Endeavour Magazine April 2018

APRIL 2018

www.endeavourmagazine.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published

by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road Suite 10, Thorpe House London 79 Thorpe Road EC1 V1LR Norwich, NR1 1UA Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing

W

hat a selection this month!

However, as we look to the future in this

Right

spring

month of new beginnings, we also have to

beginning in earnest in the

mark an ending. In our Focus piece, we take

Northern Hemisphere, we’ve covered some

a look back at a remarkable life and mind

incredible stories of hope and new birth in

that sadly isn’t joining April with us; Stephen

our April issue. In our cover story, we spoke

Hawking, the British theoretical physicist

with Teranga Gold Corporation, a Canadian

and, until his passing on March 14th, one

gold producer that is making an incredible

of the smartest people alive in modern day.

in

time

for

difference to the communities it works with in French West Africa. From health clinics to training programmes to agriculture, this soon-to-be-mid-tier producer is working closely with the government and villages alike to set up long-term support for the areas they mine in.

Meanwhile, in our Amazing World series, we took a look at a new technology developed by scientists at the University of

California

and

the

Massachusetts

Institute of Technology (MIT) that could revolutionise life and agriculture in arid climates and water-scarce areas, by cleanly and sustainably drawing moisture from desert air. The list of amazing ramifications

writers and/or in advertisements included in this

keeps growing the longer it’s thought about

magazine do not necessarily represent those of

– if even there was a project to back, in this

the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

Editor’s humble opinion, it’s this one.

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

From innovative discoveries to unexplained

the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the

ones, our Amazing World series also took

publishers for loss arising from use of information

a look at the illusive secrets of Oak Island,

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

long the obsession and vexation of treasure

publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

hunters, conspiracy theorists and even

by any means without the prior written consent of

Presidents. With undeciphered tablets

the publisher.

and rumours of buried riches, this real-life

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018

puzzle is a movie-worthy mystery.

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

54 TOFCO FEATURES

38 PT INDODRILL INDONESIA 4 | Endeavour Magazine

16

24

32

38

44

54

60

66

74

80

86

96

102

110

116

122

128

134

Teranga Gold Corporation Lasting Treasure Surdeen Equipment “S.E.T. To Keep You Going” Mc Frys Ltd On The Move PT Indodrill Indonesia Professional To The Core Wellocks Impeccable Taste TOFCO Their Brother’s Keeper TSU Protection Services Safety First Royal Castle Trinidadian Culture, Trinidadian Taste Nomad Adventure Africa Tours The Call Of The Wild Ed Zublin AG From The Ground Up MovieTowne Movie Magic Eilbeck Cranes Towering Success Caribbean Association of Banks Protect And Promote Mario’s Pizzeria Topping The Trend AAJ Rising To The Challenge Emirates Post Group Delivering Quality National Energy Powering Up SAIA Insuring The Future

24 SURDEEN EQUIPMENT ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Americas Middle East Europe Asia Africa

12

Focus Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)

30 52 108

Amazing World Moisture farms - Soon A Reality?

The Mystery Of Oak Island Hemp, Hemp, Hooray!

92

Automotives Volvo Group: Polestar 1

44 WELLOCKS Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES AMERICAS MARCH FOR OUR LIVES: HUGE GUNCONTROL RALLIES SWEEP US

operating cash flow of US$7.4 million as of

classes. An AR-15 was used in the Florida

March 25.

high school massacre.

Remington

owns

Rev. Sean Moon is the son of the Rev.

On March 24th, hundreds of thousands

several other gun manufacturers including

Sun Myung Moon, a self-proclaimed messiah

of protesters took to the streets across the

Marlin and Bushmaster, says sales in 2017

who founded the Unification Church, often

US to call for tighter gun control.

were just over $600 million, down more

described as a cult.

Organized by Emma Gonzalez and fellow

Outdoors,

which

than 30 percent from 2016.

Guns were zip-tied at the door, but

students from Parkland, Florida, the March

Interestingly, Remington and other gun

For Our Lives movement arose after a school

manufacturers saw sharp sales declines

shooting killed 17 people. The shooting took

following the 2016 presidential election, as

place on Valentine’s Day.

customers apparently saw less urgency to

At the march in Washington, DC, Emma

stockpile firearms under Donald Trump.

ammunition was not allowed in the church.

PETITION CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON ‘BIRTH TOURISM’ IN CANADA

Gonzalez addressed crowds of protestors

Remington also has substantial debt

A

woman

in

British

Columbia

is

with a powerful speech, followed by listing

the resolve. It is currently unclear when the

petitioning Canada’s federal government

the names of the victims and a held silence.

company hopes to emerge from bankruptcy.

to crack down on ‘birth tourism’, claiming

The speech and following silence lasted for

Remington is owned by private equity

that non-Canadian citizens are deliberately

six minutes, 20 seconds - the time it took for

giant Cerberus. After the 2012 massacre at

having babies at hospitals in Canada, so

the 17 victims to be killed.

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,

that their children will have access to

The numbers of protestors are estimated

Connecticut, Cerberus announced plans to

free healthcare, education and Canadian

at 1.2 million across the US, with more

exit the gun business, but could not find a

citizenship.

globally. More than 800 sister protests

buyer.

The petitioner, Kerry Starchuk, claims

were planned nationwide and abroad, with

that the problem is particularly acute at

solidarity events taking place in Edinburgh,

Richmond Hospital, where a child is born to

London, Geneva, Sydney and Tokyo.

a non-Canadian mother approximately once

Singers Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Lin-

a day.

Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt performed

All of these children immediately become

on a stage erected in front of the US Capitol

Canadian citizens, by virtue of the fact they

building.

are born on Canadian soil. An investigation

The

music

was

interspersed

with

in 2016 found this trend to be on the rise.

speeches from impassioned youth leaders.

Starchuk told CTV Vancouver that she’d

Some came from children who are just 11

rather see these mothers contribute to

years old, including Naomi Wadler, from Virginia, who spoke “to represent AfricanAmerican girls whose stories don’t make the front page of every national newspaper”.

OLDEST GUN MANUFACTURER IN THE UNITED STATES FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY; GUN SALES IN DECLINE

US ‘MOONIES’ HOLD GUN BLESSING CEREMONY FOR COUPLES WITH AR-15 RIFLES Worshippers

clutching

AR-15

rifles

drank holy wine and exchanged wedding vows in a commitment ceremony at the World Peace and Unification Sanctuary.

The Rev. Sean Moon, leader of the

After 202 years in business, Remington,

Pennsylvanian Church, said in a prayer

America’s oldest gun manufacturer, has filed

during the ceremony that God gave people

for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

the right to bear arms.

Remington Arms Company and its parent

The sanctuary believes the AR-15

company, Remington Outdoors, disclosed

symbolizes the “rod of iron” in the book of

the filing on the United States Bankruptcy

Revelation and encouraged couples to bring

Court in Delaware website.

the weapons to the ceremony.

The

company

reported

6 | Endeavour Magazine

negative

The event led a nearby school to cancel

Canadian society before reaping its benefits.

She also raised concerns about the number of Canadian-born children who are raised overseas, potentially with no connection to the country, but with the freedom to move to Canada whenever they want.

She raised concerns about the numbers of such children and asked whether the country could handle the potential influx should they move to Canada in adulthood.

Doctors have confirmed the ‘birth tourism’ trend and have suggested that mothers seek Canada’s superior healthcare during birth.

Starchuk is calling for a full study into the implications of birth tourism, so that appropriate actions can be taken.

MIDDLE EAST ISRAELI POLICE QUESTION NETANYAHU IN TELECOMS CORRUPTION CASE

unveiled the project in New York at

The coalition has announced a total

a ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince

provision of $1.5 billion to support the

Mohammed Bin Salman.

United Nations YHRP, which is equivalent to

Israeli police questioned Prime Minister

The heir to the throne of the world’s

more than half of the needs of the response

Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in a

largest crude exporter is seeking to diversify

plan. The UAE and Saudi Arabia alone

corruption case that involves the country’s

the economy and wean off the country’s

provided $1 billion.

largest

dependence on oil.

telecommunications

company,

Bezeq.

Along with two other corruption cases, in which Netanyahu is suspected of bribery, the probes pose a serious threat to the fourterm prime minister’s political survival.

Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing in all the cases.

In the newest investigation, known as

ports, and airports to increase the flow of

about 100 times larger than the next biggest

goods, relief aid, and fuel for hospitals,

proposed development.

power plants and public buildings.

Son said he envisions the project, which

Since April 2015, the UAE has provided

runs the gamut from power generation to

AED10.4 billion ($2.83 billion) and it will

panel and equipment manufacturing, will

continue to provide direct assistance to

create as many as 100,000 jobs and shave

Yemen and support programmes to restore

$40 billion off of power costs.

stability and rehabilitation of infrastructure.

Case 4000, police allege that the owners of

The development will reach its maximum

Bezeq Israel Telecom provided favourable

capacity by 2030 and may cost close to $1

coverage of Netanyahu and his wife on a

billion a gigawatt, he said.

news website they controlled in return for favours from communications regulators.

The aid will seek to rehabilitate roads,

At 200 gigawatts, the project would be

“The kingdom has great sunshine, great

SAUDIS TO COMPENSATE CONTRACTORS FOR RISE IN EXPAT FEES

size of available land and great engineers,

Saudi Arabia has said that contractors

The controlling shareholder of Bezeq

great labor, but most importantly, the best

in government projects approved before

Telecom, Shaul Elovitch, is currently in police

and greatest vision,” Son told reporters at a

December 2016 will be reimbursed for

custody, along with a former Netanyahu

briefing.

increased expatriate worker fees.

spokesman. They also deny any wrongdoing.

Police

recommended

in

Saudi Arabia’s construction industry

February

is currently reeling from an economic

that Netanyahu be indicted in two other

slowdown, and contractors are suffering as

corruption investigations. The attorney-

the new expat fees see an exodus of foreign

general must determine whether to accept

workers from the once tax-free haven.

the police recommendation to charge him.

For a long time, the Kingdom has relied

The final decision on both cases could take

on this foreign labour in its construction

months.

industires.

In one, known as Case 1000, he is

“After reviewing

the

imposition

of

suspected of bribery over gifts, which police

monthly fees on expatriate labour... the

say were worth nearly $300,000, that he

cabinet orders the finance ministry... to

received from wealthy businessmen.

compensate enterprises which entered into

The other, Case 2000, involves an alleged plot to win positive coverage in Israel’s biggest newspaper by offering to limit the circulation of a rival paper.

SAUDI ARABIA AND SOFTBANK SIGN A $200BN DEAL TO BUILD WORLD’S LARGEST SOLAR PARK

UAE PLEDGES EXTRA $500M TO YEMEN AID

government contracts before December 2016,” the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.

Expat workers make up a third of the

The UAE has pledged AED1.84 billion

Saudi population, but they are increasingly

($500 million) to support the United Nations

being replaced by Saudis in jobs in sales and

2018 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan,

services as part of a major retooling of the

which aims to reach more than 13 million

kingdom’s lagging oil economy.

underprivileged individuals in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has posted large budget

Saudi Arabia and SoftBank Group signed

The move is part of the Saudi-led Arab

deficits in the past four fiscal years and is

a memorandum of understanding to build a

coalition to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni

projected to remain in the red until 2023

$200 billion solar power development.

people from the Iranian-backed Houthi

due to low oil prices.

SoftBank

founder

Masayoshi

Son

militias.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

EUROPE SUSPENDED CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA CEO TO APPEAR BEFORE UK PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

prevents online customers from buying products from a website based in another member state, have entered into force.

(Regulation (EU) 2018/302) will come

CLARA PONSATI, DEPOSED CATALAN MINISTER, HANDS SELF IN TO SCOTTISH POLICE

Alexander Nix, the suspended CEO of

into effect as of 3rd December 2018, when

‘political consultancy’ Cambridge Analytica,

they will be able to find the best deals online

education secretary, has handed herself into

Clara

Ponsati,

the

former

Catalan

is set to appear before a British parliamentary

when buying goods and services across

Scottish police after they received a request

committee. Lawmakers in the United States

the EU without being discriminated against

for her extradition to Spain to face charges

and Europe are demanding to know more

based on nationality and residence.

over October’s referendum and declaration

about Facebook’s privacy practices after

The nine-month period before the rules

a whistleblower said Cambridge Analytica

take effect gives traders sufficient time to

Ms Ponsati travelled to Scotland earlier

improperly accessed Facebook user data to

adapt and introduce necessary changes to

this month to return to a post at St Andrews

target U.S. and British voters.

their websites that comply with the EU rules.

University, after spending four months in

Both companies are receiving global

At the same time, EU Member States are

self-imposed exile in Belgium with Carles

scrutiny over this dispute, and investigations

requested to appoint responsible institutions

Puigdemont and three other former cabinet

are underway to determine if this data

for the enforcement of the Regulation.

members.

wasused to influence the outcome of the US

is

Spain’s Supreme Court has charged her

2016 presidential election or the UK Brexit

expected to boost e-commerce in Europe

and 12 other members of the separatist

referendum.

and to provide consumers and businesses

government with rebellion and misuse of

more opportunities to benefit from the

public funds - charges that could see them

growing European online marketplace.

jailed for up to 30 years.

The story has provoked an internationally furious response. Alexander Nix has been suspended,

while

Facebook

Ending

unjustified

geoblocking

of independence.

founder

“Ending unfair geoblocking is a great

A Glasgow University rector and human

Mark Zuckerberg has been called on by a

step forward for consumers and the building

rights lawyer, Aamer Anwar, has taken up

Commons parliamentary committee to give

of a real Digital Single Market working for

Ms Ponsati’s case, which has drawn strong

evidence. Facebook has both denied any

all,” said Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, in

protest from the Scottish National Party.

wrong-doing, and yet issued apologies both

charge of the Digital Economy and Society.

online and in British newspapers.

Scottish authorities on Sunday confirmed they had received a European Arrest Warrant

The social media site also claims it will

for Ms Ponsati.

simplify users’ access to their security

Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP First Minister,

settings in an attempt to counter fury and

stressed her government’s opposition to the

lost trust from its users.

Spanish crackdown but said the extradition

Whistle-blower Christopher Wylie, who

request was a matter for the judiciary.

worked with Cambridge Analytica, alleges

She said in a statement: “It is well

that the company used an online quiz to

established that the Scottish Government

gather information on the 270,000 people

supports the right of the people of Catalonia

who took it, as well as the data of their

to determine their own future and that we

friends. In total, the quiz harvested data from

strongly oppose the Spanish Government’s

50 million users, mainly in the US, without

decision to seek the arrest and imprisonment

their explicit consent. Mr Wylie claims the

of independence supporting politicians.”

data was sold to Cambridge Analytica, which

However, Scottish ministers had “no

then used it to psychologically profile people

powers to intervene” in the processing

and deliver pro-Trump material to them.

of a European Arrest Warrant, which was

RULES AGAINST UNJUSTIFIED GEOBLOCKING ENTER INTO FORCE New

EU

rules

against

unjustified

geoblocking - a discriminatory practice that 8 | Endeavour Magazine

the responsibility of independent police, prosecutors explained.

and

courts,

Ms

Sturgeon

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ASIA APRIL 27: NORTH & SOUTH KOREA TO HOLD SUMMIT North and South Korea will hold their first summit in more than a decade on April

Tokyo has made efforts to reach out

not soon enough, it needs to happen quicker

to Pyongyang since Trump accepted Kim’s

and that’s what we’re working to try to get

invitation to meet.

accomplished,” he said.

Tokyo has long demanded complete denuclearization from the pariah state.

Beijing recently announced that it may target 128 U.S. products with an import

27. South Korean government officials

Japan’s foreign minister has said that

value of $3 billion as retaliation for President

announced the proposed summit following

Tokyo and Washington were “completely in

Trump signing an executive order earlier this

high-level talks with their North Korean

sync” on North Korea, but many have said

month that imposed broad duties on foreign

counterparts.

Abe feels slighted by the fact that Trump,

aluminum and steel imports.

The decision comes after North Korean

who has flaunted his close relationship with

Trump also announced tariff plans for

leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment

the Japanese leader, didn’t give him a heads-

up to $60 billion in Chinese imports last

to

up on the Kim meeting.

week, but China did not officially connect its

denuclearization

as

tensions

ease

between the old foes.

The two Koreas had agreed earlier

Abe will meet with Trump in April to discuss trade ties and North Korea strategy.

this month to hold such a summit at the border truce village of Panmunjom when South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a delegation to Pyongyang to meet North

threats to that announcement.

UBER TO INVEST HEAVILY IN AUSTRALIA Uber counts Australia as one of its

Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

main markets and is investing heavily in the

North and South Korea have experienced

country’s ride-hailing industry, according to

a significant easing in tensions since the

a senior executive at the tech firm.

Winter Olympics in the South in February.

Ride-sharing has had good adoption in

They are technically still at war after the

Australia and there’s competition from local

1950-53 conflict ended with a ceasefire,

rival GoCatch, the mature taxi industry and

not a truce. Kim is also scheduled to meet

other firms, such as India’s Ola, who are

U.S. President Donald Trump May to discuss

planning to enter the market.

denuclearization.

Uber also said that it was expanding its

Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping

presence in the country by launching its

in a surprise visit to Beijing this week, his

carpooling service, Uber Pool, in Sydney on

first trip outside the isolated North since he

April 3.

came to power in 2011.

TRUMP-KIM MEETING MAY EXCLUDE JAPAN

US TO CHINA: BEIJING HASN’T TREATED AMERICAN COMPANIES FAIRLY

Currently there are more than 85,000 Uber drivers in Australia.

However, as a company, Uber has suffered losses in recent years – in part,

Terry Branstad, the U.S. ambassador

related to various scandals that came to

to China, said that Beijing has not treated

light at the same time regarding employee

is worried that his government will be

American

benefits and protection for drives and

sidelined at a proposed meeting between US

interview with CNBC.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

companies

fairly

during

an

passengers against sexual abuse.

President Trump and North Korean leader

He went on to say that Beijing needs to

The firm’s losses surged 61 percent in

Kim Jong Un. Tokyo is therefore calling for

be made aware of how important it is to the

2017 to $4.5 billion, though its loss in the

its own talks with North Korea.

welfare of American workers to change the

fourth quarter narrowed from the prior

bilateral trade and business relationship.

period.

It is believed that Abe has proposed this summit because he doesn’t want Trump and

“We want to continue to build the trade

Since taking over from Travis Kalanick

Kim to reach a deal that doesn’t suit Japan’s

relationship with China, but China needs

last year, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

security concerns.

to really change some of its unfair and

has focused on cleaning up the company’s

discriminatory policies,” Branstad said.

reputation. Last November, Khosrowshahi

He also wishes to discuss North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

Although China has pledged to liberalize its economy, “three or five years from now is

said Uber had plans to try and go public by 2019.

AFRICA KENYA POLICE DEFY COURT ORDER; KEEP OPPOSITION POLITICIAN IN CUSTODY Kenyan

police

kept

an

People’s

Revolutionary

Democratic

Hailemariam’s resignation, to contain unrest

Front (EPRDF) chose Abiye to succeed

mainly in Oromiya province, the country’s

Hailemariam as the chairperson of the

most populous region.

coalition, meaning he automatically became

opposition

premier.

violence security forces have killed hundreds

politician in custody in defiance of a

of people.

judge’s order to bring him to court ahead

GHANAIANS PROTEST OVER EXPANDED MILITARY CO-OPERATION DEAL WITH U.S

of a possible release from detention, the politician’s lawyer said.

The dispute over Miguna Miguna is part of a wider tussle between the government and the judiciary and it could also strain relations

that

have

Rights groups have said that amid the

Thousands of people protested in

recently improved

Ghana’s capital against the expansion of its

between President Uhuru Kenyatta and

defense cooperation with the United States,

opposition leader Raila Odinga.

in a rare public display of opposition to the

The two leaders announced on March

growing foreign military presence in West

9 that they would work together to unite

Africa.

