At the 2020 Employee Retirement and Recognition of Ministry of Health Employees, Friday, at Wesley Methodist Church, Permanent Secretary Prenell King-Rolle, celebrated the careers of 27 colleagues for dedication, commitment and hard work over many years.

Included among the retirees was former Director of Nursing, Nurse Marcel Johnson, who had served for 48 years.

Under theme, ‘A New Beginning’ Mrs. King-Rolle said:

“Honourees, each of you have played a role in dispensing healthcare across The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Some of you are doctors, nurses, dental personnel, administrators, security guards, and allied health, clerical and custodial workers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the number of nurses retiring this year. Through this retirement exercise 14 or 54% of the total amount represent more than 450 collective years of service. Included in this mix, is our very own Nurse Marcel Johnson, trailblazer and former Director of Nursing 48 years of service.

“We know that nurses have historically been highly respected in the communities and in recognition of their valuable work, this year has been designated the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. We again thank all nurses for the compassion, courage and committed care demonstrated in New Providence and throughout our Family Islands.

“Honourable mention is made of Dr. Mercianna Moxey, Sr. Medical Officer, whose years as the National Surveillance Lead Physician, has assisted in ensuring health safety across our archipelago.” Mrs. King-Rolle thanked retirees for their assistance in preparing the next generation.

She noted, “Interestingly, it is no secret that the Public Service has seen a decline in its strategic preparation from those who are retiring. We have also seen a reduction in the willingness of more mature and seasoned employees to coach the millennial generation of employees to perform at their best.

“These Millienials are wise, quick, very tech-savvy and they want to see results fast and they want it now. Oftentimes, they are not willing to expend long hours and to dedicate the focused attention required to complete an assignment and are not familiar with the Public Service protocols.

However, your experience, understanding, insightfulness and patience effectively guided them to the level they need to [achieve] to step in your shoes and continue the work. Your willingness to mentor shows that you care about our fellow employees.”

Training and mentorship provides preparation that contributes to betterequipped employees, she said – noting that some may have found great job satisfaction in providing enouragement to the younger ones being mentored. “Thank you for doing your part,” she told them: “You will be missed but not forgotten.”