Gleaner honours 42 employees

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Forty-two employees, recognised for serving between 10 and 40 years at The Gleaner Company Limited, pose for pictures following a long service awards ceremony held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel yesterday. - Michael Sloley

COSMO GRANT and Harvey Josephs have few if any regrets regarding their chosen careers.

In fact, the two, who started with The Gleaner Company Limited more than 40 years ago, say they would probably make the same choices if life granted them the miracle of youth one more time.

The two grandfathers were among 42 employees who were yesterday honoured by The Gleaner during a three-hour ceremony. Employees were recognised for 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years of service.

"Without heroes, we would not know what is possible. Heroes inspire us and those whom we honour today... are heroes of The Gleaner," said Mrs. Mary Dick, master of ceremonies and company training officer.

Striding through the Hilton Kingston's Ballroom one, transformed into a sea of blue and white for the occasion, Mr. Grant and Mr. Josephs were accompanied by fanfare and given standing ovations.

"I love the job. I love reading so it does not seem like work. You feel so good when the pages come out without errors," said Mr. Josephs, the night editor/proof reader affectionately called 'Mr. Joe' by colleagues.

Chairman and Managing Director, Oliver Clarke, was also among the awardees striding up to the platform having dedicated 25 years to "the Grand Old Lady of North Street". The audience, comprising company awardees, board members, managers and union delegates, loudly cheered him.

During the ceremony, soft laughter mingled with memories as awardees spoke of the days when The Gleaner was located at Harbour Street or had just been relocated to North Street. Many discussed the changes in faces and equipment that had taken place.

For Mr. Grant, who served as assistant to the print and production manager, yesterday's ceremony was a reminder of the very first one he attended at the Carib Theatre, which "was something indeed ... We are proud to be members of this outstanding family," he said, thanking The Gleaner for continuing a rich tradition of recognising loyalty and service.

Guest speaker, Dr. Carol Archer, director of the Urban and Regional Planning Division at the University of Technology (UTech), stressed the importance of service. She urged the audience to be true to themselves, to love their jobs and get beyond expecting material or other rewards for every act of service.

"The focus should not always be on the financial aspect. Resources are important but having compassion and giving service is just, if not more important," Dr. Archer said. She said she was driven by the belief "people, particularly the disenfranchised, must be empowered to play an integral role in their growth and development in the communities where they live. It is this purpose that keeps me from focusing on money."

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