SAINT LUCIA
COMMITMENT TO THE STAFF
- Medical insurance is in place for everyone.
- The cost of the premiums is shared 50/50.
- All employees are eligible and receive the same level of benefits.
- Medical loans with attractive and affordable payback terms.
Tertiary education is expensive and not available to most people in Saint Lucia.
- Education programs are offered to all staff members at St. Lucia Distillers (SLD).
- SLD funds 100% the cost of adult literacy classes and CXC examinations; 50% of the funding for university education.
- In some cases, the company funds 100% of the program. In return staff sign a bond to work for the company for up to three years on completion of the program.
- Education loans include loans to purchase computers. With most employees and their children doing online classes employees can take loans to purchase computers. Payback conditions are affordable and based on the employees ability to pay.
- Shelter and personal loans – The company maintains a $50K fund which employees can borrow from to do home improvement projects, purchase appliances, settle outstanding utilities, catch up on rent etc. Employees with debt related issues also get assistance from the CFO.
- All staff loans are interest free.
St. Lucia Distillers is located in the Roseau valley. There is a small community of people on the doorstep of the distillery who are the descendants of the estate workers from the sugar era. St. Lucia Distillers has made it our duty to look after the community as much as possible.
SLD awards scholarships to children in the community who pass the grade six exams and get into secondary school.
The scholarship holders are monitored to ensure that the children attend school regularly and have their books and supplies to attend class. This ensures that the monies paid to the parents are used for the children’s education.
When filling vacancies every effort is made to fill vacancies from the community. At least 30% of our workers come from the nearby communities.
SLD maintains the washroom facilities for the community paying for repairs. In 2020, repairs cost EC$30K.
During periods of water shortages, the company gives out water to the residents.
- Production of rubbing alcohol at low cost to Alcosan donations for schools allowing schools to remain open, hospitals and first responders.
- Recently: Solidarity with Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to help with the aftermath of the Soufriere eruption. 100 boxes of Alcosan have been sent.
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SPONSORSHIP of major events such as: - Jounen Creole which celebrates our creole heritage
- Carnival
- Jazz Festival
Mainly coming from Dominican Republic. Sometimes from Brazil, Mexico, or Panama.
Whenever possible, we use Bonsucro certified molasses.
We try our best to purchase molasses from countries who offer good work conditions for their workers.
SLD is located in the rain belt of St. Lucia.
Rain water is collected from the roofs of all our buildings, treated, and used for blending our rums.
Approximately 3.5 mil gallons or 15,900 cubic meters of water harvested annually .
SLD maintains the washroom facilities for the community paying for repairs. In 2020, repairs cost EC$30K.
During periods of water shortages, the company gives out water to the residents.