There were loud cheers of appreciation inside the New Kingston Conference Centre last Saturday (December 19), as the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) celebrated its retirees, some of whom have served close to 50 years.

Those honoured were editorial supervisor Veronica Campbell, 46 years; administrative assistant to the deputy chief executive officer Calpurnia Campbell,

46 years; managing editor Godfrey Barnes, 33 years; marketing executive Phillipia Phillips, 25 years; and photographer and information officer at the Montego Bay office Glenis Alexander Rose, 20 years.

Former Montego Bay regional manager Bryan Miller, who retired last year, was also recognised for his 24 years of service.

The applause grew louder as each retiree was escorted to receive their gifts and plaques while emcee and chair of the JIS Advisory Board, Fae Ellington, and television presenter, Adrian Atkinson, read their citations.

Chief executive officer (CEO), Donna-Marie Rowe, lauded their dedication and service to JIS as she expressed her gratitude for their commitment and contribution to the growth and development of the Government’s premier information agency.

She singled out Mr. Barnes’ meticulous editing skills and judgement, which have served to cement the agency’s credibility over the years and spoke glowingly of Ms. Veronica Campbell and Ms. Calpurnia Campbell, who have given all of their working life to the JIS.

Rowe also commended an additional 11 members of staff, who were recognised for service of 25 years and more.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, Rose said: “We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate and to be celebrated while we can still smell the roses.”

He noted that if he had to live his life all over, he would gladly take the same path as he enjoyed his journey at the agency.

He encouraged his colleagues to live up to the golden summary of life that says: “As to the past, live a record of gratitude; as to the present, a record of service; and as to the future, a record of trust.”

Rose spoke highly of the CEO’s leadership in ensuring the continued success of the agency, observing that she was “a great leader who handled the affairs of the JIS firmly in every situation”.

As the citations were read, each retiree looked overcome with the sentiments that were expressed on their behalf. For Barnes, he was said to have “operated under the highest traditions of journalism with a no-nonsense approach to his work which propelled the Agency into new frontiers.”

Veronica Campbell was described as the glue that held the Editorial Department together. In addition to managing the resources and processes of the department, she proofreads all news releases and features before they are disseminated to the various media houses.

Calpurnia Campbell was acknowledged as among the handful of persons, who have remained with the Agency for close to 50 years and a pillar in the institution’s memory bank, while Phillips was appreciated for guiding her team effectively in ensuring that the JIS productions were largely error-free.

Rose was hailed as a true professional, who has represented the JIS at hundreds of events in western Jamaica, capturing the activities through the lens of his trusted camera and in the written form, and sharing them with the rest of the world.

Long service awards were bestowed on Hazel Christie for her 38 years at JIS; Victor Johnson, 33 years; Rosalee Marshall-Fraser, 29 years; Orville Rodger Hutchinson, Maxine Shrouder, Elaine Johnson, and Paul Johnson, 28 years; Nigel Francis and Charles Wright, 27 years; Donovan Patterson, 26 years; and Maria Gordon, 25 years.