Endeavour Magazine May 2017

MAY 2017

www.endeavourmagazine.com

CAYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Driven By Success FOND DOUX RESORTS An Authentic Taste Of St. Lucia

GRU AIRPORT UK CAN USA EUR SA ZAR

£4.95 $7.95 $7.95 €5.95 69.00

Sao Paulo’s Global Gateway INSPIRED BY YOUR SUCCESS

BE THE 1 Right now, near you, someone needs blood.

Not just any blood, a perfect match. That’s why Cristiano Ronaldo donates blood. Join him and Abbott to donate now. You could save a life. BE THE 1TM.

Sign up to donate at BeThe1Donor.com

ADD-00056592

BE THE 1 and related brand marks are marks of Abbott Laboratories in various jurisdictions.

TM

EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Djamil Benmehidi editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Assistant Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com

W

decision to have a snap election after all,

Editorial Research Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com

mention surprises, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

that lie in store for Britain.

It may have caught your attention, as it has

All in all, things are well in the world.

ours, that tensions are rising to fever pitch

Tracts of the Middle East are still in crisis,

in the seas around the Korean Peninsula, as

and then there’s North Korea, of course,

Kim Jong Un continues to give the world a

but for the first time in years there is a

very public lesson in how not to manage a

small and cautious but growing sense of

country and alienate even its closest friends

optimism about what lies ahead. Economic

and allies. Donald Trump has also made for

predictions are notoriously inaccurate, as

fascinating viewing - that is, when he isn’t

we all know, but the signs seem to suggest

Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published

by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007

playing a high-stakes game of geo-political

that after a gruelling post-financial crisis

chicken - although not for the reasons

decade, the world is now pulling in the right

you’d assume.

direction - just in time for summertime too,

After more than 100-days of office, it would

for those of us in the northern hemisphere,

343 City Road London EC1 V1LR

has quite sensibly opted not to tear up the

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

Suite 10, Thorpe House 79 Thorpe Road Norwich, NR1 1UA

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points

ell, by gosh it’s been quite the month. It can’t be said April hasn’t

with a view to consolidating her position

been a time of high drama, not to

ahead of the gruelling divorce negotiations

appear that Trump is seemingly coming of age, and dare we say it, conducting himself

global economic order, but instead work with it. NAFTA has been given a reprieve, while the Mexican wall idea has been quietly shelved; unprecedented tax breaks

writers and/or in advertisements included in this

are coming for the American people, which

the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

should provide an almighty fiscal boost to an economy which is already benefitting

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

from a soaring stock market and all-but full

the information contained within this magazine,

employment. All promising signs.

no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information

In Europe, the safe passage of Macron into

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

the second round of the French general

publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or

DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

in a manner that is fittingly presidential. He

of view expressed in articles by attributing magazine do not necessarily represent those of

it should be added!

election has also generated a sense of

by any means without the prior written consent of

relief for global markets, and likely averted

the publisher.

a potential catastrophe at the very heart of

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2017

the Eurozone. Then there’s Theresa May’s

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

NATIONAL ENERGY FEATURES

CITTON CARS 4 | Endeavour Magazine

12

20

30

38

44

50

58

64

78

GRU Airport Sao Paulo’s Global Gateway The Banking Association South Africa A Future You Can Bank On MovieTowne Bringing The Magic Of The Movies To Life National Energy They’ve Got The Power Cayman Automotive Driven By Success Citton Cars Convenience, Quality, And Superior Service Fond Doux Resorts An Authentic Taste Of St. Lucia TTC: Toronto Transit Commission A New Lifeline Uganda Chamber of Mines & Petroleum Building A Prosperous Uganda

TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Europe North America Africa Middle East Asia & Australasia

28 36 70

Amazing World Bora Bora – The Jewel Of The South Seas The Vertical Farming Revolution Japan’s Atlantis: A 10,000-Year Old Mystery

56

Automotives Mercedes Benz Line Coupe

MOVIETOWNE Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES EUROPE ECB OPTS TO HOLD RATES AT 0% The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to hold rates at 0%, as President Mario Draghi suggested downside risks to the bloc’s economy had diminished as the Eurozone economic recovery gathers speed.

negotiations on TTIP between EU and the

Talks with financial authorities have

US forward but I think we need to wait a

been underway for several months but the

little bit more for them to assess where we

banks are expected to make up their minds

were, where we stopped, where they want

imminently on where to move staff and

to go,” Cecilia Malmstrom said at a recent

operations.

conference in Copenhagen.

“We are in the hot phase. In the next six to eight weeks there will be a series of

The ECB chief repeated his warning

decisions,” Felix Hufeld, head of Germany’s

from previous meetings that risks remained

Bafin financial regulator, told reporters.

tilted towards the downside, however, said

Ireland’s central bank will hold a similar

these same risks were now less severe given

gathering next month to advise groups

the euro zone’s economic expansion.

considering a move to Dublin, which along

“Incoming data since our meeting in early

with Frankfurt, Paris and other centres is

March confirm that the cyclical recovery

competing to offer the banks a second base

of the euro area economy is becoming

that remains in the European Union.

increasingly solid and that downside risks have further diminished,” Draghi said in his opening statement to reporters in Frankfurt.

ASIAN DEMAND FOR NORTH SEA OIL GROWS FOLLOWING OPEC PRODUCTION CUTS

The ECB left its monetary policy unchanged and also stuck with its monthly rate of asset purchases until at least the end of the year. Europe’s central bank is set to

OPEC production cuts from Middle East

proceed with a monthly pace of quantitative

suppliers have triggered unprecedented

easing (QE) bond purchases of 60 billion

Asian demand for European oil, with China

euros (US$65.5 billion).

having become the second biggest consumer

Euro

zone

inflation

continues

of North Sea crude.

to

undershoot the ECB’s target of 2 percent

Rising Asian appetite for North Sea

yet economic data has been on its best

crude has largely been fuelled by the falling

run since the global financial crisis and

premium charged for North Sea crude over

ECB policymakers would have noticed a

rival Middle East oil and this demand could

significant uptick in confidence indicators

last beyond OPEC’s supply cuts if that

since the March meeting.

favourable pricing persists.

Data shows China imported almost 38

EU INTERESTING IN RESTARTING EU-U.S. TALKS ON FREE TRADE DEAL In a surprising turn of events, the US and

LONDON BANKS POISED TO CONFIRM EXTENT OF DEPARTURE FROM CAPITAL WITHIN WEEKS

million barrels of North Sea crude from the start of the year until late April, compared with about 8 million barrels by the same point in 2016.

EU have both opened the door on resuming

Following the triggering of Article 50 by

China now lies second to Britain, the

trade talks that only recently were still in

the British government, a number of banks

biggest consumer of North Sea crude, which

deep freeze.

are likely to decide within two months where

had bought 49.7 million barrels by late April

Following an announcement by Donald

to set up new continental bases to make

this year. In January to April 2016, China

Trump’s top trade official, the EU is also

sure they can keep serving clients in the bloc

ranked seventh.

open to re-entering talks, as the US also

after Brexit.

The Organization of the Petroleum

looks to deals with China, Japan, and the UK.

The European Central Bank will soon

Exporting Countries, Russia and other non-

This was confirmed by the European

host a meeting of banks on May 4 at its

OPEC producers agreed to cut output by

Union trade commissioner, who said she

offices in Frankfurt. It will spell out in detail

1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in the first

sees a strong case for reviving frozen free

what those moving some of their operations

half of 2017 to lift prices and reduce global

trade talks with the US:

out of London must do to apply successfully

inventories.

“There is still a very good case to take 6 | Endeavour Magazine

for a licence.

NORTH AMERICA CANADA AND MEXICO RELIEF AS DONALD TRUMP CONFIRMS ABOUTTURN ON NAFTA FUTURE

Texas. “It definitely means it pays not to

stocks dropped 3.6 million barrels last week,

pollute.”

more than double what was expected.

Exxon said it would consider its legal

[EIA/S] The government data was a surprise

options and may appeal the ruling. “We

after industry group the American Petroleum

President Donald Trump has announced

disagree with the court’s decision and the

Institute said its data showed a build.

he pulled back on breaking the US trade pact

award of any penalty,” Exxon spokesman

Analysts noted that the EIA report also

with Canada and Mexico after requests from

Todd Spitler said in an emailed statement.

showed gasoline and distillate stockpiles

their leaders, with a view to winning a better

“As the court expressed in its decision,

grew, while U.S. production and imports

deal for the US under renegotiated terms.

ExxonMobil’s full compliance history and

increased.

Trump,

during

appearance

with

a

White

Argentine

House President

good faith efforts to comply weigh against assessing any penalty.”

“We’re running a slight deficit and starting to eat into inventories but not by

Mauricio Macri, said terminating the North

any meaningful amount,” said Tanya Andrien,

American Free Trade Agreement, a pact he

vice president in strategic development at

has long condemned as unfair to the United

Drillinginfo.

States, “would be a pretty big shock to the system,” just before he was poised to call on

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS FOR US WORKERS RISE FOR END OF APRIL, BUT ECONOMY STILL AT NEAR FULL EMPLOYMENT

the country’s 23-year membership.

Hours

after White

House

officials

disclosed that Trump and his advisers had been considering an executive order to withdraw from NAFTA, he said he received

The

telephone calls from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime

of American

workers

more than expected last toward the end of

Minister Justin Trudeau.

last month, but the four-week average of

“They asked me to renegotiate. I will,”

claims fell to a two-month low, suggesting

Trump said. “And I think we’ll be successful

that labour market conditions continue to

in the renegotiation, which frankly would

tighten.

be good because it would be simpler” than

Initial claims for state unemployment

killing NAFTA.

benefits increased 14,000 to a seasonally

BIG DRAW IN US CRUDE INVENTORIES STABILISES OIL PRICES AFTER EARLY TUMBLE

EXXON HIT WITH US$19.95 MILLION FOR TEXAS REFINERY POLLUTION BY FEDERAL COURT ExxonMobil Corp must pay a US$19.95

Oil prices have bounced back after US

million penalty for pollution from its

government data showed a much welcome

Baytown, Texas, refining and chemical plant

larger-than-expected

complex between 2005 and 2013, a federal

inventories, which encouraged buying after

judge ruled.

several days of selling on worries that a

The ruling was issued by US District Court Judge David Hittner in a citizen

falloff

in

crude

global crude glut was persisting even after OPEC cuts.

lawsuit brought under the U.S. Clean Air Act

US crude prices stayed higher, while

by two environmental groups, Environment

Brent edged back into negative territory

Texas and the Sierra Club.

but off session lows. U.S. West Texas the

Intermediate (WTI) settled up six cents at

decision in the long-running suit, which was

US$49.62 per barrel, while Brent crude, the

first filed in 2010. “We think it might be the

international benchmark, ended down 21

largest citizen suit penalty in U.S. history,”

cents at US$51.82 a barrel.

Environment

number

applying for unemployment benefits rose

Texas

welcomed

said Luke Metzger, director of Environment

adjusted 257,000 for the week ended April 22, the Labour Department said. Data for the prior week was revised to show 1,000 fewer applications received than previously reported.

Claims have now been below 300,000, a threshold associated with a healthy labour market, for more than two years straight.

That is the longest such stretch since 1970, when the labour market was smaller. The labour market is close to full employment, with the unemployment rate at a near 10year low of 4.5 percent – an astonishing achievement.

A Labour Department analyst said there were no special factors influencing last week’s data, and only claims for Louisiana had been considered.

The U.S. Energy Department said crude Endeavour Magazine | 7

AFRICA NIGERIA SEEKING PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL FOR US$6.93 BILLION LOAN FROM CHINA

NOC’s plans to bring production there to

in 2018 and 3.5 percent a year later. Sub-

270,000 bpd.

Saharan African growth was an estimated

Libya’s oil production has had its share

1.3 percent in 2016, the World Bank said.

of difficulties, having been hit by protests,

“The upturn in economic activity is

Nigeria’s parliament is considering a

Islamist militant attacks and fighting among

expected to continue in 2018-19, reflecting

request by Nigerian President Muhammadu

rival military factions since the fall of

improvements in commodity prices, a pickup

Buhari to borrow US$5.85 billion from

Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 sent the country

in global growth, and more supportive

China to modernise its rail network and

spiralling into turmoil. Before the civil war,

domestic conditions,” the bank said in its

another US$1.075 billion from the World

the North African OPEC member produced

report.

Bank to help rebuild the country’s troubled

1.6 million bpd.

northeast.

The bank said the 2016 growth was

National oil production stood around

the worst for the region in more than two

Buhari urged parliament in a letter to

700,000 bpd recently after two major oil

decades, hurt by poor performance in Nigeria,

approve the railway borrowing because

ports reopened. The NOC was aiming to

South Africa and Angola. “This low growth

China has a limit on funds available from

raise national output to 1.1 million bpd

rate was driven mainly by unfavourable

its China Africa Fund. The president wants

by August, but has said shutdowns could

external developments, with commodity

to sign loan agreements as soon as China

impact that target.

prices remaining low, and difficult domestic

approves the project.

conditions,” the report said.

