Author: npwp

In an effort to meet the needs of vulnerable groups and those in need of support during this COVID-19 pandemic, the Trinidad & Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) on Wednesday 6 th May 2020, made a donation to the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) towards relief food hampers.

NP’s donation will aid in the distribution of food hampers to civil society organisations in need, Forecourt Attendants and other Service Station personnel who are braving the outbreak and the most vulnerable families within the Company’s fenceline communities in Sea Lots, Beetham Gardens, John John, Laventille and environs.
On hand for the donation, NP’s Chief Executive Officer (Ag), John Gormandy noted that “now more than ever organisations needed to shift gears and join the fight against COVID-19, by pledging support, mobilizing operation and providing financial support for vulnerable individuals and communities”.
NP has risen to the challenge to support families, frontline healthcare professionals and vulnerable individuals affected by this pandemic and will continue to work with trusted NGOs to help people and communities cope with the unprecedented health, social and economic challenges produced by the pandemic.

The Trinidad & Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) has joined the collective fight against COVID-19 by doing more to support households, frontline workers, low-income families and the elderly in meaningful and tangible ways. In addition to the proactive measures taken throughout its Service Station network to
minimize the spread of the virus, NP’s COVID-19 relief activities range from food hamper distribution, free gas cards for healthcare professionals, free Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) exchanges for vulnerable senior citizens and the waiver of refuelling costs for the flight to bring medical personnel from Cuba to T&T.

NP has scaled up its relief operations to respond to the diverse needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the following ways:

Distribution of 20lb Gas Cylinders to Senior Citizens – armed with a list of vulnerable individuals provided by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, NP GAS has begun facilitating the delivery and exchange of empty 20lb LPG / Cooking Gas cylinders for FREE full ones, for more than 1000 senior citizens across Trinidad and Tobago, free of charge. The need to self-isolate, to keep safe has deprived many seniors of their level of independence and freedom
of mobility. Being housebound, many who live alone are restricted in their ability to replenish much-needed supplies and this initiative is NP’s way of helping, while keeping them safe.

 Distribution of FREE Gas Cards – in recognition and appreciation for healthcare workers and supporting staff, free gas cards will be given out in the coming week to deserving employees identified by the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), namely the North-Central RHA, South-West RHA, North-West RHA, Eastern RHA and the Tobago RHA. Traditional frontline healthcare workers play a critical role in this crisis and are to be praised for their courage and commitment. But there are many other deserving staff in administrative roles and support services who represent the full spectrum of services across all health facilities at the RHAs. In expressing his gratitude for the kind gesture, Dr. Brian Armour, CEO, South-West RHA applauded the tireless efforts of RHA staff to “ensure a sanitized and clean environment, support patient care and mobilize personal health, equipment and consumable resources quickly to support frontline efforts” and he acknowledged that they are “all deserving of any support and recognition for their efforts.”

 Donation to the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) – NP has begun to work with FEEL for the purchase of relief food hampers for distribution to civil society organisations in need, including Forecourt Attendants and other Service Station personnel who are braving the outbreak.

 Waiver of refuelling costs for flight to bring Medical personnel from Cuba –the cost of 21,274 litres of Jet A-1 fuel was waivered to facilitate the flight that transported medical personnel from Cuba to Trinidad and Tobago, to help in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

NP has risen to the challenge to support families, frontline healthcare professionals and vulnerable individuals affected by this pandemic and will continue to work with trusted NGOs and our valued LPG Distributors to help people and communities cope with the unprecedented health, social and economic challenges produced by the pandemic.

Offering A Helping Hand: an elderly householder receives a FREE NP Gas 20lb LPG Cylinder exchange delivered directly to her home from a representative of one of NP’s LPG Distributors. This initiative
forms part of NP’s relief activities to help those most affected by COVID-19.

NP Ultra Lubricants has entered an agreement with Total Convenience Management (TCM) to supply fully synthetic and hybrid lubricants and technical services. The strategic agreement was formalized on Friday 27 th March 2020, at NP’s Sea Lots, POS, Head Office and is an acknowledgement of Ultra Lubricants’ engine oil quality and cutting-edge technology and reflects TCM and NP’s shared commitment to the delivery of premium products and services to the local market.

This supply agreement with the TCM Group is a cause for celebration for both parties, particularly since TCM in January 2020, secured the prestigious ‘Deloitte Best Managed Company’ Award which speaks volumes to their ongoing commitment to looking inward and benchmarking their practices with the best in the world. In addition to the supply of the comprehensive range of lubricating oils and other automotive products, full access to NP’s technical services is a key component of the agreement.

NP prides itself in serving its clients to the utmost standard and in this case, there is a natural nexus between the TCM’s vision to continue their relentless pursuit of delivering World Class Service and Ultra Lubricants’ World-Class standing as an OEM approved and API Certified lubricant.

Commenting on the opportune timing of this agreement, TCM’s Managing Director, Robert Visser stated that “because of our multi-national Corporate clients and expansive fleet, from a technical standpoint it makes good business sense to seek out new methods and approaches to optimise our operations and elevate the status of our fleet’s performance and reputation. Signing this agreement with NP Ultra Lubricants supports these objectives.”

This is a momentous victory for the Ultra Lubricants brand as the TCM name, like the Ultra Lubricants name, is synonymous with excellence due to their outstanding operational and technical service. NP Ultra Lubricants stand ready to enhance the performance of their already reputable fleet.

