Special NCC continues to
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transform landscapes
OUR MISSION “To maintain, develop, conserve, preserve and enhance our natural and man-made environment, through the provision of quality service to our stakeholders”
THE National Conservation Commission (NCC), having evolved from the Parks and Beaches Commission in 1982 by an Act of Parliament, continues to influence the social, recreational and economic development of our island through its many plans and programmes for both the marine and terrestrial aspects of its mandate. The organisation has made significant progress in the conservation of the environment, which is evidenced through the continuous upkeep of the parks and open areas, which are heavily utilised by both locals and tourist alike throughout Barbados. It is also evidenced through the upkeep and maintenance of our beaches in such pristine condition that they have become the envy of some of our Caribbean neighbours. Further, we can all attest to the benefits and enjoyment derived from utilizing the numerous recreational play parks located across the length and breath of this island, which provide a safe environment for our children to play and develop, while we as adults interact and socialise. The Commission's contribution to our national development is not widely recognised by the wider Barbadian community at large, and I wish to remind
our employees that they make a significant contribution to the country. It is the routine maintenance of beaches, parks and open areas that have made the NCC a commonplace name in Barbados, both for Barbadians and visitors who enjoy the use of the parks and beaches. However, over the past 40 years, the NCC's role has expanded from merely cleaning the parks and the beaches, to holistically beautifying our country, whilst ensuring safety and security for all.This in enabled through the work undertaken by the Field Services Division, the Transport Department, the Commercial Landscaping and Maintenance sections, the Folkestone Marine Musuem, the Buildings and Works Department and equally important, through the work of the Ranger/Warden and Lifeguard Services. It must be noted that the Lifeguard Service has contributed to the overall tourism product and has received the Barbados Tourism Authority's Achievement of Excellence in the Public Sector Award in 2007. Further, the provision of beach facilities across the island has become a standard feature at our beautiful beaches. Be reminded that these services are second to none throughout the Caribbean. It would be remiss of me not to
Forty and stepping “LIFE BEGINS AT 40” is music to the ears. It is encouragement to a person that his or her best days are yet to be seen, even though, by some strange coincidence, with the assistance of a new pair of spectacles. After all who wants to grow old and dull? The number 40 has biblical significance as well. It is the number of testing and trial as exemplified by Moses’ 40 years in Midian escaping his Egyptian rulers or even the 40 days of temptation which Jesus endured in the wilderness. Biblical readers also relate to the fact that the rains fell for 40 days in the great flood.What is noteworthy however, is that after these periods of testing or trial, periods of growth
and renewal emerged. Perhaps then life really begins at 40. The National Conservation Commission is 40 and set to take off.The past 40 years saw us moving from a small office in the compound of the Parliament Buildings to Codrington House, near Waterford where almost 1 000 employees and a diversity of goods and services are nurtured. Through highs and lows we kept this island beautiful by transforming the skills of the worker from merely weeding and raking to the art of beautification.We redefined the processes of cleaning and clearing and labeled them jointly as landscaping.We took the Lifeguard and Ranger Services and refined
them to ensure that beach and park users could enjoy our open spaces unhindered and in safety. We took our commercial arm from simply being a supplier of plants and flowers to a fully stocked Nursery, a dispenser of full garden and parks equipment, rental of properties and encouragement of small business. At 40 we are ready for life, ready to take the lead in greening our country. Our period of test and trial has made us more resilient and capable of responding to issues of major national significance, initiate new enterprises and take on more environmental challenges. Join us in our endeavours in advancing the movement of
TYRONE LOWE
(GP)
stepping towards a greener Barbados. – Tyrone Lowe Chairman, National Conservation Commission
DR DENIS LOWE (FP) mention the new thrust of the NCC's Board and Management over the past years, that have seen the expansion of our commercial division.The Commission can proudly boast of one of the best greenhouses in the island, which provides a fast throughput of plants of the highest quality and variety.This is complimented by the provision of sod grass – which has revolutionised the establishment of instant lawns in Barbados. The foregoing forms the nucleus of the vibrant organisation called the NCC, and we boldly go forward to make the NCC even greater than it has been.We are evolving and we are enhancing our products to serve the wider Barbados in the coming years, through our plans and programmes. This work will be guided by the vision statement of the Ministry of the Environment,Water Resources and Drainage which focuses on the advancement of a sustainable development programme guided by leading edge environmental policies, practices and programmes that protect all aspects of our environment, water resources, quality of life and the overall well-being of our citizens. As Minister of the Environment,Water Resources and Drainage, I congratulate the Board, management and employees of the NCC on reaching this milestone of 40 years of achievements and wish them continued success in all their endeavours. – Dr Denis Lowe Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage
