PR — Grenada will become a regional hub for dialogue, innovation and action on water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste management when it hosts the 35th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference & Exhibition, from October 12–16, 2026, at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort.
Convened under the theme “One Caribbean, Transitioning to a Value-Driven Future,” the landmark regional event will bring together Ministers, utility leaders, engineers, technical experts, development partners, policymakers, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders from across the Caribbean and internationally.
The Conference is being co-hosted locally by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA), in collaboration with CWWA.
A Regional Mandate for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste
Established by an Act of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago in 1991, CWWA has developed into one of the Caribbean’s leading professional organisations for water, wastewater and solid waste management. For more than three decades, the Association has provided a platform for utilities, governments, engineers, regulators, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen technical capacity, influence policy and advance solutions critical to public health and sustainable development.
Grenada last hosted the Conference in 2010. Its return to the Spice Isle 16 years later represents another important opportunity for the country to contribute to regional dialogue and action on some of the Caribbean’s most pressing environmental and development challenges.
NAWASA’s longstanding relationship with CWWA, coupled with GSWMA’s critical role in environmental management, creates a strong partnership for the 35th edition of the Conference and reflects the interconnected nature of water security, sanitation, solid waste management and environmental sustainability.
Advancing Resilience and Resource Recovery
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) remain on the front line of the climate crisis, facing increasingly intense storms, prolonged dry periods, changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and other threats to critical infrastructure and natural resources.
The devastating impacts of Hurricane Beryl in 2024 brought these vulnerabilities sharply into focus for Grenada, particularly in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where essential infrastructure and water systems were significantly affected. The experience reinforced the urgency of building stronger, more resilient systems capable of withstanding and recovering from increasingly severe climate-related events.
Water security, however, is only one part of the resilience equation. Effective solid waste management is equally critical to protecting Grenada’s communities, ecosystems and economy. With increasing waste volumes and finite landfill capacity, greater emphasis is being placed on resource recovery, recycling, waste diversion and other sustainable approaches that reduce environmental pressures while creating opportunities for economic value.
The shift from viewing waste solely as something to be discarded to recognising it as a potential resource directly reflects the Conference’s call for a “Value-Driven Future.” It also supports the protection of Grenada’s marine environment, tourism product, communities and public health.
Delivering Benefits for Grenada and the Region
Hosting the 35th Annual CWWA Conference & Exhibition is expected to deliver significant benefits for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, while strengthening regional collaboration across the water, wastewater and solid waste sectors.
Hundreds of delegates, exhibitors, technical experts and partners are expected to travel to Grenada for the Conference, generating economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, small businesses and other service providers.
The event will also enhance Grenada’s visibility as a destination capable of hosting major regional and international conferences while providing local professionals with direct access to emerging technologies, international expertise, development partners and potential financing opportunities.
For engineers, technicians, policymakers and young professionals, particularly those within NAWASA and GSWMA, the Conference will create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional development and exposure to solutions being implemented across the Caribbean and internationally.
Speaking at the Official Media Launch, Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Minister responsible for Public Utilities, pledged his support for the successful hosting of the Conference:
“The Government stands fully behind NAWASA and GSWMA to deliver a world-class event that reflects Grenada’s warmth and technical professionalism. Investing in water security and solid waste management across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique remains central to our national resilience and regional leadership on climate adaptation.”
Ms. Candice Santana, President of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, underscored the strategic importance of the gathering and CWWA’s role in facilitating regional collaboration:
“For decades, CWWA has provided a unique platform where Caribbean Water Ministers can share challenges, exchange solutions and speak collectively. We also bring together utilities, development partners, technical experts and financing opportunities—creating value and building capacity across our national water sectors.”
The 35th Annual CWWA Conference & Exhibition will feature technical presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, professional networking and high-level engagements focused on the issues shaping the future of the Caribbean’s water, wastewater and solid waste sectors.
The Conference will also provide an important platform for moving regional conversations beyond identifying challenges towards advancing practical, sustainable and investable solutions that strengthen resilience and improve the quality of life of Caribbean people.
Event Details
Event: 35th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference & Exhibition Dates: October 12–16, 2026
Venue: Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse, Grenada
Theme: “One Caribbean, Transitioning to a Value-Driven Future”
Local Co-Hosts: National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA)
