(Feature: compliments, Ministry of Public Works)

MANY take for granted the engineering marvels that protect and enhance lives. This was not so for Colin Gittens, a young enthusiastic boy who took his first school trip at the age of nine to Georgetown. One of the places he visited was the Georgetown Seawall, and this may have been the beginning of an incredible journey for him.
“There I was a boy from Linden wondering who built the long stretches of concrete walls and why and how these structures were built,” recalled Colin Gittens, a Monitoring Technician attached to the Sea and River Defence Unit, Ministry of Public Works (MPW).
Today he is on the path of becoming a Coastal Engineer.
“My passion for engineering and my aspiration to become a Coastal engineer is kindled by the fact that Guyana and the Global Village is presently at threat which is associated with climate change and sea level rise. Guyana’s coast line lies below sea level, hence constant monitoring and upgrade of Sea Defence infrastructure are critical. My studies in this field will make me better equipped with the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to mitigate the aforementioned,” he stated.
Over the years, Colin developed a passion for investigating and developing interventions to solve problems that arise. Although he appears to be shy and reserved, his analytical mind, humility and obvious desire to help persons in need helps him to form positive interactions with all persons he interacts with.
Colin knew that his zealousness alone will not help him on his career path and thus enrolled and completed a Diploma in Civil Engineering as a part time student at the Government Technical Institute.
The four years at GTI, Colin said, gave him the foundation he needed to excel and gain entrance to the University of Guyana. Shortly after completing GTI, the young professional embarked on his Tertiary education. Over the years his dedication to his job, experience and excellent work ethics helped him to receive a full Government scholarship in 2013 to attend the University of Guyana.
This aspiring young Engineer has been working with the Ministry for the past seven years, two of which were spent in the Force Account Unit (FAU) as a Checker on road projects. “I know it seems a bit contrary. However, during that period I was able to understand construction and maintenance procedures and techniques of road construction and rehabilitation. It was a very good experience.”
He was soon to realise his journey had just begun.
“There was an opening in the Sea and River Defence Unit in 2010 and I immediately applied. I think what gave me the edge was that I was working there and I was also a student at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) pursing a diploma in Civil Engineering,” he disclosed.
Currently, the 28-year-old’s responsibilities include monitoring and overseeing Sea and River Defence projects along the coastal belt.
Now in his final semester to complete his Diploma in Civil Engineering, Colin will read for his Degree at the same institution. After that, he is eyeing the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands to pursue his Masters.
Delft, he explained, is one of the top universities in the world to study, especially in his field of interest – Coastal Engineering. He added that “The Netherlands also has similar layouts like us, which will definitely be a plus for me.”
According to Colin, Coastal Engineering is the study of the processes ongoing at the shoreline and construction within the coastal zone.
“The field involves aspects of near shore oceanography, marine geology, and civil engineering, often directed at combating erosion of coasts or providing navigational access,” he stated.
Working alongside experienced Engineers from the conceptualisation of a project to its completion gives the aspiring Coastal Engineer the assurance that his career path was the right choice.
“They toil in the sun and rain just to ensure that citizens are safe from the sea/rivers…in the office debating among themselves to find the best solutions. What is more impressive is that these guys are in their 20s and 30s,” Colin disclosed.
One such project Colin is proud of is the steel sheet revetment at Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
He recalled the problematic issue with the river defence in the community and the devastation its residents experienced.
“I saw homes inundated and valuable possessions damaged/lost. A lot of residents suffered.” Gittens continued, “Initially, the team [Engineers] built temporary structures which failed to curb the breaches. Despite the intense pressure, the guys came up with a brilliant engineering solution of the steel sheet revetment. Although it was physically and mentally exhausting, working on the project gave me a whole lot of hope because there I was on a task that greatly helped my country mates and made their lives more comfortable. Whenever I pass Craig there is a sense of pride.”
And as in any field, guidance is a key ingredient.
The former Linden Foundation Secondary and McKenzie High school student credits The Honorable Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works; Kevin Samad, Chief River and Sea Defence Officer; and Senior Engineers Jermaine Braithwaite and Maitland Stewart as his role models.
“I admire them. Mr. Samad has in-depth knowledge and experience in sea and river defences and a brilliant mind. Kevin and the guys are really innovative. They are a positive influence in my professional life,” Colin Gittens stated.
The young professional is also appreciative of the support given to him by his wife Kezia Gittens. “She is my rock, and understands the long hours.”
“It’s a sacrifice. In the end though it will be worth it…sea defence is not something that should be taken nonchalantly. If there is a small flaw in the design or construction there can be catastrophe. You have to be very precise and experienced,” he added.
Reflecting on his budding career, the Monitoring Technician, admitted that whenever he is on the Seawall, the exhilaration he felt when he was nine creeps up.