BK International cops top international award
-hailed as trailblazer in the construction business
Kaieteur News
January 1, 2005

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Guyana 's leading construction company BK International has copped the coveted Business Initiative World Quality and Standards International Gold Star Award commitment to quality and standards for 2004.

The award was formally presented to the company at a gala ceremony in France by the European-based organisation earlier this year.

The local company won the award from among more than 150 other companies worldwide, an achievement, which was hailed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds as one of the good things happening for Guyana .

At the company's local award ceremony held on Thursday, Prime Minister Hinds said that he was very impressed from the very first contact he had with the local construction giant.

He praised the company for integrating people of all races and urged the rest of Guyana to look to BK International for inspiration.

BK International is credited with successfully completing work on most of Guyana 's sea defences as well as several other significant projects.

Outlining the background of the company, consultant Ramon Gaskin posited that BK International has become a household name in the construction business in Guyana .

He noted that from humble beginnings, the company has risen to such heights that it has successfully outbid several foreign companies for contracts awarded by the international lending agencies.

“BK has done work for the IDB, CDB, USAID and the EU. It is presently involved in 25 projects throughout the three counties of Guyana . BK does not only do government work, it also does work for private companies.”

Gaskin added that the award of contracts to BK International is not accomplished through favours from the administration.

“I want to put to rest the idea that BK gets work easily. We have to fight bitterly against international companies for contracts,” Gaskin said.

According to Gaskin the company has expanded outside the traditional construction business, to the extent that it has acquired its own quarry at Linden .

“Another quarry is on the cards. We have also acquired more vessels and are presently transporting GUYSUCO products to the Caribbean . We hope in the near future to be able to ship products from Guyana to Europe ,” Gaskin disclosed.

Works Minister Anthony Xavier, under whose portfolio, most of the company's projects fall, also praised the quality work BK International has done over the years.

“The company has established itself as a trailblazer in the construction business,” Xavier said.

He praised the company's Chief Executive Officer Brian Tiwari for his vision and commitment in training and equipping his staff to meet the challenges of the 21 st Century.

“This company was instrumental in breaking the foreign stranglehold on the PL480 programme in Guyana ,” Xavier said.

During the ceremony on Thursday night, five employees were presented with awards for their long and outstanding service.

In an acceptance speech, Gail Tiwari, daughter of the company's CEO expressed appreciation to the government for the support given to BK International over the years.