Accolades permeated the air as 11 employees of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) were recently showered with tributes, plaques and gifts, in honour of their contributions to the organization.

BTVI’s Chairman, Kevin Basden, told the honourees that the board and management value the respective roles they have played.

“At the end of the day, you have built lives and by extension, the nation. We know of the importance of the work you have done. All of your roles have value. It takes all of us to work together. There is no distinction in terms of your service,” said Mr. Basden. He noted that the luncheon, held at Luciano’s of Chicago, was simply a token of appreciation for their diligence.

“This cannot repay you for your service. Many times it may have been hard or difficult, but you persevered. Too many times we don’t take the time to say ‘Thank you,’ but to be acknowledged by your peers speaks volumes,” stated Mr. Basden. The honourees included:

• Fashion instructor, Betty Bain, 35 years;
• Campus nurse, Voreetis Barr, 10 years;
• Construction trades’ instructor, Peter Briggs, 27 years; 
• Math instructor, Ronald Clarke, six years; 
• General Education instructor, Lillian Hutchinson, six years; 
• Payroll Officer, Ann Marie Rolle, 11 years; 
• Security Assistant, Jude Young (Freeport), 18 years; 
• Office Systems & Administration instructor, Doranell King (Freeport), 10 years; 
• Construction trades’ instructor, Graham Thornley, 21 years; 
• Michael Smith, Career Officer; three years and 
• Shirley Pearson, Fashion instructor, 23 years. 

Supervisors of the honourees paid tribute to the workers with descriptors such as, “godly character”, “extraordinary worker”, “level-headed”, “beautiful personality” and “very helpful and honest.”

On the other hand, the honourees also paid respect to the organization. Math instructor, Ronald Clarke said, “While at BTVI, every day, I want to go to work,” while Career Officer, Michael Smith revealed: “Ms. Racquel Bethel was one of the best bosses I had. She is a gem.”

Meanwhile, Nurse Voreetis Barr said it has been an honour serving at BTVI and Payroll Officer, Ann Marie Rolle noted that it was important for her to remain accountable and committed during her tenure. Some of the retirees will continue on until the end of the 2018-2019 academic year.

 

In front row: BTVI’s Chairman , Kevin Basden; retirees, Ann Marie Rolle, Nurse Voreetis Barr, Doranell King and Associate Vice President, Administrative Services, Zakia Winder. To the back from left to right are: Ronald Clarke, Michael Smith and Graham Thornley

 

BTVI Grand Bahama instructor, Doranell King is retiring after 10 years of service.

 

Payroll Officer, Ann Marie Rolle (centre), receives her plaque and gift bag with a smile. From left to right: BTVI’s Financial Aid Officer, Tamara Knowles; Associate Vice President, Fund Development, Alicia Thompson; Ms. Rolle; BTVI’s Chairman, Kevin Basden and former head of Accounts, Virginia Curry.

 

Former Chair of Math, Ronald Clarke, retires after six years of service at BTVI. Shown here from left to right are: BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Administrative Services, Zakia Winder; Mr. Clarke; Chairman, Kevin Basden and Academic Dean, Pleshette McPhee.

 

Two individuals are retiring from the Student Affairs department. From left is retiree, Nurse Voreetis Barr; Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel and Career Services Officer and retiree, Michael Smith.

 

Supporting the retirees’ at the luncheon were Chair of English, Michelle Wildgoose and Manager of Technical Services, Wellington Bain.

 

Graham Thornley has worked in the construction trades department at BTVI for 21 years. He became emotional during his thank you, sharing that he will miss the classroom. Some of the students he taught in high school, became his colleagues as instructors at BTVI.

 

Chair of Fashion, Kathy Pinder (l) and Chair of Office Systems and Administration, Kerima Smith (r) pose for the camera during the luncheon held at Luciano’s of Chicago.

 

BTVI’s Payroll Officer, Ann Marie Rolle (shown), receives a warm hug following a tribute to her by former supervisor, Virginia Curry.

 

A warm embrace between Grand Bahama retiree, Doranell King (l) and Nassau campus nurse, Voreetis Barr (r) as the luncheon for retirees came to a close.