New General Manager Appointed

T&TEC’s Role in the Development of Renewable Energies Technologies in

T&TEC takes on Pro League It is becoming a tradition that and as the nation’s only Environment General Instruction- the April–June edition of Watts distribution and transmission utility, which provides policy guidelines Happening is ‘the environmental with responsibility for generation on the care, maintenance and edition’. This is largely because planning, T&TEC is a prime player improvement of HSE Management World Environment Day every in the move to have Trinidad in the Commission-as well as an year is on June 5th and the and Tobago increase its use of update on our progress towards Trinidad and Tobago Electricity renewable energy. An increase ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Commission (T&TEC) is always in renewable energy locally, Management System) certification. will contribute to the long term working on ways to improve The rainy season for 2011, and protection of the environment, as our care and protection of the consequently the hurricane we reduce our reliance on fossil environment. season, officially started on fuels. The Ministry of Energy and June 1st and with it comes our Energy Affairs “Framework for In commitment to this movement annual guidance on disaster development of a renewable T&TEC is actively involved in preparedness. It is important energy policy for Trinidad and research into the application of to remember that electrical Tobago” acknowledges that Renewable Energy locally and safety before, during and after a “Renewable Energy (RE), clean is commencing a pilot project hurricane is key to help save lives. surrounding the local development energy production and the To add some ‘play’ to the issue we of the most popular Renewable maximization of energy efficiency have ‘green’ brain coolers on Page Energy technology-solar energy. are critical elements of the drive 26 for your enjoyment. for sustainable development”. It In this issue we have a special Welcome to the environmental notes that “it is important that the feature on T&TEC’s plans for edition! country, embark on a long-term various renewable energy political and societal commitment technologies in Trinidad and FRONT COVER: to a framework of policies and Tobago. A graphic interpretation of the ideas that would propel local To provide further insight into our environmental integration of action in these areas.” wind turbines and solar panels, policies and plans regarding the components of renewable energy, As a part of the Ministry’s environment we also feature the as alternative environmentally- Renewable Energy Committee, new Occupational Health Safety & friendly sources of electricity generation.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONTRIBUTORS CIRCULATION This edition of the Annabelle Brasnell Goutam Heeraman Wendy Jarrott Watts Happening is posted Dave Dalrymple Ricky Sewnath on T&TEC’s intranet and Rocky Ramsingh website: www.ttec.co.tt EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Zainool Mohammed PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennylyn Hamblyn-Raphael EDITORIAL SUPPORT Hollis Mc Cardy Feedback and Israiell Ali Wendy Jarrott  Contributions can be sent Eliza Lee Poy to: Corporate Communications WRITERS Manager, T&TEC Annabelle Brasnell LAYOUT AND DESIGN 63 Frederick Street Judyann Babwah Judyann Babwah PORT OF SPAIN Ruth Osman Rose Eliza Lee Poy Tel: 623-2611 ext. 2170 Email: [email protected] Ayesha Scott-Hinkson Reyad Khan Glenford Cyrille Appointed T&TEC General Manager

Mr. Glenford Cyrille has been appointed General Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), effective May 1st 2011.

Mr. Cyrille was selected for the position after a Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Susilla Ramkissoon, noted rigorous, comprehensive and detailed four-month that Mr. Cyrille had “many long years of dedicated assessment of internal and external candidates. and meritorious service and came through the ranks This was the first time that external candidates with an unblemished and untainted record.” were considered for the post of General Manager at Mr. Cyrille joined T&TEC in 1974 as an Engineer- T&TEC. in-Training and has worked in several Distribution Speaking on the new appointment, Chairman of Areas, namely in the North, East and Tobago; and the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Omar Khan said, at several Divisions. He acted in the position of “Mr. Cyrille is now charged with the responsibility of General Manager on several occasions, and served leading the Commission through various challenging as the Assistant General Manager - Administration, tasks, but we have every confidence in his leadership prior to his appointment. He also held the position of and management abilities and expect that his Assistant General Manager - Engineering, and other appointment will put to bed the public concerns raised senior positions in the Distribution Division. by some stakeholders in recent times”. Part of Mr. Mr. Cyrille is the holder of a BSc. in Electrical Cyrille’s new mandate will be the implementation of Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Electrical stronger, strategic planning systems throughout the Engineering from UWI. He will use his 36 years of Commission. experience in T&TEC and his extensive training in the finance, management, business and technical fields, in his new appointment. Executive movements

Supplies Manager, Neil Williams, has eight months and the appointment of former AGM been appointed Assistant General Administration, Mr. Glenford Cyrille, as General Manager (AGM) – Administration with Manager. effect from July 1st 2011. Mr. Williams joined T&TEC in 1981 as an This appointment follows several similar Accountant III. His holds a Bachelor of Business stints in this position over the last Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Curvis Francois has been appointed Mr. Francois joined T&TEC’s Engineer-in-Training Manager of the Supplies Department programme in 1986. He was made permanent in (SLD) with effect from July 1st 2011. 1989 and was assigned to Distribution Tobago as The holder of a Bachelor of Science Engineer II. He spent the next 20 years in Tobago, Degree (BSc) in Electrical Engineering, until he was reassigned to Distribution Central in Mr. Francois also holds an Executive 2006. He was moved to the Distribution Support Master of Business Administration Division at Head Office in 2008, where he also (EMBA) and Certification in Reliability performed the duties of Project Manager for the Engineering. Geographic Information System (GIS).

Ian Ramrattan has been appointed in Mr. Ramrattan joined T&TEC as an Engineer- the position of Manager Public Lighting in-Training (EIT) in November 1990 and was Department, with effect from July 1st, confirmed as an Engineer II in 1992. 2011. Mr. Ramrattan had acted in this Having been twice promoted in the Control & position previously, since January 2011. Communication Department, Mr. Ramrattan has He has a BSc. Degree in Electrical and also acted as the Manager System Planning & Computer Engineering and is currently Control and Manager Communications. completing his thesis for his Masters in Mr. Ramrattan has held the position of Senior Business Administration. Control Engineer in the Control Department.

Ganesh Narine, Communications He joined T&TEC as a Vacation Employee in 1983. Manager, has been appointed to act Mr. Narine has worked at Distribution East and as Assistant General Manager (AGM) Distribution North and was the Safety Manager in – Human Resources. the Heath, Safety and Environment Department. Mr. Narine holds a BSc in Electrical Mr. Narine’s temporary position, as AGM-Human Engineering and an MSc in Power Resources, follows the resignation of Jonathan Systems. He is a Certified Utility Safety Cumberbatch in April 2011. Administrator.

