Brewery hosts ‘lime’ to thank utility workers for post-hurricane work

The St. Vincent Brewery (SVBL) has held a “THANK YOU lime” attended by over 535 members of staff of VINLEC, Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) and the Roads, Buildings & General Services Authority (BRAGSA) in appreciation of their efforts after the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1.

The event was held in Rawacou and was an opportunity for the staff of the agencies to relax after weeks of intense work, following the devastation caused by the category 4 cyclone.

“Thanks to their swift efforts, their skill and dedication, persons on mainland St. Vincent had their services restored to begin the process of rebuilding in a matter of days,” the brewery said in a statement, noting that efforts continue in the Grenadines, which was worst affected by the hurricane.

“The management and staff at St. Vincent Brewery Ltd. felt it important to publicly recognise the significant service the staff of the combined Vincentian utility companies rendered to their country in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and so arranged the Aug. 16 ‘lime’ in their honour.”

In her brief welcoming remarks, Country Manager of SVBL, Shafia London expressed her pride and profound appreciation for the silent work provided by the utility companies.

She noted the long hours and sacrifices that had been required to return the country to a semblance of normalcy in such a short period. 

London said the work of the country’s utility companies often goes unnoticed and unappreciated, but assured them that SVBL “sees you”. 

“We recognise the hard work, dedication and patience demonstrated by members of staff at our utility companies to bring this country back from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl.”

Meanwhile, Makalya Forde, public relations clerk at the CWSA, said she was delighted to receive the invitation to the event and grateful to the SVBL team for their efforts in recognising the utility teams. 

“The hosting of this type of event in our honour really shows appreciation for the essential staff in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Forde said. 

“The invitation makes us feel appreciated and valued — especially after just coming out of a hurricane. As you can imagine, a lot of the staff were under pressure and worked long hours to complete the necessary repairs and restoration. Today, SVBL makes us feel appreciated”

Jewelle Cordice, administrative secretary at VINLEC, also expressed appreciation to the SVBL team for conceptualising and hosting the event. 

“While [the gathering] signifies the recognition of hard work, it is also a way to boost unity and strength in SVG. Companies like ours coming together reflect a commitment towards rewarding employees who go above and beyond,” Cordice said. 

SVBL also thanked other corporate entities including The Mill, EGCG, Randy’s Supermarket and C.K. Greaves that “meaningfully partnered with the Brewery to express gratitude and to ensure the event’s success.

“A few members of staff at the utility companies could not be in attendance as they were continuing the rehabilitation process in the Grenadines,” the company said.