The administrative employees at the Barbados Port Inc.(BPI) now have a new state-of-the-art building from which to operate. It will also be the new home of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy.
“Cube Blue” was officially opened this morning by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and Sir Roy Trotman, during a ceremony.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the BPI, David Jean-Marie, indicated that this was a welcomed upgrade, noting that the previous office space had developed infrastructural issues over its 41-year existence, and was no longer conducive to a safe and productive work environment.
“This building is a credit to all those who have worked over the past few years, to bring it from conception to completion. It is a new landmark on the corporate landscape of Barbados, and provides BPI and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy with an impressive new base to pursue their respective mandates,” he said.
Mr. Jean-Marie also reiterated BPI’s commitment to enhance operations at the port, so as to make it easier to conduct business there.
Meanwhile, BPI Chairman, Peter Odle, described the building as “symbolic of our future endeavour to be the most innovative, green maritime hub in the world”.
“It is also representative of the increasing elevation of the blue economy within Barbados economic development. Its name embodies not only its cuboid architectural design, but everything synonymous with oceanic economic activities in an integrated and sustainable way,” he added.
According to Mr. Odle, the new infrastructure allows the BPI to offer the modern amenities that meet the expectations of employees, as well the widely diverse clientele, to satisfy the requisites for safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Located near the old administrative building, the four-storey “Cube Blue” boasts energy efficiency, as 40 per cent of its power is sourced from solar photovoltaic systems on the roof and car ports. The architectural design allows for natural lighting, and the building is outfitted with energy efficient lightning and water saving technology.