Promoted as “Connecting communities and transforming lives.”
“Our new brand FLOW represents the essence of all positive about the Caribbean. The people, our passion, drive to succeed, innovation and positive vibes…Flow is a brand that is dynamic, confident, inspiring and engaging. We are Caribbean, one team working towards a common objective.” These words spoken by Montserrat’s General Manager, Randolph Lewis of FLOW formerly LIME (C&W) at the launch of FLOW on November 6, 2015 in Sweeney’s.
Soloist Mildred Chalmers following an introduction to an opening delayed because of an open sky of rain, with the singing of the Montserrat National Song.
The Master of Ceremonies introduced the proceedings We are on a voyage and today is the beginning of a new journey and we have launched our ship and it is a big blue ship sailing forward with positivity with innovation with all the service and technology that we have been known for, for a very long time.
He called Randolph W. Lewis, the captain of the ship giving a rundown of his service to the company which began in 1990 answering calls an operator transferred to network department coordinated repairs etc., who over the next 20 years from 1992, continued to learn and hone his skills, IT technician, and more, given his biggest challenge yet, last year when he was chosen to lead the Montserrat team.
Lewis said: “On this day November 6th 2015 we are creating history as we launch flow Montserrat. Montserrat joins our fourteen Caribbean markets as part of our phased brand repositioning in an era of growth and transformation. Our transition from Lime to FLOW is as a result of our successful merger – symbolic of our integration of two great companies.”
The manager provided history and information of, “Cable & Wireless Communication’s one hundred and fifty years of telecommunication leadership and experience and the technical innovation and customer focused approach of Columbus the region’s most advanced regional broadband provider.”
The creation of FLOW is the result of the merger between Cable and Wireless and Columbus International.
In the presence of guests and officials, were the Chief Financial Officer for the region Alex Brama, managers from other Caribbean offices including the Regional Manager, and the Minister of Telecommunications Paul Lewis; Miss Charissa Ryan now the new FLOW ambassador, the Miss Jaycees International and Miss Montserrat. They all listened to the FLOW manager as he concluded, “We are connecting communities and transforming lives.”
The island’s Minister of Telecommunications Paul Lewis meanwhile before cutting the ribbon to open the new operations, reacting to the launch of the new C&W brand FLOW expressed optimism about the future of the tecoms sector on the island.
Lewis was of the opinion that the growth of broad band internet access on Montserrat will contribute significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP), (“a proven fact,” he said). He called the parent company the “region’s most advanced broadband provider,” adding that the company now FLOW has been a constant friend and supporter of Montserrat, has maintained a presence for at least six decades, stayed when the going got tough remained and strengthened…sponsor of almost everything in Montserrat, and has done what no other.”
In his address he recognized the efforts of and thanked the company which is now being rebranded from LIME (Landline, Internet, Mobile and Entertainment) to improve connectivity on Montserrat, and for partnering with the government in its ICT project all the way into the schools. He said, “they took us from the dark ages of no connection to 4G launch and plans to keep us up to date… they have invested millions in network, community and so much more…”
“On behalf of the government and people,” Lewis ended, “a heartfelt thank you for the decades of contribution to the telecommunication provider of choice, the great place to work, employer of choice, ICT developer, nation builder…”
He noted the celebrated transformation FLOW ready to flow and go with the flow renewed its focus on transforming the telecommunication technology in Montserrat.
The ribbon cutting by Minister Lewis, was preceded by prayers lead by Fr. Vyfius and the recognition of several regional personnel of the company, representatives, three ‘lovely’ ladies, from their C&W sponsored band in Antigua, the media, and more.