GRAVA Sets New Date for General Elections

Monday, October 29th, 2018: Members of the Grenada Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA) agreed to a new date for the election of officers to serve on its executive.  The decision was taken at the recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 24, 2018, after a quorum of twenty (20) financial members in good standing was not present for the elections to be held.

The last election of officers was held some six (6) years ago when a special General Meeting had to be convened for similar reasons.  The association has been dormant for a period of approximately five (5) years and efforts are now underway with support from the National Ozone Unit to re-organise and return it to full functionality.

The new date that us set for the General Election of the Association is Thursday January 17th, 2019.  The sitting executive is urging all members to regularize their membership.  A special appeal is also made to potential members to join the Association. Membership registration forms are available at SNJ Electrical, H A Blaize Street, B L International, Frequente, Cooling Tech Limited, Dusty Highway and the National Ozone Unit, Financial Complex, Carenage, St. George’s

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GRAVA urged to move from the Forming and Storming to the Norming and Performing stages in its developmental process.

Friday October 26th, 2018:  The Grenada Refrigeration, Air Conditioning ad Ventilating Association (GRAVA) concluded a very successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday October 24th, 2018 at the T A Marryshow Community College.  Over forty (40) refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, representing all sectors of the industry, attended the approximately ninety (90) minutes meeting.  This has been the first AGM since October 2012. The AGM of GRAVA is constitutionally due by the last  Thursday of October and has been organised by the sitting executive to rejuvenate the association.  GRAVA at one stage was ranked among the most active RAC associations in the Caribbean.  President, Mr. Lenard Frank in his address encouraged the members to join forces for a collective effort to re-position GRAVA as the most preeminent association in the region.

Also addressing the meeting was National Ozone Officer, Mr. Leslie Smith, who lamented on the need for a very close  working relationship between GRAVA and the National Ozone Unit. “Refrigeration and air conditioning is the target area in the NOU’s work portfolio; the NOU is prepared to extend additional support in assisting the Association to return to full functionality”, Mr. Smith said.

Dr. Telesford: GRAVA AGM

The highlight of meeting was the feature address delivered by Dr. John Telescford of the T A Marryshow Community College.  Dr. Telesford who is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is also an Honorary Member of GRAVA.  Dr. Telesford addressed the technicians on the topic: “Building Our New Energy Future, Together”. He informed the technicians that global environmental issues such as ozone depletion and climate change are among the  the key driving forces that is shaping the RAC industry today. He went on to say that “this new thrust therefore makes us not just RAC technicians, but individuals and organizations offering energy related solutions to our clients and customers. Our new future therefore is about energy! In fact, we seem to be going ‘back to the future’ to shape our ‘new energy future’”. Sending a very stern message to the association members, Dr. Telesford reiterated that GRAVA needs to get past the ‘Forming Stage’ and to aggressively transition to the ‘Storming’ and ‘Norming’ Stages in order to get to the ‘Performing’ stage in the organisation’s developmental process. In so doing, he identified a number of benefits the members can derive from the association.

The meeting also included reports from the Secretary and Treasurer and discussed core areas that the members would like  GRAVA to address for them in the 2019 business plan.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to be included under Grenada’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) review.

St. George’s, Grenada. Tuesday, October 17th, 2018. During the Stakeholder Consultation for the Rapid Assessment of Grenada’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the 2015 Paris Agreement, that was organised by the NDC Partnership , several issues relating to the focused areas in the NDCs were examined.  Twenty (20) specially selected stakeholders reviewed the current status of the NDC implementation, identified gaps and challenges, indicated actions and support needed, as well as, opportunities and initiatives to overcome barriers in the four focused sectors: Electricity, Transport, Forestry and Waste. Working Groups during the consultation were also required to recommend practical steps for the NDC implementation for each of the sectors.

