Most of the 37 employees honoured by The Gleaner Company Ltd. for between 10 and 40 years of service pose after the company's Long Service Awards Luncheon yesterday at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer THERE WERE plenty of smiles yesterday as The Gleaner Company Limited honoured 37 of its employees for long service at a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston.
The awards, which went to persons who have worked with the newspaper for between 10 and 40 years, spanned all departments and all management ranks. Among those being lauded was the newspaper's Editor-in-Chief, Garfield Grandison, who marked his 10th year with the company.
At the special long service luncheon, commendations also went to Ezmon Daley and Hilma Brown for 40 and 35 years respectively.
Good employee relationships kept him at The Gleaner, said Mr. Daley, who, like Mrs. Brown, witnessed the newspaper's move from Harbour Street to North Street and several technological and managerial changes.
"I passed through about three circulation managers and Mr. (Oliver) Clarke is the third managing director," Mr. Daley said, after the awards.
With a shy grin, Mr. Daley, a Circulation Department employee, admitted that anticipation had him bouncing out of bed as early as 3:00 a.m. yesterday.
Mrs. Brown, an administrator in the Editorial Department, was not to be out done. Her outfit was ready long before yesterday, she confided with a chuckle.
Their anticipation was worth the wait.
Mr. Daley, who began working at The Gleaner in 1963, received a standing ovation as he accepted his award from the company's chairman and managing director Oliver Clarke and Miss Jamaica World, Jade Fulford.
"I appreciate it very much," he later said.
Mrs. Brown, who was first employed in 1968, was accompanied by fanfare and strong applause as she went to collect her award.
"I've had quite a few in the past and I look forward to long service functions. They give you time to reflect on the happier moments at The Gleaner, the people you like to work with and what you like about your job. It's a happy occasion and I look forward to my 40th," remarked Mrs. Brown, who shares the 35-year milestone with senior court reporter, Barbara Gayle.
There were serious moments as well, as Jamaica National Building Society general manager, Earl Jarrett, who was the guest speaker, urged Jamaicans to view impending trade and other global changes as opportunities instead of obstacles.
"It is of critical importance that as a country and as a people, we look at these developments and seize the opportunities to prepare ourselves for the new eras," he said. "Jamaica ... must start looking at the world tomorrow as a world not to defend but as a world of opportunities which we must prepare ourselves for that we must look to in a steadfast manner to (see) how we can benefit and how we can grow out of the emerging opportunities."
He said there was no excuse for being underprepared or remaining defensive.
Entertainment was provided by the Jamaica Military Band andthe EXED Dance Group.
