Government workers clock up decades of service

(CNS): Scores of government employees were recognised last week for lengthy careers in the Cayman Islands public service. With no awards being handed out since 2007 the list of veteran civil servants was significant with 200 people being honoured at a special do at Pedro St James. The longest serving member of the service was Nellie McCoy who has served government for 43 years. Seven other public sector workers had also clocked up four decades. In applauding the employees Donovan Ebanks, the acting governor, who was himself awarded for long service noted the pressures faced by government workers.

“We all are grateful for the privilege of serving our people and earning an honest living. There always are seasons when we wish things could be different, but we will continue to do all we can to contribute to the welfare of our Islands,” he said. He also implored civil service veterans to “impress upon juniors the importance of dedication and commitment.”

Meanwhile, James Watler, president of the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association, which co-sponsored the event thanked his members for their “steadfastness, commitment, loyalty, wisdom, perseverance and burning desire to get the work done. You have done commendable jobs, and can be justly proud,” he said.

Forty year veterans included Lewie Ceato Hydes, Delores Solomon, Francine Gardner, Meredith Hew, Jenodell Myles, Michael Dilbert and Carolyn Parsons. The late Adora Bodden-Groome and Shirley Dinspel were posthumously honoured for their service.