Regional Technical Meeting on Refrigeration
Grand Coastal Inn
Plantation Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara
Guyana
National Ozone Action Unit, Hydrometeorological Service
Ministry of Agriculture
March 30-31, 2011
Meeting objective
The meeting was organised around the overarching themes of certification of refrigeration
technicians, alternative technologies and management of refrigeration associations. This was
to provide a forum for the deliberations at regional level on these pertinent areas as it relates to
the refrigeration industry and their role in the assisting countries in maintaining compliance to
the Montreal Protocol by achieving phase out targets.
Opening Ceremony
An official ceremony to observe the opening of the technical meeting on refrigeration was held on
March 31, 2011. The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Garvin Cummings, Chief
Hydrometeorological Officer (ag) who reiterated the importance of these deliberations to all present.
Ms. Artie Dubrie, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme, expressed thanks to
the Government of Guyana for affording her the opportunity to participate in this meeting on airconditioning and refrigeration. She recognized the eagerness of the participants to standardize their
industry. In this regard she urged participants to - keep abreast with new technologies as well as to
provide the highest service to clients, in keeping with national and international requirements.
Participants were also encouraged to become involved in international issues that are likely to impact
their industry. Ms. Dubrie acknowledged the participation of Haiti in air-condition and refrigeration
meeting as part of the Caribbean region, pointing to the dedication of the Haitian Government to the
protection of the environment and man, even the country focuses its efforts on rebuilding their
economy.
In the keynote address delivered by Honourable Robert Persaud, Minister of Agriculture, participants
were welcomed to the meeting. Minister Persaud confirmed that Guyana has maintained compliance
under the Montreal Protocol and pointed that this is an indication that Guyana continues to play its
part in the protection of the environment. This he said has given impetus to the success of Guyana’s
Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
He highlighted the importance of the meeting and urged technicians to ensure that the refrigeration
industry limits their impact on climate change thereby contributing to the safety of our planet. He
cautioned that historical neglect of issues related to climate change has resulted in the negative
environmental impacts we currently face. To this end, he commended the commitment of regional
countries in addressing the challenges of ozone depletion and climate change, which he said was
demonstrated through the presence and participation of the various regional representatives. He
concluded by wishing participants to the meeting fruitful and productive deliberations.
Certification of Refrigeration Technicians
1. Discussions regarding certification of refrigeration technicians were opened with a presentation
from CARICOM outlining the major elements of the Caricom Single Market and Economy
(CSME), free movement of labour in the CSME, imperatives for workforce development,
Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) reform, the establishment of the system
of Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) and the importance of CVQs to CSME.
2. It was pointed out that CVQs were implemented as a means of facilitating free movement of
categories of workers that were not previously covered by the Caricom free movement
initiative. Among the new categories of workers targeted under the CVQ programme are
refrigeration and air conditioning technicians.
On this regard, participants agreed on the
importance of CVQ in standardizing the training and certification of refrigeration technicians
regionally.
3. It was outlined that only three countries in the region are currently approved to issue CVQs.
These are Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. Countries were therefore encouraged to
utilize resources available in these countries that are advanced in the implementation of the
CVQ to avoid duplication of efforts and misuse of resources.
4. In the spirit of promoting regional collaboration on this regard, level one standard for
refrigeration and air conditioning prepared by Trinidad and Tobago was presented and
reviewed by participants present. This standard is slated to be submitted to CARICOM for
approval in July, 2011.
Following its approval, this standard will be available for use in all
Caribbean territories desirous of issuing CVQ for refrigeration and air conditioning.
5. To ensure that adequate emphasis is placed on the environment in regional curricula, the
CARICOM representative advised that this should be brought to the attention of CANTA
through a formal letter to ensure adequate consideration is given to the incorporation of
environmental issues during review of regional standards.
Participants were advised that the
development of standards is coordinated through local TVET bodies and regionally, through
CANTA.
Alternative Technologies
6. On the matter of short term alternatives the meeting examined the implications for the current
alternatives 410a and 407C to refrigerant HCFC 22 to be phased out under the second schedule
of the Montreal Protocol.
Among these were, reluctance of equipment owners to retrofit
existing equipment to new alternatives especially in cases where the cost for conversion is high.
Additionally it was believed that lack of training and tooling of technicians to handle
technologies, may create safety concerns, particularly in the case of R410a.
7. Hydrocarbon, Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide were explored by participants as viable longer
term alternative refrigerants for the refrigeration industry. These refrigerants were hailed for
their low cost as well as low environmental impact. Availability of these refrigerants regionally
and training on safe handling and their applications continues to be major challenges for their
exclusive adoption by the regional industry.
8. The meeting considered appropriate building designs as a response to ozone depletion and
climate change. It was emphasized that appropriate building designs can assist in reducing the
demand for mechanical cooling (air conditioning) in contemporary buildings as countries seek
to address both ozone depletion and climate change. Primary consideration for the designing of
such buildings include siting and orientation of settlements and building, building shape and
form, choice of building materials and wall shading. Architects, building owners and policy
makers (state) can collectively encourage movement towards more environmentally conscious
buildings.
