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WOMEN AND GIRLS Banks DIH Limited hosted its first-ever Be_U_Tiful Women and Girls Conference on March 18, 2023, at Thirst Park HQ, to honor its female employees and invited their daughters to also attend the event. The conference featured a keynote speaker, talent presentations, an exhibition, and breakout group sessions per age range for women and girls.
Long Service Award P. 4 Mr. Sukdeo Retires P. 5 OSH Month 2023 P. 6
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Department in FOCUS P. 8
In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Editor’s Note Welcome to our company’s latest newsletter! As the editor of this publication, I am excited to share with you the latest updates, news, and insights from our organization. In this edition, you will find an exciting lineup of articles that cover a variety of topics, including our recent long service awards presentation, various events, and our team’s latest achievements. We also have an insightful interview with one of our departments, where they share their contributions and experiences working at our organization. At our company, we are committed to keeping our employees informed and engaged. Our newsletter is just one of the ways we aim to do that. We hope you find the content in this edition valuable and informative. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. If you have any ideas for future articles or topics you would like us to cover, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value your input and are always looking for ways to improve. Thank you for reading and for your continued support in growing our company. We look forward to keeping you informed and engaged in the months ahead. Sincerely, Sonya Forrester Editor In and Around Banks sforrester@banksdih.com
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‘Made in Guyana’ Standard Mark – GNBS Approved Banks D.I.H Ltd has been given the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark for our Wine Products, Rum Products, Demico Ice-Cream, Crème Select Super Premium Ice Cream, Novelty (Frostee), Carbonated Soft Drinks, Beers, Shandy, and Malta. The Made in Guyana certification mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products. It focuses on creating national competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the Programme, while also creating and promoting brand recognition of locally manufactured Guyanese Products. The Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme will also provide a framework for the development of quality systems within our local content thus enabling a quality revolution, pushing Guyanese businesses to the forefront of quality on a national, regional, and international level (GNBS). Our Certification is valid for one year.
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Long Service Awards
Recently, our company held a long service awards presentation to recognize 18 of our employees who have been with us for 20 years or more. It was an encouraging event that show cased the importance of long-term commitment and loyalty. The handover ceremony was held to recognize their role in our success. Each of the 18 employees were presented with a certificate of Shares. Among the employees recognized was Matthew Kendall, who has been with us for an impressive 25 years and has worked his way up to become our Brew Master. Mr. Kendall noted that the journey was a long one, but he is humbled at this achievement and attributes his time at Banks to almighty God’s blessing, and his hard work. This long service awards presentation was wonderful reminder of the importance of valuing our employees and recognizing their contributions to our organization. We are grateful for the commitment and loyalty of these 18 employees, and we look forward to many more years of working together. Employees recognized were: 20 Years Awardees: Alana John-Rawlins and Patricia Washington – Trisco Plant, Vibert Grant, Trevor Hollingside, Rawl London, Oudit Bruce, and Eardley Mc Lennan, - Soft Drinks Plant, Dwayne Horton and Deon Stuart – Special Events, Tiffany Williams, and Paulette Miller – Idiho, Dionne Greene and Cort Morris –Demico Division, Noelline Adams - N/A Qik Serv, Albert Cunningham – Brewery, Ronald Barker – Finance, Navin Ramnauth – Central Service and Wonette Armstrong – Rum Factory. 25 Years Awardees: Henry Merchant and Julian Jordan from Trisco Plant, Rawle Williams, Colvon Sam, and Michael Murray -Soft Drinks Plant, Quincy Thomas – Materials Handling, Matthew Kendall – Brewery, Bhola Tiwari - Finance, Germine McKoy – Central Service, Maurice Payne and Godfrey Searles – Tropical Mist Production, Dexter Meyers – Distribution Warehouse and Romesh Persaud – Sales Department.
