The routine continued this morning starting with a hearty breakfast. There was a variety of breads, chicken and fish nuggets, banana fritters, potato and bean sprouts and fruit. We then assembled in the lobby to wait to be taken to CELOS, the Centre for Agricultural Research, at the University of Anton de Kom. Today, we were joined by our associates Ms. Gayatrie Beharie, Ms. Farida Augustin, Mr. Winston Wilson and and Mr. Peter Laan.
On arrival, we were immediately taken to the room where the presentations were to be delivered. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Fong Peon, Interim Manager of CELOS. He spoke about the Surinamese Government and their ambitious and commendable goal to be “The Food Basket” of CARICOM, something they have aggressively set out to improve their capacity to do as we found out earlier on in the week.
 |
| Ms Camille Patrick presenting to Mr Fong Peon, Interim Director at CELOS |
At present, emphasis is placed on finding solutions for the Agricultural and Forestry Sector through the application of new technologies, and we were greatly impressed by their level of innovation. Their focus of research in the areas of agriculture, forestry, wood technology and tissue culture sparked our interest. The first presentation, delivered by Ms. Callebaut on the Agronomy Research Department and its operations, raised a point of interest concerning the agricultural research where she indicated that poultry feed was made using cassava root and leaves. The disadvantage of this is a possible ripple effect where there might be increases in prices. This can occur in the event of a shortage of cassava. However, it will decrease the input cost for animal farming. While all of the research that CELOS is trying to undertake is quite fascinating, in order for the country to get the full benefit of this research unit, the focus should be directed to areas that can be applicable to large-scale productions.
CELOS is undertaking a range of research in agronomy, forestry and bio-processing, all with the aim of immediate commercialisation or implementation so as to see immediate improvement in the Agricultural sector. All research focuses on creating a sustainable sector through soil conservation, developing genebanks and considering alternative production such as producing fish food from algae. Reflecting a truly balanced vision of sustainable development, there is heavy focus on developing techniques which can improve subsistence farming for rural communities, while being minimally invasive to the environment.
Creating better yields through agricultural research is the primary goal of this organisation. This is in keeping with the vision of the Surinamese Government to become the food basket of CARICOM. Collaboration with regional universities has assisted in research activities which can only redound to the benefit of the region.
Presentations were also given by Ms. Maureen Playfair, from the Forestry Department, and Ms. Joelaika Beharie Ramdas, who spoke about Bioprocess Technology. The Government understands that in order to make an impact on the economy and be cost effective in their research they must have a strategic plan. This strategic plan allows them to narrow their focus and choose the basis on which they wish to compete. They must create an agribusiness chain. This chain will begin from selecting the right varieties of plant, to the other end of the spectrum which is setting up processing plants. This will make the sector more lucrative and attract entrepreneurs. Also the country has plans to expand its oil sector to an energy sector in order to become a regional player.
 |
| Mr Dinesh Soodeen presenting to Mr Amresh Mohan, Production Engineer at STAATSOLIE |
Our visit to STAATSOLIE started with a presentation by Mr. Amresh Mohan, the Production Engineer. After the presentation we were treated to a delicious, well balanced Javanese lunch.
 |
| Javanese Lunch at STAATSOLIE |
Similar to CELOS, at STAATSOLIE we saw more evidence in terms of innovation when our guide Mr Mohan described the company’s plan to move from petroleum to energy. Another innovation that we were impressed with was one of the enhanced oil recovery methods (EOR) applied by the company; polymer injection is used due to the high viscosity of the crude in Suriname, whereas in Trinidad, water and steam injections are used. There is a need for the company to develop its pool of expertise in the petroleum sector especially when it comes to the downstream refining and improved oil recovery processes. Both CELOS and STAATSOLIE have similar research programmes as conducted at the UTT and UWI. The difference between the two, however, is the level of experience Trinidad has when compared to Suriname in the energy and research sectors.
 |
| In the Conference Room at STAATSOLIE |
STAATSOLIE has a strategic 20-year plan referred to as vision 2020. These plans will see an increase in their production as well as the refining of crude oil to make other products such as bitumen. This strategic alignment between policy and funding to create upstream and downstream industries builds confidence in the Suriname business sector. This expansion of opportunities in these two sectors will provide greater opportunity for entrepreneurship.
 |
| The STAATSOLIE Facilties |
STAATSOLIE provides an excellent example of how a responsible company balances the three pillars of sustainable development: profit, people and planet. Their profits are fed back into communities, through their Community Relations Division, helping to develop infrastructure and skills while building good relations. They also focus heavily in the personal and professional development of their employees. In terms of eco-consciousness, their plant is built and laid out in such a way as to preserve the surrounding forest. In addition, their level of environmental compliance exceeds the norm and is entirely voluntary. Research and development aim at developing alternative energies from sugar cane and other sources, with the hopes of eventually diversifying their operations.
 |
| The Flow Tanks at STAATSOLIE |
STAATSOLIE has partnered with multi-national companies from Europe and the USA among others, in order to assist in oil exploration. Although most of the oil is used for local consumption, the company also exports oil throughout the region. Based on STAATSOLIE’s medium-term plans, Suriname intends to produce a variety of oil products to export to the region, cementing their place as a dominant player. A point that was made clear throughout our visits today at CELOS and STAATSOLIE is that Suriname is in a transitional period and poised to do great things.
As we headed back to the hotel, we requested that the debriefing session be pushed back in order for us to go shopping in the town. We were given permission on the condition that the blog be completed by 9:00pm. Fortunately for us, the driver was stopping off at the hotel first before going into the city, so we were able to drop our bags off instead of having to take them with us. Mr. Ameerali then advised that we had only one minute in which to run up three flights of stairs to our rooms. As we hustled back to the maxi, we realized that some of us were missing. As we looked longingly at the hotel’s doors, we were happy to see Rahim running through.
At this point, Mr. Ameerali gave the driver the signal wave to leave as he was already late. Just as the driver was pulling out of the hotel driveway, Ronald came outside. Although we pleaded with the driver, he refused to stop. Ronald attempted to run after the maxi but quickly accepted that it was a lost cause and threw up his hands in anger. Realizing that both Ronald and Dinesh had been left back, we made a collective decision to stop the maxi and disembark. This made us stronger as a unit as both Ronald and Dinesh were very appreciative of the gesture. We regrouped, stopped a maxi at the side of the road and were on our way, just like we would have at home in Trinidad. The shopping session was truly enjoyable and the walk back to the hotel was equally exhilarating.
Tomorrow we welcome Professor Persad to Suriname. We will also visit the Anton de Kom University where we will participate in a workshop in the morning and then visit the SAB Distillery in the afternoon.
No comments:
Post a Comment