caribbean - TCL Group

Transcription

Building Value Across the TCL Group
TCL Guyana Inc Formally Opened
ISO Certification
CARIBBEAN
CONVEYOR
THE MAGAZINE OF THE TCL GROUP
Issue 2 • 2007 www.tclgroup.com
Bringing Balance to
Building and
Construction
in the Caribbean
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
CONTENTS
Cover Story
6
24
32
41
49
52
Bringing Balance to Building
and Construction in the Caribbean
4
Ethics in the Corporate World
6
Bringing Balance to Building and Construction in the Caribbean
14
16
Cement Briefs From Around the World
19
21
Jamaica, No Problem!
24
Guyana – Land of Many Waters
26
Trinidad & Tobago Awaken the Senses to Mixed Pleasures
28
Trinidad and Tobago’s Real Estate Market
30
Christmas Delights
32
Selection & Use Of Work Equipment
38
Stroke - Warning Signs and Tips for Prevention
40
OSHA Ten Hour General Industry Training
41
42
TCL Creates Opportunity for Growth Among Guyanese Investors
43
World Safety Day
44
Cricket World Cup … In The Caribbean
46
WIPA Awards
46
Congratulations to Cricket Clinic 2007 Participants!
47
Under-19 Cricket Review
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
The Alluring Beaches of Barbados
55
62
50
TCL Hosts Annual Customer Family Day
52
“The Games”… A Sports and Family Day Like No Other!
54
Yagna, Dharma and Prasaad, Values that Guide a Hindu at Work
56
TCL Group Realises Company’s Dreams Of Growth
59
Group Instant & Quarterly Awardees 2007
62
Music and Healing with the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch
64
Karaoke… The RML Way!
65
ISO Certification
68
Hitting that Nail Right Between the eyes
Contributing Writers
Sharlene Maharaj
Bringing Balance to Building and Construction in the Caribbean
Julia Maharaj Trinidad & Tobago – Awaken the Senses to Mixed Pleasures
AREA Trinidad & Tobago Real Estate Market
Derek Cadet Christmas Delights
Curt Cadet
Selection & Use Of Work Equipment
Nazrudeen Yacoob Cricket World Cup review
Under 19 Cricket Review
Jeff Jones Music and Healing with the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch
Form and Function Branding – Hitting that Nail Right Between the Eyes
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
Caribbean Economies
Construction
Carnival - Regionally / Business Industry
Photography
Health-Stress
Caribbean Business Women
Marine Life in the Caribbean
Caribbean Court of Justice
Extreme Sports in the Caribbean
Doing Business in the Caribbean
Caribbean Carnivals
Security
Credits
Production & Advertising Sales: JTZ Publishing
Design & Artwork: u&i design studio limited
Printing: Caribbean Paper & Printed Products (1993) Limited
A production of the TCL Group
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
CEO’s MESSAGE
Ethics in the
Corporate World
Andrew Stark’s observation
that “we live in a messy world
of mixed motives,” is testimony
that the distinction between
clear business objectives and
self-interest
can
sometimes
become blurred. This however,
does not remove from each of
us - and certainly not from ALL
of us here at the TCL Group,
the responsibility to aspire and
apply moral management and
sound ethical standards as we
operate and seek out economic
opportunities.
These ethical standards have at their core,
Dr. Rollin Bertrand, CEO, TCL Group
principles of fairness, justice and equity. While
there may be perceptual differences as to what
may be considered ethical or moral, at the TCL
Group, the central principle guiding management thought is, “Decisions, actions, behaviours and
practices must be fair to all stakeholders involved and this includes the communities, customers,
societies, employees, shareholders, the environment and the organisation, as well”.
This principle helps to define what the TCL family stands for and includes the following values,
which are embodied in our Vision: • Commitment to leadership in the regional business community and progressive partnering
with all our Stakeholders
• A focus on customer satisfaction with quality products and services, superior financial
performance and rate of return to our Shareholders
• Growth through diversification and expansion in our core competency and through strategic
alliances
• The continuous empowerment of our family of employees participating in a network of mutual
support
• Commitment to providing quality products and services to all our customers, through
responsible, well-trained employees, while improving stakeholder value
• Continuous review of our quality objectives to improve the performance effectiveness of the
quality system, while complying with applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Another integral part of our ethical strategy is our strong and dedicated interest in having a
balanced approach to expansion and development especially when it comes to preserving the
environment. Throughout the Group, we maintain a corporate conscience of respect and care for the
environment and adopt a personal commitment and accountability for pollution prevention, resource
conservation and compliance with environmental legislation of the countries in which we operate. As part of our environmental efforts, we have implemented an Environmental Management System.
Our commitment to continual improvement will extend towards environmental enhancement and
progressive partnering as we serve as stewards of the environment for future generations.
Our model of ethical and moral management also recognises the civil liberties of our human
resources. Our principle is that employees must be treated with dignity and respect; that employee
rights to due process, privacy, freedom of speech and health and safety are maximally considered and
“constitutionalised”. Our goal is to ensure mutual trust and confidence. There is no doubt that ethical issues within organisations, especially large corporations, make for
good news, and both the local and foreign press are reporting these problems with greater frequency
and enthusiasm. Moreover, the very exposed and knowledgeable public is ready to comment and hold
a position against such negative activity by corporations, and rightly so. It is imperative, therefore, that
Management in the business world adopt and update their ethical strategy and relay it throughout
their organisation. Ethics must become a recurring theme in organisations and this is what we at the
TCL Group are striving to achieve, so that we can continue to hold our heads high and stand as true
ambassadors, not only for the TCL name, but also for the CARICOM region and the countries where
we currently, and will in the future, have an operating presence. CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
FEATURE STORY
Bringing Balance to Building and
Construction in the Caribbean
Over the past five years, the pace of construction activity throughout
the Caribbean region has been on the up and up. This has brought
positive news for the economies and the peoples of the region with not
only increased employment opportunities but also new infrastructure
and fresh investment and business prospects. Vibrant growth in this
sector in 2006 in particular, was propelled by the hosting of the much
anticipated and prepared-for Caribbean-hosted Cricket World Cup. Specifically, increased construction in Jamaica derived from a combination of the World Cup and
heightened port expansion activities; for the Eastern Caribbean islands and Guyana, it was the push of
the private sector in areas of hotel construction as well as commercial and residential properties for the
international cricketing event; whereas for the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago, construction
and renovation have not been tied to any one particular sector or event but have been pervasive and
certainly continuing at a rapid pace. The impact of these developments is multi-fold and it will be
prudent to take a closer look at some of the individual States as we review the contribution of this
vital sector.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Construction as a Contributor
to Economic Growth
Regional construction was buoyant in 2006, as public and
private sector projects proceeded apace. Preparations for
ICC Cricket World Cup provided much of the impetus
for activity during the year. In the private sector, hotelrelated renovations and expansions dominated output,
while in the public sector work focused on improvements
to road infrastructure, air and sea port enhancement,
and refurbishment of stadia. Other public sector work
included expanding the housing stock, hospital services
and flood mitigation projects. Both sectors got deeply
involved in residential and commercial building. When all
is said and done, these activities and projects contributed
positively to economic growth in each of the islands and
continental Caribbean States.
Economic activity in Barbados, for example, grew by
an estimated 4.4% for the first six months of 2007, some
0.7 percentage points greater than the rate of expansion
experienced in the corresponding period of 2006. As has
been the case over the last two years, the rise in real output
was driven mainly by growth in the non-traded sectors. Construction activity, the driver of the expansion of the
non-traded sectors since 2005, moderated during the first
half of 2007, growing by 5.2% relative to 6.7% in the same
period of 2006. This slowdown is partly a result of the
completion of several large projects in time for the hosting
of the Cricket World Cup. The fastest growth rates however, were recorded in
Trinidad and Tobago and in Antigua and Barbuda, each
growing around 12% in 2006 compared to 8% and 5.3%
respectively, in 2005. In Trinidad and Tobago, strong
performances in the oil exploration and production,
refining, petrochemicals and construction sectors were
the main contributors to output, while in Antigua and
Barbuda, a turnaround in tourism, a surge in construction
and a pick-up in agriculture, spurred activity.
Turks and Caicos Islands (10.8%), British Virgin Islands
(7.2%) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (4% to 5%), all
recorded creditable performances in 2006, although in
the Turks and Caicos Islands, this rate was below the 12.5%
recorded in 2005. The tourism sector provided much of
the impetus for growth in these economies, along with
construction in the case of Turks and Caicos Islands and
St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In Guyana, however, the severe flooding of 2005
resulted in economic contraction. In 2006 a turnaround
was witnessed, with growth figures at 4.8%, as agriculture
rebounded and as the country prepared for the ICC World
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
continued from pg 7
Cup. Robust activity also occurred in Cayman Islands (4.6%), St. Kitts and Nevis (4.4%), Dominica
(4.1%) and The Bahamas (4%). Growth in Cayman Islands, though lower than in 2005, was fuelled
by strong performances in tourism, construction, and international financial services. Similarly, in
St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica, tourism and construction were the main drivers of growth, but
were also supported by agriculture, and in the case of St. Kitts and Nevis, by the manufacturing sector. The economy of Grenada returned positive but slower performance than in 2005, growing by 2%. In Grenada, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing performed relatively well, but a slowdown in
construction activity from post-Hurricane Ivan rebuilding, retarded output growth.
Available information for Jamaica, St.Lucia and Anguilla also suggests positive performances
in 2006. In Anguilla and Jamaica, tourism provided the main impetus, and in Anguilla, was
accompanied by heightened construction activity, while in Jamaica, agriculture, transportation,
storage, communication, electricity and water played supporting roles. In St. Lucia, the construction
sector was the primary driver of growth, followed by agriculture and manufacturing, as tourism is
estimated to have declined.
All in all, with the exception of Grenada, the construction sector not only performed well but also
contributed positively to the economies of the region over the period 2005/2006. Nevertheless, some
fall-off is expected in construction activity in 2007, given the tapering off in activity related to World
Cup, but the landing is not anticipated to be dramatic as infrastructural development and residential
building continues apace. Trends in Construction
Even as building projects are put in train, construction is taking on many new influences. In the area of
residential development for instance, individuals are expanding their expectations and seeking new living
experiences. Apart from building completely new structures, many people are introducing new designs
and models into the existing housing composition. The fresh look and feel is supported by the increased
reliance on imported designs, roofing and finishes. When it comes to roofing for example, we see homeowners not only opting for the traditional
aluminum-type roofing, but many are gravitating towards clay tiles which offer a rustic Spanish
touch, or long lasting steel roofs. Insofar as flooring goes, there is a move away from carpeting for
public spaces in the residential composition, towards tiles, laminated wood, bamboo and cork, with
the latter two being considered green materials.
Another subset of the building and construction sector is the growing market for bath and sanitary
ware items. Products sourced from the US and Europe, are viewed as being trendy and of good quality. In 2005, over 40% of imports in the region were estimated to have been obtained from the United
States. Other important sources of products are Latin America and China, particularly due to price
competitiveness. In fact, there is a mounting interest in products of all types originating in China.
A major trend for bathrooms and kitchens is to make them larger. There is also a trend whereby a
separate shower and bathtub are most desired. A separate bath provides more flexibility in choosing
a tub – whether a freestanding bath or a relaxing whirlpool in various sizes. More and more, the
kitchen is becoming an important part of the home for family and visitors to the home. For those
households that can afford it, the kitchen may be remodeled not only to increase functionality, but
also to allow it to serve as a welcoming and pleasant area of the home.
Newly designed interior and exterior doors, windows, shutters and awnings are not only giving
homes a new appearance but are certainly increasing the value of the owner’s property. Another development in the construction sector over the last five years has been the appearance of
“super” hardware stores in home product retailing similar to “The Home Depot” outlets in the United
States. These afford the customer the opportunity to walk into the outlet and select goods similar
to how it is done in supermarkets. In addition to the difference in layout, another major difference
between the basic hardware outlets and the superstores, is the customer targeted. The superstores tend
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
to include more upscale items and focus more on the needs
and demands of individuals of middle and higher income
levels. A trip to the hardware store is no longer a dowdy
trek or just a ‘man’s world’, but instead offers a wonderful
experience for all - tingling the imagination and touching the
visual sensibilities. Market Entry and Regulations
The exposure to these imported designs and materials
is made so much easier today as there are no import
restrictions, licenses or quotas for construction equipment
and building supplies. In many instances, the only regulation
on construction equipment and material imported into the
region is value added tax and customs and excise duties. In
Barbados for instance, 15% Value Added Tax, 6% Cess Tax,
1% Environmental Levy and between 5 - 20% Import Duty
is allotted on construction equipment and materials. The story is similar in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago
where the import of goods requires payment of a range of
charges. For Jamaica, these include the Import Duty, General
Consumption Tax, Customs User Fee and a Standards
Compliance Fee. The General Consumption Tax (GCT) is
a sales tax that is recoverable on the retail or consumer side,
but it is required to be paid immediately on entry.
While these charges are added to the revenue side of the
State’s balance sheet, their intended impact is to increase the
price of imported content into the respective countries and
give impetus to local and regional industries. But people
are looking for variety and choice and this is being offered
competitively from such low cost countries as China and
neighbouring Latin America even as duties are added. However, where the Government sees it fit to incentivise
an area, concessions may be offered from these imposing
duties. For instance, the Governments of Barbados
and Trinidad and Tobago offer special incentives to the
hospitality sector under the Tourism Investment Act,
which includes certain exemptions on building supplies for
new construction and upgrades to properties. Building Standards
Alongside the boost in construction, new Building
Standards are being developed throughout the region. These enhanced “Building Codes” focus on all aspects
of construction. The enhanced codes tend to have as its
base the International Building Code (IBC), which covers
the mechanical equipment code, plumbing code, energy
conservation code, interface code, sewage code and the like.
Together with the codes, the labeling of imported goods
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
continued from pg 9
play an important role and this is where The Bureau of Standards comes into effect. In general, goods
for retail sale in countries such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago must be properly labeled in
English. The label should include an appropriate description of the product as well as the name and
address of the manufacturer.
Continuous improvement and adoption of these codes and standards is critical to the development
of the region and security of its people, given the changes in climatic conditions and the dramatic
increase in disasters over the last decade, which threaten regional security. Indeed, the region lacks
the resources to warn and mitigate the devastating effects of earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis,
and this leaves us all vulnerable. Thus, continuous improvements and adoption of enhanced codes
can be viewed as a positive step. Impact Assessment
So what are the implications of all of this construction and building activity for the economies and peoples
of the region?
Excess domestic demand in the construction sector has resulted in labour and material shortages as
well as escalating prices. In Jamaica, the construction and installation sector is expected to decline for
a third quarter (Q3,07) as it has been negatively influenced by a fallout in the supply of cement. The
decline in supply is a reflection of domestic constraints as well as the shortage on the international
market in construction material and labour. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Government has aired
its intentions to place ceilings on certain aggregates to help stave off further price hikes. Labour
shortages have been met in part by importing construction workers from Asian countries.
