The staff of M-B’s and his mother Adena Henley from left front row posed for the cameras

Marvin Blyden or MB, as he is affectionately known, is an entrepreneur and a businessman who started out as a teenager and germinated as the proud owner and manager of M-B’s Ice, one of the Territory’s main supplier of ice in Humtums Ghut.

It all started out in 1978 with a single machine at the family’s residence, when Blyden who had just left high school and uncertain about his future, was anchored into the business by his friend Elliot ‘Booty’ Hodge who came up with the brilliant idea during one of their many Sunday evening dialogues.

“Bootie suggested that we both get two machines and set them up at our homes, but he did not continue, I jumped right on, from then I am loving every moment,” said the proud owner.  

Being the product of a single parent has motivated Blyden to be a fighter. His mother and role model, Adena Henley who considered herself to be the only “man and woman” of the household which was also occupied by Blyden’s eight other siblings was very hardworking and dedicative to her children’s future.

As the fifth child of the Blyden household, Marvin picked up his first job at the Roadtown Wholesale, working weekends as a store attendant while at high school in a bid to provide for his family’s basic needs.

“I had to help to put food on the table, those days we had to work our butts off,” Blyden reminisced.

He later left for Florida University with a concentration on Business Economics. Upon leaving the company in the capable hands of his mother and extended family, Blyden decided to return and concentrated on the business which was still struggling to stay alive. Upon his return to the Territory, he was offered to fill the position of a manager at his former job which he refused, preferring to focus his attentions on carrying on the ice businesses.

Since then, M-B’s Ice has become a hot commodity with the company offering reliable service to its many customers. Apart from the efficient delivery service, customers are pleased with the quality of their product with its long lasting and fast cooling reputation.

M-B’s Ice, with its motto ‘Ice It Please’ remains the number one choice at many official functions, cultural events, parties and especially during the carnival season. Shellene Holder, who has been employed with the company as a secretary for six years, described working at functions at the company as very challenging. “We have to meet the demand of all our customers, and so far the feedback is tremendous,” she added.

With a state of the art machine which produces 10,000lbs of cubes and block ice in eight hours, it is easy to keep on top of the high demands. In addition to its many customers, the company also supplies hotels and a number of yachts in the harbour.

Bylden said he made the right choice when he decided to remain in the ‘icy-business’.

“Although my friend Booty didn’t stick to his part of the bargain, he always supported me, I am happy to say that after 30 years we are still very close. It is good when a person can maintain a good friendship for so many years, that says a lot about both individuals,” he added.

Blyden thanked all his customers and staff throughout the years they have supported his business.

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