In Business

Sol Petroleum Cayman Limited was given a warm reception when the new company was unveiled recently to customers in Grand Cayman.

The official launch followed the purchase of ExxonMobil’s Caribbean businesses in the Western Caribbean (Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman) in January this year.

The transaction included ExxonMobil’s fuels marketing business as well as a long term brand alliance which provides for the continuation of the Esso brand at the acquired retail sites. Customers will therefore be able to buy the same high quality fuel and products that are associated with the Esso retail offering when they visit Esso service stations across the island.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Sol Group, Sir Kyffin Simpson greeted customers, management, directors and staff of the new subsidiary, noting that Sol was very pleased to be in Cayman and looked forward to building further bonds with the government and people of Cayman.

Sir Kyffin stated: “Across the region Cayman is one of the countries with a prospering economy and we will build on the very solid structure already established here to grow and expand the business. We will continue to partner with community groups and associations as part of our commitment to giving back to communities which we serve.”

The Chairman’s comments were well received by his audience, and later endorsed by Chief Executive Officer of The Sol Group, Gerard Cox who was among dignitaries in attendance.

Cox said Sol’s Caribbean roots gave the company a unique and advantageous appreciation of regional markets including Cayman.

“As people from the Caribbean, we share a deep appreciation and understanding of our region, its people, and their needs. We can therefore work together to provide even greater value to our customers and stakeholders. Our objective is to offer quality energy solutions, deliver the best in customer satisfaction and serve the needs of the communities where we do business. Our focus across the region has been on long-term social partnerships; in education, sports, the environment and energy.”

Also addressing the ceremony, General Manager of Sol Petroleum Cayman Limited, Alan Neesome said the Esso brand had been, and would continue to be an important contributor to the market in Cayman. He said the company was therefore happy to be able to continue offering its customers the same high quality products associated with Esso as part of the Sol organisation.

“The Esso brand has a long-standing legacy in Cayman with over 80 years as a major contributor and investor in the Cayman market, providing opportunities for Caymanians to own and manage successful business ventures. We are very happy to perpetuate the tradition under Sol and will offer the same ExxonMobil high quality fuels long associated with Esso.

Neesome further noted that as a respected regional player, Sol had demonstrated its commitment to regional development in every market where it had established operations, the Cayman market being no exception.

“Under the Sol/Esso umbrellas we will continue to support non-profit organisations, such as Meals on Wheels, NCVO, the Cancer Society, Family Resource Centre and Junior Achievement to mention just a few, and we will build on such initiatives by forming new alliances to help with other deserving community causes. In addition, in Cayman, we continue to sponsor our youth through sporting and educational initiatives such as: football, cricket, basketball little league and through the offering of student scholarships at regional universities to the mutual benefit of Cayman, Caymanians and the Caribbean.”

Sol also received an official welcome from President of the Cayman Chamber of Commerce, Johann Moxam, who encouraged the new company to get involved in the Chamber’s work and initiatives, sharing its extensive knowledge and research on energy related issues.

“Sol Petroleum Cayman Limited’s launch into the Cayman market is a significant development and solidifies an important supply chain for our islands,” Moxam said. “Sol’s ongoing and future investment and involvement in the development of critical infrastructure will help us to build a more modern and innovative society in which to live and work.”

Sol is also the largest macro distributor of Shell lubricants in the Caribbean and will offer a full range of lubricants, including synthetic high-performance products to Cayman.