NGC Bocas Lit Fest Among Top 20 Literary Festivals Worldwide

VOLUME 06 JULY 2017

A Newsletter for Our Pipeline Communities

What’s Inside

COMMUNITY RELATIONS FACILITIES UPGRADE SPORT CNG BEYOND THE PIPELINE

VOLUME 06 JULY 2017

Contents

Corporate Proﬁle 3

COMMUNITY RELATIONS • NGC Bocas Lit Fest among the Top 20 Literary Festival Worldwide 4 • Gonzales Sheikers Music Literacy Programme 4 • NGC Trinidad and Tobago Sweet Tassa Group Launches Tassa Academy 5

FACILITIES UPGRADE • Vance River Recreational Facility Upgrade 6

BUSINESS • NGC CNG Company Limited – Convert and Save with CNG 6

NATIONAL ENERGY • Extending HSSE to the Community 7

SPORT • NGC-Sponsored Games 2017 7

Energy Brain Buster and Photo of the Month 8

Beyond the Pipeline is NGC’s Managing Editor: Christine Punnett Community Newsletter, produced by Head, External Communications the Corporate Communications Sub-editor: Natasha Harrichand-Kooarsingh Division of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) Public Information Assistant Design and Layout: Lonsdale Saatchi and Saatchi © NGC 2017 Advertising Limited

For feedback and comments, please contact [email protected] or call us at 636-4662/4680 Corporate Proﬁ le

The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC), NGC’s CSR portfolio is designed to infl uence a wide variety of fi elds for established in August 1975, plays a key role in the development of the benefi t of Trinidad and Tobago. Our support ranges from developing Trinidad and Tobago’s natural gas-based energy sector. NGC is an CSR programmes to collaborating and supporting the initiatives of aggregator of natural gas supplied and sold in the energy sector. Its hundreds of non-governmental and community-based organisations commercial activities are expanding into areas such as o shore oil and through grants and contributions. gas production, and in diverse, but related, energy businesses such as natural gas liquid (NGL) bulk trading, compressed natural gas (CNG), as In this issue, you will read about how our sponsorships have helped the well as upstream oil and gas development. continued development of the steelpan, community facilities upgrade, Arts and Culture and Sport. Our support of festivals such as the NGC Currently, NGC’s four principal subsidiaries comprise: Bocas Lit Fest and contributions toward steelpan and tassa are helping to build a legacy of literacy and local culture appreciation, as well as • Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL); support for youth development in clear and industrious ways. You • National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited will also read about our subsidiary companies: NGC CNG Company (National Energy); Limited’s progress in CNG development and National Energy’s safety • NGC CNG Company Limited (NGC CNG); and concerns for the community. Do enjoy. • Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited (TTNGL). For more information, please visit our website www.ngc.co.tt or NGC and its subsidiaries are referred to as ‘The NGC Group of Facebook page NGC Group Gasco News. Companies’. The contribution made by the NGC Group of companies to the national economy is substantial. In addition, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, the Group plays a key role in national development. NGC Bocas Lit Fest among the Top 20 Literary Festivals Worldwide

