Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) continued its program of environmental sustainability and stakeholder support with the donation of freighting pallets to the Rural Development Commission on Friday.
The donation is in keeping with BPI’s mission to have an accessible port with a strategic corporate social responsibility focus. The pallets will be used in the Barbados Sustainability Recovery Program, which focuses on reducing the food bill at rural homes and sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
Public relations officer at the Rural Development Commission, Wendy Burke said she was thankful to BPI for understanding the scope and importance of the project, and coming to the assistance of the Commission.
“We are going to offer the individuals in our project a cost-effective method of planting. These pallets are for persons who do not have land space to plant; individuals can build the pallet structure, pour soil into it and grow various herbs and vegetables.” Also, Burke noted that the project is expected to contribute to the national good by reducing the food import bill.
Captain Karl Branch, Divisional Manager, Corporate Development, and Strategy, handed over the pallets on behalf of BPI and expressed his delight that they were to serve a worthwhile, environmentally-friendly purpose.
“These pallets are largely a bi-product of our container unstuffing operation, and as such the inspection, selection and sorting of suitable and clean pallets are the result of the collective effort of the port’s Terminal Operations family.”
He further added, “The Commission’s objective to develop the sustainability of the Barbadian family is an added incentive for us. The Port family regards the effort associated with this activity as our civic duty to support the Commission’s innovative national cause.”
It is planned that repurposing of pallets will become a routine exercise as part of the BPI’s sustainability initiatives.
In the true spirit of love, the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) on Wednesday, February 14, donated $10,000 worth of fans, blood pressure monitors, and refrigerators to the patients of the Geriatric Hospital on Beckles Road.
The annual initiative is an important part of BPI’s community outreach programme. Now in its fifth year, through this sponsorship the BPI has forged close ties with the Hospital to stay abreast of its most pressing needs, and assist in providing quality healthcare for the seniors residing there.
Speaking at the presentation, CEO of the BPI David Jean-Marie made a call for more companies to be socially responsive. “We make contributions like this every year because we understand the importance of engaging in social outreach programmes – being able to honour those who have served us and our country well over the years. Indeed the love shared here today must be demonstrated by more members of our society, and I therefore encourage companies to get on board with initiatives such as this, as part of their corporate social responsibility.”
Hospital Manager Joanell Oxley-Worrell thanked Jean-Marie and other BPI representatives in attendance for their generous donations and continuous support. “The Geriatric Hospital is very appreciative of this contribution, as these items received today will certainly assist our caregivers in the delivery of care to the elderly.”
BPI has previously donated gifts, toiletries, and purpose-built chairs along with other essential contributions to the Hospital, as part of the ongoing relationship.
The arrival of Costa Pacifica, one cruise liner in Costa’s fleet of 12, was marked on Dec. 19 by an inaugural ceremony and plaque exchange between the ship’s captain Roberto Bosio and Assistant Manager, Port Security Services, Lieutenant Commander Fernella Cordle.
This inaugural ceremony marked the 12th ceremony and plaque exchange held this season. These inaugural ceremonies are held to officially acknowledge the vessel’s first arrival at Port of Bridgetown.
They represent a gesture of goodwill between the ship’s officials and officials from the Port of Bridgetown. Addressing guests at the ceremony, which was held on deck eight on the bridge, Bosio said, “Today, we are truly excited to be in Barbados. It is a pleasure to be here experiencing the sunshine. On board, we have a multicultural diverse group of people — different nationalities, religions and cultures. Everyone works together to ensure the guests experience the best we have to offer.”
Cordle welcomed the captain and his team to the island and said, “On behalf of the government and people of Barbados, we want to welcome you to the Port of Bridgetown. We have had a long relationship with you, and we intend to continue to foster a better friendship going forward in the years to come.”
With Costa Pacifica, guests can enjoy their experience at sea aboard the 14-deck ship. The cruise features exciting shows and several dining options. The 2,580 passengers and 1,036 crew aboard the luxury cruise liner can experience an impressive art exhibition, discos, a casino, shopping centers, a theatre, restaurants, bars, an outdoor track and multipurpose sports pitch.
The ship is on a 15-day cruise from the Port of Malaga, Spain. Costa Pacifica’s other ports of call include Guadeloupe; Scarborough, Tobago; Willemstad, Curacao; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Port of Oranjestad, Aruba; and Castries, St. Lucia.
