NIA-CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (May 13^TH, 2011) — Representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank [CDB], employees of the Nevis Water Department [NWD], government ministers and a contingent of civil servants from key departments within the Nevis Island Administration [NIA] witnessed the launch of the “biggest water enhancement project in the history of Nevis.”

The two-day event, dubbed, the Nevis Water Supply Enhancement Project Launch Workshop, was held at the Mount Nevis Hotel on May 11 and 12 with an official opening ceremony in the hotel’s conference room on Wednesday [May 11].

The ceremony was punctuated with a rendition of the National Anthem by St. James Parish resident Ms. Mikahlia Lawrence; an opening prayer by NWD employee Mr. Oriel Hanley; and speeches by Nevis’ Premier and Finance Minister the Honourable Joseph Parry, Minister with responsibility for Works the Honourable Carlisle Powell, Officer-in-Charge of the Economic Infrastructure Division of the CDB Mr. Andrew Dupigny and Permanent Secretary [PS] in the Ministry of Communication, Works, Public Utilities and Posts Mr. Ernie Stapleton. The NWD’s General Manager, Mr. George Morris, presented the vote of thanks.

Attendees to the Nevis Water Supply Enhancement Project Launch Workshop

PS Stapleton explained the workshop’s many objectives and said they would ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

He also, during his opening remarks, encouraged participants to take advantage of the training.

“The components of the project include upgrading the water supply network, capacity building, public education and water resource management and more importantly, how to apply CDB and international guidelines in implementing the project,” Mr. Stapleton said.

A number of individuals, including Junior Minister Powell, were publicly recognised for their dedication towards the enhancement of water.

Minister Powell, according to his permanent secretary, “championed the cause in the development of water on the island of Nevis.” A similar statement was made by Minister Powell about PS Stapleton and the staff at the NWD, who he acknowledged for their hard work.

Representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank being applauded by their instrumentality in the project

“Through their combined efforts, the Nevis Water Department has quietly become one of the best performing departments in government,” he said.

“The Nevis Water Enhancement Project,” Mr. Powell added, “sends a clear message to our citizens, residents, visitors and developers that this government is on the right track to making life better for all Nevisians.”