The Monrose Group - driven by foresight & passion

Newman Monrose’s grandfather saved for years to buy a small boat so he could launch the first coasting vessel on Saint Lucia’s east coast. His son, Newman’s father, a mechanic, maintained it. They bought two more boats and then expanded into other areas like agriculture and real estate.

“With limited education, but with a brilliant instinct for business, my father went on to build an empire,” said Newman Monrose. “That gave me the background, the opportunity and the instincts to make my own mark in business.” He started his formal aviation experience with Caribbean Atlantic Airlines, combined with a three-hour afternoon shift at Texaco and a night auditor’s job at a local hotel.

Aged 27, he started his own business that became The Monrose Group a ‘multi-model logistics and transportation’ company. It directly employs over 70 people providing air and sea freight, travel and tour services (They’ve just expansively ordered two 45-seat tourist buses.) the Hyundai cars and maintenance franchise, destination management plus chauffeur driven limo’s for Virgin Atlantics Upper Class passengers and aircraft handling.

“We control about 85% of ground handling for corporate and private jets landing in St Lucia,” said Monrose. “Our main line now is Amerijet but we are totally equipped with warehouses, warehousing facilities and ground transportation. Our large administrative group are now ready represent any size of US business, particularly from Washington We also provide transit stock for those guys who leave their planes here and charter smaller airplanes to take them to the other islands.”

Right now, despite the meltdown, Newman Monrose is in expansive mode. And it’s taking him back to his famliy roots. “We’re hoping to start an ocean ferry service by the end of the year to provide a linkage between St Lucia Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad, ” he said. “Business people will be able to sit, do their work on the boat, reach say Barbados in 2½ hours, spend the day there and get back by the evening. My dream is that the Ferry will provide the linkages we need for free trade in the area and the freer movement of people. When governments talk about these things, the first question is “Sure we want it, but how are you going to get there?’ So we are hoping this provides the answer to that fundamental question.”

Regardless of its wide business merits, the enterprise is typically driven by Monrose’s feelings for St Lucia. “And that comes from the inspiration of my grandfather and my father. They are my role models: people who achieved so much with foresight and passion. My mission is to continue that vision.”