Kenya, which is divided along political and

Demonstrators blowing vuvuzelas and

ethnic lines in the wake of elections last year.

beating drums filled Accra’s business district,

The surprise announcement promised a

holding placards criticising a new deal with

fresh start for politics in Kenya.

Washington that they say threatens Ghana’s

Authorities deported Miguna in February,

sovereignty.

saying he had rescinded his citizenship.

Police estimated the crowd size at about

He was also charged with treason

3,500 protesters. While officers in riot gear

because of his role in a mock swearing-in

were present, no violence was reported.

ceremony for Odinga in January that was

International

powers

including

the

a direct challenge to Kenyatta, who won a

United States and France are looking to

second term in October.

extend their presence in the remote Sahel

Police detained Miguna at the main airport in the capital as he returned after a

State-affiliated outlets said Abiye won over 60 percent of all votes in the council.

court ruled that he should be allowed back

Abiye, who hails from the Oromo ethnic

into Kenya. The court ordered Miguna, the

group, will take over the government of

interior minister and the police chief to

Africa’s second most populous country.

appear before it.

region in particular, where al Qaeda and Islamic State militants have gained a strong foothold in recent years.

But Washington is struggling to mend its image in Africa, which was damaged by

The ruling coalition has struggled to

reports President Donald Trump described

There was no immediate comment from

contain persistent and violent unrest since

African nations as “shithole countries” in a

the police on Wednesday as to why Miguna

2015, the biggest challenge to its hold on

discussion on immigration. The White House

was not brought to court.

power since 1991.

later denied he used that language.

ETHIOPIA’S RULING COALITION APPOINTS NEW PM Ethiopia’s ruling coalition voted in Abiye

Hailemariam cast his resignation as a

Under the deal approved by Ghana’s

bid to smooth the way for reforms. It came

parliament last week, the United States will

after strikes and demonstrations near the

invest around $20 million in training and

capital successfully demanding the release

equipment for the Ghanaian military this

of opposition members.

year. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the

Ahmed as new prime minister following

The anti-government protests began in

the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn,

2015 over land rights before broadening

In return, the U.S. military will be

the

into demonstrations over political and

allowed to deploy troops and import military

human rights.

equipment tax-free, use an airport runway

state-run

Ethiopian

Broadcasting

Corporation said.

The

state-run

channel

said

the

180-member council of the Ethiopian

The government has twice imposed emergency

rule,

most

recently

after

parliamentary vote.

that meets U.S. standards, and have free access to Ghana’s radio spectrum.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS STEPHEN HAWKING (1942-2018)

“S

cience is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion.” – Stephen Hawking

In the early hours of the morning, March

14th 2018, Professor Stephen Hawking passed quietly away at his family home.

With him went one of the greatest minds in modern science.

The British scientist, best known for his work in cosmology and theoretical physics, was famed for his work with black holes of Time is an international best seller. For most of us, his work would go over our heads, and yet Hawking was not only hugely influential in science, but was also a fond household name. Until his passing, he was often referred to as “the smartest person in the world”, and he is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein.

So,

without

attempting

to

explain

theoretical physics – what did Hawking do?

To start out, he was the first person to set out

© Pete Souza, via Wikimedia Commons

and relativity, and his book A Brief History

a theory of cosmology that unified relativity

telephone switchboard and other recycled

to opt for theoretical physic questions on

and quantum mechanics. On top of this, his

components.

his papers in order to hide that he hadn’t

work with mathematician Sir Roger Penrose

Despite

sometimes

concerning

his

revised the facts!

demonstrated that Einstein’s general theory

teachers, he managed to gain acceptance

This sort of approach would get many

of relativity implied that space and time

into Oxford, where he read natural science

people into trouble, but Hawking was as

would have a beginning in the Big Bang

at University College. (Hawking had wanted

humorous, quick-witted and, frankly, cheeky

and an end in black holes, and he greatly

to read mathematics, but his father had

as he was intelligent: when sitting his oral

advanced our understanding of how black

convinced him otherwise – a choice that

examination, he was asked about his plans

holes work, as well as creating theoretical

would vex him after graduation) In the first

after graduation, and reportedly answers “If

concepts such as “imagined time”.

year, he once again found himself easily

you award me a First, I will go to Cambridge.

Whilst it would take several books to

bored by the unchallenging work, but by

If I receive a Second, I shall stay in Oxford,

explain what Hawking’s discoveries mean,

the second year, he opened up and became

so I expect you will give me a First.” Humour

we can remember him by looking back at

a popular and lively ‘one of the lads’ –

aside, Hawking managed to legitimately earn

who he was. Although presciently nicknamed

although he was still a frustration to his

his First, allowing him to pursue his graduate

“Einstein” at school, it took Hawking some

teachers! Favouring rowing to studying, he

studies of choice – reading cosmology at the

time to begin to succeed academically.

coxed a boating crew, making risky choices

University of Cambridge. The rest, as they

(Then again, Einstein struggled with school

that ended in several damaged boats.

say, is history.

as well!). That said, he showed a keen

After apparently only putting in a meager

However, fate threw what looked like a

aptitude for science, as well as undertaking

1000 hours of study during his three-year

spanner into the works. During his first year

projects with his friends that involved

undergraduate degree, and failing to revise

of doctoral studies, at only 22, Hawking was

building a computer from clock parts, an old

sufficiently for his final exams, he chose

diagnosed with motor neurone disease and

12 | Endeavour Magazine

© NASA Paul Alers via Wikimedia Commons undertaking his graduate studies, there was

and founder of the Centre for Theoretical

heated debate in the physics world over

Cosmology at Cambridge; he received over

theories on creation: in particular, the Big

a dozen honorary degrees during his life,

Bang theory vs. the Steady State. Inspired

and was awarded the CBE in 1982; he was

by Roger Penrose’s theorem of a spacetime

a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), and also

singularity in the center of black holes,

of the US National Academy of Science;

Hawking applied the same theory to the

he was a lifetime member of the Pontifical

entire universe. In 1965, he wrote his thesis

Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the

given only two years to live. Understandably,

on this topic, and thus began a life of work

Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest

he fell into depression: he was already

that has challenged and greatly advanced

civilian award in the United States.

feeling disheartened by his studies, finding

modern science’s ideas and understanding

that his level of mathematics training was

of the universe.

Needless to say, his career was prolific.

As well as his famed A Brief History of Time,

From here, his academic life from here

Hawking has also published many other

encouraged

on was success to success: he received a

books furthering his work on theoretical

Hawking to continues his studies, but at

research fellowship at Gonville and Caius

physics, including more accessible volumes

first, he saw little point. However, the illness

College at Cambridge and earned his

for the public such as A Briefer History of

progressed far slower than predicted in the

PhD degree in applied mathematics and

Time, the essay collection Black Holes

diagnosis, and eventually, re-discovering

theoretical physics, specialised in general

and Baby Universe and The Universe in a

his passion for the subject helped spur

relativity and cosmology. The positions

Nutshell. Before his death, he also published

Hawking on despite the physical challenges

and accreditations that followed were

a memoir titled My Brief History.

he was facing. Despite having difficulty in

numerous, so much so that we will blast

Hawking’s relationship with his disability

speaking clearly or standing unsupported,

through them (and we’ll probably still miss

was a complicated one throughout his life:

his old brashness came back to him, and he

some off!): from 1979 to 2009, Hawking

passing at 76 instead of his doctors’ original

soon gained a reputation for brilliance and,

held the post of Lucasian Professor at

prediction of 24, it was a major factor for

frankly, a ballsy attitude. Eventually, he was

Cambridge - a chair held by Isaac Newton

the majority of his life, and his wheelchair

calling out the professors he revered and

in 1663; he was also the Dennis Stanton

and voice synthesizer were and will remain

publicly challenging their work – there was

Avery and Sally Tsui Wong-Avery Director

an iconic part of his image. Whilst initially a

no doubt that he had a rare mind.

of Research at the Department of Applied

cause of depression, and at times, a struggle

Mathematics

throughout his life, Hawking also once

not sufficient for work in general relativity and

cosmology.

Doctors

During the ‘60s, whilst Hawking was

and

Theoretical

Physics,

Endeavour Magazine | 13

described his disability as a blessing, stating that it had freed him from administration, teaching unwanted classes, and other activities that would have consumed his time. Instead, he felt free to focus on his work.

He was also more than happy to talk about the equipment he used to travel and communicate, and had a keen sense of humour about it! For example, he once expressed the great joy he took in ‘accidently’ rolling over the toes of famous figures he didn’t like, and expressed his regret that he had never had this opportunity with Margarette Thatcher. So, as a key feature of Hawking’s life, and one he was happy to discuss, exactly how did his chair work?

Why not hear it from the man himself? On Hawking’s home page, he went into the topic in detail: “Since

1997,

my

computer-based

communication system has been sponsored and provided by Intel® Corporation. A

his cheek-operated switch, describing it as

lasting impact he has had on theoretical

tablet computer mounted on the arm of my

“easier and less fatiguing to use.”

science, but also in media: an avid science his

fiction fan, Hawking appeared in cameos in

batteries, although the tablets internal

condition allowed Hawking to make a

many of the US and the UK’s favourite sci-fi

battery will keep the computer running if

difference to many that ran parallel to his

shows, including Star Trek, Red Dwarf and,

necessary.

contributions to science: raising awareness

shortly before his passing, a new addition

My main interface to the computer

on motor neurone disease, and serving as a

to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. He

through

program

public beacon to the fact that such disabilities

also appeared in comedies such as The Big

called ACAT, written by Intel. A cursor

do not have to signal the end of someone’s

Bang Theory, and perhaps most famously,

automatically scans across this keyboard by

achievements, and he was certainly a symbol

The Simpsons. Before his death, he was

row or by column. I can select a character

against the stigma that such condition

also able to see himself portrayed by both

by moving my cheek to stop the cursor. My

reflect on a person’s intelligence! Whilst he

Eddie Redmayne in the critically acclaimed

cheek movement is detected by an infrared

became this symbol inadvertently, by virtue

film The Theory of Everything, and Benedict

switch that is mounted on my spectacles.

of his life and success, Hawking eventually

Cumberbatch in the BBC TV film Hawking.

This switch is my only interface with the

embraced the role: starting in the 1990s,

computer. ACAT includes a word prediction

he began lecturing and participating in

unsurprisingly, A Brief History of Time shot

algorithm provided by SwiftKey, trained on

fundraising activities, and in 2000, he and

to the top of the Amazon Best Sellers list

my books and lectures, so I usually only have

eleven other luminaries signed the Charter

after news of his death, and perhaps most

to type the first couple of characters before I

for the Third Millennium on Disability, which

touchingly, the Motor Neurone Disease

can select the whole word. When I have built

called on governments to prevent disability

Association, of which Hawking had been a

up a sentence, I can send it to my speech

and protect the rights of the disabled. In

patron since 2008, reported that its website

synthesizer. I use a separate hardware

1999, Hawking was awarded the Julius

crashed after the news was released, due to

synthesizer, made by Speech Plus. It is the

Edgar Lilienfeld Prize of the American

the sudden rise in donations made to the

best I have heard, although it gives me an

Physical Society.

charity. Professor Hawking may not have

wheelchair is powered by my wheelchair

is

an

open

source

His

forthcoming

approach

to

Passion

for

his

work

continues;

accent that has been described variously

Whilst we have lost a brilliant mind,

believed in an afterlife, but in terms of living

as Scandinavian, American or Scottish!”

and more than that, a passionate and

on after one has passed, he will stay with us

Hawking dabbled in various technologies

quick-witted one, the legacy and legend of

indefinitely among the other great minds in

during his life, including eye tracking and

Stephen Hawking will live on. He has been

science’s history.

brain-controlled interfaces, but he favoured

immortalized not only in his work, and the

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 15

Š Alexandar Vujadinovic , via Wikimedia Commons

TERANGA GOLD CORPORATION WWW.TERANGAGOLD.COM // 001 416 594 0000

LASTING TREASURE Corporate social responsibility – it’s something we take seriously in business, but some companies lift it to another level. One such company is Teranga Gold Corporation, a gold producer that is making waves in French West Africa, not only with an exciting and highly profitable organic pipeline, but with a vast slate of CSR projects to match.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

TERANGA GOLD CORPORATION

Richard Young, Teranga Gold Corporation’s President and

CEO, joined the Company at its inception: “I was the first employee, and Alan Hill, our Chairman, and I took the Company public in late 2010. I was the President and CFO until the fall of 2012, at which point I became President and CEO, and I’ve held that position ever since.”

T

he two men met at Barrick Gold Corp after Young joined

on their second mine, Wahgnion, located in Burkina Faso, which is

the team in the early nineties. Prior to this, starting in 1984,

anticipated to be in production by the end of 2019. Once up and

Hill had led the development of Barrick’s mines, which gave

running, Wahgnion is expected to increase the Company’s yearly

him a wealth of experience with which to set out and achieve a pipeline of his own. “Barrick was smaller when we met, and then grew into a larger company, and both Alan and I left together with

production by 50% to between 300,000 oz. and 350,000 oz.

Teranga also has an excellent organic pipeline, the key focus of which is the Golden Hill project:

the goal of doing something more entrepreneurial. We’ve worked

“We started drilling Golden Hill in the first quarter of 2017,

together ever since.” At first, the pair joined Gabrielle Resources,

and we expect to announce a maiden resource by the end of this

where Richard indicated they attempted to permit one the largest

year. We spent about $7 million on the project in 2017, and have a

undeveloped gold deposits in the world - unfortunately, with no

budget of $8 million for 2018. Golden Hill is moving along rapidly.

success. After five years, in 2010, they turned their attention to

We’re getting very good grades and continuity in our first five target

new horizons: “We had tried our hand at permitting, and we really

areas; presuming we get the tonnage, we’ll move on to a feasibility

wanted something that was already in production and was in a

study with a view to developing Golden Hill into our third mine.”

country that was mining-friendly - a country where we could grow.

This third project is particularly exciting because of the elevation it

Sabodala Gold Mine in Senegal seemed to be that place.”

could give Teranga’s production profile: attaining mid-tier status is

Teranga acquired this mine in 2010, and the flagship has now produced over 1.4 million oz. of gold. Last year saw a record yield of

an active goal for the Company, and it seems that management has a clear path to achieving this vision.

233,000 oz., and for the next five years, the Company predicts an

On top of all this, Teranga also has exploration projects in both

annual yield of 200,000 oz. Looking further ahead, there is a long

Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, which could turn into mines further

life still in the mine yet! “It’s got at least a 13-year mine life left; it’s

down the line.

a quality asset for us.”

Teranga has an impressive pipeline, which represents heavy

Off the back of this asset, the future holds a busy slate for

investments from the Company, as well as strategic forward

Teranga Gold. Thanks to the Sabodala Gold Mine’s steady success,

planning. The acquisitions behind this line-up began in earnest in

the Company has been able to expand: work has already commenced

around 2013, when many gold mines in Africa were feeling the

18 | Endeavour Magazine

TERANGA GOLD CORPORATION pinch of the downturn in gold prices. Instead of playing it safe,

you move into an emerging jurisdiction where there isn’t a history

Teranga’s management team and board took a chance: “For the

of gold mining, there’s a lot of work that a company needs to do in

most part in 2013, companies retreated and focused on limiting

order to gain the trust of its stakeholders. We’ve really focused on

costs and taking care of their balance sheets, whereas we took the

that: it’s our aim to lead the West African mining community in CSR.”

opportunity to start building a strong pipeline of projects designed

Many companies express a similar sentiment, but the Teranga

to take us to mid-tier status.” The decision was a gamble, but a wise

team is inarguably putting their money where their mouth is. We

one, and now Teranga faces the exciting prospect of reaping the

asked Richard to break down some of the initiatives that the

rewards. “We’ve really set this company up for what we think is

Company has put in place, and it was far from a short answer.

tremendous growth in the next few years.”

This focus seems as central and sincere as the Company’s focus

This foresight and bold investment could be highlighted

on mining – and to Richard’s mind, the one can’t exist without the

as the key to Teranga’s success, but Richard and Alan feel it is

other. The first of the projects he explained to us was Teranga’s

something more than this. “First and foremost, I think it’s our

approach to government relations:

focus on CSR.” Corporate social responsibility initiatives focus

“In 2013, with a downturn in gold prices, there was less money

on ways that companies can operate sustainably, ethnically, and

coming into Africa. The Senegalese mining code had made sense

to the long-term benefit of the regions they work in. They are

when it came into effect in 2003, but the country was under severe

an increasingly important focus for many businesses, particularly

financial pressure ten years later.” Teranga cooperated with the

for heavy industries that have the potential to greatly impact the

Senegalese government to make their operations in the Sabodala

communities around them, for better or for worse. However, for

mine more mutually beneficial: “Within West Africa, when you’re

Teranga, CSR is not an afterthought, an addition or even a safety-

converting an exploration licence into a mining licence, there’s an

net. It is the front line.

option for the government to take an additional interest, which

“We lead with CSR,” Richard explains with pride. “We have

generally speaking they don’t take, but we paid for that option. We

always believed that a strong CSR programme pays for itself. When

also moved our royalty rate up from 3% to 5%. Many companies will

20 | Endeavour Magazine

pay the mining code and not a dollar more, but we understood that this was a long-term partnership. That made a world of difference for us and the government.”

This cooperation and understanding built up trust between Teranga Gold and the Government of Senegal; however, maintaining credibility with the central government alone was not enough.

Richard and Alan believe that every stakeholder, including the Company’s shareholders, should benefit from responsible mining, and this meant working with the communities directly affected by Teranga’s operations. The first way to do this is to make sure the Company’s presence creates jobs, rather than taking them away: “At the beginning, between 10%-13% of our workforce was expatriate. We’ve now cut that down to between 5%-6%. We also work with small enterprises on precuring goods and services.

We’ve gone to local companies for our ore haulage, for all of our bus services, and maintenance work on our mills – we really work hard to work with local companies to build up their skill set.”

These efforts keep money moving through the communities Teranga works in, which provides a strong short-to-mid-term benefit. However, more than this, they are thinking long-term: “We have a local training programme on site, where we bring casual labour in to learn skills – bricklaying, carpentry, iron works etc. This

Endeavour Magazine | 21

TERANGA GOLD CORPORATION allows them to not only work but also to learn a trade that they can employ either regionally or at a national level.”

“It was tough. In fact, there were groups who didn’t think it was possible. We really believed it could be successful, but it took time.

One of the most significant and innovative of Teranga’s long-

Ultimately, though, after the first market garden took off, then all

term projects has been the development of ‘market gardens’.

the other communities wanted one.” Teranga has also built several

Some of the communities that the Company work in are in

health clinics in Sabodala, and runs a project called White Gold for

dry, arid areas far from the coast where there is a distinct rainy

Life, which works with artisanal miners who used to farm cotton

season, and the ground does not hold the moisture well, meaning

before its global prices suffered. “They want to go back to farming.

that the food supply is weak. Teranga decided to do something

It’s more stable, it’s safer, and their kids can be in school. White

about it:

Gold for Life is basically a seed to shelf project, because the area

“We had 18 months of consultation with local stakeholders and government on what they wanted to see this region grow,

actually has all the five steps that are required to produce a finished product.”

and then we looked for appropriate opportunities.” Following the

The Company’s projects don’t end there: “We’ve got a social

consultations, the Company devised the idea of market gardens,

fund of between US$1.2-$1.5 million a year, which we spend on

and they have now constructed 12 to date. Areas of land are

local projects. We establish an annual protocol with the community,

prepared for farming around the installation of a bore hole that can

where they set out how they want that money to be spent. Everyone

keep the crops watered all year round. Each garden costs around

is aware of which projects each community has focused on and

US$255,000 to create, depending on size, and an ergonomist

wants to move forward.” We also set up a dedicated fund after

works closely with the women of the communities to make sure

the discovery of a high-grade mine 25 kilometres from Teranga’s

that the farms cultivate a beneficial variety of crops between them.

processing plant. When artisanal miners travelled to work the new

The project has been life-changing, improving the health of the

site, Teranga used the fund to inject economic activity back into

families and the areas impacted, but surprisingly, it initially proved

the areas they had travelled from, to mitigate the impact of them

difficult for Teranga to get groups involved:

moving away.

