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.
Grassroots Logistics With A British Twist In Miami!
Every shipment has a story. Most are routine and others are chest pounding super heavy lifts. In keeping with Kestrel’s “Local Focus”, here is a fun story we share.
Kestrel’s Miami Team was asked to help the British High Commission coordinate the delivery of a shipment of cots and bedding for a number of islands affected last year by hurricanes.
The crew were advised the cots are not for idyllic shore leaves...
The Broward County Disaster Management Offices were pleased to donate surplus inventory.
The boss loves to get involved!
Lending a helping hand were three interns from local Florida Atlantic University, who made quite a number of trips through the Office’s halls and on to the waiting truck.
Helpful Broward County interns pitched in over their lunch break.
After palletizing the shipment, it was delivered to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Mounts Bay at the Port of Miami. This is her last stop before getting underway on another voyage throughout the British Caribbean Protectorates
The Mounts Bay alongside Port Miami.
The Mounts Bay is one of three specialized Landing Dock Ships in the British Navy.
She was a first responder last year in several Caribbean Islands and now the ship will visit a number of islands in the Caribbean region.
After a busy schedule for media and press events in Miami, she is setting sail on Saturday.
She is named after Mount's Bay in Cornwall.
Kestrel was glad to lend a hand and make sure the shipment went without a hitch.
Kestrel's trucker was delivered right on time!
Sometime in the coming weeks, these cots will be distributed and those who receive this donation will not have any idea of the logistics back story.
Operations underway!
Our commitment to the Caribbean and on-going rebuilding efforts is part of our fabric and culture. It was our pleasure to assist!
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.