SPALDINGS, Clarendon — The North West Clarendon Jamaica 50 Committee recently recognised 53 retired civil servants for contributing to the country's development.

The occasion, which pulled awardees from all four divisions of the constituency, honoured those who had served for over 30 years in a range of areas including community health aid, the postal service, education, law enforcement, fire-fighting and tax collection. It was held under the theme: 'Service and Excellence: Contributing to Jamaica's Accomplishment' and was conceptualised by Member of Parliament Richard Azan.

Azan told the gathering at the Spaldings United Church Hall that although a planned dinner had to be scaled back due to budgetary constraints, the function — which included the presentation of plaques to the honourees — was no less significant in its purpose of paying them homage.

Donald Johnson, guest speaker and principal of Lennon High School said the event brought into focus the often unrecognised efforts of those who have gone beyond the call of duty, but who are nontheless working diligently, efficiently, effectively and without prodding.

As such, he hailed the member of Parliament as a "man of vision and a man on a mission" for having hosted the function.

Pointing to dependability, team work, participation in the day-to-day life of the workplace, constantly seeking to improve knowledge, and displaying tact and decorum, Johnson said these qualities were necessary for an employee to transition into an "excellent" worker.

"Our founding fathers performed their duties with a level of excellence and that's why we are celebrating 50 years of Independence. Let us adopt [those] qualities and the example [therein]," he said.

"I challenge you to seek and find the joy and happiness that comes with dedicated service to humanity. I challenge you to strive for excellence with pride and humility. There is definitely no room for backtracking, in the same way that there is no room for complacency. Forward ever, backward never," he said.