KILN 5 COMMUNITY PAVING PROJECT

February 23, 2010

The Kiln 5 project was "never simply about erecting concrete and steel" so said, Kiln 5 project manager, Ken Wiltshire at the launch of the Kiln 5 Community Paving project at Carib Cement's Rockfort plant. He indicated that the importance of developing the human capital was and continues to be an extremely important part of the project.

To ensure a better and safer work environment for employees the area surrounding the new kiln will be paved using labour from the community. This is a $35 million project for which twenty one persons from the community will be trained by concrete expert, Dr. Robin Osborne.

Dr. Osborne is a former senior lecturer in civil engineering at the University of the West Indies and has trained many of the region's civil engineers. He has been a major contributor to numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops within the Commonwealth Caribbean and beyond regarding concrete and other materials.

Some of the persons in this programme were previously trained and worked on the construction of Kiln 5. Carib Cement had contracted the HEART Trust/NTA to train and certify 250 persons from the community in various construction skills. Many of these persons were employed on the project and according to project manager Wiltshire, distinguished themselves, evidenced by the exemplary safety, efficiency and quality record.

General manager Anthony Haynes added that a part of Carib Cement's mission was to build the capacity of the people both within the company and the community. He told the trainees that he expected them to be focused and professional and "a beacon of hope and an example for the rest of the community".

The Carib Cement Kiln 5 Community Paving project is scheduled for completion in ten months.

Dr. Robin Osborne conducted a training session for members of the community who will work on Carib Cement's Kiln 5 Community Paving project. Here are some photos...