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In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Mr. Sukdeo Retires After 33 years of dedicated service to Banks DIH Limited, one of our most esteemed employees, Mr. Ramnarine Sukdeo, will be retiring from his position as Superintendent of the Vehicle Workshop. Mr. Sukdeo joined Banks DIH Limited in 1988 as a mechanic and has since risen through the ranks to become the Superintendent of the Vehicle Workshop. Throughout his career, he has shown an unwavering commitment to his work and has made significant contributions to the company. During his tenure, Mr. Sukdeo oversaw the maintenance and repairs of the company’s entire fleet of vehicles, ensuring that they were always in top-notch condition. His wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of mechanics has been instrumental in keeping the company’s fleet running smoothly over the years. Mr. Sukdeo’s dedication to his job has been an inspiration to his colleagues and his commitment to excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of all those who have had the pleasure of working with him. As Mr. Sukdeo embarks on the next chapter of his life, we would like to express our gratitude for his outstanding service to Banks DIH Limited. His contributions to the company will not be forgotten and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Some photos from the farewell ceremony held in Mr. Sukdeo’s honor. 5
In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Observing Occupational Safety and Health Message from Environment and Safety Executive – Ms. Afesha Burke April is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month, and at Banks DIH Limited, we take safety very seriously. This year’s theme, “A safe and healthy work environment is a fundamental principle and right at work,” reminds us that our safety and health are not just important, but essential. We want to encourage all employees to prioritize safety and health in the workplace, not just during OSH Month, but every day of the year. As you know, the Environment and Safety Department has planned a series of activities to promote safety and health in the workplace, and we are thrilled that some of these activities have already taken place. We participated in the Safety Walk hosted by the Ministry of Labour and are currently displaying OSH banners at most of our locations. For the month, we engaged employees at Thirst Park with a Safety in Motion campaign, invited nearby Secondary School students to learn about environment, safety, and health principles at Banks DIH Limited, conducted a multi-department fire drill in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, celebrated and recognized employees who successfully completed EHS Training and resuscitated the Occupational Safety and Health Committee by hosting the first in-person meeting since 2020 on Occupational Safety and Health Day, April 28, 2023.
Remember! A safe and healthy work environment is not just a right, also a fundamental principle.
As a company, we are committed to ensuring that Banks DIH Limited remains a safe place to work, but we need your help to achieve this goal. We are all responsible for each other’s safety, and we must be our brother/ sister’s keeper. If you see something that could be a potential hazard or if you have any safety concerns, please speak up and report it to the Environment and Safety Department. Remember, a safe and healthy work environment is not just a right, but also a fundamental principle. By working together and prioritizing safety, we can create a workplace that is safe, productive, and enjoyable. Let’s make safety our top priority, not just during OSH Month, but every day of the year.
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Banks DIH Limited celebrates Women and Girls with Be_U_Tiful Conference
Banks DIH Limited hosted its first-ever Be_U_Tiful Women and Girls Conference on March 18, 2023, at Thirst Park HQ, to honor its female employees and invited their daughters to also attend the event. The conference featured a keynote speaker, talent presentations, an exhibition, and breakout group sessions per age range for the women and girls. The event was organized in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, and the company wanted to engage its female employees to celebrate their contributions to the organization. Banks DIH Limited is committed to empowering its employees and is an equal opportunity employer. The Be_U_Tiful Women and Girls Conference aimed to inspire women and girls to recognize their own talents, skills, and contributions and to encourage them to continue to add value to themselves. Attendees had the opportunity to network with other women and girls from the company, share their experiences, and learn from each other. Distinguished guests and employees from the company attended, and they all took turns to present their talents on stage. The keynote speaker gave an inspirational talk that left attendees motivated and inspired. The exhibition area displayed various initiatives and projects that the company has been doing to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace. Breakout group sessions were hosted for women and girls in different age ranges to discuss topics that are important to them. The sessions provided a safe space for attendees to share their experiences, learn from each other, and offer support. The conference was a huge success, and attendees praised Banks DIH for organizing such a wonderful event. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with other women and girls from the company and to be part of a supportive community. “We are thrilled to have hosted our first-ever Be_U_Tiful Women and Girls Conference,” said Sonya Forrester, Training/Communications Executive. “At Banks DIH Limited we believe in the power of diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values and supports all our employees. We hope that this conference inspired our female employees and their daughters to continue to add value to themselves and to each other.”