For the past seven years, the NGC Bocas Left to right: Mr. Funso Aiyejina, NGC Bocas Lit Fest Deputy Director; Lit Fest has been one of NGC’s fl agship Marina Salandy-Browne, Festival Founder and Director; Dr. the Honourable ‘investments’ within its CSR programme. Keith C. Rowley, Prime Minister; and Mr. Gerry C. Brooks, NGC Chairman at the one-on-one session to promote the Prime Minister’s memoir, The festival’s scope and popularity (both From Mason Hall to Whitehall. regionally and internationally) have grown substantially since its inception. This year, the on April 27th, 2017 at the Old Fire Station. An international judging panel also announced NGC Bocas Lit Fest was named among the The festival’s fi ve-day period featured panel the winners of the three publication categories: world’s top 20 literary festivals by Penguin discussions on issues such as human rights, • Poetry: Cannibal by Safi ya Sinclair Random House – The Writers’ Academy. This press freedom, and the criminal justice system. (University of Nebraska Press) tribute cemented the Festival’s signifi cance as • Fiction: Augustown by Kei Miller a forum for creative thinking, poetry readings, Events which also took place included: (Weidenfeld and Nicolson) idea generation, intellectual discussion and • Human Rights Open Mic • Non-Fiction: Virtual Glimpses into the open debate. • Caribbean Poetry’s New Wave Past/A Walk Back in Time: Snapshots of • Human Rights Ole Mas Competition the History of Trinidad and Tobago by the The festival was held during the period April • Stand up for Your Rights Open Mic late Angelo Bissessarsingh (Queen Bishop 26th to 30th, 2017 at the National Library and • National Poetry Slam Publishing). the adjoining Old Fire Station, Port of Spain. • CineLit: The Latin American and Caribbean During this period, a host of interesting and Literacy Film Festival NGC’s involvement in the NGC Bocas Lit Fest thought-provoking events took place. • Bocas Book Nook has proven to be one of our most successful • Behind Prison Walls – Poetry Readings partnerships, reaching thousands of people This year’s festival saw over 50 regional • Writers First throughout Trinidad and Tobago and providing authors and speakers taking part in the • Panel Discussions including Energy without a platform for Caribbean writers to develop, programme, including Dr. the Honourable Conscience be recognised and ultimately add to the rich Keith C. Rowley, Prime Minster, joined the NGC tradition in literature that already exists. Winner Bocas Lit Fest for a candid, compelling session The festival’s programme has grown each year, of the 2017 OCM Bocas Prize was Kei Miller on his recently published memoir, From Mason with this year seeing the inclusion once again which was announced on April 29th, 2017 at a Hall to Whitehall. The one-on-one session was of the CineLit Film Festival which featured special ceremony. facilitated by the festival’s Deputy Director, Latin American fi lms based on books. award-winning writer, Mr. Funso Aiyejina, Gonzales Sheikers Music Literacy Programme

In the community of Gonzales located in Belmont, lies the Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra Pan Theatre. The theatre was constructed by NGC in 2015 for the purpose of fostering pan literacy, facilitating entrepreneurial activities by the band and providing a space where the youth in the community could engage in learning activities.

Band Manager of the Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra, Fitzroy Lewis, said, “We are very grateful for NGC’s support over the years. Construction of the pan theatre has resulted in Right: Clive Telemaque, Music Literacy Programme Tutor with some students some changes in the community. We are now seeing more youth interested in playing pan and parents are becoming more involved since One of the learning activities provided by The aim of the music literacy programme is to they are seeing the beneﬁ ts in their children the Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra was allow players and members of the community by keeping them occupied and away from a music literacy programme for children in to learn to play the instrument, as well as read negative inﬂ uences.” the community. The programme started on sheet music. Monday 10th April 2017 and ran for two weeks. Continues on page 5 Continued from page 4

This project allows the band to develop Wealth Generation Funds were made available a cadre of players to increase their for the band to invest in entrepreneurial competitiveness in competitions, as well initiatives. These initiatives were approved as provide an opportunity for community based on suitable projected returns and engagement which is especially important entrepreneurial spirit, as well as long-term in communities like Gonzales where there sustainability. On Saturday 15th April 2017, are several negative infl uences targeting the the band held a cake sale to raise funds. In youth. the future, the band hopes to construct a computer room for IT classes. Tutor of the music class, Clive Telemaque, said, “We have a good turnout this year, about A graduation ceremony for 10 students was 20 students participated in the programme. The Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra Pan held on May 13th, 2017 at 3:30 pm in the The music classes are having an impact on Theatre located in Belmont Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra Pan Theatre. the youth. Besides learning a valuable skill, the In attendance were Community Relations programme is keeping them o the streets O¬ cer, NGC, Fofi George, and o¬ cials from and doing something productive”. A student the Gonzales Sheikers, Tutor of the music in the music class, Harmony Clinton, said, “I class, Clive Telemaque, and Band Manager of like music and want to take it further. Also, I the Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra, Fitzroy like attending lessons because I am learning Lewis. something I love and having fun.” Sponsorship of this steelband allows NGC The Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra Pan to strengthen its national commitment Theatre is also used to facilitate sporting to the instrument as a means of fostering activities. Members of the community play community solidarity, youth development, table tennis and gym activities are held three and entrepreneurial spirit and increasing days of the week. Additionally, there is a small brand visibility in furtherance of NGC’s CSR cafeteria which generates income for some objectives. Students display their certifi cates at the badly needed items such as a TV and sound graduation ceremony system.

