Engineers honour excellence at annual awards dinner

The new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford — hailed as a model for innovation, sustainability and compassionate care — was named Project of the Year by the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) at its Annual Engineering Awards and Dinner on Saturday night.

Engineer Orson Alleyne accepted the prestigious BAPE Annual Engineering Award of Excellence on behalf of Steinbok Management Services Inc., which provided project management services for the new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, St Michael — recognised as the Project of the Year.

Among the other contenders were the Digital Innovation and Health Tech Hub at Newton, Christ Church, and the Oceana Innovation Hub at Bay Street, St Michael.

Expressing gratitude, Alleyne said: “The recognition from BAPE validates the tireless days, the tireless efforts of the multidisciplinary team that involved engineers, architects, environmental scientists, contractors and client representatives who gave their expertise and their heart to this vision.”

Among their design and technical partners were Archis Design Group, Spencer Thorne Consultants, Richard Gill Associates, Preconco Ltd and CO Williams Construction Ltd.

Alleyne credited the many specialists whose commitment ensured that the project met the highest standards of performance and innovation.

He said: “This award represents far more than an acknowledgement of engineering excellence. It symbolises what is possible when innovation, collaboration and purpose align in service to our nation. 

“The new geriatric hospital was envisioned not merely as a building but as a cornerstone for the future of health care in Barbados — one that merges functionality, sustainability and compassion into a single integrated facility designed to care for our most vulnerable citizens.

“From the outset our goal was to redefine what a modern healthcare institution could be. The incorporation of renewable energy through the 350-kilowatt photovoltaic system, a tertiary water reclamation plant and environmentally responsive architecture demonstrates how engineering can lead to social transformation.”

He continued: “To my colleagues at Steinbok Management Services — thank you for dedication, perseverance and professionalism throughout every phase, from design coordination to the challenges of construction and delivery. Your work exemplifies the values of integrity, technical excellence and public service.”

Alleyne also acknowledged the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. and the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their leadership and trust.

The BAPE President’s Award was presented to Akeem Nurse for providing leadership and stewardship in revamping the organisation’s website.

Members who achieved the distinction of Fellow were also recognised during the ceremony. They included Karen Walkes and Richard Edghill, while Keith Best was acknowledged as an honorary member, having been part of the Barbados National Standards Institute (BNSI) for more than forty years.

In one of last acts as head of state before her terms expires next month, President Sandra Mason presented awards to the recipients. As her tenure draws to a close, she was presented with a gift on behalf of the association.