A diverse group of women took center stage at the TDC Automotive Divisions in St. Kitts and Nevis, for the retail stores’ Women’s Car Care Clinic, a unique event designed to empower women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to better understand and care for their vehicles.
The clinic, held at the C A Paul Southwell Industrial Park, and Pinney’s Industrial Estate saw over thirty women come together on Saturday 15th and 22nd March 2025, to create an engaging and educational experience focused on basic vehicle maintenance, safety, and general upkeep.
The event featured a series of hands-on and informative sessions led by TDC Automotive Service Professionals, covering essential topics such as oil changes, tyre maintenance, brake inspections, battery care, and troubleshooting common car issues.
“We’re excited to host this Women’s Car Care Clinic as part of our ongoing commitment to educate and empower women in all aspects of automotive knowledge. The clinics are not just about car repairs; it’s about breaking down barriers and building confidence in women, giving them the tools they need to feel empowered and independent when it comes to their vehicles,” said Mr. Duran Merchant, the St. Kitts based Sales and Service Manager.
He added, “The automotive industry has so much potential for women, and events like this are a step toward creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Our goal is to inspire more women to also explore careers in automotive fields and ensure they feel welcome and capable in any situation involving cars. Our aim is to continue fostering a culture of learning, through empowerment, by using knowledge and innovation within the automotive industry.
The attendees were highly engaged, asking questions, and actively participated in hands-on demonstrations, and left with a deeper understanding of their cars and how to keep them running smoothly.
In addition to the sessions, the retail stores also highlighted the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive environment for women in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector. As part of this initiative, the clinic aimed to also raise awareness of career opportunities for women in automotive technology.
The Women’s Car Care Clinic now in its third year has received enthusiastic support from attendees. Discussions are already underway with the respective management teams to host the event biannually based on the overwhelming responses and success.
Picture – Mr. Soldi Jones, TDC Automotive Division (St. Kitts) speaking with participants about vehicle safety at the the Women’s Car Care Clinic on St. Kitts
Contractors, architects, property managers, and tilers from across St. Kitts and Nevis were given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills through a corporate partnership with the TDC Home and Building Depots and the Trinidad based company, Micro Milling Limited.
The companies hosted a two-day informational product launch seminar, that included a variety of new products activity on Tuesday 24th February in St. Kitts and Wednesday 25th March 2025 in Nevis, which were facilitated by Mr. Kerwin Clarke (Export Sales Executive) and Mr. Stanley Tempro (Manager) who showcased a variety of thin set, grout, concrete and, plaster mix, and Micro Level 5000, a self-leveling underlayment.
Participants also learned about product selection, surface preparation, tile setting, using industry standards for thin set application techniques and best practices from a “Trowel and Error” presentation and hands on demonstration.
In speaking about the event, Mr. Clarke stated, “We are happy to partner with the TDC Home and Building Depots to provide the stores, and by extension their customers with our products, share our knowledge, and experience. These forums have created an additional avenue for industry professionals (and staff at the retail stores) to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help them stay ahead of the curve to elevate their projects.”
Ms. Jhanelle Brown, the Acting TDC Client Relations and Marketing Manager, also spoke of the importance of the activity and its benefits to the customer experience within the retail stores.
“We are happy to host this collaborative informational seminar and launch. Our local experts in the construction and home improvement sectors are now equipped with knowledge and understanding, backed by experience and industry standards that will ensure quality and efficiency of their projects. Additionally, our staff who participated in the in-house component will now be better able to advise and recommend Micro Milling products to meet our customers’ needs, whether they are building a home, remodeling, or just looking to improve their home or office space.”
The activity forms part of a collaborative effort by the TDC Home and Building Depots and its local, regional, and international suppliers to educate industry professionals, and staff about products and services available within the marketplace.
Picture 1 – Mr. Kerwin Clarke, Micro Milling, Limited Sales Executive making a product presentation
Picture 2 – Mr. Stanley Tempro, Manager, Micro Milling Limited speaking to participants about tools of the tile trade
The TDC Home and Building Depots continue to reaffirm their commitment to the agricultural sector, through its Annual Farmers Appreciation Month promotion.
From 1st until 31st March, all ‘farmers’ are being given the opportunity to take advantage of the special discount being offered in store and online, via www.shoptdcgroup.com, on a wide range of products, including lawn and garden supplies, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation systems, farming tools and equipment.
Over the four (4) week period field representatives from the TDC Agro Sales Departments have been visiting and interacting with several crop and livestock production farmers to discuss ways the companies can best meet their needs.
On Saturday 29th March, the stores will host a Farmers Market, where farmers will sell their fresh produce and products directly to customers, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., on the Frigate Bay Road in Basseterre or Pinney’s Industrial Estate, in Charlestown.
Farmers Appreciation Month is specifically designed to show gratitude not only to bona fide farmers but to all people involved in agriculture, for their contribution to business growth.
This ‘give back’ initiative also highlights the ongoing relationship with farming fraternities, agricultural associations, and government agencies to support the National call to buy local, eat local, improve food safety, and security, while enhancing the sustainability of the sector.
Picture – A Local Female Farmer Displaying Farm Fresh Produce at the 2024 TDC Home and Building Depot Farmers Market in St. Kitts