Alvin Ramsaran has been acting as and Computer Engineering. His thesis, entitled Area Manager, Distribution North since “Feasibility of using wind turbine for reactive May 1st 2011. compensation on a 33 kV system”, was accepted for presentation at the IEEE Latin American Mr. Ramsaran joined T&TEC’s Conference in November last year. Engineer-In-Training programme in 1994 with a BSc in Electrical and Mr. Ramsaran’s career at T&TEC has been Computer Engineering. He was centered at Distribution North. He was appointed recently awarded his MSc in Electrical Assistant Area Manager in 2006. Milford Bay Substation 66 kV upgrade

A project to upgrade the Milford Development and Engineering undertaken in two phases. The Bay Substation at Crown Point Services Manager, to better first phase was the construction in Tobago has been ongoing understand the dynamics of this of the new 66/33/12 kV substation for approximately four years. substation upgrade. Mr. Shuka on a green-field site adjacent to On completion, this upgrade explained, “the Milford Bay the existing Milford Bay 33/12 will improve the reliability of the Substation, which operates at 66 kV substation. This phase was electricity supply to better serve kV, 33 kV, and 12 kV is critical for commissioned in September Tobago’s customers. many reasons.” This Substation: 2009. The new Milford Bay Substation ● Receives power sent from The civil works and electrical is being built in two phases to the Toco Switching Station, works tenders have been ensure that there is continuity in Trinidad, via two 33 kV awarded for the second phase. in the supply of power. This submarine cables. This project is expected to be Substation serves some of ● Is a main injector of power to completed by the 1st quarter of the more populated areas in the Tobago grid from the Cove 2012. southwest Tobago, including the Power Station via a 66 kV Mr. Shukla was in high praise for Crown Point Airport and major transmission line. Another 66 the multi-divisional team which hotels. kV circuit from Cove to Milford had responsibility for the upgrade With the establishment of a Bay Substation is currently of the Milford Bay Substation. base load power station at under construction and it is Some key people involved in the Cove Power Station, the Milford expected to be completed by project are Assistant General Bay Substation has taken on the 2nd Quarter of 2011. Manager – Transmission, Charles the increased significance of a ● Will ultimately supply the Inniss; Area Manager – Tobago, transmission substation. 33 kV Ring to Courland Bay Anthony McIntosh, ; retired Watts Happening spoke with Substation. Senior Engineer, John Guppy; and Engineer II – Civil, Valmiki Ravi Shukla, Transmission This transmission project is being Seepaul. (See story on page 7) T&TEC Board visits Tobago

For the first time in the history Communications Manager, time and adequate generation for of the Trinidad and Tobago Annabelle Brasnell, and Area the future ofTobago.” Electricity Commission Manager, Anthony McIntosh. Chief Secretary London described (T&TEC), the entire Board of At the meeting with the Chief the meeting as a ‘fruitful and Commissioners was taken on Secretary, Mr. Khan said that, cordial one’. He expressed a familiarisation tour of the in keeping with its mission, the the need for meaningful and Commission’s key installations on Commission is currently putting consistent collaboration between the sister-isle of Tobago. “systems and structures in place the Tobago House of Assembly The visit, which took place on to improve the quality of supply to and the Commission. Tuesday April 19th, provided an Tobago.” Minority Leader Jack, raised opportunity for the Commissioners Mr. Ramsook revealed some of some of the issues faced by to pay a courtesy call on the the Commission’s future plans Tobago in relation to the supply of Tobago House of Assembly Chief for Tobago. Among these are electricity. Mr. Khan, in response, Secretary, Orville London and the building of a Substation at highlighted the ways in which the Minority Leader, Ashworth Jack. Studley Park, aimed at improving challenges were being met by the Led by T&TEC’s Chairman, the electricity supply in east Commission. He also emphasised Omar Khan, the group Tobago up to Charlotteville, and the importance of meetings like was accompanied by then the opening of a new customer these, noting that they provide the Acting General Manager, service centre in Roxborough. Board with “an appreciation for … the unique situations in Tobago.” Kelvin Ramsook, Corporate A second transmission line is also being installed from the new Visits to T&TEC’s Tobago Area Cove Power Plant which would Office, the Cove Power Station improve the overall power supply and the Milford Bay SubStation to Tobago. completed the day’s agenda. Mr. Ramsook reassured the The Board has been visiting meeting that “T&TEC has the and meeting with all staff of the generation capacity to meet the Distribution Areas and offices requirements of Tobago at this throughout Trinidad and is expected to return to Tobago in

THA Chief Secretary, Orville London, presents July. a token to T&TEC Chairman, Omar Khan.

Area Manager for Tobago, Anthony McIntosh, leads T&TEC T&TEC Commissioners Chandrasain Ramsingh (left) and Princess Commissioner, Kenneth Patino and T&TEC Chairman, Omar Khan Smart (foreground) in the control room of the Cove Power Station. on a tour of the Tobago Area Office. To the far right is Shazard Mohammed, Asst. Area Manager. Tobagonians given insight into new Transmission project

Corporate Communications Manager, Annabelle Brasnell and Maintenance Planner, Hollis Mc Cardy, who made presentations and provided answers on T&TEC’s development plans for the island, as well as the health effects of high tension lines. Mr. Ramsook told the small gathering, which included the Tobago House of Assembly’s Assistant Secretary for Health, Huey Cadette, that it was T&TEC’s practice to dialogue with individual land owners who would be directly affected by any project. However, he acknowledged that the residents of Bon Accord

The Acting General Manager, Kelvin Ramsook makes a point to and environs had caused the Commission to rethink an audience member while the AGM Transmission, Charles Inniss its policy and, in the spirit of transparency, it would looks on. now include whole communities in advisories about future projects of this magnitude. Residents of Bon Accord, Tobago have been At the end of the meeting, residents said they felt lauded as “agents of change” as they have reassured about the facts on the potential health caused the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity effects of high tension wires, the route of the new Commission (T&TEC) to revisit its guidelines for line and T&TEC’s development plans for Tobago. public advisories on major projects. T&TEC also committed to following up on some In response to public queries and concerns, a recommendations made by residents. public meeting was hosted at the Bon Accord Community Centre on April 8th to sensitize residents and other stakeholders on all aspects of the Transmission Department’s 66kV line from Milford Bay Substation to Cove. The new line, which is part of an upgrade to the Milford Bay Substation, will improve the reliability of supply on the island by providing even more stability in case of a significant unplanned interruption. Then Acting General Manager, Kelvin Ramsook, headed a team comprising AGM Transmission, A resident (right) chats with AGM Transmission, Charles Inniss and THA Charles Inniss; Senior Engineer, Allen Clarke; Assistant Secretary for Health, Henry Cadette (left) after the meeting. Area Manager- Tobago, Anthony McIntosh; Minister of Public Utilities, the Hon. Emmanuel George, delivers the feature address at the illumination ceremony for Evergreen Recreation Ground. Seated at the table are T&TEC T&TEC continues to officials and government representatives, (second from left) T&TEC Chairman, Omar Khan; Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Hon. Anil Roberts; Chairman of the Tunapuna/ light up communities Piarco Regional Corporation, Councillor Khadijah Ameen; T&TEC General Manager, Glenford Cyrille; and T&TEC Corporate Communications Manager, Annabelle Brasnell.

