The 18th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Conference and Exhibition is coming to St. Thomas the second week of October, marking the first time the high-level utilities regional utilities expo will be held in a U.S. territory.
"The conference allows for networking, exchange of information with other Caribbean islands which are experiences the same issues we have," V.I. Waste Management Authority spokeswoman Stella Saunders said Friday. "We get a chance to exchange information about what may be working in one area or not in another and by talking with the best experts in their fields, assist in bringing the most state-of-the-art and effective technology to the region and the Virgin Islands."
There will be more than 50 exhibitors and almost 300 government and industry officials from around the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada and Europe, Saunders said.
Before the main conference, there will be a session with high level utility ministers from around the Caribbean coming together to talk about regional drinking water and wastewater treatment issues, she said.
The WMA, the V.I. Water and Power Authority, the University of the Virgin Islands and the Department of Tourism are among the conference’s major sponsors. It will be held at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef.
"This is the first time the gathering has been here in the Virgin Islands, so that’s very exciting for us," said Cassandra Dunn, WAPA spokeswoman. "Reading over the presentation abstracts, it’s amazing the extent these areas are being studied and explored throughout the region, and the many new technologies and innovative applications for waste water and solid waste solutions. So it will be a great week of learning for us along with our colleagues in the Caribbean, on the mainland, in Canada and Europe. We look forward to a spirited discussion."
Topics in various sessions vary from the self explanatory, such as "Solving the Water Shortage of Nevis," to the rather more technical and obscure, like "Effects of Inorganic Anions on Fenton Treatment of Landfill Leachate."
On one day, local high school students will come into the conference, participate in a panel discussion with some of the recognized experts in the field, meet with professionals and learn a bit about career opportunities in water and wastewater management, Dunn said.
The week begins with the high-level session, Oct. 4 and 5, hosted by the Inter-America Development Bank, the Office of the Governor, Tourism, WMA and WAPA. Also those first two days will provide opportunities for water, wastewater and solid waste operators, sponsored by the Inter-America Development Bank. Opening ceremonies will be Oct.5. Technical sessions run Oct. 6 through 8.
Each evening, visitors will have an option of social and cultural activities. The evening of Oct. 8 there will be an awards ceremony recognizing local professionals who have made significant contributions in the fields of water, wastewater and/or solid waste. Oct. 10 is a field day with technical tours to WAPA and WMA.
All V.I. Government agencies are welcomed to attend. The member rate of $250 per person will be extended to local agencies that send e-mil to cwwa2009@gmail.com with the registration information. A great deal of information about the conference, including details of all of the presentation subjects, can be found on the website, www.cwwa2009.com. Applications and contact information are also at the website.
