Caribbean Perspectives
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP – CSR ACROSS THE REgION
August 2019
Huawei/Seeds for the Future – Multinational technology company Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to local youth development and educational advancement by launching its third annual Seeds for the Future 2019 programme. Since 2017, Huawei Jamaica has worked on this project in cooperation with The University of the West Indies and the University of Technology, Jamaica and has witnessed 16 students benefiting. The main goal of the programme is to create new opportunities for outstanding students. Seeds- for the Future gives students a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience working at the Huawei headquarters in China for two weeks. Seeds for the Future was introduced by Huawei in 2008 as its corporate social responsibility flagship programme, an investment deemed necessary to expanding the awareness and understanding of students regarding the telecommunications sector, region-building, and the digital contingent.
July 2019
JMMB Bank/Carbon Zero – The JMMB Bank partnered with members of the Carbon Zero Initiative of Trinidad and Tobago (CZITT) in its Environmental Sustainability thrust to support the 1000 Trees Challenge by distributing Moringa trees to JMMB team members and clients at their Port of Spain, Tunapuna, Chaguanas and SouthPark locations. CZITT is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago becomes a Carbon Neutral country by the year 2050. Today Trinidad and Tobago is considered one of the top 10 producers of greenhouse gases per capita. Countries need to become carbon neutral to avoid a 2⁰ C temperature rise globally. Environmental Sustainability is one of JMMB’s Corporate Social Responsibility pillars, which also include Empowerment and Education. The partnership between JMMB and CZITT underscores JMMB’s commitment to bringing about social changes and community involvement that positively impact the environment.
China Railway/SERVOL Collaboration – Just in time for the rainy season, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd (CRCCCL) embarked on a partnership with SERVOL in Trinidad to replace the roof at the Junior Life Centre in Cascade. The company also repainted the building, cleared the compound of debris and installed a new and much needed, stand-alone, air-conditioned counselling and meeting room. Managing Director, Mr Yan Meng was pleased to take on the upgrade project as part of their own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach; and his employees have undertaken to voluntarily replace the roof, repaint the building exterior and to undertake general repair and clean-up
works ahead of the new school term. Commenting at the handover on Saturday July 20th, Vice President of CRCCCL Mr Feng Laigang who was present to welcome students and parents at the event, said, “CRCCCL attaches much importance to maximizing local content in the way it does business.” He also spoke about the company’s relationship to its communities and particularly about its collaboration with the JLC which is part of its host community. He said, “This is the first phase of our collaboration with SERVOL Cascade Junior Life Centre.”
PCJ Jamaica/T20 Tournament – The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) is demonstrating its support for sports and community development with a $3-million sponsorship of the Social Development Commission (SDC)/Wray & Nephew National Community T20 Tournament. The competition, which commenced in April 2019 under the theme ‘Building Communities… Building Jamaica,’ has eight remaining teams vying for the championship title this year. Being staged for the 13th year, the initiative is a major social- outreach activity for the SDC that involves an average of 300 community teams with players ranging from age 14 to 45 years. In addition, the annual event provides employment for approximately 2,000 individuals. With over $2 million up for grabs, the top four teams will be able to contribute to improvements in their communities as a portion of the cash prize will fund a major project that will address a collective need.
Unicomer/Sweet Success – A 2016/2018 partnership between Unicomer and the Alliance of Rural Communities has paid off. Unicomer’s commitment to corporate social responsibility addresses small businesses, providing them with the tools needed to thrive and expand. Between 2016 and 2018, the company has invested US$35,000 in training and development of local small businesses. One such beneficiary was the Brasso Seco Chocolate Company. Unicomer worked with Director Kelly Fitzjames, a Director of the Alliance of Rural Communities to establish networks for market expansion. This has led to the introduction of Brasso Seco, Grande Riviere and Biche and Cushe chocolates on shelves across supermarkets, gourmet food stores and retailers across TT.
Caribbean Cement Company/Energy from Old Tyres – Jamaica based Caribbean Cement Company plans to spend US$9 million ($1.2 billion) on capital projects this year, one of which involves converting old tyres from waste to energy at its kiln. The tyre project was pitched by outgoing General Manager Peter Donkersloot Ponce not as a money-making venture, but one meant to make a positive contribution to the environment. “We will be able to eliminate the tyres in Kingston, probably in four years,” said Donkersloot Ponce at the company’s annual general meeting in July. The cement maker is owned by construction giant Cemex of Mexico. The project will replace some fuel consumption by the company and solves a real issue. Donkersloot Ponce sees it as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
June 2019
TSTT/Cyberbullying – Communications solutions provider bmobile has taken a firm stance against bullying by partnering with Caribbean Colour Splash and Citibank to host the first-ever Primary Schools Anti-Bullying Conference. At the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the company invited students from North and East Trinidad to collaborate on prevention and implementation solutions to counter the multiple forms of bullying (physical, verbal, social and cyber).
Housing Development Corporation / Internship – The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) of Trinidad & Tobago placed 21 tertiary level students in a ten week programme called the “Internship to Leadership Programme”. The students were selected from more than 300 students and were integrated into various areas of the corporation including development, construction management, finance, social work, legal and corporate communications from June 4 to August 16 of this year. The main objective of the programme is to provide each student with the requisite industry experience in their respective fields of study while providing opportunities for leadership and professional development.
Angostura/Champion Awards – The Angostura Champion Award is a corporate social responsibility initiative to celebrate and support individuals who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others. Nominations are open to the public and judged by a panel of notable members of society. This year there were five champions, who along with those who nominated them for the competition, were treated to a
Christmas dinner before they were given their awards. Winners were – Christopher Dennis, Elspeth Duncan, Frank Edwards, Donald McLean James and Koriella Espinoza.
