Thirty-Eight Government Employees Honored At 27th Annual Public Service Recognition Week

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp and Lt. Governor Osbert Potter were both on hand at Divi Carina Bay for the 27th Annual Public Service Recognition Week Employee of the Year ceremony, held to recognize St. Croix employees. Above right, Dawn A. Bruce, Assistant St. Croix Administrator chosen as Government House Employee of the Year, is congratulated by Mr. Mapp and Mr. Potter.

As a part of the proclamation of Public Service Recognition Week, May 22 to May 28, signed by Governor Mapp on May 5th of this year, employees from each department were recognized for their exemplary service, according to a press release Government House issued late Thursday.

Every year employees are honored from each government agency at luncheons held here and in St. Thomas. The “Employees of the Year” who have been selected from their respective agencies, are chosen by their coworkers and supervisors for their diligence, outstanding work and contributions to their departments and agencies, according to the release. They are honored with a custom plaque, gifts from their agency and a training trip that is focused on increasing their expertise in their given sector.

Mistress of Ceremony Assistant Director of Personnel Averil George, hosted the ceremony with opening remarks by Director Milton Potter. Mr. Mapp presented a message of encouragement to the audience of government workers, reminding them that, “The work you do, you are doing it for your community. Each one of us must carry our load to make the Virgin Islands a better place to live. If each of us does that our territory will be a better place to live and you are and example of just that.”

Mr. Potter received a round of applause when he reminded the audience that this week’s payroll checks would include the step increase for many departments that were anticipating raises. His remarks were also peppered with statements regarding the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders and the goals of continuing to train staff at government agencies to increase efficiency and productivity, according to the release.

A total of 38 employees were honored at the Divi celebration that concluded with a full luncheon with over 300 coworkers, supervisors, family members and friends in attendance to support the winners.

Correction: May 27, 2016

Government House told The Consortium today that Ms. Bruce is Government House’s employee of the year and not the St. Croix district G.V.I. as a whole. The error was a result of poor communication from the administration, as it never clearly stated the distinction even after The Consortium sought more information.

Image Credit: Government House.