Road Town, Tortola - Fifty-one former long serving civil servants were honoured at an appreciation dinner held at The Moorings Mariner Inn Restaurant as part of activities in observance of Public Service Week 2010.
His Excellency the Governor Mr. David Pearey in his welcoming remarks on Saturday congratulated the retirees on their enormous achievement as members of the BVI Public Service over many, many years.
He said, “You must be full of pride for what you have achieved up to now, which I am sure is an immense amount. As a result of what you have achieved, we with responsibilities for the public service feel an enormous sense of gratitude. Once again I congratulate you and I hope you have a wonderfully active retirement in the decades that stretch before you.”
In her keynote address Dr. C. Lucia Woods, Pastor of the Agape Total Life Centre told the retirees that they are being ‘refired’ for the golden years.
Dr. Woods explained, “You are very excellent resources that our Territory can utilise. For many years, you put your toil and sweat equity into helping shape the direction of your company. After all the highs and lows, the joys and frustrations, you have decided it is time to call it a day. Retirement is now a whole new way of life for you.”
She added, “Retirement is the best third of your life where you can appreciate life and what it has to offer. She encouraged the retirees to make plans and to take care of their health and finances.”
Ms. Pearlette Dawson, former Chief Training Officer, responding on behalf of the retirees, congratulated her fellow retirees.
She said, “We have served well, to the best of our abilities, in the various roles we have played during our tenure in the public service. We have more leisure time now at our disposal. Let us use it wisely.”
She also told the retirees, “Retirement can be a catastrophe or a commencement, a rocking chair or a launching pad. Now is the time to do those things you always wanted to do but never found time to do.”
Ms. Dawson challenged the retirees to exercise daily, take care of their bodies and challenge themselves.
Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE and Deputy Governor Mrs. V. Inez Archibald also delivered congratulatory remarks at the dinner. Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Mr. Vincent Wheatley chaired the event and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Ms. Arlene Smith said the vote of thanks.
Public Service Week was observed in the Territory under the theme, “Modernising the Public Service for 2010 and Beyond” The week is observed annually to highlight the contribution of public servants to the Territory’s development and give members of the public an opportunity to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the work of the service.
British Virgin Islands News