One of the recommendations put forward for consideration by Grenada’s National Ozone Officer, Mr. Leslie Smith, is the inclusion of HFCs into the basket of gases identified for mitigation actions.  In the current NDC framework, two gases have been targeted for emissions reduction; carbon dioxide and methane. Mr Smith also lamented, that between 50-70% of electricity consumed in  most commercial buildings in Grenada is for comfort cooling . With the introduction of more energy efficient refrigeration and air-condition equipment, the electricity consumption and its associated CO2 emissions can be reduced to up to 45%, in some sub sectors. This can be one of the areas that can significantly contribute to reaching the emissions reductions target of 30% of 2010 levels, by 2025.  The proposal received overwhelming support by all the stakeholders and was agreed to be included in the NDC implementation plan and the review that is due in 2020.

In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol struck a land-mark, legally binding agreement to phase down HFC production and consumption after many years of intense negotiations – The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Since the Kigali Amendment was adopted after the first round of NDCs were committed, only seven (7) out of a hundred and seventy four (174)  countries have included policies and actions that will reduce HFC emissions (World Resource Institute).  There is therefore a clear opportunity to strengthen actions within the context of the Paris Agreement. Parties to the Montreal Protocol, especially those like Grenada that has already ratified the Kigali Amendment that will enter into force on January 1st, 2019, can include their commitments for HFC phase down in a new or updated NDC.

Grenada will!!!!

The Grenada Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA) prepares for its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

St. George’s, Grenada. Monday, October 15th, 2018: Executive Members of the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA) have been meeting weekly for the last three (3) weeks to finalize plans for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.

The AGM is scheduled for Wednesday October 23rd, 2018, at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) from 5:00 p.m. The AGM will feature the President’s and Secretary’s Reports and the preparation of the work plan for 2019.  A feature address will be delivered by guest speaker, Dr. John Telesford.  Election of officers to form the new executive is also on the agenda the AGM.

The current executive, lead by Vice President, Mr.Lenard Frank is on a robust drive to increase the membership of the Association leading up the to the AGM. A special appeal is being made to all members of the GRAVA and RAC technicians interested in joining the Association to attend the AGM.

Registration forms are available at: SNJ Electrical on HA Blaize Street, Cooling Tech Limited at Dusty Highway, BL International at the Frequente Industrial Park and at the National Ozone Unit, at the Financial Complex, Carenage, St. George’s.

GRAVA has been a very active association in Grenada and the wider Caribbean region since its inception in 2006. In recent years the association has been less active and less visible in the industry and efforts are underway to rejuvenate its operations.

Additional information can be obtained from Mr. Lenard Frank on telephone number: 409 0832, Mr Nicholas Joseph on telephone number, 407 2531 or Mr. John Campbell on telephone number, 409 0025.

Executive members in discussion

Grenadian Refrigeration and Air-condition technicians attends Study Tour and Chillventa Technology Fair in Germany.

Mr. Lance Simpson

Ms. Jamie John

St. George’s, Grenada, October 15th, 2018: Two local refrigeration  and air-condition technicians have left the island on Saturday October 13th, 2018 for Germany to participate in a Study Tour for managers and engineers involved in the installation of chiller type air conditioning systems.

The Study Tour which is scheduled from October 15th to 19th, 2018, will include hands on experiences in the installation of chillers and field visits to end users. The technicians will also attend the Chillventa Fair in Nuremberg, Germany.  The Chillventa fair which is held every two years is a trade fair and exhibition for energy efficiency, heat pumps, refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies. Great focus will be on the use of Natural refrigerants as a replacement for the high global warming flourinated gases used in refrigerationa and air-conditioning systems. The technicians will have an opportunity to connect and network with the industry top manufacturers, professionals, associations and research institutes. “This is where trade, industry, plant construction, users, training and research meet to discuss the latest trends, make contact and do business”

The exposure and experience to be gained by the technicians is critical for Grenada at this time, as the Kigali Amanendment to the Montreal Protocol will enter into force on January 1st, 2019.  Grenada is one of three Caribbean countries to have already ratified the Kigali Amendment. This Amendment will kick start officially the initial activities to phase down the high GWP hydrchlorofluorocarbons (HFC) that are widely used in these AC systems.

