The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change has been working with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and other partners to boost skills in water quality monitoring. They recently held training sessions designed to help environmental and technical officers learn how to monitor water quality effectively, analyze data, and manage it efficiently.
About 21 officers from various departments, including the Environmental Health Division and the Water and Sewerage Department, participated in these workshops. They completed nine courses on ArcGIS, an essential tool for collecting and analyzing geographical data. These courses, running from November 2023 to October 2024, cover both basic and advanced GIS skills, preparing participants for real-world challenges.
Ms. Atoya George, the project coordinator, explained that one goal of the RESEMBID project is to empower these officers. “We want to equip them with the skills to collect, analyze, and report on water quality data,” she said. The training is crucial for managing effective water quality monitoring programs. In addition, a five-day workshop in late September 2024 helped officers enhance their knowledge in testing and analyzing water quality, as well as maintaining laboratories. Participants also received training on understanding geodatabases, which will help them manage water quality data better.
Andrea Floudiotis, the Senior Programme Manager for RESEMBID, emphasized the importance of ongoing training and collaboration. “Improved water quality is vital for both people and the environment. The Government of the Virgin Islands is making strides in using data to inform decisions on pollution control,” she noted.
The Ministry understands that good water quality monitoring is key to protecting marine environments. It provides valuable data for sustainable planning and development. Their commitment includes educating officers about pollution sources and ways to monitor them effectively.
This initiative is part of a larger project called ‘Strengthening the Virgin Islands’ Water Quality Monitoring Programme,’ supported by the RESEMBID program. Funded by the European Union, this initiative aims to promote sustainable development across the Caribbean region. The program involves multiple countries, ensuring that efforts to protect and manage resources are well-coordinated.
