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Candidate Name: Isaac Ashton Ramdeen

Candidate Number: 1600731063

Centre Name: St. Mary’s College

Centre Number: 160073

Subject: Communication Studies

Teacher’s Name: Mr. Brown

Territory: Trinidad and Tobago

Year of Submission: 2023

Theme: Architecture & Engineering

Topic: An Investigation into the Negative Impact of Conventional Construction Methods of the Infrastructure

and Engineering Industry of Trinidad and Tobago on the Citizens Within the New Yalta Community of the

Diego Martin Region, with Particular Reference to the Current Situation of Pollution.

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 Table of Contents

Contents
Table of Contents.....................................................................................................................................................3
Acknowledgement...................................................................................................................................................4
General Introduction................................................................................................................................................5
Preface.....................................................................................................................................................................6
Reflective Piece.......................................................................................................................................................7
Analysis of Reflective Piece..................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................................13
Bibliography..........................................................................................................................................................14
Appendix................................................................................................................................................................15

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 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mother and siblings for their unwavering support

throughout this project. I also want to acknowledge the community of New Yalta for providing me with

valuable insights and data, and Ms. Mandilee Newton for her guidance and support in accessing primary data

via the interview.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the role of my academic institution in equipping me with the

necessary knowledge and skills to complete this project. My professors and mentors have provided me with

invaluable guidance and feedback that has helped me grow both academically and professionally. I also

appreciate the resources and facilities provided by the institution that have made this project possible.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the individuals who volunteered their time and participated in the

research study. Without their willingness to share their experiences and perspectives, this project would not

have been possible. Their contributions have helped shed light on important issues and have the potential to

inform policy and practice in the future. I am grateful for their participation and trust in my ability to accurately

represent their voices and experiences in this project.

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 General Introduction

This research aims to investigate the negative impact of conventional construction methods on the

citizens of New Yalta community in the Diego Martin Region of Trinidad and Tobago, with a specific focus on

the current issue of pollution. The study argues that the use of conventional building methods has had

detrimental effects on the environment, leading to a decrease in the overall quality of life for the population.

The primary objective of this research is to raise awareness about the unsustainability of conventional building

methods and promote the development of sustainable, eco-friendly construction methods that can protect the

environment while still benefitting the community.

The portfolio principally involves two sections. Firstly, an Expository piece was presented orally,

highlighting the research process and evaluation of obtaining primary and secondary data sources used.

Secondly, a Reflective piece in the form of a skit was presented, and then analyzed in terms of the

communicative behaviors and language conventions used in the reflection. The skit's purpose was to showcase

the negative impact of Conventional Construction Methods and promote the development of sustainable/green

construction methods that do not harm the environment.

As an ICT student focusing on Building & Mechanical Engineering Drawing, Computer Science, and

Management of Business, I am passionate about architecture and its potential to promote sustainable, eco-

friendly buildings. This study reinforced my belief that architects must prioritize sustainable practices. I aspire

to become an architect who actively incorporates green building methods into my projects and encourages

others to do the same. This investigation also deepened my understanding of architecture's impact on the

environment, and I am committed to using my skills to create buildings that meet occupants' needs while

promoting a healthier planet.

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 Preface

Construction activities are one of the leading causes of environmental pollution, yet many in my

community are unaware of this fact. To raise awareness, I created a reflective skit titled The Colour 'Green':

Money or Buildings? that highlights the negative impact of conventional construction methods on the

environment and the community of New Yalta. The skit targets individuals aged 12 and over, including youths,

adults, and professionals in the construction and engineering field.

The skit also aims to showcase the effects of conventional building methods and offer ways to mitigate

pollution. I anticipate it to be presented at community centers across Trinidad & Tobago and it could be adapted

into a short film for home improvement and construction channels like HGTV.

