Mr. Christopher Whint, speaking on behalf of the Construction Association of Grenada (CAG), said the Association is particularly pleased that the main reference material for the Workshop is the Grenada Building Guidelines.

“Indeed, it is our hope that every contractor carries a copy of the Guidelines on every job site to ensure that what we build can withstand anything that Mother Nature sends our way,” Mr. Whint said.

The Programme is designed to integrate natural hazard resistant building practices and procedures into residential design and construction through the application of the CQA Mechanism.

In registering for the workshop, contractors were urged to bring their copy of the Grenada Building Guidelines. Those who did not have a copy were provided with a complementary copy.

The workshop, which continues on Saturday, February 17 at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort Convention Centre, is facilitated by Roger Baptiste and Carlyle Glean Jr. two local engineers; and Grenville Phillips of Consulting Engineers Partnership (CEP) in Barbados.

The CQA Project Work Plan was developed by OAS Consultant Terrence Smith; in collaboration with an Advisory Group. Mr. Whint, who is also a member of the Advisory Group, urged contractors to pay close attention.

“This is an opportunity to learn from the best; from engineers who know the challenges of building in Grenada, who are familiar with our terrain and who recognise the importance of standards and adherence to the Grenada Building Guidelines,” Mr. Whint said.

The CQA Advisory Group is chaired ARD Director of Physical Infrastructure Patrick Noel, who reminded the contractors about the competition created through the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. Mr. Noel noted the importance of adhering to the standards set by the Grenada Building Guidelines for safety and sustainability, but also in terms of being able to compete within the region.

Previous training sessions under the CQA Project include workshops for engineers and architects in December; and Building Inspectors of the Physical Planning Unit in January. Also in January, a Symposium was convened for engineers and architects that produced an outline for the first draft of a ‘Checking Manual’ for the examination of residential plans and inspection of residential construction.

The implementation phase of the G-(HR²) Programme, the CQA Project, is funded by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and is being executed by the OAS in collaboration with the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD).

The Advisory Group comprises representatives of the following:

• OAS,


• ARD,


• National Insurance Scheme,


• Housing Authority of Grenada,


• Bankers’ Association of Grenada,


• Grenada Co-operative League Ltd.,


• Ministry of Communications, Works and Transport,


• Ministry of Social Development,


• Ministry of Health and the Environment,


• Physical Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance,


• National Disaster Management Agency,


• Association of Grenada Insurance Companies,


• Grenada Society of Architects,


• Construction Association of Grenada,


• Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and


• Grenada Institute of Professional Engineers.