Workers recognize each other in customs awards

(CNS): To add to the growing list of honours, gongs and awards being given to public sector workers, the annual recognition awards for Customs Officers have been reinstated but with a new twist. The awards have moved away from a purely top down evaluation or a customer assessment but are instead a more egalitarian award via peer selection. Those receiving the awards were first nominated by their work colleagues and then, from the pool of 25 nominations, the winners were selected by a management committee in six categories. Lauding the winners,  Collector of Customs Samantha Bennett said recognition by peers could beone of the greatest motivators.

Promising this would be an annual feature, she explained that the criteria included attitude and professionalism towards both colleagues and the general public to mark qualities including communicationskills, sociable personality, positive approach, courteous behaviour, ability to carry out work requirements and willingness to accept constructive criticism.

She said the officer of the year was “nominated by a number of his peers in recognition of his leadership, his supervisory skills and especially the quality of his service to our customers. It was inspiring to see other staff members nominate their colleagues and recognise them for their efforts and diligence at work."

The first awards in six categories in 2013 were:

• Officer of the Year: Senior Customs Officer (Sea Freight), Glarman “Bobo” Grant;
• Administrative Support Officer of the Year (Admin/Accounts/Cashier/Tally/IT): Accounts Officer Michael Bartlett;
• Customs (Junior) Officer of the Year: Customs Officer (Narcotics Enforcement), Tina Campbell;
• Senior Customs Officer of the Year: Senior Customs Officer (Freight Security Initiative), Philip West;
• Assistant Collector of the Year: Assistant Collector (Airport), Gidget Powell; 
• Porter/Warehouse Officer of the Year: Porter, Robert Scott.

The chosen officers received awards and certificates of appreciation.