“These loans form part of the overall money for the rail strategy,” Buhari said

GLOBAL MINER ANGLO AMERICAN SET TO SELL-OFF SOUTH AFRICAN COAL ASSETS

in the letter. The loans are part of the government’s 2016-2018 foreign borrowing plan, he said.

Buhari also asked lawmakers to also

Global giant Anglo American is set to sell

approve a US$1.075 billion loan to help

its Eskom-linked thermal coal operations in

rebuild the northeast, which has been

South Africa for US$166 million, it said, in-

ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency, and

line with a strategic designed to mitigate the

to expand support to the poor in Nigeria.

effects of a slump in commodity prices.

“There is need for urgent consideration

The mines, along with four closed

of the identified projects, which will enable

collieries, have a supply agreement with

us to start reconstruction and rehabilitation

Eskom under which South Africa’s sole

of the region in other to create jobs ... and

power utility paid for their running costs in

rehabilitate the schools,” he said.

exchange for coal supply at a pre-set price.

The company said it will sell the assets -New Vaal, New Denmark and Kriel collieries

LIBYA’S SHARARA OILFIELD REENTERS PRODUCTION AFTER PIPELINE PROTESTS END With a production capacity of around 330,000 barrels per day, Libya’s Sharara oilfield is back online after protests blocking pipelines finally ended according to sources.

No details of its current production were immediately available

but traders had

indicated the field had restarted.

The oilfield’s troubles started in March when protesters blocked a pipeline leading

-- to Seriti Resources Holdings - a company led by Mike Teke, the president of the local mining industry lobby group, Chamber of

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA GDP GROWTH UP IN 2017, FOLLOWING A 2016 TO FORGET ACCORDING TO WORLD BANK Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to rise markedly between now and 2019, helped by better commodity

Anglo was hit hard by a slump in commodity prices in 2015, prompting it to launch a sweeping overhaul to slim down its portfolio and focus on diamonds, platinum and copper.

“This transaction forms part of our

prices and improved global conditions, the

ongoing

World Bank said in a report.

upgrade our global asset portfolio,” Anglo

from Sharara prompting a force majeure. In

In its latest “Africa’s Pulse” report, it said

April, the protests ended only to restart a

economic growth was expected to grow 2.6

week later putting a halt to state company

percent this year and further to 3.2 percent

8 | Endeavour Magazine

Mines.

commitment

to

reshape

and

Chief Executive Mark Cutifani said in a statement.

COnfIdEnCE In flIghT. WorldWide.

Bristow is doing more than anyone to keep your people safe, lower your E&P offshore operating costs and improve your productivity. Our Target Zero culture of safety is recognized for delivering industry-leading safety performance, while new best-practice programs are providing unmatched on-time reliability and customer service. So your people and your production are always right on schedule.

It’s time to discover there’s a bottom-line difference in helicopter service providers. Bristow is focused on delivering value to prove it.

B r I S T O w g r O u P. C O m

MIDDLE EAST CELEBRATIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA AS COUNTRY’S BIGGEST GOLD MINE OPENS IN MECCA

Municipality

and

Abu

Dhabi

Housing

will see the kingdom developing 30 solar and

Authority. So far, essential infrastructure

wind projects by 2023 to boost its electricity

works, including the road network, sewage,

generation and reduce crude oil burning.

lighting, electricity and water networks, are

Saudi Arabia is targeting 9.5 gigawatt

The biggest gold mine in Saudi Arabia, Al-

close to 20 per cent complete. The entire

(GW) of renewable energy by 2023. The

Duwaihi Gold Mine and Factory, is set to be

project scheduled to launch in 2020, a

renewables initiative involves investment

launched in Mecca, and will be inaugurated

statement added

estimated between US$30bn and US$50bn.

by the governor of Mecca, Prince Khalid AlFaisal.

Al-Duwaihi, the biggest gold mine in the kingdom, is owned and operated by the

Abu Dhabi General Services Company,

Saudi

Energy

Minister

Khalid

al-

Musanada, is building infrastructure for

Falih kicked off the massive renewable

the Dhs2.5bn Emirates district area of

programme in Riyadh by announcing the

Zayed City.

beginning of the bidding process for a 300

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden),

megawatt (MW) solar power project, which

a report added. The company is also

is expected to come online by 2018-2019.

developing infrastructure projects in the

“The energy mix to produce electricity

region including the construction of a 450km

will change, today the kingdom uses large

pipeline to transport treated wastewater

quantities of oil liquids, including crude, fuel

from Taif to Al-Duwaihi to treat the ore, and

oil and diesel,” Falih said. “So the percentage

a 117km road linking Al-Duwaihi with the

of renewable energy by 2023 (will be) 10

Riyadh-Taif highway.

per cent of total installed capacity in the

The pipeline marks the first instance of

kingdom.”

the large-scale use of treated waste water for industrial purposes in the kingdom,

UBER PLANS TO BRING FLYING TAXIS TO DUBAI BY 2020

according to the company.

Ma’aden’s total investments in the mine and associated infrastructure projects is

Fresh from revolutionising the traditional

estimated to exceed SAR1.5bn, a source

taxi market with its ride-hailing service, Uber

said.

now has its eyes on the skies with its plans for flying taxis.

The company expects to deploy its flying

ZAYED CITY - ABU DHABI’S MEGA DHS3.3BN PROJECT – SET TO BE COMPLETED IN 2020

taxis in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Dubai by 2020, chief product officer Jeff Holden said at the Uber Elevate Summit in Dallas.

Abu Dhabi’s next huge mega project, the

Uber’s flying taxis will be small, electric

Dhs3.3bn Zayed City project, is set to be

aircraft that take off and land vertically,

completed by 2020, it was revealed by the

or VTOLs, with zero emissions and quiet

emirate’s Urban Planning Council (UPC).

enough to operate in cities.

Flying taxis would cut down travel

Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, the mixed-use project – located between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Mohammed bin Zayed City – forms a key aspect of the Abu Dhabi

SAUDI ARABIA’S RENEWABLE DRIVE CONTINUES APACE WITH PLANS FOR 300MW SOLAR POWER PROJECT

time

between

San

Francisco’s

Marina

to downtown San Jose to 15 minutes, compared with the more than two hours it takes by road, Uber estimates. In an early

energy

scale operation, the company can get to

development – spread across 45sqkm –

ambitions, Saudi Arabia aims to produce

US$1.32 per passenger mile, a little higher

will house an estimated 370,000 residents,

10 per cent of its power from renewable

than taking an UberX for a similar distance,

along with schools, healthcare centres,

sources in the next six years as it pushes

Holden said.

hotels, mosques, and leisure amenities.

ahead with a multi-billion-dollar plan to

In the longer term, Uber expects the

diversify its energy mix and free up more

cost of taking flying taxis to fall below car

crude oil for export.

ownership.

Plan, a statement said. Once complete, the

Set to “emerge as a new heart of Abu Dhabi”, it is being developed by the UPC in collaboration with Musanada, Abu Dhabi 10 | Endeavour Magazine

In-line

with

its

renewable

The drive by the world’s top oil exporter

ASIA & AUSTRALASIA ECONOMY OUTLOOK MOST POSITIVE IN NINE YEARS, BUT STIMULUS WILL CONTINUE - BANK OF JAPAN

Didi well above Xiaomi Inc, which held the

“Continued slack in the labour market,

title of China’s most valuable startup after a

declining

2014 funding round valued the smartphone

weak economic sentiment, indicate that

business

rents,

as

well

as

maker at $46 billion.

demand-driven inflationary pressures will

There was a sigh of relief as The Bank of

Ant Financial, China’s most valuable

be restrained,” the Monetary Authority

Japan offered its most optimistic assessment

private internet finance firm and an affiliate

of Singapore (MAS) said in its half-yearly

of the economy in nine years at its policy

of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, is valued

macroeconomic review.

meeting and described recent weakness in

upwards of US$60 billion.

The water price increase, set to rise by

inflation as temporary, signalling confidence

30 percent in two phases with the first phase

a sustained recovery will help achieve its

starting in July, is estimated to add around

ambitious price target.

0.1 percentage point to both headline and

The BOJ kept its policy unchanged, as

core inflation in 2017 through its direct,

expected, but Governor Haruhiko Kuroda

first-round impact, the MAS said.

conceded that public perceptions of future price rises remained subdued, suggesting

REGULATOR STEPPING UP STOCKBROKER INVESTIGATIONS TO STAMP OUT BAD PRACTICE IN PAKISTAN

the central bank will significantly lag its US and European peers in exiting its massive stimulus programme.

The optimism about the economy and

After a buoyant 2016, Pakistan’s financial

caution over the inflation outlook show the

regulator is escalating investigations against

BOJ prefers to maintain the status quo on

stockbrokers in a campaign to curb insider

monetary policy for the time being, analysts

trading and illegal leveraging in the stock

say.

market to keep the country on course.

“The inflation and growth projections,

Pakistan’s benchmark stocks index was

as well as the upgrade of its economic

one of the world’s best performing last year

assessment, were all in line with market

and has returned more than 900 percent

forecasts, so there was no surprise at this

since early 2009. But the bourse’s last crash

meeting,” said Yasunari Ueno, chief market

in 2008 was severe and made worse by

economist at Mizuho Securities.

brokers holding secretly leveraged positions.

“As long as the economy maintains its

The

momentum, the BOJ will likely stand pat at

Exchange

criminal complaints of market abuses against

out his term.”

Didi Chuxing is set to crown a great year

and

Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has filed

least until next spring, when Kuroda serves

DIDI – THE CHINESE UBER – SET TO BECOME CHINA’S SECOND-MOST VALUABLE PRIVATE FIRM

Securities

seven stockbrokers this year, including for

SINGAPORE TO EXPERIENCE MODEST GDP GROWTH OVER 2017 It is believed that 2017 will be an unremarkable

year

for

the

Singapore

economy. A slack labour market, falling

by becoming the country’s second-most

business

rents,

and

weak

economic

valuable privately owned company, with a

sentiment in Singapore point to restrained

valuation of more than $50 billion, through

inflationary pressures, the country’s central

a fund-raising round of up to US$6 billion,

bank said as it forecast continued modest

sources said.

and uneven economic growth.

The valuation represents a jump from

While inflation will rise in 2017 due

Didi’s US$34 billion price tag in August,

to higher global oil prices and the impact

when it agreed to acquire Uber Technology

from administrative steps such as a planned

Inc’s China business, and also puts it closer to

increase in water prices, the pass-through to

the U.S. firm’s US$68 billion. It also propels

consumer prices will be limited.

insider trading and stocks manipulation. A judge will decide whether the complaints warrant formal charges - the usual outcome in such cases.

Two complaints have also been filed about employees in banks who engaged in “front-running”, which involves trading on advance information not available to clients.

SECP executive director Bilal Rasul stated in an interview that the agency has taken a more assertive role this year in the wake of new legislation to reform financial markets.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

GRU AIRPORT WWW.GRU.COM.BR // 55 11 2445-2945

SAO PAULO’S GLOBAL GATEWAY There are few places in the world capable of making the likes of London and New York feel positively provincial, but, as anybody who has visited or lived in the city will agree, Sao Paulo is undoubtedly one of them.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

GRU AIRPORT

It would be difficult to find a greater contrast than

that between Sao Paulo and its more flamboyant neighbour, the samba city of Rio de Janeiro – a destination that somehow manages to be chaotic and serene all at the same time.

ABOVE. BEYOND.

W

here Rio is chic and sexy, Sao Paulo is a juggernaut - an enormous, almost intimidating metropolis that isn’t so much a sensory overload as a full-on assault. Not that this

is intended as a slight upon the city; Sao Paulo is cosmopolitan, rich in culture, and complex. It is a place of many layers, and understandably tourists, travellers, and backpackers have flocked here by the million over the decades to get lost in it all - an easy thing to do in a city that is 20 million-strong.

However, since Brazil’s gradual emergence as a bona fide world power in the making, the city has gained a reputation altogether more serious. In keeping with its standing as a leading international business and financial centre, today Sao Paulo is regarded as one of the world’s leading Alpha cities, alongside the likes of Dubai, Seoul, Frankfurt, Brussels and Miami. Throngs of people are now as likely to arrive here to do business as they are to soak up the sights, sounds, colour and culture.

Irrespective of whether visitors are travelling to this larger-

Data is one thing. Real intelligence is something else.

than-life city for business or pleasure, GRU International Airport is

Monitor, predict and improve your airport operations with SITA AirportPulse – a unique, cloud-based Business Intelligence portal.

the gateway through which they will arrive. Based in Guarulhos, a

Explore more at: www.sita.aero/airportpulse

of scale, 36.6 million people passed through GRU’s gates last year

region at the heart of Sao Paulo, the airport is not only the largest in the country but in the whole of Latin America. To provide a sense alone – a colossal number that accounts for more than 65% of all international passenger flow into the country. To manage such

14 | Endeavour Magazine

2262 Above Beyond Quarter Page Advert 92x138 ART.indd 1

19/04/2017 14:18

THE BEUMER GROUP provides fully

integrated automated high-speed airport baggage handling systems for small, medium, and large airports worldwide.