NGC Trinidad and Tobago Sweet Tassa Group Launches Tassa Academy

The NGC-sponsored Trinidad and Tobago Sweet Tassa Band launched The T&T Sweet T&T Sweet Tassa Girls Tassa Academy on March 18th, 2017 located at Mt. Stewart Village, Princes Town. This was a great achievement for T&T Sweet Tassa The programme has helped us develop and whose mission is to tutor persons interested in strengthen our skill-set to be able to adapt learning tassa drumming. and thrive in this fast-changing world”. He gave a brief background on the genesis of the While NGC is not directly involved in the academy remarking, “I have taught at many operations of the academy, the band created primary and secondary schools, organisations the programme from attending NGC’s nationally and internationally, and held master Capacity-Building Programme. The band classes at universities in the United States. used the fundamentals of the programme Now, I have decided to create my legacy by Manager of NGC T&T Sweet Tassa, Lenny to conceptualise the academy. The Tassa opening this academy to help persons develop Kumar, left, performs with Siparia Deltones Academy o¬ cially opened and commenced their interest and talent in this art form. The in January. The academy is open to all age art of tassa drumming is a test of coordination. groups and is committed to teaching tassa When persons are taught the instrument they at various schools and institutions. In the develop the skills of creativity, rhythm and future, the academy hopes it will become an innovativeness.” accredited learning institution in the country. NGC continues to sponsor organisations Founder and Manager of NGC T&T Sweet which promote and preserve the Arts, Tassa, Mr. Lenny Kumar, praised NGC for education and our local heritage. As such, the providing the foundation for the establishment two tassa groups we sponsor are the Trinidad Left: NGC’s Community Relations O cer, of the academy. He said, “Our sponsor – NGC and Tobago Sweet Tassa Enterprises and Alister Narinesingh, and Head Community – guided us in the right direction through Bao Simba Entertainers of Tobago, the latter Relations, Wynda Chandler, attend NGC its unique Capacity-Building Programme. incorporating tassa with African rhythms. Trinidad & Tobago Sweet Tassa Band launch of the Tassa Academy Vance River Recreational Facility Upgrade

NGC, along with the Vance River Village Council, hosted a ceremonial opening on Wednesday 15th February 2017 to mark Opening ceremony: Vance River Recreational Facility. Left: Community Relations O cer, the o¬ cial handover of the Vance River NGC, Myles Lewis; Head, Community Relations, NGC, Wynda Chandler; (fourth from left) Recreational Facility to the Siparia Regional Manager Corporate Communications, NGC, Lisa Burkett, and the Vance River Village Council Corporation and Vance River Village Council. This was one of several projects started and • Construction of septic tank system The Vance River Village Council manages completed in various communities, which • Construction of wheelchair access the facility, overseeing the everyday activities were impacted during the construction of the for pavilion held there. Ms. Edwards stated, “The facility is 56-inch-diameter Cross Island Pipeline Project used by schools, church groups and groups (CIPP) in the 2003-2004 period. Patrice Edwards, a member of the Vance River wanting to hold meetings. We have also Village Council, said that “Before the upgraded opened our doors to requests from outside While it was long in coming to fruition, the and completed facility was handed over to our community. Our new facility has brought upgrade of the Vance River Recreational the community, we were not very active. Only some sunshine to our community.” Facility included: a limited number of events were held at the • Sport pavilion, inclusive of o¬ ces, seating community centre”. She went on to say that, The Vance River Recreational Facility is a area, washrooms and storage area “The recreational facility is now being used for launching pad for sporting careers. The • Construction of drains around basketball and netball and the courts are now upgraded facility will serve to provide basketball court, front of the pavilion ﬁ lled with young people from the village. The increased opportunities for many more • Construction of car park and roadway kids are coming out and playing games, young generations to come. Even more gratifying is • Construction of water tank stand people are running on the ﬁ elds and now, we the fact that this community refurbishment • Refurbishment and upgrade of existing have older people who are walking, which did project not only rejuvenated a landmark basketball court, including fencing not happen before”. facility but secured a training ground for future athletes in the area. At the handover, the Councillor said he was overjoyed to have the facility in the community.

