Business

Starbucks Expands Global Greener Stores Program

Announces First Certified Greener Store in Barbados

Starbucks certifies 3,500 Greener Stores in 20 markets, advancing progress towards resource positive goals.
By the end of 2023 and going forward, Starbucks in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will build all new stores in the region under the Greener Stores framework.
Located in Saint James, the Starbucks Holetown Greener Store is designed to reduce water consumption by 30%, emit less toxins with low embodied carbon values and practice energy efficiency. This store is committed to donating 100% of coffee grounds through the Grounds for Your Garden Program.

Starbucks announced the certification of its first Greener Store in Barbados, as the company accelerates the international expansion of its open-source Greener Store Framework intended to reduce global carbon emissions, water usage and waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030. Located in Holetown, Saint James and operated in partnership with Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL), the store will help reduce Starbucks environmental impact by providing customers with a range of options suited to their preferences while ensuring sustainable practices and materials.

The Holetown Greener Store adheres to the Starbucks Greener Store Framework through a more efficient use of resources, including water waste management, use of responsible materials and sustainable waste management techniques. The store is designed to reduce water usage by 30% with a combination of proper sizing of water heaters, filters, low flow plumbing fixtures and processes, and is energy efficient with 100% LED lighting fixtures. The use of responsible materials during construction emits less toxins with low embodied carbon values while the HVAC equipment is high efficiency and meet ASHRAE standards.

Approximately 50% of store partners (employees) are Greener Apron certified through the Starbucks Global Academy and are contributing toward our planet-positive future. CCTL is committed to donating 100% of coffee grounds to customers through the Grounds for Your Garden Program, a sustainability initiative driven by our partners (employees) in stores to provide customers with spent coffee grounds from stores to use as a compost additive for their plants and gardens.

“Having our first certified Starbucks Greener Stores in Barbados brings us one step closer to achieving our sustainability goals as a global brand and we are happy to play our part,” said Roxanne Dixon-Rose, regional director of Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited. “This is a remarkable achievement for our market, showing that no matter the size we can make an impact on Starbucks’ goals for a sustainable future, and look forward to having more stores certified as we expand on the island. We are proud of our Greener Apron certified partners for their passion in becoming sustainability ambassadors and exercising ecofriendly practices in-stores to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Starbucks Greener Store Framework was co-developed with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to accelerate the transformation of retail towards lower-impact stores that demonstrate reductions in carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste. Starbucks has committed to building and retrofitting 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025, a major step in leveraging its goal to accelerate the global movement towards a more sustainable future.

Since announcing the international expansion of Greener Stores in September 2021, Starbucks has implemented a global framework of design, construction and operations standards to certify new Greener Stores around the world. As of March 2023, Greener Stores have been certified in more than 20 markets globally; in Latin America and the Caribbean, this includes: Argentina, Mexico, Bahamas, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, in addition to Barbados.

“With a company of Starbucks scale – any one action, no matter how small, has the potential for massive impact,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “I’m so proud to see our Greener Stores framework continue to scale for good globally. The program we have created will continue to move us closer towards our resource positive goals.”

The Starbucks Holetown Greener Store is located at Massy Stores Supermarket Sunset Crest, Holetown, Saint James and it operates from Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:oo p.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Starbucks Holetown and participating Starbucks stores across the market will give away reusable cups to customers with the purchase of any size of Starbucks handcrafted beverage while stocks last. (PR)

Business

Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte, is pleased about the support for this year’s National Summer Camp Programme, which is being rebranded by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.

A donation of art supplies was received last Friday from the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation (PGDFF) and its partner, Affinity Plus Credit Union Ltd., at the Ministry’s headquarters, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

Mr. Hunte, who accepted the donation from the PGDFF and Affinity Plus Credit Union said: “Today is really the day that we actually see the fruits of the labours of our stakeholders…. The donation that you are giving to us here today is well received.”

Noting the crucial role that corporate sponsorship plays, he stated: “We enjoy the corporate sponsorship that we get because we know that the benefits for the children are really significant,” adding that such support ensures the well-being and holistic development of the children.

Stating that the Arts was a key component of the Summer Camp Programme, he stressed: “It gives our children an opportunity to explore themselves, explore their imagination.” He said that aspect of the programme aims to foster creativity and imagination among the youth.

Director Hunte also urged other corporate entities to join in supporting the programme. “We want to invite other corporate sponsors or stakeholders to come on board and provide these kinds of donations that really enhance the lives of the children of this nation of Barbados,” he said.

Managing Director of the PGDFF Caribbean, Anita Sundaram, expressed gratitude to the Marketing Manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union, Valerie Hope, and members of the PGDFF team for their part in the initiative.

Ms. Sundaram, in commending Ms. Hope, remarked: “When we came to you (Affinity Plus), you just trusted us with this and went with it. And, I really want to thank you for partnering with us.

