Facebook

ECONOMISTS – FAILED US?

By in Print

A few weeks ago I wrote in a weekly article, the following comment on a report done by ECLAC on the economy of Antigua and Barbuda. ‘’ I recently read a report which suggested that Antigua has the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean. It was based on an ECLAC report which was projecting a growth of 5.4 % for Antigua and Barbuda. The IMF had their projection set at 2.1%. Every morning I spend some time reading all the regional newspapers, so I am fairly acquainted with the happenings in most Caribbean States. My reading of that statement by ECLAC only confirmed my suspicion that we have economists at these institutions that are completely out of touch with reality. I met a good friend of mine who commented on this report and juxtaposed the economic growth of St Lucia to make the point that we have slipped along the way. I vehemently disagreed and advised the individual that the...

ENGINEERING – COMMON SENSE?!

By in Print

I have always said that good engineers must have common sense, and it is important for any young engineer to understand the fundamental principles of engineering. At times I see activities that challenge my hope for the future of the profession. There are simple things like how to fix a pothole so that it can last, the basics of cutting and squaring the pothole and compacting the pavement layers. I have seen recent activity where the asphalt is virtually dumped in the hole and left to be compacted by traffic, that certainly is not common sense. I went to Vieux Fort and observed the repair to the failed culvert  at Micoud, and again wondered where common sense left the design. You cannot expect an embankment to be stable with that angle, and the next major storm event will see the section of fill just above the culvert erode and the entire embankment fail. So an understanding of the...