Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honorable Akierra Misick attended the 10th International Road Federation (IRF) Caribbean Regional Conference, in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Hon. Misick was accompanied by two staff members from the Public Works Department, Senior Engineer & Capital Projects Coordinator, Mr. Ian Constantine and one of the Departments’ esteemed Project Managers, Mr. Crysenne Dickenson.
The IRF annual regional meet was established in 2012 and this year’s event focused on identifying solutions and discussing best practices to address the common challenges that the region faces from road safety to climate resilience, to the infrastructure needs that a new and electrified vehicle fleet will demand.
The conference also held sessions focused on resilient transport systems, encompassing topics such as ‘Climate Resilient Transport in Small Island Developing States’, ‘Asset Maintenance & Climate Friendly Roads’, ‘Management Practices for Safer Roads’ and ‘International Roads Policing: The Future of Enforcement’ workshops, which were attended by the TCI Team.
Hon. Misick commented that she is certain the acquisition of information and experience gained at the conference couldn’t have come at a better time, as it complements the Ministry’s endeavors in developing a Transportation Policy for the Turks and Caicos.
She added that exposure to these regional events allows the staff members to observe first-hand the various technical features entailed in the overall processes. She said that the experience will lead to their empowerment and increased knowledge, boosting their morale and amplifying their confidence, ultimately culminating in capacity building of the Ministry and by extension the TCIG.
Minister Misick further commented saying in the Ministry’s continued efforts toward sustainable development of the country’s Infrastructure and the implementation of clean energy sources, a regional approach such as depicted at the IRF Caribbean Regional Conference, has expanded the team’s perspective for the development plans.
