COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

A big part of our social responsibility efforts at Methanex Trinidad is improving the well-being of the communities we operate in, both fenceline and national. Through community outreach efforts, we strive to understand what matters most to our neighbours and share information about our core values, operating practices and the benefits our operations bring to the country.

The following is a snapshot of the community relationships we have been building through our social responsibility pillars of Education, Responsible Care and Employee Partnership.

EDUCATION:

Supporting Higher Learning
We award four bursaries to students of The University of the West Indies – three in the faculty of Engineering and one open to all faculties.

Facelift for Kindergarten
Employees volunteered their days off to paint the classrooms, nursery and auditorium of the Inter-disciplinary Child Development Centre in Couva, where children from low-income families are looked after during the day. We also donated furniture that helped to brighten up the space.

Energy and Entrepreneurship
Methanex Trinidad was a prime sponsor of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago's premier Energy Conference 2011. The conference examined the impact of shale gas, facilitated debates on 'green' buildings and energy efficiency and gathered the major players in deepwater oil and gas exploration for tabletop discussions. In supporting young entrepreneurs, we offered promotional booth space to two small businesses, one specializing in renewable energy systems and the other a pioneer in safety in air conditioning.

Innovation and Leadership
Our Gold sponsorship of the 2011 Distinguished Leadership and Innovation Conference provided an opportunity for business leaders and young professionals to learn from one of the world's most respected experts on business competitiveness, Professor Michael E. Porter.

RESPONSIBLE CARE:

Eco-Heroes Walkathon benefits primary schools
Over 800 participants took part in our second annual Eco-Heroes Walkathon, raising close to $224,000 for projects such as library and playground upgrades and learning initiatives that will enhance the environment of eight primary schools in the Chaguanas community.

Powered By Methanol
Methanex Trinidad has teamed up with champion drag racer and world record holder, Sheldon Bissessar, a young entrepreneur from Savonetta, to sponsor his participation in several international races in 2010/2011. Sheldon has competed successfully on the US drag racing circuit for 23 years, using 100 percent methanol to fuel his vehicle for the past six years.

Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
Established in 2003, Methanex Trinidad's CAP is made up of fenceline community residents who work in a progressive partnership with the company to build a better understanding of issues that concern both and to implement solutions. Methanex Trinidad has taken the relationship a step further by facilitating workshops for teenagers and adults on topics such as the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy; Self Esteem and Career Guidance; Fabric Design; Personal Safety Awareness; Anger Management; and First Aid/CPR.

Methanex Trinidad also participates on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate's Community Awareness and Emergency Response program (CAER) committee which interacts with youth groups, local village councils and the community to address education, health, safety and environmental concerns.

EMPLOYEE PARTNERSHIP:

$250,000 to Five Charities on Our Fifth Anniversary
The following five charities each received TT$50,000 to mark Methanex Trinidad's fifth anniversary:

• The Just Because Foundation (JBF) for short-term accommodation for child cancer patients and their families;
• Arrive Alive Trinidad and Tobago for the "United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety" campaign;
• A.R.R.O.W. Learn IT for the introduction of a leading literacy program to primary and secondary schools in Tobago;
• Nature Seekers for the Leatherback Sea Turtle conservation program;
• Methanex's Community Advisory Panel for training 100 residents within Methanex's fenceline community in certified First Aid and CPR.

"Recognizing the Value of People" Award
In 2010, for the second consecutive year, the Energy Chamber's CSR Leadership Award recognized Methanex Trinidad as the best local employer for "Recognizing the Value of People". The award was based solely on employees' opinions about their company, rather than what the company said about itself.

Mentoring Children... Sheltering Families
For the past four years, Methanex employee volunteers have coached secondary school students from low-income families on academics, life topics and social skills. The company also provides funding for student uniforms, books, transportation, workshop materials and social activities. In 2009, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, we extended this program by supporting the construction/renovation of one student's family house each year.