Management of Refrigeration Associations
9. With regard to the role of the refrigeration association as representatives of the air conditioning
and refrigeration industry, the need for refrigeration associations to be industry driven was
underlined. Roles identified for refrigeration associations included, but were not limited to,
regularization of the refrigeration industry, promotion of training and certification of
refrigeration technicians, sharing of information, provision of technical assistance and
organisation of members into collective groups for the purpose of bargaining on behalf of the
industry.
10. On the issue of the role of the refrigeration industry in sustainable development, participants
agreed that the refrigeration industry is critical to the implementation and compliance of
countries that are parties to the Montreal Protocol. With regard to this obligation, participants
voiced that the lack of facilities to store and or destroy recovered refrigerants was becoming a
growing concern in the industry.
This, they added, is often a deterrent to recovery of
refrigerants. Participants were advised to make representation on this issue through organised
groups or refrigeration associations to their respective Ozone Offices or line Ministry. It was
pointed out that information on the volume of stored ODS available for destruction nationally
was necessary, before a national or regional strategy can be devised. This responsibility was
charged to National Ozone Offices. Notwithstanding, participants were encouraged to make
full use of the recovery equipment as this will reduce future volume of stored refrigerants as
well as the demand for new refrigerants.
11. Among the challenges identified by refrigeration associations were recruiting and retaining of
members. This participants believe is as a result of misunderstanding of the role of associations,
as many believe its primary function should be to improve the economic base of its members.
Participants considered examples of regional associations which provide training and other
incentives / disincentives to attract new members as well as to encourage existing members.
Other challenges identified by associations include personality clashes, poor attitudes of some
members and lack of respect for line authority.
12. Technicians present were encouraged to seek opportunities through their governments to
become involved in the rebuilding process in Haiti, as it was explained that there is a shortage
of skills, especially in this sector.
This would further assist in training / retraining of
technicians and the transfer of current technologies and practices in Haiti. In this regard it was
suggested that a regional refrigeration meeting be hosted in Haiti to support this process.
Haitian representatives are to follow up on this request.
Figure 2: Presenter: Mr. Henry Fredrick, Grenada
Figure 3: Site Visit
Figure 1: Site Visit - Demerara Distillers Limited, CO2 Plant
Figure 4: Site Visit
Participant List
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Winston Steele
Technical Manager (Owner)
Antigua and Barbuda Refrigeration AirConditioning Association
Bathlodge, P.O. Box 2806 St. John’s Antigua
268-720-8083
268-725-8080
abraca1@live.com
wrsteele203@hotmail.com
BAHAMAS
Lyndon Gage
Technician & Manager
Gage Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Services
All Saints Village, St. John Antigua
268-460-7070 268-464-7070
gages.aircon@hotmail.com
William Sturrup
Senior Craft Instructor
RSES Bahamas Bahamas Technical and
Vocational Institute
P.O. Box N4934
Old Trail Road, Nassau,
Bahamas
242-502-6377
242-393-4005
sturrup@hotmail.com Infobtui@gmail.com
BARBADOS
Hyrone Boyce
Supervisor, Air-Conditioning Department
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Association
of Barbados
Fonta Belle, St. Michael
246-430-5600 Ext 5648
243-6269 (C)
246-426-0125
hyrone_boyce@amrservice.com
BAHAMAS
David Ramsey
ACR Certification Lecturer
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society
Bahamas Chapter
Ministry of National Security, Nassau, Bahamas
242-392-8996 242-565-0108
242-328-3889
davidramsey549@gmail.com
GRENADA
John Campbell
Air-Condition Technician
St. George’s University School of Medicine
True Blue Campus, St. George’s, Grenada
473-444-1406 (W) 473-444-1740 (H) 473409-0025 (C) 473-414-5786 (C)
473-444-1770
GRENADA
GUYANA
Henry Frederick
Grenada Airports Authority
Point Salines, St. George’s, Grenada
473-415-1198
473-444-4838
fridgedoc@hotmail.com
GUYANA
Philip Rudland
Consultant Engineer
Cool Natural
386 Block 8, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara,
Guyana
592-602-8673
coolnatural@live.co.uk
GUYANA
Jerry Simpson
Shurish Baijnauth
Senior TVET Officer
Council for TVET
GTI Compound, 113 Woolford Avenue, Non
Pariel Park, Georgetown, Guyana
592-227-8784/9
592-227-8784
council4tvet@yahoo.com
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical)
