CHRISTIANSTED — During a ceremony at the Limetree Bay Refinery, LLC (LBR) Monday evening officials of Limetree presented certificates of completion for basic operator training to 35 residents of St. Croix as they train to become refinery process operators.
The employees completed a rigorous six-week training program and were recognized as the first class to graduate from the Basic Operator Training Program at Limetree Bay Refining.
In his remarks to the graduates, Limetree Bay Refining Sr Vice President and General Manager, Bob Weldzius told the class that he was happy they had joined the Limetree family to restart the refinery and keep it running.
Weldzius said that the next step for operators is to train on their assigned process units and he challenged them to learn as much detail as possible about their units.
He told the graduates that he was counting on them to operate the refinery safely and to watch out for the safety of other Limetree employees as well as contractors. Limetree’s Vice President of Refinery Operations Brent Woodland told the operators that they are now responsible for fueling the future, fueling their family and fueling the island.
Weldzius challenged them to listen to learn and to continue asking questions.
When speaking of safety, he referenced a quote by Aristotle and said: “Safety excellence is not an act, it is a habit.”
Guest speaker Naief Salamah, Limetree Refinery Shift Superintendent shared with the graduates his journey of building his career at the refinery.
Salamah chronicled the start of his career as the youngest operator in his basic operator class at the prior company to becoming the youngest Refinery Shift Superintendent at Limetree Bay Refining.
He explained the importance of maintaining a great attitude because the facility will ensure that the employees are trained and acquire the proper skills.
Altoglacio Straun, the youngest operator in the class spoke on behalf of the graduates.
“The word safety was engrained into us,” Straun said. “The importance of being able to return home to love ones everyday just the way you left.”
He mentioned that he looked forward to seeing economic growth and many opportunities in St. Croix and the Virgin Islands as a result of the refinery restarting.
Straun shared his plans to obtain his Associate Degree in Process Technology from UVI and work to become the youngest leader of the Refinery.
The graduates were supported by friends and family who applauded their accomplishments.
The graduates of the 1st Limetree Bay Refining Process Operator class were:
Andre Barthlett, Priscilla Laurent, Gregory Bodley, Kareem Loctar, D’Quane, Camacho, Raevah Matthew, Joeanne Christopher, Carlyle Maynard ,Stephen Clarke, Mathu Mutidi, Joseph Daniel, Dana Pascal,Earl Dawson, Cedric Patton, Jeremiah Durand, Dylisha Peter, Regina Evans, John Peter, Kellita Frederick, Bryan Peterson, Luis Frontal Jr., Jelani Prince, Deshaun Garvey, Darnell Rutherford, Everett Henry, Che Smith, Khari Hopkins, Richie Sookoo, Calvin Hypolite, Ketron Springette, Troy Jack, Altoglacio Straun, Judy James, Shaquilla Thomas and Rasheem Joseph