To sum up, the goal of this reflective piece is to encourage action toward a sustainable future. By

highlighting the harmful effects of pollution, I hope to inspire individuals to consider alternative approaches

such as green building methods and renewable energy sources. Through these efforts, we can make a positive

impact on our environment and improve the quality of life for communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

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 Reflective Piece

The Colour Green: Money or Buildings?

Scene 1: In a Caribbean Construction Site, the Boss and Environmental Officer develops a dispute on the topic

of using green building methods to minimize pollution caused by conventional construction methods.

Construction Worker: (Wiping sweat from his forehead) Ay, man, dis construction ting eh easy, but it paying

good money.

Environment Management Officer: (Observing the site and taking notes) Yes, but at what cost? Have you

considered the impact it's having on the environment and the people living nearby? The dust and debris from the

site are affecting the air quality and the chemicals used in construction can seep into the water supply, leading to

contamination. Not to mention the destruction of natural habitats and displacement of wildlife.

Construction Worker: (Shrugs) What impact? We're just building. I didn't know it was causing that much of

an issue.

The Boss: (Walking in, with a stern look) Wah dis white-collar man doin’ on meh site?

Environment Management Officer: (Sternly) I'm here to ensure regulations are followed, and that the impact

on the environment is considered. The site is not in compliance, and I'll be issuing a notice of violation if it

continues.

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The Boss: (Crossing his arms) This is dotishness! We is ah legit business, and we cyah afford to waste time

and money on waste - ah - time ideas!

Construction Worker: (Holding his hands up) Look, big - man, I just following orders. I din know we was

troubling trouble

Environment Management Officer: (Holding up a regulation booklet) I understand your concerns, but as an

officer of the law, I have to ensure regulations are being followed, and the environment's impact is considered.

We need more sustainable solutions.

The Boss: (Shaking his head) Sustainable solutions? Dat is just a fancy way of saying 'more expensive'.

Environmental Management Officer: (leaving the site) Please minimize the noise and dust pollution, I will be

checking back!

Scene 2: A middle-aged housewife, dressed in a floral patterned duster and curlers attached to her hair, steps

onto her patio and enters the scene.

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Enters the scene) Eh, wah really going on here? With all dah noise and the dust, I really

cyah sleep and the d vibrations rocking meh house like it going and mash-up, ah go had’da sue all yuh.

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Construction Worker: (Feeling guilty) Ah really sorry eh. We go try take down d’ noise, dust, and vibration.

Just lemme talk to d’ boss.

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Skeptical) Nah. I goin to de council and tell dem wah goin on, cuz I cyah have my home

falling apart because of this construction allyuh wokin here!.

The Boss: This isn't good. If the council gets involved, it could delay the project.

Construction Worker: We have to consider the impact on de fellas and dem in de community and

environment. We really using a lot of fossil fuels for the heavy machinery and tings and even creating a lot of

waste and pollution, yuh feel what ah sayin bossman?

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Nods) And de’ materials used in construction harm the environment long-term cuz’, this

building could strain local resources.

The Boss: (Defensive) We have to think about the bottom line. The faster we complete this project, the more

money we make.

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Frustrated) But at wah cost? We ha’ da’ start thinking about more sustainable and

responsible ways to construct buildings. It's not just about profit; is ‘bout doing the right thing.

Construction Worker: Dah is sense. We need to use more eco-friendly materials and methods and care ‘bout

de community's concerns

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The Boss: (Pauses, thinking) Maybe it's time we start thinking differently about how we construct buildings. I

cyah have meh cake and eat it too.

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Smiles) It took a while, Well good ting it register in yuh brain,. Thanks for

understanding!

(Environmental Management Officer re-enters the scene)

Environmental Management Officer: Glad to see that you're all on the same page now. Sustainable

construction methods can save you money in the long run by reducing waste and energy usage while improving

the well-being of the community and environment. Government incentives and grants are available to support

sustainable practices that can increase the value of the building. Examples of sustainable practices include green

roofs and walls that improve air quality and reduce urban heat, as well as using recycled or locally sourced

materials to reduce carbon footprint. I can provide you with guidance and resources to implement these

practices for a greener and more sustainable future.