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Arranging CSR projects of this capacity, and with this level of local insight and involvement, is a full-time job in itself. In fact, it’s several! Teranga has made this scale of involvement possible by committing not only time and resources, but people. In 2010, the Company’s CSR team consisted of two employees; today, it has 50.

“We’re really proud of our CSR work. To be honest, it’s one of the most pleasurable aspects of our roles.” Teranga’s genuine commitment to CSR has paid off, both for the communities that have and continue to prosper as a result, and for the Company itself. Generosity and reliability have created strong business ties and bonds that are allowing them to pursue the exciting organic growth pipeline they have in the works: “It’s allowed us to grow the Company in Senegal, and more importantly, it’s allowed us to grow elsewhere in French West Africa, because our solid reputation precedes us.”

Smart business sense that benefits everyone, combined with the gutsy decision to expand when other companies were internally focused - Teranga Gold is a company set to achieve great things in the coming years, and in our opinion, they deserve to do so!

Endeavour Magazine | 23

SURDEEN EQUIPMENT WWW.SURDEENEQUIPMENT.COM // 001 876 424 3875

“S.E.T. TO KEEP YOU GOING” A critical part of any infrastructure development, reliable logistics and machinery support, is fast becoming a growth industry and Surdeen Equipment & Trucking is ready and able to shoulder the load in Jamaica.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

SURDEEN EQUIPMENT

The cornerstone of any regional development is a thriving

construction industry that seeks to improve infrastructure and offer new and exciting commercial opportunities. In turn, such developments can lead to financial security, better job prospects and a healthier local economy. However, it’s vital that the construction industry is underpinned by reliable support operations - that’s where Surdeen Equipment & Trucking Co. Ltd. (S.E.T.) comes in.

F

ounded in 2004, S.E.T. was the brainchild of John Surdeen and

etc. We also carry our own brand of hydraulic hammers, housed

his wife, both of whom had significant experience, as well as

under the S.E.T. product line. This has directly lead to the company’s

useful contacts, within the heavy equipment rental arena. They

tag line, ‘S.E.T. To Keep You Going’.”

saw a niche for a more intuitive logistics and support operation and made it happen.

“Since February 2004, we have been making an impact on the

Supplying a large number of construction companies, as well as rental supply operations, S.E.T. has always recognised the importance of maintaining a local focus, so as to always

marketplace with new ideas that were lacking across Jamaica. These

follow through on professional promises.

new concepts brought us to thinking more inclusively, attending

two operational bases have been built on the island; HQ in St.

seminars and equipment construction shows across the world,

Catherine and the equipment parts sales office in St. James. Given

in order to divert into a wider supply of equipment on our island.

the current buoyancy of the sector, it was visionary to have more

None of our ideas were being introduced into the marketplace,

than one base:

such as different tools and how to make them more effective for better usage.”

With this in mind,

“It is a growing industry which is, competitive and always throwing up a new challenge in terms of competing with other

Every great company starts with a moment of inspiration, and

suppliers, both in the form of quality and after sales service. One

having enjoyed the ‘eureka moment’, John set about creating a

has to learn to face new challenges by visiting other countries and

company that would become a linchpin contact for all construction

adapting to or incorporating global changes in technology, to be

enterprises in Jamaica.

one step ahead of competitors.”

Think about it at the most basic level and it makes perfect

S.E.T. might be a Jamaican company, with a firm directive to

sense that the success of any development project hinges on a

serve the local industry, but by taking a global approach, there is a

reliable supply chain of both material and equipment. A delay in

comforting assurance that an island need not be behind the times.

the delivery of either of these facets could impact severely on any

This really is what sets John and his team apart from the wider

ongoing or newly planned enterprise and that’s exactly why S.E.T.

competition.

was designed to focus on very specific day-to-day responsibilities.

“Constant drive into new products and services, globally, sets us

“The company’s major operations are based in civil engineering

ahead of our competitors, but so too does our after-sales services.

construction, the hiring of heavy duty equipment and the sale of

Our products and engineers are readily available to provide after

equipment and equipment parts.

sales support, island-wide.”

We have now also entered into the small tools rental and contractor’s plant and equipment arenas.”

John went onto divulge: “We import and sell a wide range of heavy-duty equipment, backhoes, excavators, rollers and forklifts 26 | Endeavour Magazine

Speaking of staff, John recognises that even the best company in the world is reliant on expert staff that are as passionate as they are talented and nurtured, which is why a ‘promote from within’ culture has been instigated at S.E.T.:

LS Duhaney & Co. Ltd. (LSD) Is a known and trusted company that has been serving Jamaica for over Fifty (50) years.

We are wholesalers and retailers of brand name commercial, industrial and residential electrical and lighting products.

Our services include engineering, project quotations, assembly of industrial panel boards, meter centers and soft starters, transformer modifications, product testing and island wide delivery. LSD are representatives and authorized distributors of Eaton Corporation, Leviton Manufacturing Company and General Cable Company.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

SURDEEN EQUIPMENT “Presently, we employ over 300 persons from both within and

approach being taken, in the sense that future projects all seek to

outside of Jamaica. We sponsor onsite job training and cater to

improve the infrastructure of Jamaica, for the population, alongside

the welfare of our staff, while always seeking to promote from

a number of charitable enterprises:

within the company, when individuals have proven their skill and capabilities.”

“More recently, we have helped to rebuild the Old Harbour Bay Community Centre, where people are trained and certified in a

Alongside a contingent of fantastic staff and savant-like industry

number of professions, including construction, electrical, plumbing

understanding, S.E.T. enjoys the benefits of strong relationships and

and masonry, to name a few. We also support the Sunbeam

professional partnerships, both of which have helped to gain better

Children’s Home for Boys and the Bling Bling Football team.

insights, core strength and a great basis for future developments and growth:

Whilst so many companies seek to be a big fish in a small pond, S.E.T. is far more focused on being an integral cog in a wider machine

“Since 2016, we have managed to change many suppliers and

that chugs and churns for the good of the local community. It’s

gone directly to manufacturers. We’ve also built a new location in

proof indeed that commercial success and a philanthropic outlook

Montego Bay and are presently building a new office warehouse.

really can coexist and result in terrific improvements for an entire

In 2017, we ventured into a subcontract with an international

region. Perhaps it’s this unique combination of priorities that keeps

company, TSK, from Spain and we are developing the largest

John so optimistic about the future.

project on the island, which will see a major improvement in the power supply for Jamaica.”

With plans in place to develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with existing partners, the future is definitely going to be interesting and perpetually dynamic, but world domination isn’t at the top of the wish list. Instead, there is a refreshingly grass roots

28 | Endeavour Magazine

“I’m looking forward to the future generations carrying on our business and becoming even more innovative in the marketplace.”

New & Used Equipment | Rental | Parts & Services

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Excavators are powerful digging machines with advanced hydraulic systems that can often outperform larger tractor loader backhoes, which are limited to only 180 degrees of workgroup movement.

A backhoe loader is an interesting invention because it’s actually three pieces of construction equipment combined into one unit: a tractor, a loader and a backhoe.

It is used to dig up hard, compact material, usually earth, or to lift heavy loads.

The company offers a wide range of JCB parts for the servicing and repairing of JCB Backhoes and Excavators.These parts include filters, batteries, electrical parts, engine parts, top and bottom rollers, track chains for 20-22 tons excavators and a variety of other servicing parts.A special order service is also offered for parts we do not stock.

(876) 983-8344, (876) 424-3875 10 Lacatan Way, Kilbies, Church Pen St. Catherine, Jamaica www.surdeenequipment.com

AMAZING WORLD MOISTURE FARMS - SOON A REALITY?

I

BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

magine standing in a desert and declaring

literally the vaporators of Tatooine, meaning

was led by Omar Yaghi, a chemist at the

that you can turn the sunlight into water.

that once again, reality is catching up with

University of California, Berkeley. He was

The image might seem like the claims of

science fiction.

not the first to approach this line of thinking:

a fantastical prophet or magician, but as

Aside from the ability to live like Luke

there are around 13 trillion litres of water in

ever, science is performing its dead-ringer

Skywalker’s aunt and uncle, this is a life-

the Earth’s atmosphere at any one time, and

impersonation of magic yet again. Thanks

changing invention that could redefine

previous attempts to utilize this resource

to a new solar-powered invention, it is now

deserts. With available water, settlements

have been made. However, nothing has

possible to absorb moisture from the air

and even agriculture in the unused expanses

come close. Fine nets have been able to wick

and turn it into usable water – even in the

of desert become a possibility. On top

water away from foggy banks, and previous

extreme humidity of arid deserts!

of this, those living in dry conditions and

dehumidifiers have been able to pull it from

You wouldn’t think there was much

traveling miles for water could one day have

the air in a similar fashion to Yaghi’s new

moisture to be found in desert air, but this

it created and delivered to their homes, not

device, but with two key differences: they

device can produce nearly three litres a day

only bringing relief and safe drinking water,

weren’t successful in levels of extremely low

per kilogram of its sponge-like absorber

but allowing those who spend their days

humidity, and they are far too electricity-

- and this is just a starting point. As with

travelling to wells to work or attend school.

hungry to be sustainable, and especially to

all new technologies, its creators hope to

The more one thinks about it, the greater

be usable in the developing world.

up capacity and efficiency as their work

the implications of this little device are -

So, what is the secret? Yaghi’s research

develops. In other words, it looks like Star

and all using clean, readily available energy

focused on a type of crystalline powders

Wars’ desert-based moisture farms are an

from the sun.

called metal organic frameworks, or MOFs.

approaching reality! These devices are quite 30 | Endeavour Magazine

The research behind this breakthrough

Yaghi had developed the very first MOFs

University of California, Berkeley

- porous crystals that form continuous 3D networks - more than 20 years ago: since then, chemists have synthesized more than 20,000 types of MOFs, each with their own properties. However, in 2014, it was Yaghi and his colleagues synthesized a MOF that excelled at absorbing water, even under low-humidity conditions. They took this new zirconium-based MOF, dubbed MOF-801, to Evelyn Wang, a mechanical engineer at

diffuse through the porous MOF – as it

substitute for the material made of far more

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

does, water molecules stick to the sheet,

affordable aluminium.

(MIT) in Cambridge.

and in the morning, sunlight heats up the

If this invention can become affordable

Wang, who had also worked with Yaghi

droplets and sends the evaporated vapour

and widely used, the domino effect from the

on previous MOF projects, and her students

towards a solar-powered cooler condenser,

possibilities it opens up could be staggering

designed a system that presses a kilogram

where it cools into liquid water.

for the developing world and all nations with

of dust-sized MOF crystals into a thin sheet

There is still room for improvement, both

vast expanses of desert. Best of all, 10% of

of porous copper metal. That sheet is placed

in capacity and cost. For example, zirconium

the cost per unit currently sold goes towards

between a solar absorber and a condenser

costs $150 a kilogram, which makes Wang’s

providing cheap units for in-need locations!

plate and positioned inside a chamber. At

system too expensive for broad use.

night, the chamber opens, allowing air to

However, Yaghi’s group are working on a Endeavour Magazine | 31

MC FRYS LTD WWW.MCFRYS.CO.KE // 00254 737254006

ON THE MOVE Boasting that they serve the best Halaal fast food in Kenya, Mc Frys have been satisfying the hungry patrons of Nairobi for nearly 20 years. Serving American-style fast food with a Kenyan twist, Mc Frys whet appetites with their ‘Chicken ‘N’ Chips’ in a variety of forms, from fried quarter, half or even full chicken served with bhajia to gorgeous sauce-soaked fries. We spoke with Aziz Abdulla Mohamed, company founder and Managing Director, to learn more about Mc Frys’ journey, and the conversation got our tummies rumbling!

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

MC FRYS LTD

Operating across Nairobi, Mc Frys offer a broad,

straight-forward and delicious menu that keeps its fans coming back time and again. Providing both takeaway, delivery and meals on site, Mc Frys are accessible and inclusive, with their Halaal menu including chips, bhajia, fried chicken, beef burgers, fish, sausages and soda; in other words, there’s something for everyone.

We spoke with Aziz Abdulla Mohamed, founder and Managing Director of Mc Frys, about the market that his chain finds itself operating in: “The market is quite vibrant and dynamic at the moment. There has been entry from larger, internationally active players that means investors have confidence about future growth prospects. This has increased competition in the segment for the Kenyan middle class, which has been growing.” The bulk of Mc Frys’ walk-in clientele are middle class, with the quick-service restaurants strategically located for footfall and in easy reach to hungry shoppers. The company also receives regular business from corporate clients, to whom they offer a delivery service.

We asked Aziz how Mc Frys keeps people coming back, and the answer was simple: consistency. “Consistent quality and affordable products are essential, as is the consistency of outlets: all of our outlets are branded with similar colours, and service delivery is consistent across the board. Clients have the same feel at whichever outlet they go to. This has created client loyalty to the brand.” It’s the time-tested key to running a successful chain. Of course, such consistency isn’t possible to achieve through policy and design alone – for it to be successful, it must be reflected in the staff: “Staff undergo regular in-house training and exposure. The benefits are competitive and in line with the market expectations.

All positions in Mc Frys are filled from within, except for the entry level staff. This is intended to motivate the staff to be consistent

www.cocacolasabco.com 34 | Endeavour Magazine

and keep working hard.”

MC FRYS LTD As well as training his staff, Aziz leads from the front, not above

well as the business-unfriendly activities of public authorities like

working alongside his employees at every rung in the company.

the county government. The sector also faces the challenge of

He leads by example, expecting all senior staff to do the same:

being regulated by the government on health grounds; obesity due

“I had worked for other enterprises at lower positions before the

to poor or unhealthy diets is a strong concern and the fast food

entrepreneurship bug hit. I am also the founder of Mc Frys, so I

sector is a major target.”

can say I have held almost every position in the business. Leading

Despite these challenges and hurdles, Aziz has persisted, staying

from the front inspires junior staff - the great generals lead troops

true to his ambition whilst also remaining true to his values. As well

into battle.”

as looking after their staff, Mc Frys also believe in fair dealings with

Mc Frys employ around 120 staff members across their offices

suppliers, and in pursuing business opportunities ethically rather

and outlets. “The staff are the greatest asset to the business,”

than cutting corners. The result is a slower, but more moral path

asserts Aziz, “because unlike manufacturing, a lot of the tasks in the

to success: “I am a committed Muslim and believe in hard work

fast food business are still manual and require human intervention

and integrity. These principles have kept me away from bad deals,

and judgement. Any shortcomings, and clients vote with their feet

however lucrative they may seem. Success is built over time, and

to the competition.”

patience, discipline and commitment are key to achieving your

Competition in Kenya’s fast food market is strong, and, as

objectives.”

Aziz explained, international interest has seen it grow stronger.

Aziz’s approach has been rewarded, for whilst he has turned

However, the sector itself faces many challenges; whilst the

away lucrative deals that would have helped him in the short-term,

patrons and the passion for fast food is there, businesses must

the reputation and loyalty built up through fair dealings have a

wrangle with the costs and red tape of operation before they can

long-term benefit. In particular, strong bonds with partners and

cash in on the demand: “The business is quite challenging in terms

suppliers have proved invaluable: “It is true that for one to succeed

of human resources, financing and the volatile cost of inputs, as

in business, especially in fast food, reliable and committed partners

36 | Endeavour Magazine

come in handy. From the inception, our bankers, Paramount Bank

company has become the first fast food restaurant in Kenya to

Kenya, have been very supportive during both the good times

operate mobile outlets, which they have created in fully equipped

and tough times. Finance can be a challenge for any start-up, but

trucks that offer everything a Mc Frys kitchen needs. “This is quite

the bank always listened and supported our growth plans. Our

exciting and could completely change the fast food landscape, if the

suppliers of foodstuff such as potatoes, cooking oil, chicken etc.

public authorities give the required approvals. Right now, we are

have also helped the business by giving favourable payment terms,

limited to private functions only because there is no law governing

thus assisting in managing cash flows.”

this innovation. But ultimately, this may be the future for Mc Frys

Thanks to the help and support of their suppliers and partners,

and fast food, because geography limitations vanish.”

and the mutually supportive Mc Frys team, Aziz’s popular ‘Chicken

Exciting indeed! With Mc Frys hitting the road, their brand

‘N’ Chips’ have been able to overcome the hurdles and have

could soon spread throughout Kenya, both in expanding locations

enjoyed almost 20 years of delicious business. With their position

and in these revolutionary, game-changing trucks. Despite recent

in Nairobi firmly established, we asked Aziz what will come next

local challenges following the election, Mc Frys have managed to

for his company: “Given the economic slow-down due to the

seize the next step in their journey: it should be an eventful few

protracted election period in 2017, this year is one of consolidation

years for the local brand, and we look forward to seeing how far

and ensuring that the business remains stable and sustainable.

their new venture takes them.

However, we have some exciting developments that we are working on, including a plan to franchise throughout the country.

A lot of interest has been shown on the Mc Frys brand and we are working on the legal framework.”

Another plan for Mc Frys includes an innovative new form of outlet, taking their chicken from take-away to street food! The

Endeavour Magazine | 37

PT INDODRILL INDONESIA WWW.INDODRILL.COM // 62 21 8796 1774

PROFESSIONAL TO THE CORE Operating with integrity and efficiency at every opportunity, PT Indodrill Indonesia has become a respected minerals exploration drilling operation with a reputation for excellence within Indonesia and internationally through parent company Global Drilling and Exploration Group Pte Ltd. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

PT INDODRILL INDONESIA

Look into PT Indodrill Indonesia (Indodrill) and what

you’ll quickly discover is that this is an operation that offers simply the best and actively seeks out opportunities to prove itself as one of the top drilling contractors in Southeast Asia.

F

ounded back in 1993, Indodrill became a company that can be relied upon to complete complex drilling projects for a wide variety of clients. Peter Eaton, the Country Manager for

Indonesia, expanded: “There are a number of different drilling groups in Indonesia, including local companies with basic drill rigs with a certain capability. There are also a number of the major drilling companies operating here. Indodrill is essentially a company that, for most of our clients in the minerals industry, sits in and around the “preferred drilling company” for programmes that require a level of expertise t to drill holes to completion in often difficult drilling conditions and to significant depths. There are certain drilling operations in Indonesia, like coal drilling, that are relatively straight forward that other contractors can do quite cheaply, but we try and work in a niche where there is a level of expertise required.”

