Kingstown, St. Vincent – Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Hon. St. Clair Jimmy Prince, says the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in collaboration with the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), has implemented several key strategies to strengthen water supply systems and promote sustainability, particularly in the wake of recent natural disasters.
Minister Prince was delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial Caribbean Water Operators Conference, hosted at Beachcombers Hotel.
He highlighted that the regional and global landscape for water sustainability has grown increasingly complex, influenced by climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and disruptions in international supply chains.
“SVG is emerging from what I describe as a ‘special period’ – marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 volcanic eruptions, and the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024,” Prince stated. “These events have not only tested our systems but also driven us to become more resilient.”
While noting that mainland St. Vincent enjoys relatively abundant water resources, the Minister underscored the heightened vulnerability of the Grenadines due to their limited freshwater supply. In response, the CWSA has rolled out a suite of critical initiatives, including:
Technological advancements and smart metering
Groundwater harvesting
Emergency water supply mechanisms for the Grenadines
Expanded desalination projects
“This conference is not just about highlighting our challenges, but about sharing solutions, technologies, and strategies that empower operators and safeguard our water future,” Prince emphasized.
The three-day regional conference features exhibitions, technical presentations, and networking sessions aimed at enhancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within the Caribbean water sector. It brings together regional experts, utility operators, and stakeholders to collectively address the urgent issues facing water systems across the region.