The first quarter of 2011 was a hectic one for T&TEC’s Public Lighting Department. Between mid- Residents of the various communities, as well as February and early April, the Commission lit up seven their representatives, expressed appreciation for the public spaces all over Trinidad. illumination of the public spaces and agreed that it would enable them to plan and participate in more The communities of Evergreen, ; Springland community activities. The lights at each facility can and Poonah, Gasparillo; Mon Repos, San Fernando; now be programmed by residents to go on when Maloney and Santa Flora benefited from the needed. illumination of their recreational grounds while the Morne Diablo Fishing Complex received an electrical These projects were funded by the Ministry of Public upgrade. Utilities at a total cost of just over $4 million. The illumination ceremonies, attended by community They are the most recent of 135 similar initiatives members and representatives, Government Ministers, undertaken by T&TEC’s Public Lighting Department. including the Minister of Public Utilities, Senator the As the initiative continues, several more community Honourable Emmanuel George, and senior officials facilities, including recreation grounds in Tobago and from T&TEC, were marked by a sense of joy and Cumana, are earmarked for illumination. fulfillment.

From left to right: ‘Baal’ Ragoonath, President of the Poonah Sports Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon. Kamla Persad- Club; Councillor for Gasparillo/Bonne Aventure, Feraz Ali; Gideon Bissessar (centre) and Minister of Public Utilities, the Hon. Emmanuel Hanoomansingh, representing the MP for Tabaquite/Talparo; George (right); switch on the lights at the Morne Diablo Fishing General Manager of T&TEC, Glenford Cyrille (partly hidden); and Centre. To the left is Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine T&TEC Chairman, Omar Khan, applaud after the switching on of the Affairs, the Hon. Vasant Bharath. lights at the Poonah Recreation Ground, Gasparillo. T&TEC and RIC Boards hold familiarisation meeting

In an unprecedented move, the T&TEC Chairman Omar Khan and RIC Chairman Anne-Marie new Boards of the Trinidad and Mohammed shake hands while their respective Board members Tobago Electricity Commission look on. (l-r) Brian Nedd (RIC); Kenneth Patino, William Rajnauth, Aaron Henry, Chandrasain Ramsingh and Susilla Ramkissoon (T&TEC) and the Regulatory (T&TEC); Rawle Raphael and Sunita Ganpat (RIC). Industries Commission (RIC) met at a familiarisation meeting Chairman of T&TEC, Omar Khan, the Board had as one of its on April 8th at the RIC’s Furness reiterated the Commission’s mandates, the establishment of a House headquarters. commitment to work with the Regulatory Unit. Dr. Anne-Marie Regulatory Body, for the benefit of Mohammed, RIC’s Chairperson, The meeting, which was also customers and the Commission. offered the RIC’s assistance in attended by senior executives He described the informal this venture, via training and other from both Agencies, allowed the meeting as one “to set the ground support areas. She noted, as well, Commissioners and Directors to work for open communication” that the doors of communication get acquainted, as new Boards, between the two Agencies. between the two Agencies would while acknowledging their T&TEC’s Deputy Chairperson, always be open, “as [we] go individual, independent roles Susilla Ramkissoon said, in forward to make a better, stronger and the need for a good working furtherance of that commitment, country.” relationship. Public Lighting Department’s expanded mandate They’ve lit up streets, recreation grounds, taxi stands, “expanded mandate to provide lighting to … public parks, and a variety of public spaces including a spaces as the need arises.” fishing centre. So it was only a matter of time before T&TEC’s Street Lighting Department changed its Public Lighting Department (PLD) name to encompass this wide range of deliverables. Mailing Address: Mr. Glenford Cyrille, General Manager, in a recent 172-184 Gasparillo Bypass Road, internal memorandum advised that the department Reform Village, responsible for the illumination of public spaces Gasparillo. throughout Trinidad and Tobago will be renamed Telephone Numbers: the Public Lighting Department and that it falls 800-BULB (2852) under T&TEC’s Distribution Division. The change, 650-5199/ 5652/ 4207 - General Office the memo stated, is in keeping with the company’s 650-3443/ 3606 - Office Fax A new way to pay electricity bills

T&TEC customers now have a new way of paying their electricity

bills, thanks to a recent agreement between the Commission and Commercial Manager of T&TEC, Irwin GraceKennedy (T&T) Limited (GKTT). Thompson (left), and Country Manager of GraceKennedy (T&T) Ltd., Ronald Thompson, The agreement, formally signed on Friday, May 20th, allows shake hands during the formal signing of a customers to pay their bills via Bill Express, a third-party bill payment deal that allows T&TEC customers to pay their electricity bills via Bill Express. service with over 60 locations nationwide. T&TEC’s Commercial Manager, Irwin Thompson - deputizing for the Acting Assistant General Manager (AGM) –Administration, Neil Williams and Country Manager of GKTT, Ronald Thompson, were signatories to the official document. Mr. Thompson expressed his satisfaction at the addition of another reliable and time-saving service to the Commission’s cadre of payment options, noting that this is the first single-service, independent bill-paying provider that

the Commission has partnered with. Present at the signing were: (left to right) Commercial Manager (T&TEC), Irwin Thompson; Charlene John (T&TEC); Prior to the signing, the payment options available to Operations Manager (GKTT), Donald Edwards; Marketing T&TEC customers included TTPOST, T&TEC Service Manager (GKTT), Lisa Mahabir; Country Manager (GKTT), Ronald Thompson; and Financial Controller (GKTT), Stacey Centers and all commercial banks. Henriquez.

T&TEC delivers training for CARILEC

T&TEC is a member of the St. Lucia based Caribbean Electricity Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). This organisation provides training, conferences, consulting, information services and facilitates Training Supervisor, Goutam Heeraman (far right) and the course the conduct of technical studies and participants during a field trip to Pockwood Pond Power Station. networking among members. was held in Tortola from February 28th to March 4th Ten participants from the British Virgin Islands 2011. Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) benefitted from a training course conducted by T&TEC’s Goutam This T&TEC training course was arranged in Heeraman, Supervisor at the Penal Training Facility. conjunction with CARILEC. It follows a visit by CARILEC’s Training Coordinator, Laurena Primus to The course, entitled Power Plant Operator- Level T&TEC last year to arrange assistance for smaller I, covered Basic Electrical Technology and the member countries in training and development, Operations and Performance of Diesel Engines. It specifically its Technical Training programmes.

10 WATTS HAPPENING told Watts Happening. Employee Profiles A southerner, Mr. Badree gets an early start to his routine. “At 6:30 a.m. I am on the job collecting, operations of T&TEC’s Mt. Hope sorting, batching and delivering office. He is always in demand to internal mail. This head start pick up or drop off mail, packages, allows me to comfortably deal with people, and, at times, meals. other matters during the day, such His job takes him from Mt. Hope to as impromptu requests and delays Port of Spain with special trips, as like traffic.” Mr. Badree believes in balancing Terry Badree family, work and extracurricular activities. “Whatever the needed, to other T&TEC Offices undertaking, enjoy what you do”, and Government Ministries and this is his key to success and a Agencies all across Trinidad. After five years of employment happy life. with T&TEC, Terry Badree was Mr. Badree’s willing, pleasant and Looking ahead, Mr. Badree’s goal one of two recipients in the calming demeanor is one of the is to become a meter inspector Communications Department to key success factors at carrying or consumer investigator and receive the 2010 Award for Best out his duties. The other major is working towards attaining Performing Employee. factor is an appreciation for his job professional qualifications in at T&TEC. “I like meeting people Mr. Badree’s job as a Driver is an electrical installation and a and going to different places” he essential component in the daily wireman licence.

