurricane-resilient, working to put the backbone of our distribution system underground, which is about 40% complete as we speak. That will add to the 30% of the network that is already underground. We’ll then move on to two further significant feeders, each of which is primarily overhead.”

These improvements are essential to SKELEC’s service delivery. “It’s a matter of resilience,” says Mr. Williams. “It’s about using our best efforts to combat and counter the effects of climate change, respond-

“WE PLAN TO NOT ONLY INCREASE OUR VISIBILITY THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN, BUT WE WANT TO NOW RANK AMONG THE LEADING UTILITIES WITHIN THE CARIBBEAN.“

ing to these increasingly strong hurricanes however we can. We pride ourselves on being a utility with a high reliability factor; these upgrades underline our commitment to continue to push forward.”

At the heart of these developments, and its broader operations, are the SKELEC staff.

“Our team is small, capable and extremely talented, and we’re passionate about taking care of them,” says Mr. Williams. “We’re using every resource that we have available

to us to increase our capacity. At the end of the day, it’s our number one priority: a utility is not a utility without the people it employs. We know that satisfied staff will in turn secure satisfied customers resulting in a supply that is reliable and affordable.”

A RENEWABLE FUTURE “There’s a clear and definite trend taking place across the entire Caribbean, and the whole world, in which renewable energy is going to edge-out fossil fuels as the leading source of generation,” says Mr. Williams. “All over the world, we’re witnessing the emergence of solar PV, wind, alongside the transition from the heavier fossil fuels to the lighter, cleaner-burning fuels, like LNG. It’s no longer a thing of the future – already, we’re seeing these trends shape SKELEC as a utility, and the island of St. Kitts in general. Microgrids are now here to stay. The incorporation of

PV charging stations for electric vehicles have arrived. We’re seeing a growth in distributed household generation. Our role is to respond to these trends, essentially modernizing the grid and making it more interactive, embracing available technology and finding a way to incorporate it at an affordable price. In this way, most of the population will be able to participate in, and benefit from, this renewable future, and we can maximize the financial benefits for everyone involved.”

“SKELEC already is the leading utility in the island of St. Kitts,” says Mr. Williams. “We plan to not only increase our visibility throughout the Caribbean, but we want to now rank among the leading utilities within the Caribbean. We are one of the smaller islands, but that doesn’t stop us from having big ambitions of being up there with JPS, LUCELEC, and the bigger Caribbean utilities.” c SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

A NATURELOVER’S HAVEN WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR THE BAHAMAS, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE.

As a country, The Bahamas is incredibly resilient. In 2019, we experienced the most unprecedented hurricane in our history, Hurricane Dorian. Two years later, having come through COVID-19, and put protocols in place to protect the health and safety of our citizens, residents, and visitors, we’re making a fierce comeback.

With travel restrictions easing, tourism is opening. Today, some 70% of visitors to our country are vaccinated. I’m excited for what’s in store for The Bahamas.

Here in The Bahamas, we’re proud of what we have in abundance: our pristine environment, with its 700 islands, and over 2000 cays. Visiting our seas is like embarking on a marine safari experience. The Exumas, one of our many national parks, prides itself on coral reefs, mangroves, sea grasses and a wide range of wildlife. In Bonefish Pond National Park, we have the last remaining tidal mangrove ecosystem on the shores of southern New Providence. Visit, soak in and appreciate the wonders of The Bahamas.

34 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

This May, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism became a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It’s an honour that allows us to continue to enhance our commitment to sustainable tourism, to protect our ecosystems and preserve their biodiversity. The Council is currently working with several of our Out Islands, helping with workshops and programming as part of their ongoing effort towards driving higher global standards of sustainability within travel and tourism.

In Andros, work is currently underway on two programs: the Flat Fishing Empowerment Program and the Birding and Nature Guide Certification Program, each designed to train young men and women across The Bahamas on how to become flat fishing, birding and nature tour guides.

