The Journey To Excellence
On Thursday last, one of Jamaica’s largest online collections of real estate, Azanell Properties International – supported by Jamaica National – held an Evening of Excellence Staff Awards Banquet at The Liguanea Club on Knutsford Boulevard. There were 10 honorees and an impressive list of attendees.
The evening’s formalities were handled with aplomb by master of ceremonies Dean Martin. They included an overview of the company’s achievements by Aznell CEO Doreen Buchanan who commended the dynamic approach of her team in pursuing their target — “ We motivate, inspire and train” — despite having to contend with the challenges posed by planning and regulatory agencies, which “are oftentimes at odds with each other and require attention as it relates to the planning and regulatory agencies”.
Buchanan went on to cite specific examples like the Ministry of Housing “that has the autonomy to independently declare land for housing development, which may not be subjected to the required rigours and analysis prior to approval. The net result is that land for some declared schemes might not be suitable for development”.
“The KSAC”, she continued, “operates under the Local Improvement Act (LIA) while NEPA operates under The Town & Country Planning Act (TCPA), and there are instances where both agencies perform the same function. A 10-Lot Subdivision can be approved by both agencies without being sent to NEPA. I am keeping my ears to the ground as it relates to the outcome of ‘The Coal War at Alpart and NEPA’S informed decision to the government. Moving forward, clean energy seems to be the better option, especially with our fragile tourism industry that represents 30 per cent of our GDP vis-Ã -vis the five per cent realised by the bauxite industry”.
Senator Saphire Longmore, who delivered the address on behalf of Karl Samuda, minister of industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries, spoke of the government’s growth agenda and the resolve of the Economic Growth Council headed by Michael Lee Chin for five per cent growth per annum in the next four years.
Entrepreneurship, MSMEs, Access to Capital and Partnerships in Agriculture were also highlighted.
The evening’s honorees were Marie Dann, Top Sales Agent, Long Service Awardee and Cash Awardee.
Lauren Tenn
Marlon Hinds
Yashieka Radeen
Dean Martin sales manager
Rosalee Clark
Dennalee Daley
Ryan Simmons
Michael Harris
Rachael Webb
Melissa Pryce-Bennett
The evening of excellence included athletic prowess from Rio as Jamaica’s favourite son created history at the Olympics and a sumptuous three-course gourmet dinner courtesy of Chef Andre Brown.
