By Shirley Thomas

RUBIS Guyana Inc. yesterday officially declared open its 10th location at Lot 1, Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown.

Boasting a spanking new state-of-the-art facility, the new gas station is a partnership between RUBIS and Ross’ Service Station, which previously served as a dealer for ‘Shell’ and later ‘Guyoil’ at that location. The elegant service station is conveniently located and geared to deliver a service that is ‘second to none.’

By no means a stranger to the petrol filling station business, Ross has been operating at that venue for 56 years – initially in the petrol business and interspersed with a restaurant and bar operations. The doors of the service station business were thrown open to the public on November 16, 1959, and ceased operations in 2015.

In her opening remarks, Retail Accounts Executive of RUBIS, Rhonda Johnson, declared that it was a special day for Ross’ Service Station and the office as they continue the tradition of operating a fuel outpost. “This piece of real estate has housed a service station for over four decades,” she said.

Johnson said that what was being witnessed was a symbiotic relationship between RUBIS and Ross’ Service Station that was incubated in early 2017, and has burgeoned into a wonderful business arrangement.

She referred to the relationship as humble, respectful, guarding the parties’ individual interests, while at the same time recognising the benefits from citizens. Among the firm values shared by both parties, she said, was their penchant for ‘quality’. She contended that the presence of the facility has transformed the landscape in a positive way and further enhances other RUBIS brands.

Johnson sees the immediate benefits of opening the service station as an opportunity to serve a number of customers who traffic this area; providing employment opportunities for young people and ultimately giving the brand additional prominence.

Johnson added that RUBIS is grateful to be associated with the owners of this facility and optimistic about expanding. She stated that they are also grateful to make a difference in the lives of Guyanese, optimistic about expanding a detailed network and proud to provide quality products and excited to be a part of the Guyanese family. And in keeping with its core values, it provides quality customer service, she assured.

And business partner, Mrs. Caretta Ross-Hopkinson, daughter of founder/ proprietor, Mr. Coglan Ross and wife Mrs. Alice Ross, gave a brief background to the project. Caretta is also the wife of business partner, Sean Hopkinson.

Ross’ Service Station was initially a Shell Service Station and later became the first dealer-owned GUYOIL Service Station. It first threw open its doors as a gas station on November 16, 1959, and remained in operation for full 56 years, before shutting up shop in August 2015. In the 70s and 80s, it housed what had come to be known as the very popular Village Gate Restaurant and Bar, well known for its tasty fried chicken.

Mrs. Ross-Hopkinson, on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude the family members and other partners for their contributions to making this dream a reality and to the community for receiving them back with wide open arms. She added that the family now looks forward to a better service, assuring that, “This legacy will continue.”

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Rubis International Guyana Inc. Mr. Mauricio Nicholls said that RUBIS is very committed to the partnership with Ross, noting that it is an excellent example of the partnership they (RUBIS) believe in.

“We will have to pay attention to every small detail of the operation, as we promote our brand and ensure that Guyanese consumers have a preference for our brand,” he said.
Mr. Nicholls saw as key to the success of the venture, an innovative project with handsome investment in technology and a new partnership with the station.

He assured that RUBIS is very committed to Guyana and pledges to continue the relationship with this country. Meanwhile, adding that RUBIS is optimistic about Guyana’s future in oil in the next few years, he said that RUBIS is ready to do its part to develop its business and grow in this beautiful country.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahender Sharma, on behalf of the Agency, congratulated the management and staff of the Ross/RUBIS Service Station and RUBIS for the investments and modernisation efforts toward improving the services of their branded Petrol.

Dr. Sharma said that the investment and official commissioning of the service station with its modern outlook is indeed a demonstration of the company’s commitment and confidence in Guyana’s private sector and the country as a whole. He said that branding and modernisation are useful tools in promoting a business since a company’s image will have a lasting impact on the attitude of both customers and employees.

The programme was richly spiced with renditions of two inspirational songs by pupils of Green Acres Primary School and a surprise feature of the free filling of the first customer’s vehicle. The lucky person was Mr. Nigel Harry of Damon Avenue, Linden.