Mortgage rates at commercial banks have also gone up. For Trinidad and Tobago in particular, the
effects of these changes are rippling through the economies and are supporting the strong underlying
10
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR 11
continued from pg 10
inflationary pressures in the consumer retail, agricultural and real estate markets. This demand-pull
inflation is in turn creating further increases in two areas: (a) the labour market - as workers negotiate
better wages to compensate for the rising cost of living, and (b) in the speculative market - as various
groups make short term investments in real estate with the hope of earning a capital gain.
There is also an effect on the external balance that must be considered, given the increasing import
content of construction material and finishes. Import quantity and prices have also increased at a
robust rate over the past three years. So what does all of this mean for the average person in the street?
The rising cost of construction combined with the increase in real estate prices have elevated the cost
of new homes beyond what can be borne by many first-time homeowners. This affordability issue
brings the question of long-term home security for new families and lower income earners to the
forefront. This is where the construction of new Government housing plays an important role. Once
these new homes are constructed and properly and fairly distributed, long term security for many
families can become a reality.
Balancing Construction on One Side and Food Security and the
Environment on the Other
The higher returns on real estate and rental income are resulting in a diversion of land use away
from agriculture. As farmers/agriculturists seek to enhance their earning capacity, arable lands are
increasingly being placed under construction. We are already seeing the impact of such choices on
food and vegetable prices and the availability of fresh produce as we make our weekly trek to the local
markets. As the region develops, the question of food security must be assigned a higher priority
level. Policies must also be implemented and monitored to ensure that there is harmony between
agriculture and construction or any other economic activity.
Balance must also be established between construction and the environment given the fragile
Caribbean eco-system. There is a growing global renaissance in how economic activity is impacting the
environment. When it comes to construction, there needs to be increased attention on eco-friendly
choices in land selection; design; green infrastructure and recyclable content in materials and finishes. Moreover, environmental impacts such as soil erosion; deforestation; sedimentation and sea grass and
mangrove and coral mortality need to be taken into consideration when costing and assessing the life
cycle of construction projects as they can have serious implications for the very important tourism
sector.
Last, but certainly not least, there also needs to be balance between the capacity of communication;
the road network; utilities such as electricity and water; and health and education on the one hand
and residential and commercial developments on the other. Without such concomitant expansion,
the expected benefits from construction and building activity will be muted. Conclusion
Construction must not only be viewed as a fiscal tool or an avenue for profitability, but instead the
State and the private sector must set the pace and tone for sustainable construction. There must not
only be a more managed approach to projects, but approval guidelines. Building codes and safety
regulations must be readily transparent, easily accessible and vigilantly applied. Structures must
increasingly incorporate designs that will minimise waste and energy use; they must preserve and
enhance biodiversity, and very importantly, they must respect the people and the local environment. Sustainable construction in the Caribbean area must therefore incorporate the following key
strands if it is to bring long-term benefits to its people - economic profitability, social awareness and
environmental responsibility. 12
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
EXPANSION
Expansion and Modernisation continues at the TCL Group. The
programme began in 2004 at an overall investment of US 164.3
million dollars. Much time has passed since then, and much good
work has been done to bring the company closer to the achievement
of increased production capacity, at improved efficiency, and with
reduced impact on the environment.
Carib Cement’s Expansion and Modernisation Programme – Kiln sections temporarily connected
14
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
The first phase, the Mill 3 upgrade at TCL,
Claxton Bay, Trinidad was completed at the
end of 2005. This aspect of “E&M”, as it is
commonly referred to, has taken TCL’s cement
milling capability to 1.2 million tonnes per
annum, which is twice the local demand in
Trinidad and Tobago.
Also successfully completed is the company’s
cement terminal in Guyana, TCL Guyana Inc,
which began operations in December 2006 and
was formally commissioned in June of this year.
Situated in the Group’s largest export market,
TGI features three silos, each with a storage
capacity of 2,000 tonnes and a warehouse with a
total stored inventory capacity of 8,000 tonnes.
The terminal is supplied with bulk cement from
the Group’s plants in Trinidad and Barbados,
where upgrading of the packing plant at the
latter was also completed, realising maximum
efficiency at Arawak Cement.
Major upgrading of Carib Cement’s clinker
and cement manufacturing facilities in Jamaica
continues. This includes Kiln #5, Mill #5 and
other upstream and downstream projects. When
completed in 2008, the company will have the
capacity to produce 1.2 million tonnes of clinker
and 2 million tonnes of cement annually.
As with many projects, Carib Cement has
charted new territory and has had to overcome
many challenges – some anticipated, some notand as with the more complex projects, the last
few steps are the most challenging. Fortunately,
within the project team and the wider Carib
Cement family, resides the capability and
capacity to see the project through to a successful
outcome of which everyone can be proud.
Commendably, the project’s excellent safety
record has continued with two minor accidents
over 1,310,815 man-hours (statistics to August
2007).
The
expansion
and
modernisation
programme at Carib Cement is on target for
completion in 2008.
Top to bottom all at Carib Cement:
Vertical raw mill
Inside view of kiln section
Preheater tower with calciner
and cyclone section
GLOBAL
Cement Briefs From Around the World
VENEZUELA
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has
threatened “corrective actions” against a
subsidiary of Mexican cement maker Cemex
amid a wave of nationalization as part of his
self-styled socialist revolution. In September, he
ordered the “forced acquisition” of the assets of
Colombian cement maker, Cementos Andino
following his earlier threats in April to nationalize
the cement sector as part of a campaign to
boost the government’s role in the economy. Chavez has ordered authorities to carry out an
inspection of the property limits of a Venezuelan
Cemex facility and evaluate its impact on the
environment following a complaint that pollution
from the operation was harming local residents. “Companies should invest in technology to
minimise and eliminate the impact on the
environment and people’s health.” Chavez said
during his weekly Sunday broadcast. “Because
if not the government will be obligated to take
corrective actions that I cannot yet describe.” During a live television program from the
eastern town of Guanta, a local resident told
Chavez that Cemex has laid claim to land that
local farmers believe is theirs and want to use for
agriculture. The resident added that by-product
dust from the operation is causing asthma
among children. Guanta is near a Cemex plant
called Pertigalete.
“We are going to do a legal study to see who
is right, and at the same time take a look at the
plant,” Chavez said, telling the local governor and
the health and light industries ministers to review
the situation and provide a report within a week. In April, Chavez accused cement makers
16
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
of contributing to a housing crunch by not
providing enough production to Venezuela’s
domestic market.
Extracted from www.reuters.com
BRAZIL
Votorantim Cimentos, Brazil’s largest cement
producer, plans to invest US $870m through
2010 to extend its output from 25 million to 33
million tpa.
Extracted from World Cement, September 2007
COLOMBIA
Cementos Argos SA has chosen FLS Smidth
to supply a new 5250 tpd line. The new plant
will service the local Colombian market and
strengthen Argos’ position as an exporter.
PANAMA
On September 3, 2007 the Panama Canal
expansion project officially started. The 93 yearold engineering marvel has begun a $5 billion
expansion that will double its capacity and allow
wider vessels to squeeze through its locks.
Although the project is expected to take eight
years, consumer prices – especially on the US
East Coast – are expected to plunge as a result. Two-thirds of all cargo that makes the Panama
Canal passage is en route to or from the United
States and that figure may increase once the
waterway widens.
The new canal is expected to accommodate ships
capable of carrying triple the maximum capacity of
current users. Ships wider than 110 feet at water level
cannot use the canal as currently structured but the new
canal will stretch that limit to 180 feet at the base and
160 feet at the top.
Extracted from www.consumeraffairs.com, September 4 2007
INDIA
Cement Imports in Sight
The government recently outlined its intention to allow
the import of cement certified by international agencies,
and reports indicate that it will soon designate these
agencies. The process is likely to be completed in a month. Companies that import through this process will need
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality certification to
be able to export to India.
Recent reports suggest that Pakistani firms Lucky
Cement, Maple Leaf and Pakistan Cement have been
accredited with BIS certification, along with 4 other
companies; and will be permitted to send consignments to
India for 5 months. The cement is tested for compressive
strength, a process that takes a minimum of 25 days,
but the BIS is said to be fast tracking the process at the
intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office.
INDONESIA
Indonesian Cement Sales were up 7.6% to 3,793 million
tonnes in July 2007 vs. July 2006. The sales were boosted
by domestic demand (+10.5%) to 3,084 million tonnes. In contrast, exports decreased by 3.4% to 0.71 million
tonnes.
CHINA
West China Cement Co. Ltd. won the bid to supply
the cement required for two of the eight sections of the
Zhengzhou-Xi’an Railway Passenger Line. Two contracts
have been signed for supplying a combined total of
215,000 tonnes of cement between September 2007 and
December 2008.
Extracted from Buisinessweek.com, October 10, 2007
18
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.’
Bob Marley
Jamaica’s incredibly rich musical heritage is a fusion of its local shuffle – Mento, and various foreign
elements such as calypso, African rhythms, R & B and soul. It is the influence of these diverse musical
genres which gave birth to reggae, raggamuffin, ska and dub. So strong is this brand of music, that
these styles have received international acclaim and have positioned Jamaica as the only Caribbean
nation to enjoy such an achievement
for its music. Such is the success of
Jamaican music, that it has influenced
the musical developments in other
countries. Expressions such as: Hip
Hop culture, Lovers Rock, Jungle
Music and Junkanoo - all find their
roots in Jamaican music. While mento failed to command
the global recognition as reggae,
it still has a place in the musical
landscape of Jamaica and its
composers remain widely respected
and are considered legends in their
own rights. Reggae (which lyrics are
filled with compelling political, social
and religious messages) has paved
the way for the fame and fortune of
many performers, and at the same
time positively contributing to the
Jamaican economy. Sunsplash and
Sumfest are major events drawing visitors by the millions.
Musical superstar, Bob Marley, was the voice against racism, oppression and injustice. His music
about love and peace coupled with his association with the religion of Rastafarianism made him a
leading light of reggae and was viewed as a messianic not only in the Caribbean, but globally. As
reggae quickly became popular around the world due to the international success of Bob Marley
& the Wailers, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, with their captivating messages of redemption and
natural beauty, so too was the Rastafarian religion and its principles of pacifism and pan-Africanism. Within a short time, reggae music was perceived as inherently Rastafarian and virtually all reggae
singers were of the Rastafarian religion with their long dreadlocks and belief in the divinity of the
late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari).
As early as the forties, mobile sound systems began to grow and herald the introduction of some
of the major figures to the Jamaican music scene, who were recording to fulfill the local demand
for new music. This saw the creation of a distinctive fast Jamaican music called Ska, which was
primarily instrumental, as its rhythms generally did not blend well with vocals. But Ska’s popularity
grew steadily and spread in impoverished urban areas and among the often politically radical music
scene. Lyrics were introduced, and were mainly focused on Rastafarian themes; slower beats and
chants entered the music from religious Rastafarian music. Ska soon evolved into Rocksteady, which
ironically, was the music of choice for Jamaica’s gangsters, also called Rude Boys. OUR CARIBBEAN
20
Along with this rise of Ska, came the popularity of disc jockeys or DJs who began talking stylistically
Along with this rise of ska, came the popularity of disc jockeys or DJs who began talking stylistically
over the rhythms of popular songs at sound systems, which created a need for instrumental versions
of popular vocal songs. This trend began the development of dub music as a distinct genre.
In the late 1960s, producers began stripping the vocals off tracks recorded for sound system parties.
With the bare beats and bass playing, DJs began ‘toasting’ or delivering humorous and often provoking
jabs at fellow DJs and local celebrities. Over time, toasting became an increasingly complex activity,
and this skill attracted much attention at parties and clubs, and when the practice of toasting was
taken to New York, it became a part of rapping.
During the 1980s, the most popular music styles in Jamaica were Dancehall and Ragga. Dancehall
is essentially speechifying with musical accompaniment, including a basic drum beat (most often
played on electric drums). Now the lyrics have moved away from the political and spiritual lyrics
popular in the 1970s and concentrate more on less serious issues. Dancehall was sometimes violent
in lyrical content, and several rival performers made headlines with their feuds across Jamaica (most
notably Beenie Man versus Bounty Killer). Ragga is characterised by the use of computerised beats and
sequenced melodic tracks. Ragga barely edged out dancehall as the dominant form of Jamaican music
in the 1980. Shabba Ranks and vocalist team Chaka Demus and Pliers, proved more enduring than
the competition, and helped inspire an updated version of the rude boy culture called raggamuffin. The 1980s saw a rise in reggae music from outside of Jamaica. The United Kingdom has long been
a hotbed of Jamaican culture. Reggae and Ska had a massive influence on British Punk rock bands
of the 1970s and 1980s, such as The Clash, Elvis Costello and the Attractions and The Police. Ska
copycat bands such as The Specials and Madness helped revive the music. During this time, reggae
particularly influenced African popular music, while the 1980s saw the end of the dub era in Jamaica,
even though it has remained a popular and influential style in the United Kingdom and to a lesser
extent throughout Europe and the United States.
Variations of dancehall continued in popularity into the mid 1990s. Some of the earlier performers
of the previous decade converted to Rastafarianism and changed their lyrical content. Artists like
Buju Banton experienced significant crossover success in foreign markets, while others developed a
sizable North American following due to their frequent guest spots on albums by gangsta rappers. Other trends included minimalist digital tracks, which began with Dave Kelly’s “Pepper Seed” in
1995, alongside the return of love balladeers like Beres Hammond. American, British, and European
electronic musicians used reggae-oriented beats to create further hybrid electronic music styles. Dub,
world music, and electronic music, continue to influence and create new subgenres into the 2000s.
The modern intertwining of Jamaican religion and music can be traced back to the 1860s, when
the Pocomania and Revival Zion churches drew on African traditions, and incorporated music into
almost every facet of worship. Later, this trend spread into Hindu communities, made up of the
many ethnic Indians on the island, resulting in baccra music. The Bongo Nation is a distinct group
of Jamaicans possibly descended from the congo. They are known for Kumina, which refers to both
a religion and a form of music. Kumina’s distinctive drumming style became one of the roots of
Rastafarian drumming - itself the source of the distinctive Jamaican rhythm heard in ska, rocksteady
and reggae.