Additionally, as part of our work with

36 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, we’re establishing councils across various islands to rally communities and implement grassroots leadership, as we look to capitalize on the opportunities of delivering authentic and environmentally responsible tourism to visitors from across the world.

Just recently, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a new initiative: one that aims to develop a viable and visible linkage between local farmers and fishermen, and our hospitality industry. Here in The Bahamas, we fish exclusively freshlycaught, a principle that’s greatly appreciated among our visitors. We offer opportunities to engage in agro-tourism, with culinary tours – such as those in Eleuthera’s pineapple fields – giving visitors an opportunity both to learn

about how pineapples are farmed, and to indulge in eating what we believe to be the finest pineapples in the world.

At the Ministry of Tourism here in The Bahamas, we actively promote 16 islands, but there are so many reasons to visit. Our national bird is the flamingo, and our southern island of Inagua is home to more than 80,000, not to mention 140 species of native and migratory birds – a watcher’s paradise, replete with a selection of eco-friendly resorts. It’s a natural haven, and – like all our islands – delivers a unique experience for everyone and anyone who travels here. c

Joy Jibrilu Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Aviation & Investments

WHERE TO START YOUR EXPERIENCE THE BAHAMAS KEY FACTS Capital:

Nassau

Population:

393,244 (2020)

Language(s):

English

Currency:

Bahamian dollar

Time zone:

EDT (GMT-4)

Dialling code:

+1 (242)

Tourist season:

December - April

Annual visitors:

7.25m (2019)

Annual tourism earnings:

3.6 billion US$ (2019)

Avg. temperature:

86 °F (day), 75 °F (night)

Highest point:

Mount Alvernia. 63m

N O R T H AT L A N T I C OCEAN G R E AT B A H A M A BANK

KEY ATTRACTIONS IN THE BAHAMAS Beaches

Pirate Republic Brewery

Blue Lagoon Island

Pirates Of Nassau Museum

Bone Fishing

Queen’s Staircase

Cigar Making

Restaurants

KEY REGIONS

Cocktails

Rum Tour

•

Abaco

•

Inagua

Dive With Sharks

Scuba / Snorkeling / Diving

•

Acklins

•

Long Island

•

Andros

•

Mayaguana

•

Berry Islands

•

New Providence

•

Bimini

•

Nassau (capital)

•

Cat Island

•

Paradise Island

•

Crooked Island

•

Ragged Island

•

Eleuthera

•

Rum Cay

Flamingos

Shopping

Forts Of Nassau

Swim With Dolphins!

Historical Tour Of Exuma

Swimming Pigs Of Exuma

Horseback Riding

Historical Society Museum

•

Exuma

•

San Salvador

•

Grand Bahama

•

Spanish Wells

Nassau Heritage Museum

Versailles Gardens

•

Harbour Island SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

WHAT TO DO IN THE BAHAMAS...

G R E AT A BA C O A ND GRA ND BA HA MA LOSE YOURSELF IN THE GARDEN OF THE GROVES Over 60 species of indigenous and migratory birds, including white-cheeked pintails, Cuban emeralds and la sagra’s flycatcher, can be found in this 12-acre slice of paradise. A certified Wildlife Habitat with the U.S. Wildlife Federation, operators meet the four basic elements – food, water, shelter, and breeding grounds – needed for biodiversity to thrive.

Explore this luscious environment along discreet trails, passing waterfalls, fountains, a meditative labyrinth and chapel as you go.

The Garden shops are also worth a visit, as 38 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

is the Cafe and Bar, with its fine selection of salads and wraps. You can bet the kids will enjoy the expanded playground!

SPLASH YOUR WAY AROUND GREAT ABACO ISLAND There’s plenty of fun to be had on Great Abaco. If you happen to be staying at the Abaco Beach Resort, sailboats and sea kayaks are available for free at Marsh Harbour, with windsurfing also popular in the area. Further south, you can find the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, where the presence

l ee R Keepin it

R E S T, R E L A X , & R E J U V E N AT E A classic Bahamian getaway that captures the true essence of the Bahamas out-island spirit.