Mr. Lloyd holds a BSc in monies for any damages done Management from UWI. He is to T&TEC’s infrastructure and a Health Insurance Associate, installations by parties external to Health Insurance Association of the Commission”. To execute his duties effectively, Cleavon Lloyd Mr. Lloyd must have a working knowledge of Trinidad and Tobago’s laws and legal America; and is an Associate in processes. “While the job is Life and Health Claims, Life Office demanding, the rewards are high; Management Association, USA. the challenges are what make my Mr. Lloyd is an Insurance job interesting,” he said. Cleavon Lloyd is the Finance Assistant III in the Risk and Department’s Best Performing His positive attitude, willingness Insurance Department. His Employee for 2010 and, if his to keep informed and love for the portfolio of duties includes desk is anything to go by, he is a field of risk and insurance are life insurance, as it pertains very busy man. some of the attributes that earned to compensation for personal Cleavon Lloyd the title of Best Mr. Lloyd always knew he wanted accidents and injuries to Performing employee 2010. to work in the insurance field. His employees, and recovery. He focus on this career choice was expanded on the latter, “I have in gaining academic and work the responsibility of recovering experience.

WATTS HAPPENING 11 An update on T&TEC’s Environment Management System - ISO 14001:2004

In previous issues of Watts Areas, to ensure environmental ● At present the HSE Happening, we highlighted improvements. Department is conducting measures that were being taken A number of initiatives were Audits of the Central by the Central and Tobago implemented since 2009 as and Tobago Distribution Distribution Areas towards part of the ISO process. These Areas. This exercise will attaining the ISO 14001:2004 included water conservation, identify any gaps that have Environmental Management waste management, paper to be addressed and will System (EMS) certification. conservation, and energy be the basis for creating The rationale for this ISO conservation. These projects are Corrective Action Notices and acquisition is based on T&TEC’s ongoing. Preventative Action Notices. Core Value number five titled In addition, several new initiatives These audits will be followed Social and Environmental have been undertaken. Some of by a final readiness audit, to be Consciousness “…the protection the more significant ones are: conducted by the ISO consultant. and preservation of the natural environment”. ● Distributions Central and An ISO certification company Tobago have created, and will be contracted to assist in The Health, Safety and signed off, on EMS manuals completing the registration Environment (HSE) Department is which document procedures process for ISO 14001:2004 the driving force behind this goal. and instructions for all levels Environment Management In giving an update on the of staff so as to maintain System certification. It is status of the ISO 14001:2004 compliance with the ISO anticipated that T&TEC’s Tobago certification, David St. Clair, system. and Central Distribution Area will Senior Engineer in the HSE ● Training and awareness attain this certification later this Department said “we are in the sessions, including periodic year. Following certification of the final stages of this process. refreshers, were conducted Central and Tobago Distribution Significant progress was made for all employees in the two Areas, the ISO Environment in April when the HSE Policy Areas. Management System will be Statement was signed by the then implemented throughout T&TEC. Acting General Manager, Kelvin The aim of these sessions Ramsook, making this policy part was to ensure that of the Commission’s General employees effectively Instructions.” participate in carrying out the duties required under the According to Mr. St. Clair, the EMS. focus of the EMS has been to identify opportunities, and ● As part of the EMS process, implement a number of key a tremendous amount of work environmental initiatives in all was done in cleaning and Sections of the Distribution preparing compounds and substations.

12 WATTS HAPPENING General Instruction No: HR48/1104 Health, Safety and Environment Policy

1.0 OBJECTIVE To provide information and guidance as to the Commission’s general directions on Occupational Health, Safety and the Environment.

2.0 POLICY STATEMENT The Commission recognises its legislated ● The setting and reviewing of HSE and moral responsibility to provide a safe and objectives and targets for improved healthy work environment for all of its employees performance in relation to environmental as well as address the safety, health and conservation, pollution prevention environmental concerns that may arise out of and accident/injury reduction through its work operations. To this end all levels of comprehensive risk assessments. Management are committed to the development, ● The provision of the necessary tools, maintenance and continual improvement of training and education to empower our an integrated Health, Safety and Environment employees to understand and perform (HSE) Management System, which will embrace their duties and responsibilities within the following core values and guiding principles: the guidelines established by the HSE ● Adherence to the principles of sustainable policy, rules, standards, procedures and development and zero tolerance for instructions. accidents and pollution of any kind. ● The effective communication with and ● The maintenance of the safety, health, the obtaining of input from employees, security and comfort of all its employees bargaining units, contractors, customers at a reasonable and practicable level and and other interested parties with regards holding all levels of supervision accountable to planning, decisions, actions and reviews for the adherence to established safeguards, related to the HSE Management System. procedures and work instructions. ● The building of relationships with all ● The employment of suitable and appropriate interested parties, especially with HSE procedures and technologies in the communities to assist in the adoption and application of control measures focused promotion of its HSE policies. at eliminating and/or minimizing to as low ● The implementation of measures to ensure as reasonably practicable, any potentially that the HSE Management System remains negative health, safety and environmental effective and relevant to meet with and impacts which may arise as a consequence exceed the changing needs of employees, of the Commission’s products, services and customers and other interested parties. activities. ● The meeting and exceeding of all applicable This policy is a controlled document and shall be legal and regulatory requirements and reviewed at least once per year, date stamped and adopting best industry standards and signed by the General Manager of the Commission. practices.

WATTS HAPPENING 13 T&TEC’s Role in the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago

A steady increase in the demand the atmosphere; and the potential T&TEC was afforded the for electricity, coupled with the for the accumulation for carbon opportunity to analyse existing growing awareness that fuel credits. wind speed data records of British reserves will not last forever, has T&TEC’s role is two-fold: as a Petroleum and the Meteorological led countries worldwide to seek member of the Cabinet-appointed Office of Trinidad and Tobago alternative means of electricity Renewable Energy Committee in order to conduct an AEP production. These considerations, (REC), it is involved in the estimate. However, neither record along with the negative impact formulation of a national policy on fully captured all the information that the burning of fossil fuels RE and, as the entity responsible required for the formulation of an has on the environment, has for national generation planning, AEP estimate. resulted in international focus which includes capacity, location, In response to the absence being placed on the development timing and energy mix, it has of wind speed data at the of renewable energy (RE) been engaged in research geared specific sites proposed, the technologies. towards the development of RE, implementation of a wind The Trinidad and Tobago particularly wind, solar, tidal and measurement and resource Electricity Commission waste to energy. assessment study has been (T&TEC), the sole distributor recommended. The study which, of electricity in Trinidad and Wind Energy Initiatives in the REC’s view, is crucial for Tobago, plays a crucial role the integration of wind energy into The conversion of wind energy in the thrust towards the the power generation mix, falls to electricity on a large scale development of RE technologies under the ambit of the Ministry of requires the use of wind farms locally and is responding to Energy and Energy Affairs. that constitute wind turbines the national policy challenge connected to a power grid. Such In an effort to mitigate the of developing renewable a wind farm project is being extended length of time required energy resources. This is actively pursued by the Housing for the study, as well as its high based on an understanding of Development Corporation (HDC), cost, the Commission has set the significant economic and with assistance from T&TEC, for about to pinpoint sites which environmental benefits that a housing project in the Mayaro might be suitable candidates such technologies will bring, area. for the study. To this end, a including: the conservation of preliminary survey along the A pivotal step in the process our finite petroleum resources; Toco Main Road was carried out towards the development of a the channeling of saved fuel to search for signs of vegetation wind farm is the formulation of (natural gas) into other product affected by prevailing winds. The an Annual Energy Production streams; the development of required evidence was found and (AEP) estimate. The importance other technologies and services sites have been pinpointed for of the AEP estimate is based on to support the RE industry; further investigation with the aid the fact that it helps determine reduced environmental impact of anemometers to obtain ‘spot the economic and environmental resulting from a decrease in the readings’. level of pollutants released into benefits of any proposed wind turbine system.

