BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT was a fitting occasion for St. Kitts Bottling Company Limited’s (SKBCL) stalwart Desmond Hanley, who was given a royal send off on Friday, December 17.
The event saw a number of past and present employees, senior management and members of the Board of Directors coming out to pay tribute to Hanley, who many described as being a stalwart during his tenure with the company.
Hanley, who served the company for 46 years, will retire at the end of this month.
In paying tribute to him, Chairman of the Board of Directors Earle Kelly said it was the only place Hanley had ever worked. He joined the company at the age of 19 and had served in four positions.
“I can say that it is not many persons who, when they retire, will be able to say that they have worked their entire working life at one company. He served 46 years at one company, so it has to be that he enjoyed working here. And for that we say thanks,” Kelly said.
Kelly pointed out that he is aware of the enormous contributions Hanley had made to the company over the years, stressing that in the early days it was the discipline of Hanley and a few others that helped the company in establishing itself in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Some years ago Hanley and others had to come here as early as 5:00 a.m. to ensure that things were in place for the opening of the company at 7:00 a.m. Had it not been for his discipline and dedication to the job, I am not sure where St. Kitts Bottling Company Limited would have been today. He has served and he has served well,” the Chairman added.
General Manager Ancel Sookhai, in his tribute, said Hanley is well-educated and knowledgeable of his job, noting he had called on him for advice on several occasions.
“There are times that I agree with his advice while there are times that I didn’t. But I must say that he had truly made a sterling and significant contribution to the company,” Sookhai said.
He wished Hanley a safe and enjoyable retirement. He also advised him not to forget his colleagues and friends at the company, and should feel free to drop in at anytime to offer valuable advice.
“Remember that you would be welcomed at anytime and we here would still depend on you or whatever advice that you can give to helping this company in its continued growth,” he said.
Former General Manager (GM) Ian Slack, who retired a few years ago after serving the company for 50 years, described Hanley as a very disciplined, determined and energetic man.
He reminded the gathering that it was because of these and other attributes why Hanley still looks young and far from retirement.
“I had worked with Hanley and I can say that those were very good years, as I enjoyed the relationship and friendship that we built over the years. I wish him well in his retirement and, knowing Hanley well, I am sure that he will continue to be energetic, determined and committed to whatever he decides to focus upon,” Slack said.
Former Chairman Denzil Crooke, who was also in attendance, praised the contributions and work ethics of Hanley. He said he trusted that the younger employees would have emulated what Hanley did over the years, and noted that it took discipline, commitment, dedication and determination for someone to have worked 46 years with one entity.
“Not too many persons these days can boast about the years that they have contributed to a company. I am proud that Desmond can smile today while leaving, as he knows the contributions he had made to this company over the years. While it’s a sad thing that he is leaving, he can leave feeling a sense of satisfaction,” Crooke said.
A number of employees also showered similar praises, stating that Hanley would be greatly remembered for his dedication, determination, neatness, professionalism, maturity, sincerity, discipline and willingness to assist others.
“We will surely miss you Desmond, for you had been a great friend to us all. Enjoy the retirement,” a colleague said.
The GM, while making a presentation to Hanley, said that while it is customary to give each retiring employee a parting gift, something significant had to be given to Hanley for his invaluable contributions over the years.
He said after having an earlier discussion with Hanley, he learnt that it was the retiree’s desire to visit his ailing nonagenarian father in London. Therefore, he suggested that the company give him two return air tickets, which Hanley will not use at this time but sometime in the New Year because of the current weather conditions.
In response to the many accolades, Hanley said he is overwhelmed with the outpouring of tributes to him. He thanked those in attendance and expressed his heartfelt thanks for the years he spent with the company. He also said that while there were varying moments in his years of service, he had used every experience that taught him valuable lessons.
“I have not enjoyed it all, but I enjoyed most of it and must say thanks because in it all I have learnt a lot. Today, I know that it had helped me in various ways, so thanks to you all,” Hanley said.
Hanley said while he has not yet decided what he would be doing in his days of retirement, he knows that he would remain active, because doing so had helped him tremendously over the years.
He called on his colleagues and others to continue working towards the holistic development of the company, warning that they should love their job as it is only then they would enjoy the satisfaction that comes with it.
“I trust that you will continue the work here. Remember it is very important to love whatever you do, for that is only when you will enjoy it,” he noted.
Despite being seen wiping away a few tears, Hanley was able to dance and mingle with those in attendance, who all seemed bent on enjoying the moment with the man whose familiar face in the Quality Department of the company will no longer be visible come January 1, 2011.
