The atmosphere at the Bermuda Industrial Union Esso Gas Station was buzzing as more than 100 people turned out to celebrate its grand reopening in an event filled with family fun.

Members of the community came out this afternoon to enjoy food, vendors, entertainment and also to take a first glimpse of the station following extensive renovations.

The event was also held in celebration of the gas station being in business for more than 50 years.

It included performances by majorettes and Gombeys as well as a magician who kept the children entertained. There was also a fire raffle entry, a fun castle, face painting and free giveaways. DJ Kasper who was spinning some lively beats took the opportunity to tribute to the great Muhammad Ali who died yesterday.

Reverend Nicholas Tweed was on hand to offer a blessing at the opening of the station saying that it should not only be celebrated as a successful local business but also as “a fiscal institution and business institution that represents jobs, that represents empowerment and that represents self-determination”.

After a few celebratory words from “Miss Thang” Kristy Burgess, representing Power 95FM, BIU president Chris Furbert took to the podium to welcome the crowd. Mr Furbert applauded the organisers of the event as well as the customers, patrons and staff that make it a success. He thanked construction company AJ Lewis and the subcontractors who had completed the work as well as everyone who turned up to the event.

Michael Dunkley, the Premier, made an address to the crowd and then, turning to Mr Furbert, said: “Let me congratulate you Mr President for keeping this business viable and moving forward including creating opportunities and creating services in the community.

“As I look around here the first thing you see is a nice, spanking new place but there is a lot more than that. There is a lot of work that has gone into it — new tanks, new pumps and then, when you go inside, a bright and airy retail store.

“Congratulations to AJ Lewis for your commitment to the community and making it happen.”

Acting Progressive Labour Party leader David Burt said that Leader of the Opposition Marc Bean, who could not be present, had sent his congratulations on behalf of the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr Burt added: “As you will know the BIU and PLP have a long history of being united. We were founded around the same time and the PLP was born out of the BIU and the labour movement so there is a long history.

“This is not only a place of commerce but a place of empowerment and a place of employment.”

Barbados-headquartered Sol Group expanded into Bermuda to operate the gas stations and supplies fuel to aircraft at LF Wade International Airport, through Sol Petroleum Bermuda Limited.

Lead county manager for Sol Petroleum, Jonathan Brewin, also thanked the community for all its support.

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