Construction Worker: Thanks for letting us know man!

Neighbor Nextdoor: (Smiling) Da is great news, we appreciate your efforts towards ah sustainable future!

The Boss: (Also nodding) Okay, let's make the necessary changes to ensure that our project is not only

profitable, but also sustainable. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Officer.

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(Environmental Management Officer hands over the resources and information to them, and they all exited the

scene, looking determined to make a change).

Analysis of Reflective Piece

In this analysis, I will focus on two of the communicative behaviours displayed in my reflective piece, a

skit that utilized dialectal variation to portray the cultural identity and attitudes of the characters towards the

issue of environmental impact in conventional construction. Specifically, I will examine the characters' body

language and proxemics, which played an important role in highlighting the power dynamics and relationships

between them.

My reflective piece in the form of a skit, the use of dialectal variation is portrayed, specifically

“Caribbean english creole” and “standard english”. The construction worker and boss speak in Caribbean

english creole, as characterized by the use of suitable phonological spelling, such as “dis” instead of “this” and

“ah” instead of “I”. This dialect is commonly used in the Caribbean region. Being shown in the skit also helps

to portray the character's background and cultural identity.

In contrast to this, the Environment Management Officer speaks in standard english, which in the

Caribbean is typically used in formal and professional settings. The officer's use of standard english helps to

emphasize his education and position of authority, as his profession is responsible for ensuring that regulations

are followed and the seriousness of the issue is considered.

Furthermore, communicative behaviours were also displayed by the characters. These non-verbal cues

revealed their attitudes and emotions. Body language was shown where the construction worker’s wiping sweat

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from his forehead indicates discomfort and reinforces the idea that construction work is physically demanding,

also the boss's crossing of his arms suggest defensiveness and disagreement and the boss's shaking his head

indicate a power struggle over compliance with regulations.

Additionally, the use of proxemics was evident, as the characters' positions and movements indicate

power dynamics and relationships. For example, the boss's walking in with a stern look. Similarly, the

Environment Management Officer's holding up a regulation booklet where the use of “artefacts” as a non-

verbal communicative behaviour was portrayed.

In summary, the use of dialectal variation and communicative behaviours helped to portray the cultural identity

and attitudes of the characters and their reactions to the issue of environmental impact in conventional

construction.

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 Conclusion

As I bring this study to a close, I hope that the research conducted on the negative impact of

conventional construction methods on the environment and the citizens of New Yalta in the Diego Martin

Region will be beneficial to my community and the wider Trinidad and Tobago society. By raising awareness of

the harmful effects of these methods and promoting the adoption of sustainable/green building practices, we can

mitigate the negative impact of construction activities on the environment and the health of our communities.

I believe that by working together and taking collective action, we can create a more sustainable future

for ourselves and the generations to come. It is my hope that this portfolio will inspire others to take action

towards building a more eco-friendly and sustainable world.

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 Bibliography

Cement Association of Canada. (n.d.). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

https://www.cement.org/sustainability/leadership-in-energy-design-(leed)

Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago. (2011). Ms. Mandilee Newton –

TTGBC. http://chamber.org.tt/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Mandilee-Newton-TTGBC.pdf

Express Business. (2021, October 14). TCL offers low-carbon cement. Trinidad Express Newspapers.

https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/tcl-offers-low-carbon-cement/article_e106ca0a-2d50-11ec-9c37-

7be8b9feba50.html

Sourceable. (2013, August 20). Construction's Impact on the Environment.

https://sourceable.net/constructions-impact-on-the-environment/

Trinidad Cement Limited. (n.d.). Introducing Eco-Cement. https://www.tcl.co.tt/index.php/media-

centre/news/366-introducing-eco-cement

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 Appendix

Questionnaire given to the New Yalta community of the Diego Martin region:

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