Issue 15 1

The New Frontier Issue 15 A Bi-Monthly Publication of Banks DIH LTD. Year End Edition 2013

In AroundBANKS DIH LTD.&

In and Around Banks DIH Ltd. Newsletter is produced by the Communications Department.Editor: Troy Peters | Tel: 225-0910 Ext. 2146 | Email: tpeters@banksdih.com

Send us your comments, suggestions, articles, poems. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Welcome to Banks Country

Issue 152

His Excellency Claes

Hammar, Swedish non-

resident Ambassador to

the Caribbean recently

made an official visit to

Guyana.

During his stay, His

Excellency Ambassasor

Hammar paid a courtesy

call to Sweden Honorary

Consular in Guyana Mr.

Clifford Reis, Chairman

and Managing Director

of Banks DIH Limited.

Ambassador Hammar

also toured the Rum

Factory among other places of interested he visited during his brief

Editorial

Swedish Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Chairman

Welcome to Banks Country

“Welcome to Banks Country”, we knew it all along that Guyana is Banks’ country and

Banks Beer is Guyana’s beer. But we as a Company wish to share the pride of our company’s motto “Committed to Excellence” and want the entire world to know of our position with regards to our company and the quality products that we produce.We have seen an influx of foreign products into Guyana and their presence have provided more choices for the consuming public but as a proud Guyanese Company, Banks DIH Limited continues to be in the vanguard of the local manufacturing sector.Our products continue to receive great recognition internationally and locally we will encourage consumers to try our products to have an appreciation of the quality of which we are so proud.Our Company success is evident and as Mr. George Mc Donald said in his report at the recent Bonus meeting not many companies can boost of a growth return of eight percent in a year under difficult conditions so we must be proud of our achievements.As we approach 2014 we must be prepared to maintain our upward trend and prove to the world that Guyana is truly Banks country.

Mail Box

Troy PetersCommunications Manager

Dear Editor,

Just recently, a modern play park, compliments of Banks DIH, was established at the New Amsterdam Qik Serv. The spacious facility is expected to provide a recreational area where young children can have fun under supervision. At the launching, it was stated that the new facility belongs to the people of the town, and it is therefore, everyone’s responsibility to ensure it is cared for and maintained. Qik Serv now offers parents and guardians a conducive facility for their children to play in a safe environment while they wait to place and uplift their orders. A recent BBC documentary stated that recreational activities are healthy for children. Researchers further confirmed that at least 30 minutes per day of playing is vital for a child’s development.I look forward to the establishment of more recreational facilities countrywide for our children.

Sincerely ,Allan Alphonso

Extracted from the Guyana Times—November 7th 2013.

continued on pg 4

Issue 15 3

Co-Managing Director sees excellent performance in 2013

Royal Unibrew team visits for talks with Banks senior officials

Mr. George McDonald, Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director reported that there was a eight percent growth increase in revenue for the fiscal year which ended September 30th, during his presentation on the Company’s performance at the Annual Bonus Meeting held on December 1, 2013.Mr. Mc. Donald said revenues grew by $1.803 billion, equivalent to US8.71 million.“The results achieved have been excellent, but the real benefit of our

continuing financial strength is to prudently manage our operations on a daily basis,” he disclosed.Mr. McDonald said he was incredibly proud of how the Company performed, “We have delivered on our promise to continue to show growth in revenues and profits.”He attributed the excellent showing of the Company to increase in physical sales, providing great products, prices and service as well as good and faithful employees.“There are not many companies that can boost a growth return of eight percent in a year under bothersome conditions. But we have done it! You our good employees have crafted this achievement and it proves that is its not only paper and plans that actually cause growth, it is also efforts of good people like you,” the Co-Managing director declared.The highlights of the Company’s performance are listed below.An increase of physical sales of 924,096 units of products or 6.3 percent from 14,623,163 units in 2012 to 15,446,259 units in 2013.Significant increase in demand for soft drinks of 11.5 percent above the previous year’s performance. The combined sales of Brewery products also improved by one percent above the previous year.