14 WATTS HAPPENING T&TEC’s Role in the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago

While awaiting the implementation of real-time grid integration will noted that RE technologies of these necessary steps and the be examined with safety and will not replace the need for eventual addition of wind energy metering considerations in mind. the installation of fossil fuel as a power source to the power If the technical hurdles are generators, but acknowledged generation mix, the Commission crossed and the economics are that it undoubtedly achieve a is continuing with recurrent plans attractive, the country can project reduction in the use of natural for the expansion of generation for 50MW of PV power by 2020. gas, thus prolonging natural capacity. A wind energy target gas availability and economic of 60MW by the year 2020 may potential. Waste to Energy and Tidal be realizable for Trinidad and Energy Initiatives What are Renewable Energy Tobago. The Commission is currently Technologies? involved in discussions regarding Renewable energy has been Solar Energy Initiatives the research and development defined as energy that is produced Like the wind, the sun’s rays of technologies to use waste and by renewable resources such as can be viewed as a limitless tidal currents as energy sources. sunlight, wind and sea currents. source of energy just waiting These are expected to be very Hence, any device or system to be accessed. Photovoltaic small localized projects with which facilitates the production of (PV) technologies seek to do a potential in the vicinity of 12 electricity via these resources fall just that via the use of materials projects in total, with a potential under the category of renewable that convert solar radiation into of 0.5MW each (i.e. 6MW), by energy technologies. Below are electricity. 2020. photos of typical solar panels and a wind energy turbine. In an effort to facilitate research and development, as well as The Way Ahead training, in the area of PV, T&TEC The integration of renewable is partnering with the Electrical energy technologies into Code Committee of the Board Trinidad and Tobago’s power of Engineering of Trinidad and generation mix is a challenging Tobago (B.O.E.T.T.), as well but achievable goal. The as the University of Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Tobago and the Electrical Commission is aware of the Inspectorate Division, Ministry of important role that it plays in Public Utilities, to conduct a pilot the pursuit of that goal, and is project. Photovoltaic cells will committed to the development be placed on the roofs of UTT’s of RE technology in Trinidad O’Meara Campus and Waterloo and Tobago. Assistant General Field Station and will allow the Manager – Engineering, Courtney Commission to measure electrical Mark, said the country has the output as well as waveform potential to realize in the order quality. The very important issue of 100MW of RE by 2020. He

WATTS HAPPENING 15 ‘T&TEC Power Sauce Crew’ wins at cooking competition

Trinidadians are known regionally and internationally 16,000 customers spread across 12 areas in the for their culinary skills, or at least that’s what soca eastern part of South Trinidad reaching communities artiste Benjai claims in his song ‘Trini’. Last month, a such as Mayaro, Navet, Tableland, Libertville, Biche group of T&TEC cooks proved that there was some and Guayaguayare. merit to the theory that ‘Trinis’ have a ‘sweet hand’. According to Hazel-Ann Maharaj-Burke, Senior On Sunday, 1st May, the Rio Claro Depot, under the Clerk, “the Rio Claro Depot has three main areas auspices of T&TEC’s San Fernando Sports Club, of responsibilities - customer service, telecoms and participated in a Curry Duck Competition hosted by distribution. As many of the staff live around this area, 103FM. we understand the people we serve and make every The group, competing under the name ‘T&TEC effort to respond to our customers. We take pride in Power Sauce Crew’, beat out more than 25 local and our service” she said. foreign competitors to win three categories - Curry The courtesy and consideration that the staff shows Duck, Presentation and Best Overall Team. their customers is an extension of the camaraderie Rocky Ramsingh, Telecom Operator and a key team shared among themselves. Mrs. Maharaj-Burke member from ‘T&TEC Power Sauce Crew’, spoke describes the staff as ‘very cooperative’ and a ‘close to Watts Happening about winning the event: “It unit’. This ability to work as a cohesive unit is an was a bit unexpected because there were a lot of advantage, not just in the provision of a public utility competitors, including the international ones … but service but also in other spheres as the Rio Claro the guys worked very hard and at the end of the day, team demonstrated. we made the win.” T&TEC congratulates the T&TEC “Power Sauce The members of the winning team are all from Crew” on their win and wishes them the best as T&TEC’s Rio Claro Depot. This Depot serves over they continue to provide the quality service that has become their trademark!

The winning pot

Members of the T&TEC Power Sauce Crew with their winning certificate. Left to Part of the group’s presentation right: Satesh Ramgoolam, Sheldon Fabian, Mukesh Ramsahai, Videsh Gopaul, Jaggernath Boochoon, Rocky Ramsingh.

16 WATTS HAPPENING Recognising Administrative Professionals

Imagine taking a few hours off work to have lunch and relax poolside in a grand hotel while being attended to by an acupuncturist and reflexologist. This was the reality for over 90 Administrative Assistants, Steno Typists, Clerk-Typist and Typists from across the T&TEC network, as the Commission commemorated Administrative Professionals Week. T&TEC Corporate Communications Manager, Annabelle Brasnell (standing), describes the day’s activities. Held over two days (April 28th and 29th), attendees enjoyed an afternoon of fun, games, buffet lunch and relaxing treatments at the Carlton Savannah in Cascade. Each participant was also presented with a gift voucher to be redeemed from one of five service providers including a restaurant; a beauty supplies company; two spas, and a home furnishing store.

Three ladies relax poolside.

Reflexologist, Raymond Ellis, demonstrates how to stimulate the zones of the feet on a volunteer.

Food being served.

Participants enjoy a game of charades.