Ministry of Education
113 Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, Guyana
592-226-4434
592-225-8356
dceotmoe@yahoo.com
GUYANA
GUYANA
Onwuzirike Patrick Chinedu
Principal
Government Technical Institute
Woolford Avenue & Camp Street, Georgetown,
Guyana
592-227-1197
Delon Douglas
Air-Condition Technician
Demerara Distillers Limited
Diamond Plantation, East Bank Demerara,
Guyana
592-265-6002 592-653-1427
delon_douglas@yahoo.com
GUYANA
GUYANA
Marven Dublin
Senior Refrigeration Technician
Demerara Distillers Limited
Diamond Plantation, East Bank Demerara,
Guyana
592-265-6022 592-650-3685
sarvin_dublin2006@yahoo.com
Shane Adams
Demerara Distillers Limited
Diamond Plantation, East Bank Demerara,
Guyana
592-265-6022 592-675-5819
shanestorm23@yahoo.com
GUYANA
GUYANA
Imran Khan
Air-Condition Technician
Demerara Distillers Limited
Diamond Plantation, East Bank Demerara,
Guyana
592-265-6022 592-667-7544
sexyboy_2289@yahoo.com
Neil George
Technician
Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company
(GT&T)
79 Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana
592-225-9033
neilovid2001@yahoo.com
GUYANA
GUYANA
General Manager
N. K. Electrical Services
136 Section ‘C’ Enterprise, East Coast Demerara,
Guyana
592-270-4595 592-626-2847
zimbo_khan@yahoo.com
GUYANA
Mahendra Saywack
Environmental Officer
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ganges Street, Sophia Greater Georgetown,
Guyana
592-650-1268
mahendrasaywack@gmail.com
GUYANA
Keino Eastman
Antartic Maintenance & Refrigeration
101 Third Street, Albertown, Georgetown,
Guyana
592-223-6320 592-223-6330
Orel Rockeliffe
Air-Condition Technician
Orel Rockeliffe Temporacy Specialist with Steele
Refrigeration
Airy Hall Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara,
GUYANA
Guyana
592-628-4144
GUYANA
Allan DeJonge
Lecturer/General Manager
Government Technical Institute/Guyana AirConditioning Refrigeration and Ventilation
Association (GARVA)
113 Woolford Avenue, Non Pariel Park,
Georgetown Guyana
592-225-0117 592-623-3726
alrefservice@yahoo.com
GUYANA
Sandra Britton
Head, Energy and Energy Statistics Division,
Guyana Energy Agency
Guyana Energy Agency
295 Quamina Street, Georgetown, Guyana
592-226-6993
592-226-5227
san_britton@yahoo.com
Karyl Arthur
Lecturer
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Guyana
Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, Guyana
Dwarka Singh
Supervisor, Maintenance Department
Noble House Seafoods Limited
Blocx ‘X’ Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Guyana
592-233-2479-82
592-233-2485
maint@noblesea.com
GUYANA
GUYANA
Khemraj Hariprasad
Refrigeration Technician
B.E.V. Processors
Area ‘K’ Houston, East Bank Demerara, Guyana
592-225-2111 592-647-6667
592-225-0015
khemraj_hariprasad@yahoo.com
GUYANA
Zainool Rahaman
National Consultant - TPMP
National Ozone Action Unit
Hydrometeorological Service
Ministry of Agriculture
18 Brickdam, Stabroek
Georgetown
Tel: 592 - 225-9303 / 226-0341
Fax: 592 – 226-1460
GUYANA
JAMAICA
Odessa Shako
National Ozone Officer
National Ozone Action Unit
Hydrometeorological Service
Ministry of Agriculture
18 Brickdam, Stabroek
Georgetown
Tel: 592 - 225-9303 / 226-5403
Fax: 592 – 226-1460
Email: o.shako@hydromet.gov.gy /
Michael Heron
Director, Air-Conditioning Sales and Service
Jamaican Air-Conditioning Refrigeration and
Ventilation Association
2 Piccadilly Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica
876-999-3831 876-926-3340/3
876-926-3344
macheron@cwjamaica.com
HAITI
SURINAME
odessas_shako@yahoo.com
Stephane Lherisson
President
Apex Training Center, Miami, Florida
Apex Centre Oe Formation Professionvelle Haiti
424 Pointe de Delmas, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
509-340-1677
stephanewlherisson@yahoo.com
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Badassee Nanan
Director
ARIA
13 Fifth St., San Juan Trinidad and Tobago
Suite, 20 Centropolis Mall Ramsaran Street
Chaguanas
368-671-1648
368-672-6101
temptecltd@hotmail.com
SURINAME
HSEC Coordinator
ARVAS
Dr. S. Redmonstraat 217
597-497-7038 597-885-3493
stan.sovan@sr.net
stanas@live.NL
UNEP / ROLAC
Artie Dubrie
Policy and Enforcement Officer
Panama City, PANAMA
Apto. Postal: 0843-03590
507 -305-3161
Fax: (507) 305-3105
artie.dubrie@unep.org
Satiesh Sandjoi
Teacher
Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation
Association Suriname (ARVAS)
Mr. Y. Hachmonstraat 180 -182
597-875-9259
satieshsardjoe@yahoo.com
SURINAME
Anjani Ramdjanamsingh
Assistant Ozone Officer
National Institute for Environment and
Development in Suriname
Ona fhankelylkheids plein
597-520-043
597-520-042
aramdjanamsingh@nimos.org
UNEP
Paul Judex Edouarzin
Consultant
Blvd T. Louverture and Clercine 18, Minustah,
Logbase, BP 557, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
509-377-1910
pauljudex.edouarzin@gmail.com
EXPERT
Vernon Ramjattan
National Training Agency
Trinidad and Tobago
868-753-0501
aircon@live.com