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MAY 23, 2010
by KEITH NEBLETT, GENERAL MANAGER AS WE CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of the National Conservation Commission (NCC), which is a pivotal moment for any institution, we must acknowledge the hard work of all of our employees who have given yeoman service to the organisation. KEITH NEBLETT (GP) Our staff have been the ultimate environmental stewards of the country, and this has been reflected in the work being done daily, and which has positively impacted on the social and environmental landscape of our nation. The Commission contribution of governmental agencies, nonevolved from the Parks and Beaches governmental institutions and the private Commission, where the focus had been sector.These establishments have joined the primarily on the maintenance of parks and beaches, to the point where it has emerged NCC in its role to continue the preservation and enhancement of the into protecting and preserving our environmental landscape of our island. terrestrial and marine environment. The management and staff of the NCC Therefore, the importance of the NCC’s must be commended for their role in role and functions must not be overlooked, creating a working environment that makes especially in terms of the contributions us proud and we look forward to continuing made to the economic development of the serving the public in the coming years, with island, the enhancement of our tourism the same high standard of commitment product, and the generation of revenue. that we have demonstrated during the Our progress could not however, have past 40 years. been so successful without the invaluable
NCC playing a vital role
How the commission came to be LATE in the 1960’s three members of the council of the Barbados National Trust were invited to Government Headquarters to consider with the Permanent Secretary concerning what action might be taken to preserve and beautify the island’s parks and beaches. After a detailed discussion, the trust’s members submitted a brief report to the Government to determine which NCC HEADQUARTERS, Codrington, ministry would undertake the necessary St Michael. (GP) duties and responsibility. May 1970 under the chairmanship of Lyle The Government decided early in 1970 to Carmichael and deputy chairman Iris set up a separate Statutory Authority, which Bannochie.The board members were the late was charged with the preservation and Senator D.A.Wiles, Rev. H. St. C.Tudor, S. G. beautification of the Island’s public parks and Duesbury, and J. A. Connell. beaches. Legislation was prepared and Public parks – like Queen’s Park, Farley Hill subsequently enacted by Parliament. and King George V Park – and other public The Parks and Beaches Act of 1970 duly received the Governor General’s assent on of areas worthy of beautification – like Rockley Beach, the seaside of the East Coast Road, Bay March 31, 1970. Street Esplanade and Folkestone Park – were Under the provisions of the Act, the Parks placed under the authority of the Commission. and Beaches Commission was appointed in
MAY 23, 2010
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THE MANAGEMENT TEAM: (From left, sitting) Emmerson Watson, Keith Neblett – general manager, Adelle Springer, Tyrone Lowe – chairman, Dr. Janice Cumberbatch, William Gollop, Leo Graham, (from left, standing) Michael Thompson – deputy general manager, Henson Carter – finance officer, Doreen Deane, Earl Yarde – deputy chairman, Mark Murray, Ian Proverbs, Cecille Beckles – board secretary, and Henderson Massiah. (GP) THE National Conservation Commission (NCC) a department of the Ministry of Environment,Water Resources and Drainage, has as its directorship, a board of management. This board, headed by a chairman, consists of 11 members. It meets monthly to determine policy and to discuss the overall operations of the Commission. The organisation is headed by a general manager whose senior staff team comprises a deputy general manager, finance officer, human resources manager and assistant general manager. The NCC's operations are serviced by eleven departments: human resources and administration, accounts, buildings and works, transport, mechanics and welders, commercial – which includes a plant nursery and garden centre as well as landscape and landscape maintenance services.There is also the ranger/warden Service, lifeguard service, the Folkstone Park and Marine Reserve, as well as Field Services, technical and audit departments. Over the last 22 years the Commission’s staff compliment has grown
