The Tribune

GRAND BAHAMA Shipyard's chairman, Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, said the facility has "done better and better" every month throughout 2011, having gone 205 days without any health/safety incident this year. And, speaking with staff at the Shipyard's annual Christmas luncheon last Thursday, Reuben Byrd, its senior vice-president of operations, discussed the importance of customer satisfaction and service as the main factors behind its continued improvement. "Carl and I were with Shell Corporation a few nights ago and they told us: 'Your staff act like they own the company, they take pride in what they are doing!' We were thrilled to hear this and to you today I say congratulations on a job well done," Mr Byrd said. The annual luncheon traditionally begins with a review of the Shipyard's accomplishments and goals for the next year. "We believe it's a team effort to succeed here," said Mr Rotkirch. "Everyone plays a part in our success and failure; we ask our staff for feedback and suggestions. Without their efforts we would not be where we are today - and today we are looking very good for 2012." After the meeting lunch was served to all the staff by senior management, as in-house chefs took to the barbeques. While standing in line for lunch, Leroy Forbes, a 10-year veteran at the yard, said he was pleased with the day. "It's good to get an update on how we are doing, and what we need to do to improve," said Forbes. "I am very pleased to be working here. For those Bahamians who come here and work hard it's a good company." Mr Forbes and his fellow employees also received an individual thanks and handshake from Mr Rotkirch as he walked the lines talking to his staff. Grand Bahama Shipyard is fresh off the success of two recent cruise ship refurbishments, accomplished on time and with success. "We've been getting our house in order in 2011," said Mr Byrd, "and we are pleased to report that we have work commitments up to April 2012. With the reopening of the Mexican Gulf, and the increase in our cruise business, we are hoping for a successful 2012. It's up to our staff to maintain the push and help us become the world class facility we know we are."