Corporate Social Responsibility
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Sharing our passion, and giving back to the world
One of the key things that helps to drive our teams forward is our passion to help and serve the communities local to us. We pride ourselves on open communication, breaking down barriers in both community and industry, treating everyone with the same values of quality of service and respect.
We feel it is vital to put back into the communities where we operate, this takes many forms from larger formal organisations such as The Princes Trust, through to low key direct action such as shipping clothing to children in Grenada, a life boat to Tortola, play equipment to Bequia, and much needed aid in the aftermath of disasters.
Bequia Easter Regatta 2020
This April, Kestrel are delighted to be sponsoring the Bequia Easter Regatta, a fabulous 5-day sailing extravaganza synonymous with top-class yacht racing. This year, the event will be taking place over the long Easter weekend, attracting visitors from far and wide to enjoy an exhilarating Caribbean sailing experience on the beautiful shores of Bequia.
For the last 25 years, Kestrel has devoted itself to providing a reliable and efficient shipping service into the Caribbean. During this time, not only has the business fulfilled the islands’ shipping needs by providing Breakbulk, RoRo, FCL and LCL services on a weekly basis, but it has taken the time to learn and immerse itself in Caribbean culture, to gain a true understanding of the individual people and their way of life.
Kestrel’s managing director Andy Thorne, always had a penchant for the Caribbean, having himself at 18 years old relocated to Trinidad & Tobago, where he was thrust straight into the daily hubbub of docks life in a foreign country. He quickly came to love the Caribbean, gaining trust and respect from those he worked with. A long career within shipping and with his first love, the Caribbean, was to follow.
At a very young age, Andy discovered his passion for sailing. His early love for the sport was ignited by his stepfather, Colin Bowles who taught him to sail; they enjoyed success together sailing in many races, the first of which was Harwich Ostend, where they came third when Andy was just 11. Colin had sailed around the world single handed, not just once but twice in his 36’ boat named ‘crazy horse’.
Kestrel are honoured to be sponsoring and supporting the Bequia Easter Regatta, a globally accredited event. Over the course of the Regatta week, Kestrel will be providing superb prizes to the winners and runner ups of every race. In addition, their social media team are giving attendees of the event and all online followers the chance to win exclusive prizes; keep an eye out on all social media platforms and follow the #KestrelCompetition hashtag to be in with a chance of winning.
The Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust, founded in 1976, is one of the United Kingdom's most successful funding organisations. We at Kestrel never fail to be inspired by their ongoing efforts to uplift the younger generations.
In January 2017, we partnered with the Prince's Trust International, a new International arm launched in 2015, to deliver their 'Get into Logistics' programme. The 'Get into' is an employability scheme in Barbados with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people on the island gain vital sector-specific skills. Our first wave of students on the 'Get into Logistics' programme all graduated with flying colours.
Mark Davidian from Kestrel had the pleasure of giving the participants of 'Get into Logistics' their graduation certificates. He heard first-hand the benefits of the programme to the young people involved.
I was very honoured to attend the Prince's Trust International Event and to meet this first wave of students – an inspiring group of enthusiastic, energetic young people looking to find a start and hopefully building a career in logistics. As the future of their industry they need to be given a chance. The benefits from this programme are already being realised in Barbados and we look forward to seeing the programme expand across the Caribbean region.
Mark Davidian
One of the biggest success stories of the 'Get into Logistics' programme was our trainee Orian. We were so impressed with her commitment and enthusiasm, we offered her a job in our offices in Barbados. We're pleased to report that she accepted, saying:
Six weeks ago I knew nothing about shipping! In five weeks I have learnt so much. I am looking forward to finding out so much more about the shipping and logistics industry. I am particularly looking forward to seeing a product on the shelves in Barbados knowing that I played a part in importing it.
We have also had the pleasure of working with the Prince's Trust International to sponsor their very successful 'Get into Hospitality' programme. This is an intensive 12-week programme which supports 15 young people who are not yet ready to enter employment and works with them to develop not only their confidence but also other key skills they will require through a residential week, community project and work placements. This programme also boasts a high degree of success with helping young people to find opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Here at Kestrel, we owe our success to the many different communities around the globe, so we are proud to support those who support us. We remain aware of the many different issues that these communities face, and are eager to help them however we can as it is part of the Mission Statement that Kestrel is built upon.