Management leading commission into future environmental elements with the main feature being the Pride of Barbados flower.This not only symbolises nationalism but is also representative of our operations regarding the preservation and beautification THE SECRETARIES: (From left) M. Taylor-Broome, of the terrestrial environment. secretary – H.R.M.; W. Forde, secretary to the deputy It is also a statement of general manager; B. White, secretary to the general accomplishment and intent as manager; C. Callendar, secretary to the assistant the natural environment general manager; and C. continues to flourish in the Beckles, board secretary. capable hands of the commission.The white public gardens but also the management of beach services striations on the semi-organic shape mimic the shapes of our in Barbados. fields and hills and also signify progressively and now To this end, the marine preservation. stands at 976 employees. organisation created a logo The board of directors, which reflects its renewed Understanding management and staff of the focus of becoming a service the brand National Conservation driven, self-sustainable public Commission recognise the organisation.The old brand The NCC, having evolved new logo as a symbol of the and message was no longer from the Parks and Beaches way forward and a statement Commission and was charged identifying the NCC's story of our renewed focus and and as such, it was only with a wider mandate which natural that the brand should continued commitment to not only included ensuring preserving, enhancing the similarly evolve in order to that the nation's recreational beauty of our island through requirements are met through make it current and relevant. the provision of excellent The features of the new the provision and maintenance service to all stakeholders. of public parks, open areas and logo are all derived from
THE MANAGERS: (From left, back row) H. Carter, finance officer; M. Thompson, deputy general manager; W. Jones, assistant general manager; (front frow, from left) K. Neblett, general manager; and J. GreenidgeBonnett human resource manager. (GP)
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MAY 23, 2010 THE National Conservation Commission (NCC) is the driving force behind a number of projects and programmes aimed at promoting public and private sector involvement in the conservation. Included among them are the Capacity Building for Youth in Sustainable Land Management Project, the Barbados Beach Management Project, the Adopt-A-Park or Beach Programme and National Arbor Day. The Capacity Building for Youth in Sustainable Land Management Project was started in April 2007, with funding from the Organization of American States (OAS). It was conceptualised to encourage Barbados’ youth to become involved in more practical aspects of enhancing
THE National Conservation Commission's (NCC) operations are serviced by 11 departments. Following is a brief overview of each department.
Commercial Following a policy directive that the NCC become more self-sufficient, a Commercial Department was formed, comprising the following sections: • Codrington Nursery and Garden Centre • Landscape Installation and Maintenance Section • Indoor Plant Maintenance • Production of Play Equipment • Production of landscape related items such as plant pots and paving stones • Plant Nursery and Garden Centre The Plant Nursery, located at Codrington House, covers approximately 50 000 sq. ft.The Nursery caters to the requirements of the Commercial Landscape Department, sites maintained by the Commission and public demands for ornamental plants and trees. The Nursery provides a wide variety of plants for sale and also facilitates requests for plant rentals from the general public for various functions. A large number of plants are also used for the general beautification of coastal and terrestrial parks and open areas, which fall under the aegis of the Commission. Codrington Nursery and Garden Centre A retail outlet, officially named the Codrington Garden Centre was opened in 1997 and offers a range of garden supplies to the public as a complimentary service to the sale of plants.These products include but are not limited to garden hoses, garden sprayers, potting mix, fertilisers, insecticides, plant pots, forks, spades and other garden ornaments. Greenhouse To satisfy growing public demand the Commission erected a 30'x96' state of the art green house with over 1 700 sq. feet of bench space to grow and produce quality plants in a controlled environment. This now facilitates the growing of a larger variety of plants including annuals, perennials and herbs which are offered for sale to the public at our Garden Centre, located at Codrington House, St Michael. The Grass Nursery In response to a growing demand for instant landscapes, a Grass Nursery was installed to the north of the existing Plant Nursery and Greenhouse. Sod has revolutionised the lawn business internationally and a sod lawn can now be
(GP)
established in a matter of hours once the preparatory work to the soil is completed.Tifway Bermuda Grass is tough, durable and tolerates full sunlight. It is also the choice grass to be used on playing fields and golf courses. With today’s ecological concerns, more people are considering sod for its environmental benefits. Sod cools and cleans the atmosphere by reflecting the sun’s heat and absorbing carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. It also releases valuable oxygen and moisture into the air we breathe. As it grows, sod silently contributes to a healthier environment. Plans are currently in place to extend the grass nursery to include Zoysia and Savannah grasses in response to growing public demand. Accounts/Stores The Accounts Department is responsible for handling all financial matters which include the preparation and processing of wages on behalf of staff and