Giving more insight into just how specialist the projects undertaken by Indodrill can be, Peter went on to reveal: “In the recent epithermal volcanic terrains that we work in, the ground is often extremely variable – it can be very hard, or it can be very soft, with a lot of fracturing and there are often cavities that are encountered and need to be dealt with. We’re also often called upon to do quite deep drilling, so a lot of the drilling here can be quite technically challenging. We specialise in both reverse circulation drilling and diamond drilling and we see those kinds of ground conditions in both types of drilling. So, compared to somewhere like Australia or Africa, the drilling can be much more challenging. To undertake this work, we have diamond drill rigs that

40 | Endeavour Magazine

PT INDODRILL INDONESIA are capable of drilling to up to 2,000 metres deep, but are still able

looking at new contracts, principally in the Middle East and in

to be transported to remote drill sites by helicopter and reverse

African countries, and we have just won our first contract in Africa,

circulation rigs capable of drilling to over 300m deep.”

which is very promising for the Group. On top of that, Indonesia

Having started in Indonesia, Indodrill went on to expand

is also experiencing quite an upswing right now in activity. We’ve

and reach out into international arenas as part of what is now

seen an increase in our activity in Indonesia and that’s still going up

the Global Drilling and Exploration Group Pte Ltd (GDE) that is

at this point.”

managed out of the Singapore Head Office. Currently, there is

Enthusiastic, energised staff are the key to development and

a significant presence in Australia, Papau New Guinea and the

diversity in any operation, but professionals need to be supported

Philippines as well as countries like Malaysia and Cambodia, but

and developed, if you want to get the best out of them. According

a lot of investment is also being made to break into new regions.

to Peter:

The Middle East and Africa are areas of keen growth interest for

“It’s important to understand the culture of the people you’re

GDE. Indonesia has proven to be a relatively stable and buoyant

working with, what motivates them and to respond to that. There’s

market, but regulatory challenges have proven to be something of

a big sense of loyalty to the company in Indodrill. Many of our

a stumbling block to reliable foreign investment. Indodrill has been

people have been with us for years, so there is this strong loyalty

able to navigate the more turbulent times and having been focused

factor that builds up within the company. That is largely thanks

on just one project at times back in 2016, there are eight projects

to our principal owner and Chairman, John Horne, who really

on the roster now, which aptly demonstrates the steady growth

developed that. A lot of it was about supporting his people through

trajectory. The newer markets are showing great potential as well

the hard times. Mining is a cyclical business – there are times when

though, as Peter confirmed:

you need 100’s of people and times when you’ve got no work for

“We’ve really just started in Australia. We have an underground drilling contract at a major mine in Western Australia. We’ve also

anybody. John was very loyal to his people, and kept them working as much as he could.”

just started in Papua New Guinea, having purchased the operations

“We source about 50% of our manpower from local villages

of a former drilling company that operated in PNG, so that’s also

close to where we drill, providing many employment opportunities

an expanding region for us. Also, we’ve got a base in Dubai that’s

that would otherwise not exist. When we’re working and living in

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www.alfagomma.com 42 | Endeavour Magazine

those communities, we try to get involved in community efforts,

mines and development projects, as well as a number of other

helping out where and when we can.”

exploration sites, all require different approaches and, as such,

Having been with Indodrill for two and a half years, Peter knows how things work and more than that, he has more than 35 years of

safety has to be the concurrent staple that underpins everything, especially as Indodrill moves into the future.

mining industry experience to draw from, thanks to his qualification

Looking ahead, Peter has a clear vision of the direction that

as a geologist. This particular set of skills has given Peter a real

Indodrill is looking to move in Indonesia, alongside the overall

insight into why Indodrill is different from its competitors,

Group’s push into EMEA and other regions:

“I think the main thing that sets us apart is consistency, in terms

“In the future, we’re also looking to develop into underground

of getting the job done, the quality of our machinery, the skill of our

drilling programmes and are pursuing tenders in the geothermal

people and our ability to work through difficult situations, difficult

space. We’ve had a few tenders come up that we’ve gone for and

drilling conditions, or to work through a particular hole and to get

we’ve talked about strategic alliances with other groups. There are

it to depth. We also like to think that we work with our clients, that

a number of specialised oil and gas geothermal groups that deal

we’re understanding of their requirements and we’re prepared to do

in the large-scale geothermal drilling area, but there is a lot of

what it takes to complete their requirements, be that bringing them

potential for what we call ‘slim line geothermal exploration’, which

the right equipment, or taking on technically difficult challenges.

uses much smaller rigs to drill the first holes to test for geothermal

Because we’re an international company, we also have a range of

potential. We have the deep capacity heli-portable rigs to make

international drilling professionals who we can pull into Indonesia

this possible”

to deal with particular situations.”

He added: “I also think our safety culture and our safety record in Indonesia is at the very least as good as anyone else’s here, if not

It will certainly be interesting to observe Indodrill’s future developments, as they dig a little deeper and enjoy even more success.

superior. We’re a company that’s very serious about safety and it’s reflected in our safety performance record.”

This is a critical concern, especially given the main projects being worked on right now. The current programmes at major gold

Endeavour Magazine | 43

WELLOCKS WWW.WELLOCKS.CO.UK // 0044 8444 993444

IMPECCABLE TASTE In the British food world, the Wellocks name is synonymous with freshness, reliability and quality. We spoke with company CEO, James Wellock, about his experience growing up with the company in its early years, and how it has boomed into an unrecognisable success under his management.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

WELLOCKS

James Wellock’s first taste of the food industry was

working for his father in Lancashire. Richard Wellock had built his living supplying potatoes to local fish and chip shops, having sold up his stall in Skipton Market to focus on this more profitable side of the vegetable trade. As the company grew, he invested in three wagons and began supplying to local green grocers around the area.

J

ames grew up helping his father as-and-when, and after

company has now exploded into a national network, delivering to

college, his joined the business full-time. Traveling to

every corner of the country, and those 15 employees have grown

Manchester at midnight, bartering for produce at the city

into 470. Wellocks travel over 110 routes, delivering straight to the

marketplace, he thought to himself, there had to be a different way

door, whether that door is at the foot of Cornwall or the height of

of doing things. “The salesmen felt like they wanted to rip me off,”

Scotland. In total, Richard Wellocks’ three wagons are now a fleet

James, now the company CEO, recalls. “That was when we started

of 120 vehicles, delivering daily to 1,500 kitchens.

buying from local farms.”

Wellocks’ customer base are now restaurants and hotel kitchens

This move would be a more dramatic change for the company

– a marked step up from their original clients, and a customer-base

than James or his father realised; cutting out the middle man

that demands reliability, range and quality. They broke into this

allowed Wellocks to access fresher, higher-quality produce at a

market when James saw the supermarket threat growing; “One

time when supermarkets were beginning to sweep through the

of the things we identified in the ‘90s was that the greengrocer

greengrocer trade. The availability of supermarket products would

side of things was dying out. Almost over-night, one of the good

leave competitors needing an edge – and Wellocks would have

greengrocers we knew started selling pre-prepared vegetables to

that edge:

compete. I got together with my dad and we said, ‘We need to buy

“It was a big win for us. We were saving money in various ways.

this business,’ so we did. One of the partners is still with us.” These

You’re cutting out the middle man, so you cut out their wage, as it

prepared vegetables, along with the freshness and consistent

were, but more importantly, we were getting a consistently better-

quality of Wellocks’ good, made the company a double-threat and

quality product. It was a different selling point, without question.

allowed them to appeal to the chef market. The Northern company

When I started delivering to green grocers in Yorkshire, they’ve

later ventured their services south when one of their customers, a

historically always bought out of their local markets. We could top

Michelin-star chef, relocated, and their reach grew from there.

this by delivering fresher products straight to their door.” Amazingly,

“I had a vision of wanting to be the best. Originally it was to be

in a time where independent businesses were falling victim to large

the best in the North, and quickly that changed to being the best

wholesale companies, this small family business was able to stand

in the UK.” In striving for this vision, James knew that customer

up and stand out; “We took the wholesale market on and won.”

experience was key. “We give the customer the service, no matter

When James’ father retired, he inherited the business, then with 15 employees. Under James’ management and leadership, the 46 | Endeavour Magazine

what. We’ve bent over backwards for customers, and that aspect of the business has never changed.”

WELLOCKS “We’re essentially a massive logistics company – one that

live update of their stock availability, giving customers the ability to

needs to take orders from around the country and deliver in a

select their own alternatives and plan their spending accordingly.

timely manner, predominantly around the breakfast period the next

“It’s in clear black and white – they’ve got absolute clarity, and so

morning.” This fast turnover, and the high demand for accuracy that

have we. There’s no answer phone message with a chef clattering

comes from high-quality kitchens, meant that in order to succeed,

pots and pans in the background, or a thick Highlands accent no

Wellocks’ logistics needed complete efficiency; “People ask us,

one can understand! There’s no grey areas, which means we’ve got

‘What is local? How do you define local?’ For us, it’s the 24-hour

no excuses.” The company has also developed a picking system that

turn-around from growing it in the fields to delivering it in the

marries with the online orders, selecting every product by barcode

kitchens the next morning. The crux is to make sure that there’s

and assigning these to barcoded trays, which are in turn assigned

only three people in the supplier chain: the producer, us and the

to a customer. The system reduces the possibility for human error –

chef.”

essential in a vast operation with Wellocks’ fast turnover.

So how does the company efficiently manage a fleet of their

This attention to detail and stress on perfection is present at

size? Everything is monitored and run from an in-house system,

every level of Wellocks’ operations. “We look at every part of the

developed and maintained by their team of IT staff. “We have

operation, and how we can make that part the best it can be.” This

software that can track every vehicle every minute of the day. Each

attitude extends right down to the appearance of their fleet: “We

vehicle has fully surrounding camera systems – in the cab, out the

don’t call them drivers, we call them Delivery Reps. They have

front, down the sides, on the back – so we know what the vehicle

to wear a shirt and tie, and polished boots. The vehicles are all

is doing, where it is and if it is being treated properly.”

polished too, every week, and they’re washed and sanitised every

“We’ve been trying to develop a system that makes it impossible

day.” Wellocks even service their own fleet, to monitor the quality

for any department to make a mistake”, James laughs. This includes

of the repairs and get the vehicles back on the road as quickly as

their own online order system which, as of this year, shows chefs a

possible.

48 | Endeavour Magazine

“I think of delivery like a can of coke – you walk up to a drinks machine, put your coin in, a can drops down and you walk away happy. We’re trying to deliver that experience for 6,000 products.”

Whilst every aspect of the business is important to James, he knows what it is all about – the food. The company is constantly adding to their wide range of products by broadening their already extensive supplier chain, but more than this, working closely with certain producers to create unique, stand-out products.

“We’re very proud of them all, but there’s certain products that are special to us. We wondered how to get this across to a prospective customer, and so we developed Special Branch.”

Special Branch is a list of around 100 products that Wellocks have developed in collaboration with their manufacturers. “For example, we worked really closely with a supplier who told us that she wanted to create the world’s best olive oil, and we backed her. Over a six-year period, she’s put some ground-breaking new procedures in place, and her product’s actually been named the best organic olive oil in the world.” Thanks to their involvement, Wellocks now have exclusivity for this top-tier olive oil in the UK. “We’re always developing more products like this – they improve our product range and set us apart.”

PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OILS FROM CÓRDOBA, SPAIN

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Endeavour Magazine | 49

WELLOCKS Despite developing their reputation through local foods, as

From local fish and chips shops in Lancashire, Wellocks’

Wellocks have expanded, so has their reach. Their supplier network

customer list has become a who’s who of the UK’s culinary circles.

now includes companies from most of Europe, South America and

“We supply the vast majority of Michelin star kitchens in the UK,

America, as well as Thailand and Kenya. Even in their over-seas

5-star hotels, country gastro hotels and pubs – even races courses

ingredients, Wellocks emphasise the importance of freshness;

and premier league football clubs, including Man United. Basically,

“We’re the only UK company that air-freight limes in from Mexico

if you went anywhere in the country, we could recommend the best

every week. They leave Mexico on Saturday and we pick them up

places to eat.”

at Heathrow on Monday.” Instead of a lime several weeks old by the

Wellocks’ expansion as a company has been extraordinary,

time it reaches a chef’s kitchen, they can rely on Wellocks’ reaching

growing not only in size but in the products, services and sheer

them in a matter of days. “You can imagine the difference in the

quality they offer. It has taken financial gambles, an entrepreneurial

zest and flavour. There’s a uniqueness there that sets us apart.”

mind and consistent hard work, but the CEO’s work ethic and

Wellocks have even started to produce their own international

attention to detail has kept the company reaching for a high bar

foods, which again stay as authentic as possible. For example, their

and delivering a reliably remarkable service. Speaking with James,

pasta range is made with all-Italian machinery and ingredients, right

it sounds like he isn’t planning to rest any time soon: “We’ll

down to Italian eggs and flour. However, you can still enjoy their

continue to look for more special branch products, develop our

year-round seasonal ravioli ranges, which include British favourites

delivery routes and look at expanding the customer base.” With

such as asparagus ravioli when the vegetable is in season. “We’re

this determined work ethic, it seems Wellocks will only continue to

looking to give chefs better quality than what they could make in

grow from strength to strength. “Without a doubt, there’s still a lot

the kitchen, as well as a consistency in quality that leaves them

more that we can do.”

confident when ordering the product.”

50 | Endeavour Magazine

AMAZING WORLD THE MYSTERY OF OAK ISLAND

BY WILL GIRLING

W

ith the new Tomb Raider movie starring Alicia Vikander now in cinemas, wannabe explorers around

the world may find themselves lamenting that, in this day and age, all the blank spaces on the map appear to have been filled in.

But, as Shakespeare wrote, “there are more things in heaven and earth” than we can possibly imagine, and sometimes even the fires of a childhood fantasy like treasurehunting can be kept burning. Into this frame comes Oak Island, a 140-acre piece of land off the south coast of Nova Scotia, Canada; the epicentre of a centuries-old mystery that continues to fascinate those who dare attempt to solve it.

Originally established as a community by European settlers in the mid-18th Century, it was first dubbed ‘Smith’s Island’ after British settler Edward Smith, but was subsequently renamed twice: first as ‘Gloucester Isle’ and shortly thereafter ‘Oak Island’. It didn’t take long for the island’s reputation as a repository of hidden treasure to build, with the initial rumours starting to spread at the very beginning of the 19th Century. The haul of booty claimed (perhaps fancifully) to reside there includes jewels belonging to Marie Antoinette, Shakespearean manuscripts, and even religious artefacts.

Widely considered to be the first story is the account of Daniel McGinnis, one of the primary settlers who, in 1799, whilst assessing

potential

farming

territory,

discovered a depression in the ground and soil noticeably looser than the surrounding area, which prompted McGinnis to set

30 feet. From this came more fanciful

as the ‘Onslow Company’ continued the

about excavating the area with two of

embellishments, such as the tale that one of

work and reached a new depth of 90 feet.

his associates. After two feet of digging,

the notorious pirate Captain Kidd’s crew had

Along the way, they found similar layers of

they unearthed a layer of flagstones with

revealed, in his dying moments, that treasure

wood at regular intervals and the ubiquitous

layers of oak platforms and ‘tool marks’

worth in excess of £2 million (approximately

‘tool marks’ reported by the McGinnis dig.

appearing at 10 feet intervals. However,

£187 million in 2018 currency) was buried

More notably, they also recovered a large

feeling superstitious and abruptly fearful of

somewhere on Oak Island.

stone inscribed with obscure symbols at the

the consequences of their actions, the men

Eight years later, picking up from

bottom of their excavation. Although many

called a halt to their work after descending

McGinnis’ aborted attempt, a group known

researchers have attempted to decipher it,

52 | Endeavour Magazine

Digs and Buildings, Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, August 1931

on their attempt; the island had defeated the

explorers, has - aside from the mysterious

treasure-hunters once more.

stone yielded by the Onslow Company - yet

From the early 1800’s until the present

to produce anything close to the treasure

day, Oak Island has continued to play host

that folklore postulates could reside within

to the hopes and dreams of those who

it. Despite the romantic allure of fortune and

ventured to explore it. Famous names who

glory, the island also has a chequered past:

hunted for a share in the island’s supposed

over 14 persons are recorded as perishing

riches include Hollywood adventurers like

from a combination of mining accidents,

Errol Flynn and John Wayne. However,

drowning, gas-leaks, and malfunctioning

perhaps the most notable was Franklin

equipment. However, all of this has done

Delano Roosevelt, 32rd President of the

nothing to dissuade modern treasure-

United States. Roosevelt was a true believer

hunters from the search, with many books,

of the legend: he personally took part in

blogs, movies and a TV show (The Curse of

none have conclusively demonstrated that

an expedition, carefully monitored the

Oak Island) continuing to expound upon the

they have cracked the code (those Alan

contemporary reports of his time and even

pervading theories. There is nothing more

Turings among us can still view an image

kept up with any new developments on the

enticing than an unsolved mystery, and

of the stone online and try for themselves).

island right up until his death in 1945.

nothing has eroded interest in exploring the of

depths of this legend. Perhaps this succinctly

the first: shortly after the stone’s discovery,

speculation, both figuratively and in the very

demonstrates that, in the age of information,

the pit was suddenly flooded to the 33-

literal sense, the truth (if there is one) of Oak

where most of us have the knowledge of

feet level. With efforts to drain the water

Island remains shrouded in intrigue. The pit,

millennia in the palm of our hand, we all still

proving fruitless, the company called time

not so ironically named the ‘Money Pit’ by

crave a piece of the unknown.

However, this excavation was as ill-fated as

Even

after

hundreds

of

years

Endeavour Magazine | 53

TOFCO WWW.TOFCOTT.COM // 001 868 651 0006

THEIR BROTHER’S KEEPER Trinidad & Tobago has long held the reputation as the Caribbean’s top world-class oil & gas hub. A nucleus of industry and manufacturing, the islands’ resources, geographical location and top facilities have made it a hotspot of hydrocarbon exploration, production and trade.

A small island with a huge business, everyone knows everyone in the Trinidadian oil and gas sector, from independent bunkering companies to petroleum giants. One such enterprise operating within this cooperative hubbub is TOFCO - Trinidad Offshore Fabrication Company.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

TOFCO

Trinidad & Tobago is the wealthiest nation in the

Caribbean. Below its territorial waters, a predicted 728 million barrels of crude oil and 25.24 trillion cubic feet of 3P natural gas reserves are thought to lie, still waiting to be utilized by the twin islands. However, even for Trinidad and Tobago, who from the outside appear to be sitting pretty, the recent global decline in the oil and gas market has called for planning and strategy.

S

hips are choosing to re-fuel on cheaper islands, profit margins on oil and gas exports have dropped dramatically, and although

SOUTHERN MAINTENANCE SERVICES the sector seems to once again be approaching an up, it has SOUTHERN MAINTENANCE SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED been a testing time for the island’s sector-dependent economy.

COMPANY LIMITED

SOUTHERN MAINTENANCE SERVICES When 40% of your national GDP relies on one industry, its Welding and fabrication • Civil construction COMPANY LIMITED success is crucial. One of the many companies working to maintain Equipment rental • Marine construction Bond strand piping • Labour supply

affluence and adapt to the world’s adjusted pricing is TOFCO, the Caribbean’s largest provider of offshore platform construction and the only offshore platform fabrication yard in Trinidad and

COMPANY PROFILE

Tobago. With a niche such as this, TOFCO’s position in Trinidad’s oil and gas market has been clear, but by the same token, their reliance on the sector has been absolute. Founded in 2004, TOFCO has completion some of the largest and most demanding offshore constructions in the region’s history, by local or foreign

COMPANY PROFILE

companies.

The company was originally created as a joint venture between Weldfab Ltd, local leaders in industrial Welding and Fabrication, and Chet Morrison Contractors LLC, an American marine contractor with experience in offshore and onshore construction.

The company are proud of what they have achieved, both for themselves, as for the nation as a whole. As stated by Javed Mohammed, TOFCO’s General Manager: “What sets TOFCO apart

Lp #55 Isthmus Road, Galeota Point, Guayaguayare Phone: 630-6195/3257 • Fax: 630-4359 E-mail: elewis@southernmaintenancett.com

56 | Endeavour Magazine

is our world-class performance, but with Trinidad pride. We keep the work in-country rather than send jobs elsewhere. We’ve proven

TOFCO we can deliver projects to the highest of standards.” Their quality

This introduction of safe practices has been essential in the

may be of a global standard, but to TOFCO, Trinidad will always be

strong and fruitful development of the country’s industry, as

at the heart of what they do.

well as the wellbeing of its work force. “TOFCO has grown this

So, what do TOFCO do? As the islands’ only offshore platform

company organically and taught people how to work as team.

fabrication yard, the nation’s essential oil and gas operations often

We’ve transferred technology to the island and empowered the

rely on their services. Providing not only the construction, but also

local community. The people of Trinidad are capable of doing this

the maintenance of their offshore platforms, the company also

specialised work, we just need the support.”

provides maintenance and fabrication services to various onshore

Here, however, is where TOFCO must battle against challenges.

and offshore projects, including the vast structures needed to reach

With a history of long-term relationships with clients, the condition

Trinidad and Tobago’s valuable subsea oil fields.

of the oil and gas sector has dampened companies’ zeal for

The company provides the structural, mechanical, electrical, and

updating and upgrading their platforms, which has left a notable

instrumentation skill sets needed to build and deliver assemblies.

dent in TOFCO’s once regular workflow. “The threat is the lack

Pre-built at their fabrication year, the modules are then taken

of projects that are needed to maintain continuity. The upstream

offshore to be assembled and installed.

sector has been constrained by capital spending world-wide.” In a

According to Javed Mohammed; “We provide a service in

bid for contracts, companies are competing by offering cheaper and

country that is equivalent to what you would find anywhere in the

cheaper services, but this is a trend that harms themselves as well as

world. We organically grew a business in a country where these

their competitors long-term. This threat is greatest from companies

capabilities did not previously exist. We brought world-class

based overseas, meaning fewer and fewer jobs going to Trinidadian

safety and best practices to the country, organized top talent and

locals. “The real threat is the sustainability of the industry,” explains

mentored young people from the island on how to perform this

Javed. “If jobs are taken from the people of Trinidad, we may not be

work, all while not getting anyone hurt or killed.”

able to revive the local fabrication industry.”

