The top brass of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL), the largest locally-owned conglomerate, are in an upbeat mood as the company heads into 2015.
GEL chairman Charles Herbert and managing director Anthony Ali both indicated this last week in separate Christmas messages to staff here.
Recently, even before the end of the financial year, the two officials reported that the company had earned more than $34 million in profits, and now they are saying that despite continued economic challenges here and abroad, they expected a successful 2015.
“Even though revenue was down, the group still returned an improved profit over the previous year. Despite some signs of improvement, Caribbean economies continue to be plagued with high unemployment rates, high debt burdens and challenging fiscal adjustment programmes,” Herbert said.
“Despite this, the Goddard group has remained steadfast as we have attempted to consolidate our position and remain focussed on our goals of excellence, geographical diversification, the pursuit of new opportunities for growth and the improvement of operating efficiencies.”
“Our group has built up a reputation for hard work, integrity and professionalism and we acknowledge the contributions of all of our stakeholders – past and present. With our diversity and resilience and with your dedication and commitment in the coming years, we can face any challenges ahead,” Herbert told staff.
Similar sentiments were shared by Ali. He said 2014 “was a year full of uncertainty and unique challenges, yet we saw growth in some of our companies and I credit this growth to the employees who worked hard and tirelessly”.
“We made tremendous progress this year towards meeting our stated goals and objectives, in spite of the business environment we all operate in and the economic hardship the region continues to face. We are well positioned for the future because of you, our talented and dedicated employees,” Ali said.
“Your sheer dedication and motivation towards the company are appreciated. We wouldn’t have achieved our success and completed a number of projects across the group without your support and dedication. Thank you once again for the achievement we had last year.
“In addition to your professional dedication, we commend your personal hard work and effort to service the most important person – our customers. The Goddard group was built on the concept of service excellence. As we look forward we need to extend our understanding of customer service into customer intimacy. It will be the platform for a sustained competitive advantage and will secure our future,” he added. (SC)