The Department of Children and Family Services acknowledged the outstanding contributions of four staff members who are retiring after a combined total of more than a century of service recently.
The Retirement Recognition Ceremony, for Althea Warner Pryce (30 years), Elsa Annie Rose Scott (32 years total tenure, 27 years with DCFS), Novelete Douglas (27 years) and Yvonne Rose (19 years), was held at South Sound Community Centre on the evening of Thursday, 12 December 2019.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson; along with Ministry of Community Affairs Councillor Austin Harris, the Ministry’s Chief Officer Teresa Echenique, its Deputy Chief Officer Joan West-Dacres, DCFS Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams and DCFS Deputy Director Rayle Roberts. DCFS staff, friends and family of the imminent retirees were also present.
After a prayer from Mrs. Joy White, the Director read out the profiles of each of those honoured. She advised that Community Development Officer Mrs. Annie Rose Scott was a stalwart of the community both in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Mrs. Mendoza-Williams acknowledged that Mrs. Scott’s retirement would be a significant loss to that community and the department, relieved only by the fact that her daughter, Julie, was now to take over her duties.
The Director said that Maple House Housekeeper II, Yvonne Rose affectionately known by residents as “Sweet Rose” will be greatly missed by colleagues and clients. Ms Rose has been a committed and superlative civil servant, who embraced her duties with pride.
The Director noted that Community Care Worker II, Althea Warner Pryce is a recipient of DCFS long-service award for 27 years of service. Very popular with colleagues and clients, the audience heard that Ms Pryce excelled in her work during her tenure. Reading Community Care Worker II Novelete Douglas’s profile, the Director said that Ms Douglas displayed outstanding qualities any employer would be proud to see in an employee. Ms Douglas was described as reliable, punctual, flexible and cooperative, and outstanding team member who went above and beyond the call of duty. It was noted that she has always strived to provide world-class service and contribute to the overall success of the Department.
The Deputy Governor praised the long-serving honourees for their exemplary dedication to the needs of the department and staff over the years. Noting their professionalism, he said that they personified the Civil Service’s mandate of making the lives of those we serve better. Mr. Manderson invited the honourees to stand and enjoy the applause of the audience.
Councillor Harris spoke of his pride in being part of such a giving Ministry. He noted that its caring spirit was very much a part of the staff and ably represented in the life’s work of the honourees.
Closing remarks by Deputy Chief Officer, Mrs. West-Dacres, highlighted the outstanding work records of the soon-to-be retirees. In mentioning the warm regard and high esteem each honouree was held by their colleagues, the Deputy Chief Officer closed by thanking them for being model staff members whose presence would be greatly missed by DCFS management, their colleagues and their clients.
Ms Pryce, Mrs. Scott, Ms Douglas and Ms Rose were given long-service plaques by the Deputy Governor and fruit baskets by Councillor Harris.
Invited to speak, Ms Rose and Ms Pryce gave moving and yet humourous ad libbed remarks, which were warmly received by attendees.
Honourees, dignitaries, staff along with friends and family enjoyed light refreshments and soft beverages. The evening closed with the cutting of the retirement cake.
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