NP wishes to reassure the public that THERE IS NO TRUTH TO THE RUMOURS OF A SHORTAGE of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Cooking Gas in Trinidad or in Tobago. There remains an adequate and consistent supply of product and distribution is ongoing to ensure that LPG continues to be widely available for sale throughout our regular distribution points, and the 100lb cylinders through NP’s Authorized Distributors /Contractors.

Moreover, we wish to make an appeal to consumers to maintain their normal purchasing patterns as much as possible, and avoid panic-buying and hoarding the cylinders which only serves to disrupt distribution through the normal supply chain and create ‘artificial’ LPG shortages at the Service Stations and at the various
distribution points.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, NP understands the vital role our services play in the communities we serve in Trinidad and Tobago and NP’s Business Continuity Plan is being actively implemented to minimise disruptions and/or mitigate the impact, if a disruption occurs, while maintaining critical
operations.

NP continues to meet the fuel distribution and LPG/ Cooking gas needs of the Country in a timely manner and is ensuring the public that there remains a reliable and continuous supply of liquid fuels, aviation fuel, lubricants and cooking gas to the local markets.

NP wishes to reassure the public that THERE IS NO TRUTH TO THE RUMOURS OF A SHORTAGE of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Cooking Gas in Trinidad or in Tobago. There remains an adequate and consistent supply of product and distribution is ongoing to ensure that LPG continues to be widely available for sale throughout our regular distribution points, and the 100lb cylinders through NP’s Authorized Distributors /Contractors.

Moreover, we wish to make an appeal to consumers to maintain their normal purchasing patterns and avoid panic-buying and hoarding the cylinders which will only serve to disrupt distribution through the normal supply chain and create ‘artificial’ LPG shortages at the Service Stations and at the various distribution points.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, NP understands the vital role our services play in the communities we serve in Trinidad and Tobago and NP’s Business Continuity Plan is being actively implemented to minimise disruptions and/or mitigate the impact, if a disruption occurs, while maintaining critical operations. NP is meeting the fuel distribution and LPG/cooking gas needs of the Country in a timely manner and is ensuring the reliable and continuous supply of liquid fuels, aviation fuel, lubricants and cooking gas to the local market.

NP is aware of the statement issued by Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited regarding its decision to stop the supply of fuel to the other wholesaler.

As the largest Service Station network operator in Trinidad and Tobago, we wish to assure the public that NP has the ability to provide a continuous and reliable supply of fuel across the Country.

Additionally, with an extensive Service Station network of over 115 Stations and a supply chain that distributes fuel seven (7) days a week, NP has the resources necessary to meet the increased demands and to ensure the reliability of the supply to all customers.

Furthermore, motorists are encouraged to maintain their normal purchasing patterns and avoid panic-buying which will only serve to cause fuel shortages at the pump and create unnecessary traffic congestion at the Service Station locations.

NP remains committed to providing a reliable and convenient supply of quality fuel to our valued customers and communities.

A delegation of fifteen (15) Trinidad and Tobago companies including NP joined with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) from April 17 – 21 2018 in Jamaica, for what proved to be a valuable trade mission which exposed delegates to the potential market, consumer trends and networking opportunities.

 

Led by Norris Herbert, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Mr. Christopher Alcazar, President TTMA, the key goals for the mission were to focus on building closer ties with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in Jamaica and to strengthen and increase the bilateral trade relations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

 

With the goal of exploring and developing plans for collaboration as well as to develop on-the-ground pilot projects indicated by the Lubricant Business Unit and potential strategic partners in Jamaica, Ultra’s involvement was to gain a clearer understanding of the Jamaica market and opportunities that may be available for growth.

Motivated by the desire to change negative perceptions and the negative portrayals of their school on social media, students from the St. Dominic’s Children’s Home and twenty (20) students of the Barataria North Secondary School jumped at the opportunity to use their newfound skills acquired from an NPMC-sponsored six (6) week Barbering programme at the home/school, to give free haircuts to the residents of the Memisa Centre in Arima. Trained in basic barbering techniques by Donald James, of the Professional Barbering School, the students all eagerly embraced the opportunity to give back to those in need.

Barbering Programme Supports Students in making a CLEAN CUT.

Recognising that some students thrive outside of the classroom environment, NPMC sought to collaborate with the schools through this Barbering Programme to give the students a taste of life outside of the classroom and allow them to bridge the gap between education and future employment. The success of this venture has opened the door for a wider Company-sponsored programme that will inspire and deliver practical skills to youth who are motivated by learning that’s linked to an occupation and real experiences.

Performing Together in Harmony

Creativity once again took centre stage, when for three-year period, NPMC hosted over 150 campers from the Beetham, Sea Lots and Laventille community gathered at the Russel Latapy Government Secondary School (year 1) and the Laventille Community Complex to participate in the annual Fuelling the Arts Vacation Camp which took place in July each year. The three-week performing arts camp, which catered for first formers, promoted a culture of creativity through several engaging activities.

An extension of NPMC’s Corporate Socially Responsible initiative, the camp was a supervised programme that immersed the campers in a unique hands-on learning environment which integrated essential life skills. The life skills activities, a huge component of the camp each year, are designed to enrich the campers’ skills and attitudes to face certain issues in the future as they are taught how to handle their emotions and different feelings, develop self-confidence, gain emotional intelligence and demonstrate positive behaviour towards their families, friends and classmates.

Among the many fun-filled offerings at the camp each year were dance, theatre, spoken word, fashion, jewellery design, drumming, music, singing and sports. In reflecting on the Camp’s success, NPMC appealed to the many parents /guardians to continue inspiring the campers by reminding them of their capabilities and motivating them to continue to use their talents, abilities and skills in ways that were both personally fulfilling, and have a positive impact on others and the society at large.