58 | Endeavour Magazine

TOFCO and the people of Trinidad are one and the same – as

forgotten its appreciation for or gratitude to young new workers.

a wholly local company, with strong local pride, their concern for

Likewise, they have turned their attention to the wider community,

themselves and for the jobs of Trinidadian locals are intertwined.

knowing that as Trinidadians, they are all in this together. As

The company has brought fabrication work to the islands which

their success has grown, TOFCO have shared this with groups in

would otherwise have gone elsewhere, and they prioritise the

need, including programmes to help impacted children, victims

training and wellbeing of their staff. Their employees are cross-

of domestic violence, churches, community leaders and the

trained across disciplines, creating savvy welders, fabricators, and

environment, amongst others. In their own words, “Our ultimate

riggers who can interchange their roles as needed. The company is

objective is to help people who cannot otherwise help themselves.

keen to recruit young people and train them up, with a strong policy

We hope that through our outreach work we can empower

for staff development and internal hiring. Many of the company’s

residents to go on and make their lives better”

current senior staff started on the ground up within the company,

From their operational practises, focus on sustainability and fair

showing not only the prospects and rewards possible within the

treatment for their workers, and concerns for both the economy

company, but also people’s loyalty and willingness to stay. There is

and their local community, TOFCO go against the stereotype for

no clearer indicator of a reliable employer.

companies involved in the oil and gas industry. Considerate and

TOFCO’s dedication to youth outreach and the training and

focused on the long-term for their country, they uphold their values

protection of young employees began at the birth of the company.

well. Their company motto, “Be Your Brother’s Keeper”, is not just

As a new venture for the island, but with many existing companies

a marketing ploy for them, but a culture that informs every aspect

requiring overlapping skill-sets, TOFCO struggled to recruit

of their practises.

experienced staff. However, what they did find was a wealth of young people eager to learn practical vocational skills, and so the company and its first wave of staff grew together, and it has not

Endeavour Magazine | 59

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES WWW.TSUAFRICA.COM // 0027 12 653 8955

SAFETY FIRST Offering a variety of security solutions throughout South Africa, TSU Protection Services operates in accordance with staggeringly high levels of professionalism and Endeavour Magazine investigated, to discover if that’s the key to the company’s success.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES

Founded in 1999, TSU Protection Services (TSU) went

into a new millennium with one mandate; to fill an observable gap in the market for effective, professional security and protection solutions throughout South Africa.

S

tarting out as they meant to go on, the exceptionally high

methodologies used by specialised units in the South African Police

standards that permeated every endeavour, right from the

and Military.”

start of the company’s inception, has meant that interest has

While these credentials are impressive in their own right,

been registered from large, international security operation, for

there is an added dedication to providing the very best protection

representation on a more local level.

services that only TSU is really known for:

So, let’s ask the pertinent question; why is security so important?

We asked TSU CEO, Chris Beukes, to explain:

“Our broad blue-chip client base bears testimony to our ability to ensure that our clients’ needs are met and their security risks

“It’s important to lower the risk of whatever you are doing and

reduced. A broad base of expertise, experience and resources

to ensure that your people, money and interests are safe. South

ensures that we deliver the best results attainable for each

Africa is particularly pertinent in terms of needing protection

assignment. The sophisticated skills of our highly qualified

services. It’s important to always remember that people are one

team of experts combined with their commitment to excellence

of the most important assets, as you can’t just replace a high-

further add value and often create additional opportunities for

level executive the next day if something happens. An accident or

our clients.”

hijacking is always possible, but that risk can be severely impacted by having the right security detail.”

Other than the ethics and experience that a company can boast, this really demonstrates how to judge the reliability and resources

If there’s one thing that TSU knows all about, it’s why choosing

of a security operation; by looking at who their clients typically are.

the right security company for your need is so important and it’s

TSU is proud to offer security solutions for everyone, but with a

not a decision they want you to take lightly. In the modern business

huge base of impressive blue-chip companies at the core of their

world, failure to protect your assets can result in a loss of profit and

respected client base, TSU is really setting the standard by which all

even danger to staff and property, all of which will have a massive

other protection services should be judged. Chris expanded,

impact on the longevity of an operation, but what constitutes the ‘right team’?

“We pride ourselves on the knowledge that our members undergo a strict selection and training process based on the 62 | Endeavour Magazine

“We have a wide variety of clients, from the banking, mining, legal and telecommunications sectors, as well as private individuals.

We are absolutely here for everyone and always keen to offer a tailored security solution.”

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES Speaking of sound business ethics, you’d have to go a long way to find a company that prides itself on its staunch morality and

members that make up its team, so what steps are taken to ensure that? Chris explained,

commitment to reliability, more than TSU. If there is ever even a

“Our staff are the backbone of the company, so we spend a

vague concern that a contract cannot be completed, it simply isn’t

lot of time and money maintaining their knowledge and updating

taken on,

their training to the newest standards, as we are conscious of

“At TSU Protection Services, we will only commit to a potential

their personal safety, as well as their expertise, always being a top

project or a contract if we know that we can meet and deliver the

priority. In a bid to keep our staff members safe, we tick all the

requirements according to our own unique high standards and

necessary boxes, keep up their training and don’t leave them to

service levels. A project will never be accepted unless we are sure

further their own education. Because of this, we have a low staff

that we have the resources to deliver. We work closely with the

turnover, which in turn, leads to the protection of our good name.”

official law enforcement agencies and adhere strictly to the letter

Given that TSU is widely regarded as one of the premier security

of the law, a boundary that will never be overstepped.”

solutions provider in South Africa, it must have an extensive list of

Whilst this dedication to upholding the law and protecting

services, right? Extensive doesn’t even come close! From executive

clients and their interests runs through the core of TSU, at no point

protection through to guarding, training and even armed escort

will anyone be worked with unless they hold similarly rigid and

offerings, if you need it protecting, TSU is more than capable of

ethical principles,

rising to the challenge and its reach is consistently expanding:

“A project will never be accepted from a client who does not conform to the same ethics and principles that we do.”

“We take up a lot of work throughout Africa now. We have a journey-management centre is in place, meaning that we can travel

It seems like a logical step to find out exactly what TSU is looking

with people or work with local partners in different countries.

for, in terms of clients. Naturally, this is a risk-heavy industry and

Background checks are a natural part of this process, as executives

as such, TSU is cautious to always be protecting the professional

are always keen to know who they are potentially entering into

64 | Endeavour Magazine

business with, especially if they are in different countries. This simply offers peace of mind and less risk. We’ve experienced a 3540% growth in the last year, which has led to a more international reach.”

With a keen eye on all things security and protection, it’s a fair assumption that TSU is prepared for anything and while its reputation is going from strength to strength, what does the future hold?

“We have a long-term vision to see more international growth.

We want to work for many more blue-chip companies and top-level executives, though that is already happening. We would like to see a large chunk of the market, cornered by us and in a global sense, we want to be the standard by which all other security companies measure themselves. We’re not just a small company from South Africa and we expect to be here for the next 100 years.”

Whatever the future brings, one thing is certain; anyone entrusting their business to the capable, experienced and dedicated members of TSU that ensure iron-clad security and protection will be in exceptionally safe hands.

Endeavour Magazine | 65

ROYAL CASTLE WWW.ROYALCASTLE-TT.COM // 001 868 646 7425

TRINIDADIAN CULTURE, TRINIDADIAN TASTE Since 1968, Royal Castle Ltd have been tempting Trinidadian tastebuds with their pioneering fastfood chain. We spoke with Sandy Roopchand, Managing Director, to learn more about the brand’s history and what it is that keeps them thriving in a market of growing competition.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ROYAL CASTLE

Trinidad and Tobago are bustling hubs of industry, but

they are also booming with colour, culture and good food. The beautiful Caribbean islands are home to music, flavours and festivals, combining celebrations and cultures from their broad mix of heritages, including African, Arabic, Indian, Spanish Jewish and European backgrounds.

P

erhaps the most famous of these festivals is Carnival, brought

42 restaurants in total. Of this figure, 32 restaurants are owned by

over by French settlers and celebrated across the islands

the company itself, whilst the remaining ten are franchises, four

last month, but spirits are also high for Christmas, Eid, and a

within Trinidad & Tobago and the other six overseas in Guyana.

colourful slate of Indian celebrations including Diwali, Phagwah

With business busy on the small islands, friendly competition is

and Shivaratri. This global melting-pot has developed a reputation

full-on, but RCL were fortunate to get their foot in the door early

for inclusive culture, flavoursome food and a strong local pride:

and they seem to be here to stay. Sandy explained that the last

therefore, to thrive as a local restaurant chain, a company needs to

ten years, in particular, have seen many rival chains rise up, but

represent all three.

few have had the sticking power to survive the test of time. So,

Royal Castle Ltd (RCL) was founded in 1968, making it the

what is the appeal of Royal Castle Ltd - beyond the tempting menu?

first locally owned fast food chain operating in Trinidad & Tobago.

Sandy told us: “Our aim has always been to provide products of

Now there’s some local pride! The company’s family-friendly,

impeccable taste and great quality at an affordable price while

quick-service restaurants offer a mouth-watering menu, focusing

embodying a warm customer centric environment.”

on delicious Trinidadian chicken but also celebrating fish and

For Sandy, the most pressing challenges are competition from

vegetarian options. We spoke with Sandy Roopchand, RCL’s

overseas and a fluctuating economy. The chain has weathered

Managing Director, and it soon made us hungry: “Our primary

both through its tight links to the islands, creating beneficial and

product is our succulent fried chicken and crinkle cut fries. We offer

essential relationships with local farmers and suppliers, therefore

other savory options such as rotisserie chicken, fried chicken breast

supporting Trinidad & Tobago’s economy as well as making

sandwiches, fish fillet sandwiches, veggie burgers and fish fillet

themselves securely tethered in it. “We pride ourselves in being

meals, along with an array of sides including potato salad, coleslaw,

able to support our local economy by sourcing approximately 95%

fresh green salad and newly added corn nuggets. We also have our

of our products locally. We have built relationships with numerous

famous pepper sauce, along with other sauces such as barbeque

farmers, chicken producers and other local bodies for a supply of

sauce, honey mustard sauce and tartar sauce to complement our

quality products for our operation.”

meals.”

“All our suppliers have been key supporters of our success, as

Yum! Whilst other locally owned fast food chains have since

they understand our commitment towards quality products and

come into being, RCL began life competing purely against large

ingredients for our customers.” As well as supporting local suppliers,

chains from overseas. In both contexts, it has thrived, now operating

especially in terms of farm produce, the brand also works closely

68 | Endeavour Magazine

ROYAL CASTLE with popular international sellers such as Nutrina, Fine Choice,

recognising the potential of their employees and not putting a cap

Kiss, Cavendish Farms and the ever-popular Coca-Cola. However,

on how far their ambition and dedication can take them. “Without

it is this local support that is so important, both for the quality of

such an investment in our employees, we understand that we

RCL’s food and their position as an important cog in Trinidad and

would not be able to uphold our value proposition, nor ensure that

Tobago’s economic machine.

our customers receive a good service experience.”

As well as this fresh local produce, local representation and

For Sandy, responsibility for the success, quality and happiness of

a genuine passion between themselves and their customers are

her employees lies with her. “I strongly believe that an organization’s

key for RCL: “Our culture and our taste are represented in our

relationship with its staff must be mutually beneficial. I understand

brand. Our selection of quality ingredients, combined with our

my responsibility in building and maintaining conditions that make

well-trained, multi-racial, cultured staff make our customers’

service excellence possible and worthwhile. Knowing that is a

experience a unique, tasty and unforgettable one. There is an

culture change, and one that will create long term success. I also

emotional connection between our brand, our products and overall

hold myself accountable to my staff as I build trust, earning their

customer experience which represents a true sense of our rich Trini

respect whilst being authentic and aware of what’s happening at

culture.” RCL offer all of this with enthusiasm, and at an accessible

the various levels.”

price. “Our ability to live our value proposition has really been a resounding factor.”

Sandy Roopchand has been with the company for just under 13 years. In that time, she advanced from a managerial position in the

RCL currently employ over 500 members of staff, and the

finance department to Managing Director of the chain: “I have been

company has invested heavily in their training and well-being, from

privileged to lead such a dynamic business with supportive, diverse

floor workers to those in managerial positions. “We continue to

staff.” Over the years, she has seen Royal Castle’s market begin

recognise and reward our employees - they are our greatest asset.”

to shift, or more accurately, broaden: “Our mass market generally

The company also puts a heavy emphasis on internal promotion,

consists of customers aged 30 and older, due mainly to tradition.

Cavendish Farms is a family food company that puts pride, dedication and a whole lot of know-how into everything we grow and everything we make.

We are committed to Growing our Best™, and are very pleased to continue to grow our partnership with Royal Castle; a partnership that spans over 30 years. Royal Castle is a valued partner who shares our core values of being customer-focused and consistently delivering great-tasting, high-quality products and services.

Congratulations to Royal Castle on your fifty years in business.

We look forward to our continued successful partnership, offering delicious French fries that distinguish Royal Castle for their loyal patrons for years to come.

70 | Endeavour Magazine

Congratulations on celebrating 50 years in business!

cavendishfarms.com

ROYAL CASTLE However, we have seen a steady growth of younger customers in

international wholesale market. The latter is no small feat, requiring

the last five years.” In part, this could be due to the high levels of

RCL to first invest in new a bottling plant to produce the product in

customer service that Royal Castle pride themselves in providing. It

enough quantity – and they’re expecting demand!

could also be a bonus of their other focus: expansion.

“Our Culture, Our Taste” - RCL’s slogan says it all. It is fitting

Within the last two years, RCL have conducted major renovation

that Trinidad and Tobago’s first locally owned and run fast food

works on several of their outlets, in order to provide a more up-to-

brand has remained so locally minded; even as they begin to scope

date, welcoming and on-brand appearance. They have also opened

out distant shores, the value of home-sourced ingredients and a

five new restaurants: “Our company is expanding rapidly as we

representative workforce has not been forgotten. As they expand,

continue to invest in opening new restaurants at various locations

it seems that Sandy and the RCL team plan to remember what has

to make our products accessible to all. Our aim is to enhance and

always been important to this chain, offering the world a fast but

continue to give our customers greater access to our products

authentic taste of Trinidad.

by convenience of locations and an appealing ambiance. We also continue to review our product offerings and do our best to excite our customers with additional delicious product options.”

As well as increasing their reach and keeping their menus and atmosphere fresh, RCL are eyeing up greater changes. Firstly, they are increasing their appeal to young families by adding playparks to a selection of their restaurants, making Royal Castle a trip out instead of a ‘drop in’. They are also eyeing more international goals, hoping to grow their chain’s presence overseas, and even more ambitiously, to provide their iconic pepper sauce on the local and

72 | Endeavour Magazine

le t s a C l a y o R to s n o i t a l u t a r Cong y r a s r e v i n n a h on their 50itquely spiced home styled un tinctive s i d supplying a s t i r o f n is know rest e h product that t m o r f t r s it apa taste and set

+`_

We have proudly supported you over these 50 years with our products that help to “make the difference�. We look forward to our continued close association.

Best wishes and continued prosperity in the years ahead.

National Canners Limited National Canners Limited Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arima Trinidad & Tobago ,W.I. Telephone:642-3091/3062 Fax: 642-3063 E-Mail Address: admin@nationalcanners.com

NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS WWW.NOMADTOURS.CO.ZA // 0027 21 426 5445

THE CALL OF THE WILD Overwhelmingly vast and breathtakingly beautiful, Africa has long enchanted visitors and tourists.

The region is a sublime melting pot of culture and history, but the biggest draw for tourists remains the safari tours that show off the country’s world-famous wildlife in all its glory.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS Nomad Adventure Tours, one of the oldest and best-

regarded safari tour operators in the Southern and East African region, is a name that may be familiar to Endeavour readers. Through its knack for innovation and ability to bend with the winds of change, Nomad has shown thousands of satisfied customers all that is best about this remarkable continent for 20 years. We turned out attention to the company once again to investigate their exciting new partnership with Toyota, which is set to see the company become the envy of the sector.

I

n a world where the hand of humanity can be seen and felt at

and winding journey across up to 14 countries to see some of the

every turn, magnificent African landscapes like that of Serengeti

most spectacular sights they will ever gaze upon. Each year, the

National Park and the Okavango Delta stand as bastions of the

Nomad team travels an average of two million kilometres over more

natural world. Certainly, they are valuable and accessible reminders

than 1000 tours a year, offering packages that take their customers

that life doesn’t begin and end in the sprawling cities and urban

across the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa.

centres where so many of us spend our lives.

From serene journeys across the landscape of the ‘Garden

For a tourist who has never seen the early-morning sun rise

Route’ in South Africa to epic treks into the mountains of Rwanda

over the horizon of the Maasai Mara or the sight of giant herds of

or Uganda, homes of the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla,

wildebeest, thousands-strong, stretching almost as far as the eye

Nomad’s varied and expansive itinerary options mean that there

can see, the experience of leaving the hustle and bustle of urban

is something for everybody, whatever their tastes and whatever

life behind to follow the call of safari can see them return home a

their budget. As of this year, this expansive array now includes the

different person.

option to fly down to the South African coastline and take to the

This ability to inspire such change is, in Alex Rutherford’s view, part of what makes the rigours of running one of Africa’s leading safari tour operators worth it: “If you’re running safari tours for 15,000-20,000 vs. 500 people that are paying ten times more, I’ve found that the wealthy guys

waters.

“Most people don’t know this, but South Africa is one of the diving hotspots of the world, specifically for apex predators – the sharks, the whales, the dolphins and the seals that are abundant in South African waters.

tend to be a little jaded with the majesty of the world. We’re talking

“This year we’ve launched the ‘Big 5 & Dive’, on a scheduled tour

about people who can afford to travel anywhere, and who’ve seen

basis. Customers taking this combined package see it all: starting

and done most of it.

at the Krueger National Park, they go game driving and all of that

I’m more into the guys who’ve never been into the wilderness,

before flying down to the coast and diving into South Africa’s

for example, who come from South Korea and who’ve never been

pristine waters. This tour package is unique – there’s nobody else

out of the city and end up in the middle of the Namib Desert. They

doing it like we’re doing it. It’s a new package, so it’ll take a bit of

start crying because they’ve never been alone or exposed to that

time to bed in, like all new products, but it’s a valuable addition to

level of openness and silence – they go home changed completely.”

our portfolio of tours.”

Since he first established Nomad Adventure Tours in 1997, Alex

It is this ability to meet the needs of an incredibly broad clientele

has utilised his passion for adventure and love of Africa to show

and deliver customised tour options that has acted as one of the

travellers what makes this land unique, and to take them on a long

key drivers of Nomad Tours’ success over the past two decades.

76 | Endeavour Magazine

NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS Travellers who choose to see the sights of Africa with Nomad Tours

maintaining a healthy group dynamic. It is a delicate mix, and the

come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak; in any one tour, a group

tour guide must take control of everything with professionalism,

can be made of people aged from 18 to 80, be any of a dozen

decorum, and a friendly and engaging manner.

different nationalities, and hail from all walks of life.