Guinness Stout maintained its strong growth potential and contributed an increase of 8.4 percent.Vita Malt had a growth rate of 12.7 percent while Shandy grew by 4.8 percent.Spirits and Water saw increase sales of six percent, while Rum products continue to do well in the international market of Italy, France and Denmark and plans are in place to reenter the Canadian and USA markets in the new year.The sales of physical units in the Food Division grew by 284,693 units or 5 percent due to increase markets for bread and ice cream which grew by 19 percent and eight percent respectively.Revenues generated by the Demico Operations increased by $77 million or 3.7 percent over the previous year with splendid returns from Main Street Qik Serv, Caesar’s Parlour, OMG Restaurant, the Timehri Duty Free Shop and Stabroek Sports Bar.The Branches also performed creditably and garnered revenues of $5.533 billion versus 5.18 billion the previous year. This reflects an increase of $352.0 million or seven percent. New Amsterdam Branch led the way through achievement of significant increases in physical sales of products.

Mr. Jan Ankersen, Overseas Malt Beverage Director of Royal Unibrew and two other officials held talks with senior officials of Banks DIH Limited during a one-day visit on December 4th, 2013.Accompanying Mr. Ankersen were newly-appointed Caribbean Sales and Marketing Manager Mr. Felix Sencion, and outgoing regional manager Mr. Rene Vestergaard.They met with Chairman Mr. Clifford Reis, Human Resources Director Mr. Andrew Carto

and Sales and Marketing Executive Mr. Carlton Joao during their brief stay.Royal Unibrew of Denmark is the franchise holder of Vita Malt which is produced, bottled and exported by Banks DIH Limited.

Issue 154

20 Year Club welcomes 28 new inductees

Berbice Employees observe Diwali celebrations

Swedish Ambassador (cont’d)

Employees of Berbice Operations were appropriately attired as they observed Diwali celebrations recently.

Twenty eight employees were lauded for their valuable service and dedication by Banks DIH Limited during a Long Service Award Luncheon held in their honour at Thirst Park.Mr. Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director who delivered the feature address at the Ceremony for the employees who attained 20 years of service, said Banks DIH Limited is indebted to them for their contribution to the Company.He congratulated the new members of the 20-Year Club, which was established over two decades ago to honour employees who have achieved the milestone. There are at present 197 members of the 20-Year Club, Mr. Carto said.

The new members were presented with gold pins by Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Clifford Reis at the function which was attended by Mr. George McDonald, Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director, Mr. Michael Pereira, Operations Director, Mr. Shabir Hussein, Engineering Services Director and other members of the 20 Year Club.The new inductees are: Hubert Jones (Engine Room), Arjune Persaud (Soft Drink Plant), Thakur Ramraj, Lawrence Drakes (Liquor Warehouse), Lindon Hinckson, Niranjan De Abreu (Special Events), Troy Gobin (Rum Factory), Samuel Birkett (MIS Department), Judith Bess (Trisco Plant), Judith Linton (Retail

Liquor Store), Dennis Glasgow, Timothy Gonsalves, Errol McDonald (Berbice Outdoor Staff), Shawn Loo (Berbice Indoor Staff), Hardat Persaud (Essequibo Outdoor staff), Angus Durante (Bakery), Roxana Hopkinson (Human Resources Department), Haslyn Hooper (Beer Bottling Plant), Brenda Marshall (OMG), Somdat Rajnarine, Owen Grannum, Fitzroy Benjamin, Karen Dindyal (Vehicle Workshop), Collin Jones (Materials Handling), Chrysostom Hernandez (Trisco/Bread Sales), Barrington Glasgow (Beverage Sales), Carlton Joao (Sales Administration), Gavin Todd (Engineering Department).

sojourn in the country. The Ambassador is photographed

with Honorary Consular Mr. Clifford Reis in the Rotunda

and with Rum Factory Executive Mr. Robert Sugdeo.