WATTS HAPPENING 17 Employee update

APPOINTMENTS NAME POSITION AREA/DEPARTMENT

Albert Nicholson Labourer Supplies Allister Thomas Meter & Relay Mechanic II Protection & Scada Andre Archer Draughtsman II Distribution Tobago Andrew Miguel-Douglas Meter & Relay Mechanic II Protection & Scada Anthony George Labourer Distribution Central Aronie Bahadoor Clerk III Distribution South Avinash Panday Clerk III Distribution North Christiana Mitchell Typist Metering Services Chrystal Kanchan Communications Mechanic II Communications Dale Hercules Meter & Relay Mechanic II Protection & Scada Damion Charles Labourer Distribution Central Dexter Cordice Communications Mechanic II Communications Dwayne Thomas Clerk III Distribution East Everod Williams Labourer Distribution North Frederick D’Arceuil Jr. Labourer Distribution South Gary Lopez Linesman ‘C’ Distribution East Gerald Callender Labourer Distribution South Haile Nelson Labourer Distribution South Inshan Mohammed Labourer Distribution South Ishwarnath Rajkumar Labourer Distribution South Keith Gill Labourer Distribution South Ken-Vaughn Lennard Labourer Distribution Central Kenute Cooper Labourer Distribution South Kerwin Gardiner Clerk III Distribution East Kerwin Mohammed Labourer Distribution South Kevin Victor Labourer Distribution South Khadijah Mohammed Clerk III Distribution Central Kristna Persad Labourer Distribution South Lennox Petioni Labourer A.G.M. - Distribution Leslie Jack Clerk III Distribution East Marc Rojas Labourer Distribution South Marlon Rampersad Labourer Distribution South Marsha Trim Clerk III Distribution East Nardeen Ramkaran Clerk III Distribution East Oniquica Coutou Typist Distribution East Remel Rambharose Linesman ‘B’ Distribution East Reon Richardson Driver – Vehicles less than 25,000 lbs. Distribution East Reuel Ali Meter & Relay Mechanic II Protection & Scada Rina Seepersad-Dubrie Typist Distribution East Roger Ghisyawan Labourer Distribution South Rohini Ramroop Clerk III Supplies Samantha Ramgattie Clerk III Distribution South Sarah Lutchmedial Clerk III Distribution South Shivani Ramoutar Clerk III Distribution South Stephen Persad Clerk III Distribution North Stephanie Garcia Clerk III Distribution East Tarran Boodoosingh Labourer Distribution Central Virgil Joseph Labourer Distribution Central

18 WATTS HAPPENING PROMOTIONS NAME POSITION AREA/DEPARTMENT

Allison Drakes-Barker Stenotypist Commercial Amir Mohammed Technical Assistant II Distribution North Chad Walker Safety Inspector Health Safety & Environment Dale Barzey Administrative Assistant III Distribution South Debbie Mohammed Clerk II Distribution South Deidre De Coteau Clerk II Distribution North Donalize Thompson Telecom Operator Distribution East Dwayne Alleyne Accounting Assistant Accounts Jennilyn Hamblyn-Raphael Human Resources Manager Human Resources Kenny Mahabir Driver – Pole Hole Borer Combination Distribution North Kirt Thomas Clerk II Distribution North Leisha Dhoray Systems Analyst II Information Systems Ottis Mills Estate Sergeant Secretarial Roger Mookram Electrician ‘A’ Distribution South Rose-Ann Abraham-Look Tow Clerk Typist Commercial Russell Joseph Electrician ‘B’ Distribution East Taton Alexander Clerk II Distribution North

MOVING ON NAME POSITION AREA/DEPARTMENT

Allan Patrick Crew Foreman Distribution South Bennett Warrick Meter Reader Distribution North Bertram Boyce Crew Foreman Distribution North Charlene Woo Ling Systems Analyst II Information Systems Diane Sylvester Senior Human Resources Officer Human Resources Ganeshram Singh Transport Labourer/Lorry Loader/Borer/ Distribution South Lift Combination Hugh Campbell Line Foreman Distribution Tobago Isma Irish Stenotypist Commercial Jagdeo Gopee Driver – Pole Hole Borer Combination Distribution South Jane Griffith Receptionist Distribution South Jerry Pope Linesman ‘A’ Distribution Tobago Joseph Phillip Driver – Vehicles less than 25,000 lbs. Distribution North Kenneth Harewood Driver – Vehicles less than 25,000 lbs. Distribution North Lewis Renwrick Stores Attendant Supplies Marlon Joseph Communications Technician I Communications Mohanlal Bhagaloo Senior Foreman Distribution Central Omar Shah Estate Constable Secretarial Robert Young Telecom Operator Distribution East Rudven Prout Electrician ‘B’ Distribution North Sherma Winter Insurance Assistant II Finance Vimla Sookdeo Subsection Leader Distribution South Wayne John Estate Sergeant Secretarial Yoland Foster Stewardess A.G.M. - Distribution

WATTS HAPPENING 19 EAW’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations Continue

A lot can happen in fifty Today, 50 years later, the local Ryan, believes that the event, years: children become EAW comprises eight branches: titled ‘From Then Till Now’ had grandparents, fads San Fernando, Port of Spain, achieved its objectives: “The change and technologies evolve. Tobago, Siparia, Cumana/Toco, focus was on telling the public The Electrical Association for Arima, Sangre Grande and Point about the EAW … We gained 15 Women (EAW) is well aware of Fortin. new members, so it was definitely how times can change. They are, EAW president, Gail St. Louis- a success.” after all, celebrating their 50th Nedd, informed Watts Happening The Golden Anniversary Anniversary this year. that the branches were going all celebrations, which started off The Trinidad and Tobago chapter out to celebrate the organisation’s with a church service on the 6th of of the EAW was founded by Mrs. Golden Anniversary: February at St. Andrews Kagwaa Louise Buxo in 1961 with the “Each Branch is having an R.C. Church in Vistabella, mandate of encouraging the safe activity,” she said. “San Fernando culminated in a national and efficient use of electricity had an exhibition (titled) ‘In the conference on the 27th June. in local households. Buxo, Beginning’ and Siparia is having Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, who was at the time T&TEC’s a walkabout and a disaster Port of Spain, the conference Public Relations Assistant, had preparedness workshop.” honoured long-standing members witnessed the Association’s of the Association, among others. The Port of Spain Branch hosted operations in the United Kingdom an exhibition in the main lobby The EAW’s national conference and thought that Trinidad and of T&TEC’s Head Office on will be covered in more detail Tobago could benefit from such Frederick Street from May 28 to in the next issue of Watts an organisation. April 1. Their President, Desireen Happening. Spotlight on Safety

An increase in chair related from tipping over. incidents at the Commission ● Chairs should be stable and has led the Health Safety and durable. Environment (HSE) Management ● The type of castors should be Committee to review the makes, appropriate for the floor surface types and usage of chairs e.g. if the office is tiled use throughout T&TEC. chairs with softer castors to These incidents are being used ensure that there is free and ● Avoid sitting on the edge of as a fact-finding opportunity to safe movement. your chair since the balance is identify weaknesses in the existing ● Chairs in frequent use should be unstable and could result in the chair models and to develop a inspected everyday. chair sliding out from under you. solution for improving this work ● Never lean so far back in your Some do’s and don’ts tool in the shortest possible time. chair that the wheels lift off the ● Hold onto your armrest when Here are some tips to consider: floor as your chair could slip and sitting and getting up to ensure Chair safety cause injury. your chair does not move. ● Suitable office chairs consist of ● Before adjusting the height of ● Do not use your chair as a a back support, a seat, a base the chair to your comfort slightly ladder as the chair can easily go and arm support to prevent it lift your body off the chair. off balance.

