Pond Island:--- A party atmosphere, nostalgic memories and some filling pasta added up to a wonderful celebration for TelEm Group veterans during the company’s annual Jubilee celebrations Friday.
Management and staff of Izi Restaturant in Simpson Bay, hosted the this year’s event in which seventeen employees clocked up more that 400 years of joint service to the company.
Employees working 20, 25, 30 and 35 years in the company were separately honoured, while their respective managers and supervisors paid tribute to their efforts over the years by recounting relevant and often humorous stories.
Amongst the celebrants were: (20 years) Technicians Ralph Boirard and Edmond Stroop. And from various departments: (25 years) John Thomas, Silvina Matthews, Steven Simmons, Marlene Heemstadt, Deborah Benders, Vivian Hyman, Nataly Frans, Jacaueline Mairs-Gordon and Maureen Meulens-Abad. (30 years) Kenneth Blijden. (35 years) Anthony Haddocks, Margarita Hodge and Cherylyn Jermain.
Amongst the speakers for the afternoon were Chief Financial Officer, (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Mr. Eldert Louisa, and senior managers, Marco London, Vivian Hyman, Stanley David, Emile van der Weerd, Lucrecia Lynch, Elvis Lacroes and Julian Lake.
Mrs. Etnel and Mr. Louisa thanked everyone on behalf of the company and acknowledged the part they have played in bringing their company to where it is today and providing vital telecommunication services and innovative products to Country St. Maarten.
“You need to feel very proud of yourselves when you see someone using their tablet or smartphone, or making a mobile call, in the sound knowledge that you have played a very important part in making that happen,” said Mrs. Etnel.
The CFO urged the veteran workers to continue to work with new employees to pass on some of the knowledge and love for the company so that they can also pass on the heritage they have invested in a company to which they have become more than a worker, but a member of a very close working family.
CTO Mr. Louisa said a lifetime of work in one company is something to be admired in today’s workplace, where it is not unusual for an employee to take on several jobs before finally settling into one career.
“As management we thank you for your dedication and your commitment,” continued Mr. Louisa.
The Executive officers and their managers singled out other members of staff for recognition and providing some of the lighter moments of the afternoon, during which token gifts were also presented to the veteran workers.
Jubilees and managers thanked the TelEm Group Human Resources Department and Jubilees event coordinator, Carmita Brooks, for another wonderful gathering, and management and staff of Izi Restaurant for being super hosts.
“It was short and sweet and very heartwarming to know that you are appreciated by your company,” commented one of the jubilee celebrants as the occasion wound up.
