Civil Servants of the Year Extend Care to Residents of National Children’s Home

The lives and smiles of female residents and staff of the Jamaica National Children’s Home in St. Andrew have been brightened by an upgrade to the complex, undertaken by the 2022/23 Civil Servants of the Year.

The improvement involved the renovation of bathrooms at the Home, aimed at improving the user experience of 14 female residents and staff who utilise the sanitary convenience.

Partnering with the special needs institution, the public servants’ special project was carried out in association with the First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (FHC).

The residents are mildly and, in some cases, severely physically and mentally challenged, with their diagnoses being autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Refurbishing started in April this year and the renovated bathrooms were officially handed over in June.

Speaking on behalf of the residents and staff at the Home, Administrator, Yanique Thomas Shephard, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the work.

“Painting of the area was completed on Labour Day (May 23) and it was quite a delight to see the bathroom area seemingly coming to life with the vibrant colours that were used. I must say that the work done on the bathroom has been magnificent. I note the [response] of the 14 girls and the staff members that use it daily… . It’s a general feeling of delight,” Ms. Thomas Shephard said.

“The smiles on the faces of the residents and the way they scurry about happily to meet their daily hygiene needs show that those in need will be eternally grateful for the help you provided. A proper infrastructure with a clean and positive environment enables the residents to develop a high sense of self, builds their self-confidence as the staff members continue to deliver quality care,” she added.

She explained that the Home has always had a good tradition for excellent residential childcare services and has, from time to time, partnered with the various service clubs and organisations both locally and overseas.

The three public-sector workers who, based on their outstanding professional work, have been chosen as Civil Servants of the Year for 2022/2023 are Health Records Technician and Acting Customer Care Officer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Simone Turton (Technical Support); Customer Service Officer, Administrator General’s Department, Oliver Morris (Middle Management); and Chief Public Health Inspector and Acting Parish Manager at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Lennox Wallace (Management).

Providing an overview of the initiative during the recent handover ceremony, Mr. Morris said the team worked well in executing the project, which will improve the safety for users at the facility as well as the aesthetics.

He said the work included replacing and retiling the floor and walls in the shower, installation of non-skid tiles, repainting of handrails and walls; replacing bathroom fixtures, among other things.

He explained that painting of the bathrooms was done by the members of group as part of efforts to reduce the cost associated with undertaking the project. He said that despite the budgetary constraints, the group remains proud of the initiative.

Marketing Officer of First Heritage Cooperative (FHC) Credit Union Limited, Carlene Coley, said her organisation was happy to provide assistance that will improve the lives of the wards.

She said through the partnership, the space has been converted into a haven of comfort for the children.

“By investing in these renovations, we are truly investing in the future of these children. This project sends a powerful message that every child deserves equal access and equal opportunities, and at FHC Credit Union we are proud to partner for this noteworthy cause,” she said.

Ms. Coley commended the civil servants for undertaking impactful projects, noting that her company will continue to provide the necessary assistance once the resources are available.

Meanwhile, Director of Special Projects in the Employee Relations and Benefits Unit, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Sylvia Shirley Sterling, also lauded the civil servants for pursuing the project, noting that its completion will impact the lives of the wards.

For his part, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the University Hospital of the West Indies, Fitzgerald Mitchell, hailed the work and dedication of the civil servants, who continue to play an integral role in the development of the country.

Since its inception in 1973, the Jamaica National Children’s Home has provided not just a space to stay, but also a stable home to abandoned children, orphans and those with physical or mental disabilities.

The Civil Servants of the Year are selected annually by the Civil Service Week Steering Committee in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service with sponsorship from the FHC. As part of activities for the year, they are required to plan and execute a community project.

Since 2019, three new categories of awards have been introduced to broaden the scope of eligible nominees as part of efforts to revitalise the initiative to recognise outstanding government workers.