The Stockholm-based Ambassador is accredited to the

following countries: Antigua/Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados,

Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana,

Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent

and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

From pg 2

Issue 15 5

The FIFA World Cup Trophy now on a nine-month world tour compliments Coca Cola ahead of next year’s World Cup finals in neighbouring Brazil, landed in Guyana on October 30, 2013 with much pomp and ceremony.The airplane carrying the Trophy touched down a the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, Timehri at approximately 09:00 hours. On hand to welcome the visitng delegation were Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony Mr. George McDonald, Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Mr. Christopher Matthias, Mr. Carlton Joao—Sales and Marketing Executive, Coca Cola Brand Manager Ms. Jennifer Khan and Communications Manager Mr. Troy Peters.Despite unfavourable weather, close to 200 young footballers took part in football events at Thirst Park ground before taking photos with the Trophy. Later in the evening, Guyana’s President His Excellency Donald Ramotar, joined Chairman Mr. Clifford Reis, Dr. Anthony, Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana His Excellency Luiz Seixas De Andrade, FIFA Brand Ambassador Mr. Dwight York, Cola-Cola Global Executive Mr. Hector Mantellini joined other special invitees at a Gala Reception at Banks DIH Sports Club.

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Cola Cola

Issue 156

The Tropical Mist Productin Plant will soon be producing approximately 150 bottles per minute with the installation of several new equipment to boost production.Mr. Bernard Allison, Manager disclosed that the Plant has undergone a modernization programme with the aim of increasing production and reduce longer hours of work.Mr. Allison said the machinery already installed include a Rinser, filler and silo.He said preparations was in place for the installation of a to complete the upgrade.“This will be a much faster line in the past we use to produce 70 bottles

per minute but we are in the process of producing 150 bottles per minute,” he added.The modernization of the Tropical Mist plant follows closely the upgrade of the Brewery and Beer Plant.

Mr. Mohamed Shabir Hussein, was appointed Director of Engineering Services on October 1st, 2013.Mr. Hussein who served as Power Generation, Transportation and Building Executive before his recent appointment has been employed at Banks DIH Limited for the past 33 years.He joined the Company as assistant Chief Engineer in the Transport and Buildings Department.Mr. Hussein attended Western Ontario

Business Management Programme and the Environmental Academy in Sweden on a Scholarship from the Swedish Government.He is a Fellow of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and a Fellow of Operations Engineers.Mr. Hussein is a Director of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and served as Chairman of the Council of Governors of Lions International and President of the Muslim Youth League.

The help desk and technical support employees of the MIS Department underwent a two-week Microsoft Training Programme to enhance their delivery of computer services within the Company.Ms. Clover Morgan, a certified Technology Training from Jamaica conducted the training in Window Server Systems 2008. The participants were exposed to training in systems configuration, server installation and troubleshooting.Mr. Samuel Britton, MIS Manager said Ms. Morgan conducted a similar training programme three years ago.The participants were Ms. Nasoya Chapman, Mr. Adrian Niles, Mr. Dellon Legall and Mr. Kevin Milner.Mr. Britton said the MIS staff will be better equipped to deal with problems affecting the servers, printers and other glitches.

Tropical Mist Production Plant rolls out new machinery

Hussein appointed Engineering Services Director

Microsoft Systems Training for MIS Staff

Mr Bernard Allison

Mr. Shabir Hussein

Issue 15 7

Banks supports Ministry of Education TVET

Banks hosts another successful blood donation drive

The Ministry of Education embarked on a programme drive to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with a one-day Career Fair at the Ministry’s Sports Complex at Carifesta Avenue.Banks DIH Limited mounted a photographic exhibition highlighting the operations of the Soft Drink Plant and the Waste Water Treatment Plant while electrical components used in the Company were also on display.On hand to interact with students and visitors to our booth were Electrical Engineers Messrs Patrice Jacob and Colin Canterbury, Dave Singh - Syrup Room/Laboratory Superintendent , Roland Nurse WWTP Technician, Henry Lewis—Training Manager and Ms. Alexis Grenardo—Human Resources Supervisor.

