Keynote speaker Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, the commissioner of police, playfully arrests Sophia Grant, executive secretary in the Managing Director's Office, while he accepts a gift during the company's long-service awards on Monday. - Photos by Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin joined in the celebration of The Gleaner's long-serving employees on Monday, launching into a full-scale stand-up comic act that moved many in the audience to tears of laughter.

The commissioner was the keynote speaker at the function, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, to recognise 33 employees who have served the company for a combined 670 years.

He told the gathering that much has been said about crime and violence but, in addressing a function such as a Gleaner awards ceremony, he wanted to use the opportunity to focus on merriment.

As the commissioner rolled out the comedy, he spiced his presentation with words of wisdom and encouragement.

"We always talk about our human resource being the greatest asset of any organisation, but it is not very often that we actually live up to these words," Lewin said, congratulating The Gleaner on hosting the event.

"I know it's a very old institution in Jamaica... When you go to buy the newspaper, someone says buy me a Gleaner, because The Gleaner represents the newspaper," he added.

Standing ovation

Ezmon Daley, one of 33 employees who were honoured at the function, received a standing ovation as he moved towards the lectern to respond on behalf of the award recipients of the 174-year-old institution.

Daley joined the circulation department in 1963.

Miss Jamaica World 2008, Brittany Lyons, who shared in the festivities, presented the awards to recipients serving over 20 years.

Hilma Brown, editorial administrator and Barbara Gayle, senior reporter, were each rewarded for 40 years of service.

Eleven employees were rewarded for 10 years, seven for 15 years, three for 20 years, two for 25 years, three for 30 years and four for 35 years.