Jamaican music brings with it many dances. Since early colonial days, dance has been very important
to Jamaica as its folk rhythms enhanced religious celebrations. Within recent times, Jamaican dances
have become synonymous with its music, especially dancehall or ragga, which has inspired a number
of styles. Jamaican dances are primarily influenced by Africa, Europe and the Creole. African
influenced dances such as the ritualistic Kumina, Myal and Pocomania, are religious in nature and
form an integral part of worship ceremonies. Etu, Quadrille and Maypole were originally religious
but have evolved into social dances. The Creole dances such as Jonkonnu, Bruckin’s, Revival and
Pukkumina, integrate elements from both European and African cultures. The popularity of its music has made Jamaica one of the musical centers of the world.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
One of the jewels of the West Indies is the little flat coral isle called
Barbados. Best known for its lovely beaches and crystal clear waters
and countless activities, this island attracts thousands of visitors to
its gorgeous shores yearly. It is therefore no wonder that this place
leaves lasting impressions on visitors making them return for more
time and time again. It is a limestone island of just about 166 square
miles, and is the easternmost island in the Caribbean chain. Barbados
has a population of just about 270,000 and is divided into eleven
parishes, each with their own distinct character, interconnected by
the ABC highway which is the main artery, running through the
centre of the island.
Bridgetown, located in the parish of St. Michael, is the capital and perhaps the busiest city of Barbados,
with varied architecture and historical buildings. The nearby Bay Street is home to several boat
wrecks, offering exciting catamaran tours and boat trips. Another popular parish is Christ Church,
which is at the southern end of the island. Oistins is the main town here and is not only a fishing
port, but is also noted for its multitude of accommodation options from guesthouses, apartments,
to all-inclusive resorts. Tourists and locals alike gravitate to the lively St. Lawrence Gap, or simply
“The Gap”, which is famous for its upbeat nightlife and popular entertainment. A trip to the parish
of St. Thomas to see the Harrison’s Cave - unique within the Caribbean and claimed to be one of the
wonders of the world - is certain to leave anyone in absolute awe. A half-mile tram tour will reveal the
spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls and the mystical wonders of the limestone cavern. CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR 21
Barbados is an alluring island overflowing with art, nightlife, activities, music history and a wide
range of restaurants serving various tasty dishes. But these are just a few of the many captivating
pleasures of Barbados, for it is also a treasure chest of natural beauty and wonders. Geographically
unique, this island possesses an interesting distribution of flora and fauna, with rolling hills, many
deep ridges and gullies, a vast array of caves and underground lakes and the best collection of exotic
beaches. Ideal for an extensive variety of water sports and adventures, Barbados is blessed with
contrasting conditions. The Atlantic Ocean generates surfing waves suitable for any enthusiast, while
the sparkling Caribbean Sea attracts exciting explorations – with the most magnificent sunsets.
This tiny island is highly acclaimed for its 70 miles of beaches of both shimmering pink and white
sands, which are made of coral reefs that have been ground into a very fine powder by the waves
of the ocean. Generally, these beaches can be categorised by region: north and east coast beaches,
south coast beaches, and west coast beaches. East and north coast beaches are facing the Atlantic
Ocean, while the waters of the southern beaches are a combination of both the Atlantic Ocean and
Caribbean Sea. The west coast (or the Platinum Coast) beaches are brimmed by the warm waters of
the Caribbean and areas perfect for any romantic get away. There are no private beaches on the island
which make them easily accessible to all.
The East Coast is a surfer’s paradise with its huge waves. It is home to the popular international
Soup Bowl, which hosts many competitions. Here, the fierce waves and strong currents crash along
the coral reefs creating beautiful mist and foam – a picture not even a thousand words could describe. Even though swimming in the area is not recommended, the public play-park makes this beach ideal
for a family outing. Bathsheba and Cattlewash are both very scenic with towering hills and lush
greenery, perfect for picnics or just a long walk. The West Coast is a breathtaking view of miles of unbroken white sand beaches, striking clusters
of low lying coral rocks and formation, outlining the most interesting sculptures. The beaches here
22
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
rank amongst the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and perhaps the
world. And it is here one can either lay back and relax or partake in the
many adventures available. Mullins Beach, Paynes Bay, Holetown and
Speighstown are examples of popular spots with crystal clear waters and,
of course, the friendly sea turtles. Noted for its calm waters and brisk
breezes, the West Coast is a haven for any water sport imaginable, such as:
snorkeling, scuba diving, beach volleyball, kayaking, pedal boating, ocean
trampolines, sailing, surfing, fishing, swimming and the list goes on. The North Coast’s landscape is much more rocky and rough around
the edges, and even though the beaches may have less sand, there are
stunning weathered cliffs and pounding Atlantic swells in several little
bays. Rounding the northern tip, on the eastern side, there are many
remote coastal areas to visit. Some of these are very popular with Bajans
for picnics, but otherwise completely deserted and are only accessible by
tracks. The majority of the coast tends to be a bit rockier than some of the
other coasts, but hosts some beautiful cliffs and ridges with magnificent
views of the ocean.
The South Coast also has many lovely beaches and the reef-protected
waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. Some popular beaches in
the area include Needham’s Point, Rockley Beach and Casuarina Cove. Sandy Beach, which is located in the Worthing area, is a very calm beach
with shallow waters, which makes it suitable for young children. At low
tide, the reef may be out, making exploration of its creatures the most
fascinating experience. High tide is just as much fun to explore while
snorkeling, but for the more adventurous there are jet-ski rides and windsurfing.
There are also mangrove swamps, cliffs, tide pools and areas where
beds of low lying coral rock, sandstone, clay or shale reach out to the sea. Barbados’ swamps are to be found in Chancery Lane, Inch Marlow and
Graeme Hall in the South and South West of the island. They are the
major wetlands of Barbados, providing a collection of plants and animals
forming an important link in the food chain of offshore fish and birds. The tide pools are an important ecological resource, acting as nurseries
for juvenile fish and other permanent residents like the ghost crab and
sea roaches as well as marine plants like sea moss which is used to make a
health drink.
Fishing may very well be the national pastime in Barbados, and
accounts for a great portion of the country’s economy. The fishing season
begins in December and ends in April, and this is the best time to discover
the bounty of the deep. Many species such as Wahoo, Dorado, White
and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Black and Yellow fin Tuna are available. And
even if game fishing is not on the mind of a visitor, there are interesting
finds beneath the surface wrecks - the teeming reefs, the multi hued fish
and friendly turtles – guaranteed to make diving in Barbados a delightful
holiday option.
Irresistible Barbados is a little island with big charm. Its unforgettable
seascapes and landscapes, a kaleidoscope of living color, and a warm and
friendly people, all make here simply heavenly. FAST FACTS
• The average human body contains
enough sulphur to kill all fleas on
an average dog, carbon to make
900 pencils, potassium to fire a toy
cannon, fat to make 7 bars of soap,
phosphorus to make 2,200 match
heads, and water to fill a ten gallon
tank.
• The Fédération Internationale de
Football Association (FIFA), was
founded in Paris on May 21, 1904
to co-ordinate the national football
associations in the world. The first
World Cup was held in 1930 in
Uruguay. Uruguay also became
the inaugural champions, beating
Argentina in the final, 4-2.
• Bollywood vs Hollywood. Each year,
more movies are produced in India,
where the moving image industry
is referred to as Bollywood, than in
Hollywood. About 1000 movies are
released annually in India, about
twice the output of Hollywood. The
“B” in Bollywood refers to Bombai
(renamed Mumbai).
• Hiccups
happen
when
the
diaphragm, the muscle that
controls our breathing, becomes
irritated and start to spasm and
contract uncontrollably. With each
contraction, air is pulled into the
lungs very quickly, passes through
the voice box, and then the epiglottis
closes behind the rush of air, shaking
the vocal chords, causing the “hic”
sound. The irritation can be caused
by rapid eating, emotional stress
and even some diseases. The
best cure? Breathing into a paper
bag. This calms the diaphragm by
increasing the amount of carbon
dioxide in your bloodstream. On
average a hiccup lasts 5 minutes.• A person can live without food for
about a month, but only about a
week without water.
“At the point where the Caribbean meets South America on its North
Atlantic seaboard lies an almost unknown, but incredibly wonderful
land of unspoilt beauty, where the virgin rainforest leads to the
Amazon Basin. Where the jungle is still unexplored, rivers uncharted
and mountains yet to be climbed.”
First charted by Spain in 1499, Guyana came under Dutch control by the mid-1700s. The British
gained possession of Guyana in 1814. British rule brought large influxes of Africans and East Indians. In 1961, Guyana achieved internal self-government, and in 1966, Guyana gained independence from
the British. Four years later on February 23rd, 1970, Guyana became a republic and is officially
called The Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The population of Guyana is estimated at 800,000, of which about 50 percent are of East Indian
descent, 30 percent are of African descent, 5 percent are Native Amerindians, and the others are
of Mixed, Chinese and European backgrounds. Guyana’s economy is dominated by agriculture,
concentrated largely on the alluvial belt along the coast. Sugar and rice account for most agricultural
exports. Forestry and fishing industries also contribute to the economy, and Guyana is a major
producer of the mineral bauxite.
Guyana is an unspoiled, undeveloped, unvisited tropical nature lovers’ paradise, located in northern
South America next to Venezuela and a short hop across the Caribbean from Trinidad. Guyana
offers the Amazon wilderness in microcosm. There are only a handful of eco-lodges in millions of
square hectares of sparsely inhabited Amazonian rainforest, savannah, and wild coastal plain forest. There are no luxury resorts and roads are few.
Guyana has a growing eco-tourism industry and is expected to contribute to the conservation
of the largely intact natural environment. And while Guyana is not the typical vacation spot in
terms of miles of sandy beaches and crystal waters, it offers a thrilling adventure for the eco-tourist. Guyana is an exceptional country, with almost eighty percent of its mass under forest, most of
it virgin. Home to more than half of the sea turtle species, much of Guyana’s flora and fauna are
thriving even though currently, many are endangered.
24
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
The rainforest provides a habitat for more than half of the bird species found in Guyana. No other
eco-system supports such a high diversity of species, and they include some of the most fascinating
and spectacular birds in the world. The rainforest itself has three distinct layers: the canopy, the
understory, and the floor. The canopy supports many species such as the elusive Happy Eagle,
Toucans, Parrots, and Macaws, including the endangered Scarlet Macaw. In the middle section of
the forest, Hummingbirds, Trogans, Jacamars, Tanagers, Woodpeckers and Antbirds abound. This
section of the forest is also home to the magnificent Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, which is especially
visible during mating season. The ever present Screaming Piha, which provides the familiar voice of
the rainforest, is more difficult to spot. The fallen fruit and seeds found on the forest floor provide the
diet for many species that are largely terrestrial. These include some of the most vocal species of the
rainforest such as Tinamous, Curassows, Guans, Chacalacas and Trumpeters, which can sometimes
be seen feeding in large groups.
Guyana, on the north eastern tip of South America, is home to an extraordinary wildlife that
includes Giant Anteaters, Anacondas, Black Caiman, Arapaima, Giant River Turtles, Giant River
Otters and Jaguars. Of all of these animals, the Jaguar is perhaps the most important as the largest
predator in South America. The forests have healthy populations of jaguars and the nation may
be home to one fifth of all of the jaguars remaining in the world today. The Makushi people of the
North Rupununi recognise 18 different kinds of big cats in contrast to the six species recognised by
scientists. Jaguars have been decimated over the years by hunters for their furs as well as by ranchers,
but today the concern focuses on the destruction of the habitat.
The Arapaima, Arapaima gigas, also known as the Pirarucu or Paiche, is one of the world’s largest
fresh water fishes. Adults can mature up to four and a half metres in length. Arapaima can be
found throughout the Amazon and associated river systems in the Guyanas. They are also the
most popular form of food in the Amazon region and as a result, populations have been declining
throughout South America over the years. However, the Arapaima is a protected fish in Guyana. The black caiman is the largest of the alligators and caimans in the world. Adult males
can be longer than four meters. Black caimans are distributed throughout the Amazon in
the Rupununi and Essequibo drainages of Guyana and the Kaw region of French Guiana. Iwokrama forest hosts a profusion of animals that are close to extinction. The name Iwokrama is
derived from the Amerindian word that means “place of refuge”, and is the proud domain of about
100 of the 15,000 jaguars left in the world. 360,000 hectares of the forest is dedicated to Guyana’s
Iwokrama Institute, which trains people, locally and internationally, to utilise forests without destroying
them. To date it has found 12 new species of reptiles and amphibians. Iwokrama has become a natural
preserve offering refuge to other animals that need to escape from human activity. Scientists working
on the Iwokrama project are becoming increasingly concerned over the threat of pollution from gold
mining, particularly in the form of increased sediment and mercury loads in the system. In addition,
the presence of gold miners can affect the behavior of giant otters. When the breeding giant otters are
disturbed, mothers may stop producing milk and the cubs can starve to death.
This eco wonderland encompasses hundreds of tumbling rivers, wide lakes and interesting creeks. There are four huge rivers - the Demerara, the Berbice, the Corentyne and the mighty Essequibo,
which is the biggest of them all. With 21 miles across at its mouth and over 370 miles long, this river
traverses the country from south to north, and its head begins in Brazil and flows north, covering
some 370 miles before emptying into the Atlantic.
Kaieteur Falls, where the 400-foot wide Potaro River (a tributary of the Essequibo) plunges 741 feet
downward from the Pakaraima Plateau, is one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, and continues to
be one of the principal attractions in Guyana. Situated in the heart of Guyana the magnificence
of Kaieteur stands beyond any comparison in its majesty and sheer size. The water flows over a
sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge, a drop of 741 feet, and then down another 81
feet of rapids and falls.
Guyana is a land of striking and fascinating natural beauty.
Trinidad &
Tobago
Awaken
the Senses
to Mixed
Pleasures
Mention Trinidad & Tobago to anyone in the Caribbean, and
immediately one conjures up images of spectacular costumes,
pulsating steel pan music and thousands of vibrant masqueraders.
Familiar to most are the fêtes, extravagant parades, keen calypso
competitions, and all the mesmerising elements that make this
country’s carnival, the greatest show on earth. But to end one’s
reverie there would be to deprive the senses of the many other
astounding marvels of this tiny twin-island paradise.
Cosmopolitan Trinidad & Tobago is a rich fusion of African, Indian, Chinese, European, Middle
Eastern and several other cultures. The result: a unique mix of delightful cuisine, alluring rhythms and
1.3 million energetic inhabitants - affectionately called “Trinis”. And while this land may be blessed
with an enviable energy sector and a prosperous economy, it abounds with natural wonders, making it
the ultimate destination for wedding parties, honeymoons, shopping, eco adventures or just relaxing.
Both islands are dotted with an extensive selection of restaurants, eateries and fast-food outlets,
serving a variety of exotic dishes - guaranteed to satisfy the most insatiable of appetites. Pelau, roti,
crab and callaloo, coocoo and corn soup are just a few of the local culinary delights. For the more
adventurous taste buds, during an open hunting season there is ‘wildmeat’ such as lappe or agouti.