The resort is a destination for leisure travelers, honeymooners, destination weddings, incentive and corporate groups, boaters, fishermen, adventurers, and those simply looking for an authentic Caribbean escape.

Two Pools • Restaurants & Bars • Full Service Marina • White Sand Beach • Free WiFi • Kids Club Non-Motorized Water Sports & Fitness • Activities Concierge • Banquet & Meeting Rooms • Helipad

by the ocean

Enjoy our Paradise With white sand beaches, crystal-clear water and the best fishing in the Bahamas. Swain’s Cay Lodge on Andros Island is a true escape to peace and tranquility. Located on a beautiful fishing flat on Mangrove Cay, just a 15-minute flight from Nassau with the option of Free Roundtrip Tickets. While you’re here, you can experience the best bonefishing in The Bahamas, snorkel the reef or take a bike ride around Mangrove Cay. SNORKELING / SCUBA / KAYAKING / BIKE HIRE / FISHING

877-533-4799 / 242-367-2158

info@abacobeachresort.com

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of a coral reef provides sheltered, clear water. Whether you’re a professional, or a complete amateur, it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or Hobie Cat sailing! Club staff are on hand to get you set up – if you’re lucky, they’ll even fill you in on where to find the tropical fish. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a guided tour, Abaco Tours & Activities offers a 5-hour trip hiking and kayaking trip, inspired by the founder’s childhood free-diving.

Also in Great Abaco and Grand Bahama…

• Explore the underwater caves at Lucayan National Park.

• Get to know the fish at Stingray City, Great Harbour Cay. • Drink like a local at the Bahamian Brewery.

ANDROS AND NASSAU ENJOY THE TASTE OF NASSAU You won’t be short on things to do and places to explore in The Bahamas’ capital, and its busiest tourist destination. The delights of the city’s street vendors are endless: sugar apples, kenèp, hog plum fruits, fresh coconut milk, and jelly – they’re all worth a try! Other typical delicacies include the tropical conch salad, Switcha, a non-alcoholic citrus drink, and duff – a firm dessert favorite. Spend a day at Aquaventure, a water park with an Atlantis theme, and stop off at Queen’s Staircase, a commemoration to Queen Victoria’s efforts to abolish slavery that was 16 years in the making. For the perfect end to the day,

Swains Cay Lodge Mangrove Cay, Andros Island, Bahamas +1 242-422-5018 / 369-0296 fish@swainscaylodge.com

swainscaylodge.com

relax in the 4-acre Ardastra Gardens, home to the Caribbean flamingo, the Bahamian national bird.

TAKE A WALK ON THE OCEAN FLOOR It’s not every day that you get the chance to explore Earth’s third largest coral reef.

But you can do just that on Andros, The Bahamas’ largest island, with its underwater caves formations, wrecks and the U-shaped trench known locally as ‘Tongue of the Ocean’ (TOTO) all accessible, and teeming with exotic fish like the mahi-mahi, tarpon and snappers. Diving conditions are largely predictable, the product of a warm yearround climate. Like most coral reefs around the world, however, these are under constant threat from global warming. Get your diving certification before adventuring into the protected deep and pelagic-filled currents.

Just remember: currents range from mild to strong, and divers and snorkelers, beginners or otherwise, are advised to consult with local professionals.

Also in Andros and Nassau…

• Enjoy the mystery of Thunderball Grotto.

• Revel in the boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island.

• Brush up on your history at the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

ELEUTHERA BECOME ONE WITH NATURE AT THE LEON LEVY NATIVE PLANT PRESERVE Operated by the Bahamas National Trust, this 30-acre preserve doubles as an environmental educational center and a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees. Here you can learn about traditional bush medicine, and the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas’ tropical islands. Visitors have a choice of four trails, weaving through the Mangrove Wetland, Display Beds, Weather Station, Edible History Garden, and much more. Insect life can be found in abundance, providing 40 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

vital food for preserve’s bird and bat species – including an entirely new species of insect discovered in 2013: a cricket-like species with a distinctive song, known locally as the ‘blue-faced’ katydid!

