RDC celebrates 20 year anniversary

2016 is the year Barbados celebrates its 50th anniversary, but this year is also a year of celebration for the Rural Development Commission (RDC), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

 

Speaking at the Open Day that the RDC held in celebration at its headquarters on Friday morning, the Director of the Commission, Randolph Outram, explained that the Open Day was just another phase in the celebration process.

 

He revealed that the celebrations actually began in August, as they had held a church service at the St. Lucy Parish Church to commemorate the beginning of the celebrations. Outram said that for 20 years, from 1996 to 2016, the Commission provided many solutions to the housing, roads and electrification problems of the island. He added that the Commission has also “assisted in the development of a lot of small businesses around Barbados.”

 

The Director explained that the Open Day was a part of their 20th celebrations and was a way to provide to the public a chance to see their offices, as well as see exactly what the RDC does. He noted that some of the exhibitions on display were by their clients, staff, and other

government agencies. Outram added that the morning was also a time to acknowledge the commitment of six of their loan clients who obtained loans from the RDC over the years, and have used the money that they have invested from the Commission wisely, turning their businesses into successful ones, as well as honouring the commitments that they had with the RDC. 

 

One such successful business owner was Debbieann Edwards. She grew her business of making clothes, to making beautiful handbags out of burlap and finding creative ways to decorate them. One of her pieces was cleverly decorated with one cent coins while another handbag had painted seashells. She now owns a store, Debbie’s Closet, located in Pelican Village. 

 

Edwards was also one of the loan clients that was rewarded. The RDC awarded her for her contribution, commitment and performance in the manufacturing of handbags. Joseph Hackett was awarded for his contribution of fruit and orchards in the agricultural sector.

 

Ronald Sealy was rewarded for his outstanding contribution in the production of vegetables in the agriculture sector.

 

Amy Lemane and Sandra Weekes were awarded for their outstanding contribution, commitment and performance in the manufacturing of aromatherapy products and services area. However, they were unable to attend and a representative of the company, Earth Mother Botanicals, Vele Lucas, graciously accepted the award on their behalf.