20 WATTS HAPPENING Disaster Preparedness and You

El Nino is a periodic change in the currents of the Pacific Ocean that occurs every five to eight years and brings unusually warm water to the coast of northern South America and is being blamed for the predicted hurricane activity in 2011. El Nino is expected to continue for another decade or two.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological (Met) Service, the Electrical hurricane rainy season has begun (June 1st) and with it the start of the hurricane safety Tips season for the Atlantic region. Before a storm: This year expert forecasters predict an active hurricane season for this ● Know where your electrical region. The latest predictions are 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and panel is located so you can five major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. turn off your breaker quickly This prediction is attributed to current La Nina conditions and the when necessary. strong and unusual warming of the tropical Atlantic. La Nina has been During a storm: influencing the weather conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, as evidenced ● Do not use electric appliances by recent rainfall events. during a storm as lightening Hurricanes can be dangerous but you can take steps to reduce the associated with the storm can chances of injury and major property damage by planning ahead. cause them to malfunction and even become dangerous. Lightning Safety: Here are some tips to help you prepare: ● Stay indoors. Keep away from open doors, windows, large 1. Have a family emergency 7 days of drinking water (one appliances and metal pipes. plan. Everyone should know gallon per day per person). ● In a car – Keep hands and it. Practice is helpful. 5. Clear loose and clogged rain arms inside the vehicle. 2. Check emergency supplies gutters and down spouts After a storm such as first aid kit, 6. Trim trees and shrubbery ● Do not touch electrical medication, baby supplies 7. Have a supply of plywood or appliances, wires or and toiletries. other material to protect your equipment when wet. This 3. Check that flashlights, home could cause electric shock or battery powered radio death. 8. Make an emergency plan for and emergency tools are pets and livestock. Call T&TEC immediately working. to report sparking and/or 9. Review your insurance 4. Buy food that are non- fallen power lines, poles and policy. perishable and store at least structures.

WATTS HAPPENING 21 Poised to win T&TEC takes on the Pro League

The future looks bright for T&TEC football. After Fifty-three aspiring professional footballers attended. winning the finals and knockout title of the 2010 Following an invitation to train, the list will be cut to Super League, the ‘Electric Boys’ have set their about 15. “This will allow us to make an assessment sights on this year’s Pro League. And, according to of those who will bring the best value to the team,” Team Co-ordinator and Corporate Communications Lal said. Assistant at Distribution South, Lester Lal, their goal Although he couldn’t say for sure if there would be is to win. “We’re aiming to finish either first, second any major changes to the line-up for the Pro League, or third,” Mr. Lal told Watts Happening. “We want to Lal said that the decision would be made soon since reach the finals and win the knockouts.” pre-season training started on June 1. As a condition of their acceptance to the Pro League, Team manager, Peter Mohan, Field Controller, at Trinidad and Tobago’s highest football division, Distribution South said that whatever the changes, Team T&TEC has adopted a three-tiered structure Super League MVP awardees, Akini Adams and consisting of the first team, the reserve team, and Kevon Neaves, will be part of the team’s starting line- three youth teams. The first team will compete in the up. TT Pro League, carded to start on August 5, while the reserve team will play in the reserve league. The “We’re going in to win,” he said. “T&TEC is known three youth teams – under-13, under-15 and under- to be a leading utility provider, and we want to 17 - are currently competing in the Oasis Youth transpose that to sports.” League. The overall goal behind the formation of the youth teams, Mr. Lal says, is to develop a talent pool of future Pro League players. Made up of promising players from South and North Trinidad, the three teams were formed following a trial held at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on February 5th. “We invited the clubs in South to participate … and chose the best 12 from each age group,” Lal said. These players, along with members of the SKHY Academy, a football club in East Trinidad, constitute the three teams. But that is long-term planning. Preparation for this year’s Pro League includes a bid to expand the adult team’s pool of talent. To this end a one-day trial was held on May 14th. Members of Team T&TEC celebrate after a recent win.

22 WATTS HAPPENING T&TEC cricketers take it higher

T&TEC’s performance in football is paralleled by the recent accomplishments of our South-based cricket club, T&TEC Sports Club. The team was promoted to the Premier Division, the highest level of national cricket, after winning last year’s Championship Division I. Their promotion enabled them to participate in the Sunday League 50-Overs Tournament where, led by national middle-order batsman, Jason The T&TEC Sports Club Mohammed, they played unbeaten in the preliminaries. Team Manager, Lester Lal, Corporate In the finals, held on March 30th at Guaracara Park, Communications Assistant, Distribution South, told Point-a-Pierre, the team came up against defending Watts Happening that the team’s achievements champions, Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC). The so far are just signs of better things to come. He veteran club, however, won by three wickets. said that the contributions of gifted players like The team also played in this year’s Eastern Credit Jason Mohammed, Reyad Emrit, Richard Kelly and Union National , held in May. With an others are sure to give them an advantage in future accumulated score of 142 points, they placed third tournaments. behind QPCC and the Ceramic Merry Boys.

Sports and Family Day 2011 postponed

T&TEC’s 2011 Sports and Family Day, originally Mr. Cyrille reasoned that since the objective of the carded for May 29 in Tobago, has been postponed. annual Sports and Family Day - interaction in an The 5K and 10K road races which were to take atmosphere of spontaneity and goodwill – would place the day before have also been put on hold. not be met under the current circumstances, postponement was the best option. In a memorandum to all T&TEC staff, General Manager, Glenford Cyrille, said that the decision He expressed the Commission’s regrets at the to postpone was made after the realization that postponement, along with the hope that the employees had lost their enthusiasm for the event would be held later this year under more event. He noted that the fallout was caused by favourable conditions. general dissatisfaction with the pace of ongoing negotiations for the Industrial Agreement for 2009- 2011.