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO LADY DI’S PINEAPPLE FARM As Eleuthera’s most known produce, you won’t want to miss trying some Bahamian sun-ripened pineapples. Mrs. Diane Thompson, nicknamed ‘Lady Di’, is one of Eleuthera’s best farmers, having worked in the pineapple fields since 1974! Growing

her pineapples in Eleutheran rich clay soil, Lady Di’s dedication is an inspiration to the country’s next generation of farmers to plant and preserve this indigenous fruit, and will happily offer an educational tour.

To make the most of the experience, time your visit with the annual Pineapple festival, held in Gregory Town!

Also in Eleuthera…

• Unwind in the Queens Baths.

• Go swimming with the iconic Bahamas pigs.

• Venture to Glass Window, where Caribbean Sea meets Atlantic Ocean!

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A T S PA N I S H W E L L S

EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED IS ON THIS LITTLE ISLAND PERCHED IN A QUIET CORNER OF THE IDEAL VACATION DESTINATION A lilting accent, part proper British and part rhythmic Caribbean, drifts on the breeze as the ferries chug in and out of the picturesque harbor. Golf carts clog the roads while the sun sets spectacularly over the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s nothing special—just another day in the life on the island called Spanish Wells.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

EXUMA AND LONG ISLAND EXPLORE EXUMA CAYS LAND & SEA PARK Founded in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park was the first of its kind in the world, and later became the first in the Caribbean to prohibit fishing within its territory. It was Ilya Tolstoy, grandson of author Leo Tolstoy, who first set about assembling a group of Bahamian and American conservationists to protect the Exuma Cays. Today, it’s one of the most successful marine parks globally, with renowned biodiversity throughout its various coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, beaches and hiking trails. At a size of 176 square miles, the park’s pristine marine environment makes it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are 42 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

also opportunities to feed endangered iguanas and spot the native hutia (a type of large Caribbean rodent) along with a variety of bird and fish life! If you’re visiting by boat, be aware that you’ll have to pay an anchorage or moorage fee.

WITNESS THE MAGIC OF LONG ISLAND’S PINK SAND The secluded 80-mile stretch that is Long Island is one of The Bahamas’ most scenic spots, and is great for a touch of sunbathing! The pink color of the island’s sands is caused by the shell pigment of microscopic organisms known as foraminifera, mixed with corals and calcium carbonate.

For a more adrenaline-inducing activity, try Dean’s Blue Hole – a large underwater sinkhole, and the venue for the annual Vertical Blue freediving competition. With no queues and entrance fees, it’s worth it!

Alternatively, Hamilton Cave is a historian and naturalist’s paradise. Home to Lucayan Natives in 500AD, The Bahamas’ largest cave system is teeming with lizards, bats, and crabs!

Also in Exuma and Long Island…

• Dip your toes at Coco Plum Beach.

• Going between islands? Hitch an Elvis Water Taxi!

• Shelter from the sun in Long Island Museum.

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INAGUA GO FLAMINGO-WATCHING ON LAKE WINDSOR As the country’s national bird, flamingos were once widespread across The Bahamas, but today almost solely inhabit the small and southernmost island of Great Inagua. With little-to-no human disruption, approximately 80,000 flamingos thrive on the island, which is protected by The National Trust of The Bahamas. Accessible with a guide, visitors to Inagua also have the opportunity to spot roseate spoonbills, wild hogs, horses, and donkeys. Nearby, green turtles are raised at Union Creek Reserve – albeit not yet accessible to the public, owing to the turtles’ endangered status.