This includes producing and integrating systems for security screening, storage, sortation and transportation of departure baggage from check-in to departure gate, as well as transportation of transfer and arrival baggage.

SOME THINK AIRPORT EFFICIENCY HAS REACHED ITS LIMITS. WE THINK DIFFERENT. “Streamlined” is a term often used in the aviation industry. Where some apply it to aeronautics, BEUMER Group applies it to excellence in baggage handling. With our trusted BEUMER Group A/S product range streamlining doesn’t simply mean quicker, greener and safer technology. It means seamlessly integrating end-to-end baggage handling solutions that meet an airport’s specific requirements. And our global Customer Support organisation ensures you continue to reap the benefits long into the future.

For efficiency without limits, visit www.beumergroup.com

BEU_AirportsCrisbag_gestrP_EndeavourMagazine_188x138_EN.indd 1

19.04.17 14:31 Endeavour Magazine | 15

GRU AIRPORT large volumes of passengers, more than 40 airlines operate out of

broken, and today six of Brazil’s leading airports, including GRU

the airport, including prestigious carriers such as Emirates Airlines,

International, are in private ownership, with a further four to follow

who are set to launch their first Airbus A380 Superjumbo service

this year. Naturally, the effect of this transition has been great, and

to Brazil this year, along with Delta, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and

the airport’s component companies – the airlines, retailers, logistics

KLM, linking the city to more than 100 national and international

companies, government agencies and handling companies, among

destinations.

others – have increasingly worked in collaboration to ensure a level

The airport’s transport services aren’t limited only to passenger

of service delivery that is high-quality, efficient, and safe.

traffic, as GRU’s COO, Miguel Dau, was keen to stress: “In addition

Speaking on the effect that this change of landscape had on

to being a platform for the air transport of passengers, the GRU

GRU and the wider industry, Miguel Dau explained: “With the end

Airport operates in logistics and is responsible for storage of 41%

of Infraero’s monopoly, greater competition among the companies

of all cargo imported and exported in Brazil by air. In the commercial

that manage the airports has led to improved levels of service and

area, the airport has contracts in different segments, such as retail,

cost-effectiveness.

VIP rooms, parking, real estate development and advertising space, among others.”

GRU International Airport holds a prominent position in the industry, mainly from being located in the largest economic center

Suffice to say, business is booming, and it is no coincidence that

of the country and our connectivity with the main Brazilian cities,

GRU International’s rise to prominence has come about following a

as well as leading destinations in the United States, Europe, Asia

decade-long economic boom in Brazil between 2003-2014, and the

and Africa. Today, GRU has double the passenger-handling capacity

federal government’s decision to gradually privatise the country’s

of the next airport behind us, and accounts for 65% of international

airports soon after. Whereas once, all of the country’s 66 airports

passenger flows into Brazil. Such factors and characteristics should

were owned and managed by Infraero – a state-owned company

keep GRU as the main airport in the country for the foreseeable

that monopolised the market – this monopoly has since been

future.”

16 | Endeavour Magazine

Let us be your eyes and ears Parcel and Baggage Inspection using Low Energy X-Rays Cargo Inspection using High Energy X-Rays Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Ion Mobility Spectrometry Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Linear After The Exponential Polymerase Chain Reaction Millimetre-wave Raman Spectroscopy

Working together in Brazil since the beginning of 2017 aerotech.com smithsdetection.com

Endeavour Magazine | 17

GRU AIRPORT To help ensure that it maintains its standing as an international airport with service standards that are of the highest caliber,

as the world’s second most punctual airport in 2016,” Miguel explained. He continued:

the airport’s frontline and backroom staff play an integral role in

“All this is the result of actions not only to improve the physical

ensuring passengers enjoy a superior customer experience. As the

structure of the airport or investments in new technologies, but

country’s leading airport, GRU International is an ambassador of

mainly the commitment of employees to make the airport a pleasant

sorts for Sao Paulo, and as a result no expense is spared to ensure

travel experience, both for those arriving or leaving São Paulo.”

that all airport staff are trained to the highest standards, so as to

With regards to what the future holds, the signs are promising.

ensure the highest levels of service. Miguel is proud of his staff, and

It is well-known that the Brazilian economy has struggled greatly

is under no illusions as to their importance in driving GRU’s success

in recent years, and yet for all its difficulties GRU International has

to ever greater heights over the years to come.

for the most part escaped these difficult times unscathed. For the

“Today, the airport has about 1,400 direct employees.

Altogether, there are 30,000 direct and indirect employees.

Over the past four years, the airport has invested considerably in training employees to improve the quality of services and

sector in general, there is significant growth potential, and many industry experts are of the opinion that come the turn of the year, an anticipated upturn in economic fortunes should help stimulate demand for both domestic and international services.

increase operational efficiency. The adoption of a collaborative

At GRU International itself, the coming years will see the airport

policy involving all stakeholders also contributes greatly to improve

continue to expand and modernise, as it strives to take its operations

the airport’s image among users. Between 2015 and 2016, GRU

and service standards to the next level. Following the success of an

was considered in its category (over 15 million passengers) the

airport upgrade just prior to the 2014 World Cup, conducted in

best airport in the country in the Passenger Satisfaction Survey,

partnership with communications and IT solutions provider, SITA,

sponsored by the Civil Aviation Secretariat (SAC). In the ranking

more work is in the pipeline for 2017. Having provided critical

of OAG (aviation specialist British consultancy), Guarulhos appears

systems for the 2014 airport transformation, including the airport

18 | Endeavour Magazine

operations database, resource manager, flight information displays, and automated passenger announcement system, SITA will once again assist in the ambitious Terminal 2 modernisation project.

Miguel concluded the interview on this point, stating: “Today, the main work in progress is the Terminal 2 modernisation project, which should be completed by the end of this year. The project will expand the capacity of operational areas such as check-in, X-ray inspection, baggage claim, and passport control. As a parallel work, the dealership has been intensively acting on the commercial area, seeking new contracts with retailers, airlines, and logistics companies, among others.

In this context, we set up contracts with Dufry to open two large stores in Terminal 2, with the Peruvian Retail Services, which will have four new stores at the airport, with SouthRock, which will bring to the airport brands well-known by buyers, such as TGI Fridays, among other businesses. The goal for 2017 is to further expand the range of services to passengers, especially in the food court, shops, and new travel destinations.”

FOR THE MILLIONS OF PASSENGERS WHO PASS THROUGH GRU EACH YEAR, BABCOCK guarantees a superior customer experience. On hand with our 220–strong team of professionals in Brazil, ensures that we provide the finest level of service.

Luggage systems, boarding bridges, audio systems, automatic doors – at BABCOCK, we are world leaders in our field, making sure every part of your airport journey runs smoothly. With our international-standard technological solutions, GRU has the critical components it needs to be the best in Latin America.

Trusted to deliver across Airports The breadth of our experience and the depth of our expertise means Babcock International is trusted to deliver across the sector.

It installs and maintains sophisticated baggage handling and tracking technologies at some of the world’s busiest airports as well as ground support equipment.

Airports are our world. We’d like to share it with you.  +55 11 2104 1200  info@babcockinternational.com.br

www.babcockinternational.com/br/

Endeavour Magazine | 19

THE BANKING ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA WWW.BANKING.ORG.ZA // 27 11 645 6700

A FUTURE YOU CAN BANK ON The success and prosperity of every region in the world relies on solid banking infrastructure and with a desire to offer inclusive services to as many residents and businesses as possible, the Banking Association SA makes no bones about how vital its day-today operations are. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Mr. Cas Coovadia, Managing Director, to learn more about what drives this energetic operation.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

THE BANKING ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA

Celebrating 25 years of seamless banking industry

infrastructure creation, the Banking Association SA (BASA) has not always been recognisable in its current form. In fact, back in 1992, the initial genesis of the organisation was exceptionally different.

Four separate, specialist associations, namely the Association of Mortgage Lenders, Merchant Bankers Association. Clearing Bankers Association and Association of General Banks, were merged into one all-seeing operation, known as the Council of South African Banks (COSAB).

W

ith a hard-hitting mandate in place to oversee prevailing issues that were cropping up in the banking sector, further

HOW LONG CAN A BANKING RELATIONSHIP LAST? 70 YEARS AND COUNTING.

reshuffling was a necessary and organic process that

would guarantee that the body of people making up the Council were able to focus on the issues that really mattered. This natural development phase resulted in the BASA that we know and recognise today. With a new name in place that more accurately acknowledged the structure of the overseeing body and what it intended to do, all that was left was to officially appoint Mr. Cas Coovadia as Managing Director and the rest, as they say, is history.

Having already worked closely with the former CEO, Coovadia

Celebrating seventy years of innovative banking with traditional banking values.

was in a unique position to be able to bring fresh leadership, alongside the values and traditions that were already in place and to say that his leadership during his 12-year total tenure has been

For a personal approach to business banking visit us @ www.bankofathens.co.za

inspiring would be an understatement. When we asked what his secrets to effective leadership are, his open and frank response was a real breath of fresh air, “You have to practice what you preach, so don’t expect staff to perform if you don’t and always listen to your staff. Never think you have nothing to learn. Wisdom is not only informed by academic education, but often by experience and insight. Ensure a conducive working environment, embrace diversity and optimise contributions from every member of staff. In addition, develop a corporate identity and be patriotic to it and always try to encourage young talent and develop it.”

The South African Bank of Athens Ltd. Reg. No. 1947/025414/06 Registered Credit Provider (NCRCP 6) Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 5865)

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Banking, as a sector, has long given the impression of an industry V 01 2017

unwilling to change, lead by stoic to the point of stubborn older

Facilitating economic activity

CUSTODIAN OF

R952 billion of deposits

=

the savings pool of

8 000 000

customers

Ranked in the

TOP 10

of the world’s banking sectors

Playing a role in ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa

Committed to transformation

Committed to empowerment and enterprise development

FIRSTRAND BEE DEAL

our black ownership

R23.5 billion

36.5%

of value transformed to a broad base of black shareholders

of the group

76%

87%

of employees AFRICAN, COLOURED AND INDIAN

of graduate intake is BLACK

R53 billion

R8.3 billion

for transformational support

financing to black SMEs Invested

R36 billion

R35 billion

to date in financing taxi industry

in funding for BEE transactions

Created two of the largest CSI vehicles in South Africa

FIRSTRAND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

R6 billion endowment BLACK controlled

Committed

R10 billion

for affordable housing

3.2 million people use eWallet for FREE

FIRSTRAND FOUNDATION

+

(created 1998)

R1.7 billion in contributions

= R460 million funding p.a. for social initiatives

Our role in ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa

THE BANKING ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA executives that aren’t keen on change, but Coovadia makes it clear

mission to change that in order to make it clear that bans should

that this is absolutely not an option for BASA. Yes, he values certain

and can be run with the most important people in mind; customers.

codes of ethics and values that are traditional at their core, such

Working primarily in South Africa, but expanding out into the South

as honesty, decisive collaboration and ethical conduct, but aren’t

African Development Community, it looks as though the message

these simple the cornerstones that ANY successful enterprise are

is being heard, understood and most importantly, implemented.

built on? Combine these elements with his progressive approach

There’s just one potential hiccup; how buoyant is the banking

to nurturing young talent and a determination to offer inclusive

sector right now?

banking services to as many people as possible in South Africa and you have a recipe for guaranteed and long-lasting success.

It’s no secret that there have been undercurrents of global financial turbulence for many years, with the banking industry

If you’re wondering what a banking association does, you’re

being especially vulnerable, but Coovadia is quick to allay any fears,

not alone, and we were shocked to discover just how pivotal BASA

“SA boasts the second most sound banking sector in the

is in terms of ensuring a fair and profitable industry that includes

world. Our banks are well capitalised and amongst the best in

everyone,

the world. This is borne out by the fact that our banks weathered

“We represent the banking sector, which translates into every

the 2008/9 financial crisis and not a single bank experienced any

licenced bank being a member. We lobby and advocate for a

liquidity or capital problems. The current economic issues we

conducive environment in which banks can conduct profitable,

have in SA, however, don’t provide a conducive environment for

sustainable and responsible business and we work with government

banks because the volumes of bank business are limited by the

and other stakeholders to ensure inclusion in banking, so that as

pedestrian economic growth and lack of investment, which in turn

many people in our country have access to some form of banking

is constrained by a poor environment for investment. The recent

service. We represent the industry in national, continental and

downgrades also make the environment difficult because banks are

global associations and we drive transformation in the sector.”

automatically downgraded to the level of the sovereign. However,

Fairness, sustainability and responsibility. Not words that many people associate with the banking industry, but Coovadia is on a

even in this difficult environment, our banks remain sound, stable and solid and ensure the safety of depositor funds.”