For this reason, Alex has been careful to choose tour guides

“We really accommodate a huge and varied cross-section of the

based on their temperament and capacity for lateral thought, as

market. The campers are often younger, they’re on a budget and

opposed to qualifications – people can be taught to drive and

they’re not afraid to rough it a little. The mid-range guys tend to be

cook, but good character is something that people come with. This

a little older and prefer a little more in the way of creature comforts,

approach to recruitment extends to the wider Nomad Tours team,

such as a roof to sleep under, but are looking for something that

as Alex was keen to highlight, and judging by the company’s track-

isn’t overly expensive. Then there’s the older, wealthier clientele

record of success, it is an approach that has been vindicated:

who don’t want to camp anymore and expect a degree of comfort.”

“Pound-for-pound, my team, the office team, the people who

Catering to clients’ needs in this regard is essential, and so too

train and run the ops team are top-drawer people – exceptionally

is ensuring that Nomad’s team delivers a superior experience that

good staff. The hours can be long and workloads can be huge, but

will see customers fall in love with Africa and catch the safari bug

that’s the nature of tourism. It can be a high-stress environment.

to the extent that they come back again. Much of this responsibility

If you have the right people, you get staff retention, and then you

falls onto the shoulders of the company’s tour guides – individuals

have the meat and bones of your company in place.”

who, in Alex’s words, are “the priest, the doctor, the lawyer, the

Innovation has played an integral part in Nomad Tour’s

friend, and the commander” of each and every safari tour. On a

continued presence at the front of the industry. Whether the

multi-country tour, there are a thousand different variables to

company is mapping out the most exciting, visually striking safari

consider and a thousand different dilemmas and challenges that

tour routes or designing overland-diving hybrid tour packages,

could be faced, relating to the climate, the food, the vehicles, and

Nomad Tours has achieved longevity and a formidable reputation

78 | Endeavour Magazine

amongst its peers because of its ability to stay ahead of the curve.

we’ve been busy designing the vehicles and they will look a million

Indeed, the most exciting development to emerge from Nomad

dollars –something that everybody will look at and think “Wow, I

Tours since we caught up with the company last year surrounds an

want one!”

ambitious partnership with Toyota that is on the cusp of coming to

This new concept of 4x4 luxury overland travel will allow

fruition – one which will further cement the company’s status as an

Nomad Tours to reach out into a more luxury market, centred

industry trendsetter.

around fewer people and more comfort. The technical innovations

“As of January next year, we’ll be launching five Toyota

of the new Toyota Highnote, including seats that will be able to

Highnote 4x4 custom-built trucks that will be the first of their

swing from forward-facing to side-facing (perfect for game driving,

kind in the tourism industry worldwide. The vehicles we’re building

where customers will want to have their own private window that

are exceptional – they will provide true 5-star travelling for our

faces outwards), are as-of-yet unheard of in the industry, and will

customers. They have individual aircon, onboard toilets, individual

help to make the customer experience of seeing Africa that little bit

electronic safes, reclining leather seats – endless luxury for a safari

more special.

tour. They are top, top of the range.

Even for a company so accustomed to change and excitement,

“They will be a more expensive option for our customers, but

these are heady times for the company. As Alex himself admitted,

not exorbitantly so – we’ve capped the number of vehicles we’ll

Nomad Tours has reached the zenith of what can be achieved

be acquiring at 12 because they cost a small fortune. They will be

through what it was doing before. However, through his ability

for people who want a bit more space and a bit more privacy –

to adapt to a changing marketplace, not to mention an ever more

generally people who are a little bit older, and perhaps not that

demanding clientele, new horizons have opened up for man and

keen on the camping thing anymore. It’s a new product, and it

company – a testament, certainly, to what can be achieved when

stands alone against what’s currently in the market. I think from a

you go about business with great passion and love for what

Toyota perspective it’s going to be absolutely phenomenal, because

you do.

Awake to the birdcalls of the Kalahari and prepare yourself for a day in the bushveld.

(267) 721 207 91 / 75121955 ghanzitrailblazers@gmail.com www.ghanzitrailblazers.co.bw Endeavour Magazine | 79

ED ZUBLIN AG WWW.ZUBLIN.COM.SG // 0065 6339 0436

FROM THE GROUND UP Singapore’s skyline is famous: an aesthetic celebration of economic success, its lights shine out from gleaming towers and reflect on still waters, showing off both Singapore’s affluence and the ports that help create it. However, this sleek, colourful image of urban paradise only tells half the story, for everything that goes up must come down. More to the point, for every mighty structure above ground is a maze of infrastructure below ground; that’s where Ed Zublin AG come in.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ED ZUBLIN AG

Ed Zublin AG was established in 1898 by Swiss engineer

Eduard Zublin. This Stuttgart-based company operates as a valued branch of the European construction giant, STRABAG, operating across the construction and civil engineering sectors worldwide.

T

o explore these operations in more detail, we focused in on Ed Zublin’s Pipe Jacking and Tunnel Lining divisions, which have undertaken colossal projects for international clients in

50 countries including Abu Dhabi, Russia, India and Australia, with contract values in the hundreds of millions of dollars. However, since their inception in 1997, their main arenas were and continue to be Thailand and Singapore.

Both the pipe jacking and tunnel lining industries are in high demand in Southeast Asia, creating a buoyant but highly competitive market. This competition is heightened by the demands of the task: the reality of urban tunneling is far more complex then it may seem to a layman, and especially to a full and thriving city such as Singapore. Contending with earthworks and concrete is only a fraction of the challenge facing such companies; obstacles such as existing sewage and drainage systems, electric cabling and other infrastructure snakes through the dense and developed city, a Gillian-esque controlled chaos powering the lifestyle above. Of course, we can’t complete this list without including Singapore’s advanced underground metro system! Thankfully, with 50 years’ experience in the design and production of all kinds of reinforced jacking pipes and tunnel lining segments, Ed Zublin have the skills they need to not only rise to the task, but to compete.

To navigate around Singapore’s subterranean labyrinths, the company uses a range of technologies, including curve drives to lay curved tunnels where straight drives aren’t possible, and a new inner-sleeve technology to counteract the limitations of concrete piping. Their array of tools and toys also includes a range of gantry

82 | Endeavour Magazine

ED ZUBLIN AG cranes, TBMs, telescopic excavators, de-silting centrifuges and

customers, which in turns encourages companies to confidently

full power plants, to name but some. In fact, the Zublin brand

trust them with multi-million-dollar tenders.

established itself as ahead of the technological curve when it

An example of one of Zublin’s more lucrative international

pioneered the centrifugal process for concrete pipe production

projects is its work on the Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Scheme

in 1923. With this legacy, the company’s reputation for complex

in Western Australia. The AUD$275 million project required

and reliable work has continued, ever developing new production

the construction of a 6.3km main sewer trunk, serving an area

processes whilst providing reliable quality in their tried and tested

of new suburbs 45km north of Perth, 13 jacking shafts, which

methods.

were constructed along the length of the tunnel, and 3.7km of

Ed Zublin have been quoted to say that they consider themselves

76” diameter ocean outfall pipeline. This project saw Zublin AG

“at the forefront of design, development and the production of new

achieve a number of firsts. One was that the pipe jacking works

techniques in our area of operations.” Within the city itself, the

were completed at a record pace, which saw the project reach

company employs 360 highly trained staff, with a wider international

completion three-months ahead of schedule. Another came when

team of over 1,200. Given the complexity of their work, the group

Zublin employed a new Dual Mode Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

strives to attract the most experienced and dedicated employees

for the first time during the project – a tool which is perfect for

they can find – a goal they combine with a dedication to developing

tackling challenging geological conditions which are highly variable

those already with the company, both through inhouse and, where

in nature.

needed, specialist external training. Of course, they can also call on

Similarly, Zublin’s work on the East-West Gas Pipeline Project

the expertise of their global team, including top German engineers

on the Gautami Godavari river crossing in Rajahmundry, India, was

(after all, STRABAG, Zublin’s parent company, enjoys a position

also an enterprise that showcased the company’s reputation for

as a German engineering leader.) All of this means that Ed Zublin

excellence. A total length of 2.4km of tunnel, using two Dual Mode

are able to promise the very best in service and results to their

TBM’s, was completed within the space of one dry season – an

84 | Endeavour Magazine

impressive achievement considering and the short construction schedule which Zublin had to work to. The remoteness of the jobsite, and variable geographical conditions including silty sand, clay silt, clay sand and intermittent pockets of sand and clay, meant that an alternate approach to completing the project was required. Rather than relying on its Kota Tinggi production facilities in Malaysia, Zublin instead set up a temporary pipe production site that allowed for timely production and transportation of pipes.

This, along with the importation of two TBM’s, plant and equipment led to the creation of a completely self-sufficient jobsite that was instrumental in the project’s overall success.

However, with all of this global activity and success, it is Singapore that continues to be the highlight for Zublin. With a slate of current projects from sewage works to underpasses and offshore pipelines, they continue to tackle the essential but often unnoticed aspects of city construction – the foundations and veins that keep glamorous developments running. With its culture of success and continued application of the latest technologies, materials, and operational approaches, it’s a safe bet that Ed Zublin’s market

MC-BAUCHEMIE SINGAPORE PTE LTD is part of

the MC-Bauchemie group, founded in 1965 and present in Singapore since 1998. As a leading manufacturer of construction chemicals, MC has supplied chemical grouting material to numerous transport and water/ wastewater related infrastructure projects in Singapore, and is considered the gold standard in tunnel related concrete repair. Why MC? Because we take building seriously.

dominance and reputation for excellence will continue, both in Singapore and abroad.

www.mc-bauchemie.com

www.mc-bauchemie.com

Endeavour Magazine | 85

MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWNE.COM // 001 868 627 8277

MOVIE MAGIC MovieTowne – in Trinidad and Tobago, it is a name synonymous with cinema magic and a worldclass entertainment experience.

MovieTowne is the epitome of a picture-perfect company that is always looking for ways to build both its business and its local communities. This remarkable chain would not have been possible without the remarkable man who built it - Derek Chin.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

MOVIETOWNE

With its wealth of incredible natural gifts, Trinidad &

Tobago has long been a magnet for holidaymakers from all over the world, and is one of the region’s premier tourism hubs. Thankfully for the island, country’s government has been conscious of the effects of tourism, and has worked tirelessly to implement the diversification schemes and policies needed to re-orientate the country away from its traditional reliance on the industry. Instead, they set in place the foundations upon which a more complex and prosperous national economy could be built.

O

f the many industries that have been rebuilt and reborn over

Trinidad and Tobago was on its knees before MovieTowne came

recent years, the entertainment sector is perhaps the country’s

into being. People preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home

biggest success story. This is largely down to the efforts of one

to going to the cinema, and considering the conditions of the old

man - a man who stepped up to the plate and transformed a failing

auditoriums, it was no surprise. There was little or no variety in

cinema industry into one that is the envy of much of the world.

choice, the bathroom facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy

That man was Derek Chin.

and intimidating experience. Customer service was also far from

Derek is something of an eccentric, but he is certainly not a man

polished.”

to be underestimated; it is only as a result of his vision and bloody-

Highly regarded as the premier Cineplex, shopping and

minded determination to make Trinidad & Tobago a world-leader in

entertainment complex in the region, MovieTowne was a breath of

entertainment that the region has come so far, and been propelled

fresh air for Trinidad and Tobago when it opened in 2002. It offered

forward so quickly.

high-end, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price,

Having completed a business administration degree at

and in a desirable setting. It also appears to have singlehandedly

the University of Western Ontario in Canada and a stint as an

reinvigorated the country’s passion for seeing the biggest, most

auditor with KPMG, Chin returned to Trinidad in 1981 with one

exciting new releases on the silver screen. By offering state-of-the-

goal - to revolutionise the entertainment industry. Boy, did he

art facilities, up-to-the-minute sound quality and superior customer

accomplish that!

service, MovieTowne quickly became the go-to destination rather

The experience Derek gained after his return as a key figure in both the Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd. and

than an idea that was, initially, heralded as something of an unnecessary flourish of modernisation.

Dachin Enterprises, coupled with his desire to push local business

“I wanted to bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to

development, gave him unique insight into what consumers want,

movie fans here on the islands and give people a real experience.

and what it takes to do business successfully on the islands. This is

Also, I wanted to introduce people to a far higher level of customer

how, when he saw a cinema industry that was a national disaster,

service than they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead

he was able to spot the opportunity this presented and take the

of its time and I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and

steps to lead the sector into the 21st century.

changed their expectations.”

Speaking about the cinema industry in the region, Derek is

Given its success, Derek didn’t want to stop at just one

candid about its humble beginnings; “The cinematic industry in

complex: in the years that followed the opening of Movietowne’s

88 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE initial location, expansion was rapid and impressive. A further

“We promote and fund youth education through film and we

two complexes were opened that, like their predecessor, were

founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition, which

not limited to simple cinema chains. Instead, these incredible

enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring

complexes offered a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants

but win scholarships into higher education courses. We also engage

and entertainment suites as well. However, it’s the small details

in much charitable work while investing in communities.”

that make the difference: “Our Cineplexes are themed along the lines of Hollywood, with notable examples being a back-drop of Jurassic Park with all the

What an incredible way to ensure that emerging talent is noticed and nurtured as soon as possible, which Derek sees as the key to continued success for the region.

dinosaurs as an attraction. We also have various life-sized models

Whilst you might think this has all been something of a fairy-

of Batman, Chewbacca, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek…and these are

tale for Derek, the success he enjoys has come as the result of years

just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”

of training and dedication to bringing premier entertainment back

What’s really interesting to note is that people aren’t simply

to Trinidad and Tobago. Watching films could, on the surface, seem

attending these cathedrals of modern entertainment; they are

like a frivolous pastime, but Derek understands that they have a

sitting up and taking notice of the man behind the brand, with

much deeper purpose; to bring people together.

Derek becoming something of a local hero and a figurehead

He may not have realised it at the start, but he has brought a

who represents what young people growing up in Trinidad and

whole nation together now and we can’t wait to see how he mixes

Tobago can accomplish with hard work. That’s because this isn’t

things up again in the future with his contagious enthusiasm for

just a business enterprise for Derek - it’s a way of life, and offers a

progress and community.

tangible way to give back to the local community. “MovieTowne is more than a business – it is a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.

You don’t really know how strong your insurance broker is, until you’re in hot water.

Always present with unsurpased technical depth, strategic insight and confidence when you need it most.

90 | Endeavour Magazine

AUTOMOTIVES POLESTAR, THE NEW BRAND FROM THE VOLVO GROUP: POLESTAR 1

P

olestar 1, the first car from the new electric performance brand Polestar, is now available for pre-ordering in 18

countries around the world. The Polestar 1 was introduced to the public for the first time at the opening of the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, following its global media reveal in Shanghai, China, in late 2017.

“With more than 7,000 people interested in owning a Polestar 1 since its reveal, we are extremely encouraged by the passion shown for our product. We will now take the next steps towards delivering this beautiful car to our first customers,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, from the Volvo Car Group.

Enthusiasm for the Polestar 1 has already exceeded the new brand’s expectations: “With our plans to produce 500 cars per year, it’s possible that we have exceeded our production potential in these early stages.

This positive reception to Polestar 1 really encourages us that our ‘Pure, Progressive, Performance’ brand proposition resonates very well with customers.”

The Polestar 1 is an Electric Performance Hybrid GT coupé which produces 600 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, while offering 150 km of pure electric driving range – the longest of any hybrid car in the world.

“Electromobility is the main focus of today’s automotive industry, and Polestar is at the centre of this development, introducing

world-class

electrified

cars

and ground-breaking, customer-focussed services and offers.”

92 | Endeavour Magazine

The Polestar 1’s Electric Performance

purchase the Polestar 1 outright if desired

Hybrid powertrain features an internal

The pre-order process involves a fully

combustion engine powering the front

refundable €2,500 ($2,500; 20,000RMB)

wheels, while a double electric rear axle drive

deposit, which serves as a placeholder in

system powers the rear wheels from a total

the queue for a Polestar 1. Pre-ordering is

of 34 kWh of battery power. In combination,

now available in the following 18 countries:

the Polestar 1 is an electric vehicle with the

China, the United States, Sweden, Germany,

benefits of an internal combustion engine

Norway,

to supplement the electric drive over long

Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Spain, France,

distances when required.

Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland,

the

Netherlands,

the

United

The Polestar consumer experience is

Belgium and Canada. Along with the opening

based on a new subscription model, where

of this process, a new car configuration

customers will be able to subscribe to their

tool also allows prospective customers to

Polestar car for two or three years. Linked to

visualise their Polestar 1 before placing their

a host of connected and on-demand benefits

pre-order.

such as pick-up and delivery servicing, the

If you want to see this new brand in

no-deposit, all-inclusive subscription model

person, then good news; the Geneva Motor

has been designed to take the traditional

Show marks the start of a world tour for

hassle out of vehicle ownership with one

the Polestar 1. Other regional reveal events

monthly fee that includes sundries such

are planned in China, the United States

as insurance and maintenance, and allows

and elsewhere in Europe, which will allow

the customer to focus on the enjoyment

customers, potential subscribers and brand

of driving. Customers will also be able to

fans to see the new Polestar 1 in key markets

in the build up to the start of production in

mid-2019.

Meanwhile,

development

at the new Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, is progressing with suitable pace. Having broken ground in November 2017, construction is on track for tooling installation and pre-production to begin as planned towards the end of 2018.

“The beautiful new Polestar Production Centre

in

Chengdu will

become

our

manufacturing hub and the centre of Polestar manufacturing operations,” said Jonathan Goodman, Chief Operations Officer of Polestar. “With its Scandinavian design principles, expertly executed by Snøhetta of Norway, and its roots quite literally set in one of our main markets, the Polestar Production Centre not only serves as the birthplace of all Polestar 1 cars, but also a brand experience facility with a dedicated test track and other client-focused facilities which contribute to the world-class Polestar customer experience.”

Endeavour Magazine | 93

Making life easier for fleet managers everywhere

EILBECK CRANES WWW.EILBECKCRANES.COM // 0061 2 9829 3700

TOWERING SUCCESS A great many companies claim to have the best interests of their clients at heart, but few can rightly state that they’ve been living up to that mantle for over 100 years. Eilbeck Cranes is a one-ina-million operation that sets the standard for global machining and support manufacturing, which is why Endeavour Magazine was keen to discover the secret to the company’s success.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

EILBECK CRANES

A 100% privately owned company, located in Australia,

Eilbeck Cranes has garnered itself an enviable reputation, but not merely on a regional level; we’re talking globally here. So here’s the big question; what’s the secret to the covetable position as a market leader? The answer is as simple as having a natural talent for not only meeting and exceeding customers’ needs and expectations, but also actually predicting them and offering totally tailored and customised solutions.

H

aving been in operation for a staggering 110 year (seriously, how many companies can you interact with, safe in the knowledge that their methodology has been proved out over

a century?), Eilbeck has become the premier choice for a range of commercial clients, from SME’s all the way through to government and high-level corporate institutions. With this in mind, it can’t

Protection for tough cranes in tough conditions...

come as any surprise that long-lasting relationships, a vested interest in clients’ successes and a proactive approach to customer service are the pillars that underpin every contract undertaken

by Eilbeck. Nor can you be shocked that so many clients return,

We are proud to support Eilbeck Cranes as a long term supplier of high performance surface coatings to colour and protect their manufactured products.

This kind of protection helps deliver a great platform for business, but doesn’t come easily! It involves collaborative development work, extensive field trials and performance characteristics verified to ensure that all application criteria and product specifications are achieved.

Whatever the conditions, we innovate and adapt coatings that work for you as you expect, in any situation.

without hesitation, time and time again.

26, Paramount Drive, Wangara, Western Australia 6065 Tel: +61 8 9302 2577 email@cameleon.com.au www.cameleon.com.au

father of the company, Tom Eilbeck has certainly not looked to upset

98 | Endeavour Magazine

Perhaps it’s the family-run element to the company that offers that extra nuance of credibility and peace of mind that clients find so irresistible? When you learn that the current CEO, Tom Eilbeck, is the third consecutive family CEO to take the reins, you get a real sense of the steadfast and uncompromising family tradition that steers the company as a whole, but the company was no flight of fancy, back at the moment of conception. Engineering runs though the veins of every Eilbeck and being the grandson of the founding a successful apple cart with radical ideas that would undermine the incredible reputation enjoyed by the company for a century.

