A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 3
22
Annual Report 2013
Gypsum and Lime Operations
TheGroup’s gypsumminingoperation in Jamaica continued
to be scaled back, with the remaining acceptable quality
gypsum in the Bito area being extracted for consumption
at the plant.
Developmental work continued in 2013 with respect to
the Halberstadt Quarry in terms of obtaining the required
statutory approvals to commence mining, and to improve
the infrastructure, so that product could be efficiently
mined.
In 2013, there was no production at ACCL’s Lime Division
in Barbados. The plant was kept off line and will be moth
balled.
5.0 GROUP DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Group developmental activities continued to be restricted
in 2013 due to cash constraints and specific loan covenants:
Haiti
While the Cement Warehouse and Terminal Project in
Haiti had been put ‘on hold’, the Group continued to sell
several thousand tonnes of cement on a monthly basis
through two (2) major players in the market.
Housing
RML expects to imminently receive final approvals from
the relevant state agencies to construct a housing
development (a gated community) on approximately two
hundred acres of pristine land in Arima.
Concrete Roads and Soil Stabilisation
In Jamaica, CCCL continued to engage and sensitise the
public and key stakeholders on concrete roads. Technical
presentations were made to a wide group of stakeholders
including the Institute of Engineers, the Planning Institute
of Jamaica, central government agencies and local
councils. The National Works Agency will be embarking
on a road rehabilitation programme in 2014, designated
as ‘The Major Infrastructure Development Programme’.
In Trinidad, TCL ramped up its promotion of soil/slope
stabilisation with cement and concrete roads. The Ministry
of Agriculture has committed to such implementation in
2014.
French West Indies Market Entry
After a protracted and frustrating process, ACCL attained
the ‘AFNOR NF Certification’ in February 2013. During
2013, ACCL exported 2,300 metric tonnes to the French
West Indies, most of it to French Guiana.
6.0 HUMAN CAPITAL/INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Industrial peace was generally maintained at all Group
operations.
At Trinidad, the slow process of healing and re-alignment
by some staff continued, with direct interventions by
Management and deliberatemorale-building programmes.
TCL is awaiting the judgment from the Industrial Court
on wages and is going through the process of defending
Management’s decision to dismiss several employees who
misconducted themselves during the 2012 strike.
At Jamaica, negotiations for new Collective Agreements,
which expired during 2013, were successfully concluded
with minimal disruptions to the operations.
At Barbados, the Management continued to keep its staff
abreast of ACCL’s current position and the strategies being
pursued for its successful turnaround.
The Group continues to focus on and strengthen its
main organisational resource, its employees, through
deliberately executed programmes towards enhancing
the Group’s resilience in overcoming the challenges of our
time.
7.0 PUBLIC RELATIONS
Communication throughout the Group focused on the
company’s turnaround following the 2012 industrial
impasse. New, aswell as existing initiatives and technologies
were also given prominence throughout the year. These
included the re-designed multimedia communication
platforms: the TCL website and the Group’s internal
magazine, the Conveyor Xpress. Technologies, including
the Soil Cement Stabilisation technique and Concrete
Roads were also heavily promoted. The TCL Learning
Academy, which imparts a holistic construction technology
curriculum to students and industry professionals
throughout the Caribbean region was adequately profiled.
In Trinidad, TCL ramped up its promotion of soil/slope stabilisation with cement and concrete
roads. The Ministry of Agriculture has committed to such implementation in 2014.
Group CEO’s Report &
Management Discussion 2013 (continued)