CATCH SALT-CRYSTALS IN THE MAKING Inagua’s mostly dry climate has made it a hub for salt production since the late 1930s, when the arrival of the three Erickson brothers kickstarted the island’s mechanized salt operation. The facility was purchased by the Morton Salt Company in 1954, and today produces around one million pounds of salt annually from the 300,000-acre site, making it the second largest saline operation in North America. Sun and wind offer a natural energy supply for evaporation, leaving behind the concentrated brine. Reservoirs then help to remove any impurities, contributing to the growth of an algae mat. This in turn prevents the seawater from drying up, and encourages shrimp growth – an essential food source for the flamingos and shorebirds. Book a tour to see the solar salt crystallizing facility in action!

Also in Inagua…

• Visit the historic lighthouse at Matthew Towns.

• Gorge on seafood at the Inagua Heritage & Salty Festival.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

THE EXTRAORDINARY

EXUMA CAYS

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Comprising of 365 islands, stretching from Shroud Cay in the north, to Bell Cay in the south, Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is oneof-a-kind. At 176 square miles, it became the first park of its kind anywhere in the world upon its founding in 1958. Fast forward another 25 years, and the Exumas was the first in the Caribbean to prohibit all fishing throughout its territory.

It was Ilya Tolstoy, grandson of Leo Tolstoy, who in the 1950s first set about assembling a group of Bahamian and American conservationists to protect the Exuma Cays, including key Bahamian officials, members of the National Audubon Society, and environmentalists John Randall, Carelton Ray, Don Squires, and Dan Beard. His efforts led to the founding of the Bahamas National Trust in 1959, in a bid to prevent developers purchasing the outstanding Cays.

Winner of the Platinum Global Ocean Refuge Award in 2018, the park has established a precedent for parks around the world with marine research and protection, and has played a key role in the replenishing of local fish stocks. A now-famous refuge for wildlife, the Exumas are renowned for their immense biodiversity across numerous coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and beaches.

Visibility is excellent throughout the Exumas, a credit to the park’s pristine marine environment. As a result, the Exumas have become a popular spot for both scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles, reef sharks, and eagle rays can be seen amid the coral reefs, with populations of Nassau grouper, queen conch and spiny lobster SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BAHAMAS

MARINE LIFE ACCOUNTS FOR MUCH OF THE EXUMAS’ APPEAL, BUT NOT ALL THE INTRIGUE LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE.

all thriving since the establishment of the no-take reserve – a move that has allowed stocks to spill-over into outside areas.

Marine life accounts for much of the Exumas’ appeal, but not all the intrigue lies beneath the surface. Visitors here will get the chance to spot the hutia, a large but shy rodent native to the Caribbean.

Introduced to the Exumas in 1973, it is the only terrestrial mammal native to The Bahamas. The Allen Cays rock iguana is one of several rare iguana species to call the Exumas home, and birdwatchers are also in for a treat – with terns, whitetailed tropicbirds, yellow warblers, and an

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Audubon’s shearwater colony among the Exumas’ nesting birds. It’s no accident that the park has been designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Private development continues to pose a threat to the Exuma Cays. A booming tourism industry has been only partially halted by the pandemic, with offshore channeling and dredging, water pollution, and overharvesting of fish and other marine species soon set to return to pre-2020 levels. There are fears that without proper management the Exumas will soon see an increase in private and commercial boat traffic, at the expense of vital vegetation

and causing irreparable coral reefs. Despite this, work continues to protect the Exumas’ wildlife. Funds are raised through fees on anchorage, beach setup, diving, film and photography, kayaking, and camping – an opportunity to contribute to this more than worthy cause.

Visit https://bnt.bs/explore/exuma/exumacays-land-sea-park/ for more information.

Due to the park’s remote location, contacting the office can sometimes be a challenge. c Visit https://bnt.bs/explore/exuma/exumacays-land-sea-park/ for more information.

www.bahamas.com

VISIT THE BAHAMAS AND

EXPERIENCE PARADISE

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INTERVIEW: SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (SRDC)

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AT THE FOREFRONT OF SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Wilfred de Gannes, Chairman and CEO of the Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company (SRDC), about construction of the La Brea shipyard, the company’s world class training program, and its plans for the future.

