MoBay BPO firm rolls out $8.5m staff relief drive
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Dellon Hall, an employee of Strobe Etech Communications, is overcome with emotion after receiving a bed during the company’s handover of essential household items to staff affected by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday.
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Conrad Robinson (fourth left), JAMPRO’s manager of the Western Regional Office; Kadian Tulloch (fourth right), employee Strobe Etech Communications; Yanique Troupe (third right), country manager, Strobe Etech Communications, Gloria Henry (second right), vice-president BPO and Logistics, Port Authority of Jamaica; and Horace Gyles (right), director/finance, Strobe Etech Communications, during the company’s handover of essential household items to staff affected by Hurricane Melissa, on Tuesday.
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Aleshia Malcolm, an employee of Strobe Etech Communications, receives a mattress from Yanique Troupe, the company’s country manager.
Western Bureau:
When Hurricane Melissa ripped across western Jamaica, it left BPO employees like Aleshia Malcolm sheltering in her car and erased Dellon Hall’s home entirely. Now, Strobe Etech Communication is investing $8.5 million to help its staff rebuild from the losses.
Strobe Etech Communication said the initiative, which reaches all 300 team members, provides food, toiletries, appliances and household supplies to help workers begin rebuilding.
According to Yanique Troupe, country manager of Strobe Etech Communication, the effort marks the company’s first major relief initiative in response to Hurricane Melissa.
Noting that 80 per cent of staff was negatively impacted by the hurricane and many living in Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover and St James, Troupe said, the items are intended to make a meaningful difference.
“As you know, some would have lost their roofs et cetera. Each team member is going to receive a care package that has over 20 essential foods, toiletries, queen size beds, mattresses, linens, counter-top stoves, refrigerators, pots, bottled water and more,” she said.
Troupe stressed that although the distribution comes close to the Christmas season, it is not a Christmas gift. Staff will still receive their annual bonuses in recognition of their resilience and dedication throughout the year.
“We will be paying Christmas bonuses to our staff, having a treat and issuing Christmas cakes. This is us saying to our people that we stand with you and thank you for showing up for us every day. We are just helping them to rebuild,” she said.
Staff Relieved
For many employees, the support has brought relief after weeks of uncertainty. Several said the assistance made them feel valued beyond their roles at the company.
“I am so relieved because I don’t know where I would start from. I have been sleeping in my car for quite a while after the hurricane and it has been rough,” said Malcolm of Westmoreland.
“I am getting a bed now and that is a major thing because I have been so uncomfortable for a while,” she added, moved to tears.
Malcolm described the struggle to protect her two-year-old daughter as her home collapsed around them.
“My entire roof caved in, leaving my clothes under rubble and appliances damaged. When I was trying to save a window, I stepped in the water and a piece of glass sliced my foot. I was wondering when it would end, while trying to keep my daughter safe,” she said. Despite the ordeal, she has maintained perfect attendance at work.
Hall, of Adelphi, St James, said he was stunned by the support after losing everything.
“I am truly grateful. I lost everything that day; the bed walk gone, everything left me. I was in my room and then there was no room. I tried to save one and two items, but nothing got saved,” said Hall, who was rescued by neighbours.
“I am lost for words, but I am grateful that I can start rebuilding my life. My boss reached out to me every day. I am overwhelmed and ecstatic for what was done for us,” he added.
Gloria Henry, vice president of BPO and logistics at the Port Authority of Jamaica, said the initiative reflected the sector’s commitment to employee welfare.
“This not just about handing out relief items, it’s about resilience, care, strength and togetherness. It is not just about giving people something that will satisfy their appetite, but taking care of their comfort,” Henry said, noting that Troupe took time to understand the specific needs of affected staff.
ashley.anguin@gleanerjm.com