Roadside vending is a way of life in Trinidad & Tobago. Strategically located stalls, shacks and mobile
carts tempt the famished with mouth-watering favorites like bake and shark, barbeque, hot doubles,
boiled corn, oysters, roasted nuts and a variety of pies. For the sweet-tooth, there are snacks such as
sno-cone, toolum, jub-jub, sugar cake, fudge, kurma, and bene (sesame) balls. Trinis can concoct a
beverage from almost anything that is edible, so apart from mauby and tropical fruit juices, one can
enjoy a milkshake made from peanut, channa, pumpkin, soursop or sea-moss.
Never a dull moment! An exciting nightlife awaits the young at heart, and a good ‘lime’ (“Trini”
word for party) can be found at the many bars, lounges or dance clubs. At any given time, one may be
lucky to catch a glimpse of one of the many renowned acts to grace these shores. The annual Tobago
Jazz Festival attracts thousands of visitors with its impressive line-up of some of the best regional and
international superstars. The spirit of Trinidad & Tobago can be best felt in such indigenous, creative
expressions as calypso, soca, steelpan, parang, chutney, tassa and pichakaree. For a good laugh, there
is the annual Comedy Festival and the humorous plays hosted by one of the many production houses
– all guaranteed to have one in “stitches”.
26
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
It is no secret that shoppers from across the Caribbean flock to Trinidad – the shopping mecca of
the Caribbean – for quality and variety at the best prices. With a booming manufacturing industry
and positive foreign trade and investment policies, this country is brimming with commercial activity.
Malls, shops, markets, stores, fairs, trade shows and flea markets, all entice the bargain hunter with a
vast array of local and imported items, making nothing impossible to find. Port of Spain (the country’s
capital) and Chaguanas are popular attractions for those looking for a good sale. Ethnic fashion, crafts,
furniture and jewellery are available at the regularly visiting bazaars direct from India.
Brian Lara has made “Trinis” proud many times over with his record breaking skills, so it is no wonder
that cricket is loved by many. Football is also dear to the heart, as the “Soca Warriors” had everyone in
a frenzy at the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany in 2006. A drive through this country will prove
that it is not uncommon to see a cricket or football game being played by enthusiastic youngsters,
and a small crowd of spectators cheering them on. But these are not the only sporting activities
– adventurous visitors are welcome to take in the action of tennis, basketball, archery, swimming,
hockey, fishing, cycling, boxing, taekwondo, horse racing, kite flying, sailing, scuba diving, surfing and
the list goes on. And if that is not enough, then an exciting goat race or crab race will do the trick.
There are four fine golf courses in Trinidad and Tobago, two of which are considered among the
best in the Caribbean. Once the venue for the European Seniors PGA Tour, Tobago boasts of hosting
the annual Caribbean Open Golf Championship, Sail Week, the Game Fishing Tournament and the
ever-popular Great Race.
Trinidad has many beaches and lifeguard services are provided at nearly all. The most popular
beach is Maracas Bay with its well-maintained facilities and famous food shacks. A short drive away
is the calmer waters of Tyrico and Las Cuevas Beaches, which are ideal for overnight camping and
outdoor cooking.
But for the most stunning beaches and dramatic
coastline, Tobago has it all. Calm turquoise waters
for swimming, white sands for sun-bathing,
magnificent reefs for snorkelling and cool breezes
for relaxing – this is truly heaven on earth.
Pigeon Point Beach, Store Bay, Mount Irvine Bay,
Englishman’s Bay and Castara are some of the best
beaches in this picture-perfect island.
With the world’s largest nesting colony for
the giant endangered leatherback sea turtles and
the oldest protected rainforest in the Western
Hemisphere, Trinidad & Tobago has a unique
ecological heritage, and is a haven for nature lovers.
This is home to hundreds of species of birds, plants,
butterflies and wildlife. A boat ride will leave the
visitor in awe after witnessing hundreds of Scarlet
Ibis fly to their home in the Caroni Swamp, or the
manatees wallow in the ancestral waters of the
Nariva Swamp. Asa Wright Nature Centre is the
place to see ‘Squirrel Cuckoos, Toucans, and Parrots
fly past the gallery, while Tufted Coquettes and half
a dozen other species of Hummingbirds feed on the
vervain.’
Visit Trinidad and Tobago and stay at any of the
many world-class hotels or guesthouses, and awaken
the senses to mixed pleasures.
REAL ESTATE
Trinidad and Tobago’s
Real Estate Market
Despite high revenue earnings from oil and gas, the government of
T & T has taken steps in recent years to diversify the economy away from
over-reliance on one product, and to station itself as a potential centre
for finance and industry in the Caribbean region. From 2002 this small
boom fitted into a larger one of accelerated government spending
on commercial and residential construction, fuelled by increased oil
revenues. This expansionism created a billion dollar opportunity for
contractors and industry professionals who used increased incomes to
diversify into residential and small-scale commercial projects.
The benefits of this all-round growth in the economy have obviously had an impact on the real estate
industry itself. Property prices in Trinidad typically range from $2 million to $7.5 million. Vacant
land prices range from $160,000 to $8.5 million. Residential leases have also been key elements of
company portfolios with rents ranging from US $1,000 to US $6,000.
Central Bank statistics capture the growth in the industry visible via real estate mortgage loans for
the periods 1995 and 2005:
Commercial Banks 1995: $921.5 million, 2005: $4,437.3 million
Insurance Companies 1995: $606.6 million, 2005: $737.9 million
Private Sector 1995: $3,625.5 million, 2005: $6,824.4 million
Private and Public Sector combined 1995: $5,647.5 million, 2005: $8,914.4 million
Despite this growth, residential mortgage rates have remained stable, and the market has heightened
competition among financial institutions. In some cases persons can qualify for up to 93% mortgage
financing, and state-run Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company Ltd. (TTMF) advertises
an 8% maximum rate for home ownership. Rates at similar institutions, like the Home Mortgage
Bank Limited, have remained relatively low at between 8% and 9% and aimed primarily at first-time
homeowners.
Acquisition of properties in Trinidad and Tobago by non-citizens is governed by the Foreign
Investment Act, 1990, which allows foreign individuals and companies to purchase up to one acre of
land for residential purposes and up to five acres for commercial purposes. In Trinidad, this has been
expressed in terms of major industrial investments, while in Tobago; the foreign investment has been
into small holiday properties that have greatly improved the size and quality of the housing stock on
the island. Unfortunately, the Government moved in February 2007, to modify the Act by requiring
that foreign investors, in Tobago only, would need to apply for a license to purchase any property. This
was aimed at lowering the price of land in rural areas of the island where some local investors now find
prices out of reach. But, say industry observers, the jury is still out on this initiative, which not only
takes money and foreign exchange out of the economy, but unduly complicates commerce, threatens
the market value of real property and may not yield the required results.
Over the last decade in Tobago, a great deal of activity has been taking place, much of it tourism
driven. Government developments have been relatively slow, although much land has been acquired,
but foreign investment over the past fifteen years has encouraged local investment, particularly in
28
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
holiday accommodation, bars and restaurants. The
major government projects of the new hospital facilities
at Shaw Park, a financial complex and a planned
enlargement of the Crown Point International Airport
to cope with increased long-haul tourist arrivals are
however plagued with problems.
The biggest land development project is the
Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park, Tobago’s
first modern light industrial park, aimed to house
a variety of manufacturing and service industries.
This government initiative is specifically aimed at
diversifying the island’s economy. However, the master
plan for tourism development has identified high-end,
luxury tourism as the best option for Tobago, generating
the most revenue throughout the population with the
minimum impact on the island, so for the private sector,
the largest incentive for land development remains
tourism.
The most significant private sector project has been
the development of the 750-acre Tobago Plantations
Beach and Golf Resort, including Hilton Tobago,
the flagship development of Guardian Life and
Angostura. In partnership with CLICO, Angostura is
also developing approximately 500 acres at the Golden
Grove Estate, phase one of which is already sold out.
There have also been a number of more modest tourism
land developments covering a range of markets, with
the most popular being the Bon Accord Integrated
Development, which put some 400 small parcels of
land on the market in the early 1990s at a very modest
$9 per s.f. which land now re-sells at over $100 per s.f.
Partly due to over-heating in property values, partly
to the imposition of a licence for foreign investors in
Tobago, there has been a recent softening in sales and
rental prices, but many agents and industry observers
feel real estate will remain buoyant for some time. The
Central Bank recently reassured the country that the
financial system today is more resilient to property price
shocks since mortgage loans as a proportion of total
loans stand at 15% as compared with 40% in the 1980s.
Other areas of concern affecting investment however,
were acknowledged by agents, technocrats and analysts:
the problem of crime on both Islands; the lack of real
concern for the environment; the income disparity
created by the boom. Perhaps boom conditions will
not dampen in the short term, but concerns about the
disparity in property prices remain and not everyone
believes in allowing market forces to operate freely.
IN THE KITCHEN
1 bottle rum
1 bottle cherry brandy
2 tsp Angostura bitters
Christmas
Delights
Black cake
Ingredients
1 lb butter
1 lb sugar
8 eggs
2 tsp lime zest
2 tsp almond essence
2 tsp vanilla
1 lb flour
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
Fruit
1 lb pitted prunes
1 lb raisins
1lb currants
Browning
1 lb brown sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
METHOD
Chop fruit and soak in alcohol for about 5
days before making cake. Place fruit with
bitters and rum in a covered container or pot
in a cool area.
1. Pour fruit with liquid into a blender.
Blend, keeping fruit chunky.
2. Burn sugar until caramelised. Add hot
water gradually. Mix well. Let cool.
3. Preheat oven 250ºF 4. Cream butter and sugar
5. Add eggs one at a time
6. Add zest, almond and vanilla essence
7. Mix and sift flour, baking powder, spice
and nutmeg
8. Gradually add sifting to creamed mix
9. Mix fruit and browning
10. Pour batter onto greased tin or tins lined
with brown paper
11. Bake 3 hours
12. Remove from oven and pour additional
rum in the centre
What is Christmas without the traditional pastelle?
Beef/Chicken Pastelles
Makes 12-15 pastelles
To prepare fig leaves, steam them in a large pot
of boiling water for ten
minutes until they become pliable and soft.
They may also be softened by waving
them over an open flame. You can also use sheets
of tin foil.
Cornmeal dough and pastelle assembly
Ingredients (Dough)
2 cups yellow cornmeal
3 cups warm water
30
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 tsp salt
Method (Dough)
1. In a food processor or by hand, combine
cornmeal with butter and salt.
2. Add water and process to make a soft, pliable
dough.
3. Divide the dough into 12 balls. Cover with a
damp cloth to prevent drying.
4. Place one piece of dough on a greased fig leaf
and press into an eight-inch square.
5. Spoon two tablespoons of filling onto the
middle of the dough and fold and seal
pastelles.
6. Wrap in fig leaf and tie into a neat package.
(you can also use foil)
7. Steam pastelles for 45 minutes until
cooked.
Ingredients(Filling)
1 lb chopped beef and chicken, chicken only, or
beef only
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tbs olive oil
1 cup chopped chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
2 pimento peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbs chopped celery
1/2 Congo pepper, seeded and chopped
(optional)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup tomato sauce
4 tbs capers
3 tbs stuffed olives, sliced
1/4 cup raisins
2 tbs fresh thyme
Method (Filling)
1. Combine beef with chicken. Add salt and black pepper.
2. Add a quarter-cup chopped chives and one tablespoon thyme.
3. In a large pan heat olive oil.
4. Add onion and garlic. Sautee until fragrant.
5. Add pimento peppers, remaining chive, pepper and thyme.
6. Add meat and cook until brown.
7. Add tomato sauce, cover and simmer for
about 15 minutes.
8. Add raisins, capers and olives and stir to
combine.
9. Cook for about five minutes more. Taste and
adjust seasoning.
10. Add two tablespoons fresh thyme and stir to
combine.
11. Remove from heat and cool.
12. Prepare dough as in recipe above and fill and
fold pastelles as indicated.
Sudoku
Sudoku is fun and easy
to play. There is no math
involved - just reasoning and
logic! Fill in the grid so that
every row, every column, and
every 3x3 box contains
the digits 1 through 9.
H, S & E
Selection & Use
of Work Equipment
Preamble
Hazards of varying degrees are an inherent part of using almost every kind of tool or equipment.
Whether a tool is simple or complex, we accept the risk of using it to gain an advantage. However, in
doing this; we attempt to limit associated risks to levels that are reasonable. This is achieved through
the design, construction, use and maintenance of the particular tool or equipment: with each phase
being just as important as the other.
Industry uses several pieces of work equipment to support its operations and maintenance. An
example of a typical piece of work equipment used extensively in industry today, is the Mobile
Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). Many maintenance tasks require workers to work at heights as
much as fifteen (15) meters above ground. In order to accomplish this safely, scaffolding has to be
erected. However, in some circumstances, this is not possible, and alternative access is sought. One
such alternative is the use of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform.
Aim
The aim of this paper is to develop a suitable strategy for the selection, safe use and maintenance of a
MEWP (work equipment) in the workplace. To determine this, several factors will be considered, such
as suitability for task; equipment reliability; legal requirements; product standards; cost, and others.
This will provide the guidance for those responsible for the procurement, use and maintenance of a
MEWP or other similar workplace equipment.
Legal Requirements
When considering the acquisition of workplace equipment, one of the foremost factors that must be
contemplated – is the legal requirements. The most important piece of legislation is the Occupational
Health & Safety Act (OSHA) 2004.
The general duty of the employer is to provide a safe and healthy place of work for its employees,
covering all possible hazards that may lead to injury and ill health. This is encompassed in the (OSHA)
Act. In particular, it extends this duty so far as is reasonably practicable: to provide a safe plant and safe
systems of work; and to provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision.
The Act also places duties on manufacturers of products – including the designers of the plant and
equipment – to ensure that articles produced are safe. The Act also allows for the establishment of
regulations to provide the standards required for compliance. Since these regulations, to date, have
not been developed, the regulations used in the UK have been referenced. The main regulations that
address workplace equipment in the UK are:
• The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
32
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
(MHSWR) 1999
Particular attention should be paid to The Lifting
Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER),
as MEWPs are covered under these regulations. Some of
the requirements included in LOLER are:
• Lifting equipment selected for a lifting operation
must be suitable for the activity it has to perform –
Regulation 3,
• Where lifting equipment is used for lifting people, the
carrier must prevent crushing, trapping, being struck
by and falls from it, so far as is reasonably practicable
– Regulation 5,
• Identifies the factors to be considered in conducting
risk assessments to recognise the nature and level of
risks associated with a proposed lifting operation,
• Lifting equipment designed for lifting people must
be so marked or identified, including the safe working
load (SWL) – Regulation 7,
• Inspection requirements – Regulation 10,
• Record keeping – Regulation 11.
Selection Factors
Several factors, apart from the legal requirements, must be
considered when contemplating the acquisition of work
equipment. These will now be identified and explored:
• Fit for Purpose – an obvious requirement would be that
the equipment selected must be able to do what you
want it to do under the conditions that exist at the plant
or facility. This could entail self-propulsion; a heightreach of approximately 15 meters, manoeuvrability
and flexible articulation.