CITI CONGRATULATES THE BANKING ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA on its 25th anniversary. We look forward to a continued successful working relationship and partnership.

Earn higher interest on your Savings.

Open an Eezisave account today!

086000 8322 ubank.co.za

UBK116_2314

Ubank Ltd Reg No. 2000/013541/06. Ubank is an authorised financial services (FSP No. 14740) and credit (NCRCP21) provider.

24 | Endeavour Magazine

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.

Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutionswith a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Š 2016 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc.

Market leaders, legacy builders and game-changers know that expertise comes with experience far beyond order-filling and technology-driven transacting.

What these achievers need is someone who can bring a unique perspective to their challenges, contribute to their strategic planning and create otherwise unrealised value.

What if a bank made that its job?

As corporate and investment banking specialists with over 200 years’ experience, we made it ours.

Helping corporations, governments and individuals compete and succeed wherever they choose.

WHEREVER YOU HOPE TO CREATE VALUE OR ASPIRE TO SUCCEED.

citi.com/progress

THE BANKING ASSOCIATION SOUTH AFRICA Think about how few countries would be able to make the

profitable and relevant to the majority of our people.

same statement about their banking operations and you start to

Other business organisations are also partners and we

understand just how unusual this situation is. With no competitors

collaborate with them. Finally, the continental and global

to focus on, BASA is free to conduct itself in a way that ensures that

organisations we belong to are partners with which we work to

every single activity is geared towards the benefit of the country,

increase our global profile.”

the people who live there and the continued sustainability of the banking sector as a whole. Now that’s impressive!

Determined to continue offering key advice, guidance and support to the banking sector of South Africa, Coovadia finishes by

Coovadia has already intimated that the team who work with

revealing the future plans for BASA,

him are seen as a valuable asset, but just how is this reflected in the structure of the Association?

“We will position the sector appropriately in the public space to counter unwarranted attacks on the sector, which are informed

“We employ 30 people. We promote a learning organisation

by political considerations. We will also develop a simple guide

and culture and encourage staff to develop. We take in interns

to how banks work and the role they play and use this to engage

every year and expose young people to the industry and we try to

community groups, in order to explain banking and we will develop

promote from within wherever possible, bearing in mind that we

a robust transformation agenda for the sector, beyond the on-

have a relatively flat structure.” There’s the key to a profitable and

going transformation successes.”

responsible future for the banking sector in South Africa; constant

Committed, responsible and for the people, BASA is leading

encouragement of younger generations to get involved and play

the charge in terms of effective, open banking for all and we look

their part. But there is another aspect that Coovadia is keen to

forward to seeing the results of its future triumphs.

discuss and that’s the relationship with members of the Association, “Our members are our key partners and consistently promote the organisation. We consider government to be partners, although we have a robust interaction. We consider them partners because, ultimately, we have similar objectives of enabling a sector that is

OPEN YOUR DOORS TO BETTER BUSINESS, INSTANTLY

If money talks, what would it say about your bank?

Would it say your bank is something to bank on and give credit to, and that they show you the right kind of interest?

sasfin.com business | wealth | banking

Opening a business account for a microenterprise, sole proprietor or Pty (Ltd) is now as easy as going online using a laptop, tablet or smartphone. You simply fill in the application form, upload the documents and you are ready for business no matter where you are. You can even register the business with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and we’ll automatically register you with SARS. No branches, no queues – just simple efficiency.  Absa Instant Business | 0861 000 734

Sasfin Bank Ltd. Reg no. 1951/002280/06 An authorised financial service provider licence no. 23833 A registered credit provider NCRCP22 and a member of the Sasfin Group

Start your dream. Prosper.

Terms and conditions apply. Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7

26 | Endeavour Magazine

10007302_Sasfin_1/4Print_Endevour.indd 1

It makes economic sense to enable SMMEs to open accounts as quickly as the opportunities present themselves. The solution? Instant Business from Absa.

2017/04/25 10:38 AM

AMAZING WORLD BORA BORA – THE JEWEL OF THE SOUTH SEAS

T

he term ‘paradise’ is one which, to

Tahitian islands from the ocean following

vivid splash of colour, life and contentment.

say the least, is a little overused. The

the mythical creation of Hanai’i, now known

Bora Bora’s formation is a unique quirk

word has become low-hanging fruit for

as Raiatea. The name was later changed to

of geography that has seen a rich ring of

marketers and advertisers the world over,

Bora Bora following a mishearing on the part

coral reef grow around the central island,

so you’d be forgiven for being unmoved

of none other than Captain Cook himself,

itself a now-extinct 727m volcano named

and unconvinced when, in describing Bora

upon discovering the island in 1770.

Mt. Otemanu. This ring has created an inner

Bora, we call it an oasis paradise of calm and

A small island located an hour’s flight

lagoon which positively teems with sea-

tranquillity. Please trust us, however, when

north-west of Tahiti in French Polynesia, Bora

life, including shoals of fish, manta rays and

we say that in this instance the term is more

Bora is one of the world’s most renowned

sharks, all of which can be seen on one of

than justified - Bora Bora is fully deserving

luxury destinations, and a first-choice for

the many diving expeditions or boat trips

of its world-famous reputation.

the newly-weds who are fortunate enough

that frequent its surrounding waters.

Known as ‘The Jewel of the South Seas,’

to be able to spend their honeymoon at

On the edge of this natural outer barrier

the island’s name comes from its ancient

one of its resorts. And why wouldn’t it be?

can be found a number of ‘motus’ – small

name, Pora Pora,

meaning ‘first born,’ in

From the lush blanket of palms that stretch

islets that have formed where the encircling

reference to the landmass being the first

over its hills and mountain, and the emerald

coral reef has breached the water’s surface.

to emerge when the god Taaroa fished the

indigo waters of the lagoon, Bora Bora is a

It is on these smaller outer islands that

28 | Endeavour Magazine

Bora Bora’s signature over-water stilted

Before visiting Bora Bora, we’d advise

a little more from the experience. Much as

bungalows and open-air apartments nestle,

bringing along your trusty French for

you’d find if you were visiting France itself,

perched just over the waterline for guests.

Beginners handbook – as the name of the

especially Paris, an opening of Bonjour” will open doors!

With a number of resorts and hotels

region implies, French Polynesia is just

available, catering for budgets ranging from

that: French. All of the tourist areas will be

If you’re thinking of coming to Bora Bora

reasonable to eye wateringly palatial, Bora

predominantly English-speaking, but should

to see all its romantic glory with your own

Bora may not be a low-cost trip away, but

you wish to pay a visit to the island’s quaint

eyes, there is a wealth of information to be

it is accessible for those seeking a magical

capital of Vaitape - a place which combines

found online on what to see and do, and the

once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the

beautiful old-colonial European architecture

holiday packages that are available to you.

world’s most naturally beautiful locations.

with castaway-esque beach shacks, shops,

Most importantly, this beauty is unspoiled.

bars and restaurants - you may find you’ll get

To find out more please visit the Islands of Tahiti Tourisme: http://bit.ly/1ha3wiK Endeavour Magazine | 29

MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWNE.COM // 001 868 627 8277

BRINGING THE MAGIC OF THE MOVIES TO LIFE What more is there to say about MovieTowne? A name that is synonymous with cinema magic, and a world-class entertainment experience in Trinidad & Tobago.

MovieTowne is the epitome of a picture perfect company that is always looking for ways to build both its business and local communities.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

MOVIETOWNE

Endeavour Magazine found out more about his

remarkable business, and the remarkable man who built it, Derek Chin.

W

ith its wealth of incredible natural gifts, Trinidad & Tobago

both the Trinidad Commercial Development Company Limited and

has long been a magnet for holidaymakers from all over the

Dachin Enterprises, coupled with his desire to always be pushing

world, and one of the region’s premier tourism hubs. Quite

local business development, has given him unique insight into what

sensibly, however, the country’s government has worked tirelessly

consumers want, and what it takes to do business successfully on

to implement the diversification schemes and policies needed to re-

the islands. This is why when he saw a cinema industry which was a

orientate the country away from its traditional reliance on tourism,

national disaster, he was able to spot the opportunity this presented

and set in place the foundations upon which a more complex and

and take the steps to lead the sector into the 21st century.

prosperous national economy can be built.

Speaking about the cinema industry in the region, he is candid

Of the many industries which have been rebuilt and reborn over

about its humble beginnings; “The cinematic industry in Trinidad

the past 5-years, the entertainment sector is perhaps the country’s

and Tobago was on its knees before MovieTowne came into being.

biggest success story. And this is all down to the efforts of one

People preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home to going to the

man; a man who has single-handedly stepped up to the plate and

cinema and considering the conditions of the old auditoriums, it was

taken a cinematic sector which was on its knees, and transformed

no surprise. There was little or no variety in choice, the bathroom

it into one that is the envy of much of the world. That man was

facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy and intimidating

Derek Chin.

experience. Customer service was also far from polished.”

Derek is something of an eccentric, but he is certainly not a man

Highly regarded as the premier Cineplex, shopping and

to be underestimated; it is only as a result of his vision and bloody-

entertainment complex in the region, MovieTowne was a breath

minded determination to make Trinidad & Tobago a world-leader in

of fresh air for Trinidad and Tobago when it opened in 2002, as

entertainment that the region has come so far, and been propelled

it offered high-end, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable

forward so quickly.

price. It also appears to have singlehandedly reinvigorated the

Having completed a business administration degree at the

country’s passion for seeing the biggest, most exciting new releases

University of Western Ontario in Canada, where he completed

on the silver screen. By offering state-of-the-art facilities, up to the

a stint as an auditor with KPMG, he returned to Trinidad back in

minute sound quality and superior customer service, MovieTowne

1981 with one goal; to revolutionise the entertainment industry,

quickly became the go-to destination rather than an idea that

and boy did he accomplish that!

was, initially, heralded as something of an unnecessary flourish of

The experience he later gained after his return as a key figure in 32 | Endeavour Magazine

modernisation.

MOVIETOWNE “I wanted to bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to

attending these cathedrals of modern entertainment; they are

movie fans here on the islands and give people a real experience.

sitting up and taking notice of the man behind the brand, with

Also, I wanted to introduce people to a far higher level of customer

Derek becoming something of a local hero and a figurehead that

service than they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead

represents what young people growing up in Trinidad and Tobago

of its time and I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and

can accomplish with hard work. That’s because this isn’t just a

changed their expectations.”

business enterprise for Derek; it’s a way of life, and offers a tangible

With 14-years of successful operation under their belt, it

way to give back to the local community. Something that has not

should come as no surprise that Derek didn’t want to stop at just

gone unnoticed. “MovieTowne is more than a business, and is now

one complex, so in the years that followed the opening of the

a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.”

initial location, expansion was rapid and impressive. A further

“We promote and fund youth education through film and we

two complexes were opened which, like their predecessor, were

founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition, which

not limited to simple cinema chains. Instead, these incredible

enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring

complexes offered a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants

but win scholarships into higher education courses and we engage

and entertainment suites as well. It’s the small details that make a

in much charitable work while investing in communities.”

huge difference though;

What an incredible way to ensure that emerging talent is

“Our Cineplexes are themed along the lines of Hollywood, with notable examples being a back drop of Jurassic Park with all the

noticed and nurtured as soon as possible, and Derek sees this as the key to continued success for the region.

dinosaurs as an attraction. We also have various life sized models of

With an eye for a development opportunity, Derek is excited

Batman, Chewbacca from Star Wars, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek…

about what the future holds for MovieTowne, and elaborated about

and these are just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”

plans in the pipeline; “In San Fernando, we are the anchor for the c3

What’s really interesting to note is that people aren’t simply

shopping mall, a project owned by the JT Allum and Carlton Mack

SAFETY • SECURITY • SOUND

COLE & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERED SAFETY SYSTEMS LIMITED We design, supply, install and maintain quality system solutions to suit your needs.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Fire Alarm Systems Access Control Fire Suppression Automatic Gates Fire Extinguishers Intrusion Alaims Flame & Gas PA Systems Detection CCTV Flame Resistant Clothing Automatic Gates and Doors

BE SAFE! CALL THE EXPERTS! 17 Taylor Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain Tel: 622-4344 Fax: 628-4041 Barrington Court, Milford Road, Bon Accord, Tobago Tel# 1(868)387-1443 868-622-4344, 868-622-1280

info@coleessl.com www.coleessl.com 34 | Endeavour Magazine

Prompt, Efficient & Reliable Service For All Building & Civil Works

family of South Trinidad. MovieTowne South will be 92,000sq feet of cinema and retail space and is probably going to be the nicest Cineplex of the whole chain so far, fitted with eight state of the art cinemas, digital and Dolby surround sound systems, 3D technology, thematic layouts and even a VIP section. We’re in the final stages of outfitting MovieTowne South and we anticipate that the grand opening will take place in early 2017 – we’ll announce a confirmed date as soon as we can.”