May 2019
Guardian Group/Fitness Sundays – For the second year, Guardian Group has partnered with Phillips Promotions for the Keep it Moving Family and Fitness Sundays. Keep it Moving is a community wellness and physical activity programme that utilises a closed-off section between Sierra Leone Road and Wendy Fitzwilliam Boulevard of the Diego Martin Highway every Sunday from 6-9 am. Participation is on average 450 persons which includes men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds, mainly from Diego Martin and environs. “The support of Health and Wellness initiatives is one of our core CSR pillars here at Guardian Group, as we continue to partner with socially sustainable programmes,” said Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton, senior manager, Group Corporate Communications. “It is our belief that programmes such as the Keep it Moving Family and Fitness Sundays, with a heavy focus on exercise and well- being, assist in the reduction of non-communicable diseases in Trinidad and Tobago.”
April 2019
Republic Bank Ltd/Caribbean Junior Golf Open Tournament – T&T’s Chris Richards Jnr and Yeji Lee played their way to victories on the final day of 2019 Republic Bank Caribbean Junior Golf Open Tournament at the St. Andrew’s Golf Course, Moka, Maraval, in April. The three-day tournament saw young local talents match skills with juniors from Antigua, Barbados and St.Lucia, as they came up against their Caribbean counterparts. Republic Bank’s General Manager Anna-Maria Garcia Brooks said the Bank was honoured to do its part in promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and the fostering of strong bonds among the nation and the regions’ junior golf communities. As part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility, Republic Bank recognizes that the game of golf has contributed to the empowerment and development of young people of Trinidad and Tobago, and has found its home as part of our Power to Make a Difference programme.
March 2019
BPTT/ IT for Seniors – Thirty (30) senior citizens from northwest Trinidad were given an exciting introduction to information technology through an intensive five-day workshop at the Carenage Homework Centre. Sponsored by BPTT, the workshop covered the fundamentals of computer literacy. The participants were given the Samsung tablets provided by BPTT during the workshop as a gift. The oldest trainee was Leonora Smith, 83, of La Puerta, Diego Martin. The workshop was led by Sonja
Shuffler, a Trinidadian who is the principal officer for Toronto, Canada-based IT for Seniors, a non-governmental organisation aimed at empowering senior citizens to “bridge the gap” to information technology.
Republic Bank Ltd/Icon Merit Award – Calypsonian Chalkdust, Dr Hollis Liverpool, was honoured with the first-ever Republic Bank Icon Merit Award for his contribution to TT’s cultural and educational landscapes over the past 52 years. The award ceremony took place on March 23 as a collaborative effort between Republic Bank and the Sunshine Awards Organisation – which produces the internationally-recognised Sunshine Awards in the US. The Icon Merit Award seeks to honour TT’s many icons for excellence in the performing arts, education, humanity, science, sports and culture, and aims to be an annual staple in this country’s event calendar. The Bank’s Power to Make a Difference CSR programme is a social responsibility and investment model that has built meaningful and long-lasting relationships with numerous non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations, working side by side to unlock the potential of those residing within the communities.
Readymix (West Indies)/Road Safety – In an effort to reinforce the dangers associated with heavy vehicles, Readymix (West Indies) Ltd has launched the first of its safety branded concrete mixers to encourage greater road safety among drivers and pedestrians. The move is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. On February 22, the company launched the concrete mixer, targeting pedestrians with the message “Don’t Chance it…Look out before You Step Out”. The initiative was done in conjunction with Mexican parent company, Cemex. Readymix general manager Nigel Tozer said its goal is to use the trucks as “moving billboards to remind everyone of the potential danger around large vehicles.”
January 2019
RAMPS Logistics/Christmas for Kids – In December, RAMPS hosted their fourth annual Kid’s Christmas Party in Cunupia, Trinidad. Guests included the El Shaddai Restoration Home; Ezekiel Home for Abandoned Children; Couva Children’s Home; and the Ryu Dan Dojo Youth Empowerment Centre. The recently affected flood victims from Caroni, Warrenville, Cunupia and environs, as well as other underprivileged families in the area were also invited. In addition to reaching out to family, friends, and stakeholders, staff also utilised their own funds, ultimately amassing over 600 gifts.
TTPOS/Service Support – Over 140 companies have pledged their support to the T&T Police Service (TTPS)’s I Support Our Service (ISOS) campaign. The initiative, which is the brainchild of Police Commissioner Gary Griffith’s wife Nicole Dyer-Griffith, was launched at the commissioner’s residence at the Police Training Academy in St James. The ANSA McAL Group is one organisation that has pledged a group discount to police officers and Guardian Media has pledged free space and time on their network to give exposure to this campaign. Concept promoter Mrs Nicole Dyer-Griffith says the campaign would have a tangible effect on the morale of police officers, who are sometimes underappreciated by members of the public
PowerGen/Secondary Schools Cricket – The Power Generation Company of T&T PowerGen continues its sponsorship of the 2019 Secondary Schools Cricket League (SSCL). This will be the 23rd year that the company will be investing in the league. President of the SSCL, Surujdath Mahabir signed off the sponsorship agreement and thanked PowerGen for its continued support and commitment of a very successful partnership, which has allowed thousands of young Cricketers to have fun and develop their athletic skills and social development. He pointed out that the investment has supported many young cricketers who have gone on to represent T&T and the West Indies over the last two decades.
