PILGRIMS SECURITY LTD, a company started by retired soldier from the British Army, Roy Fonseka, 15 years ago, is going from strength to strength according to managing director Fonseka. But Mr. Fonseka was quick to point out that his company like others in the security business in Seychelles have challenging times ahead of them.
“The current business climate is testing to say the least. Recent increases in fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, electricity and services generally have all rocketed to a level never seem before. We must all be ready to meet the new challenges if we are to keep our heads above water, so to speak, in the security industry.” Mr. Fonseka said. “In the midst of these turbulent times, Pilgrims Security strongly believes that investing in its workforce is key in order to keep ahead in the security business”, he added. Pilgrims Security Ltd was formed and launched in 1993 with about a dozen personnel but the company is now employing more than 100 people. This is testimony that 'Pilgrims' is determine to keep ahead of the others locally in the security business.
Pilgrims have broadened its services over the years to include the latest technical tools and gadgets available on the market. This includes the installation of Alarms and CCTV run from Pilgrims' 24hr Central Monitoring Station backed by a Mobile Quick Response Service. There is a very keen group of technicians employed by the company whose tasks it is to keep abreast, with the latest technology in communication that is continuously being developed, Mr. Fonseka told our reporter. Mr. Fonseka also commented on the ongoing global security threat, which have caused the security industry across the world to spend millions in research and development, which has contributed in reducing product costs to the benefit of all in the industry.
The security guards are the other component, which have contributed to the success of the company. “Our guard force works alongside and in support of the technical service to compliment the product on offer to our customers.” Mr. Fonseka said. “Without them our product would not be complete.” He added. Mr. Fonseka commented that the lack of human resources is probably the most challenging aspect for the security industry as is the case within the service industry as a whole. “The existing problems have been echoed so often in the business circle,” he said.
In response to a question on how his company tackles this problem, Mr. Fonseka answered that the simple and most logical approach is to tackle this problem head on. With training, training and continuous training alongside good work conditions and incentive to attract and keep your work force. Before announcing the new salary structure for the staff, Mr. Fonseka emphasised that, “holding each and everyone responsible for their task cannot be compromised. Of course most important is working top down, that is from the most senior to the junior and not the other way round. I make this point as the notion of owning responsibility is a culture that has yet to be developed across the board,” he said.
Revised Package for the staff at Pilgrims
The lowest rank at Pilgrims Security Ltd is paid a minimum of R2,800 per month declared Mr. Roy Fonseka the managing director on presenting a new package for all his staff on the 15th anniversary of the company. The firm is celebrating 15 years of successful existence regardless of the numerous challenges over the years.
“Our basic entry point of R2,800 gives us a wider choice of suitable candidates,” Mr. Fonseka said. After a successful probation period along with good performance, the security guard move on to the next rank, which attracts R3,000, after which the security personnel can, provided they have demonstrated the qualities required of them progress to the Junior Commander posts with a salary of R3,500, while Commanders get up to R4,000. Senior Commanders and Supervisors earn above R4,000.
Mr. Fonseka highlighted the fact that his company have always revised salaries at the end of every year to reward those who work hard. This he said is based purely on merit adding that most of his senior staff are paid salary - in line with top national salaries. “The solution to meeting the present high cost of living is not higher wages. This is only possible by streamlining, increased productivity, maintaining service standards. Automatically that results in having the ability to give higher wages. But one cannot put the cart before the horse,” he said. Fonseka explained that this entails paying more to those who deliver rather than having several people doing work that one person can do.
Pilgrims offering well-paying part-time security jobs
Pilgrims Security have part-time jobs for people already in employment to take up a second job (part-time) with the chance to earn up to R2,800 as a member of their “Reserve Team” of security officers.
We are taking advantage of the new law allowing for a second job this should be encouraged the managing director of Pilgrims Security Ltd commented. “We at Pilgrims Security have introduced a concept of a Reserve Security Team whereby after having free training, a person can have a second job.
After completing a maximum of three shifts per week he stands to earn an additional R2,800 as an extra salary with Pilgrims,” Mr. Fonseka Said.