While you might think this has all been something of a fairytale for Derek, the success he enjoys has come as the result of years

Fast, reliable and efficient services for all building and civil works from foundation to finish including design, construction and maintenance of Industrial, Commercial and Residential buildings

of training and dedication to bringing premier entertainment back to Trinidad and Tobago. Watching films could, on the surface, seem like a frivolous pastime, but Derek has an inherent and deep understanding that they have a much deeper purpose; to bring people together.

He may not have realised it at the start, but he has brought a whole nation together now and we can’t wait to see how he mixes things up again in the future with his contagious enthusiasm for progress and community.

62 H Goodman Trace, Penal Rock Road Penal.

Tel: (868) 647-9446 info@specialconstructiontt.com www.specialconstructiontt.com

You don’t really know how strong your insurance broker is, until you’re in hot water.

Always present with unsurpased technical depth, strategic insight and confidence when you need it most.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

AMAZING WORLD

THE VERTICAL FARMING REVOLUTION “Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by

able to harness the world’s resources to

magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will

our advantage in ways that are difficult

grow in the streets of every city in the country.”

to comprehend. Yet, as William Jennings

- William Jennings Bryan

Bryan quite correctly pointed out, our

I

t would be no exaggeration to say that while there are a number of key pillars upon which the progress of our

species has been achieved, agriculture is undoubtedly foremost amongst them.

Where once our species roamed the lands, hunting and foraging for food, the invention and utilisation of farming techniques 12,000 years ago acted as the enabler of the magnificent civilisations that have come and gone since, and the many marvels that we take for granted today.

The practice of cultivating soil for the growing of crops completely changed our relationship with the Earth. No longer was it necessary for humans to live subsistence lifestyles, dedicated entirely to finding food for ourselves and our offspring - instead, with farm-sourced food in abundance, humans were able to devote their energies

industrialised, digitised world would quickly turn to nothing without a plentiful supply of affordable food. Therefore, of all the challenges that face mankind today, the business of ensuring a sufficient, affordable supply of food is amongst the most pressing.

Herein lies the problem: since the turn of the millennium, a tipping point has been reached, and the growth in demand for food is rising considerably faster than supplyside growth. Of what little increase we have seen in global food production over recent years, 80% of this minor increase comes from efforts to enhance the productivity of existing farmland. It is clear that with the best, most productive arable land already in use, suitable farmland is becoming hard to come by. With the global population projected to continue growing rapidly, and the increasing environmental toll of intensive traditional

rose

farming methods, a third ‘green revolution’

drastically, and small tribal settlements

is needed. That revolution, it appears, could

impressive as the futuristic settings in which

evolved into villages, towns, and cities – far

well come in the form of vertical farming.

they are based. Unlike traditional agricultural

to

other

pursuits.

Populations

larger, denser communities, in other words,

Vertical farming is the practice of

farming methods, there is no need for acres

than foraging could ever have hoped to

producing food in vertically stacked layers,

of land and soil, or even natural sunlight. In

support. Art flourished, and we began to put

such as you’d find in the vertical farming

fact, vertical farming facilities are rarely, if

our minds to exploring, manipulating and

skyscrapers being designed in Singapore,

ever exposed to the open air!

understanding the world around us.

or even in an old warehouse like those

Instead, these facilities use more modern

Fast forward to today, and the impact

being used by Aerofarm in New York. This

indoor methods that incorporate controlled-

of thousands of years of agricultural

indoor agriculture is no longer a science

environment

development is clear to see. Our civilisations

fiction-esque concept, but a viable working

allowing for the control of all environmental

have advanced to the extent that we are

reality, and certainly, its proven results are as

factors. Artificial light can be utilised and

36 | Endeavour Magazine

agriculture

technology,

Images ©www.forwardthinkingarchitecture.com carefully

humidity,

farms in Europe and North America can only

around the world to reach their marketplace

temperature, and fertigation – the process

controlled,

as

can

produce food within very specific windows

destinations.

of injecting fertilisers and water-soluble

of time, but this isn’t the case with indoor

While this technology is in its infancy

products into irrigation systems - in order to

vertical farming methods which allow for

now, this new model of growing food

optimise farming output. In some respects,

all-year-round crop production. With such a

could avert the coming food supply crisis

vertical farming techniques differ little to

capacity for constant harvest, research has

that faces our children and grandchildren.

those used in regulating a greenhouse.

shown that crop output can be multiplied

Vertical farming is the future, and will have

While such a method of food production

anywhere from four-fold to even thirty-

a transformative effect on the world we live

may seem almost alien to most of us, there

fold, depending on the crop. Then there

in. Viva la farming revolución!

is little denying that the benefits of vertical

are the benefits that come from crops not

farming are quite astounding. Traditional

needing to be transported vast distances Endeavour Magazine | 37

NATIONAL ENERGY WWW.NATIONALENERGY.TT // 1 868 636 8471

THEY’VE GOT THE POWER When it comes to supplying energy to an entire country, the stakes are high in terms of reliability and value for money, but National Energy has been making the task look simple for almost 40 years. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look to find out how.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

NATIONAL ENERGY

Incorporated in 1979, under the name of the National

Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, National Energy (NE) is a 100% owned subsidiary of another already successful local supply enterprise. When you stop and think about it, it makes perfect sense to offer a one-stop shop for energy solutions and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) has never looked back.

I

nitially set up in order to assist in the monetising of the region’s

as we have to wonder why a significant rebranding exercise was

natural gas resources, NE quickly grew and absorbed extra

undertaken,

responsibilities, including industrial and marine infrastructure

“National Energy embarked on a rebranding exercise in 2013,

management and the construction of petrochemical plants, but it

transitioning from National Energy Corporation to National Energy.

was in 1999 that things really started to gear up,

This fresh and modern brand image is aimed at further positioning

“In 1999, National Energy became an independent entity within

the company to achieve set goals.”

the NGC Group of Companies, with a mandate to “develop and

A fresh new image for a longstanding, respected and trusted

manage suitable infrastructure, in order to facilitate and promote

company is never a bad thing, as it helps to maintain a grip on

the various activities relevant and appropriate to natural gas-

competitive industries, but don’t go thinking that NE is all about

related operations.”

the show and has nothing going on behind the new façade, as that

But that’s not all. Having become a free-thinking operation

couldn’t be further from the truth. With a commitment to engaging

within a supportive framework, NE was quick to pick up the pace

with activities that meet the Government’s energy mandates,

and start looking for other tasks to take on and in 2004, facilitation

promoting an international brand image, embracing vertical

and promotion of all the natural gas projects was added to the

integration of assets and so much more, it’s clear that it’s all go for

extensive professional repertoire. These mandates might seem to

NE, but just so we are all on the same page in terms of activities, in

bring with them a heavy dose of responsibility, but it’s nothing that

a nutshell, what is it that NE does?

the experienced team can’t handle and, in fact, the future looks set to include even more branching out,

“Conceptualisation, promotion, development and facilitation of new energy-based and downstream industries in Trinidad and

“Today National Energy is well positioned as the force that

Tobago, identification of new industrial estates and associated

will drive the expansion of the energy sector into the future. The

deep water ports, ownership and operation of marine and other

company is taking a proactive approach to promoting Trinidad

infrastructural assets to facilitate all gas-based and metal plants,

and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and internationally, as well

tower and harbour operations and sustainable management of the

as continuing to execute the development of energy projects and

environment.”

infrastructure under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.”

This development brings us onto our next point very nicely, 40 | Endeavour Magazine

And there it is, proof incarnate that the activities undertaken by NE are not only serious in nature, but also vital for the continuation of gas supply throughout Trinidad and Tobago. It’s no wonder that

SURINAME DRYDOCK AND SHIPBUILDING COMPANY S.A. Saramaccastraat 33-35 • P.O. Box 1846 • Paramaribo, Suriname • South America Email: drydock@sr.net • Phone: (597) 475100 – 425757 – 424252 • Fax: (597) 420750 • Website: www.surinamedrydock.com

Facilities Floating drydock of 50.00 x 22.00 x 1.60 meters with breadth of 18.00 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 1100 tons Floating drydock of 30.00 x 13.40 x 1.22 meters with breadth of 10.05 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 150 tons

Slipway with a capacity of 100 tons and one for new buildings and repairs of vessels up to 600 tons with a length of 70.00 meters Machine shop for repairing and machining of shafts, bearings and parts

Representative of: Damen Shipyards Gorinchem

Propeller shop for repairing several kinds of propellers such as manganese bronze, bronial, aluminum and stainless steel Endeavour Magazine | 41

NATIONAL ENERGY with close to 40 years of experience in the industry that NE are

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago can rest easy, knowing

widely considered to be one of the foremost operations, but they

that there will be continuous development of the profitable energy

are as forward-thinking as they are experienced.

sector, NE is consistently looking for new and exciting projects that

It’s no secret that ALL businesses need to be approaching the

will further benefit the region and with Port Galeota, an $80million

future with an element of sustainable and stewardship-based

project, already underway and a serious reconfiguration of the

thinking and with a vision to be “a global leader in the development

existing Brighton Port also nearing completion, there looks to be

of sustainable energy-based industries” in place, this is one

plenty to keep the team occupied. Add in a mandate to continue

operation that is ahead of the curve. Utilising the expertise of its

with estate development and the day-to-day activities of NE look

team, NE aims to benefit all citizens of the region through a clever

to be set in stone, for the foreseeable future,

combination of market intelligence, corporate alliances, ownership

“National Energy has been mandated by the government of

and streamlined operation of assets and above all else, innovation.

Trinidad and Tobago to identify and develop new industrial estates

Don’t simply skip past the desire to offer benefits to the people

and ports for location of petrochemical, inorganic and downstream

of Trinidad and Tobago, as not only is NE a market leader in terms

industries. At present, no existing sites are available to locate

of effective energy development, it is also a proud advocate of

additional investments and environmental compliance requires

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),

a large spatial envelope around plants. Therefore, new sites are

“National Energy will be a leader and innovator in the field

needed to fulfil these standards.”

of CSR, create shared value for the company and its multiple

Always looking to the future and underpinning new innovations

stakeholders, with a focus on socio-economic development and

and ideas with almost four decades of market-leading expertise,

human development, support initiatives which preserve the

NE is a rare commodity in the modern business world. With a clear

national identity and heritage and will seek to be sustainable in the

desire to always be moving forward for the good of the people that

way we conduct our daily operations and in the social interventions

it serves, 2017 is set to be an exciting and successful year for NE,

we develop, implement and support.”

as well as Trinidad and Tobago.

MASSY CAT RECENTLY PARTNERED WITH NATIONAL ENERGY in the very FIRST

Marine Application Product Link™ Installation on the vessel NEC Empress. This device allows Massy Cat and National Energy to remotely monitor the two Caterpillar 3516B main engines on the vessel, for example, its operational status, location, fault codes and alerts. This is the very first installation done in the region using these new devices that were specifically designed and constructed for Marine Application and it most certainly won’t be the last.

IT PAYS TO KNOW; Cat® Product Link™.

42 | Endeavour Magazine

CAYMAN AUTOMOTIVE WWW.CAYMANAUTOMOTIVE.COM // 001 345.749.0900

DRIVEN BY SUCCESS With a vision to offer the crème de la crème of electric vehicles to the Caribbean, John Felder created Cayman Automotive, an innovative leasing, marketing and sales company that had a sustainable and environmentally responsible future in its sights. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Felder, to find out more about what drives his continued success.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

CAYMAN AUTOMOTIVE

Incorporated in 2005, Cayman Automotive might be a

relative newcomer to the automotive industry, but that certainly hasn’t stopped John Felder, Owner and CEO, from achieving incredible success in a short space of time.

W

hile you might think that the introduction of electric

automotive industry and we offer a warranty on every vehicle that

vehicles to the Caribbean would have been a welcome

we sell, which is a first in the Caribbean.”

innovation, Felder is candid about the struggles he had to

overcome,

He goes on to add, “Our Platinum Leasing Plan is the most customer focused lease

“When I made a decision to begin marketing and selling

plan available anywhere. The service includes comprehensive

electric vehicles in Grand Cayman, this was not possible because

insurance, all factory maintenance, mechanical breakdown

the current laws did not include electric engines, so the vehicles

coverage, 24-7 roadside assistance, courtesy airport delivery

could not be licensed. I worked tirelessly for seven years and on

and pickup. Our customer demographic is the college-educated,

November 11, 2011, The Cayman Islands Government changed the

professional, 35-65 age group, with an environmentalist ethos.

law to allow electric vehicles to be driven on public roads. The fact

Most of our customers are in Grand Cayman. We sell new and

that I did not give up was inspiring to many Caymanians who still

used vehicles from both the US and the UK, so we can provide

say that I never gave up.”

customers with either a left or right hand drive position.”

