NEC continues to support the La Brea community by developing and implementing programs that provide meaningful social and community development. NEC adopted a Corporate Social Responsibility strategy specific to the needs of the community that promotes sustainability through the stimulation of the local economy as well as promotes institutional strengthening and capacity building.
In the first quarter of 2011,NEC hosted two (2) focus group meetings with the stakeholders of the La Brea community to discuss the socio-economic problems these communities continue to face and how NEC could make an impact. This meeting promoted open discussions between NEC and representatives of the community.
The forum also provided primary information that has since been fed into NEC’s need assessment for the La Brea area and certain projects have been initiated on account of those discussions.
La Brea Zone Primary School Athletic Competition:
In January 2011 NEC Sponsored the annual La Brea Zone Primary School Athletic Competition, an event which brings primary schools from the La Brea community and environs together in healthy competition and fosters a sense of camaraderie and team spirit in the participants. La Brea has since emerged as the champion zone at the national level.
La Brea Nightingales Steel Orchestra:
NEC partnered with the La Brea Nightingales Steel Orchestra for the 2011 Panorama competition. The Orchestra is an integral part of the community of La Brea and the partnership has provided NEC with an opportunity to promote the national instrument and to stimulate cultural interest in the community especially among the youths.
Stakeholder Partnerships:
Recognizing the importance of strengthening stakeholder partnerships in the community, NEC held group meetings in March 2011 with six (6) groups in Mayaro and the Square Deal Residents of La Brea.
Focus group meetings were also held with the La Brea Concerned Citizens United and thirteen (13) Stakeholder Groups of La Brea, as the company continues to engage in dialogue on alternative industries for Union Industrial Estate. Also, the Chairman of NGC/NEC met with the Member of Parliament for La Brea and discussed matters affecting the area.
In April two (2) focus group meetings were held with stakeholders from the La Brea community. The most recent meeting, which was held on April 1st at NEC’s Head Office, was attended by several community groups from the La Brea area who met with NGC/NEC Chairman, Mr. Larry Howai. This meeting promoted open discussions between NEC, the Chairman of the NEC Board and more importantly, representatives of the community. The forum also provided primary information that has since been incorporated into NEC’s needs assessment for the La Brea area.
Police Youth Clubs:
Police Youth Clubs (PYC) in Trinidad and Tobago have traditionally been a conduit through which the police and other interested stakeholders reach the more underprivileged youth of the country. Starting in 2011, the Task Force began reaching out to PYCs in its fence-line communities in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security. NEC is in the process of developing a road map for a capacity building program for the club.
Collaborations:
NEC in partnership with the La Brea Sport Foundation and the residents of Pier Road organized cutting of an overgrown weed area abutting the Pier Road Development which was contributing to mosquitoes. This initiative also provided short-term employment opportunity to residents.
St Helena’s Home for the Aged:
In the spirit of charity and good-will, and in support if the community of La Brea, NEC purchased two (2) wheelchairs which were handed over to the St. Helena’s Home for the Aged on April 28th 2011. The chairs were purchased via the NEC’s “Philantrope Fund”-an initiative made possible by the generous donations of the company’s employees.
NEC employee Kernelia Thomas hands over wheelchairs on behalf of NEC "Philanthrope" Fund to the Helena Charles Home for the Senior Citizens to Home Secretary Augustine Pascall
Rousillac Community Center:
On April 9th, Chairman of the CSR Coordinating Task Force, Mr. Richard Braithwaite, visited the Rousillac Community Center and met with Councilor for the area, Chandra Ramadarsingh to determine some of the needs of the community. Mrs. Ramadarsingh indicated that there was an urgent need for tables and chairs for the Community Center’s auditorium.
Recognizing the importance of the Community Center to the community NEC purchased sixty (60) chairs and ten (10) tables for the Rousillac Community Center. The furniture was handed over on Tuesday 16th May 2011.
NEC Head of Administration NEC, Wendy Seow stands with La Brea Councillor, Chandra Ramadarsingh and members of the Rousillac Women’s group after donating 10 tables and 60 chairs to the Centre on behalf of NEC
Union Village Cricket League
NEC once again demonstrated its support to sport and youth development in La Brea when the company purchased several items of cricket equipment for the Union Village Cricket League.
The handing over of the equipment took place at the La Brea Communication The items included: Cricket Bats; Batting -gloves ; Wicket-keeping Gloves and Batting Pads.