PAHO and CFNI Recognise Long Serving Staff

Six employees of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) were yesterday (October 8) awarded for up to 20 years of service.
The awardees comprise two Ministry of Health staff, who were assigned to PAHO; three CFNI staff members; and one PAHO employee.
At a joint award ceremony held at the Courtleigh Hotel, Sharon Locke was lauded for her 20 years service to CFNI as the Director’s Assistant; while regionally acclaimed Nutritionist Paula Trotter, and pressman Rupert Burrell, were each recognised for 15 years of service to the organisation.

Nutritionist at the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), Ms. Paula Trotter (left), is presented with a plaque for 15 years of service to the CFNI, by Chief Executive Officer of the Job Bank, Dr. Leachim Semaj, at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/CFNI joint annual staff awards ceremony, held at the Courtleigh Hotel, on October 8.

Driver, Archelus Campbell and Office Assistant, Garth Wilson were awarded for 15 years and 10 years of service to PAHO, respectively. The PAHO sustained exceptional performance award went to Data Processing Technician, Everton Kidd.
In his address Director of the CFNI, Dr. Fitzroy Henry, commended the efforts of the awardees in advancing the work of the CFNI and PAHO.
“Whether it is working with government to implement international health regulations for cruise ships, or issuing guidelines on new viruses, or trying to make fast foods healthy… the results …are certainly profound…this is why the sustained efforts of our awardees are so special, ” he stated.

Director’s Assistant at the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), Ms. Sharon Locke (left), receives a plaque for 20 years of service to the CFNI, from Chief Executive Officer of the Job Bank, Dr. Leachim Semaj, at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/CFNI joint annual staff awards ceremony, held at the Courtleigh Hotel, on October 8.

Dr. Henry noted that it was particularly pleasing that five of the six awardees are considered support staff, as most of what is recognised of PAHO’s work is the outcome, and often unnoticed is the hard work of the secretaries, information technology specialists and drivers, in achieving that result. “I can attest to their contribution and it is fitting that a higher percentage of them are recognized today…the achievements of these awardees should inspire us all,” he stated.
The event was chaired by PAHO/World Health Organization representative in Jamaica, Dr. Ernest Pate, who expressed his appreciation for the tireless work of staff members of both organizations.