“I think incorporating colouring and art into early childhood development is extremely important. It helps develop so many skills, whether it’s writing skills, … their creativity skills, or emotional management, there’s so many plus points for this. And lastly, it’s just a lot of fun. ‘Who doesn’t like to colour?’

“We’re happy that we’re able to provide this for the Summer Camp Programme, from PGDFF Caribbean, in partnership with Affinity Plus Credit Union.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte (third from left); Managing Director, Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Caribbean, Anita Sundaram (second from left); Marketing Manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union, Valerie Hope (centre); staff of the Ministry and representatives pose with the donated art supplies.

Business

MOUNT GAY AND WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERIES CELEBRATE CARICOM’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIMITED EDITIONS

Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery proudly unveiled their commemorative Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 50th Anniversary limited editions to The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, during an intimate ceremony at Ilaro Court today.

The two local rum producers, both esteemed members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA), marked the significant milestone in Caribbean history with the release of the two limited editions, both available at their respective Visitor Centres.

The initiative saw rum producers in 13 CARICOM member states, under the guidance of WIRSPA, presenting limited editions highlighting this 50^th Anniversary to their respective governments across the region, during the month of June. The unique expressions not only celebrate CARICOM’s half-century, but also stand as a symbol of unity, culture and heritage across the regional rum industry.

Andrew Hasell, Managing Director, WIRD

Antoine Couvreur, Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, expressed his enthusiasm and pride on this special occasion, “As the world’s oldest running rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay has played a pivotal role in Barbados’ national and global identity in the spirits industry, since crowning the island as the birthplace of rum over 320 years ago in 1703. Today, Mount Gay is synonymous with Bajan rum and Barbadian pride in more than 70 countries.

“It is an utmost privilege for us to be able to honour the heritage of CARICOM, established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, with this limited edition 50th Anniversary label of the Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength expression. It is our toast to people across the region, working side by side to create a dynamic future, with a rum which embodies the spirit of unity that defines the Caribbean.”

Couvreur explained that the Mount Gay limited edition was a blend of rums distilled in copper pot and column stills, matured in American whiskey casks and finished in charred Bourbon casks.

Andrew Hassell, Managing Director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery warmly congratulated CARICOM, as it celebrates 50 years of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its members, ensuring they are better able to reap the benefits of integration equally.

Hassell explained, “The unique rum we offer today embodies the dedication and expertise that our distillery has poured into its craft every day for over 130 years. Planteray Legacy 120 is dedicated to three men who have devoted their lives to making Barbados rum.

“It celebrates their combined 120 years of distilling and blending expertise. Henderson “Digger” Skinner joined Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery 41 years ago, and continues to operate our old copper stills. Mark Walker and John Kinch, both Master Blenders, have been tending to barrels of delicious rum at the distillery for 40 years and 39 years respectively. Together with Master Distiller Don Benn and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel, the “120” team created an extra old Barbados rum that honors their starring roles in the unique history of Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery.”

Hassell said, “Therefore, we are proud to present this very rare, high quality rum as our gift to the entire Caribbean Community as we celebrate the momentous occasion of their 50th Anniversary and offer our team’s continued support as they continue their mission.” (PR)

Business

Interns grasping RUBIS opportunity

The 2024 RUBIS internship program continues to deliver exciting results for ten budding professionals who are focused on grasping the opportunity for real-world experience to enhance their professional development.

The interns have already completed their first few weeks of a 10-week programme, gaining key insights into the operational aspects of RUBIS, and participating in insightful table talks with department heads. The orientation week included tours to Barbados National Terminal Company Ltd. (BNTCL), Grantley Adams International Airport, and RUBIS service stations. The interns also successfully passed CPR and First Aid courses and undertook fire safety training at Barbados Fire Academy in Arch Hall, St. Thomas.

HR Manager Delores Batson said the internship program was again proving to be a mutually rewarding experience and continued to be one of the most sought-after internships in the sector. “Each year, we look forward to the youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that comes with this internship experience, and 2024 has been no exception. This program benefits the interns with real-world experience, and we welcome the opportunity to embrace youthful energy and perspectives within our company.”

Marketing intern TaShauna Weekes, who recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Management with Marketing from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, said she was excited about the growth and network-building opportunity presented by the RUBIS internship. “I hope to gain valuable experience to help me in my future endeavours. I’m also keen to establish relationships with marketing professionals and will seek constructive feedback from supervisors and peers to find areas for growth,” Weekes said.

The keen group of interns includes local and international university students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various disciplines. They have been assigned to Sales and Marketing, Operations, Legal, and Finance departments in the RUBIS Welches headquarters and Spring Garden terminals. The HR manager said this approach will allow the interns to gain experience relevant to their selected areas of study. (PR)

Caption: The 2024 group of RUBIS Summer Interns with some RUBIS employees including Delores Batson (HR Manager), Mechell Warner (Marketing Specialist) and Annette Shorey (Internal Controls Specialist).