• Standards Conformity – In order for the company to
have some assurance of the quality and conformance
with essential health and safety requirements, the
equipment must conform to an acceptable and
appropriate standard. In this case, the relevant
standard would be identified by the CE marking. These
markings should be properly affixed to the machine.
The requirements for CE marking are outlined in the
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, 1992, &
Amendment Regulations, 1994.
• Place of Use – Consideration for the intended place
of use is an important criterion. The environmental
conditions could be hot, humid, exposed to moisture,
rain, or dry and dusty conditions. Possible hazards to
consider are:
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The type of propulsion - A gasoline engine would introduce fuel storage and refuelling
hazards, as well as the production of Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas,
-
A diesel engine will also produce CO, but much lower hazards of fire and explosion than
gasoline,
-
An electric motor powered by batteries may produce hydrochloric acid vapours during
recharging of the batteries.
Ergonomic Design – The equipment, in particular the work platform and controls, should be
designed in such a way that the man/machine interface does not induce undue strain and stress
on the user.
Reliability – The equipment must be reliable, when used for its intended purpose. Frequent
breakdowns and failures are undesirable, so too is frequent and time-consuming routine
maintenance.
Maintenance – The manufacturer or supplier of the equipment should provide guidance on
the maintenance required, including replaceable parts; parts that should be inspected; and
recommended service intervals. Consideration should be given to special tools and jigs required
for maintenance - these could sometimes be very expensive and oftentimes not available to endusers. Safe Systems of Work are required to ensure that maintenance is done safely.
Skill Level – What is the required skill level to operate and maintain this equipment? Are there
persons employed with these skills and/or have the capacity to acquire these skills?
Statutory Requirements - LOLER requires statutory inspections and thorough examinations to
be done by competent persons at least once every six months to MEWPs. Does the company
possess this competence, or would it have to be outsourced?
Appropriate Controls & Safety Interlocks – The controls should be clearly visible and identifiable
with pictograms where practicable. They should not be positioned in such a way as to endanger
the operator. The controls should be fail-safe and fitted with interlocks that would prevent
inadvertent operations and or movement, as well as speed controls when the platform is raised or
extended.
Manufacturer’s and/or Supplier’s Support – Some background checks and references as to the
reputation of the manufacturer and/or supplier should be made to ensure that parts and service
support will be available throughout the expected life of the equipment. They should also be able
to provide the required training for use and maintenance.
Risk Assessment
After acquiring the equipment a risk assessment should be done to determine the risk associated with
its use – in the environment or area where it will be used – and the limitations of the equipment in
particular areas. The five-step approach to risk assessments are:
1. Identify the hazards
2. Identify those persons who might be harmed and how
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on control measurers
4. Record the findings
5. Review the assessment and revise it if necessary
Use Factors
Having completed the risk assessment, the next step is to use considerations. It will be necessary to
identify who will use the equipment, as only specifically designated persons should use it. These
persons must be either competent or adequately supervised. They must have adequate health and
safety information and training associated with the use of the equipment, including written operating
instructions and emergency procedures.
34
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Human Factors
Human factors are an important aspect when considering who will use workplace equipment,
particularly a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). Personal factors or traits that employees
bring to their jobs are important when deciding on the best person to suit a particular job. One
must therefore consider the physical traits: height, strength, any physical disability, vision, depth
perception, colour blindness etc., and their mental suitability: habits, attitude and personality,
which will influence his or her behaviour. Hence, the ‘users’ should be chosen via appropriate
selection techniques and known work experience. This would hopefully eliminate those with ‘at
risk’ behaviour. The selected employees should have the skill required to operate the equipment, or
have the capacity and attitude to undergo the necessary training.
Safe Systems of Work
Adequate and suitable safe systems of work should be developed in conjunction with the risk
assessment and the manufacturers operating instructions. These could include:
• Testing of controls each day prior to use,
• Belting-off or tying-off to suitable anchor points within the work cage,
• Adherence to SWL limits (number of persons allowed in cage),
• A mechanism for ensuring only authorised, designated persons are allowed access. This
mechanism should prevent unauthorised access by key control,
• When in use, overhead hazards should be of particular concern and may require a signalman or
banks-man,
• Visual inspection each day prior to use which should include:
-
Tyre press and condition
-
Visual damage or defects
-
Lights function test
-
Warning buzzer test, etc.
• A recording and reporting procedure on defects
• Refuelling procedures, including storage and handling of fuel.
Maintenance
PUWER requires that work equipment be maintained so that it is safe. How often, and the type of
maintenance, is dependant on a number of factors, three of which are: safety, statutory requirements
and reliability. The strategy used must therefore consider these as well as the manufacturer’s
recommendations. One strategy for carrying out the required maintenance based on the factors
identified is to outsource this service to the equipment supplier. That is, determine the type of
maintenance required to ensure safety, reliability and statutory requirements; and enter into a
medium to long-term contract with the supplier. Include the necessary statutory inspections by
competent persons in the contract, with the provision of inspection certificates as evidence.
Minor defects reported could be repaired by in-house expertise. Any other unscheduled repairs
should be directed to the supplier by the maintenance department. The maintenance department
should also be responsible for maintaining the necessary maintenance log.
Training
After having gone through the selection process to identify the designated users, suitable and adequate
training is required. One of the factors considered before acquisition, is the ability of the supplier to
provide adequate and suitable training for the operation and maintenance of the equipment. Owing
to the nature of the operation of the MEWP, the users should be assessed following training, and
certified for a period not exceeding two years. On expiration of these certificates, the users will have
to undergo refresher training, re-assessment and re-certification. This should be included in the safe
system of work for the MEWP.
Maintenance personnel would also be required to undergo training, provided by the supplier, so
that they would be in a position to conduct minor and emergency repairs, as well as be able to identify
problems that may require external expertise.
Conclusion
In many instances, the acquisition of equipment, such as the MEWP, is done in a somewhat unprepared
manner. This is mainly due to the absence of input from the safety practitioner, as this is culturally
not the norm. Having gained the experience over a number of years, companies would be in a better
position to understand the ramifications of poor equipment selection. Changing the ‘safety culture’
also allows for input from the safety practitioner in a very comprehensive way.
Many factors and considerations must be contemplated when introducing equipment into the
workplace. It is therefore vital for the safety practitioner to make his contribution in a precise, simple
and user-friendly manner, to expedite and not hinder the procurement process, and to develop –
along with the users – the necessary safe systems of work and workplace precautions required to use
and maintain the equipment safely, and in compliance with relevant legislation.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are proposed from a health and safety perspective, to assist and guide
management and buyers in the acquisition of work equipment:
1. Establish a small team with various expertise, including safety, when contemplating the
acquisition of work equipment,
2. Pre-qualify suppliers and manufacturers based on their reputation and other commercial criteria
to reduce the chances of insufficient after-market support,
3. Outsource maintenance and statutory inspections.
36
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Stroke:
Warning Signs and Tips for Prevention
What is a stroke?
Most strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery that carries blood
to the brain. This can cause that part of the brain to be injured, and
you may lose control of a function that is controlled by that part
of the brain. For example, you could lose the use of an arm or leg,
or the ability to speak. The injury can be temporary or permanent,
partial or complete. Doctors have found that if you get treatment
right away after symptoms start, there is a better chance of getting
the blood moving to your brain, and less chance of injury.
How do you know if you are having a stroke?
If you have any of the following symptoms, call for emergency help immediately. The sooner you get
help the more doctors can do to prevent permanent injury.
• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.
• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
• Loss of speech, trouble talking or understanding what others are saying.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Unexplained dizziness, unstable walking or falling, especially along with any of the other
symptoms.
How Can You Avoid Having A Stroke?
Talk to your family doctor about your risk factors for a stroke and how to reduce your risk. Here are some
other things you can do to avoid having a stroke:• If your blood pressure is high, follow your doctor’s advice to control it.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, and eat less sodium (salt), to lower your cholesterol and
blood pressure.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level under control.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
38
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Ask your doctor for advice on making these lifestyle changes, and ask friends and family for support.
Regular checkups are important to find problems that can increase your risk of having a stroke. Talk to
your doctor about whether taking aspirin in low doses would help reduce your risk of stroke. Aspirin
can help keep your blood from forming clots that can eventually block the arteries.
How Can You Recognise That Someone Is Having A Stroke?
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells
disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognise the
symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a stroke by asking three simple
questions: -
S
*Ask the individual to SMILE
T
*Ask the person to TALK.. to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE Coherently
(e.g.. . . It is sunny today)
R
*Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call or take the person for medical attention
immediately and describe the symptoms.
OSHA Ten Hour General Industry Training
Readymix (W.I.) Limited is committed to
providing safe and healthy working conditions for
all workers and to continually improve its OSHA
performance. In this regard, Safety Monitors were
identified throughout the organisation to attend
an OSHA General Industry Training Session
facilitated by Worldwide Safety Consultants
Limited (WSCL), in preparation for this role.
General Manager of Readymix (W.I.) Ltd., Mr.
Manan Deo, opened the session and expressed
Management’s commitment to safety. Upon
successful completion of the training, a WSCL
certificate and a course completion card from
the US Department of Labour were issued to the
new Safety Monitors.
40
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Horn blasts from the specialised bulk cement carrier “Naftocement
IV” and the simultaneous release of balloons signalled the official
opening of the first and long awaited cement terminal in the region
- TCL Guyana Inc. (TGI). The bagging terminal, which is located in
Georgetown, began operations last December.
TCL Board Members, Government Officials and key Stakeholders
were part of the recent event, which marked an important milestone
in the TCL Group and for Guyana.
General Manager of TCL (parent company of TGI), Arun Goyal,
speaking at the inauguration of TGI said “The cement industry
is growing and TCL is building new capabilities to compete in a
globalised environment.” The need for TGI’s plant facility became an
important and urgent issue against the backdrop of a robust cement
demand in recent times in regional markets.
CARICOM is the TCL Group’s home market and Guyana is its
largest market outside of the cement producing territories namely
Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica. The facility ensures that Guyana
will always have an adequate and reliable supply of cement thereby
fulfilling TCL’s initial objective to support the overall economic and
development plans of Guyana.
The terminal represents one element of TCL’s regional strategy
which involves locating terminals in several countries and supplying
them from the Group’s expanded manufacturing facilities utilising its
dedicated time-chartered vessels.
The TGI plant, which cost U S$10.4 million to complete, has a
production capacity of 60 tonnes per hour which equates to a potential
of over 300,000 tonnes per annum.
Its state of the art plant and equipment include three (3) 2,000tonne steel silos, warehousing capacity of 2000 tonnes, a bag packing
system, palletiser, dust plants, conveying systems, generators and
electrical ancillaries, mobile equipment, air compressor systems and
truck scale.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in his address at the inauguration
ceremony, declared that “Guyana is open for business”, and welcomed
TCL to Guyana. He lauded the US $10.4 million investment as the
fulfillment of a dream for his country and indicated that Guyanese
were anxious about development but this will only happen “When we
work and make it happen”.
TCL Group Chairman, Andy Bhajan, proudly acknowledged that
traces of TCL Group’s DNA were deeply interwoven in Guyana.
Pointing to the use of the TCL brand in construction of commercial
buildings, hospitals and schools, the Chairman asserted “Indeed,
our DNA is here”. He also estimated that by the end of 2008, the
TCL Group will have virtually doubled its cement manufacturing
REGIONAL
The Honourable Samuel Hinds, Prime Minister of Guyana
and Dr. Rollin Bertrand, Chief Executive Officer - TCL
Group cut the ribbon to formally open TGI
capacity to 3.5 million tonnes and significantly add to its clinker manufacturing capacity, increasing
its operational efficiency and improving competitiveness. TGI is one aspect of the US 164.3 milliondollar expansion and modernisation programme currently underway across the TCL Group.
Since start-up of operations last December, TGI has already supplied more than 31,000 tonnes of
cement to the Guyanese market, steadily increasing over the months and likely to rise further with
supplies to the interior locations of Guyana. To date, more than ten distributors and companies have
been serviced at the site. The establishment of TGI’s terminal has yielded significant operational
efficiencies and economies of scale towards stabilised cement prices in Guyana.
TCL Creates Opportunity for
Growth Among Guyanese Investors
…
…
TCL Group Chairman,
Andy Bhajan (4th from
left), Dr. Rollin Bertrand,
Group CEO (3rd from
right) and representatives of
the Guyana Stock Exchange
42
Company officially
listed on the Guyana
Stock Exchange
Each member of
Guyana Under 19
team receives US
$150 worth of TCL
shares
Guyanese investors will now have
the opportunity to participate in
the growth and development of
TCL Group which operates from
Jamaica in the North to Guyana and
Suriname in the South.
The company has been
officially listed on the Guyana Stock
Exchange.
At a ceremony marking
the official listing, TCL Group
Chairman, Andy Bhajan said that
TCL recognises that the Guyana
Stock Exchange is a very young institution and it is happy to be the first company to be officially
listed there.
“We hope that many successful companies will follow. I might add that we have been very impressed
with the efficiency with which the listing process was handled both at the Securities Council and at
your exchange. We wish to thank all those who had a role to play in the process.”
On January 3, 2007, TCL shares became eligible for trading on the Guyana Stock Exchange. The
official ceremony marking the occasion coincided with TCL Guyana Inc.’s inauguration on June 13.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and
Intermediaries Inc. (GASCI), Nikhil Ramkaran said GASCI welcomes TCL’s presence in the stock
market as well as their role in the supply of cement for construction in Guyana.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Speaking to the young players, TCL Group CEO, Dr. Rollin Bertrand, encouraged them to get
involved in savings and investments while they are young.
“And I want you to remember that the award that we are giving you in terms of shares can be the start
of a lifetime of investment in which you carefully manage your financial resources.”
TCL Chairman, Andy Bhajan, said the company hopes that the presentation would be a lesson
that will be disseminated throughout the country so that people of all walks of life will have a real
stake in the economy and in the country’s future.
Institutional investors, not ordinarily permitted to hold unlisted stock, will now be able to
participate in the trading of TCL’s shares.
It is the fifth such listing for TCL since it is already listed on the Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and
Barbados Stock Exchanges, as well as on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.
TCL is the only company to be listed on all five exchanges of the Caribbean.
World Safety Day
TCL Guyana Inc. held its World Safety
Day activity recently, during which a
commemorative plaque was presented to
Sherwayne Robinson who was selected
by the Joint Occupational Safety and
Health Committee as the employee who
demonstrated the greatest commitment to
and awareness of occupational safety and
health since start up of operations. In the
photograph, Sherwayne (right), receives his
award from Mark Bender, Plant Manager.
