Searchlight takes a close up look at Acting Chief Exective at Cable & Wireless (SVG) Ltd.Foster Hannaway.

He credits close family for the inspiration, influence and motivation to continue the work that he has been involved in for the past 29 years. He also credits the ability to function fluently in his new position to his management team and staff who he says support him daily.

Since being named Acting Chief Executive Officer of Cable and Wireless on April 1st, 2007, Foster Hannaway has been taking it in his stride.{{more}}

The quiet but firm, one-time track and field record holder at the St. Vincent Grammar School said that the job is hectic at times, but according to the bMobile slogan “It Feels Good”.

Q: Are you living your professional dream?

My career at Cable & Wireless started in May 1978 as a Commercial Officer serving customer needs, be it provisioning of telephone service, advising and selling customer premises equipment such as PABX’s, Special handsets, Telex machines, Fax Machines – service in general I did it. I have always served customers and perhaps it is the reason today why I am so passionate to delight customers and strive to exceed their expectations.

A lot of my experience was gained through a former boss Dick Neverson who mentored me. Dick exposed me to all areas of Cable & Wireless which accounts for my knowledge of the business today.

As I reflect on my earlier years, I feel a sense of happiness having seen the advancement of technology from telex and telegrams to broadband and IP-centric communications. Having advanced through the organization is a pleasant dream and I continue to live these dreams by doing my part to provide top quality telecommunication services to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, by continuously developing the people skills within Cable and Wireless and further moulding Cable & Wireless to be the telecommunications provider of choice.

Q: What do you do to relax?

My main form of relaxation is spending time with my family. I love reading fiction, non fiction, religious and spirituality books when time permits. On the lighter side I love to socialize with friends. I consider myself an excellent cook even though I don’t do it too often. All this I do with appropriate background music, I love music in all forms. My favorite genre is Jazz.

Q: How do you spend your weekends?

My weekends are usually quiet and routine. I find time to plan what I want to accomplish in the approaching week; I go to church, do some gardening and there are always home chores to be done.

Q: What is your favorite meal?

When it comes to food I am not fussy. I have a special taste for Italian cuisine – Pasta, roasted chicken, Italian sausages, served with beans and corn in a flavored sauce, with garlic mashed potatoes. This with a few glasses of Chilean red wine sets the mood for a relaxing evening.

Q: What challenges you most in life?

My immediate challenge is my new leadership role at Cable & Wireless. My goal is to enrich our customers’ every day experiences by delivering excellent service; to continue to develop our team of knowledgeable friendly staff and to be enthusiastic about their success and that of the business in this fast changing competitive environment.

Q: Where do you get inspiration to go on?

My inspiration comes from many sources, but the people who I know and meet are my biggest inspirations – Marva, my real life heroine – wife, mother, lover, and friend; my mother who encourages me to persevere especially when I am in my stressful moments and friends too numerous to mention.

Q: Who has had the most positive influence on your life?

My father. He came from a very poor family but always instilled in his children that education is key to our success. He inspired us with his belief; we can achieve all things through Christ with confidence in ourselves.

The seven heavenly virtues – faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, temperance and prudence were his guidance of living an exemplary life.

If you were given the power to change one thing in the country or the world, what would it be?

If I had the power to eradicate poverty I will. Statistics show over 1.2 billion people around the globe still live on less than a dollar a day and nearly 850 million people go hungry every night. I feel real pain when I see people suffering due to the lack of food, shelter and clothing. We all can do our part by collaborating with organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to help in the fight against poverty.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5-10 years I will be happily retired. Once health and strength permit, my aim is to do voluntary work, assist the church in its social outreach programs.