By Isobel Moss The Shipbuilding and Repair Development Company (SRDC) of Trinidad and Tobago started life in 2008, as an initiative under the Government of the Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The initiative’s aim was to diversify the oil and gas economy within Trinidad and Tobago’s maritime sector through four key clusters: ship ownership, marine construction, trans-shipment, and shipbuilding and repair services. The last of these, shipbuilding and repair is the only cluster that remains functional to date. Since its initial launch, the cluster has grown tenfold from

twelve (12) to over one-hundred and twenty (120) companies, and now boosts the largest following of any maritime organization in the Caribbean region. Organizations wishing to participate in the cluster do so for a one-time membership fee.

A CENTURY OF EXPERIENCE Equipped with the experience and support of its 120 stakeholder companies, SRDC delivers a range of world class ship repair products and services. “Several of our stakeholders have been operational in Trinidad for the better part of 100 years, primarily servicing

WILFRED DE GANNES

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INTERVIEW: SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (SRDC)

the oil and gas and maritime industries. The country’s very first shipyard was established in north-western Trinidad in 1907. We’re now in the process of establishing our world class shipyard at La Brea, located in the south-west of the country. It’s a 1200-acre development of existing coastal waterfront and adjacent green field land.”

SRDC is working on securing Trinidad’s maritime industry’s place within the broader Caribbean economy. “Across the CARICOM region we’re seeing the discovery of hydrocarbons, oil and gas,” says Mr. de Gannes.

“The difficulty for oil and gas companies is that these new resources are often located in deep waters offshore between Trinidad and South America. For SRDC, however, it’s an opportunity for us to participate in the provision of goods and services to these oil and gas offshore exploration and production companies, and to drydock the growing global fleet of LNG carriers from a country that is well-industrialized and strategically located – particularly when compared to some of the other countries that have recently made significant oil and gas discoveries, like Guyana and Suriname.”

WORKING FOR EVERYONE The continued success of the shipbuilding and repair cluster is down largely to SRDC’s sustained investment in employee training and upskilling. “We’re currently in the process of establishing a training academy,” says Mr. de Gannes. “Citizens from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname will be given access to some 75 skills training courses, including marine pipefitting, marine aluminum welding, carpentry, and joinery. These courses can be anywhere from weeks to days in duration, and the certificates awarded to all our successful graduates will be officially recognized by over 1500 North American shipyards and companies – including ExxonMobil, HESS, Avondale Shipyards, Bechtel Corporation, and a number of smaller and medium-sized construction and maritime 50 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW: SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (SRDC)

“CITIZENS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, GUYANA AND SURINAME WILL BE GIVEN ACCESS TO SOME 75 SKILLS TRAINING COURSES, INCLUDING MARINE PIPEFITTING, MARINE ALUMINUM WELDING, CARPENTRY AND JOINERY.” all of our 120-plus stakeholder companies.

Those companies can peruse the online database to find qualified applicants whose skillsets are aligned with their needs. While it has been helpful to our stakeholders, and for all those who have gained employment as a result, we look forward to see the others plying the respective trades in the various construction phases of the La Brea Shipyard, post COVID-19 pandemic.

EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY SRDC is committed to refreshing its product range and operations to keep itself at the forefront of quality shipbuilding and repair services. “It’s always important for us to remain at the cutting edge,” says Mr. de Gannes. “We’ve recently acquired a new range of products not previously

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available in the Caribbean region. Among these, we’re working with Dura-Stress Inc., a Florida-based company, to incorporate a sustainable concrete mix design technology into the construction at La Brea.”

“Looking further ahead, we’re also interested in setting up a mid-sized shipyard in the central Caribbean,” says Mr. de Gannes.

“We’re particularly looking at US territories where we believe our skilled workforce have a competitive advantage over local, more expensive labor. We hope that the new shipyard would provide a fresh opportunity for our local cluster companies to earn US dollar currency, boosting the country’s economic diversification and foreign exchange. We’re currently undertaking a feasibility study, and hope to have more concrete plans in the near future.” c

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companies. We’re very excited, and we hope to see the program go live before the end of this year.”

