Permanent Secretary Mark Cummins (R) presenting retired Senior Technician Roland Daisley (L) with a token of appreciation.
Artisans, painters, masons, operators and general workers of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance came in for high praise recently when they were treated to a luncheon of
appreciation in the courtyard of the Ministry’s Headquarters.
The initiative, spearheaded by Permanent Secretary Mark Cummins, saw members of staff from all 13 depots, including the Buildings and Operations sections, converging on the Ministry’s compound to be served a delectable spread by one the island’s top catering companies.
PS Cummins said this was the Ministry’s way of showing their appreciation for all of the hard work its staff has been undertaking over the last few months.
Also mingling and greeting workers was Minister in the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance, the Honourable Peter Phillips.
Noting that these workers are the backbone of the Ministry, he said, “We thought it important at this juncture to bring all of you together from the various depots, to express our deepest appreciation and our thanks to all of you for all of the hard work you have been doing over the last 20 months and during my tenure.”
Minister Phillips stated that he is aware the workers have taken a lot of harsh criticism and ridicule in the past, but he knows they have been doing an excellent job within the Ministry and within the country.
“We think it is important to pause and acknowledge the effort that you the workers have been putting in, and we as a Government have been trying our best to equip this Ministry so it can do the work that it needs to do.”
The Minister expressed thanks on behalf of himself, Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr. the Honourable William Duguid, the Prime Minister of Barbados and the Cabinet, the Permanent Secretary and all the office staff of the Ministry.
He added that he recognises the workers out on the road are the centre and the engine room of the Ministry, and sees a new sense of commitment and purpose coming out from them.
One worker said she was very surprised by the event and felt very grateful and appreciated that they were remembered. Another staff member believes the Ministry can do events like this more
often.
At the end of the event, Mr. Roland Daisley, Senior Technician who is retiring after over 40 years at the Ministry, was honoured and presented with a token of appreciation. 꿼