Mark Raymond, president of the T&T Institute of Architects (TTIA) is out to change the face of his organisation for the better. At its annual Christmas party and launch of its 2011 Dairy and Sourcebook held at the Bois Cano, Upper Level Terrace Bar, Kapok Hotel, Cotton Hill Maraval, on December 7, he set out his goals. Raymond said TTIA had recently embarked on a public education campaign about the industry, and hoped to expand on this project next year. He described 2010 as a difficult year for architects, manufacturers and contractors, but said "even though these are dark times, it does feel like in adversity we have come together."
He spoke before an audience that included Afra Raymond, the newly-appointed president of the Joint Consultative Council (JCC); Richards Saunders, president, Association of Professional Engineers of T&T; and Mervyn Chin, vice-president T&T Contractors Association. Raymond (Mark) said the TTIA was intent on engaging government on a number of important issues that were not only related to construction, but society and the economy. "We are looking for the government to dialogue with the industry, through the JCC, through various institutes to evolve and develop ways collectively so we can address the situation."
