Denise Williams, Staff Reporter
Leonardo De Barros (left), chairman of Cable and Wireless Jamaica, and Rodney Davis, president and chief executive officer of Cable and Wireless, speak at the company's annual general meeting at Hilton Hotel in New Kingston last Thursday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
CABLE & Wireless Jamaica has set its sights on differentiating itself from the competition through its sheer size.
Competition in the telecommunications sector has not only benefited consumers, it forced the company to tap into its creativity. This was clearly evident in last week's annual general meeting held at the Hilton Hotel.
THE FOCUS
"Our focus will be to stabilise and grow our fixed lines," declared Chairman Leonardo deBarros. "We will then expand our fixed line service through technology to ensure that people in rural Jamaica can have the service."
Mr. deBarros spoke on the two pronged strategy of C&WJ to attract customers and grow revenues.
"We will aggressively promote our broadband service," he said. "Our Max systems offer Internet access at the price of a cellular handset and that is the key to increasing penetration in Jamaica. Additionally, we have reduced broadband prices to meet customer demand."
In the mobile division, "we are going for growth," he said. "We are leveraging our existing footprint and will be creating value added services."
However, the real highlight of the AGM, at least for shareholders, will be the payment of a dividend.
Mr. deBarros said, "Last year we suffered without a dividend. Today, we recommend a dividend payment of six cents per stock unit."
He said the payout could not be improved as the company needed to reinvest in the business.
An added bonus to shareholders was the presentation of the book, Heroes of Ivan, which details the destruction suffered throughout the Caribbean and C&WJ's part in the restoration efforts.
