When Enid Wint, a physically challenged nurse from the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, made her way to the head of the queue to receive her medal at Kings House on Wednesday, November 20, she received a thunderous applause from the audience.
Walking with the aid of a crutch, and callipers (foot splint) on her right leg, Miss Wint was honoured for 27 years of service in the field of nursing. She has been afflicted with polio since she was two years old.
Miss Wint was among 537 men and women from various Ministries and Departments who received medals and certificates at the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) Long Service Awards ceremony. The ceremony formed part of the JCSA's activities to mark Civil Service Week from November 17 to 23.
The awards were presented by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke; Custos of Kingston, Canon Weeville Gordon; Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, who represented Prime Minister P.J. Patterson; and State Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Fitz Jackson.
Reading the citation, Camille Drake, Community Relations Officer at the National Water Commission (NWC), told the recipients that their length of service was evidence of their determination and strength in the face of growing challenges in the workplace. She said it was also proof of their loyalty, selflessness and ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of a more demanding public.
"You have played your part in shaping the development of a new generation of public servants. You have prepared us well to face the rising expectations of the public and have succeeded in demonstrating that dedication to service can set the tone for a successful relationship with the public that we serve," Miss Drake said.
"We honour you today because we value our civil servants. We acknowledge the fact that you truly are the most important resource and that the knowledge and experience you have amassed in the 25 years, represent a crucible of knowledge that must be treated as valuable assets," she added.
She urged the recipients to share this knowledge and experience with those around them.
Miss Wint, an enrolled nurse, said the award meant a great deal to her.
"It shows appreciation and I am glad I was able to come because it helps me to feel more important as a person", she said.
"I have a disability, but I never think of myself as a disabled person. I always try to do what I can, do whatever I want and go wherever I want to go," Miss Wint added.
She pointed out that prior to embarking on her nursing career, she walked with just a limp and worked on all the wards. But since an accident in 1991 which fractured the affected leg, she has to walk with the help of a crutch.
Miss Wint, a mother of two grown children, said she has commanded the love and respect of the majority of her colleagues, who "always take very good care of me."
She is President of the Western Disabilities Association in Montego Bay and hopes to continue in her job as long as possible.
"I wouldn't mind if I could go on until retirement. Because in my line of work I see a lot of illnesses, a lot of disabilities and persons who are worse off than me. So I just give God thanks and move on," she added.
Miss Wint said she felt especially blessed, as many persons, even able-bodied ones, are incapable of doing what she is able to do, and have not been to places where she has been.
"To me, I am not a disabled person. I just move about and do what I have to do and I hope I can continue as long as I have the strength to do it," she said.
