Chairman of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, John Rocheford, recognising BIDC employee Sheena Thorne for her ten years of service at the organisation’s Christmas luncheon. (J.Weekes/BGIS)
Long serving staff of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) were awarded for their commitment during the organization’s Christmas luncheon.
Administrative Officer, Ottley Cox-Burrowes, was rewarded for 40 years of service to the company, while Business Development Officer, Coral Taylor, was recognized for her 30 years. Ross Butcher and Sheraldine Brathwaite each received awards for 25 years of service.
Speaking at the event was Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin, who thanked the employees for their “continued commitment”.
“You have … delivered on your mandate to help clients seize every opportunity to develop their business, compete for local customer loyalty… and even export and enter new markets…. To the staff of the BIDC, your contribution this year is highly valued and appreciated,” Minister Toppin said.
He emphasized that the BIDC has been the vanguard of Barbados’ export drive and business development and insisted that the organization’s efforts to embrace and promote technology and innovation through activities, such as the Blue Flame Hackathon, had not gone unnoticed.
“You have been working to build internationally competitive businesses and facilitate business development across several sectors and strata of business enterprise. Such innovative and development interventions are very much needed now and into the New Year as we work to ensure that the Barbadian economy recovers,” the Industry Minister stated.
Also addressing staff was Chairman of the BIDC, John Rocheford. He noted that although the company had faced challenges and changes throughout the year, the BIDC had been “steadfast and persistent” in its mission to create and add value.
He said: “2018 has been a testing year for many businesses. The BIDC has sought through its programmes and projects, workshops and capacity building initiatives, to help companies weather the storm and turn these challenges into opportunities.”
Nonetheless, Mr. Rocheford expressed gratitude to staff for their “extraordinary efforts” in 2018. Pointing to the BIDC’s flagship event, Innovate Barbados, he commended “Team BIDC” for its vision, hard work and dedication.
“I am extremely happy to have this opportunity to work with you, some of the finest minds and talents in what we do. You are the reason that the BIDC is positioned as a key public agency!” he lauded.
Also awarded were retirees Joan Elcock and Denson Campbell and long service employees Ryan Nurse and Michael Williams for their 20 years and Patrick Beckles for 15.
Those celebrating 10 years were Lucille Atkinson-Reeves, Jason Cadogan, Pedro Hutchinson, Adrian Jordan, Paul Massiah, Chauntel Thomas, Sheena Thorne and Lydia McClean.