LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A tribute to the late David Foster
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Dear Sir,
From my perspective the only significant positive news to dampen the blow
of Mr. David Foster’s passing has been the “miss” of Cayman by Hurricane
Dennis.
Over the past few days a lot has been said about David Foster - the family
man, the philanthropist, the business man, the employer, the leader, the
visionary. I have personally seen evidence of all those qualities first hand.
There is one small seemingly insignificant act, however, which impressed me
immensely. His action then clearly demonstrated his level of ethics, integrity
and fair play and how he conducted business.
One morning he arrived at the office and enquired if two used containers,
which he had earlier suggested to be purchased overseas for use locally as
temporary storage, had arrived.
He was told that they had. It was mentioned that to maximize the benefit of
the freight, the containers were filled with grocery items to be received in
the normal way before the containers were sent for conversion on site. He then
asked if duty was paid on the containers in addition to the groceries. Stunned
silence. No one including Customs had thought of that.
Mr. Foster then instructed that a cheque be drawn and sent to Customs for
an amount calculated at the applicable duty rate on the purchase price of the
containers.
There is an unmistakable message in that act. It spoke volumes. Is there
any wonder that Foster’s Food Fair prospered the way it has? His family,
employees - past and present, indeed the whole island will miss him.
May he rest in peace.
Lee Maragh
Back...
| 
