Agricultural Extension Officer get certified in Hydrology
Victor Wade, the Extension Officer for the Northwest Agricultural District last week graduated in Barbados from an eight (8) month Hydrology Technician Course with the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). This course and many others that are offered by the CIMH are certification courses.
The course consisted of both theorical and practical components with each valued at basically the same in points or marks. Additionally, most of the theoretical assignments was done online and at home while for the practical aspect of the course was in person on Barbados. Wade began his course from September 2022 and pursued the online section during September to December 2022 thence the second component from January to end of April 2023. Some of the areas covered were hydrology, meteorology, chemistry, survey, and physics.
Although the second portion of the course was mainly practical work attached to it was also classroom sessions and the final written examination. The highlight of the course was the two weeks of practical/organizational aptitude tests done in Guyana. During this time the participants had to demonstrate what they learnt during the course prior the two weeks.
There were four trainees pursuing the course and they were from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, and St. Vincent. The practical assessment usual take place either in Guyana, Trinidad or Jamaica basically countries that have large resource of water such as rivers. However, that determination was the decision of the CIHM.
According to Wade his main reason for pursuing this course was first and foremost for the commitment to country and the farmers. “With the knowledge and skills, I’ve gained I plan to utilize to the optimum. Unfortunately, we don’t have much ground water but some surface water like dams, ponds and seasonal streams. My goal is to rehabilitate and improve the water catchment on island”, Wade said.
Wade felt that synergy between stakeholders such as APUA, FOA, IICA and the ministry is needed pertaining to “water security’. “My ultimate goal is to have one team of the stakeholders collaborating on a larger scale rather than each organization doing their own thing”, said Wade. It’s not about working hard but working smart Wade advised.
Wade encourages more technicians get more training, invest in yourself and the future. The course is supported by the governments of the OECS countries. “In addition to Food security, we have to think about “Water Security” also. Wade was selected to give remarks on behalf of the participants, during his delivery he used the moment to share and exchanged words of wisdom and encouragement to his peers and others in attendance.
The Ministry of Agriculture extends congratulations to Mr. Wade for this achievement and future endeavours.