Employees continue to make a significant contribution to the National Blood Bank following the donation of 50 units of blood during a recent blood drive conducted by the Ministry of Health and the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) at the sports club.Ms. Sharon Mansell, Industrial Nurse said that the interest among employees has improved and plans are ongoing to secure 100 units in the near future. Thirty one units were donated a few months ago, an increase from 20 units last year. “We are definitely seeing an increase,” said Nurse Mansell.

Issue 158

Employees to pay more union dues, benefits increase

NA Qik Serv Play Park reopens at new location

A new state-of –the-art children’s play park was commissioned by Banks DIH Limited at the New Amsterdam Qik Serv, which was formerly occupied by the Patio and Bar, replacing the playing facility obliquely opposite the current location.The commissioning ceremony was attended by Mr. Clifford Reis, Chairman, Mr. George McDonald, Co-Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Carto—Human Resources Director, Mr. Shabir Hussein, - Engineering Services Director, Berbice

Branch Manager Mr. Reginald Matthew, Mayor of New Amsterdam Mr. Claude Henry, other Company executives and special invitees.Mr. Hussein who delivered remarks said the play park is a top class facility presented to the New Amsterdam community and he urged residents to care it.Mayor Henry said Banks DIH has always been supportive of the needs of the citizens of New Amsterdam declaring “Banks has done it again”.

The play park includes slides and swings and an area where parents and guardians can purchase snacks for their children while they play.The design was done by Masters Enterprises Ltd. while RCD Services based in Florida procured the equipment while Home Design and Construction of New Amsterdam constructed the facility.Two students of New Amsterdam had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the facility.

The General Workers Union (GWU) has

increased union dues effective November 1,

2013 as it seeks to provide better service to its

members.

The Union stated that the decision was made at

an Extraordinary Conference held in October at

the Critchlow Labour College.

“In reviewing the operations of the Union it was

observed that the quality of service to members

was unacceptable and need to be improved

immediately. It was further observed that the

operation of the union is unsustainable with the

current union dues of $650 per month or $150

per week. It is therefore unanimously agreed that

the following adjustments be made to guarantee

a better quality of service and the provision of

more realistic benefits to its members,” the

GWU stated in a letter to its members signed

by General President Mr. Norris Witter and

General Secretary Mr. Pancham Singh.

The Union dues will now be $240 per week

and took effect in the week ending November

23, 2013.

The new rates for Social Benefits are:

BENEFIT OLD RATE NEW RATE

Bursary $5000 $ 8000

Optical $3000 $ 5000

Dental $8000 $15000

Death (member) $8000 $15000

Death (beneficiary ) $5000 $ 8000

Mr. Pancham Singh

Issue 15 9

Recap of Bonus Meeting 2013

Issue 1510

Visitors to Guyexpo 2013 were treated to a real “Banks Country” experience, at our Company’s Village displayed and sold a variety of products produced and distributed at Guyana’s leading Expo.The slogan “Welcome to Banks Country” said it all as our flagship Banks Beer, ICEE and Demico Premium Ice Cream, Pinehill, R1 Ice, XM Rum held the interest of visitors at the Banks Village.

Real “Banks Country” Experience at Guyexpo 2013

New Products in Time for the Festive Season

An array of products is now available on the market and employees can enjoy for the festive season. The products include R1 Vodka (cranberry flavor), Sorrel Ice Cream, XM Rum Cake, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, R1 Ice (Cranberry Flavour) and GT Genuine Lager Beer.