Naturally, finding ways to ensure the sustainability of the planet

2009 must seem like a lifetime ago now, but that’s when the

are vital, but with such hurdles to tackle, right from the outset, it is

first electric vehicles were introduced to the Caribbean, by Cayman

truly incredible that Felder never once considered giving up on his

Automotive and the fleet has grown to an impressive size. With

dream. When you discover that the company now boasts a nothing

Nissan Leaf, Tesla, Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Bolt, Vauxhall Ampera,

short of impressive annual revenue, it was clearly a dream worth

BYD and JACChevrolet Spark EV all now readily available from

pursuing, but now is not the time to sit back and get complacent.

Cayman Automotive, there is truly a vehicle for everyone and there

Felder makes it clear that continued innovation and customer

are industrial interests rising as well. Partnering with Smith Electric

satisfaction-driven initiatives are the only way to maintain his

Vehicles has meant that Cayman Automotive was able to ingratiate

amazing grip on the electric automotive industry,

itself into the competitive commercial vehicles market by offering

“Cayman Automotive’s core business is automotive sales,

the first 100% electric fleet trucks and vans. The impressive

leasing and service. Our slogan, “We service what we sell”, is critical

partnerships don’t end there though, as ZEV Electric has also come

because we are the only company in the Caribbean that have the

onboard to offer the world’s longest-range motor scooters and

diagnostic equipment, training and over 30 years’ experience in the

motorcycles to the Caribbean.

46 | Endeavour Magazine

CAYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Operating throughout The Bahamas, Cuba, Grand Cayman and

“On January 11, 2011, Premier Automotive Export, which is

Barbados already, Jamaica is soon to be added to the extensive

a division of Cayman Automotive Leasing, received approval for

network of dealers that Felder has collated, but the question has to

the first Export License to ship vehicles from the U.S. to Cuba. On

be asked; how buoyant is the electric vehicles market?

March 17, 2017 the historic Launch Event was held in Havana,

“The current state of the Caymanian market is robust and growing. Competition is limited because it’s difficult to sell vehicles that you cannot offer the service after the sale.”

Cuba with the Embassy of Guyana taking delivery of a Nissan Leaf and Clipper Creek Level II Fast Charge Station.”

With a fantastic product on offer, monopoly of the market and

Dominating the market is not the only concern for Felder and

an eye for future innovations, Cayman Automotive seem to have

his team, however, as they want these vehicles to be easy to use, a

it made, but all of this could easily fall by the wayside, if a team of

pleasure to own and simple to operate, which is why an extensive

committed customer service agents were not in place. We don’t

network of charging points have been created,

think you’ll be surprised to learn that Felder is insistent that every

“To accommodate the needs of Grand Cayman’s ever growing ownership of electric vehicles, Cayman Automotive was

client is treated like royalty and when his team lives up to this strict mantle, they are rewarded appropriately,

instrumental in providing the network of charging stations that will

“Our customer service is very customer focused and I inform

handle your needs from West Bay to East End. To take advantage

every employee that when you interact with any of our customers,

of the sun’s abundance of renewable energy, Cayman Automotive

they are to treat them as if they were my parents. We promote from

introduced the first solar panel charging stations in the Caribbean.

within, provide continuous training support and there is currently

We also have two authorised service centres in Grand Cayman and

nine employees.”

Cayman Brac, to handle the service needs of customers on the sister islands.”

Felder went on to note that,

48 | Endeavour Magazine

Given that Cayman Automotive is a company that keeps getting stronger and more successful, it is refreshing to hear that something as simple as exemplar customer service will guarantee employees a

future with prospects. Expertise is not something to be brought in, from outside, on a whim, but rather, nurtured from within, making every single facet of the company far more sustainable than many large companies and, we assume, a guarantee of a small staff turnover.

Having enjoyed incredible support from several vendors, Felder is keen to mention a few in particular that have been instrumental in the introduction of electric vehicles to the Caribbean. Hurley’s Market Place, Camana Bay, Governors Square, Cricket Square, Cayman

Islands

Government,

The

Bahamas

Government,

Caribbean Utility Corporation (CUC), Island Heritage, and Winston Connolly all make the list. There’s absolutely no doubting that Cayman Automotive will continue driving the industry forward and with a newfound agreement reached with Budget-rent-A-Car in Grand Cayman, a 100% electric fleet of rental cars will soon be on offer as well. It just goes to show that if you have vision, passion and determination, anything is possible and we can’t wait to see Felder’s future ideas made reality.

COVER IMAGE The first American manufactured vehicle exported to Cuba

CAYMAN AUTOMOTIVE has made great

strides toward a greener Caribbean and ISLAND HERITAGE is pleased to have been with them from the beginning.

Through our partnership, we were the first insurance company in Cayman to offer comprehensive insurance coverage for electric vehicles.

Today, we’re proud to sponsor 16 SOLAR CHARGING STATIONS and provide further convenience to our eco-conscious customers.

in 60 years alongside a vintage GM vehicle in Old Town Havana 184022_HR-Ad-EndeavorMagazine.pdPage 1

4/6/17

12:17:22 PM

Endeavour Magazine | 49

CITTON CARS WWW.CITTONCARS.CO.ZA // 27 12 335 6740

CONVENIENCE, QUALITY, AND SUPERIOR SERVICE In life, there are certain things that are essential - things, be they tangible or intangible, that we either can’t live without, or at least make the world around us a better, more convenient place. In virtually all countries, a smartphone would certainly be considered an essential. Perhaps in the UK, cups of tea might fall into this category, if humorous stereotypes are to be believed.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

CITTON CARS

As any South African would soon tell you, cars are a

must-have item for many households. In a country so vast, where public transport is all but non-existent, many middle-class families rely on two or more vehicles to get them from A to B; be it for the daily commute to and from work or to do the school run each morning, driving just makes sense.

A

s such an integral part of our everyday lives, it is only natural that motorists invest so much care and energy into finding the perfect car – one that not only fits the needs of ourselves and

our family, but also our personality. A vehicle that is an expression of ourselves in some way.

For many, including the more affluent amongst us, a car purchase is one of the largest purchases we’ll ever make, aside perhaps from buying a house or any business dealings we may invest money in.

Making such a financial and emotional investment is a big deal, which is why it is so important to make sure that when we visit

MotoVantage brings you a wide range of innovative vehicle valueadded products at competitive prices, enabling dealers to offer a comprehensive range of products to their customers.

One-stop shop for vehicle value-added products and services Warranties • Service Plans • Maintenance Plans • Scratch & Dent Cover • Exterior & Interior Bodyline Maintenance • Credit Life Cover • Shortfall Cover • Deposit Protector • Retrenchment Cover • Tyre & Rim Cover

a showroom, that the dealership is reputable and committed to delivering the highest standards of customer care, both leading up to the purchase and after. On this level, Citton Cars, one of South Africa’s finest used car dealerships, is without peer.

Since the company opened its doors for business 27-years ago, Citton Cars has a name and reputation that spans Southern Africa, thanks to its customer-first ethos. With over 300 vehicles under one roof from all of the world’s leading international brands, including Mercedes, Audi, VW, Peugeot, and Renault, Citton has the perfect car in stock, whatever the needs of its customers.

“At Citton Cars, we strive to provide our customers with top-

Authorised Financial Service Providers

quality vehicles, outstanding value for money and exceptional customer service. We have sedans, we have HGV’s, we have double cabs, and we have smaller economical cars. Then of course

PART OF THE 52 | Endeavour Magazine

GROUP

we have the top-end executive cars – our Mercs, our GTR’s, all

CITTON CARS that. Basically, we’re very well-balanced,” said Andrea Prelorenzo,

a fixed price of around R550 per hour for a full Bosch service.

Citton’s Managing Director.

On top of this, the company benefits from direct links to Bosch’s

He continued: “Our average ticket value is somewhere in the

headquarters in Germany, where all of Citton’s machinery and

region of R220,000. We specialise in vehicles that have been on the

technology is sourced. Then there’s the Bosch-approved training

road for fewer than five years and have travelled fewer than 100,000

and apprenticeship programs, all of which come approved and

km – cars that are in the next-to-new space. We’re passionate

accredited by European standards. In short, Citton has everything

about what we do, and operate a full one-stop dealership. We have

in place to provide a standalone Bosch car service, which includes

our own in-house workshop – the only one in South Africa; we

post-sales and maintenance for customers, its technicians are all

have a Wesbank finance branch in-house, and staff who have been

highly experienced and have multi-brand capabilities.

given the highest standards of industry-accredited training.”

In a market as competitive and challenging as the used cars

The company’s technical partnership with Bosch, the world’s

sector, Citton’s longevity speaks for itself. Andrea’s view is that the

premiere auto parts and aftercare service provider, is an association

key to its success for over three decades has been its ability to

that Citton Cars is proud of, and rightfully so. It is telling that Bosch

adapt quickly and in-step with a fast-changing world. On this, he

has chosen Citton Cars above all others to work with in South

said:

Africa. Customers know when they see the Bosch brand that they

“We’ve made the shift from appealing to traditional buyers

are dealing with a company with international-level standards,

using traditional marketing to appealing to your more modern,

offering superior service and a superior level of staff training at a

internet-savvy buyer.

competitive price.

The Internet has been a game-changing opportunity because it

Then there’s the technology side of things. Typically, third-

has changed everything. For example, before, if somebody wanted

party agencies and workshops are very expensive, charging in

to buy a new car they might see something on a TV program or in a

the region of R1,000 per hour of labour, whereas Citton charges

magazine and if they liked it, they’d come straight to the showroom.

54 | Endeavour Magazine

It would be that simple. Now the customer is exposed to so much

rigorously in how to do business, how to follow policy and stay

information, and can find out about new or used cars and even buy

within them, and also how to work with the modern buyer – how

them from many, many different platforms and sources.”

to interact and reach out to them online, and so on and so forth. I

Whereas some have been unable or unwilling to fully harness

spend a lot of time and energy training my people, and this is one of

the remarkable power and influence of digital marketing, Citton

the key reasons we’ve achieved everything we have. Our staff are

Cars has embraced it with enthusiasm and reaped the rewards.

the key to our success at Citton Cars.”

Although the internet has undeniably posed a number of challenges,

Over the years to come, it is difficult to see any outcome for

the internet is also a friend. Through the use of social media, the

Citton Cars other than further success. Brand growth has shown no

company frequently interacts with its near 50,000 followers –

sign of slowing anytime soon, and as its 4.75 rating on HelloPeter

an incredible number for Citton’s line of business anywhere, let

shows, in terms of reputation Citton’s star continues to rise ever

alone South Africa - and through the distribution of engaging and

higher. Andrea concluded the interview, saying:

informative industry-relevant content.

“Our objective as a business is to offer convenience, speed,

“We’ve successfully adapted to a new world with new ways

quality, and great service. As far as price is concerned, we strive

of doing things in a fast-changing market. We can offer finance

to be competitive, but our business model isn’t centred around

package decisions to customers in minutes, and communicate and

being cheap. We don’t promise customers the lowest bargain

reach out to people through the internet and social media in a way

bucket prices, but what we do offer is a great customer experience

that we never could before.”

that continues after the deal is done, thanks to our aftersales and

However, in Andrea’s view, it is Citton’s 50-strong workforce – its sales team, advisors, technicians, and support staff – who truly give the company the edge over its fellow industry rivals. He

aftercare, along with the additional extras we offer.

We love what we do, and we love bringing a customer and their perfect car together. We’re here to stay.”

went on to say: “We’ve got an academy where we train our staff

The Business Lab

82 Maude Street Sandton, South Africa (010) 003 7466 Sandton . Fourways . Umhlanga Durban . Cape Town

www.thebizlabsa.com

The Business Lab is a uniquely positioned multidisciplinary firm serving the needs of business today by providing cutting-edge value-adding services in the form of: G.E.A.R – the Grow>>>Empower>>>Accelerate>>>Revitalise consulting model tackles the toughest business challenges for organisations.

Executive Mentoring & Business Coaching – providing leading and strategic advantages to organisations through coaching to leaders, managers & staff.

Outsourcing – More time spent on non-core business activities means less time for the core of the business. And that’s where our back-office outsourcing can make a difference.

Enterprise & Supplier Development – specifically to assist commitments towards supporting & growing small businesses.

C-Suite Talent – top-tier talent to organisations to fractionalise their HR costs and to optimise the use of human resources.

Joint Ventures – a robust joint-venture mechanism for local and overseas companies to win local private and public sector work and ensure that they comply with country specific South African legislation relating to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE).

Endeavour Magazine | 55

AUTOMOTIVES MERCEDES BENZ GLC 220 D 4MATIC AMG LINE COUPE

O

ur test vehicle arrived in a fabulous Obsidian black metallic paint with a black Artico leather interior, and my

first impression was immediate: this is a striking car. Certainly, it went some way to justifying the price tag. The on the road price for a basic GLC, including VAT at 20%, delivery charge, number plates and road fund licence is £42,540. But where’s the fun in basic we thought? Our test model came with all the bells and whistles so to speak, which included optional extras of a 360 camera, LED lighting, a night package, running

boards,

tow

bar,

air-balance

package, head up display, premium pack, driving assist, metallic paint, air body control air suspension, and 20” wheels… phew! Now this did bump our car up in price a bit to a little under £54k, but I must say all the little extras are worth every penny.