SRDC hopes that the program can address an education gap within Trinidad’s population. “Historically, a large proportion of Trinidadians haven’t attained a university-level qualification,” explains Mr. de Gannes. “There are a number of reasons for that, principal among them being that people simply lack the funds. Despite this, demand for education remains high throughout the population, and at SRDC we know people are willing to invest in certificate diploma courses. Likewise, Guyana represents a significant market for certified training, with most residents under the age of 15. Very soon, we’re looking to establish a physical office in Georgetown to bring our training abroad. For those who enroll, we believe it can be a significant first step into this global maritime industry.”

This open approach to training is one that SRDC has taken into its La Brea shipyard. “Initially, we were overwhelmed by locals and foreigners seeking employment during La Brea’s construction phase,” says Mr. de Gannes. “Rather than turn them away, we decided to invite all the applicants to our shipyard office to attend pre-screening interviews. We took the 17,543 resumes we received and established a computer database to make these resumes available to

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INTERVIEW: SITEMASTERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BUILDING

A GREEN BARBADOS Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Ryan Wood, General Manager at SiteMasters Property Management, about their relationship-focus, moving towards net zero, and what’s on the horizon for construction.

By Elizabeth Cope SiteMasters Construction and Property Management was founded more than 22 years ago in Bridgetown, Barbados. Since then, SiteMasters team has developed a reputation within commercial and residential contracting across the board, specializing in general renovations, additions, and new builds, including the architectural design of hotels, offices and even pools and spas. The SiteMasters masonry and carpentry team focus on choosing materials that are sustainable and durable while also being decorative.

Like many of its Caribbean neighbors, Barbados boasts an economy with a substantial dependence on tourism revenues, and the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic last year therefore hit the island hard. For SiteMasters, it was a change that precipitated a dramatic shift in business. “The pandemic changed the whole dynamic significantly: how you operate business, how you engage with clients, how you organize workmen on job sites, and more,” says Ryan Wood, General Manager at SiteMas56 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ters. “We’re now on the tail end of things, but the construction of hotels, the renovations, and the maintenance that goes on across the island has all been affected. We now find ourselves managing properties for clients who cannot travel due to the health and safety protocols.”

RELATIONSHIP FOCUS SiteMasters’ business approach places a strong emphasis on the integrity of its professional relationships. “Operating on a small island, you can do 10 fantastic jobs, but do one bad job and you’re the worst

person on earth,” says Mr. Wood. “We like to build a rapport with our clients, aiming to deliver exactly what they want – but at the same time, not neglecting to offer an alternative opinion. It’s common for someone in my profession to present ideas that the clients don’t agree with, but you can’t allow that to become a point of conflict.

Instead, we take the time to explain things from our point of view, and quite often they come around. This isn’t possible without a strong working relationship, and it’s from this that we gain steam as a business, bringing in new clients and new projects.

We have a lot of repeat clients, too. Some people may own three or four properties, and they want to look after them, whether

it be residential or even commercial, like a coffee shop or a department store.”

This ethos isn’t just for clients – SiteMasters adopts the same attitude towards suppliers of its own. “Over the years, we’ve worked very closely with a local supplier, Carter’s General Store,” says Mr. Wood. “It’s a one-stop shop – whether it be recycled plastic, wood, or shingles, they have pretty much everything, using environmentally-friendly items as well.

Everyone has their preference, but I feel committed to them. You build a relationship with the company, from the person sweeping the floor, right up to the owner and the general manager, you speak on a first name basis – it’s vital.”

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INTERVIEW: SITEMASTERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

COMFORT FIRST Despite the challenges of the last two years, SiteMasters believes that the COVID-19 setback offers a means towards innovation across the industry, as companies strive to meet their clients’ changing demands. “Being locked in your own home can be difficult, so I think people are realizing they want to be comfortable,” says Mr. Wood. “We’re already seeing people more likely to want maybe renovated bathrooms, making them bigger, or adding a living room, for example.

