~Five-day concrete workshops hosted by Dr. Christopher C. Ferraro, Ph.D., P.E, FACI ~
CAY HILL, Sint Maarten — As part of the recently signed service-level agreement Argos, a multinational
producer of cement, and the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) will be hosting another in a series of projects geared toward the socioeconomic development of country Sint Maarten. Argos Cement will be holding a series of workshops facilitated by the NIPA with the goal of enhancing the quality of construction technology, resources and standards through effective education and networking in Sint Maarten. The workshops will teach about general concrete properties and behavior, concrete pavement, mass concrete, curing of concrete and concrete durability.
The event will take place in the last week of February and is focused on informational sessions for specific target audiences. Industry partners and contractors are invited to workshop 1 on February 24 and 25 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Workshop 2, on February 26 and 27 will be held at the same times; the invitees will be VROMI, other government partners and special guests.
February 28 is the closing day, which will wrap up the events of the previous days. It will run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. All participants will be asked to complete a practical exam conducted by a member of Argos. Refreshments will be provided.
Christopher C. Ferraro, Ph.D., P.E, FACI, who is an expert in the field of engineering and infrastructure, will host the sessions. Dr. Ferraro is expected to speak and share his vast knowledge with the invited guests with the added benefit of certification for having completed the course.
“Based on our company’s purpose to help build dreams that boost development and transform lives, we are
constantly on the look-out for opportunities that contribute to the communities where we have operations. In this case, this workshop will be the starting point of this educational endeavor with NIPA for Argos to help Sint Maarten build back better. Through this agreement we aim to share our experience as a cement company to positively impact the construction industry on the island. It is an honor for us to be part of a program like this, that aims to the growth and empowerment of our people and the overall social and cultural development of this country,” said Edgar Martínez, Argos Antilles General Director.
“The newly penned vision of the NIPA, endorsed by our key stakeholders, highlights the core values of standards we aim to uphold; innovation, inclusiveness and excellence. Collaborative initiatives with our industry partners pave the way for the realization of these values in a very tangible way. We are pleased to be considered a valued partner with Argos Sint Maarten B.V., in the fulfillment of our mandate as the leading technical vocational institute in the North Eastern Caribbean. This workshop launches more of such initiatives, and in doing so, not only sets the standard in the Construction Industry, but also exemplifies excellence. The NIPA is proud and confident of the outcome of these workshops, with Argos Sint Maarten leading experts,” said representatives of the NIPA Supervisory Board of Directors, Management and team.
The workshops are geared to key partners, but there are ten seats available to the public for each session. For more information or to register please email Keianna Liburd at kliburd@argos.co or visit the Argos Cement location at 107 Juancho Yrasquin Boulevard. Registration is US$20 and closes on February 17.