INTERNAL AUDIT (from left) B. Graham, S. Fitt, and F. Barton
(GP)
former employees, the processing of payments for suppliers of goods and goods and services. The ordering, stocking and distribution of equipment, tools, supplies and requisites to all departments is done by the Stores section which is staffed by a senior storekeeper and two assistant store-keepers. Internal Audit The department is responsible for ensuring that all procedures and financial and administrative controls are adhered to by all employees of the organisation with a view to making recommendations to the Board of Directors to assist in the decision-making process. It consists of three members of staff – one internal auditor and two clerical officers. Building and Works This department manages the construction of buildings and other infrastructure; the repair and maintenance of such buildings and infrastructure, the construction repair and maintenance of
RANGER/WARDERS on patrol. June 1, 1979, from the Bridgetown Jaycees with a complement of seven lifeguards. This group comprised one Chief guard, three senior lifeguards and three lifeguards. Recognising the need for an expansion of the service, a temporary post of lifeguard Instructor was created in September 1979. Lorenzo Best a former Harbour Police was the first lifeguard instructor. Over the years the Commission trained several recruits to the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross levels and currently employs [one lifeguard instructor, one supervisor of lifeguard, one chief lifeguard, four senior lifeguards and 91 lifeguards. In addition, ten recruits have recently completed training with a view to being employed as lifeguards. Lifeguards are classified as emergency medical professionals and search and rescue personnel who engage in protocols which include the administration of oxygen, manual suctioning and specialised aquatic spinal rescue and management. Over the last seven years members of the service put on demonstration for World Ocean Day (June 08), May Day celebrations and as part of the Barbados Tourism Authority annual week of activities.The service also successfully staged a marine rescue simulation exercise in preparation for Cricket World Cup 2007 at Sandy Lane on June 8, 2006.
ACCOUNTS/STORES (from left): C. Harrison, C. Bovelle, J. Grannum, S. Best, A. Scott, P. Harbin-Jones, S. Smith, and R. Tannis. (GP)
THE NURSERY provides a wide variety of plants for sale and rental for various functions. (GP)
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and preserving their environment. Approximately 80 000 trees will be propagated and planted primarily in the South District areas of the island as the NCC seeks to significantly reforest the island especially areas prone to soil erosion. The goals of the project were to contribute to sustainable land management in Barbados through reforestation and to create a sense of awareness, ownership and appreciation for the natural environment through the empowerment of the youth. The NCC in partnership with the OAS also embarked on the Beach Management Project – a three-year initiative to add a more structured and scientific approach to
the management of beach resources. It culminated in the preparation of a Beach Management Plan for the Commission thereby enhancing the organisation’s capacity to carry out its mandate. The Beach Management Plan will create clear guidelines to promote sustainable development and management of Barbados’ beach resources for the benefit of stakeholders, reduce conflicts that currently and may potentially occur as a result of the various types of uses of the island's beaches, increase the level of public awareness about beach management issues and to provide a forum for the public to raise their concerns and propose suggestions to address the perceived problems and ensure the protection of wildlife and habitat within the coastal zone. Both the Capacity Building for Youth in Sustainable Land Management, and the Barbados Beach Management projects are managed by technical officer Ryan Brathwaite who supervises a team of staff which is responsibe for plant propagation and maintenance, the planting of trees and conducting workshops on plant propagation and plant care. The NCC's Adopt-aPark/Beach Programme aims to promote public and TECHNICAL OFFICER RYAN
HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM (from left) J. Greenidge-Bonnett, O. Watts, J. Moore-Gale, D. Massiah, M. Taylor-Broome, I. Alleyne, M. Fields, P. Grimes, S. Knight, D. Alleyne, and K. Browne. (GP)
NCC lifeguards on watch.
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Projects a path to realising vision
Departments ensure smooth operation Human Resources and Administration This department oversees all human resources and personnel functions on behalf of the employees as well as selected administrative activities. These include training and development, performance management, grievance handling and disciplinary matters, the management and maintenance of employee records, responsibility for the mail registry, the processing of applications for the use of parks, beaches and open areas.
