The Observer’s inaugural Celebration of Excellence Staff Awards, held recently at the newspaper’s headquarters on Beechwood Avenue in Kingston, saw team members being recognised for long service with trailblazer awards, and job performance.

The company also used the event to say thanks to its retirees, particularly Michael Gordon and Vivette Anderson who were among the first employees when the newspaper started 20 years ago. Here is a photo essay of the night.

Devon Nembhard (right), from the Dispatch Department, accepts his Trailblazer award from Michael Gordon, retired senior photo editor.

Annette Pryce, transport co-ordinator, receives the Trailblazer award from Desmond Allen, executive editor — special assignment.

Andrea Garvey (right), a member of the ancillary staff, is presented with the Heart of the House award by Janice Lazarus, executive assistant to the managing director and property co-ordinator.

Beverley Johnson, sales executive, supplements, beams as she receives her Trailblazer award from David Rosen, president ATL Automotive.

Brian Johnson (right), senior production supervisor, is presented with his Trailblazer award by Michael Gordon, retired senior photo editor.

Photo Editor Bryan Cummings (right) accepts his Trailblazer award from Michael Gordon.

Christopher Johnson (right), purchasing and logistics manager Observer/ATL, accepts the Managing Director’s award from MD Danville Walker.

Claire Whorms Whitehorn, senior sales exec, receives her Trailblazer award from David Rosen, president ATL Automotive.

David Ramsay of the Transport Department accepts the Trailblazer award from Desmond Allen, executive editor — special assignment.

Desmond Allen (left) founding editor and current executive editor — special assignment, is presented with a special award for his sterling contribution to the growth and development of the Observer by Vernon Davidson, executive editor — publications.

Devon Jackson, is presented with the Contractor of the Year 2012 award by Circulation Manager Valerie Smith.

Donovan Grant (left), is presented with the Transport Department Team Member of the Year award by Managing Director Danville Walker.

Earl Simpson, the vendor who recorded the highest sales for 2012, is presented with his award by Circulation Manager Valerie smith.

Egbert Lee of the ancillary staff is presented with his Trailblazer award by Donnalee Findlay, financial controller.

Retired Senior Photo Editor Michael Gordon presents Faylyn Fraser, distribution agent, with her Trailblazer award.

Payroll Officer Fredericka Johnson accepts the Finance Department Team Member of the Year award from Managing Director Danville Walker.

Gavay Watt (left), the Online Department’s Team Member of the Year, receives his award from Danville Walker, managing director.

Dispatch Attendant Hyacinth Spence collects the Dispatch Department Team Member of the Year award from MD Danville Walker.

Ian Watkis (right), pre-press technician, collects his Trailblazer award from Desmond Allen.

Ingrid Brown, associate editor — special assignment, is presented with the Editorial Department Team Member of the Year award by MD Danville Walker.

Jason Brown (left), HR and training co-ordinator, accepts the HR Department Team Member of the Year award from Danville Walker.

Joan Forbes, customer service supervisor and Circulation Department Team Member of the Year, receives a hug after collecting her award from Danville Walker.

Jodian Ebanks, marketing co-ordinator, accepts the Marketing Department Team Member of the Year award from Danville Walker.

Photographer Joseph Wellington (right) is presented with his Trailblazer award by Desmond Allen.

Karen Stevens-Burrell (right), senior sales exec, collects her award for the highest advertising sales, from Natalie Chin-Watkins, head of advertising, marketing and communications.

Karyl Walker (right), editor — crime/court desk, receives an award for the story with the greatest impact (Shanique Myrie) from Vernon Davidson, executive editor — publications.

There were lots of laughs delivered on the night of the function.

Leon Walters (left), the IT Team Member of the Year, accepts his award from Managing Director Danville Walker.

Dispatch Attendant Lurline Clarke is presented with her Trailblazer award by Michael Gordon.

Maureen Rattigan, dispatch attendant, accepts her Trailblazer award from Desmond Allen.

Mervyn Morgan, one of the retirees honoured on the night, accepts his award from Donnalee Findlay, financial controller.

Retired Senior Photo Editor Michael Gordon (left), one of the pioneers of the company, gets a special award from Vernon Davidson.

Natalie Chin-Watkins, head of advertising, marketing and communications; and Vernon Davidson, executive editor — publications, who shared the Manager of the Year award pose with MD Danville Walker (right) who presented them with their awards.

Osbourne Wilkins (right) is presented with a special award by Operations Manager Barrington Barnes.

Patrick Bernard (right) is presented with a special award by Operations Manager Barrington Barnes.

Trailblazer awardees Pete Sankey (right), senior associate editor, and photographer Joseph Wellington take in the happenings.

Press Supervisor Rad Brown (right) accepts his Trailblazer award from David Rosen, president ATL Automotive.

Ricardo Stamp, Production Department Team Member of the Year, accepts his award from Danville Walker.

Sales Executive Sherice McDonald is presented with the Advertising Department Team Member of the Year award by Danville Walker. McDonald went on to win the overall Team Member of the Year award.

Retiree Vivette Anderson (right) accepts a special award from Donnalee Findlay.

Dispatch Attendant Errol McKenzie (right) receives his Trailbllazer award from Michael Gordon.