The technicians, who are both mechanical engineers, were nominaed from two of the leading RAC companies in Grenada, that are involved in the installation of chillers.  Mr. Lance Simpson, who is the Assistant General Manager and Operations Manager at Cooling Tech Limited and Ms. Jamie St. John of Viking Engineering Co (Gda) Ltd, are the two technicians. Both technicians have also received the Cool Training in Natural Refrigerants.    Ms Jamie St. John, was only recently recognised by the National Ozone Unit, as part of the World Ozone Day celebrations, as one of the few females who are involved in refrigeration and air-conditioning in Grenada.  The two technicians are expected to share on the knowledge and experience gained with other local technicians on their return to Grenada.

The particpation of the technicians at the Study Tour and Trade Fair is made possible through the Susainable Phase-Out of Ozone Depleting Substances (SPODS) Project that is funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany and implemented through GIZ Proklima. The National Ozone Unit is the executing agency on behalf of the Government of Grenada.

Green air conditioners for tropical Grenada

View video at the link below:

https://www.dw.com/en/green-air-conditioners-for-tropical-grenada/a-45542307

Green air conditioners for tropical Grenada?

Air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular in the tropical heat of Grenada and Carriacou. Efforts to make them more climate friendly are posing new challenges for local technicians.

   Project goal: GIZ wants to promote a more climate-friendly kind of air conditioner on Grenada and Carriacou. The effort is part of the IKI-project “Cool Contributions Fighting Climate Change”

Project implementation: Among other things, the project supports partner countries’ efforts to remove obstacles to the use of natural cooling agents and propellants
Project partners: Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, Trade, Energy and Cooperatives, Grenada,International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)
Project scope: Aside from Grenada, the project area also encompasses Costa Rica, Iran, Vietnam and Philippines, and is supported by BMU with a total of €4.7 million ($5.5 million)
Project duration: From Januray 2016 to June 2021

The Carribean heat on Grenada and Carriacou makes air conditioners a popular addition to the home. Though they traditionally have poor green credentials, there are now efforts to make the devices more environmentally friendly by using propane as a natural cooling agent. But the gas is highly flammable, meaning installation and maintenance require special knowledge and skills on the part of technicians, something they often lack — until now.

A film by Katja Döhne

National Ozone Unit recognizes Women in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Industry in Grenada, for World Ozone Day 2018.

 

(L-R) Jamie St. John, Candelle Thomas, Jodie Ann Pryce, Tasha Francis, Patricia Benjamin

(L–R) Karina Bowen, Carlinda Passee, Ashel Lendore, Akelsha Cato, Shinika Sandy, Bontrice Hutton, Kelly Ann Telesford, Jamie St. John, Nazin Francis

St. George’s, Grenada. September 17th, 2018. A recognition and award ceremony was held by the National Ozone Unit on Monday September 17th, 2018 to recognize women who are involved in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector in Grenada. During the ceremony seventeen (17) women were presented with special recognition awards.  The ceremony formed part of the “Watch Me Work” initiative organised by the NOU as part of the celebrations to commemorate World Ozone Day, 2018.

Seven (7) ladies received awards for their services to the industry, either as, managers, sales clerks, procurement officers or instructors while another ten (10) who are active technicians in the field received tool-kits, valued at EC $1,600.00 each.

Preceding the award ceremony, a special symposium was organised for women who are involved in the RAC sector as well as RAC students and other females with interest in this sector. Many of the issues associated with women who operate in male dominated technical fields were addressed. Challenges, opportunities as well as successes were identified by the many speakers who presented. Among the speakers were: Ms. Shakira Boyce, RAC Instructor at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, Barbados, Mrs. Anya Menezes-Chow Chung, CEO at George F. Huggins and Mrs Elaine Henry-McQueen, Senior Programme Officer at the Division of Gender and Family Affairs. Also sharing on their personal experiences were: Ms Michelle Slinger an Architect for over twenty years and Mrs Samantha Hossle, an engineer at Grenada Electricity Company (Grenlec) with over fifteen years experience in the field.