Sherwayne (right) receives his
award from Mark Bender,
Plant Manager
SPORTS
Cricket World Cup … in the Caribbean
HISTORY was once again created, when the beautiful sunshine islands
of the Caribbean played host to the International Cricket Council
2007 Cricket World Cup in March and April. This CWC was probably
the most eventful one in its history, as it was filled with a unique
blend of flavours with the added Caribbean touch.
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent
and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago were all the host venues for the ICC Cricket World
Cup 2007.
This tournament is truly one of the greatest sporting occasions in the world and the Caribbean
people displayed great patriotism and enthusiasm in ensuring that this spectacle was a resounding
success.
Over 4,000 volunteers were enlisted to share in this unique spirit of the Caribbean, with all of the
various stakeholders, including the media, intent on making the CWC 2007 experience was second
to none.
In 1975, West Indies won the first ever Cricket World Cup and many Caribbean nationals returned
home with the expectation to see the regional team lift the coveted trophy on home soil.
However, that feat was not to be achieved, as the Windies bowed out disappointingly after the
Super 8 Stage of competition, partly due to a barrage of controversies surrounding the players’ camp.
Nevertheless, they celebrated 47 days of world-class cricket.
Sixteen teams including six associate member countries took part in the competition. This was the
first time that Ireland and Bermuda made it through the ICC Cricket World Cup finals. Regarded
as the minnows of world cricket, both these teams represented their countries proudly, as there was
great excitement among their players taking on the world’s best.
Ireland was particularly impressive, having sent shock-waves throughout the cricketing world as
they had previous world cup winners Pakistan packing home after the first round of competition
with a humiliating defeat. It would eventually turn out to be a really horrific tour for the Pakistanis,
with the news of the tragic death of their coach Bob Woolmer, who was found dead in his hotel room
in Jamaica. After many speculations of foul play it was confirmed that he had died of natural causes.
With all these misfortunes surrounding the Pakistani camp, it prompted captain Inzamam-ul-Haq,
one of Pakistani’s greatest batsmen to an early retirement.
The tournament got underway with a spectacular opening ceremony at Trelawny in Jamaica,
which was enriched with a true Caribbean flavour, showcasing a taste of our region’s festive cultures
in both dance and song.
Some say it was predictable, however, even though they were untested, defending champions
Australia, under the guidance of ace batsman Ricky Pointing, they displayed true levels of
professionalism as they convincingly won all their matches and came out on top in the tournament.
They captured the prestigious ICC CWC 2007 for a world record hat trick number of times.
44
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Before a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Kensington Oval in
Barbados, the Aussies, under a robust century from wicketkeeper/
batsman Adam Gilchrist, defeated a well-disciplined Sri Lankan outfit
in a rain-ruined controversial final which ended in total darkness.
The tournament was also somewhat robbed of some of its glory
by the poor crowd attendance at all of the venues due to the early
departure of some of the powerhouses in the game – Pakistan, India
and host West Indies. Nevertheless, with all this deterrence, ICC
revealed that revenues from ticket sales was doubled from the previous
World Cup and surpassed that of all of the past tournaments, since its
inception way back in 1975 in England.
This edition of the CWC also featured a few number of records that
were shattered. The more notable ones were the 6 sixes in an over by
South African Herschelle Gibbs. There were also the Indians posting a
record mammoth 413 runs in an innings against the Bermudians. The
previous record was held by Sri Lanka, 398 runs versus Kenya in the
1996 World Cup. India easily cantered to victory of Bermuda and also
recorded the largest victory margin by 257 runs in ODI history.
Mathew Hayden was also in there for smashing the fastest World
Cup century off just 66 balls. Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka
recorded the fifth ever World Cup hat trick, but was also the first
player to take 4 wickets in consecutive balls against the mighty South
Africans. And then there was the legend, Glenn McGrath, the great
Australian fast bowler. He had a happy retirement as he became the
world’s leading wicket taker in World Cup history. He took his 56th
wicket against Bangladesh and overtook the 55 held by another great,
Pakistani Wasim Akram.
Perhaps the most staggering news of them all was that of the
retirement of the West Indies most celebrated and champion batsman,
Brian Lara. The news of Lara’s decision to call a premature end to his
international career created quite a stir in the region and by extension
the wider world. The “Prince of Port of Spain”, as he is affectionately
known, left many broken hearts through his millions of fans all over
the world, but his legacy will live on and as he continues to serve as an
ambassador for this great game.
Here in the Caribbean, the West Indies have been producing some of
the most exciting cricketers in the world, including the sheer brilliance
of Sir Gary Sobers, the brilliance of the 3 Ws – Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir
Everton Weekes and Sir Frank Worrell, together with the mesmerising
magic of Lara and the enigmatic Sir Vivian Richards.
Ideally, it was indeed a great honour for the Caribbean to stage
such a historic event of this magnitude. It was seen that whatever
the outcome of the tournament, visitors from all corners of the world
thoroughly enjoyed the true Caribbean hospitality that was meted out
to them.
The participating teams were Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda,
Canada, England, India, Ireland, Kenya, The Netherlands, New
Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and
Zimbabwe.
FAST FACTS
• Unless food is mixed with saliva
you cannot taste it.
• The liver is the largest of the body’s
internal organs. The skin is the
body’s largest organ.
• Not all our taste buds are on our
tongue; about 10% are on the
palette and the cheeks.
• Fingernails grow nearly 4 times
faster than toenails.
• In 1900, a person could expect to
live to be 47. Today, the average
life expectancy for men and women
in developed countries is 70.
• A newborn baby’s head accounts
for one-quarter of its weight.
• The bones in your body are not
white - they range in colour from
beige to light brown. The bones
you see in museums are white
because they have been boiled
and cleaned.
• Every person has a unique tongue
print.
• If all your DNA is stretched out, it
would reach to the moon 6,000
times.
• Approximately two-thirds of a
person’s body weight is water.
Blood is 92% water. The brain is
75% water and muscles are 75%
water.
• We actually do not see with our
eyes - we see with our brains. The
eyes basically are the cameras of
the brain. One-quarter of the brain
is used to control the eyes.
• We have four basic tastes. The salt
and sweet taste buds are at the tip
of the tongue, bitter at the base,
and sour along the sides.
Left to right: Alan Nobie,
Manager – Investor Relations
and Corporate Communications
at the TCL Group, presents the
award to Veersammy Permaul
who was adjudged ‘U19 Player of
the Year’.
Steven Jacobs, captain of the
Guyana Under 19 team receives
the award on behalf of his team
from Satnarine Bachew, General
Manager of Arawak Cement
Company Limited.
WIPA Awards
The West Indies Players’ Association hosted its annual awards ceremony earlier this year, at
the Sherbourne Conference Centre in Barbados.
The ceremony, which was broadcast “live” throughout the Caribbean, incorporated a field
of eleven winners chosen out of a pool of forty-four nominees. These winners were selected
by a panel of judges made up of the West Indies Cricket Board Committee and Selectors.
The TCL Group, being one of the proud sponsors of this event, presented awards to the
U-19 Player of the Year, Veersammy Permaul, and to Steven Jacobs, Captain of the Guyana
U-19 team, for their outstanding performances in the 2006 TCL Group West Indies Under
19 Cricket Challenge.
Congratulations to
Cricket Clinic 2007
Participants!
The Education & Communications Team at Trinidad
Cement Limited extends congratulations to the
participants and gratitude to their parents for ensuring
that the 2007 Cricket Clinic was an immense success.
The closing ceremony was held at the TCL Sports
Club at Claxton Bay, Trinidad. The function featured
an exhibition game between the junior cricketers and
presentation of certificates. In attendance were the
participants, their parents and guardians, together with
the coaches, representatives from TCL’s Management
team and the Communication and Education
Committee. 46
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Under-19 Cricket Review
Title sponsor of the West Indies Under-19 Cricket Challenge, the TCL
Group came in for lavish praise by newly elected President of the
West Indies Cricket Board, Julien Hunte, for its contribution to the
further development of the sport in the region. Hunte was in St.
Kitts during the final stages of the tournament in August, which was
hosted in the island for the first time in fourteen years.
Team Guyana, led by Steven Jacobs, successfully retained the ‘Test Match’ title, beating the nearest
rivals, Jamaica, by 12 points. The Jamaicans salvaged some pride when they humbled the Guyanese
in the “limited overs” final at the Warner Park Stadium in Basseterre. Hunte, a long-serving cricket
administrator in the region, praised the six territorial boards for keeping the sport alive at a junior
level. “More, let me thank all the territories for helping to keep our cricket alive at the junior level.
The Under-15 and Under-19 tournaments are and will increasingly become our avenues of choice for
improving our cricket. When we have our retreat on cricket development we will be able to explore
ways of improving our school and club cricket, but the Under 19 group is critical to our eventual
success. I am glad that you recognise this and have been able to channel some of your resources into
the tournament.” Hunte said hopefully, they would be able to mobilise the resources and use the
national centres of excellence to have even better-prepared players for regional tournaments. “I also
want to thank the Leeward Islands and St. Kitts and Nevis Associations for the extremely hard work
they have put into making this tournament a success”.
W.I. Under 19
Cricket Team and
TCL Group’s
Alan Nobie
(far right)
Chief Executive Officer of the TCL Group, Dr. Rollin Bertrand, said in celebration of their fifth year
of sponsorship, their support of this venture meant more than just support for sports. Dr. Bertrand
said the sponsorship was about cultivating heroes and role models, while at the same time providing
an opportunity for a strengthened partnership and regional integration. He went on to state that the
TCL Group is committed to Caribbean pride and development. “We are wholly devoted to helping
our youth become eager, motivated persons of strong character. Through this premier tournament,
we are, therefore, able to provide a forum for our region’s younger talent to shine, while fostering a
better future for the region”.
Several promising players emerged during the tournament and are already hailed as future
flagbearers of West Indies cricket. Among them are Trinidad and Tobago’s batsmen Adrian Barath
and Darren Bravo, Barbados’ all-rounder Shamarh Brooks, Jamaica’s speedster Jason Dawes, allrounders Andre Creary and Nkruma Bonner, Guyana’s batsman Rajendra Chandrika, skipper
Steven Jacobs and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, Leeward Islands batsmen Kieron Powell
and captain Devon Thomas. Also on show was Simon Steele, grandson of former West Indies
Cricket Board president Capt. Peter Short. Twenty players were named by the West Indies selectors,
Andy Roberts, Gordon Greenidge and Clyde Butts, to prepare for next year’s Youth World Cup in
Malaysia.
FINAL POINT STANDINGS
TCL GROUP WEST INDIES UNDER 19 CRICKET – PAST WINNERS
YEARHOSTS
TEST MATCH
ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL
WINNERS
WINNERS
48
2003
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago
2004
Jamaica
Jamaica
Barbados
2005
St. Vincent
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago
2006
Guyana
Guyana
Not played
2007
St. Kitts
Guyana
Jamaica
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
FINAL POINT STANDINGS - 2007
Guyana Jamaica Trinidad & Tobago
Barbados Leewards Windwards 42 points
30 points
27 points
21 points
18 points
15 points
HONOUR ROLL:
Test Match
Most Outstanding Batsman
Best All-rounder
Best Fieldsmen
Best Bowler
Best Wicketkeeper
Runner-up
Winner
Darren Bravo (T&T)
Shamarh Brooks
(B’dos)
Adrian Barath (T&T)
and
Amal Nurse (B’dos)
Shamarh Brooks
(B’dos)
Renaldo Arthur (B’dos)
Jamaica
Guyana
Alan Nobie - Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate
Communications, presents the Test Match Challenge Trophy
to Steven Jacobs, Captain of Guyana’s U-19 Team
One-Day Series
Most Outstanding Batsman
Best All-rounder
Best Bowler
Best Wicketkeeper
Man of the Match
Runner-up Winner
Horace Miller (J’ca)
Chesney Hughes (LI)
Jason Dawes (J’ca)
Devon Thomas (LI)
and Anthony Balgobin
(T&T)
Horace Miller
Guyana
Jamaica
WI UNDER-19 SQUAD FOR YOUTH
WORLD CUP 2008:
Shamarh Brooks (B’dos), Rashidi Boucher (B’dos), Kyle
Corbin (B’dos), Andre Creary (J’ca), Horace Miller (J’ca),
Nkruma Bonner (J’ca), Darren Bravo (T&T), Adrian
Barath (T&T), Jason Dawes (J’ca), Veerasammy Permaul
(Guy), Steven Jacobs (Guy), Rajendra Chandrika (Guy),
Dawnley Grant (WI), Kelbert Walters (LI), Chesney
Hughes (LI), Devon Thomas (LI), Kieron Powell (LI),
Linden Lawrence (WI), Delone Johnson (WI), Shacoya
Thomas (J’ca).
APPRECIATION
TCL Hosts Annual Customer Family Day
Trinidad Cement Limited recently hosted its 7th Annual Family Day
at Pier 1, Chaguaramas, Trinidad, for the company’s top one hundred
Customers and Sales Performers.
This much anticipated event saw guests being treated to cruises, “live” entertainment by popular
local group Dil-E-Nadan, a variety of eats and a well-stocked bar. Children were not forgotten and a
play park was available for their enjoyment.
TCL employees were also
present and took the opportunity
to understand the customers’
perspectives in an effort to
continuously improve relations.
Among the top one hundred
customers present were: E-Zee
Lay Bricks Limited, Superior
Readymix Limited, Coosal’s
Concrete & Blocks Limited,
Readymix West Indies Limited,
Halliburton Trinidad Limited,
Pres-T-Con
Limited
and
Bhagwansingh’s Hardware.
Customers
were
very
appreciative of TCL’s efforts
and indicated that the event far
exceeded their expectations,
making special mention that the
cruise was their favourite part of
the day.
Mr. Brian Sawh,
Managing Director of
The Village Auto &
Hardware Superstores
Ltd. collects his Top
Customer award for
Exceptional Sales
from TCL’s Finance
Manager, Mr.
Parasram Heerah
Awardee for the highest sales in the North
East Zone – Mr. Dean Dass (centre) of
R. Dass and Sons Hardware,
Sangre Grande with TCL Customer
Service Representatives
50
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Clockwise:
Dil-E-Nadan’s female frontline
singer heats up the atmosphere at
the TCL Customer Family Day
at Pier 1.
General Manager of Readymix
(West Indies) Ltd., Mr. Manan
Deo collects the
Top Readymix Producer award
from TCL’s GM, Mr. Arun
Goyal.
The children had fun with
Spider Man at TCL’s Annual
Customer Family Day at Pier 1.
“The Games”… A Sports and
Family Day Like No Other!
