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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Diageo USVI Signs Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Beresford Edwards, ESGR V.I. state chair; Fiona Jones, Diageo USVI vice president of operations hold Statement of Support.

Virgin Islands Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has announced that Diageo U.S. Virgin Islands signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on March 7 at the Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix in front of more than 30 attendees.

The Statement of Support confirms that Diageo USVI joins other employers in pledging:

    We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).

    We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

    We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservists and veterans.

    We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Beresford Edwards, ESGR V.I. state chair. 

“I am asking all Virgin Islands employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees. 

“Many Virgin Islands employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages and extension of health care benefits to complement coverage provided by the military when their employees mobilize.”

Fiona Jones, Diageo USVI vice president of operations, signed the Statement of Support during ESGR VI’s “Briefing with the Boss” event. BWB’s offer employers training on the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and an opportunity to learn about military status, training and duty.

“Diageo USVI joins a distinguished list of national companies, U.S. Virgin Islands businesses, state and federal agencies, and employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Edwards. “By signing the Statement of Support, it is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

ESGR seeks to foster a culture where all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the Department of Defense (DoD).

For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs or volunteer opportunities, contact locally ESGR State Chairman Beresford Edwards, 277-9396; Verna Walcott, 713-5722; or Public Affairs Director Shereen Grouby, 332-2768. Email ESGR at esgrvirginislandspa@gmail.com. Nationally, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

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