GEBE general assembly
focuses on ‘Change’
BELAIR--“Change” was the focus of utilities company GEBE Employee General Assembly held recently in Belair Community Centre. Some 200 employees attended the assembly that featured international management consultant Dr. Charles Cambridge as guest speaker.
Cambridge gave “a short and powerful discourse” on how the GEBE team should work together to achieve the goals ahead and complete the transformation process to a high performance work place, according to a company press release.
GEBE Managing Director William Brooks told employees about a number of positive developments within the company such as the new 10-year business plan. He also gave a presentation on the new vision statement of the company, and a new drug and alcohol free workplace policy.
Other company developments highlighted were the recent completion of the Work Attitude Survey, the Company Policy Manual and progress on a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).
New Corporate Communications Officer Giselle Dirckx-Williams was introduced to the employees by Brooks.
Addressing the general assembly, Brooks said, “GEBE today is a result of what you thought yesterday. GEBE tomorrow will be determined by what you think today.” He gave an overview of the changes within the company that took place since he took up the reins in January 2007 and spoke of his future plans.
Member of the Executive Management Team presented to the assembly the changes that took place in their departments and areas of responsibility.
GEBE Statia Manager Fred Cuvalay shared information on the major projects for St. Eustatius that included a new office, underground cabling and a new electrical power generator to cope with the growing demand of that island.
GEBE Saba Manager Dexter Johnson outlined upgrades to the Elmer Linzey Power Plant at Fort Bay Harbour which included a new engine and progress on the construction of a new office in The Bottom.
Distribution Manager Tony Brooks presented a number of water and electricity projects that have been completed and discussed the challenges his department will face in 2008.
Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson spoke about what change meant for each employee and how to contribute to improve the services rendered to the public.
Human Resource Manager Richard Hodge dealt with topics such as the upcoming Performance Appraisal System, the recently completed Work Attitude Survey, the Company Policy Manual and CLA negotiations.
ICT Manager Gerard Ooms discussed changes in the Information Technology infrastructure of the company, and preparations being made for web based services.
Power Plant Manager Antonio Seraus highlighted the high fuel prices and the increase in fuel on the world oil market, the pending fuel supply agreement and the need for GEBE to have its own fuel storage depot.
After the presentations, staff members were asked questions on the various topics and plans.
The General Assembly concept was introduced last year by Brooks as a way to bring the employees together in a special setting to inform them about strategic company developments and also to give them an opportunity to interact and ask questions.