In May this year, the NGC CNG Company Limited also made a series of incentives available for taxi drivers, maxi taxi drivers and drivers of private school buses. A registered taxi driver who converts his vehicle to run Convert and Save on CNG can receive $5,000 in free fuel via a fuel card. A registered maxi taxi driver who with CNG converts his vehicle, which is four years or newer, will receive $30,000 if it is a large maxi It is now easier to convert and save with CNG taxi or $20,000 if it is a small maxi taxi. The as a fuel for your vehicle. Earlier this year, same incentive is given for any maxi taxi, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries which is converted that is older than four licensed two more CNG converters. They years; the owner will receive $30,000 in free are Burmac CNG located on Gaston Street in CNG for a large maxi taxi or $20,000 for a small NGC Group Chairman, Gerry C. Brooks Chaguanas and Dumore Enterprises, Belle Vue maxi. For yellow school buses, anyone who (centre), cuts the ribbon to o cially open Industrial Estate, South Oropouche. is a registered member of the Private School the CNG supply at the NP Ramco Service Transport Association of Trinidad and Tobago Station at Orange Grove, Trincity in January Both companies have a long history in the (PSTATT) can receive $15,000 in free CNG if 2017. Minister of Works & Transport, Senator automotive sector in Trinidad and Tobago and they buy an OEM CNG bus or $7,500 if they Rohan Sinanan stands to the left of Mr. venturing into the CNG conversion business convert their existing school bus. All incentives Brooks. Also in picture from left, Edwin has expanded their o erings. Burmac CNG and grants must be applied for from the NGC Gooding, Chairman of PTSC; Razai Azard is o ering conversions for both gasoline and CNG Company Limited and approvals are Rahaman, Chairman of Rahamut Group; and diesel vehicles, while Dumore Enterprises is subjected to explicit terms and conditions. Sahid Hosein, Chairman of NP. only concentrating on gasoline conversions at this time. With new converters available, opening of expected to be opened in 2017 and 2018, more stations, grants and incentives on o er, In January, two new CNG supply points were including NP Starlite in Diego Martin, NP it is defi nitely easier to switch and save with opened. They are NP Carrousel at Mon Repos Chaguanas Main Road and NP Tumpuna Road, CNG. Roundabout in San Fernando and NP Ramco Arima. All new CNG stations in Trinidad and Eastbound on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway Tobago will be outfi tted with state-of-the-art CNG Converters in Orange Grove. These two openings brought equipment, which can fi ll approximately 700 • Burmac CNG – 672-0991/0995 to eight, the number of CNG stations open vehicles per day. A fi ll up in a regular sedan • Dumore Enterprises – 677-2910 and available to the public, with several more only takes three minutes. • NGC CNG – 636-4662 Ext 3407 Extending HSSE to the Community

