Official Signing of Agreement of Cooperation between IMechE and the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago

On Thursday 15th January, 2015, members of the executive council of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT) joined with the IMechE Americas Region to sign an Agreement of Cooperation (AOC) between the two organizations. This historic event took place at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad. It was witnessed by a mixed audience of engineering professionals, students, technicians, and trainees. The Chairperson of the event was Eng. Samantha Deoraj, a member of the IMechE Pan-Caribbean Group.

Dr. Haydn Furlonge, President of the APETT, itemized the many benefits of a collaboration between APETT and IMechE. One of the main goals of the AOC is “the promotion of scientific and technical exchange and development in [the field of] Mechanical Engineering.” Other positives include increased opportunities for continuous professional development and the sharing of knowledge and resources between organizations.

Joining Dr. Furlonge in signing the AOC were Dr. Anthony Green (Chair of the IMechE Americas Region), Dr. Chris Maharaj (IMechE Americas Region Young Members Representative) and Mr. Roger Chan Soo (Honourable Secretary of the APETT). The event was celebrated by a reception held afterwards where signees and witnesses interacted.

The signing of the AOC is a significant milestone in the progress of the Mechanical Engineering field in Trinidad and Tobago. It represents a commitment to the advancement of the field and its practitioners, which can only redound to the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at large. The two organizations have already shown this commitment as they hosted a very successful, well-attended Mechanical Engineering Networking Event in September 2014. Current initiatives include the establishment of a Caribbean Mechanical Engineering Mentor/Mentee LinkedIn forum where aspiring and practising engineers can interact. Future collaborative efforts are eagerly anticipated.