The GLC is based on the old C class, an already impressive model with a loyal following for good reason, but I must say Mercedes Benz have made a few changes for the better. The GLC Coupe takes this further, with the end result being a SUV compact coupe that is one of the bestlooking of its class you’ll find on the road.

The finish of the car is nothing short of superb as you would expect from Mercedes Benz - all the materials used are of a fine quality and it oozes class and style.

The 2.1 turbo charged diesel engine is refined, quiet, and spritely enough for most of us as the 9-speed auto box seamlessly slides through its 9 gears. It picks up speed well and has a 0-60 mph of just 8.3 seconds with four driving modes to choose from, Eco for fuel economy, Comfort, which is nicely placed between Eco and Sport, which 56 | Endeavour Magazine

increases throttle response and firms up

beautifully, making it stable even with swift

the suspension. Then finally there’s Sports+

direction change. It has paddle shifters on

which does exactly what is says on the tin

the steering wheel which I only used to test,

and increases everything a little more. For

and though they worked well the paddles

an SUV the most commonly used mode

felt a little bit like over kill on this type of car.

is the comfort setting, and ours returned

Visibility is good coupled with the big

a very creditable 46 mpg – a figure which

door mirrors. With an SUV coupe, you

Mercedes claims can be bumped up to 56

will always have a compromised rear view

mpg if driven more by a more conservative

through the small window, so the reversing

driver than myself.

camera and 360 degree birds eye view

The car handles well and sits on the road

capabilities proved to be a very nice touch.

This is a brilliant addition to the cars ease of

has the Mercedes Benz stunning adaptive

Endeavour magazine, and there are few

use. The boot size is ok but what I did like

cruise control, and all controls are simple

that I don’t want to give back. This GLC

was the lockable false floor to put valuables

and obvious to navigate through and use.

is certainly one of them, however, and it’s

in, brilliant touch.

Most SUV’s are bought on their looks

gone straight to the top of my favourites list.

This is every inch an upmarket, luxurious,

and this Mercedes certainly has looks to

I am already racking my brain trying to think

and relaxed car to drive with a lovely hushed

die for from any angle you see it. It has a

up the best hiding place for this gorgeous

cabin which is spacious and comfortable,

very strong stance and with the AMG sporty

car at home…

offering plenty of head height and legroom.

bumpers and big 20 inch wheels it turns

Room is something you won’t be short of in

heads. The GLC 220 Coupe is a stunning car

the GLC 220 Coupe.

and delivers perfectly.

Another nice touch in the GLC is that it

I test and lark about in a lot of cars for

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk RRP £42,540 Endeavour Magazine | 57

Making life easier for fleet managers everywhere

FOND DOUX RESORTS WWW.FONDDOUXESTATE.COM // 1 758 459-7545

AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF ST. LUCIA The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is a place that needs little introduction, such is its reputation for being one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Famous images of sun-kissed ivory beaches at the foot of the Piton mountains or the lush rainforest that blankets the island simply don’t do it justice – St. Lucia is a place that needs to be seen, smelt and touched at least once.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

FOND DOUX RESORTS

To complement its bounty of natural gifts, St. Lucia is

also home to a vacation resort that is truly out of the ordinary. In an age where generic cookie-cutter hotels have become an unwelcome norm, the Fond Doux Plantation & Resort offers its visitors an authentic St. Lucian experience – one that is unspoiled and in harmony with its beautiful surroundings.

S

etting foot onto the grounds of the old French colonial estate

nestled in the hills of its 134-acre lands overlooking the rainforest,

in Soufriere can feel like stepping through a portal back

appealing to honeymooners and couples seeking romantic get-

into the 19th century. Secluded amidst the hills and tropical

aways.

rainforest that surrounds it, the Fond Doux estate is in fact built on

“Right now, we’re in the process of putting up an additional

a working plantation. With its lovingly tended organic gardens and

ten cottages – in all we now have a total of 15. Some of them are

rich swathes of fruit and cocoa trees, the subtle scents of which

one-bedroom cottages with pools and a beautiful, relaxing setting,

hang on the air, the sheer beauty of the resort is breath-taking.

perfect as honeymoon suites! They have a plunge pool and outdoor

Straight away, it is clear to see that Fond Doux Plantation &

showers, set on the hillside with sweeping views out over the town.”

Resort has been built with great love, from the finish and paintwork

The resort also has larger cottages that appeal to families, as

of the old-world wooden plantation house to its immaculate,

each of the cottages are sequestered. The resort is large yet also

rustic décor, both inside the guest cottages and out. Take the old

small enough for a stay to be whatever guests want it to be – if

estate house, for example: a structure of exquisite beauty with

you want to mix, you can mix. If you don’t, you can relax and stay

architecture like that of a 250-year old colonial building, because it

in a world of your own and while away a day with a good book. It

is one that has been painstakingly restored.

is a sanctuary of sorts that offers complete privacy for those who

“The Fond Doux plantation was and still is a working is one

seek it.

of the oldest estates in St. Lucia, possible the entire Caribbean.

“We provide complimentary shuttles to the beach and

When we purchased the estate, the previous owners had left it

complimentary breakfasts, made up of a healthy balance of fruits,

abandoned and derelict. The family have had to do a lot of work

vegetables and our very own St. Lucian cocoa tea. So while there

from replanting in the grounds to bringing in ancillary facilities,

are no TVs or the like in our cottages, there is plenty to do see and

electricity, running water and telephone lines. The building itself

do. There is a lot here at Fond Doux.

was in a terrible state of disrepair, and we were even advised to

When you walk our hiking trails up to the plantation point,

knock it down. We went in the opposite direction – there was so

you can actually see the Pitons, and then just a further 5 minutes

much history there that we couldn’t just let it disappear.” explained

away you’ve got the sulphur springs. There are mineral baths and

Eroline Lamontagne, the charismatic co-founder of Fond Doux.

forest trails, and then of course there are the Pitons trails, which

Naturally, the impact of this for those who stay in the resort is like no other. Each of the small number of guest cottages are 62 | Endeavour Magazine

are popular with many of our visitors. These peaks are over 2,800ft tall, and you can actually climb to the top of them.”

FOND DOUX RESORTS With its many strong attributes, the past decade has been a period of ongoing success for the resort. However, the roots of the Fond Doux story stretch even further back to 1999, a troubling time which still lingers in the island’s memory. Like their fellow St.

authenticity with the plantation’s agriculture, and how we’ve moulded it with tourism.”

It was only two years later when Prince Charles visited and came here to see some of the work that we had started.

Lucians, Eroline and her husband Lyton suddenly became collateral

Suffice to say, Fond Doux has come a long way over the years

damage in a vicious dispute between the US and Europe over the

since, during which it has evolved and grown to become one of

EU’s preferential treatment for banana growers in former colonies.

the world’s top five highest rated plantation resorts. Fond Doux

When the EU finally conceded to US wishes, banana growers

Plantation & Resort was the first of its kind to open its doors

who had farmed ‘green gold’ for generations suddenly lost their

for business in St. Lucia, and like all new and different concepts

protections against American multinational giants at the stroke of

it naturally raised eyebrows. However, where once the sceptics

a pen.

questioned whether Fond Doux would last six months, today, it is

However, fears that the island’s economy would fold proved to be unfounded. Eroline explained: “A lot of farmers were forced completely out of the green gold market, and we diversified instead to cater to holiday makers and cruise ship passengers.

recognised universally as one of the world’s leading eco-friendly resorts. In a world where many are becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of environmental good practice, Fond Doux holds a strong appeal for the modern holidaymaker or traveller.

This place is as close to paradise as you’re likely to find, and

Our journey started for us in 2006 – that’s when we learned

Eroline plans to keep it this way through her dedication to doing

that the main building was slated for demolition. We bought it, took

business sustainably. Her success in achieving this has won no little

it down piece by piece, and assembled it here again at Fond Doux.

degree of international acclaim:

This was our first building. We wanted to combine its historical

64 | Endeavour Magazine

“We’re all St. Lucians – all of our staff come from St Lucia, and

Fond Doux is a true sample of St. Lucia. So far, we’ve started to attain international recognition for the agriculture and extensive plant life here,” Eroline told us. She continued: “Operating sustainably is incredibly important to us; our vision has always been to be as environmentally conscious as we can. If we have to cut down a tree, we’ll plant another one – we value nature and the environment around us. We are the only true organic resort on the island, and the only resort engaged in eco-friendly building practices and cultural preservation.

We have won a number of international environmental awards, and have recently been named the Best Sustainable Boutique Hotel in the Americas - an award we had the pleasure of travelling to London to receive.”

Unlike the average concrete hotel that could be found anywhere, Fond Doux is comes with a difference. It is unique. If the world is getting on top of you and it’s time to get away from it all, perhaps it’s time to see for yourself what it has to offer.

BELLE VUE FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE was founded by a group of 12 farmers in 1984 to help members develop successful farms producing excellent natural farm products.

The Belle Vue Farmers’ Cooperative promotes sustainable, ecologically sound farming and takes pride in ensuring members benefit from ethical and fair trading practices supported by on-going training and development in the pursuit of excellence.

The Coop takes pride in ensuring quality products and reliable customer service and has grown to be recognized a one of the Caribbean’s leading farmer’s cooperatives.

Bellevue Farmers’ Cooperative Organic herbs • Citrus • Tomatoes Watermelon • Pumpkin • Sweet potato Cucumber • Dasheen • Thyme • Yam Christophene • Spinach • Eggplant Sweet pepper Mr. Raphael Felix General Manager Cell: (758) 716-2985

Mr. Peter Fostin Marketing Manager Cell: (758) 716-3048

Tel: (758) 457-1632 Fax: (758) 459-7188 PO Box 292, Myers Bridge Soufriere, St Lucia bellevuecoop@gmail.com

Endeavour Magazine | 65

TTC: TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION WWW.TTC.CA // 001 416-393-4000

A NEW LIFELINE With a history of offering Toronto easy and reliable transportation solutions, the Toronto Transit Commission has embarked on one of its most ambitious projects yet; the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at the project, to establish how and why this will prove to be a whole new lifeline for the residents of the area.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

TTC: TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has long

been in place, overseeing the installation of reliable infrastructure and ensuring future-proofed transportation solutions, but the extent to which it is attempting to make customer satisfaction the chief priority is simply staggering.

A

longside continuously upgrading facilities, such as stations

“To encourage commuters to use the subway system, 2,900

and maintaining subway trains, a huge project has been

parking spaces are planned for various stations. Commuter parking

undertaken,

but

lots are planned at the Finch West Station with 400 spaces, Pioneer

with exceptional facilities already in place, what could Toronto

Village Station with 1,850 spaces, and Highway 407 Station with

possibly need?

563 spaces.”

which

is

now

nearing

completion,

“The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Project will

In an ideal world, nobody would need encouragement to take

provide a critical extension for the existing Toronto Transit

a greener, more economically sound method of transportation, but

Commission subway system across the municipal boundary

the TTC has an inherent understanding of the fact that convenience

between the City of Toronto and The Regional Municipality of York

will always win out, hence the fantastically frequent train schedule

(York Region).”

and easy access to cost-effective parking, but there is always scope

Adding an extra 8.6-km of subway line means that this is an

for further improvement.

innovative, as well as exciting, development, as this will be the very

“On opening day, trains will run every four to five minutes. As

first time that the TTC has built a rapid transit line that physically

more people use the subway, trains will be added and become

crosses the Toronto City boundary.

more frequent.”

It’s no secret that as populations grow, cities develop, expand

Naturally, the question on everyone’s lips is when will this

and need to cater to the needs of every resident and by taking the

fantastic extension be completed and ready to use, given that it

initiative to add the Line 1 extension into York Region, the TTC is

gained initial environmental approval in 2007?

committing to always being one step ahead of what the city needs.

“Service on the new extension is planned to start at the end

If only all transport infrastructure operations could take a similar

of 2017. So you can expect to catch a train northbound from the

approach! Just imagine not having to get stuck in rush hour traffic

existing Downsview Station (to be renamed Sheppard West on

on a daily basis and you’ll see that there are lessons to be learned

May 7, 2017) all the way to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at

from this methodology.

Highway 7 and Jane Street. The new Toronto Rocket trains run

Adding six stations to the extension, customers will have easy

on the Line 1 Yonge-University subway. The TTC has replaced

access to a jumping on or off point, wherever they are located and

the entire Line 1 fleet with newer and more comfortable ‘Toronto

a planned service schedule of a train every four minutes means that

Rocket’ (TR) trains and has acquired additional TR trains for the

being late will never be an option again. If you’re thinking that it

Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. It will take approximately

will be difficult to encourage people to use the new train services,

14 minutes to travel from the current Downsview Station (soon to

as apposed to regular cars, however, think again, as the TTC has

be Sheppard West) to the end of the line at Vaughan Metropolitan

accounted for that,

Centre (VMC) Station.”

