The President’s Award for Innovation in the building and construction sector was presented to BK International Incorported by President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday, July 29 at the opening of the second International Building Expo held at the Guyana National Stadium.
Company Director Briona Tiwari told Guyana Times International that she was grateful to be presented the award by President Jagdeo.
President Bharrat Jagdeo handing over the President’s Award to a representative of BK International at the International Building Expo 2011
The prize was given to the company based on its innovative product, called “Trowelled Wood”. The participants had to come up with a new, innovative product in the construction industry to win the award.
BK’s Chief Architect Marlon Gonsalves said the trowelled wood dovetails Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.
The product is made of waste by-products, mainly sawdust and epoxy in the timber industry.
“The company is really proud to win the award,” Gonsalves said. “The award proves that we are the leaders in the building industry. When we get in to any venture, we try to do our best. This is an example of that. We entered the competition and won; and we are always striving for the best.” Gonsalves said researchers of the company have found that 30 to 70 per cent of wood is lost in the making of wood products, and this led them to find new ways to make use of wood. He believes the new product is going to create job opportunities in Guyana.
Head of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Myrna Pitt, who also spoke at the opening of the expo, said the housing sector continues to stimulate growth in the construction industry.
The President’s Award seeks to stimulate business in the construction industry, improve efficiency and innovation, increase competitiveness, and contribute to the advancement of the country.
Companies were invited to participate in the development of a product which must have innovative design and be made from local materials.
Companies that participated in the competition were Bulkhan Timbers, National Hardware, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, and BK International Inc. The entries were evaluated on originality, innovation, relevance, productivity, efficiency, and feasibility. The judges of the competition were drawn solely from the private sector.
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