Windward Roads Infrastructure

WINDWARD ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE embedded in the Dutch Caribbean. The main focus throughout all its companies is quality… in management processes, technical, and human resources. “The group covers a diverse array of sectors,” says Djasmin, “through their mining company and a concrete block manufacturing company. And they have a large number of suppliers they have been doing business with for many years, so we always get good prices. That makes us one of the leading companies in the region in terms of quality and value.” The company is ISO 9000 certified and employs about 15 people on Statia and 20 on Anguilla, plus a full complement of sub-contractors when needed. Finding skilled tradespeople and people in the technical field, such as project engineers and supervisors, is a challenge. As Djasmin attests, “Some of the schools are giving educational programs to the youth, but they don’t have the experience when they come to work. And they aren’t well informed if they choose a trade or a technical skill about what they should expect. For instance, if you’re working in the infrastructure business, you will be the whole day in the sun. The tendency is to hide from the sun, but that is the job. Out in the open field, not under a mango tree. The same if you’re putting a roof on a house – you’re in the full sun until the roof is built, then you can go inside and have some shade. A lot of young people today can’t take it.” Each person who comes to work at Windward Roads has a two-month trial period and only about 20 percent of them stay. Truth be told, it’s a demanding career that isn’t suited for everyone. Safety training is mandatory. Every month, the company has ‘toolbox meetings’ where they explain the latest safety protocols and procedures, the proper protective clothing, including safety shoes, safety vest, safety helmet. Because if an accident happens and the employee wasn’t adhering to the safety rules,