(from left to right): Department of Human Resources Acting Deputy Director Shavon Henley-Hodge, Deputy Governor Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, Mr. Orien Donovan, Mrs. Mernice Todman-Vanterpool, Mrs. Gale Potter, Mrs. Carlene CameronPrescott, Mr. Rupert Xavier, Ms. Natasha Lettsome, His Excellency the Governor Mr. Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO, and Permanent Secretary Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams at the Employee of the Third Quarter Ceremony. (Photo Credit Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

The honourees were Mr. Orien Donovan (Ministry of Education and Culture), Mrs. Mernice Todman-Vanterpool (Labour Department), Ms. Natasha Lettsome (Department of Information and Public Relations), Mr. Rupert Xavier (Environmental Health Department), Mrs. Carlene Cameron-Prescott (Water and Sewerage Department) and Mrs. Gale Potter (Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions).

His Excellency the Governor Mr. Boyd McCleary CMG, CVO during his congratulatory remarks, at the ceremony on October 25, spoke about the newly launched White Paper and that it addresses the importance of good governance. The Governor stated, “One of the main components of that White Paper is a chapter which talks about good governance and the strength of management of public finances.”

The Governor added, “Good governance, can talk about the big picture which is how the budget is managed, how major projects are managed but actually good governance boils down to individual public officers doing their job and doing it well.”

Deputy Governor Mrs. V. Inez Archibald spoke with conviction saying, “I have always believed that any of us in this room can do anything we want to do and go anywhere we want to go.”

The Deputy Governor continued to remind fellow Virgin Islanders of the characteristics of good governance and to always evoke a sense of pride in whatever they do as she asked the honourees to reflect on these words, “Public Officers in my
view, forever beginning what never shall end.”

The Ceremony was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams who said at the beginning of the ceremony there is nothing repetitious in rewarding excellence. “We indeed take pleasure in awarding each of you, every time the occasion arises because we know how hard you have worked. We know that some of the ones who have gone have set the stage for the rest of you and you are well-meaning to follow in their footsteps,” she said.

Department of Human Resources Acting Deputy Director Mrs. Shavon HenleyHodge also delivered congratulatory remarks. Recipients expressed gratitude for being recognised and jointly humbled through a response video presentation concluding the ceremony. During the presentation, recipients highlighted their individual job duties, motivation, and challenges and gave encouraging words to fellow public officers.

The Employee of the Quarter initiative was launched in 2005 as a means of recognising public officers who exceed expectations and set an example for their fellow public officers. This service-wide ‘ministerial level’ recognition programme is administered by the Department of Human Resources’ Employee Relations Unit.