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Department in FOCUS In and About the WAREHOUSE
The warehouse department plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of our products in the supply chain. It serves as the central hub for storing, organizing, and distributing products to customers. Let’s take a closer look at our Warehouse Department. The Warehouse Department is responsible for managing the inventory of goods that the company produces. Its primary objective is to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantity. At Banks DIH Limited, the warehouse comprises of a group of team members who describe themselves as hardworking, committed and dedicated. Their roles include tasks such as tracking stock levels, organizing shipments, and coordinating with other departments to meet customer demands. One member of the warehouse team stated that he feels proud to see a Banks Beer and other products in the hands of a customer. This sense of pride comes from knowing that his efforts contributed to it being there. Each member of the warehouse team plays an essential role in ensuring the success of the department and the company’s overall operations. Some of the warehouse staff with Senior executives pose for a photo after a productive day’s work. Meet Tramain Henry Meet Tramain, a 23-year-old member of our warehouse team who recently tied the knot. Tramain has been a valuable member of the Banks DIH Limited family since 2018 and he thoroughly enjoys working with us. He started out as a Sorter Packer and over the years, he has worked his way up the ranks to become a LiftTruck Operator, which is an accomplishment he is incredibly proud of. When asked for his advise to young persons in the department, Tramain had this to say: “I think it’s important to stay focus. Once you ignore the negative things people say, you’ll be okay. Just, stay focus and you’ll be alright” Tramain’s dedication and hard work are a testament to his work ethics. We wish him all the best on his journey. 8
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Department in FOCUS In and About the WAREHOUSE Warehouse Trivia Name seven (7) Warehouses in Banks DIH Limited _____________________,______________________________,________________________, ______________________,_____________________,____________________,____________________. How many empty bottle cases do you think our sorter packers handle daily? _______________ How many empty bottle cases do you think our sorter packers handle daily?_______________ First five correct respondents will receive a gift. (Submit your answers to sforrester@banksdih.com or to the HR Department Attn: Sonya Forrester)
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In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Banks DIH PACESETTERS triumph at Toastmasters Contest
The BANKS DIH PACESETTERS Toastmasters club has reasons to celebrate after two of its members, Sonya Forrester, DTM and Kiven Bond, emerged victorious at the recent Toastmasters’ contests. At the Area Contest, Forrester, who also serves as the Club Vice President of Public Relations, achieved a recordbreaking “Triple 1st,” defending her first-place finishes for each contest she entered. Bond also impressed in the Humorous Contest, securing first place once again. The competition only intensified at the Division Level, where Forrester and Bond represented Area 52. Facing off against 7 and 8 other contestants from Guyana and Grenada, the pair swept all categories, earning all podium finishes. The Division results saw Bonds walking away with the 1st place once again with his Humorous Speech and Forrester winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd in her International, Evaluation and Table Topics Speech Contest, respectively. Both Forrester and Bond will move on to represent Division J at the District Contests, held at the Conference hosted this year by Grenada, for the International and Humorous speech contests, respectively. Participating in the Toastmasters’ program has numerous benefits, and Forrester and Bond’s recent successes serve as a testament to the program’s effectiveness. The BANKS DIH PACESETTERS Toastmasters club has reason to be proud of its members’ accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors. To start your toastmasters Journey today contact: Vice President Membership TM Colin King – Tel: 622-2214 Vice President Public Relations Sonya Forrester, DTM – ext 2232 Club President – Milessa Daniels – ext 2176 Toastmasters International – Where Leaders are made 10
In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Screens from Mash 2023
Every year, the company participates in the festive celebration of Mashramani by bringing our flagship products within reach of patrons on the streets. This year was no different, as colourfully decorated bands and product flags could be seen dancing in the wind at different spots across the capital. Banks on the Avenue, which featured live artists and drew quite a crowd of patrons, preceded the celebration. It was truly a remarkable sight. Patrons benefited from numerous promotions and attractions at both events and commented on how good it felt to be back in “de streets” after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. We were thrilled to join in the festivities as we celebrated our 53rd Republic Anniversary under the theme “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana”
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Training and Development ADAPT - Advance Development Assistance Program and Training ADAPT is a capacity development program that has been implemented by the Human Resources Department to help team members build on key job skills and capabilities. Currently, ADAPT focuses on providing support to team members in the areas of Math, English and Computer Skills training. Accounts has been recently added to this list. The aim of this program is to provide team members with the necessary support they need in order to help them to adapt to the changing needs of the Company and to further improve their abilities in these key areas, as we aim to address knowledge gaps that exists. Participants from various departments participate in weekly training sessions for three (3) to six (6) months.