68 | Endeavour Magazine

TTC: TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION If you’re thinking that 10 years seems like a long time to add

price tag attached. Coming in at $3.18 billion, it’s no joke to say

8.6-km, you need to think about the bigger picture. New subway

that transport infrastructure is big business, but a number of

tunnels were required and that is no small undertaking.

governments have come together to invest,

“The three main techniques used to build the subway extension

“The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension project is jointly

are tunnel boring, ‘cut and cover’ construction and sequential

funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario,

excavation method (SEM). SEM was used to build a Double Ended

the City of Toronto and The Regional Municipality of York. The

Pocket Track Housing Structure (DEPTHS) under the Finch Hydro

Government of Canada has committed $697 million, the Province

corridor. Depending on soil conditions, an earth pressure balance

of Ontario has provided $974 million, which has been deposited

tunnel-boring machine can progress approximately 15 metres per

into the Move Ontario Trust and the City of Toronto and The

day.”

Regional Municipality of York have committed to fund one-third of

15 metres a day? No wonder this was always going to be a longterm development, but with the tunnels now finished, other aspects can be focused on, in order to bring the project to completion.

total project costs. Toronto will contribute $907 million and York Region will contribute $606 million.”

Such collaborative working is exactly why Toronto and

“Construction of the subway tunnels was completed in

outlying regions will continue to enjoy seamless transportation

November 2013. Four tunnel boring machines, Holey, Moley and

infrastructure and future-proofed accessibility solutions. The TTC

Yorkie, Torkie, drilled 6.4-km of twin tunnels. Construction work

has and will continue to rise to the needs and wants of the people

on all six new stations is well underway and you can now see the

that it serves and we look forward to observing what a positive

entrances and bus terminal structures rising above the ground.”

impact the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension project

Promising to significantly improve the lives of Toronto and

will have.

York Region residents, essentially, this is a priceless and invaluable endeavour, but as with any commercial project, there is a definitive

AECON: BUILDING A BETTER WAY For more than a century, Aecon has been a Toronto | GTA partner-of-choice for critical infrastructure builds.

Proudly meeting the complex needs of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in the design and construction of subway tunnels, rapid transit systems, platforms, instrumentation and controls, as well as state-of-the-art stations like the new Downsview Station on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Project.

70 | Endeavour Magazine

Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL) is a concessions and construction group with more than 100 years of history and an international leader in the construction of hospitals and railways. www.ohlcanada.com

FCC Construction is the infrastructure division of FCC Group, an international leader in environmental services, infrastructure and water management with over 100 years of experience. www.fccco.com

OHL & FCC have partnered together to construct the Highway 407 Station and the Northern Tunnels, as part of the Toronto York Spadina Subway Extension, for which they were awarded the “2015 Major Infrastructure (Canadian) Project of the Year�

Endeavour Magazine | 71

AMAZING WORLD

© Masahiro Kaji , Wikimedia

JAPAN’S ATLANTIS: A 10,000-YEAR OLD MYSTERY

W

e all love a mystery, and this one

argue that the ‘ruins’ are manmade, more

How else could these vast blocks of stone

is truly a riddle wrapped up in an

conservative scientists insist it was created

and rectangular formations, built at perfect

enigma. Hidden in the seas of

and carved out by natural phenomena.

90 angles and seemingly making up walls

the southern coast of Yonaguni, Japan, a

This incredible, otherworldly Atlantis

and steps, much like you’d find on an Inca

discovery has been made that has confused

was first discovered in 1995 by Kihachiro

archaeologists, historians and scientists no

Aratake, who after going a little off-course

Naturally, this immediately piqued the

end, and kicked off its fair share of debate.

from the Okinawa Shoreline came upon a

interest of professionals and the curious

pyramid, be made in any other way?

It is believed that lying beneath these

bewildering sight. Around six metres below

alike, and great effort was soon invested

waters are the submerged ruins of a lost

the surface of the water, Kihachiro found

in exploring the site further, with a view

civilisation from 10,000 years old, but herein

a structure that to the naked eye looks

to uncovering its origins – a process which

lies the rub – while experts on one side

surely as if it was built by the hand of man.

quickly produced some exciting findings.

72 | Endeavour Magazine

©jpatokal, Wikimedia What appeared to carvings, crossroads, a

ancient Japanese civilisation from around

what is known of human history at the time

great arch made up of monolithic stone

10,000 BC. Surely this was once a thriving

it was supposedly built, and scientists are a

blocks, and majestic staircases along a

city that fell beneath the waves after a

sceptical bunch at the best of times.

large pyramid-eqsue structure measuring

cataclysmic earthquake in an area of extreme

76m long are just some of the sights that

tectonic activity?

Maybe it is manmade, maybe it isn’t.

What is undeniable, however, is that it is

experts saw when they explored what was

Not so, say a number of the world’s

spectacular. Let’s just enjoy the sight of this

quickly dubbed ‘the Yonaguni Monument’ –

leading marine geologists, who say that

wonder, and take pleasure in the fact that

otherwise known as Japan’s Atlantis.

the ‘monument’ is in fact a rock formation

there are still mysteries out there that can

By all intents and purposes, it is difficult

that has been carved out by wave erosion

leave us wondering.

at first glance to come to the opinion is

over millions of years. Looking at dates,

anything other than the remnants of an

the Yonaguni site simply doesn’t fit around Endeavour Magazine | 73

UGANDA CHAMBER OF MINES & PETROLEUM WWW.UCMP.UG // +256)‪ 393 516 695

BUILDING A PROSPEROUS UGANDA Sandwiched between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania - two of Africa’s established mining sector heavyweights - Uganda shares a similarly bountiful geology which is host to more than 50 types of mineral resource, including tungsten, copper, gold, and cobalt.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

UGANDA CHAMBER OF MINES & PETROLEUM

In a continent universally recognised as the world’s

richest region, in terms of its reserves of minerals, metals, oil, and natural gas, it is telling of Uganda’s potential that the country’s estimated reserves are believed to be amongst the highest in East Africa.

S

adly, as is so common in this part of the world, these natural

of annual GDP growth have become par for the course, and foreign

riches have yet to translate into the much-needed income

investors in search of the next big growth market are flocking to

that could be used to transform and enrich the Ugandan

pour their money into Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda. Over

economy. Rather than move forward over the decades after it

the years to come, it is inevitable that new market entrants will

achieved independence, the Ugandan mining sector has instead

join the likes of Tullow Oil, Total and an array of mining companies

declined since its 1960’s peak, when the sector accounted for 30%

to develop the infrastructure for Uganda’s commodities, in

of Ugandan exports. That being said, with a little investment and

terms of exploration and production. As the officially recognised

support, its potential is undeniable.

administrator and spokesman for these two key pillars of the

Likewise, the country’s proven oil reserves are similarly

economy, the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum will play

impressive. So far, estimates suggest that around 2.5 billion barrels

an essential role in helping to realise the potential of what will

lie beneath the ground of Albertine Graben – a 500km by 45km

surely grow to become two of the country’s most lucrative assets.

area that is located along Uganda’s western border with the DRC,

With its mission ‘to promote, though the collective action of

stretching from Lake Edward in the south to the South Sudan border

members, the growth and development of Uganda’s mining and

in the north, 1 billion of which is known to be easily recoverable. All

petroleum industries for the benefit of Ugandans and investors,’

this is without even factoring in other possible reserves in regions

the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (UCMP) acts as an

like Hoima basin, Lake Kyoga basin, and the Kadam-Moroto basin

intermediary between its members and the Ugandan government

further east in Karajoma, which could raise reserve level estimates

– a mouthpiece, if you will, for an industry which in years to

to 6 billion barrels.

come could very well be one of the country’s essential sources of

However, times are changing, and as anybody who is familiar

revenue. As a non-profit NGO dedicated to the promotion, growth

with this part of the world will already know, the past two decades

and development of Uganda’s mining and petroleum industries, the

have been kind to the East African region. Near double-digit rates

Ugandan Chamber of Mining & Petroleum has grown to become a

76 | Endeavour Magazine

UGANDA CHAMBER OF MINES & PETROLEUM highly influential component of the Ugandan business community,

Total, but also CNOOC, Schlumberger, Orient Bank, and National

its members and stakeholders comprising of the country’s business

Insurance Corp. – corporate giants with the gravitas needed to give

community and national government. In-line with its advocacy and

UCMP a powerful voice.

lobbying role with the government, labour and other stakeholders,

This voice communicates via networking events, workshops

the UCMP relies on information and transparency - vital ingredients

and conferences, chaired by a board of executives that includes

if it is to remain the recognised, unified and authoritative voice of

Chairman Elly Karuhanga, the President of Tullow Uganda, as

the petroleum and mining industry in Uganda.

well as Loic Laurandel, the Uganda Country Manager of Total,

In its role, the UCMP offers its members and stakeholders a

and Eoin Mekie, also an Uganda Country Manager of Tullow. The

number of benefits, depending on their level of membership

organisation’s small but professional workforce are on hand to care

category and involvement, including representation of crucial

for the administration and marketing matters needed by the UCMP

mining and petroleum industry issues to the Government and other

to go about its daily operations, and ensure that transparency and

relevant bodies on behalf of members. Also, through the various

confidence in the Chamber is maintained.

forums such as workshops, seminars, visits and surveys, members

Following the Ugandan government’s final issue of oil

have the opportunity to exchange ideas and help to formulate

production licences to Tullow Oil and Total last year, the end of

positions. There is also the opportunity for members to actually

Uganda’s long and painstaking journey toward becoming a major

make the presentations and interact with policy makers, and for

oil producing nation is now at hand. While the country is yet to

members to network and discuss business through monthly get-

find a lead investor to spearhead the construction of the Uganda

together functions.

oil refinery build – a planned $4.3 billion build which will also see

The UCMP has come a long way over the 17 years since it

the construction of a new airport, hospital and powerplant – and

was established, during which the shoots of growth of Uganda’s

other associated infrastructure is needed for the country to begin

nascent commodities sector have emerged once more. Having

producing oil, it is anticipated that Uganda will be a fully-fledged

only originally catered to stakeholders and members in the mining

oil producer by 2020. These are exciting times for the country, and

sector, the development of an oil industry within its borders saw

to be sure the Ugandan Chamber of Mining & Petroleum will play a

the organisation expand its remit to include the sector in 2010. The

key role in facilitating the country’s future prosperity and success.

rest, as they say, is history. Today, the UCMP can boast more than one hundred members within its ranks, including Tullow Oil and

MINERAL SERVICES LIMITED Results Through Focused Solutions

Integrated Oil Field Services Mineral Services Limited (MSL) is a wholly owned Ugandan company contributing to petroleum exploration and production activities in Uganda since 1998. it is a Private Limited Company that is incorporated in Uganda.

The company was registered to provide mining services and other support services. The company’s petroleum services now covers the areas of Turnkkey Accommodation servvices, Transport and flfleet Management, Base Management servvices, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, Seismic Study Support , Eqquipment Handling, Hire and Maintenance, Energy Supply, Ovverall Projject Management and other related services.

MSL has Warehousing facilities in Kiira, Ntoroko and Butiaba. As early as 1998 the company started offering services in the oil exploration industry whose operations are concentrated in the Albertine Graben in the Western Rift Valley of East Africa. The Company also has supported oil Companies in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Southern Sudan.

Today, Uganda is on the verge of a large Oil boom in the Albertine Graben and will soon be entering the league of Oil producers. Uganda is on a race against time to train the requisite manpower and to develop support services to take the helm of

the Ugandan industry. The Oil and Gas policy in Uganda stresses the need for local participation in the sector and MSL has strategically established to benefit. Partnerships with big Logistics players like SuperG Group has only created a desirable edge.

Mineral Services Limited has Worked with major Exploration and Production players in Uganda such as:

•TOTAL E&P. (to date, MSL is offering Turnkey Accommodation Services to Total E&P ) • Tullow Oil, • Heritage Oil and Gas, • Hardman Resources, • Neptune/Tower Resources, • Dominion Oil & Gas. • IMC Geophysics • Oil and Gas Exploration Co. (OGEC)- Changed to EXALO Drilling(Poland) • Oil of Congo(DRC) • ZPEB(China) • BGP(China) • Baker Hughes • SOCO Oil (in DRC) • IMC Geophysics/ Tesla (Canada)

Transport Logistics

Warehousing and storage

CONTACT SRK House, Plot 67A, Lugogo By-Pass.

P.O.Box 1446, Kampala, Uganda.

Web: www.msllogistics.com, www.supergroup.co.za Email: msl@msllogistics.com, Phone: +256-753-273-544

78 | Endeavour Magazine

Camp Building and Management

Workshop Management

Drilling support