THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2014. 17.
Metrocint honours a legacy His wife, Noreen Richards, remembers the many late nights when the seeds of Metrocint were sown and Uncle Metro’s inability to sleep, restless with the explosion of ideas of forming a local insurance company and thereby helping to stem the capital outflow from the country. Not one to just stand on ideas, he set about to make it happen, and through sheer determination, enterprise, hard-work and dedication, and marketing genius, Metrocint was formed, and through the years forged a successful path supported by its very committed customers and staff, rising in a relatively short time to be a leading insurance company in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. What has always been striking and “unduplicatable” was the charismatic personality of the founder “Uncle Metro.” His charisma transcended the extraordinary. His persona and genius combined to give continuous momentum to the company. This legacy has been a Managing Director since 2001, Desiree Richards virtual light of growth and relationship shares a light moment with the Spokesperson building. This aspect has made him an ‘Candyman’, and Chairperson, Noreen Richards. unforgettable personality whose memory Egerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, founder of Metrocint is a continuous inspiration and through General Insurance Co. Ltd., a man with a vision. which the Honorable Ralph E. Gonsalves, for gracing us with Metrocint his presence at our customer service appreciation, as essage from relationship he he has done over the last several years without Desiree Richards with the fail. In the light of the circumstances, his effort to Managing Director Vincentian attend was most appreciated. public Notwithstanding the celebratory mood, thoughts AS METROCINT GENERAL continues to of the gravity of our situation in the aftermath of INSURANCE Company, Ltd. thrive. At the the storm were near. Our Vincentian spirit is an marks its 45th anniversary, foundation of it integral part of our core and what defines us. This is we salute our customers who all was his love what brings have believed in us and have of country and us together provided us with steadfast love of people. as a support throughout the It is that culture. It years, enabling us to be the foundation that is fuel for successful company that we gave rise to the survival are today. persona “Uncle and fuel for Forty-five years ago, an Metro.” I enterprise. enterprising Vincentian, remember the May we not Egerton Richards, classic just survive popularly known as ‘Uncle advertisement but rise and Managing Director Desiree Richards celebrates with Metro’, supported by his that gave birth thrive. business-savvy wife, customers. Insurance Manager, Ian Da Silva, longest to “Uncle May God Noreen Richards, formed serving employee is pictured at right. Metro”: bless you, Metrocint General “Children, and may we Insurance Company, children!” be blessed Ltd. This was the start of St. Vincent and the “Yes, Uncle Metro! “ .... The children retorted at the with a Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Grenadines’ first indigenous insurance company. top of their vices. From that time, he became Uncle peaceful former Metrocint legal counsel. in This was several years prior to our country’s Metro, and the name lived on with the persona and and joyful conversation with newest employee, independence. the company being merged into one. Anna Laborde, Miss Metrocint 2013. New Year. This act alone of It was therefore a natural phenomenon that starting a local Metrocint extended itself to the community and insurance company lives of Vincentians. The company reached out to ushered in a new the society in a way that was not done before, and era in Vincentian provided scholarships, contributed to sports and to business thinking culture in an unprecedented way. Many persons as it boldly opened would remember the Uncle Metro Cycling up the range of Competition and the Metrocint Carnival show, the Vincentian Metrocint picnics and New Year’s Eve parties. enterprises. This Metrocint and the community were inextricably was the hallmark of linked. our founder, a It is upon this legacy that Metrocint has been passionate able to grow, inspired by its rich heritage. patriotism that We are proud to celebrate our 45th anniversary of served as the this rich legacy. Thanks to the Vincentian public for foundation and its steadfast support. Thank you to our loyal impetus for customers and staff. Thank you to our colleagues, patriotic business partners and well-wishers who have Managing Director Desiree Richards is joined by enterprising showered us with congratulatory messages. A General Manager Jacinta Elliott (centre) and Sales Three generations of business thinking. special thank you to thePrime Minister, the Associate Angus Martin with customers. Metrocint.
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