BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MANAGER of Delta Petroleum Nevis Limited, Sharon Hobson has announced that her company would increase support and assistance to community-oriented projects in 2011 to assist in combating the economic challenges.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes Business, Hobson said that recognising the effects and difficulties of the growing challenges, supporting community-oriented projects and programmes would help in building stronger families.
“We recognise the importance and urgency of increasing our support, as we are cognisant that a number of companies will scale back. But we intend to increase, as we believe that this will help the communities and ultimately the Federation.”
She said Delta Petroleum had an amazing year despite the economic depression and intends to continue that success in the future. She explained that that is the reason why they would continue to support a number of sporting, cultural and educational initiatives, “as it is our way of helping to build the community”.
Hobson pointed out that with the reopening and branding of the service station in Camps, Delta Petroleum is the only company in St. Kitts that operates a 24-hour service. She said they have however been fortunate not to be directly affected by any crime-related incidents, which she noted was due to the implementation of appropriate security measures.
“We opened the 24-hour service station there in July of last year, and fortunately we have not been affected directly by crime.”
The local Area Manager noted that the approach of operating the service station on a 24/7 basis resulted from the enormous potential and growth that St. Kitts offers.
“We at Delta Petroleum have recognised that there is a lot of potential and growth in St. Kitts, and seeing the benefits of similar initiatives in Tortola, we thought it best to bring the same to St. Kitts.”
Speaking about one of the many initiatives her company launched in 2010, Hobson said the Frequency Use Programme entitles anyone to EC$30 free gas after they would have made 30 purchases of EC$50 and more.
“The response from drivers to this programme has been unbelievable, as a number of them have responded in a very positive manner,” she said.
Hobson, who joined the company in 2001 as the Senior Accountant, said she continues to enjoy her role as the Manager, which she assumed in February 2004. She stressed that while she occupies a male dominated portfolio, her male employees are very supportive and respectful of her.
“They continue to lend their support, assistance and respect in many ways. I am happy with their support and respect as we work as a team. And the issue of me being a woman leading is never questioned by them.”
Commenting on their business approach, the Manager said, “We recognised that investment in the community is important and it helps in building better families.”
Hobson said her company felt some of the effects that the economic meltdown had brought, noting that because of the closure of the Four Season Resorts it had affected the income they were generating from that entity.
“When Four Seasons closed, it affected the monies that we were making from them. However, with their recent reopening, we were able to renegotiate a new contract,” she explained.
She pointed out that the company still enjoys a contract it has with the Nevis Power Company, stressing that they are seeking ways to further expand their operations in both islands.
“We recognise that competition helps in raising standards and ensuring better service, and we intend to provide that level of competition so that the public can have and enjoy enhanced services,” she added.
Hobson reiterated that because of the competition her company provides, it has helped in keeping prices down in St. Kitts. She said they are very thankful and grateful to the bus drivers and taxi operators, declaring that they have been the “blood drive” to Delta Petroleum’s success.
“We will continue to remain grateful and thankful to the taxi operators and bus drivers, as their service to us has been significant and continuous.”
This factor, Hobson said, prompted her company to establish a bus pump which allows bus drivers and taxi operators to fill their tanks at 15 cents less than the regular price, noting that giving back continuously helps in forging a great and mutually beneficial relationship.
She declared that her company would continue with a number of promotions and initiatives as they seek to reaffirm themselves as the Federation’s number one provider in that particular sector.
Hobson said a number of organisations, events and initiatives were supported during the year, listing among them were the staging of Culturama, Winfest, Gladiators Track and Field Club, the St. John’s Primary School Feeding Programme and the Nevis Literary and Debating Society.
She also stated that her company would continue to lend valuable support and assistance, stressing that enhancing growth and development, especially among the Federation’s youths, form part of their objectives.
“We would like to aid in the continued growth and development of the Federation’s young people, and we firmly believe that will be achieved through initiatives and projects like these. Another reason is to also help in bringing the people of this Federation together so that they can all contribute in some way or the other to the holistic development of the country,” she said.
She added that they anticipate bigger and better things for 2011, stressing that better understanding the challenges and difficulties faced would enhance the services and products that they continue to provide to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Hobson further added that while her company currently employs some 20-plus persons in the Federation, they have been able to achieve a lot as a result of the commitment, determination and passion demonstrated by the employees. She also noted that those achievements fell within the company’s reach because of its laid-down principles and policies.
Delta Petroleum was founded in Tortola in 1985 and two years after extended its service to Nevis.
