La Brea Community Projects

The community of La Brea remains important areas for NEC as the La Brea Industrial Estate, the Port of Brighton and Union Industrial Estate are located in this area. Our relationship has also been extended to include the neighbouring communities of Rousillac, Vance River, Sobo Village and Vesigny Village.  Since the construction La Brea Industrial Estate in the 1990s, we have attempted to make meaningful deposits into these localities in the form of business and employment opportunities, training and capacity strengthening.  We have endeavoured to build on the region’s rich history in the fields of sports and culture through sponsorships and partnerships with community organizations.

In the last year, NEC’s commitment to youth development was demonstrated through the financial support of several events hosted by the La Brea Primary School Athletic Committee. This is a significant contribution since this committee is responsible for the La Brea Zonal Track and Field Championships; the Championships are the means of selecting athletes to represent the La Brea Zone at the St. Patrick Educational District Games.

The La Brea Sports Foundation was another major recipient of financial assistance from NEC in 2010. This funding went towards the Foundation’s hosting of events such as the ‘South West 20/20 Cricket League,’ the ‘La Brea Community Netball League Games’ and the ‘Energy All Stars Football Team Exhibition Games.’ The Foundation also has academies in cricket, track and field, netball and basketball.

The Company showed its support for the improvement of family life within the La Brea area, giving financial aid to groups such as, ‘Advocates For Safe Parenthood’ and ‘La Brea Progressive Women In Harmony.’

Pan in the Community Project

NEC has been working with the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism to restore steelpan in the community of Guayaguayare/Mayaro through sponsorship of tutors and provision of instruments for the Mafeking Primary School.  Through this assistance, the school took part in the National Junior Steelband Music Festival held at the Jean Pierre Complex in December placing second.  We congratulate these youngsters on this achievement and expect even greater things from them as they participate in the National Junior Panaroma in 2011.

Guayaguayare Fish Landing Facility

Understanding the need to provide the local fishing community with a safe and convenient facility for conducting their daily fishing activities, NEC commenced construction of the Guayaguayare Fish Landing Facility In March 2010.  This facility forms an integral part of the Galeota Port Project and will provide the fisher folk of the area with a place to unload their catch, launch their boats and repair their nets.  The building will include cold storage, ice machines, lockers, restroom amenities and a car park.  During the construction of the facility NEC has been monitoring the environment to ensure that there are no adverse impacts. This has been mandated by the EMA and is an ongoing process.

Construction works are well advanced and completion is targeted for June 2011.

Guayaguayare RC Primary School Library

NEC has responded to a request from Guayaguayare RC Primary School for a library.  A proposal was submitted and approved by the NEC Board of Directors and plans are in train for refurbishment works to accommodate a library for students.  This project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2011.

Mayaro Community Christmas Concert

On 14 December 2010, The Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism in collaboration with NGC, PETROTRIN and NEC, hosted a Community Christmas Concert at the Mayaro Resource Centre.  Residents were treated to an evening of live entertainment including parang, steelband music and performances by some of the country’s leading soca parang artistes and community talent.  An enjoyable time was had by all and there is no doubt that the 2011 edition of this event will be bigger and better.

Point Lisas Community Projects

In 2008 NEC partnered with Milton Presbyterian School which is located on the Rivulet Road Extension, east of NEC’s Administration Building.  In that year, the Company funded and managed the refurbishment of the school’s staff lounge. 

NEC deepened its relationship with Milton in 2009, sponsoring an integrated Agricultural Science project in which students learned about practical farming techniques including preparation and nurturing of seedlings.  NEC purchased the crops produced by the students and funds derived from the sale of produce were donated back to the school.  The project also included an essay competition.

Since the start of our partnership, NEC has assisted students who were successful in the Secondary Entrance Examination (SEA) by providing them with school supplies for secondary school.  Safety briefing sessions which target both children and teachers are conducted on a quarterly basis. The teachers have participated in the Point Lisas Energy Association Teacher Training programme which has enhanced their knowledge in health, safety, environment and emergency response which can be applied in the school environment.

In 2010 NEC installed a new Public Address system at the school.  We continued working with Milton in the area of Safety to develop the school’s draft Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plan.  Milton Presbyterian was also included in NEC’s Public Education Programme in which Community Liaison Officers visited schools in our project areas to share information on the Company and the projects being undertaken in the community.

Couva Home for the Aged

                                                                                                                                                     
The Couva Home for the Aged located at Grant Street Extension, Couva, is home to 13 senior citizens.  In 2010, NEC delivered Christmas ‘care packs’ to the residents of the home for the third consecutive year.  This initiative was born out of employees’ sense of responsibility to help the elderly in the Couva community in a meaningful way.  The concept behind the ‘care packs’ is to provide items such as personal care products, towels and over-the-counter medicine that would be of practical use to the seniors.  Last year, we were also pleased to provide funding to assist the home in carrying out much needed renovation works. 

Pranz Village Sports Club

Pranz Garden is one of the fence line communities surrounding NEC’s proposed development site in Point Lisas South & East.  The Company’s support of this community has been heavily focused on the development of youth and sport as evidenced by our contributions to the Pranz Village Sports Club, The Pranz Garden Youth Group and the Pranz Women Wind ball Cricket Team.  Contributions from NEC to the Pranz Village Sports Club allowed its members to compete in the Central Council Cricket Competition League. In addition, the club also participated in many friendly matches within and outisde of the central zone, one of which NEC coordinated.

Claxton Bay Junior & Senior Anglican Primary Schools

The Claxton Bay Senior Anglican Primary School benefited from donations towards the continuation of the school’s music programme and the cricket team.  A donation was also made to the Junior School for the purchase of furniture for the school’s library project.