Oran celebrates 50 years

ORAN LIMITED has been hailed for its sterling contribution to Barbados over the past 50 years.

The accolades were handed down by Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce, and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, during a reception held to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of Sheraton Mall, at the Crane Resort last Saturday.

Along with Inniss, several prominent businessmen, including managing director of Altman Real Estate Paul Altman, managing director of Diamonds International Jacob Hassid and Sir Trevor Carmichael and Russian Ambassador to Barbados Nikolay Smirnov, attended the event.

During his brief address, Inniss said it was “refreshing” to see a company come to Barbados and be so successful.

“I don’t know if you have realised the comfort which you have brought to so many . . . individuals and I want to thank you for that,” he said.

“Oran Limited could have chosen to go somewhere else but those responsible opted to come here. It is refreshing to see a company come here and last 50 years.”

The minister also applauded Oran – owners of Sheraton Mall – for providing a wonderful shopping experience.

During the night’s proceedings, there were also remarks made by four generations of the Oran family: founder, Marshall; chief executive officer Scott; operations manager Justin and marketing directors Arel and Sharon.

Sharon revealed that Sheraton Mall had grown from 35 stores when it first opened in 1989, to today’s 214. (RB)