#watchmework

 An integral part of the day’s activity was a practical demonstration by the female technicians. They skillfully performed the task of  removing an existing air conditioner at the HVAC Classroom at TAMCC, that operates with a potent high global warming, green house gas and replaced it with an environmentally safe, energy efficient alternative unit.

In line with theme for the 2018 World Ozone Day Celebration, the NOU urges these young ladies to “Keep Cool and Carry on”.

Cool Training comes to Grenada: Training in Natural Refrigerants.

       

St. George’s Grenada., August 31st, 2018: Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in Grenada were the beneficiaries of expert training in Natural refrigerant technology during the period of August 20th – 31st 2018. Forty five (45) refrigeration and air conditioning technicians received training in theory and practicals from German expert, Mr. Dennis Huehren who visited the island to conduct the training under the Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change (C4) project.

The training delivered consisted of three components: (a) Theory which had 40 participants (b) Fit for Splits -train the trainers, 16 participants and (c) Brazing practicals which had 33 participants.  Some technicians participated in all three components

The Grenada Cool Training which is a variation and an off-shoot of the International Cool Training organised by GIZ Proklima in Germany, is intended not only to benefit local technicians but other technicians in the Caribbean region.  The premier training institution on the island, the T A Marryshow Community College has already agreed to adopt the training and to incorporate as part of the training offered to technicians.

Teachers return after completing training in Germany

Mr. Heston Mann ad Mr. Shannel Franklyn, refrigeration and air-conditioning teachers

Mr. Heston Mann

of St. Mark’s Secondary School and Boca Secondary School respectively, returned to Grenada after successfully completing a  two weeks training course in Germany, in the area of Natural Refrigerant technologies.

Mr. Shannel Franklyn

These two schools are the only secondary schools on the island that offers refrigeration and air-conditioning as part of their technical curriculum.  Additionally, the schools will be introducing Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification when  new academic year starts in September 2018. The intention of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) is to have a module on Natural Refrigerants included in the syllabus of this program. The selection of the teachers to attend this training is geared towards equipping them with the knowledge and experience to adequately prepare the students in new and emerging technologies that are ozone and climate friendly.

Natural refrigerant technology is one of the technologies that is promoted by the NOU as a replacement for the high global warming and ozone depleting flouorinated gases that are currently used in the RAC sector in Grenada.

The attendance of the training was facilitated by the NOU with support from the Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change (C4) project that is funded by the government of Germany through GIZ

Grenada RAC Technician Off to Belize to Deliver Training

Mr. Henry Frederick

Thursday July 26th, 2018, National Ozone Unit:  Grenada, considered to be one of the leading countries in the region in the application and promotion of low and zero global warming potential alternatives (Natural Refrigerants) in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector (RAC), is sharing its knowledge and experience in this area with other countries in the region. As early as the year 2005, the country invested in developing the capacity of local technicians and  providing training for approximately 75% of technicians in hydrocarbon technology. Hydrocarbons have long been considered as one of the best alternatives to replace the high ozone depleting and global warming flourinated gases used in the RAC sector.

On Monday July 23rd, 2018, local RAC trainer, Mr. Henry Frederick left the island for Belize to deliver a two day training on hydrocarbon technology on Wednesday 25th to Thursday 26th. Mr. Frederick who was invited by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Belize is one of the leading experts  in Grenada with over twelve years experience working with with hydrocarbons as a refrigerant.

Over the years other Grenadian experts in this area have visited other islands of the Caribbean, namely, Guyana, Dominic, Barbados and St. Kitts and Nevis  to deliver similar training.