WATTS HAPPENING 23 Do you know about Sheniqua the Special Maternity Francis: beauty Grant? and talent

Ask any mother and she would tell you that Eighteen-year-old Sheniqua pregnancy, child birth, and the first few months of Francis started playing the raising a baby are among the most challenging double-second pan with times in a woman’s life. Unemployment or a lack of T&TEC East Side New insurance coverage can make it even more difficult Dimension Steel Orchestra for a new mother to take care of herself and her Limited three years ago. newborn. Music, she says, was always The Special Maternity Grant provides financial one of her passions. This assistance to new mothers who do not qualify for a year, however, brought a maternity benefit due to unemployment or a lack of slew of opportunities in a very different sphere: Francis copped the required contributions. the first runner-up position What is the Special Maternity Grant? in Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe. The Special Maternity grant uses the contributions of an insured man to qualify his spouse for the receipt Francis told Watts Happening of maternity benefits. The grant consists of a single that the experience was a good payment of $2,500 per child. one. “I’ve learnt a lot and I’m enjoying it,” she said. Who is eligible for the grant? Her love for music, however, remains unabated. When To qualify for the Special Maternity Grant you must: Photo by Kerron Riley; courtesy of the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe she graduates from ● Be the legal or common law spouse of an insured Speyside High School, she man plans to further her studies in ● Be 16 years or older Sheniqua that field – while building struts her stuff during ● Be medically certified as being pregnant for a a career in professional the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe period of 26 weeks; or have had a pregnancy of modelling, of course. Pageant. less than 26 weeks that resulted in a live birth ● Be unemployed or lack the required contributions to claim a maternity benefit in your own right Registration for How do I apply? Children’s Christmas Persons who wish to apply for the grant must complete the NI13 -Special Maternity Grant Claim Party ongoing Form, and if applicable, the NI12A, which is for Registration for the 2011 Children’s parties will multiple births. Applications can be made after be open until September 2011. Employees who delivery but must be within three months of the actual did not previously submit the birth certificates for delivery date. The forms can be collected from the their children are asked to do so any time before Commission’s Human Resources Department. September 2011. Certificates must be submitted to For further information, please contact T&TEC’s the Corporate Communications Manager through HR Department at 623-2611/7 ext. 2322. the employee’s Head of Department.

24 WATTS HAPPENING WATTS HAPPENING 24 The Tobago Submarine Cable being brought ashore at Milford Bay, Tobago (1965). Memory Lane In August 1965, a 23 mile, 33,000 V, gas-filled submarine cable was laid between Toco, Trinidad and Milford Bay, Tobago. The cable which, at the time, was the second longest alternating current undersea cable in the world, was energized on December 29th of the same year. The Tobago Power Station, which had supplied the sister-isle with electricity since 1952, was then converted to a standby facility to be used whenever the supply from Trinidad was disrupted. The ship in the background is the “Photinia”, a bulk carrier chartered to lay out the submarine cable.

New executive at TATECO

The Port of Spain Branch of the TATECO Credit Union Co-Op Society Ltd, held its Annual General Meeting on March 27th 2011. The following members were elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2011 to 2012:

● President - Mr. Foster Giles ● Vice President - Ms. Ann Marie Forbes ● Secretary - Mr. Kester Sealey ● Asst. Secretary - Mrs. Gail Rajkumar ● Public Relations Officer - Mr. Carlyle Clarke ● Directors: - Mr. Norman Bobb - Mr. Ashmore Quashie - Mr. Fellie Noel - Mr. Richardo Betancourt - Mrs. Roma James - Ms. Donna Griffith - Mrs. Evor Billy Peters - Mr. Eric Griffith (1st Alternate)

WATTS HAPPENING 25 Go Green! In keeping with World Environment Day (June 5), we’ve come up with a ‘green theme’ for our fun page. Fill out the crossword using the clues below and get some tips on environmentally-conscious living while you’re at it!

1 2 3 Crossword 4 Across 2. reuse 5 4. ______foods; part of emergency kit 5. ______energy; e.g. wind, tidal

6 6. atmospheric gas 7. prevailing weather 8. found underground, distilled into fuel 10. almost extinct 7 11. lungs of the world

8 9 Down 1. expanding dunes 3. rising ______(two words) 10 4. plants absorb it (two words)

9. watery wall

11 tsunami dioxide, carbon levels, sea desertification, rainforest, Answers: recycle, canned, renewable, ozone, climate, petroleum, endangered, endangered, petroleum, climate, ozone, renewable, canned, recycle, Answers:

Five ways to go green

1. Plant a tree – Plants improve air 4. Make a notepad with scrap quality, keep us cool and beautify paper – Cut into quarters any property. and joined with a binder clip, those sheets of scrap paper 2. Grow and give – Grow herbs like make a handy little note pad. thyme and rosemary that can be separated into small pots to give as gifts. 5. Use a water canteen – Fill this up to use when you’re thirsty, instead of buying 3. Use reusable bags for shopping bottled water. – Most plastic bags aren’t recyclable. A reusable bag works just as well while lessening your impact on the environment.

26 WATTS HAPPENING The following are excerpts from some of the letters and emails we have received over the last quarter.

Customer satisfaction … electrician check [our] breakers manner and as usual I do look compliments for Distribution and change the main breaker. forward for your timely feedback. Central Later we heard a loud pop and Keith Ragbir February 24, 2011 saw smoke. Upon investigation Via e-mail we discovered that a cable, in the The Chairman, T&TEC wall, was damaged. I wish to extend my sincere When T&TEC saw the problem April 05, 2011 gratitude and thanks to you, and (we had already busted the wall) Letter to the Editor – Daily the members of your staff, for they commented how fortunate Express 5th April 2011 your kind assistance in providing we were that a fire didn’t already While we point out all the electricity to my home at Ocean start. They acted immediately View Development, Claxton Bay. negatives in our country, I think and disconnected our supply we should also take the time to I am pleased to inform you that while explaining the severity of the point out the positives and give as soon as the developer paid situation and course of action we praise where praise is due. the capital contribution, Mr. Kelvin should take. Ramsook ensured the immediate Last week Thursday, the electricity Although it’s going to cost some supply was suddenly cut off at my execution of the job which took cash and time to have this four days to complete. I wish to home. After two hours I called situation rectified, I thank God and T&TEC and spoke to a very polite sincerely thank him for all of his T&TEC for putting our safety first. advice and support during the last young lady, who told me that mine two months. Thank you for having assisted was the first call she had received us in more ways than one. This about the problem and she would Also, I would like to thank Mr. Vijay ‘inconvenience’ is nothing in make a report. Ramnanansingh and Mr. Ravi comparison to being homeless, Ramsaran who kept me appraised Within 15 minutes, to my great believe me I know; I’ve been surprise, I received a call from a and greatly assisted in getting the there. job done so that I can be in my gentleman, who asked me, very home before the end of the month. Ansa Khan politely, whether I was the person who had called in a report. He May God continue to shower his then asked whether my home was blessings on you and all of your Kudos for Distribution Central near a particular location and on staff as you continue to provide February 22, 2011 being told that it was, he advised service to all. me that there was an emergency Your field engineer made a visit Yours respectfully problem in that street, and that my to my residence and conducted Raymond Ramsingh outage was as a result of repairs his survey regarding the electricity Pointe-a-Pierre being carried out there. pole relocation. He took his necessary measurements He assured me that my service February 15, 2011 and his proposed plan in his would be restored within an hour. design. Incorporating the Twenty minutes later, it was in fact This follows an email to T&TEC electrical standards and practical restored. I would like to commend from the author concerning a perspective to this situation. He these two individuals for their request for assistance for a also assured me that I will receive courteous response which, I must business in Naparima Mayaro feedback within two weeks. admit, caught me by surprise. It Road, Libertville. would be such a wonderful thing I want to acknowledge my if this could be the approach of all On Monday I got calls from satisfaction with Mr. Richard our service providers. T&TEC and your truck came to our Baptiste in conducting this residence last night. survey, to which he did in a H. Barnes During the day we had an very professional and courteous Gulf View

WATTS HAPPENING 27