Bracker bags civil service worker of the year gong

(CNS): Venice Tatum, an administrative secretary at the Cayman Brac Police Station was named as the Deputy Governor’s Employee of the Year last week. Tatum was selected from twelve finalists who had all received employee of the month gongs over the last twelve months. Tatum was described as exemplifying efficiency and professionalism, going beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. “Her unblemished service reputation has earned her the love, admiration and respect of the Sister Islands community and beyond. Her loyalty, diligence, and commitment are incomparable,” said Gloria McField-Nixon, the portfolio’s chief officer.

The gongs were given out at a ceremony at Government House, where the governor Helen Kilpatrick commended all of the monthly winners “on a job well done” as she pointed to the Deputy Governor’s programme as one that endorses the many positive contributions being made each day within the civil service.

“It seems clear these examples abound,” she said. Kilpatrick added that the Employee of the Year would serve almost as an ambassador for the civil service for the next 12 months.

“This is a very important position at a very important time. The civil service is at a cross-roads and your colleagues will be looking around for positive role models.”

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said it was difficult selecting the overall winner from among the best in the civil service during the year. In the final analysis, he said, there was only a very small degree of separation between the nominees who each had compelling nominations and achieved outstanding annual appraisals. Despite the relentless negativity, Manderson backed his 3000 strong workforce, stating that by and large the public service comprises hardworking, dedicated and able people who strive every day to serve the country well, for which they receive little appreciation.

Two other civil servants singled out for exceptional performance were Fisher Porter in the Facilities Management Department, who is known for his never-failing amiability in carrying out his duties, and government veterinarian Dr Samantha Dorman, who spent Christmas Eve and Day in a barn tending to a very sick animal. He also thanked the civil service’s first Employee of the Year, Nicolas McLean, for his exceptional representation during the year.

Tatum said she was extremely pleased to win the award, which was a tremendous honour.

“Winning this award is unbelievable and I am just over the moon!” she exclaimed.

The other 11 finalists were Tracey Gale (July 2013); Julia King (August 2013), Doris Morris-Herrera (September 2013), Ingrid Spence (November 2013), Herbert Tomlinson (December 2013), Lloyd McField (January 2014), Harry Forbes (February 2014), Jenine Stewart (March 2014), Jeremy O’Sullivan (April 2014), Karen Christian (May 2014) and Thoywell Facey (June 2014).