Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1418957
8 I PSAI Association Insight, October 13, 2021 (continued on page 10) "I" is for International (continued from page 7) Barbados and Jamaica James Elliot began Ellco Rentals in Barbados in 1984. Specializing in a complete line of rental equipment for events, he introduced the concept of portable sanitation to his country in the early 1990s. James and wife Alison soon joined the PSAI and attended almost all shows, regardless of location in the US. In addition, the couple became very active in the American Rental Association (ARA) as yet another way to improve and to expand their business. James' philosophy is "to promote sanitary conditions and a healthy environment for workers and visitors alike." Ellco's website summarizes their reason for being in the portable sanitation industry, "proper facilities make a dif- ference to worker productivity, morale, and public health." With these high standards as well as a desire to help and to lead others, James was elected to the PSAI Board in 2005. In 2010, James Elliot became the first international member to serve as President of the PSAI. He was an excellent and effective leader and helped to plan a wonderful 40th anniversary celebration of the PSAI in 2011. In addition, James and Alison hosted the PSAI Spring International Board Meeting in Barbados and were most gracious hosts. We toured the Ellco facility, and it was very impressive. Ellco expanded to Jamaica and today son Jas Elliot manages the operation in Kingston. The Ellco Group of Companies is now one of the largest special event companies in the Caribbean. As an aside, daughter Michelle is an Olympic athlete in skeet shooting. Personal Note: When I joined the Executive Board as Secretary in 2008, James turned over that position to me and progressed to Treasurer. So, each year, James was able to train me on the position that I was about to assume. He was very pleasant, kind, and extremely helpful. When I became President and it was discovered that prolonged fraudulent activity had crippled the financial health of the Association, James was a source of encouragement and strength in his position as Past President. During my two-year extended term as President, James was always there to help the Association that he held so dear. Alison and James Elliot South America Jeremy Hawkins In addition to his work in Europe (1990–2000), Jeremy Hawkins traveled to South America to open that market as well. "I would make two trips of at least five weeks each on an annual basis to South America," Jeremy relates. "Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru were the countries that I most frequently visited." Health ministers in the various countries were extremely interested in the advan- tages of portable sanitation. According to Jeremy, "at that time cholera remained a health concern in South America. In addition, in some of the poorer areas of these countries, portable restrooms would greatly improve public health." Even 40 years ago, the public health advantages of portable sanitation were being recognized. Jeremy Hawkins