Camaraderie and merriment prevailed at the TCL Group’s annual sports and family day
at Ortinola Estate in Trinidad last July. A truly unifying event, which aptly reflected the
TCL Group’s passion statement “One Caribbean…One Company”, employees from the
Group’s subsidiaries in Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana flew in to participate with their
Trinbagonian colleagues at what was described as the best sports and family day in the
company’s history. Titled “The Games” and based on medieval times 500 AD to 1500
AD, the occasion was commemorated with a variety of historically inspired games and
activities such as Chariot Race, Templar’s Shroud, Merlin’s Race and Knighthood. Even
the masters of ceremony, JW & Blaze, assumed the characters of court jesters, and music
was provided by DJ Merry Perry.
Overall, the event was fun filled and vibrant, with the venue, participants and
supporters transformed into a scene straight out of the history books, making the day
both magical and memorable. The pictures tell the story…
52
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
CELEBRATION
Yagna, Dharma and Prasaad ...
Values that Guide a Hindu at Work as
TCL Celebrates Divali
Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan was the feature
speaker at TCL’s Divali function on October 27.
He stated that he accepted the invitation to
speak from an appreciation of the role that TCL
has played in his life. Following are some extracts
from his address that was well received by the
audience.
Dr. Suruj Rambachan
delivers the feature address
54
“I have chosen to share my thoughts with you this afternoon on the
topic, ‘The Values That Guide a Hindu at Work –Yagna, Dharma and
Prasaad’.
The Bhagavad Geeta, a sacred text of Hindus, speaks about Yagna,
which is an attitude in service. The word Yagna means to selflessly offer
one’s best skills and resources to the best of one’s ability for the benefit
of the community. Where the Yagna spirit is practised, it evokes for the
practitioner the universal law of abundance, the practitioner of Yagna
becoming the fit recipient of the fruits of such sacrifice and personal
dedication. This is the theory of Karma, of cause and effect; of ‘as you
sow so shall you reap’. Can you imagine what the results would be for
organisation life and success, for interpersonal relations in organisations,
if people were to work in the Yagna spirit?
Firstly, work must be efficiently performed, and secondly, it must be
undertaken without attachment. You may be wondering, ‘how can I
work and not be attached to the result?’ The Hindu tradition has never
suggested that one should not have a result in mind nor should one not
be rewarded properly for one’s work. In fact, goal setting, fairness and
equity are values upheld in Hinduism. What is connoted here is the
fact that attachment breeds individualism, which is inconsistent with the principle of cooperation
required in the workplace. Act efficiently and you and your organisation will grow. This is the spirit
of Yagna. You should refuse to burden yourself with worries and anxieties for the results of your
actions, even while you are performing the action. Remember that the results of the actions depend
on the very quality of the actions. Yagna engages the attention and energy of the individual on the
quality of the actions. It is about the pursuit of excellence.
The second value that guides a Hindu at work is the value of Dharma, or what is often translated
to mean duty, but it is also about ethical conduct. Nothing good comes from abandoning one’s duty,
especially when that abandonment is prompted by ease and pleasure. Vacillation of the mind is born
out of weakness. Steadfastness to duty, on the other-hand, strengthens man and aids in the building
of character. Constancy is life; vacillation is death. It is only through firm devotion to duty that man
gains in excellence.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Dharma enjoins the individual to always act
with the highest regard and respect for the rights
of others. It would be unethical if in the pursuit
of my happiness, I were to do so in a manner that
infringes upon the rights of others. Consider
the implications for workplace behaviour, for
interpersonal relations. My happiness depends
on the ethical life I live. This also includes the life
I live and the values I practise at the workplace
with my colleagues and customers. In another
self-empowering verse of the Bhagavad Geeta, the
Lord says in Chapter 6, Verse 5: ‘Man must lift
himself by himself; and having lifted himself; let
him not allow himself to be dragged down. For
this Self alone is your friend, and indeed, this Self
alone is your enemy’.
This, of course, is a clarion call for man to pursue
perfection, not only in terms of secular skills and
learning, but perhaps more importantly, in terms
of spiritual perfection and self-understanding.
The final value that I wish to speak about,
Prasaad, relates to how the Hindu at work
deals with the results of his work, particularly
disappointments. There are two things that I
would like to say: firstly, one’s best self-evaluation
might be that one is doing a fantastic job and may
even have been complimented for it. However,
one might even then find oneself not being the
recipient of the fruits of that performance. We
can become very disappointed at work and demotivated. We can become depressed and even
suicidal. Results we achieve can sap our energy
and make us inefficient. The result is that one can
further derail one’s career. Secondly, therefore,
how do you deal with disappointments?
The value of Prasaad allows a Hindu to
appreciate that he did his best and that the result
is the gift from God. Gifts from God are valued,
not rejected. Once this attitude of Prasaad is
practised, the mind assumes cheerfulness. This
cheerfulness reinvigorates the spirit of the
individual. It removes spite and anger as reactions
and preserves the mental poise and inner peace of
the recipient of even negative results.
Where work becomes worship – or may we
say ‘workship’ – there will be greater discipline;
greater love for what we do; a sense of purpose;
and sacrifice. Above all, we would act always on
the basis of ethics and principles.
AWARDS
TCL Group Realises Company’s Dreams
of Growth: Caribbean Excellence
Shines at Annual Awards
The spirit of regional integration and excellence was celebrated
when the TCL Group hosted its 2005/2006 Group Awards in Jamaica
recently. The theme of this year’s awards, “Living the Dream”, served
as an acknowledgement of how individuals have contributed to the
stellar performance of the Group throughout 2006 and of how the
Group contributes to Caribbean growth.
The TCL Group celebrated another year of performance excellence, despite several challenges faced
by subsidiary companies within the Group. Notwithstanding the removal of tariff protections
in Jamaica, TCL Group member, Caribbean Cement Company Limited, transcended several
problems in its operating environment and was able to report a year of success. Similarly, while fuel
problems characterised the Barbados landscape, Arawak Cement Company Limited reported record
profitability.
The winners of Group Awards included Arawak Cement, which emerged as the Most Improved
Subsidiary for 2005. Edmund Thomas of Readymix West Indies Limited, received the Group
Outstanding Community Involvement of the Year Award, while Cindy Siewbally of the Corporate
Office, received the Group Academic Achiever of the Year Award. The Group Sports Personality
of the Year Award was given to Albert Collymore of Arawak Cement and the Group Creativity
and Innovation Individual Award went to Rabindra Santokee of Readymix and the Team Award to
Caribbean Cement Company Limited’s Fuels Team.
56
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
The Group Safe Worker of the Year Award went to Kenrick Toppie of TCL, while the Sales and
Marketing Department of Carib Cement copped the Group Department of the Year Award. Most
Improved Subsidiary for 2006 was won by Readymix Limited; Noel McKenzie of Carib Cement and
Lisel Cozier of Corporate Office were winners of the TCL Group Employee of the Year Award for
2005 and 2006 respectively. Rounding off the Awards were Special Recognition Awards, which were
given to Group ISO 14001 Teams of TCL, Arawak Cement and Carib Cement and an award for Civic
Duty at a National and Regional Level, which was given to Dennison Dean of TCL.
The TCL Group focuses on regional integration within the business sector, by building its
operations and committing to corporate responsibility in every Caribbean territory within which
the organisation operates. Acknowledging the regional significance of this pan-Caribbean company’s
awards, Group Chairman, Mr. Andy Bhajan, noted, “We at The TCL Group have set ourselves the
task of bridging the natural divide of the Caribbean Sea, bringing our people together under the
banner, ‘One Caribbean…One Company’.
In addition, the TCL Group helps build the Caribbean at the community level by sponsoring West
Indies Under 19 Cricket, assisting with cultural initiatives through the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch
Steel Orchestra in Trinidad and Tobago, and offering scholarships to UWI students. The TCL Group
also has an alliance with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for low-income families across
the region.
Recognising the Company’s vision to serve the entire Caribbean region through plants from
Jamaica to Guyana, Group CEO, Dr. Rollin Bertrand, outlined the essence of the Group’s regional
focus by noting, “In order for us to continue realising our Caribbean vision, we need the support of
all of our team members…we need to live regional integration. We need to take advantage of our
differences. For it is these differences that provide the potential to be creative and innovative.”
The feature speaker at the TCL Group Annual Awards this year was internationally renowned and
regionally esteemed Professor Nigel Harris, of the Mona, Jamaica Campus of The University of the
West Indies. Professor Harris noted that in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King addressed the University
College of the West Indies (from which the UWI emerged) and raised three points that today prove
to be a recipe for Caribbean growth: innovation, excellence and tolerance.
58
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Group Instant & Quarterly
Awardees 2007
CCCL INSTANT REWARDS
APRIL: 1. Group: Orlando Lowe, Norris Thomas,
Deon Hall and Anthony Dobbs of the
Engineering Services Department
2. Anthony Dobbs of the Engineering Services
Department
MAY:
1. Group: Norris Thomas, Earl Wellesley,
Newton Hall, Deon Hall, Orlando Lowe,
Richard Passley, Lance Craig, Howard
Edwards of Engineering Services and
Manufacturing Departments.
2. Group: Sandra Cowell, Janet Barrett, Lystra
Sharp, Frances Weir, Angelina Powell
and Kerisa Darby of the Human Resources,
Technical Operations, Public Relations
Departments
JUNE:
1. Group: Byron Hylton, Cleveland Christie,
Courtney Gordon of the Manufacturing
Department
2. Kenroy Brackenridge of the Engineering
Services Department
3. Patrick McDonald of the Engineering Services
Department
JULY:
1. Leonard Watson & Keble Kerr of the Quarries
Department
2. Kenroy Brackenridge & Karla Williams of
the Engineering Services Department
SEPTEMBER: (exceptional month)
1. Everard Kelly, Kenroy Brackenridge, Antonio
Thomas, Patrick Blidgen, Paul Crossley and
Courtney Gordon of Manufacturing and
Engineering Services Group
2. Lenworth McLeod of the Manufacturing
Department
3. Bevin Crooks, Ferdinand Cunningham,
Donald Jack -Stores Team
4. Courtney Gordon, Byron Hylton, Joseph
Morrell, Michael Walker, Jeron Wheeler,
Lloyd Brown and Howard Edwards of the
Manufacturing and Engineering Services
Group
JULY – SEPTEMBER
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
Caribbean Cement Co. –
Ingrid McKenzie, Laboratory Technician
Jamaica Gypsum & Quarries –
Donald Williams, Crusher Operator
SAFE WORKER OF THE QUARTER
Alonzo Friend, Instrument Technician
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
Engineering Services Team: Omar Montaque,
Gregory Clarke, Adrain Wray, David McDonald
and Joseph Daley
AUGUST:
1. Wayne Campbell of the Manufacturing
Department.
ACCL INSTANT REWARDS
MAY:
Engineering Services Department – Mechanical
• Siebert Oxley
• Pearson Jackman
Engineering Services Department – Power Station
• Adrian Greaves
• John Bishop
• Ishmael Douglin
Administration Department
• Douglas Brathwaite
JULY:
• Barry Best
• Harcourt Ward
• Keith Rawlins
• Alvin McCollin
• Adrian Headley
• Peter Rock
• Terry Burnette
• Ian Smart
• Colwyn Brathwaite
• Charles Sargeant
Plant Services Department
• Valentine Stevenson
Power Sation Team
• Neil Harvey
• David Davis
• Athelbert Broomes
• Winston Ramsey
• Alban Hercules
EMPLOYEES OF THE 1ST QUARTER:
1. Alvin McCollin - Engineering Services
(Mechanical)
2. Primero Moore - Engineering Services
(Electrical)
3. Janice Springer – Human Resources
4. Jennifer Niles – Materials
60
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
5. Janelle Small – Finance
6. Michael Beckles – Process
7. Athelbert Broome – Process
EMPLOYEES OF THE 2ND QUARTER:
1. Ian Bend - Packing and Loading – Production
Department
2. Edwin Sobers – Quarry – Production
Department
3. Cecil Griffith – Materials
4. Beverly Taylor – Accounts
5. Trevor Corbin – Marketing
6. Janice Springer – Human Resources
SAFE EMPLOYEE OF THE 1ST QUARTER
Douglas Brathwaite
TCL INSTANT REWARDS
APRIL:
Mr. David Saroop –c /o Production Department
MAY:
Vilma Marshall, Danielle Paty, Erica George &
Michelle Lutchmansingh – c /o Human Resource
Department
Mrs. Carol Harewood, Wilma Goddard & Inee
Robinson-Manson – c /o TCL Sports Club
Kiln Team – Engineering Services, c /o Engineering
Services Department
JUNE:
Messrs. Dave Alleyne & Rory Jagoo – c /o Human
Resource Department - Security
Messrs. Sherwin Singh & Richardo Gill – c /o
TCL Sports Club Executive, Anne Phillip,
Geneen Rogers, Patricia Russell, Roderick
Boodram – c /o TCL Sports Club
RML INSTANT REWARDS
MAY:
1. Edmund Thomas
2. Rabindra Santokee
JUNE:
1. Credit Control Department
JULY:
1. Rannie Bigram-Seepersad
2. Team – Kathy-Ann Besson-James, Ayanna
Garnes, Gayatri Mangroo
AUGUST:
1. Team – Nicholas Job & Jerome Chrysostom
Lezley-Anne Holder
Jefferson Boodram
Michelle Bissoon
Fassad Mohammed
Giselle Regis
Balmatee Rajkumarsingh
JULY/AUGUST:
1. Kathy-Ann Ramdass, GIBM
2. Kelvin Roberts, GT&I
3. Team – Group T&I
Lezley-Anne Holder
Jefferson Boodram
Nickey Ali
Khalid Rahaman
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
April – Matthew Lopez
August – Jerome Chrysostom
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
April – June – Rabindra Santokee
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AWARD
April – June – Finance Department.
Corporate Office
INSTANT REWARDS
APRIL:
1. Sasha Batchasingh, GHR
2. Team – Group Internal Audit
Gewan Armoogam
Michael Tracey
Lisa Teewarie-Sankar
Rona Rampersad-Mohammed
Tyrone Persad
Nigel Khan
JUNE:
1. Michelle Bissoon, GT&I
2. Kathy-Ann Ramdass, GIBM
Nickey Ali
Khalid Rahaman
Kelvin Roberts
ENTERTAINMENT
Music and Healing
with the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch
Pan is known the world over as a popular form of entertainment and
accompaniment to festive activity. However, did you know that it might
also be good for your health? For the past two years, I have been
conducting research with the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch in an effort to
better understand relationships between music, culture, and healing.
Our work may soon be able to shed new light on effective, low cost, noninvasive, non-pharmacological interventions against illness and disease.
For a long time, Western medicine has relied on a biological model. When you’re sick, all interventions
are to the body – x-rays, blood samples, and vital signs are taken, drugs administered, surgeries
performed. However, as public interest has reawakened to holistic and integrative conceptions of
health, there has been a growing movement to expand this model to include psychological, cultural,
and spiritual aspects of wellbeing.
