Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter 
CARLINGTON WILMOT, Freelance Photographer -
Deputy Managing Director of Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Minna Israel (left) chats with Veviene Hall at Ms. Israel's farewell reception at the Knutsford Court Hotel on January 14.
HER SMILE flashed as brightly as usual but there was probably a little hint of sadness this time.
Minna Israel, deputy managing director of Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica, was the toast of her colleagues on Friday January 14 at the Knutsford Court Hotel.
Walking around the Blue Mountain suite, she received many handshakes and pecks on the cheek from the various members of the financial sector who came out to bid her 'safe travel' as she goes to The Bahamas to head Nova Scotia's branch network there.
PRAISES FROM COLLEAGUES
After about an hour of mingling, the lady of the moment was seated beside her boss William Clarke, receiving praise after praise from colleagues.
Camille Messam from the Montego Bay branch dedicated Maya Angelou's poem Phenomenal Woman to her.
A projecter flashed with images of her at work or on the social scene, all the while exhibiting that innate charm she possesses. Scotia employees who, over the years had come into direct contact with her, also shared stories of the pleasure they had working with Ms Israel.
Some expressed gratitude for her support in helping them grow within the company. Her arms must have grown tired from the numerous hugs she got from staff members, as shown for the now packed suite to see.
Mr. