Government of The Bahamas: Public Service Retirees Lauded as ‘True Nation Builders’

NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 2 -- The government of The Bahamas issued the following news release:

Recent retirees of The Bahamas Public Service were Thursday (November 1) lauded as "true nation builders" by Minister of the Public Service and National Insurance, the Hon. Brensil Rolle.

Addressing a Retirees Recognition and Presentation of Awards of Excellence Ceremony for almost 600 Public Service Retirees held on the Lower Grounds of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam, Minister Rolle said there is no higher calling in terms of a career, than one in the public service as public service employees are afforded "an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and improve our great nation."

Hosted by Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Chancellor of the Societies of Honours, the exercise was held to salute the 543 persons who retired from the Public Service during the 2016-2017 (316 persons), and 2017-2018 (227) - periods. The honourees included personnel from law enforcement and national security, accounting and finance, education, health, youth development, social services, civil aviation, the postal service and many others.

"We are assembled here this morning to express our gratitude and appreciation to our distinguished retirees for the varied contributions they have made over many years," Minister Rolle said.

"I am honored to offer remarks at this special ceremony to salute the tenacity of those who have served and served well. I wish to commend you all for being true nation builders. We honour you for your roles as facilitators, pacesetters and standard bearers. Your legacies will no doubt continue to inspire and serve as a beacon for countless other public officers."

Minister Rolle said the Retirees Recognition Ceremony was one of the major highlights of the 18th National Public Service Week of activities - a time "when we pause to acknowledge the accomplishments that have brought us to this point in our national development."

Other activities included a Fun/Run/Walk and Health Screening; Mock Parliamentary Debate; and a Courtesy Call on Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Chancellor of the Societies of Honours, by the 2018-2019 Public Service Officer of the Year nominees.

A National T-Shirt Day and Float Parade were scheduled for Friday, November 1, along with the start of the volleyball competition, which will conclude on Saturday, November 3.

The special week ends on Sunday, November 4, with an Awards Luncheon and Announcement of the 2018/2019 National Public Service Officer of the Year scheduled for the Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis, Paradise Island.

"With passion and dedication, public service officers render their services in education, law enforcement, national defense, healthcare, tourism, technology and other occupations. No matter the pressures they face or the challenges before them, their commitments ensure that we receive the services we need," Minister Rolle said.

"Not only do we give praise to our public officers for their invaluable contributions, but we hail those who have devoted their entire lives to the growth of our beautiful country - the retiring stalwarts of the Public Service.

"Thirty years of doing anything is an accomplishment, but serving more than thirty years in service to your country commands our respect," Minister Rolle added.