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recreational equipment and furniture and the manufacture of other items including concrete pavers and plant pots. Transport, Mechanics and Welders This department looks after the provision and coordination of transport services for all departments in the organisation; the maintenance and repair of the Commission's vehicles and equipment, the maintenance, repair and construction of play park equipment and the provision of general welding services. NCC Lifeguard Service The Commission took over the operations of the Lifeguard Service on
Field Service This department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of parks, beaches, open areas and beach facilities around the island. Some members of staff assigned to this department are deployed to work over the seven day work week. Ranger/Warden Service The Ranger/Warden Service was initially introduced in 1970, with a small complement of staff. Over the years the number has been increased as the need for the maintenance of law and order became critical at parks and beaches and at the headquarters of the NCC. The mission of this service to ensure that law and order is maintained at beaches and parks across the island. Some of the goals are to promote
(GP)
BRATHWAITE and staff at Brown's Beach. (GP)
JOHN NICHOLLS, manager of the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve. (GP)
MAINTAINING Queen's Park falls under the ambit of Field Services. professionalism among rangers/wardens, to ensure safety and security to users of the beaches, parks and staff at designated areas, to deter crime and work in partnership with the Police and the Community. While on duty staff are to secure all buildings, vehicles, plants, and other properties under the aegis of the NCC. They are also to monitor vending activities at beaches, staff are required to ensure that the users and visitors to the various beaches and terrestrial parks behave in a respectable and responsible manner that the relevant laws are respected and upheld. Training for rangers/wardens includes discipline and deportment, customer service, drill practice, tourism awareness, self defence techniques, first aid, exposure to relevant legislation such as the Barbados Port Authority Act and Water sports Regulations, Court Procedures and Presentation of Evidence. The public is encouraged to cooperate and comply with the directives given by the ranger/wardens, as failure to comply may result in offenders being arrested and taken before a court of law in accordance with section 32 of the National Conservation Commission's Act Cap 393 of the Laws of Barbados. Folkestone Park
(GP)
and Marine Reserve Located on the West Coast of Barbados, the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for marine life; a facilitator of dive tourism; an area to conduct marine research, as well as a recreational environment. The daily activities of the facility are overseen by a manager who is assisted by a senior park naturalist and a park naturalist with respect to the set-up and maintenance of displays for the Marine Interpretive Centre, the collection of artefacts and species for displays and the conduct of tours and presentations for schools and other groups. Over the years, this area which falls under the ambit of the NCC has been placed under strict regulations to protect and preserve the marine environment for the benefit of all users. The Reserve stretches a total distance of 2.2 km and extends a distance offshore of 950m at its widest point and 660m at its narrowest, consisting of four main zones including the Scientific Zone; Northern Water Sports Zone; Southern Water Sports Zone and a Recreational Zone. The Scientific Zone facilitates marine research projects and therefore strict enforcement is placed on this area.While
the northern and southern water sports zones are used for fast speed water craft use, the recreational zone is designated for activities such as swimming and snorkelling. Monitoring of the reserve is done through a daily patrol by the Commission’s vessel which is manned by a boat operator and an assistant boat operator. A valuable component of the Barbados tourism product, the Reserve is one of the popular attractions on the island’s West Coast. Manager of the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve, John Nicholls said “responsible” stakeholder participation is one of the key concepts that the reserve has been promoting in recent times, as they recognise that a “shared responsibility” approach would lead to maximum benefits for all users. As a result, numerous stakeholder and community outreach initiatives have been spearheaded by the management of the reserve to sensitise the various operators, residents, neighbouring schools and the surrounding business community on the importance of the reserve and underwater resources, while seeking to make these groups active participants in the conservation process. Among the key programmes conducted are the community-based Coral Reef Monitoring Project, the Junior Coral Reef Ambassador programme and the Adopt the Reserve initiative.
