GESCO Moving Forward
Most Vincentians believe that the General Equipment Services Corporation (GESCO) serves only government departments, however GESCO has moved beyond that and is now opening its doors to the Vincentian Public.
GESCO was established in 1986 by the then government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It is governed by a board of directors which is appointed by Cabinet.
Over the years GESCO has been struggling financial and at one point was almost non-existent.
When the ULP administration took office in 2001, a number of changes were made to the corporation. One major change was the appointment of the present General Manager Robert Fitzpatrick.
Mr. Fitzpatrick said that he brought a different style of management to the company. The GM said that GESCO experienced some problems in the past with making the transition from a funding scheme, as it was earlier called, to a government department. He added that over the last five years efforts were being made to get the public to look at GESCO differently.
Human Resource Manager and Internal Auditor Ezekiel Richards said the company has been recruiting individuals with relevant qualifications to fill positions in the department with the aim of raising the bar of service that it provides. To keep employees motivated Richards said incentives are given and praises showered where necessary.
Although the company is forging forward, the financial weight it has been carrying seems to be slowly trailing behind. Lewis Accountant said a computerized accounting system merged with innovative ways to generate income is helping to reduce the financial burden.
GESCO consists of seven different departments; Administration, Gas Station, Workshop, Equipment hire Brighton / Diamond Sand Sales, Rabbaca Operations and Cane Hall Sales Department.
One of the more important Departments in GESCO is the Rabbaca Operations.
Mr. Almund Pilgrim is the Supervisor of that Operation. Pilgrim said the sand provided by GESCO is high in quality and low in price.
Another Department that has been upgraded and is ready for the competitive market is the Mechanic Workshop. Winston Knights, a qualified mechanic with a wealth of experience oversees that department.
Knights said his mechanics and workshop are more than capable to deliver efficient service.
GESCO has a new vision as represented by its logo. Its family members believe that with their continued dedication, it can reach to the mark of one of the top corporate companies in this country.
GESCO's income generated in the year 2005 is EC $ 5, 437, 311 in comparison to
EC $ 2,714, 431.
BY Sean Rose / Kafi Rose
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