UWI gets Atlantic LNG $$ for engineering

PRESIDENT of Atlantic LNG Rick Cape yesterday stated that his company has committed itself to assist with the educational growth and development of the country through its funding of several national education projects. Cape made this point minutes after delivering a US $100,000 cheque to Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Dr Bhoendratt Tewarie for the development of an environmental engineering department at the University.

Atlantic LNG has committed itself to a seven-year funding programme of US $100,000 for each year. Cape explained that the company decided to get involved in the project because of the growing need for employees who are trained in technical areas. He pointed out that at present the country needs over 2,000 adequately qualified people per year and Atlantic LNG being one of the country’s employers decided to assist in the development of individuals. The Campus Principal explained that the funding will allow the university to acquire the skills and expertise of an Environmental Engineering Professor who will assist with the development and introduction of new courses that are appropriate to the environmental needs of the country.

In addition the professor will bring new knowledge to the campus, improve the present courses that are offered and embark on researches that could lead to solutions to problems and challenges of the country’s environment. Dean of the Engineering Faculty Professor Clement Sankat explained that the University will embark on a recruitment drive at the national, regional and international level to find a suitable person to fill this position. He stated that the University hopes to have this position filled by September and pointed out that the successful candidate will not “just be a lecturer, but an experienced professor who is trained in environmental engineering at the professional level.” Professor Sankat further explained that the new professor will also be charged with the responsibility of assisting the Civil Engineering Department to develop some new programmes and teach undergraduate and postgraduate students.

He also said that the Civil Engineering Department is so committed to the establishment and the opportunity to work with the Environmental Engineering Department that they have decided to change the department’s name to the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Some of the topics that would be dealt with include waste water management and natural hazards.