TDC Group of Companies committed to nation building

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Chairman TDC Group of Companies, Michael Morton

Chairman Morton made supporting remarks during a handing over ceremony at which the Office of the Prime Minister received a brand-spanking-new Lexus LS460L; an act which is pursuant to a promise made by the group since 1983 to supply the Office with a vehicle once every five years.

Morton said the theme for this year’s Independence Anniversary - “Pride, Development, Progress; Independence, 24 years of Success” - is not only significant to the Federation but also for the Group, as it describes the evolution of the company from the year of inception, 1973, to present.

He explained that over the years, the Group, as its motto states, is “Fully committed to total customer satisfaction, employee excellence through participation and training, to provide maximum benefits for shareholders while contributing meaningfully to the economic, social, and cultural advancement of our nation”.  ~~Adz:Right~~

In 1983, he said, the TDC Group of Companies was on the verge of experiencing speedy growth and development.  He declared the period that followed brought with it advancement, success and progress for the Group, its employees and the nation on a whole.

“TDC as a group pays directly into government, inclusive of payments to the Port Authority, an average of approximately $27M annually. This includes, but is not limited to, such items as land and house taxes, cooperation tax, duty, consumption tax etc., wharfage and other port duties, utilities and business licenses… In order to operate efficiently, the group provides employment, full-time employment for over 750 persons, and in doing so meets a wage bill of approximately $2M monthly. This money is put directly into the economy each month; $24M each year. Of course, it is in addition to the approximate $200 000 we pay per month and which we happily pay each month on time into Social Security. I must interject that we are very supportive of Social Security and its effort to keep all employers current.”

Morton explained that as the Group was successful, it held true to its policy of giving back to the community.

“As we have done well, we have tried to ensure that it redounds to the benefit of the people of the Federation and our contributions to culture, carnival and other festivals such as sports, the arts and education are continuous and ongoing. Our high school scholarship programme, for example, has benefitted 175 students in its 27 years of existence and has cost the company approximately $1.7M.  Monies spent on scholarship for employees in the past five years totalled in excess of $1M and this year alone is expected to add another quarter million dollars. At our Annual General Meeting in June of this year, the group announced an additional US$20 000 in scholarship grants available to the general public.” 

Over the past couple of years, the Group invested millions of dollars in infrastructural development and in projects across the nation; a testament of its belief in and commitment to nation building.

“TDC as a company is proud of its contribution to our nation building. It’s proud of the growth that has come about as a result of what we have been able to contribute to the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis by way of direct and indirect taxes. This is all a demonstration of our commitment to partner with the government in ensuring that the pride, the development and the progress that we have experiences so far continues for generations to come.”

On behalf of the TDC Group of Companies, Chairman Morton pledged “continued support in building this proud Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. We have accomplished much in the past 35 years and I am certain that as we work together, the next 35 years will continue to see the nation of St. Kitts and Nevis leading and shining in the OECS and bringing that peace and that prosperity to all its people”.