Sustainable Future Discussion

(CNS): The Cayman Islands will be participating as observers at a conference in Brussels this week (25 – 26 September) to discuss waste and waste water management, and sustainable energy options with other island states, a government release says. Organized by the European Commission and Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), the seminars draw together the 17 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).

There will be six days of discussions on best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable water, energy and waste management. The focus for both sessions is formulating regional OCT strategies for sustainable futures and participants will share best practices and knowledge in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and effective waste management fields.

“We will have broad representation at this major event in the OCTs calendar. Cayman’s delegation are Mr Hendrik Jan van Genderen, our water resource engineer; Mr Sean McGinn, our assistant director of solid waste; Mr Olivaire Walter, our consultant to the Electricity Regulatory Authority as well as past chairman of the government’s negotiating team with CUC; Deputy Chief Officer (Environment and Commerce) in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce Samuel Rose; and a 3-person team from the Department of Environment. We believe that much can be gained in being present,” stated Christina Rowlandson from the Cabinet Office.

Specific objectives include identifying OCT needs, establishing institutional frameworks and regional partnerships, as well as recognizing education and capacity- building opportunities.