Nashauna Drummond, Lifestyle Co-ordinator

Dr Parris Lyew Ayee (centre) seems to be caught in the middle of a very interesting conversation between (from left) Christopher Roberts and Mark Blakeley, while Peter Morris (right) has the attention of Chris Hinds (second right). They were at the Jamaica National Group staff awards. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Hard work and dedication do pay off; just ask any of the 119 employees of the Jamaica National group, who were honoured at the group's staff awards on Saturday, October 4.

While rain pelted outside the Visitor's Lodge at the University of the West Indies, Mona, inside was an exciting buzz of activity. Dressed to boot, employees who had served the organisation for more than 10 years, and some retirees, had their glamour shots taken and held their corsaged chests high.

No reason to panic

General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society, Earl Jarrett, noted that they were having their 'Olympic' victory in celebrating the 134th anniversary of the building society. He noted that despite the recent crisis in the United States stock market, Jamaica National had no reason to panic, "We will sustain another 134 years without any damage." He commended the staff for their dedication, noting that being with the company for over 10 years shows commitment.

Such praises sure help in making a meal fit for a king go down well; settled in by the talents of Dwight Richards and Friends.

Any doubt that may exist about the merit of work was quickly diminished by guest speaker, Dr Leahcim Semaj. He noted that organisations that win are organisations that are made up of winners. But Dr Semaj was not into a long, boring speech. He had the audience in stitches with his Olympic analogies (we never get tired of those), interspersed with select sound effects, in a very lively Powerpoint presentation. It was funny, inspirational and contained bits of breaking news; new addition to the Webster dictionary; Usain (v) to break every world record and annoy the Americans at the Olympics.

(From left) Omar Haye, Delroy Bowen and Canute Simpson enjoy the Jamaica National Group staff awards.

Beacons of pride; Beverley Burnett and Llewelyn Bailey enjoy the festivities.

General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society Earl Jarrett (right) receives a 'royal' greeting from Ibo Cooper, at the Jamaica National Group staff awards, at Mona Visitor's Lodge, University of the West Indies. Looking on is Alan Beckford (left).