Issue 15 11

Wholesale Liquor Store scored 78 games to beat last year’s winners Stores ‘B’ on 77 games in a cliff hanger match when the final of the Michael Pereira sponsored Inter-Department Dominoes competition was played at Banks DIH Limited Sports Club at Thirst Park.Central Services ended on the carpet with 75 games in a keenly contested match that was decided in the final sitting.Leading the way for the new champions were Most Valuable Player (MVP) Frank De Santos and Justin Stoby who both marked 15 games.Bharrat Roopnarine and Seon Gonsalves tallied 14 games each for Stores ‘B’ while

Christopher Hopkinson and Jermaine McKoy marked 15 and 14 games respectively for Central Service.The lone love bird was Lennox Cordis of Central Services.The annual competition was sponsored Mr. Michael Pereira, Operations Director of Banks DIH Limited. The presentation of prizes took place on Sunday during the company’s annual Sports Award Ceremony at the Sports Club.

Wholesale Liquor Store wins Michael Pereira Dominoes title

(from back page) Double Joy for Xavier at 2013 Banks Sports Programme

17 games with Steve Souvenir and Orin Sandy supporting with 15 and 14 games respectively.Satesh Harrinandan lead the scoring for Stores ‘B’ also with 17 games while David London with 15 games and Vishal Ramsahai 14.Cecil Carter, Keith Parris and Shawn Clementson had 13 games apiece for Vehicle Workshop ‘B’.Soft Drink Plant retained the Inter-Department Softball cricket title with a comfortable 26-run victory over Essequi-bo in the final. Batting first, Soft Drink Plant compiled 134-4 off their allotted overs thanks to a commanding 42 runs from Allan Norville and 36 from Shemroy Jones. In reply, Andy Das compiled a dashing 60 runs but it was in vain as Essequibo fell for 108 runs. Michael Oie netted a double as Sales Department scored a 2-1 win over Distribution Warehouse in the five a-side foot-ball final. Dillon Ridley netted the lone goal for Distribution Warehouse. Oie was voted Most Valued Player.

Michael Oie (MVP) sitting with teamates and supporters

Victorious Wholse Sale Liquor Store Team

Issue 1512

Double joy for Xavier at 2013 Sports Programme (cont’d on pg 7)

Anthony Xavier secured billiards and pools titles at the 2013 Banks DIH Limited Sports Programme in matches played at the Sports Club at Thirst Park.Xavier of the Sales Department defeated Mortimer Stewart also Sales Department in the Billiards final by 120 points to 64.Xavier also defeated Dave Singh of Soft Drink Plant in the Pools finals.Muniram Singh of Essequibo Branch (16 games) was crowned Dominoes King with victory over Geoffrey La Rose of Linden (13 games) and Terry Liverpool of Vehicle Workshop third with 12 games in the final.Ann Josiah of Security Department marked 17 games to claim the Queen dominoes Crown from Goleen

Ferguson of Sanitation and Sheron Douglas of Electrical Department who both ended on 12 games but Ferguson copped the second position having more sixes. Mubianbo King of Brewery retained his table tennis title after playing unbeaten in the five-man playoffs.King secured 16 points to beat into second position Troy Peters of Sales Department who ended with 12 points, losing only to King while third place was taken by Rayan Faria of Berbice who secured eight points.Vehicle Workshop ‘A’ team scored 80 games to win the finals of the team dominoes competition beating into second place Stores ‘B’ with 74 games while Vehicle Workshop ‘B’ finished on the carpet with 73 games.Shon Butters who was named Player of the Final marked

Winner Ann Josiah (centre) with Goleen Ferguson and Sheron Douglas

Winner Anthony Xavier (right) and Runner up Dave Singh

Winner Mubianbo King (centre) with Ryan Faria and Troy Peters

The victorious Vehicle Workshop ‘A’ team

Winner Muniram Singh (centre) with Geoffrey LaRose and Terry Liverpool