Gala affair at Scotia Awards By Sonia Morgan, Staff Reporter ARLENE STAPLE of the Junction Branch of Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Limited is the winner of a brand new 2001 Honda CRV for the Sales Campaign Awards. She was awarded with the vehicle at the company's Third Anniversary and Awards Ceremony at Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston on Saturday morning. Others in that category won cash prizes of over J$200,000. Employees and their guests were pleasantly surprised by the creative and elegant décor by Dawn Lyew of Creative Affairs. The foyer was adorned with tall palms complemented by ferns at the base. Two cages with live birds stood at the entrance door. The most intriguing of all, however, was inside the ballroom where the veils in the colours of the rainbow were arranged as a backdrop. Each table had an elaborate centre piece as well as a small bamboo and white veiled tent over it. The ambience was superb. As if that were not enough, the ladies upstaged the décor with their elegant suits and tasteful accessories. The men, clad in smart suits, were fit to walk alongside them. This event was by definition, classy. Reverend Dr. Sheila McKeithen of the Universal Centre of Truth for Better Living, was the keynote speaker. As she gave thanks for a number of things, she said, "I'm grateful that I was able to sleep last night without a bomb being dropped on my home." Her simple and direct approach to leadership and success in addition to her powers of motivation had the gathering engrossed as she made her presentation. Encouraging the staff to reach over the rainbow, she shared the three ingredients for success: vision, courage and commitment. Vision, she said, is a picture of a preferable future which begins with leaders. Leaders must communicate to the team and the team to the people. "Leadership is influence, not position," she pointed out. Reverend McKeithen said courage is fostered by the fundamental law of the universe. "You give a breath and you get a breath." She explained that denying a breath is denying one's life. For her commitment is the ultimate. She warned against focusing on the problems, since that will create more problems. "Wherever our attention goes that's where the energy flows," she said. Entertainment by Touch of Elegance and Ashé added much splendour to the event. Touch of Elegance played classics like Wind Beneath My Wings and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, while Ashé jazzed things up with Reach by Gloria Estefan and 'Lift of Jamaica'. They were well received. The top awardees in the company gladly accepted the recognition for their work. Vernon Wilson of the Spanish Town Branch copped the top trophies for the categories 'Activity', 'Special Recognition', and the 'General Manager's Trophy'. The 'Conservation Trophy' went to H. Steve Lesley of the Premier branch; Champion District Manager went to Wayne Powell, district general manager South. Branch of the Year went to Santa Cruz and was accepted by branch manager, Norma Haughton who received a cash prize. The 'Investment Premium' trophy went to Doran Witter who also received a cash prize. Guests enjoyed the sumptuous breakfast offering and indulged in what was an exquisite Saturday morning affair.
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