For more than twenty-five years, the TCL Group and Skiffle Bunch have worked together to
promote musical excellence in San Fernando, Trinidad. Their artistic and cultural achievements have
been lauded, but their contributions to the community go deeper. “You have to be mindful,” says TCL
Group Skiffle Bunch Captain Junia Regrello. “People come to the panyard for many different reasons.
You have to be sensitive to that. This one is having trouble at home, that one has money problems
– everybody has trouble.” And this “trouble” often leads to a variety of stress, anxiety, and depression
related illnesses. Since the founding of Skiffle Bunch more than thirty years ago, Regrello has been
developing ways to use the music and related activities of the group as healthful intervention.
The keys to Regrello’s ideology are embedded in the name of the group and can be understood by
answering the question, “What is a Skiffle Bunch?” In this context, “Skiffle” refers to jazz or blues
inspired music that was common in the U.S. during the early 20th century, spread to England, and
became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Skiffle music was often played on everyday objects like hair
62
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
combs, pots and pans, or jugs. The spirit of skiffle is in seeing
the possibility in one’s available resources and living both
meaningfully and creatively through them. The “bunch”
part, Regrello explains, “is about the importance of sticking
together. Very early on, the founding members of the band
faced some hard decisions about who we were and where we
were going. Those decisions could have split our band apart.
We made a decision that it was better to stick together like
a bunch of grapes.” Shortly after this decision, the Skiffle
Bunch was born – a steelband committed to sticking together
and finding ways to live creatively and meaningfully through
their music.
The Skiffle Bunch Management Committee, led by
Regrello, actively mentors the younger members of the group,
helping them explore their potential and the possibilities of
their circumstances. In the tradition of skiffle, everything
does not always have to be what it seems. The story of how
pan developed in Trinidad is a metaphor for this and is often
expressed to Skiffle Bunch members. A mid 20th-century
development of Afro-Trinidadian festive practices, pan was
initially stigmatised. However, during Trinidad’s transition
from a colonial society to an independent nation, pan was
transformed from a Carnival practice of a disenfranchised
lower class community into a symbol for the creative spirit of
the nation. Creative and determined early pannists utilised
music to help engage with their world, articulate and pursue
what matters to them, and effectively constitute a sense of
wellbeing. The same way an oil drum can be transformed
into a treasured national instrument, with a little creative
thinking, many of life’s stressful circumstances can be recast
as opportunities for growth. This does not mean that all of
life’s stresses can be reinterpreted as joyous events. However,
actively engaging with them can be empowering – the
individual has a hand in deciding what the circumstances
in their life mean – and this alters the way they respond to
stressful circumstances.
Sometimes this is not an easy process. People lose jobs.
Children lose parents. Life can be hard. Being part of a social
network as strong as the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch helps.
They are there for consolation, counselling, as well as various
other types of aid; and your brothers and sisters are counting
on you to be there for them too. As members of the group
begin to move forward in their own thinking and reach a
place of intellectual, moral, ethical, and emotional stability,
the Management Committee begins to increase their levels
of responsibility within the ensemble. People helping when
they can and getting help when they need it - the TCL Group
Skiffle Bunch is a mutual aid society in the purest sense of
the concept.
At the heart of both the “skiffle” and “bunch” components
of Regrello’s programme is a powerful musical experience.
Part of the Skiffle Bunch musical style is a remarkably deep
intellectual, emotional, and physical engagement with the
music. Such processes can be cathartic and thus helpful
resources in combating stress, anxiety, and depression related
illness. Also, such high levels of exertion temporarily block
out stress and its harmful effects, and may even produce
endorphins that lead to feelings of euphoria. Many members
of the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch shared testimonies of how
musical experience, coupled with their related activities in
the group, have effected positive, healthful transformations
in their life.
Over a three-month period during the summer of 2007,
I administered surveys to the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch
to determine what initiatives and practices they perceived
to have healthful effects relative to reported symptoms of
stress, anxiety, and depression. I also followed up the surveys
with detailed personal interviews. Through these methods,
along with months of group participation, observation, as
well as additional formal and informal interviews, I have
found that certain members of the group are able to generate
successful, non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions
against stress, anxiety, and depression related illness. The
level of success varied from person to person. Some reported
reductions in tension, the alleviation of headaches, and
positive changes in their mood. Others experienced more
dramatic benefits; most notably, several participants noted an
analgesic effect that led to the elimination of chronic pains.
Since the data collection phase has only recently been
completed and the project is now in the early stages of analysis,
no definitive explanations can yet be made. However, the
potential implications of this work are exciting. If healthful
interventions can be attributed to specific musical, cultural,
and healthful practices, can the phenomenon of healing being
amplified within the TCL Group Skiffle Bunch community?
If so, can their success then be synthesized into theories
that will demonstrate musical healing as a broadly human
potential? Given the current global crisis in health care, such
findings would be of tremendous value.
Jeff Jones, Florida State University
Jeff Jones is a visiting assistant professor at Florida State University
(FSU) where he is also a doctoral candidate in ethnomusicology.
His research program is in a field called medical ethnomusicology;
a multidisciplinary endeavor that seeks to better understand the
intersection of music, culture, and health.
FAST FACTS
• There are no letters assigned to
the numbers 1 and 0 on a phone
keypad. These numbers remain
unassigned because they are
so-called “flag” numbers, kept
for special purposes such as
emergency or operator services.
• The names of all the continents
end with the letter they start with..
• The pin that holds a hinge together
is called a pintle.
• The Vatican is the world’s smallest
country, at 0,44 square km (0,16
square miles)..
• Eskimos use refrigerators to keep
food from freezing.
• The sentence “The quick brown
fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses
every letter of the alphabet.
• The pleasant feeling of eating
chocolate is caused by a
chemical called anadamide, a
neurotransmitter which also is
produced naturally in the brain.
• From the Middle Ages until the
18th century the local barber’s
duties included dentistry, blood
letting, minor operations and bonesetting. The barber’s striped red
pole originates from when patients
would grip the pole during an
operation.
• Air-filled tyres were used on
bicycles before they were used on
motorcars.
• TIP is the acronym for “To Insure
Promptness.”
• To make one kilo of honey bees
have to visit 4 million flowers,
travelling a distance equal to 4
times around the earth.
64
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Karaoke… The RML Way!
RML’s Karaoke event made its debut earlier this
year. Most appropriately tagged as “Howling
Friday”, a small committee planned what
turned out to be undisputedly one of the most
entertaining Readymix events to date! With great
prizes being offered for various categories, many
persons signed up for the event.
A diverse team of employees formed the judging panel to decide the fate of
participants. The “highly competent” team comprising Ayanna Garnes,
Dion Martin, Keston Mahabir and Nishah Mohammed-Basdeosingh were
given score cards ranging from zero to ten; and trust us when we say, they
were not afraid to use the score cards of five and under!
Tanya Foncette “kicked off” the event with her rendition of Britney
Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time” to the delight of the audience,
especially of the male gender. Following her was HR Manager, Jackie
Ryan-Brathwaite who performed Whitney Houston’s, “All The Man That
I need” using Darryl Boynes as a “prop”, much to the amusement of the
crowd.
Who could forget “The Supremes” (Nicole T., Pat, Shurlan & Michelle),
who came out “dressed to kill” to perform their soulful rendition of “I’m
So Excited”, and who knew Darryl Boynes had so many moves?! Impressive
to say the least, Darryl captured everyone’s attention with his version of
Michael Jackson’s, “I’m Bad”.
General Manager, Manan Deo was not to be left out, as he too caught
the Karaoke spirit and serenaded the ladies with the song “Bridge Over
Troubled Waters”.
While everyone was enjoying the delicious Geera Pork, Chicken and
Corn Soup, the sweet sound of Bob Marley was heard on the horizon. All
credit to Allan for adding to the fun of the evening!
Shurlan, RML’s actress of the year, and Michelle, had everyone “in
stitches” with their portrayal of Stevie Wonder & Paul McCartney’s
“Ebony and Ivory”. The Admin Professional group comprising Debra,
Petra, Nicole, Carrie & Candice were exciting and entertaining, with their
original lyrics for the song “She Works Hard For The Money”. Nicole
Thomas won the coveted prize of Best Karaoke singer by “belting” out the
song “I Will Survive” with her sweet and powerful voice. Special mention
must also be made of people such as Gerard, Austin, Jerome, Lew, Bahal
and Tricia, who also took part in the event.
The TCL Group is committed to ‘continual improvement and
environmental enhancement’. Together, the companies within
the Group build foundations for improving the quality of life
in the region and aspire to satisfy the needs and expectations of
stakeholders. Collectively then, the TCL Group has adopted a personal
commitment and accountability for pollution prevention, resource
conservation and compliance
with environmental legislation
within the countries in which it
operates. As such, the TCL Group
has not only sought frameworks
for achieving the highest
standards of environmental
performance, but has achieved
ISO Certification.
ISO, the International Organization of
Standardization ‘is a world wide federation of
national standards bodies’. These standards
are intended to provide organisations
with the ‘fundamentals of an effective
environmental management system (EMS)
that can be integrated with other management
requirements
and
help
organisations
achieve environmental and economic goals’.
These standards exist to help organisations minimise how their operations negatively affect the
environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented
requirements and continually improve on the above.
ISO is internationally accredited as it presents a comprehensive set of standards for environmental
management that can be implemented by any company world wide. This international standard for
environmental management is one of the governing body systems at the TCL Group, providing an
avenue for better management and improvement in overall performance.
Within the TCL Group, some of the major environmental impacts include air emissions, liquid
effluents, solid waste and environmental noise.
These pollutants are components of every industry and as such form a fundamental part of TCL’s
environmental policy. As a result of ISO Certification, the TCL Group now integrates these guiding
principles together with the standards presented through ISO.
Some of the major environmentally hazardous activities within the Group include quarrying
combustion and pyro-processing in the Kilns, cooling of hot clinker, cement milling, storage of clinker
and other raw materials, and packaging of cement, all of which contribute to air pollution. However,
due to the body of standard, which ISO presents, the TCL Group is at the present ‘more capable’ to
ACHIEVEMENTS
ISO Certification
The TCL Group booth at
Amcham’s recent HSE fair
66
deal with these stipulations in accordance to ‘an internationally set and accredited law’, thus making
their activities as harmless and as environmentally friendly as possible. As such, the company has
improved and introduced ‘environmental technology’ that act in accordance with ISO standards.
Cyclones, Baghouse Electrostatic Precipitators, Gas Analyzers and Dustscreen, Vegetation and
Vegetation Barriers are some of these implementations, which collectively make the TCL Group’s
efforts sound and internationally and regionally recognised and accepted.
Additionally, the operation at the TCL Group is so expansive that it goes beyond that of air
hazard, (which form a major part of its policy), to include activities that have other environmental
effects. Activities such as water run-off from plant, material spillages and the operation of heavy
plant equipment which are liquid, solid and noise hazards respectively. However, the TCL Group as
a result of its ISO Certification and the implementation of these standards is now further equipped
to handle such occurrences – Settling Ponds, Vacuum Cleaning, Controlled Disposal IN Landfill
Facilities, and engineering Sound Insulation and Abatement are the ‘environmental technology’
adopted by the Group to not only satisfy the requirements of ISO but that of its stakeholders, who
continuously contribute to the success and advancement of this corporation.
With ISO Certification, operating companies can now demonstrate sound environmental
performance by controlling the impact of their activities, product and services on the environment
(as stated above), consistent with their environmental policy and objectives. This certification now
gives the TCL Group the assurance that its performance meets the legal and policy requirements, an
assurance that is not substantial on its own.
Overall, the fundamental premise of the International Organization of Standardization is to
produce a company that works more efficiently by reducing waste and minimising loss time due
to accidents, hence the TCL Group is provided with a solid framework for meeting environmental
challenges, which in turn results in greater profit for the company and higher dividends for
shareholders.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
BRANDING
Hitting that Nail
Right Between the Eyes
Look up at the night sky. Can you spot the North Star? The Little Dipper?
Now ask yourself this: how is it that in a universe of billions of stars, that
I know these few special ones?
A logo is the first point of
contact with the brand.
It should be easy to
remember and immediately
recognisable.
68
The answer to this is quite likely the foundation of what branding is all
about.
There are very few companies in existence that are so unique that
they are the only one that offers a particular product, service or specialty.
After perfecting this core competence, branding and the development
of a strong, easily identifiable brand identity, is what will separate your
company’s shining star from the galaxy of other options available in a
competitive marketplace.
Branding is a very specific process — and one that the importance
of which is often realised too late in the process of the overall business
development.
Branding is an integral part of the complete marketing strategy.
It is the most central part. But way too often branding is confused with
advertising, and the goals of an advertising campaign are interlaced with
the development of brand identity.
A simple way to look at the difference between these two is to
think of advertising as the vehicle for the brand. Advertising is timely.
The brand should be timeless.
One of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of brand
strategy is environmental branding — how the brand communicates
within the context of a given space.
Environmental design is not simply “signage”. Neither is it
about designing templates for wall signs that say: “please wash hands”,
or “No Parking”. Branding an environment is about using the space to
communicate essential core values of the brand and the corporation. It
is how employees buy into the brand and really believe in the work they
do and the products and services they provide to the public and to the
corporation.
It is how guests immediately understand what this company is
about.
Environmental design is one of the most important touchpoints
for the brand; because this is where the brand speaks directly to the
human being it was intended to reach. No other station to switch to. No other box on the shelf to
compare with.
Business today is vastly different from times gone by. Manufacturing companies find themselves
in a marketplace where it is very easy to produce a product, but exceedingly difficult to differentiate
that product from all the other similar ones that compete for a share of the market. Today’s
groundbreaking technological advance is tomorrow’s obsolete doorstopper.
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
Service companies are not immune to competition either. The rapid expansion of the
intellectual base means that if you did something unique today, it is safe to assume that
everyone is bright enough that by tomorrow the competition has already caught on and
have got something similar in development.
How then, to insulate your investment from exposure to this competitive
environment?
Build a complete, cohesive and resonant brand strategy, then refine and nurture it so
that it can help keep the company star shining brightly in the mind of the public.
Remember that products are created in the factory, but brands are created in the
mind.
Visit www.formandfunction.co.tt for examples of some of the issues described in this
article.
A welcome sight. Corporate
environmental design
helps people identify,
navigate and understand
environments and often
establishes the first
impressions of the company.
• The need for effective brand identity cuts across public and
private sectors, from new companies to merged organisations
to businesses that need to reposition or repackage themselves.
The best brand identity systems are memorable, authentic,
meaningful, differentiated, sustainable, flexible and have
value. Recognition becomes immediate across cultures and
customs.
• A logo is a point of entry to the brand.
• Signage helps people identify, navigate and understand
environments.
• A successful brand is all about detail. Every facet of a brand must
be apparent in an organisation’s communication, behaviour,
products and environment.
Sudoku
Solution
from page 31
70
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR
72
CARIBBEAN CONVEYOR

caribbean - TCL Group

Transcription

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