Participants Feedback Since participating in ADAPT I have been able to complete my reports in a timely manner. It has improved my capacity and skills to a place where I can confidently use the computer to get work done C. Sparman – Environment and Safety Department – Computer Classes “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I will learn.” I have always wanted to return to school,to rewrite some of my subjects however by participating in the Adapt Program offer at BANKS DIH LIMITED , I have improved my knowledge and have gain more confidence and as such,felt more comfortable branching out to continue my studies. I will be writing CXC this year. Bibi Azeez -Stores Office Clerk, Material Handling Department - Math and English Classes I am very happy that the company had seen it fit to provide these classes for us. I am looking forward to the advance classes. Orin Sandy, Vehicle Workshop – Computer Classes ADAPT Classes are open to all employees.
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In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Highlight on Various Activities As we approach the end of the quarter, we want to take a moment to reflect on the various employee engagement activities we have hosted over the past few months. These events are an important part of our commitment to providing a harmonious and happy work environment for all employees. In February, we invited team members to an HIV Screening and Testing at the Nurse’s office, ensuring that our employees remain healthy and happy. We were thrilled to see a high level of participation in this event.
In March, we had a frolicking time at our Karaoke and Steel pan club night, where employees were able to unwind, have fun, and connect with their colleagues. The event was a great success and we received positive feedback from those who attended.
In April, we hosted our Club’s Games Night, which featured various games and free cocktails for the ladies. It was a fun-filled evening that brought employees together and fostered a sense of community. 13
In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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Highlight on Various Activities
We are proud to have hosted these events and we are committed to continuing to provide engaging opportunities for our employees. As one employee put it, “These events make me feel appreciated and valued by the company.” We encourage all employees to continue to engage with us and participate in future events. We look forward to continuing to work together to create a positive and supportive workplace culture. 14
In and Around Banks: April 2023 Edition
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We all have a Work Genius
For the past 20 years, best-selling business author Patrick Lencioni would get frustrated at work. He loved his job and the people he worked with, but when he was working on certain tasks, he found himself quickly becoming grumpy and did not know why. Maybe you have had this feeling too. You wish you could do more of X, less of Y, and absolutely none of Z. Most likely, you shrug it off. After all, that’s why it’s called “work,” and that’s why they pay you. Besides, it must get done. With his co-founder Amy Hiett of the Table Group, Lencioni began exploring the different types of work and identified six work elements required in any kind of activity. This became the basis of Lencioni’s latest book, The 6 Types of Working Genius. The duo broke the six types of work required for every task into “geniuses”—having a natural gift of: •
Wonder – Pondering the possibility of greater potential and opportunity in a given situation.
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Invention – Creating original and novel ideas and solutions.
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Discernment – Intuitively and instinctively evaluating ideas and situations.
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Galvanizing – Rallying, inspiring, and organizing others to take action.
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Enablement – Providing encouragement and assistance for an idea or project.
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Tenacity – Pushing projects or tasks to completion to achieve results.
The Geniuses in Practice All ideas, concepts, and projects start with someone who is curious about the world. They wonder why things happen and angst over unrealized potential in people, initiatives, and the company as a whole. While those with the genius of Wonder ask “why,” those with the genius of Invention solve for “how,” since people with this genius are innately good at finding solutions for problems. Those with the genius of Discernment provide feedback to the Inventor, who goes through an iterative process of tweaking it and getting it right. While the Discerner says, “This is an awesome idea,” it takes more than a good idea to deliver on its potential. It takes a team. Somebody needs to rally people around a cause. Galvanizers get energized by a good idea, latch on to it, and sell it.Once the idea has taken shape, those with the genius of Enablement ride alongside the galvanized idea. They are the selfless “team players” who get great satisfaction in helping and supporting others, and seeing things done right. Finally, there are the finishers with the Tenacity genius, those with the energy, talent, and drive to get things across the goal line. All six types of working geniuses are required for getting work done successfully. What is your work genius? – Article extracts from Toastmasters International Feb 2023 Magazine 15
FACTS The only beers Brewed and Bottled in Guyana are
Freshness
IS DOMESTIC.
by Banks D.I.H Limited. ALL OTHER BEERS ARE IMPORTED
Committed to Excellence
Please drink responsibly. 18+
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