Health, Safety, Security and the Environment involved, conducting a site inspection at the (HSSE) is at the heart of everything we do at school and providing recommendations for The NGC Group of Companies, as it ensures HSSE enhancements. the sustainability of our people, processes and property. National Energy is party to the NGC One of the recommendations was that Group’s HSSE policy which aims to achieve safety signage be installed throughout the ‘zero unsafe behaviours’ and as a responsible compound including ‘Children Playing’ corporate citizen, the Company is extending and ‘Reverse Parking’ signs. LPS also made this philosophy to its fenceline community of recommendations for the installation of speed Couva. bumps on the roadway at the entrance of the school to ensure that motorists slow down at Through its Loss Prevention & Sustainability the pedestrian crossing. Safety signs at Milton Presbyterian (LPS) Department, National Energy is helping Primary School to provide a safer environment for the In April 2017, National Energy was pleased to students and teachers of Milton Presbyterian instal the signage which will help raise HSSE continued collaboration with National Energy, Primary School. In January this year, the awareness among all who attend and visit the Milton Presbyterian is well on its way to Corporate Communication & Administration school daily. Through this positive step and achieving the goal of ‘zero unsafe behaviours’. (CC&A) Department met with the principal of the school and noted several areas for improvement. When approached by CC&A, the LPS Department did not hesitate to get

NGC-Sponsored Games 2017

Sport is good for the mind, body and spirit. Sport develops a sense of friendliness and competitiveness among children. Furthermore, sport encourages children to build team spirit, develops mental and physical toughness and encourages good health. Caroni Games For a long time, NGC has recognised the beneﬁ ts of sport and has been contributing toward nurturing sporting talent and encouraging aspirations of children in Trinidad and Tobago. Key to NGC’s sporting pillar has been to support the Primary Schools Track and Field Games in the Moruga Zone, and the St. Patrick and Caroni Education District Games. The Caroni Education District Games is in fact the most long-standing recipient of NGC’s sponsorship.

The Games were all held in April 2017, which began with the march past, which always sets Moruga Games the tone for the day with the vibrant display of colours, and generates energy and comradery provided an opportunity for NGC to support Left: Community Relations O cer, NGC, among the students, spectators and athletes. emerging athletic talent by providing an Natalie Phipps presents a trophy to Basse This year, attending the games were the opportunity for children to display their skills, Terre RC School Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland, as well as for coaches to identify and recruit Dr. Lovell Francis; His Worship the Mayor of talented children. Point Fortin, Councillor Abdon Mason; various School Supervisors I-III, and Principals. The The 2017 edition of the Games was full of Games were also attended by various NGC exhilaration and excitement. There were representatives, who all spoke about the moments when spectators were at the edge importance of youth involvement in sport of their seats. The talent and skills were quite and physical activity, and the importance of evident, and as a sponsor, NGC had the the youth development tenet in NGC’s social satisfaction that its in-house programme, NGC responsibility programme. Right on Track, was impacting track and ﬁ eld in the education districts. The Moruga Police Station made a presentation of equipment (starting blocks and cones) The Caroni Games were held at the Manny to the Moruga Primary Schools’ Zonal Ramjohn Stadium while the St. Patrick Games Moruga Games Committee. These Games have always were held at Coronation Park. 3 Energy Brain Buster

TRUE OR FALSE

1. The Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra is located in Belmont. 2. Gonzales Sheikers Steel Orchestra Pan Theatre is used only to practise pan. 3. The NGC Trinidad and Tobago Sweet Tassa Group formed the Tassa Academy after attending capacity-building classes oered by NGC. 4. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago was featured at the NGC Bocas Lit Fest. 5. The Vance River Recreational Facility was handed over to the Siparia Regional Corporation. 6. NGC’s CSR programme has been supporting the Primary Schools Track and Field Games for many years in the Moruga Zone and in the St. Patrick District. 7. This year, two new CNG supply points were opened, NP Carrousel at Mon Repos roundabout in San Fernando and NP Ramco eastbound on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in Orange Grove. 8. The NGC CNG Company Limited made a series of incentives available for maxi taxi drivers only. 9. Two CNG converters are Burmac CNG and Dumore Enterprises. 10. National Energy is helping to provide a safer environment for the students and teachers of

Milton Presbyterian Primary School by installing safety signs. Answers: 1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. False 6. False 7. True 8. False 9. True 10. True 10. True 9. False 8. True 7. False 6. False 5. True 4. True 3. False 2. True 1. Answers:

Photo of the Month

Cocorite Palm with Fruit

Cocorite Palm with fruit found in the Morne L’Enfer Forest Reserve, an area included in NGC’s reforestation programme

Photography by Mark Lyndersay