private sector involvement in the conservation, RICARDO MARSHALL improvement SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICER and support of (GP) the island’s public parks and beaches through the fostering of strategic partnerships. Passed by Government on July 8, 1907 to consolidate the acts of Barbados relating to the cultivation and preservation of trees, the Preservation of Trees Act not only put in place an incentive (bounty) for the public to plant trees, but also protected the land on which the trees grew. The Preservation of Trees Act 1907-10 was repealed in 1950 and replaced by the Cultivation of Trees Act of 1950-22, which commenced March 13, 1951. Many years later, in 1997, the NCC relaunched National Arbor Day with the assistance of the Barbados National Trust, Barbados 4H Foundation, Coastal Zone Management Unit, the Environment Unit, Soil Conservation Unit and University of the West Indies and formed the National Arbor Day Committee to oversee the co-ordination of this national event. Through the management of the diverse technical knowledge, skills, abilities and resources of the member agencies, the National Arbor Day Committee resolves to establish a national day for planting trees, sensitise the public about the importance of trees, encourage community groups, youth groups and schools to assist in the preservation of the environment, establish educational programmes. It seeks further to establish major reforestation through systematic planting and ensure the continued protection of our environment. These programmes as well as other special projects which include, the provision of signage and the coordination of special events and activities are managed by special projects officer, Ricardo Marshall. Marshall is also responsible for public relations/marketing and is one of the main administrators of the NCC's Employee Incentive Programme.
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30 YEARS BACK ROW (FROM LEFT), A. Howell, M. Forde, V. Walcott, K. Bruce, M. Pilgrim, C. Craigwell, J. Ward, G. Cox MIDDLE ROW (FROM LEFT), P. Williams, A. Carrington, E. Gibbs, M. Callender, R. Boyce, S. Ramsay, T. Thorne, D. Edwards FRONT ROW (FROM LEFT), M. Maynard, H. Als, M. Layne, A. Roach, G. Hinds, J. Phillips, E. Barker, V. Sobers, F. Barton MISSING FROM PHOTOGRAPH ARE: M. Cox, A. Ellis, M. Harewood, H. Jordan, H. Kirton, P. Reviera, M. Small-Raper, C. Weekes, L. White, L. Wickham-Greaves
35 YEARS BACK ROW (FROM LEFT), C. Goddard, N. Richards, E. Bradshaw, D. Cumberbatch, C. Rollock FRONT ROW (FROM LEFT), H. Farrell, M. King, M. Ifill, N. Carew, V. Brewster, I. Hinkson MISSING FROM PHOTOGRAPH ARE: D. Adams, V. Bynoe, L. Clarke, R. Forde, B. Goodman, H. Haynes, M. Massiah, L. Miller, D. Nurse
THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION (NCC) wishes to congratulate and salute the longest service employees in the categories of 35 years, 30 years and 25 years. These employees have contributed to the development and achievement of the organisation in their areas of operation. These include – Management, Human Resources & Administration, Accounts,The Ranger/Warden and Lifeguard Services, Plant Nursery and Garden Centre, Building & Works, Field Services, Audit,Transport, Folkestone Park & Marine Reserve and the Ancillary Services.
25 YEARS BACK ROW (FROM LEFT), W. Prescod, E. Corbin, B. Mayers, Sandra Hodge-Beckels, A. Burnett FRONT ROW (FROM LEFT), M. Cutting, M. Storey, O. Watts, M. Thompson, M. Gill, C. Neblett, M. Phillips MISSING FROM PHOTOGRAPH ARE: E. Archer, T. Boyce, U. Brathwaite, G. Coward, M. Fields, W. Forde, M. Haynes, M. Headley, L. Jones, L. Lopez, B. Phillips, I. Phillips, A. Redman, P. Rollock, A. Small, L. Stuart, T. Thorne, J. Weekes
25 YEARS BACK ROW (FROM LEFT), M. Charles, C. Goddard, T. Blackman, D. Goddard, M. Roachford, A. Browne, R. Mayers, G. Hackett, F. Alexander FRONT ROW (FROM LEFT), C. Campbell, K. Layne, D. Boyce, M. Bennett, J. Smith, M. Lyte, M. Thornhill, G. Harewood, T. Ashby, A. Scantlebury, H. Alleyne, R. Goodman, L. Howell
MAY 23, 2010 THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION (NCC) prides itself on having a corps of dedicated employees, a fact that is recognised both within and outside of the organisation. Thus it came as no surprise when last year, in celebration of Vocational Service Month, the Rotary Club invited the NCC to nominate staff from the ancillary services for the Pride of Workmanship Award in recognition of their contribution and hard work to the community. Caretakers, Hazel Jordan, Lolita Watts and acting caretaker Sheila Ramsay received the award, having been selected from a group of seven candidates submitted by the Commission. They were presented with their awards at a ceremony held on October 29, 2009, at the Hilton Barbados, Needhams Point, St Michael.