With six manufacturing plants located throughout Australia, Eilbeck Cranes has certainly grown over the last 110 years,

EILBECK CRANES but the initial founding principles remain the same; hard work,

plainly reflected in the numbers of repeat clients and the complexity

determination and family values. The proof is in the pudding, as

of projects undertaken.

they say, as these seemingly commonsense and simple principles

With cutting edge machining workshops in place, kitted out

have directly contributed to the company gaining not only national,

with state of the art CNC technology, the company is in a unique

but also international recognition as “the only organisation to

position to be able to confidently offer exemplar services, but

provide a serious challenge to the traditional European domination

this is by no means all that Eilbeck relies on to retain its enviable

within the crane industry”. We assume that this is what direct;y

reputation. A spokesperson for the company revealed that:

lead to the company motto of “One Company, Many Locations, Global Service”.

“With our fabrication capabilities, we additionally have both a granite blast booth, steel shot blast unit, a completely equipped

Knowing that Eilbeck Cranes enjoys a comfortable monopoly

paint bay to all different paint specs, shrink fitting, a first-class

of the local market and is also a high-ranking contender in wider

CNC machining workshop, electrical and assembly capabilities.

spheres, perhaps we need to gain a better understanding of exactly

Alongside this capacity, our team have the ability to design and

what the company does?

engineer, if required. Our team believes in the upmost quality and

In a nutshell, Eilbeck Cranes can offer a one-stop solution for any and all crane and winch manufacturing needs. If that sounds

have ITP’s in place and QA systems for all fabrication, paint and machining work available to offer to the client.”

even remotely simple to you, then think again! As the saying goes,

With a longstanding spotless reputation, an enviable client

it takes a village, and in this case, the population of said village

base and a team of industry-leading professionals in place, Eilbeck

is a highly proficient team of experienced and carefully sourced

is well-placed to continue on for not only another 110 years, but

operators and engineers. With enormous fabricating, welding

endlessly, but what does the future hold? A piquant mix of family

and machining ability at its fingertips, the quality of workmanship

heritage (bolstered by the current CEO sharing the name of the

carried out at Eilbeck is nothing short of staggering, a fact that is

original founder) and future-proofed technology means that the

100 | Endeavour Magazine

potential for continuation and more importantly, development, is unlimited and it appears that the team is extremely excited about what’s to come, “As we now expand our capabilities further into CNC machining, we become further independent being able to engineer and machine products for our leading crane and winch divisions.

“As Eilbeck have operated as machinists before, we are drawn back to our roots, and we can guarantee to provide accurate products which will suit your needs and work time and time again.”

How about we make a prediction about the future of Eilbeck Cranes? Given that there is an exceptional amount of history and a vested family interest in the continuation of the company, coupled with the all-encompassing market domination already in place, we think that the coming years will see Eilbeck rise to the top of the global marketplace. Not only that, we will put our necks on the line and say that we firmly believe that in the future, when crane and winch manufacturing is being discussed, in any country, it will be impossible not to hear the name Eilbeck cranes and we honestly can’t wait to see that prediction come true.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WWW.CAB-INC.COM // 001 758 452 2877

PROTECT AND PROMOTE The success and prosperity of any region and its inhabitants is a secure and reliable banking system and with that in mind, Endeavour Magazine set out to find out more about the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) and how it offers peace of mind and fiscal security to local residents.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS

First brought into being as the Caribbean Association

of Indigenous Banks, back in 1974, the CAB has continued to go from strength to strength, driven by a clear and decisive objective to “…be the collective voice that protects, promotes and strengthens the regional banking sector.”

T

his is certainly no small mantle to take on, but the CAB

institutions being able to see exactly what is being done and, more

recognised an intrinsic need for certain financial services,

importantly, why. So how does the CAB define itself?

assurances and risk management initiatives to be brought into

“The Caribbean Association of Banks is the representative body

place, in order to benefit the local economy. Most notably, there

and the recognised voice for banks and other financial institutions

was a very dire need for Caribbean member territories to remove

in the Caribbean. We seek to influence policies and legislation

certain risk factors from their fiscal dealings, including the reliance

which impact the sector by advocating on our members’ behalf

on external providers and shared ownership of pertinent financial

and participating in the global network of similar institutions.

services institutions. Though there is a focus on satisfying the needs

Additionally, we provide opportunities for discussion on issues

of local people, naturally, the CAB has always been determined to

impacting the financial services community, sharing of information,

stay in line with both regional and international regulatory standards

experiences and networking.”

and practices, which demonstrates an inherent morality that is key.

To call these specialist deliverables would be a significant

Speaking of morality, there is a stringent set of core values and

understatement, but when you consider how vital reliable, strong

an unwavering mission in place, both of which guide the day-to-day

and transparent banking is to every region in the world, it becomes

operations with real aplomb:

clear that the CAB would have always been needed, in one

“Our values are based on achieving and maintaining high training deliverables; excellent service; financial viability; productive and

form or another, but who could have predicted that such an allencompassing structure would be put into place?

engaged association members, through integrity, accountability,

“The Association is governed by the Board of Directors, which

commitment, confidentiality, cooperation and capacity building.”

comprises the Chairman, Vice Chairman and six Board Members.

Using these values, the CAB wants to “proactively influence

Two members each are elected from the North Western Caribbean,

matters of interest to financial institutions through advocacy and

the Eastern Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean and there are

education.”

three co-opted members. The Board of Directors serves for a

What’s really interesting to note here is that the CAB is something of an innovator, as none of these endeavours are being

period of two years and meet four times a year in regular sessions, and is currently supported by the four sub-committees.”

tackled behind closed doors or with an air of mystery about them.

Not only does the Board have to commit to a number of

In fact, there is a totally transparent culture of operations at CAB,

meetings amongst itself, but there is also an AGM and conference

with everyone from the man in the street to high-level financial

for all members of the CAB to attend, with a view to offering

104 | Endeavour Magazine

CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS easy information sharing, as well as a magazine to oversee. Let’s

of financial experts and banking sector giants, so innovative and

not forget that every member of the Board is also a high-ranking

inclusive? It’s quite a sidestep from the usual preconceptions of

business professional, with their own interests to look after, as that

financial boards and institutions, we have to say!

demonstrates the commitment that is necessary to fulfil a role at

So what does the future look like for the CAB and wider

the CAB. This is no walk in the park or flighty hobby, which is why

interested parties? Well, in recent months, a further scholarship for

Directors are selected for their outstanding commercial credentials

chartered banking has been announced, in association with Bangor

and keen alignment to the core values of the CAB.

University, here in the UK and that’s not the only fantastic step

As well as offering peace of mind that a stable and secure

forward. Lending support to the Harmonized Credit Reporting Bill,

banking sector is accessible to all in eth Caribbean region, there is

the CAB recognises that this is a significant step forward in the

a great deal of extracurricular CSR being undertaken by the CAB,

facilitation of credit bureau services, which should be in place by

most notably in the form of a dedicated scholarship programme:

September of this year.

“As part of its strategic purpose to strengthen the Caribbean’s

Having overseen the regulation of the financial services and

financial services sector, the CAB launched its Banking Scholarship

banking sector in the Caribbean region for over 40 years, there is

Program to the employees of its members at its 39th AGM &

no doubting that the CAB is ready to do so long into the future

Conference in Jamaica, on 14th November 2012. The scholarship

and we think it’s going to be exciting to see how the residents and

entailed a UWI scholarship in BSc. Banking and Finance, valued at

businesses in the area benefit from the continued stewardship. We

US$10,000, to be undertaken at the UWI Open Campus.”

think that a few other regions might even sit up and take notice

If you needed any proof that the CAB is not only looking at current market issues, but also thinking ahead to how the future could be more stable, this is it! Do you not find the implementation of an educational scholarship, designed to breed the next generation

106 | Endeavour Magazine

as well!

AMAZING WORLD

BY JAMES LAPPING

HEMP, HEMP, HOORAY!

C

ars, clothes, fuel: what links these

is part of the cannabis sativa species. Yes,

far-East. Since then, it has spread over the

three items, I hear you ask? Well, in

this is indeed the same family as the plant

globe. As a hardy plant that grows at a rapid

case you’ve looked at the images and

that produces cannabis found in the streets

rate, it can be found cultivated in Europe,

still haven’t guessed yet, we are talking

of Amsterdam or a Seth Rogan movie.

the Americas, Asia and Australasia.

about hemp! This underrated, versatile

However, the variety we are focussing on

Industrial hemp has been used in various

and extremely controversial plant may

can be seen is more of a cousin to this plant,

cultures throughout history, but its most

surprise you with its properties, its potential

and is known formally as ‘industrial hemp’.

notable mention is its major role in the

application to various industrial and material uses, and its illustrious history.

Hemp is a tall, green, leafy plant that 108 | Endeavour Magazine

Hemp’s history goes back up to 10,000

economy of the 16th and 17th century,

years, when it is believed to have first been

during the British Empire’s rapid expansion.

spun into a fibre for industrial use in the

The material was a vital resource for the

times stronger than conventional plastics – and did I mention it’s also bio-degradable?

Fuel: Speaking of bio-degradable, biodiesels can be made from the hemp plant.

As the car industry begins to go electric, the petroleum industry is already searching for eco-friendly equivalent. Say goodbye to your unleaded pump and say hello to hemp!

Other fantastical and diverse uses for the hemp plant include surfboards, yoga mats, construction materials, food, and of course, paper. If you look closely, there may well be a product in your everyday life that is made, or partly made using hemp.

Throughout the mid to late 20th century, thanks to the negative associations with cannabis, hemp was seldom used.

Nevertheless, in 1993 the UK saw fit to relegalise the plant for industrial usage. The USA did not follow suite: only in recent years, shipping industry – an essential industry for

1971 in the USA (though it had been heavily

as states such as Colorado, Washington, and

Britain, which had trading posts in all the

stigmatised for many years before this). In

California have legalised cannabis, has hemp

continents, and a colony in the Americas

the US in particular, this stigma was largely

production begun to restart. Even so, the

(the first of many colonies it would establish

fuelled and prompted by ‘big lumber’ – the

plant is still illegal to grow in many American

around the globe). Hemp was essential for

country’s vast logging industry feared hemp

states.

travel to these far-off destinations; it was

as a rival source of paper, and their campaign

It seems sad that even today in 2018,

used for the sails, as it was the only natural

to protect themselves from this competitor

hemp still gets heavily associated with

textiles tough enough to create a suitable

is blamed by some as part of the reason why

its drug cousin. Even the dangers verses

mainsail, and it was also used for ropes and

some states of the US remain firmly against

the medical benefits of that drug are now

other components on the ships. Hemp was

its medicinal cousin to this day.

strongly up for debate - but that’s another

also widely used within other areas of the

So now, let’s have look at the various

story! Now that production is increasing

textiles industry, and the paper industry too

applications of hemp that these two nations

in the West, we will see industrial hemp

at the time.

missed out on throughout the 20th century:

used more widely in the mainstream, due

Unfortunately, in the late 19th and early

Clothes: fibre cloth made out of hemp

to the desire for eco-friendly alternatives

20th century, various factors came to play

is extremely strong stuff and can last a very

to toxic products such as plastic and fuel.

to decrease the popularity of versatile hemp,

long time. It is also incredibly comfortable to

In the USA, hemp sales now approximate

such as the industrial revolution (favouring

wear! Big names in the fashion industry such

$600million USD annually. Imagine if hemp

steam boats over sail boats) and the

as Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Calvin Klein all

was grown to its full potential…wouldn’t that

criminalisation of the plant. Due to the rising

used hemp material in their fashionwear.

be something? It’s better late than never!

popularity of the smoking of cannabis at the

Cars: hemp plastics (yes, it can make

start of the 20th century, hemp was unable

plastic!) are a mainstay in the motor

to dissociate itself from its dank cousin.

industry, and you probably didn’t even

Regardless of the plant’s potential as a major

realise it. Mercedes, Bugatti and BMW all

industrial material, production of industrial

use hemp plastics in their finest models. This

hemp was banned in the UK in 1928, and in

is because these plastics are almost three Endeavour Magazine | 109

MARIO’S PIZZERIA WWW.MYMARIOS.COM // 001 868 225 5464

TOPPING THE TREND When Richard ‘The Slice’ Harford opened Mario’s Pizzeria, the pizza craze was yet to seize the Caribbean, but this didn’t stop the Trinidadian entrepreneur. Blending a foreign fad with authentic local flavour, Mario’s introduced people to something new, but something true. Now, with pizza a delicious island staple supplied by multiple global chains, The Slice’s homegrown brand continues to stand ahead of the crowd.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

MARIO’S PIZZERIA

Originating from Italy, the pizza has taken the world

by storm. Flatbreads in various forms have been prepared since the Neolithic age, but although this was a global practice, the pizza as we know it can be traced back to Europe, with various cultures coming close to its creation.

T

he first garlic bread seems to have developed in Ancient Greece, whilst the Persians were potentially the first to start adding toppings (the soldiers of King Darius I armies baked the

flatbreads on their shields, adding toppings of cheese and dates).

The word “pizza” itself is believed to be derived from pizzarelle, a kosher Jewish cookie eaten by Roman Jews, but the true pizza as we regonise it today evolved far later in Italy’s history. In 16th Century Naples, a flatbread by that name was a common food amongst the poor. However, sailors reaching the Americas introduced tomatoes to the mix, and suddenly the possibilities for this meal began to evolve. By the 1800s, pizzas had a tomatoes base and bore not only cheese, but a whole range of toppings, and in 1889, the Margarita was officially named.

Travelling with Italian immigrants, the food became a hit in the countries it reached – particularly the United States. This love was only strengthened for soldiers posted in Italy in WW2, and thus it worked its way in as a go-to for much of the western world.

However, the Caribbean was less enthralled – that is, until the 1970s changed the game.

This decade is where the Mario’s Pizzeria story begins: upon his return to Trinidad after working abroad in Canada, Richard Harford decided it was time to realise his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. At this time, Trinidad & Tobago was on the up, and opportunity was everywhere. Eventually, Richard and a small group of his closest friends came up with the idea to open a restaurant

112 | Endeavour Magazine

MARIO’S PIZZERIA at the Valpark Shopping Plaza, where a small shop unit had come

of any big international brand with an essential dash of Caribbean

available. Initially, Harford’s concept was a deli-style restaurant and

flair.

sandwich bar which, thanks to the great food and friendly service, fast became a hit.

In the eyes of Trinidadians, Mario’s is a brand that shares their culture and heritage, and understands what it takes to make truly

However, things wouldn’t stay the same for long. Only a few

great pizza that is unique to the islands. For example, Richard

months later, three of Harford’s friends returned from Canada with

understood that Trinidadians have a weak spot for bold, hot

a pizza oven to hand, and successfully persuaded him that to be a

flavours, and so made sure that his pizzas varied from the usual

true entrepreneur, he needed to take a greater risk. Trinidad and

Italian-American pizza toppings. Instead of mozzarella, Mario’s

Tobago’s economy was on a promising rise, making it a rich time to

pizzas use mature cheddar, and its passata sauce is made using a

take a chance – but on pizza? The rest, as they say, is history – the

number of locally sourced herbs and spices rather than traditional

five friends banded together to create Mario’s Pizzeria, taking the

Italian seasonings. Unlike foreign competitors, who use a uniform

gamble and opening of their first pizzeria in 1972.

recipe for their global customer base, Mario’s Pizzeria are lovingly

45 years later, Mario’s Pizzeria has gone from a single restaurant

crafted with their domestic audience in mind. This approach served

business to a 21-restaurant retail chain, with operations across the

The Slice well in two ways: firstly, it encouraged the people of

length and breadth of Trinidad and Guyana. Tastes in that time have

Trinidad to embrace pizza into their pallet, and secondly, it keeps

changed, the islands now a market saturated with pizza brands,

Mario’s forever set apart and above from its international rivals.

including some of the biggest chains in the business. Yet, despite

However, this isn’t to say the company has never faced its share

competing with the likes of Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s,

of adversity. After an initial few years of roaring success, Trinidad

intrepid Mario’s Pizzeria is still the runaway market leader. This is

and Tobago’s seemingly booming economy collapsed and sent the

for good reason – in a region passionate about local pride, it is a

restaurant into a tailspin. It was during this time that Richard took

Trinidadian company through-and-through, able to offer the quality

the bold decision to buy out his childhood friends and go it alone.

114 | Endeavour Magazine

The two to three year period that followed proved difficult for him, and it took all of Richard’s hard work and perseverance to ride out the economic storm. Yet, as trying as this time was, Mario’s Pizzeria survived, and it emerged stronger and more successful than ever.

For all its success, Mario’s Pizza remains a family-owned business to this day, and the company is run with one simple aim in mind: to keep Mario’s ahead. To achieve this, they focus always on providing the best pizza in Trinidad, maintaining superior customer service, and building relationships with customers via digital platforms. Finally, they offer that all-important bonus - free wifi to customers.

Looking ahead to what the future holds, there is much for the company to be optimistic about. Growing demand for the Mario’s brand, combined with its under-representation in Trinidad and absence in Tobago means that there is still huge scope for expansion. That isn’t all - all things being well, Mario’s Pizza intends to spread its franchises across the length and breadth of the English-speaking Caribbean, and perhaps one day even South or even North America. Wherever Caribbean tastes exist, Mario’s aim to re-define the pizza for a new audience. Sometimes, it seems, there is a value to re-inventing the wheel!

Endeavour Magazine | 115

AAJ WWW.AIRPORTSAUTHORITYJAMAICA.AERO // 001 876 924 8452

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE It is no secret that the country is one of the world’s leading centres of tourism, with more than 3 million tourists entering into the country each year to sample Jamaica’s beautiful weather and rich culture – a fantastic blend of Jamaican, African, and European influence.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

AAJ

To ensure that this thriving industry continues to grow

from strength-to-strength, the Jamaican government has placed great emphasis on developing and modernising the country’s aviation sector and infrastructure – a role which has fallen to Airports Authority of Jamaica.

S

ince it was established in 1974 under the “Airports Authority

as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAJ, commenced operation of the

Act” as an independent statutory body, Airports Authority of

Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Jamaica has worked tirelessly to build a world-class airport

Airports Authority of Jamaica provides oversight and contract

system fit to act as the gateway into the Caribbean. As the

administration for the concession agreement that is in place with

organisation responsible for martialling Jamaica’s principle aviation

each Airport Operator; MBJ Airports Limited and NMIA Airports

assets, AAJ’s ownership and management of the country’s two

Limited. As a part of its responsibility, AAJ continues with the

international airports, Norman Manley International and Sangster

operation and management of the four domestic aerodromes.

International Airport, and the newly built Ian Fleming International

In addition, AAJ undertakes the long-term planning and

Airport, requires professionalism and a level of service equal to

development of Jamaica’s airport system and continues to be at

the highest global standards. And that’s without factoring in AAJ’s

the fore of the country’s air transportation policy development. The

additional responsibility for the island’s four domestic aerodromes.

broad airport development policies pursued and the organisational

Air traffic is rising, even in spite of the slow recovery of the regional

changes implemented in recent years are aimed at expediting the

economy, as are the expectations of a new breed of tourist – one

expansion and modernisation of the nation’s principal international

which is discerning, and more than ready to use social media to tell

gateways. The international airports are highly capital-intensive

the world about their experience in Jamaica.

businesses and are organised and managed as self-financing

The country’s international airports, their staff, and their

commercial enterprises. Both airports are implementing large capital

facilities are the first things that tourists see as they enter the

development programmes that are being financed by internally

country – they are de facto ambassadors for Jamaica, in other

generated funds, shareholder’s loans and equity contributions, as

words, and in an industry where perception is everything, there

well as commercial debt.

is a huge amount of pressure to ensure the delivery of a superior customer experience.

The Government of Jamaica has taken the policy decision to privatise the international airports, commencing with Sangster.

