May Pen, Clarendon — Retired public servants have been challenged to keep adding valuable service to their communities through avenues such as the mentoring of youngsters.

Rev Rohan Ambersley made the call at a gala awards function event organised by the Clarendon Health Services in recognition of 58 retirees with up to 42 years of service to health care delivery. The event was held at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon.

Ambersley, who is CEO for Gas Pro Jamaica, told the retirees that their talent, energy and experience are still needed to add value to the development of their community and country.

“Take some time and rest, take some time and reflect and refuel because we still need your drive. You have a lot of wisdom and experience to pass on. Find someone you can mentor in your community. Find a youngster you can speak some sense into, because your words will make a positive difference. Find a young person you can talk to because, as you rest, you are refuelling so that you can pass on fuel to the next generation,” he said.

Regional director for the Southern Regional Health Authority, Michael Bent, lauded the retirees for their valuable years of service to the health sector. They had made many sacrifices to give valuable service and should be treated with sustained dignity, he said.

Sonia Pollack-Young, who retired as a chief public health inspector and served for 38 years in health care, thanked the Clarendon Health Services on behalf of the retirees for recognising their services to the parish of Clarendon.

Three retirees Marline Leslie-Lowe, Cecil Godfrey, Lilieth Smith, were awarded posthumously for their services to the Clarendon Health Department.