Elvina Rollins is presented with the STAR Award by TVETC’s Chairman Dr. Albert Best. This award is given to the staff member who has consistently excelled in his or her position, has made outstanding contributions in the area of service, among other things. (H. Reece/TVET Council)

Council members, management and staff of the TVET Council (TVETC) Barbados joined together for the annual Christmas Luncheon & Staff Awards, which took place last Friday on its grounds at Hastings, Christ Church.

The festive occasion, which took the form of a lime this year, saw staff members being awarded for a number of areas, including Excellent Attendance, Perfect Attendance, Length of Service, Teamwork, and, outstanding Performance.

During brief welcome remarks, Chairman Dr. Albert Best reflected on the activities of the Council, which took place despite the COVID-19 environment in which the staff members had to function.

“When we met this time last year, we could not have envisioned what a difference a year could make. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world, our region and Barbados, bringing about changes – some very bad but some much needed,” Dr. Best said, while acknowledging the organisation’s move to mostly virtual/online meetings, and an increased digital presence. 

Reflecting on the work of the Council during 2020, he congratulated the staff on the development and seamless implementation of its COVID-19 protocols, while continuing its work with little to no disruptions.

He noted that activities for the year included the start of efforts to purchase the Balmoral Gap, Hastings, Christ Church property where the TVETC is located as its permanent headquarters; the establishment of a Lifelong Learning Unit to provide Continuing Professional Development for professional associations and the wider sectors; and the hosting of the Fifth Biennial WorldSkills Barbados 2020 Competition, despite the COVID-19 protocols which resulted in a delay from May to November 2020, and the livestreaming of the competition.

Dr. Best explained: “The Lifelong Learning Unit will provide training for the various sectors where there are wide training gaps in those sectors that cannot presently be supplied by the existing providers.”

Gale Alleyne accepts her award from TVETC’s Chairman Dr. Albert Best. The Unsung Hero Award recognises persons who consistently go above and beyond to help accomplish tasks. (H. Reece/TVET Council)

The full list of 2020 awardees is as follows:

Excellent Attendance – Antoinette Lashley, Maria-Louise Price-Trotman, Rosline Cumberbatch, Coral Ann Callender, Nicole Collymore, and Cindy Ferdinand.

Perfect Attendance – Gale Alleyne, Daniel Best, Felix Delice, Wendy McClean, Arleen Murrell-Crichlow, and Constance Prescott.

Long Service Award – Shirleen Inniss – 10 years

The Executive Director’s Teamwork Awards – This award went to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee. OSH is responsible for the safety, security, health and wellness – physical, mental and emotional – of the organisation’s members as well as executing a calendar of events for staff. In 2020 one of those responsibilities, the occupational safety and health of the organization became a priority as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Executive Director’s Teamwork Award was presented to: Shirleen Inniss (Chairman), Peter Alleyne, Daniel Best, Sarah Gilkes-Daniel, Samantha Jones, Antoinette Lashley, Wendy McClean and Maria-Louise Price-Trotman.

Stepping Up to the Plate – Additionally, this special teamwork award was presented to three individuals who were not members of the OSH Committee, but who went ‘above and beyond’ when called upon to assist with projects executed by the committee: Gale Alleyne, Felix Delice and Marlyn Rawlins.  

TVET Council Barbados

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