bvc_june2017

46 47 engineering, supply to the construction industry, waste recycling, water desalination, well drilling, real estate development, building and equipment rental, sewage treatment, alternative energy, cellular communication, and tourism. Williams Industries took over the bankrupt Mall Internationale in 2012 and rejuvenated it to make it a true one-stop experience for Barbadian shoppers. Ralph “Bizzy”Williams, company Chairman, says, “It’s a place where people can shop conveniently and buy what they want. It also provides a place for entrepreneurs to try out their business at a reasonable cost. It has a pretty expansive food court; it has a gym; it has a doctor’s office. And it has some of the best-equipped business meeting facilities in Barbados.” Another unique characteristic of Sky Mall is that it is primarily powered by solar-generated electricity. “I changed the name to Sky Mall with the objective to raise as much power as we were allowed to generate, from the roof,”Williams explains. “The government lim- ited me to 150 kilowatts per system, but the roof can hold 400 kilowatts. So, now we are upgrading to 400 kilowatts. My long-term objective is to have the entire mall powered by the sun - 100 percent.” Eastmond reports that, today, the mall is completely filled with tenants, including Payless (offering fashion, jewelry and accessories, and footwear), Courts (home furnishings and accessories), Brydens Stationery (school and office supplies) and Upbeat (men’s and women’s apparel). Also, on the property’s southern side, are Little Pleasures Dessert Parlour, Burger King, and other food SKY MALL