Since its inception, AAJ has worked diligently to fulfil its

This is in keeping with international trends and the need to

principal mandate of developing and operating a safe and secure

attract private capital to finance the required levels of expansion

airport system for Jamaica. For several years now, AAJ has been

and development at the international airports, to cope with the

adjusting structurally in keeping with the Government’s airport

projected growth in aircraft and passenger traffic.

privatisation policy. Over a decade ago, in April 2003, the company

Under the agreement, the approved airport operator is

divested the operational responsibility for Sangster International

responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of

Airport (SIA) to MBJ Airports Limited, a private sector operator.

the respective airport, in keeping with specific performance criteria

Later that year, NMIA Airports Limited, having been incorporated

and prescribed international standards. Regular performance

118 | Endeavour Magazine

AAJ reviews and other contract administration oversight functions are

“The AAJ is undaunted by the challenges which face the global

conducted by AAJ, as specified under the concession agreement.

and local aviation sector, and we are committed to positioning

In addition, an Airport Forum is held biannually to provide

Jamaica’s airports as the gateway to the Caribbean and the

stakeholders with the opportunity to provide progress reports and

Americas. In keeping with National Outcome #9 of Vision 2030

to address pertinent issues.

Jamaica, we remain steadfast in the pursuit to ’Expand domestic

The benefits of this public-private sector partnership are clear –

and international air transport infrastructure and services and

Jamaica’s international airports will benefit from increased private

Develop Jamaica as a regional hub with multimodal transport

sector investment and efficiencies, whilst AAJ’s standing as the

linkages’,” stated an AAJ spokesman in a recent report.

body responsible for review and oversight means that the country’s

AAJ is also poised to enter into a Sister Airport Agreement

aviation sector will continue to deliver the fantastic level of service

with the world’s busiest airport, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

and hospitability for which Jamaica is famed.

International Airport (ATL) in the US – a world-class partnership

So, what next for AAJ? Well, suffice to say, with a strengthening

which, by association, truly showcases AAJ’s industry-leading

regional and global economic outlook, further investment in

credentials. This deal is the culmination of a long-term working

capital works is planned, including the implementation of Runway

relationship between the city of Atlanta and Jamaica, which has

End Safety Area (RESA) and Runway Extension projects at both

formerly seen the authorisation of a Sister Airport Program in

international airports. Additionally, the construction of new Air

2015 and a Sister Cities Programme, linking Atlanta with Jamaica’s

Traffic Control Towers (ATC) by the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority

Montego Bay.

(JCAA) and the development of NMIA’s east airfield to facilitate

These are heady times for this world-beating organisation – like

the expansion of its cargo operation and the growing demand for

the planes that jet off from its runways, AAJ is set to fly over the

General Aviation Hangars.

years to come.

120 | Endeavour Magazine

LS Duhaney & Co. Ltd. (LSD) Is a known and trusted company that has been serving Jamaica for over Fifty (50) years.

We are wholesalers and retailers of brand name commercial, industrial and residential electrical and lighting products.

Our services include engineering, project quotations, assembly of industrial panel boards, meter centers and soft starters, transformer modifications, product testing and island wide delivery. LSD are representatives and authorized distributors of Eaton Corporation, Leviton Manufacturing Company and General Cable Company.

Endeavour Magazine | 121

EMIRATES POST GROUP WWW.EPG.GOV.AE // 971 4 230 3000

DELIVERING QUALITY The first-ever postal agency in the Emirate of Dubai opened in on August 19, 1909. Historically, postal systems had existed in the Middle East long before, with mounted horses and camels racing government communications across the Persian Empire. From those small beginnings, today the UAE’s post is a vast, multi-layered, dynamic entity, and managing it is no small feat. We spoke with Emirates Post Group, to see how they keep up with the evergrowing demands of overseeing this bustling country’s couriers.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

EMIRATES POST GROUP

The UAE has a bold vision; “To be amongst the safest,

happiest and best countries in the world by 2021”. This ambitious 2021 goal is part of a longer-term 2030 Economic Vision, with both, the UAE is setting high bars for itself and focusing its resources on meeting them, and it doesn’t mind the world knowing it.

T

hroughout human history, the postal service has been a mark of civilization – a back-bone that supports booming structure and trade. This is as true when the service is introduced as it is

in the years that follow, and as the UAE invites the world to watch it reach its impressive goals, the mail has got to keep up. Emirates Post Group (EPG), the official overseers of the postal service, have the organisation and ambition to rise to the challenge.

“Our vision is to be recognized for innovative postal, logistics

OUR SERVICES:

and financial services, and solutions towards achieving leadership

Integrated Security Solutions

and customer happiness,” the company declares proudly in its

Information Infrastructure Solutions

public statement. “Our mission is to provide innovative postal, logistical and financial services aligned with international standards

Application Implementation Services

through a cutting-edge infrastructure and qualified and competent

Optical Networks Solutions

leaders and employees.”

Data Center Solutions

So, what exactly are EPG’s responsibilities? We spoke with HE Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Acting CEO of Emirates Post Group:

Smart AV & Special Systems

“Emirates Post is the UAE’s leading domestic and international post

Project Management IT Servicesm Managed Services and Technical Outsourcing BU DHABI 1st Floor, Khalifa City Trading Centre, Street No. 54, Khalifa City A +971 2 6767666, 4037999

“We offer businesses with choices and delivery options to facilitate their needs, such as the ‘Business Box’ - the standard box

DUBAI 6th Floor, Office No. 604, Single Business Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road +971 4 3214550

option for the receipt of business post, with SMS notifications; ‘Business Box Plus’ - the optimum choice for customers with multiple trade licenses within the same emirate who want to consolidate their post to a single box. Customers who enjoy these services can

General Inquiries: GMO@itqan.ae Sales Inquiries: sales@itqan.ae

also subscribe to ‘Ezimail’ Gold, Silver and Bronze, which offers www.ITQAN.ae

124 | Endeavour Magazine

and express provider, for both individuals and businesses.”

pick-up and delivery direct to the business location either six

EMIRATES POST GROUP times a week, three times a week or once a week, respectively.”

The second subsidiary, the Electronic Documents Centre (EDC),

EPG also offer businesses additional solutions such as “Mailroom

is a joint venture offering end-to-end solutions in data processing,

Management”, which manages all of a business’s inbound and

design, multiple printing, fulfilment and distribution requirements

outbound post for them, as well as their interdepartmental post –

using state-of-the-art technology and solutions.

perfect for a large company. They also offer tailor-made fulfilment

“EPG allows each subsidiary and unit to work to their full

solutions for companies with specific needs, including options

potential and oversees the management and implementation of

such as delivering credit/debit cards, Emirates ID, attestations and

investment projects and various business activities,” acting CEO,

health packs.

Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, explains in his public company

However, it isn’t only businesses that benefit from specialised

statement. “It is responsible for raising the bar on a host of postal

services: EPG know that people’s needs vary, and these needs go

and non-postal services offered by the subsidiaries and units.

far beyond Premium, Express, Standard and Economy post options!

To achieve this goal, we have developed well defined standards,

Individuals in the UAE can opt to receive their mail in dedicated P.O

targets and objectives, with a clear focus on employee productivity

Box options using EPG’s MyPost service, or they can use MyLocker

and highest levels of customer satisfaction.”

to receive parcels at strategic UAE-wide locations. They can also

The United Arab Emirates has been a member of the Universal

utilize MyHome, which allows owners of villas to have a private

Postal Union since 1973. “Our postal and financial operations have

P.O Box installed on site, with post delivered either once or twice

a local, regional and international network,” Alashram explains.

a week.

“Emirates Post has over 100 post office branches across the UAE

Emirates Post Group also manages and provides direction to two subsidiaries: Wall Street Exchange and the Electronic

– in all seven emirates. And as a member of the Universal Postal Union we have access to their network of over 190 countries.”

Documents Centre. The first of these subsidiaries, the Wall Street

To keep up with this sort of reach, and this range of services,

Exchange Centre (WSEC), is a hub from which the EPG can offer

EPG must of course also stay up to date. Much has changed since

foreign exchange in a wide range of currencies, as well money

1909: we asked Alashram how developing technology affects

transfer and related services in the region. Established in 1982, the

people’s needs, and how EPG are keeping up: “Letter mail volumes

WSEC is now 100% owned by EPG, and their continued growth

have declined over the past decade – people write letters less

has allowed them to set up a global network of office, including a

and less; they call or send emails instead. Companies are moving

presence in the UK, UAE and Hong Kong.

more towards reducing their use of paper and moving to electronic

126 | Endeavour Magazine

communications as well. Technology has changed the business and

expand in this direction: “Our focus is to also explore other revenue

we need to change and evolve accordingly. Strategic innovation

streams as we consider ourselves to be ‘more than post’.”

is needed to keep things dynamic, providing solutions and conveniences to our customers at every touch point.”

Of course, to keep up with their evolving services, the Group ensures that their staff (currently totalling 2,400 employees) have

Whilst letter numbers are in decline, other forms of post are

access to the most up-to-date training. Alashram elaborated: “Our

on the rise: “E-commerce has significantly boosted the parcels

achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication

volumes; and this is an area of continued growth.” However, with

of our employees. The Learning and Development team within

both internet use and the demand for couriers growing, EPG

our HR department are very active in ensuring that all new and

face another challenge - competition. “Our customers are being

existing employees receive development and vocational training

increasingly digitally connected and influenced. Shopping for lower

in a wide range of disciplines to further career advancement. New

prices and greater convenience is now at their fingertips. A one-

joiners go through an induction journey before they embark in their

size-fits-all delivery solution does not exist. Emirates Post aims to

new career at EPG. In addition, every employee must complete a

ensure that we provide a seamless experience in the receiving and

minimum number of hours a year of training and development.”

sending of documentation and products.”

From correspondence to finances, whether you are a business,

To make sure that they stay not only up to date, but ahead,

an agency or an individual, EPG has your needs covered. Their core

Emirates Post Group outlined a 5-year strategy in 2017, for

values protect client satisfaction with reliability, efficiency and a

increasing their footprint and further digitising their products,

focus on their customers’ happiness. In recognition of their efforts,

services and operations. As a part of this plan, this year the Group

in 2017, Ethos Integrated Solutions awarded the Group the Service

will open new warehouses that will boost their delivery speeds

Olympian Award for Best Customer Experience Strategy. Even

and capacity, as well as upgrading of several postal branch offices.

more impressively, the Universal Postal Union ranked them No. 1

They are even launching a newly branded delivery fleet. On top of

in Arab World for International Express Mail Service; clearly, when

this, they are finalising new agreements with several government

it comes to the postal services, EPG continue to deliver.

agencies and private companies to support them in their logistics and postal needs.

In a changing world, EPG has already wisely spread their services over many non-postal operations, and they continue to

Endeavour Magazine | 127

NATIONAL ENERGY WWW.NATIONALENERGY.TT // 001 868 636 8471

POWERING UP A wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, National Energy is committed to supporting the infrastructure and development of the nation’s gas-based energy industry and monetising the country’s extensive natural gas resources to the benefit of this industrial hub.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NATIONAL ENERGY

As we all know, Trinidad & Tobago is an oil & gas reliant

industrial hub with key ports in LNG shipping. In fact, as the third richest country in the Americas by GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) after the United States and Canada, Trinidad and Tobago moved up six places in The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report in 2017. As such, the management of the islands’ energy is a demanding task, as is the management and utilisation of their hydrocarbon resources.

S

ince we last spoke with National Energy (then the National Energy Corporation or NEC), the company has been engaging in all enterprises within the hydrocarbon-based and energy-

intensive industries, with a view to further promoting, developing and

facilitating

downstream

energy-based

industries

and

businesses on the islands.

National Energy was incorporated in 1979 as National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago to continue the work first started by the Coordinating Task Force in monetising the country’s natural gas resources, as well as developing and managing industrial

At Lall we offer Prompt & Efficient Service “Over 75 Years of Combined Experience (3 Generations and Growing)” Noel Rocky Lall (Managing Director) & Terrence Lall (Director) & Rosalie Lall-Gittens (Director/Branch Manager-Point Lisas)

Our services include but are not limited to: Import Clearance • Door to Door Service Export Processing • Transport Services 130 | Endeavour Magazine

and marine infrastructure. National Energy was also involved in the construction and operation of the early petrochemical plants and the port and marine infrastructure which service all plants at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Today National Energy (nee National Energy Corporation) is well positioned as the force that will drive the expansion of the energy sector into the future. The company is taking a proactive approach to promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and internationally, including the company’s recent re-naming and re-branding, as well as continuing to execute the development of energy projects and infrastructure under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.

In its primary role as overseer to the nation’s gas-based industrial infrastructure, National Energy is responsible for the development and identification of new industrial estates, as well

NATIONAL ENERGY as the deep-water ports that service them, with such projects

Similar to this overseas outreach, NEC also hosts supplier

providing a crucial contribution to the national economy through

forums that seek to promote and introduce suppliers from the

the creation of strategic national assets in the marine, energy

oil and gas industries, and well as raising awareness about their

and infrastructure sectors. This covers work in procurement,

internal processes. At these forums, suppliers are able to network

design, project implementation and supervision of publicly funded

and meet each other, as well as forming stronger bonds with

projects, and involves working closely with and going between the

NEC’s staff themselves. This somewhat unique approach is NEC’s

Government, local and international investors, consultants and

preferred way to of build relationships with existing and potential

contractors.

suppliers. Even after these summits, communication and direct

On top of this, the NEC is also responsible for the maintenance

interaction between themselves and their suppliers is key to NEC;

and management of Trinidad and Tobago’s two existing industrial

they believe in keeping lines of communication open at all times,

estates and port facilities, which are essential in servicing the

allowing in-house staff and supplier companies to interact easily as

nation’s energy and industrial sectors and overseeing the import

one team. Similarly, this focus on bonds means NEC prefer forming

and export requirements of petrochemical and metal plants.

long-term relationships over flitting between loyalties to chase the

Although NEC continues to focus on the above areas, its

lowest price; instead, their approach builds trust between steady

current mandate also includes identifying and developing new

relationships, allowing for credit on larger purchases and more

industrial estates and deep-water ports, as well as the development

secure business for both parties. That said, they dissuade nepotism

and management of the existing La Brea and Union Industrial

by reminding their suppliers to stay competitive!

Estates. However, whilst the company is most focused on in-region

When asked what exciting developments they had on the

projects, it is also turning its eye overseas, investigating ways to

horizon, NEC were keen to mention their integrated Melamine/

ship its knowledge and expertise to the energy sections in Guyana

Formaldehyde cluster project at Union Industrial Estate. This

and Suriname.

project aims to utilise locally produced melamine and methanol to

132 | Endeavour Magazine

create higher valued products, such as Oriented Strand Board and Veneer Products. A first for Trinidad and Tobago, the project also seeks to bridge the gap between the energy and manufacturing sectors of the economy.

NEC currently employ around 130 people, not including their many highly skilled subcontractors. The development of their employees is a serious matter to the company, with Personal Development Plans developed for every individual on the NEC payroll. Great attention is paid not only to staff’s training, but their ongoing competency and ever-improving abilities. Within this, there is also a strong focus on career development and promotion from within. As NEC see it, in an industry that is always evolving and growing, the development of each employee is crucial for standards to remain high and employees’ training to stay relevant.

In doing so, they keep ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago are not only benefiting from high standards themselves, but can continue their trend-setting global rise.

Endeavour Magazine | 133

SAIA WWW.SAIA.CO.ZA // 0027 11 726 5381

INSURING THE FUTURE The insurance industry intrinsically offers peace of mind, but in South Africa, protection comes with an extra side of assurance, in the form of the South African Insurance Association. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at what makes this representative body such a linchpin of the sector.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

SAIA

The insurance industry might not immediately seem like

a sector that enjoys a good deal of heritage, but in the case of the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), there is a legacy of stewardship that spans over 100 years.

O

riginally founded in 1907 as the Council of Fire Insurance

Putting aside archaic jokes about insurance being daylight

Companies, the representative body has evolved and adapted

robbery, it’s impressive to observe such a commitment to best

over the years, transforming into the SAIA of today in 1973 -

and legal practices, but the inherent community responsibility

but what exactly does it seek to do?

doesn’t end with these allegiances. Recognising the importance

“The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) is the

of better road safety in the country, the SAIA, in partnership with

representative body of the short-term insurance industry. It

BACSA, is constantly looking to improve initiatives that drive better

represents the industry to all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a

awareness.

sustainable and dynamic short-term insurance industry.”

It’s a reassuring notion that an insurance body operates under

Given the vital importance of fair and reliable insurance

a strict mandate of not only maintaining a fair and legitimate

premiums, it makes sense that a body has been set-up in order to

industry, but also improving the landscape and safety of a country

oversee all relevant companies and parties involved, but there’s so

as a whole, but there is an underlying sense of responsibility in

much more to it than that. Consumers and stakeholders alike can

every endeavor undertaken by the SAIA, as the vision of the body

take comfort in the knowledge that the SAIA is fully operational,

aptly demonstrates, by stating that it aims:

as it seeks to promote a fair and sustainable ethos that leads to competitive practices and a long-term viable market.

Representing the lion’s share of short-term insurance providers in South Africa, the SAIA has full authority to negotiate on their

“To promote and represent the interests of the short-term insurance industry, while leading and enhancing the efforts of the industry to become recognised and trusted as an important contributor to the South African economy and society.”

behalf while also playing an active role in both the set-up and

This overarching stewardship is tailored and focused in the

continuation of external organisations that seek to improve the

everyday operations of the governing body, to hone in on the

general landscape of South Africa:

people that matter most; the companies that are members of the

“In its quest to fight insurance crime, and especially also insurance fraud, the SAIA was instrumental in establishing the South

association, as well as the customers of said organisations. The mission statement of the SAIA states that it is determined to:

African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB) at the end of 2008. The

“Encourage fair and ethical treatment of short-term insurance

SAICB is an independent organisation with its own members and

customers, favourably represent the short-term insurance industry

close links to the SAIA. The SAIA also supports the South African

in such a way that all stakeholders have trust and confidence in

Police Services (SAPS) in combating crime, through participation

the industry and to create an environment in which industry

in various Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) initiatives.

members can share information, debate important and relevant

The SAIA donates a significant amount of money to BACSA on an

issues, and create a common vision for the short-term insurance

annual basis to further specifically identified relevant initiatives.”

industry.”

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SAIA Aiming to also keep any and all stakeholders fully informed of developments and initiatives that might arise, while also promoting

give a clear indication of the self-regulatory guidelines followed by members.”

awareness of the industry and the impact that it has on the

It takes a knowledgeable and committed board to not only

landscape of the South African economy, it’s clear that the SAIA

govern high standards within a commercial industry but also

has willingly taken up a mantle of intense responsibility, but with

offer consumers peace of mind, but that’s exactly what the SAIA

such aplomb.

manages to balance. Providing an easy way of verifying legitimate

Insurance companies have a significant impact on every facet

insurers, while always keeping member companies informed of any

of life, so it makes sense that a comprehensive code of conduct

relevant legislation and operational developments, there’s no sense

was introduced. With some of the most respected regional

of prioritising the needs of one faction above the other, which

providers enjoying membership with the SAIA, proper regulation

makes this an association that neatly accounts for the need of the

and behavioural guidelines are absolutely essential, to ensure that

many, not the few and that’s not easy to do.

everyone is representing the interests of the association and the insurance industry as a whole, in the most positive way possible:

Given that almost everybody needs short-term insurance policies of some description, from vehicle and home cover through

“The SAIA and its members are committed to actively contribute

to personal accident and travel insurance premiums, the importance

to the principles of sustainable insurance practices. This is to ensure

of an association such as the SAIA cannot be ignored. As a growth

that the South African short-term insurance industry remains

industry, the South African insurance sector needs proper support

relevant, inspires confidence amongst its stakeholders and offers

and governance and the SAIA will always be on hand to promote

products and solutions that are beneficial to both the economy and

best practices and new initiatives, for the benefit of everybody. If

society at large. To support these goals, the SAIA Code of Conduct

that’s not a promise of a lucrative future, what is?

was introduced in 2010 with the purpose of promoting high ethical standards and good business practices in the industry, as well as to

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