20 YEARS OF SERVICE: Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, the Hon. Denis Kellman, made a presentation to Lydia Bishop on this achievement during the Rural Development Commission’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony.
Osmond Harewood, Senior Field Officer at the Rural Development Commission (RDC), was recognised for his ten years of service during the RDC’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. Director (Ag.) of RDC, Randolph Outram, made the presentation.
From left: Brenda Robertson, Board Member of the Rural Development Commission (RDC), presenting Annette Clarke, Deputy Director (Ag.) of RDC, with a token of appreciation for her five years of service.
Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, is of the opinion that open spaces across Barbados must be developed and used as economic zones.
Yesterday, addressing the Rural Development Commission’s (RDC) 20th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, he revealed that RDC has embarked on two community tourism-oriented projects in St. Lucy at Stroud Bay and Archer’s Bay. In addition, he shared that they are currently discussing the development of another one at St. Mark’s Church, St. John with personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Works.
“We are seeking to develop access to a natural cave there, so that tourists and locals alike can enjoy its beauty. There will also be a space for community vending and we will develop areas overlooking places like the East Coast of Barbados and Lamberts Hill, to take advantage of the beauty of rural Barbados,” he disclosed, pointing out that such initiatives will enhance the tourism product and industry and benefit the people of Barbados.
Another project RDC is embarking on, Kellman said, is of a matter of public safety and access through the creation of a link road between Clinketts and Sutherland Hill, St. Lucy. He indicated that the application for that project has been approved by the Town and Country Planning Department, and that it will also be used as access to higher lands in case of a tsunami.
During the ceremony held at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), the Minister lauded the work of the RDC, which proudly boasts of housing solutions, road construction and especially on lending over $11 million to over 1 400 clients.
However, he stressed that all of these projects over the last 20 years would not be possible without the staff of the Commission, who use their technical expertise and other areas of skills to get the job done.
“This accomplishment, which brings me the greatest joy, is due to the committed staff of the RDC, some of whom have rallied the full course of 20 years and delivered with dedication and dignity to the range of clients whom we have served.”
Regardless of the difficulties encountered along the way, RDC Director (Ag.), Randolph Outram, said that his staff never surrendered, but always gave of their best.
“I want to thank you for your service and express satisfaction at captaining this ship on this momentous occasion – our 20th year. Cheers to the employees of the Rural Development Commission.
“The Board and Management of the Commission appreciated all that you did over the last 20 years, and wish to inspire you to a greater effort in the future,” he expressed. (TL)
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