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of the Longest Awards speak Profile Serving Employee to level of Mrs Marva Massiah service
Employee incentive programme In seeking to recognise and reward its employees for their outstanding performance the National Conservation Commission with the assistance of the National Productivity Council developed and implemented a staff Incentive programme in 2004. The Programme was designed to create an environment that encourages and rewards excellence. Its objectives are intended to: Reinforce positive behaviours. AWARDEES (from left) are L. Watts, H. Jordan, S. Ramsay. (GP) Assist in the satisfaction of employees’ categories of Attendance and Punctuality, Efficiency and needs for achievement and recognition. Productivity, Most Improved Employee, Customer Service, Assist in the improvement of individual attitudes General Manager’s Award, Departmental Award and and organisation-wide morale. Chairman's Award. The first recognition period was July to September 2004, as members of staff were to be recognised on a quarterly basis.To ensure the effective administration of the programme Fully Accessible Barbados Award In May 2009,The Commission was one of 16 recipients of a committee and sub-committee were established which the Fully Accessible Barbados Award for the excellent comprised representatives from administrative, managerial, workmanship at the Bath Beach facility.The award was given by employee representatives and union delegates ensuring the Barbados Council for the Disabled, which recognises and that all categories within the Commission were awards companies for putting the requisite infrastructure adequately represented. in place to accommodate the physically challenged. The employees are nominated and awarded in the
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THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION (NCC) congratulates and salutes, its longest serving employee, Marva Massiah, who joined the organisation as a general Worker on March 08, 1971. Over her 39 years of service, she has been assigned to several areas including Pebbles, the St Philip Mobile Team, Bath, Culloden Farm and is currently assigned to the Bay Street MARVA MASSIAH (GP) Mobile Team. She has been described as a “neat and tidy” worker whose conduct on the job, attendance and punctuality, relationship with her colleagues and supervisors are exemplary.Worthy of note is her perfect attendance record for several years of her long service, the last year being 2008. A very quiet and unassuming individual, Massiah uses her initiative to ensure that tasks are completed even if specific instructions are not given by the supervisor. Massiah, who turns 62 in December said she loves her job and gives God thanks for allowing her to reach the milestone of 39 years of service to the Commission. She is not focussing on retirement immediately but is leaving this determination to God whom she is confident will provide her with the guidance to make this decision at the right time.
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MAY 23, 2010
Social committment to island’s upkeep THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION (NCC) is charged with the MAINTAINING the grounds at Queen’s responsibility of Park falls to the NCC. (GP) ensuring that all recreational parks, open areas and public gardens are maintained throughout the island. The scope of work includes but is not limited to landscape design/installation, landscape maintenance and the maintenance of properties.The NCC also manufactures the recreational furniture and playground equipment found in most of the public play parks on the island and this furniture and equipment is retailed through our Nursery THE NCC’s corps of caretakers ably maintain the facilities under the Garden Shop at Codrington St Michael. Some of the major parks, open areas and Commission’s care seven days a week. (GP) public gardens managed and maintained by the commission include Queen’s Park, Farley Hill Park, King George V Beach access maintenance Memorial Park, Ilaro Court, The NCC is responsible for the Government House, Government development and maintenance of public Headquarters and Bay Street Esplanade, beach accesses around the island. Bathsheba Park and Lazaretto Gardens. The rapid development of over 150 hotels and businesses on Barbados’ coast especially Maintenance of beach facilities between Heywood’s, St Peter and Oistins in Bath Beach facility – washroom facilities Christ Church has stressed the need The commission currently manages to provide locals with unimpeded access 24 washroom facilities located in both to the beaches. terrestrial and coastal areas, the most recent There are approximately 85 beach being Bath, which was officially opened accesses categorised as pedestrian by the Prime Minister and Parliamentary and vehicular. Representative for the constituency of Pedestrian access indicates areas where St John, David Thompson and Minister the public access the beach, is a minimum of the Environment,Water Resources and width of six feet. Drainage, Dr Denis Lowe. Vehicular access indicates areas where Approximately 40 caretakers ably the public can access the beach by a vehicle maintain these facilities on a seven-day per and there is provision of adequate parking week basis, ensuring that they are always for such. Pedestrians also utilise these clean and sanitary. accesses.
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