Whereas materialistic concerns are playing far less of a role in general thinking, whether it be clothes, vehicles, or something more.

It’s a reflects the realities that lockdown has brought to light: that it’s important to have your own place, and to feel comfortable in it. In the next couple of years, we’re now anticipating see a construction boom. Most of our tourists come from the UK, and a lot of our clients who live off the island are dying to get back here. In the UK lockdown, they’re living uncomfortably, often in small apartments, crammed in on top of somebody else. In a lockdown here, at least you’ll have a bit of land, and you can walk outside to get fresh air. Likewise, we’re waking up to 58 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

the fact that you no longer need to be in a physically present in an office to work, you can do so from home, and as office buildings stay empty, we expect to see the growth of residential construction.”

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY AND RECYCLED MATERIALS SiteMasters is a champion of sustainable construction materials, having first offered recycled plastic roofing products from Montreal more than 15 years ago. “I was actually the first contractor to be trained in installing the product,” says Mr. Wood. “The plastic shingles provided a more environmentally-friendly alternative to typical asphalt shingle. The plastic is produced from recycled bottles and

comes with a guarantee of 25 years – underlining not only its sustainable potential, but resilience as a building material. We first installed the shingle on a large research center project for the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, with a significant square footage. Since then, we’ve used it countless times, and we promote it as a sustainable solution wherever possible. The more we can encourage our clients to go green, the better.”

To further this vision, the general contracting company is set to branch out, and is currently exploring the possibility of photovoltaic energy alternatives. “At the moment, the world is looking to go green,” says Mr. Wood. “We’re in the initial research stages for a solar farm project. The farm will hope-

“THE PLASTIC IS PRODUCED FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES AND COMES WITH A GUARANTEE OF 25 YEARS – UNDERLINING NOT ONLY ITS SUSTAINABLE POTENTIAL, BUT RESILIENCE AS A BUILDING MATERIAL”

fully be about 4 acres of land, starting with 1 acre and then we’ll develop and grow from there. We’d be creating electricity and selling it back to the main electricity company here in Barbados. That’s the direction we’re going in to generate funds, and the project is already approved and licensed. We expect

that it will get cheaper as we develop, as we see reductions in the size of the panels and improvements in the infrastructure.”

SiteMasters is hopeful about what the future holds for construction. “We’ll continue to make our clients happy and continue to build green,” says Mr. Wood. “As people are inventing new stuff, we get to experiment with it, and I look forward to it to be honest.

We’ve just finished a project using recycled plastic lumber rather to build decking, rather than wood. Likewise, I’m sure we’ll start seeing plastic-block work going forward.

We have a world that wants to go electric.

The next recyclable construction product could be painting products, paints that are odorless and environmentally friendly. Only time will tell.” c SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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ADVERTISERS INDEX A Abaco Beach Resort Adansi Travels Allied Cable

39 19 32

B Boyboison Elite Lodge Breakers Cay At Grand Lucayan

16 43

C Carters & Company Ltd Cofkans Hotel

58 15

F Fundajuventud

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G Golden Palm B&B

46

H Harbourbreeze Suites

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R Ridge Royal Hotel Riding Rock

21 43

50 39 26

52

J Janees Travel and Tours

23

S Sotech Contracting Swain’s Cay Lodge Signs of Paradise

L La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel

17

V Viper WRL

M Massy Machinery Ltd.

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W Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd 51

N Non Destructive Testers (NDT)

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OUR SERVICES • Suppliers of all scaffolding and access products • Scaffold design and drawings • Scaffold calculations • Scaffold support • Access consultancy • Scaffold training • Quality assurance services • Provision of scaffolding personnel Proud to have worked in Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Dubai, USA, Germany, South Africa, Jamaica, Holland, Nigeria and Kazhakstan.

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