DR Peter Figueroa, former chief of epidemiology and AIDS, was among the 22 retirees of the Ministry of Health who were recently honoured for their exemplary service.

In addition to Figueroa, those honoured at the May 10 awards ceremony — held under the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence’ — included:

* Marcia Hyman McKay and Violet Griffith;

* Beverley Prendergast and Yvette Chambers;

* Marjorie Rose and Carlton Brewster;

* Pearline Morrison and Lloyd Wilks;

* Marjorie Ming and Earl Campbell;

* Volin Morris and Alwin Elliot;

* Grace Allen-Young and Ainsley Jones;

* Errol Matthie and Valrie Campbell; as well as

* Derric Brown and Seigesman Thomas.

Avery Powell, Clifton Davis and Sydney Erwin were also included among the honoured retirees, who together gave 735 years of service to the various departments of the ministry.

Addressing the retirees, health minister Rudyard Spencer said the country had benefited greatly from their years of service and their experience.

“It is your dedication and your commitment that have kept the health sector going, especially in difficult times,” he said.

Spencer added that the human resource division will develop and maintain a database of the skills of the persons who have retired, and who may wish to maintain a relationship with the sector.

“We have many boards, councils and committees which require persons of maturity, experience and a keen understanding of the health sector and, in our retirees, we have tremendous experience; we cannot afford it to go to waste,” he said.

Figueroa, in responding on behalf of the retirees, said they remain committed to the growth of the sector and are willing to contribute their services and expertise, wherever necessary.

“When we reflect on up to 42 years that have been served in the ministry of health, I think we can be justifiable proud of the fact that so much has been achieved in health over the years,” he noted.