Business

Exclusive interview with Fujitsu Americas CEO Asif Poonja

Focusing on technology, its user-friendliness, and education around the transformative impacts to drive economic development and sustainability transformation, will be essential for small island developing countries in the Caribbean.

Asif Poonja, CEO of Fujitsu’s Americas Region, expressed this strong belief during a one-on-one interview with Advo Magazine. This was Poonja’s first official visit to the island as a senior figurehead of one of the biggest technology companies in the world.

Poonja, who was previously Head of Customer Markets and Chief Technology Officer for the Americas, intends to fully use his experience as an inventive and adaptable leader to work with the Americas leadership team to drive growth in the region and strengthen its position as a leader in digital transformation.

*Asif Poonja, CEO of Fujitsu Americas (centre) with Chief of Staff Heiu Do-Pilon (right) and Sandra Clarke, Manager, Advo Magazine*

He acknowledged that even though this is his first trip to Barbados as CEO, he and his family have had many enjoyable vacations here over the years. He added that while Barbados and the region as a whole have much to offer, there is a need to push for a greater emphasis on using technology to streamline a range of services.

“How many people know how to use technology to its fullest extent?” he asked, “it is shocking. I was in DAVOS last week at the world economic forum; as I was entering the village there was this huge sign by a company there, which read Did you know, there are still over 25 percent of the global population that does not have internet access? My jaw just dropped because it is something we take for granted.”

“What I am seeing, [is] that you can go into many government entities today, that staff a lot of folks that do not know how to use the technology… yes, they might have their computer and email, but that is it. Education around technology and its use [is important], even around difficult areas like AI right now.”

Considering this, Fujitsu has changed its hiring practices over the past few years. While they still use interns, their hiring procedure is now more accommodating to the demands of the contemporary workplace.

“We have been working with our human resources over the past two years to change the criteria. Its not that you always need a university degree. You can have a college degree, a trade degree, it does not matter nowadays. In the past people used to be absolute sticklers, which is changing within the society. So, we have been pushing our organization to change that.”

*Sandra Clarke of Advo Magazine greeting Asif Poonja, CEO of Fujitsu Americas*

The hospitality industry, which has experienced impressed growth coming out of the height of the COVID pandemic, also has a role to play introducing the new form of flexibility and tech push to small nations according to the CEO, who said seamless check-in procedures which get rid of paperwork in place of fully digital platforms was also a new directions hotels and other forms of regional accommodation can go.

He however quickly added that the strength and trust in homegrown banks, as well as the security that supports them, was imperative.

“I have heard of stories in the Caribbean of new banks starting up and things not working out well. So, how does regulation help but not hinder. If a new bank is going to set up, where is the security around that bank, [what are] the processes and procedures. I am not only saying that you should bank with the top banks, I am not saying that, but the technology is out there, and it is about building trust”.

“There are a lot of Canadian banks here. For example, I bank with RBC, and they have a function online where you can take a picture of the front and the back of the cheque and its deposited. But I trust my bank, so I can do that. That level of trust [in new banks] that is the key.”

The customer experience, according to Poonja, must remain at the forefront of the financial services industry, which he believes sadly has slightly lost its way in the name of chasing profits.

“The financial services industry has been going through a transformation over the years even before COVID. They chose to shut branches down to reduce costs, [going] more online, but you cannot forget those that do not do online. Whether it is a senior, whether it is someone not technology [savvy], you cannot leave these people behind. That is the challenge they face.”

“I am seeing even in Canada and the US, those branches that stay open, they would only staff it with two people, which is not good enough. We all know the banks make good profits, and they need to find a way to balance.”

The CEO also hinted that one of the main areas where the company will start its major push into the Caribbean economic space will be through Fujitsu Uvance, a new portfolio that aims to encourage innovation within nations in a novel yet environmentally friendly method.

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).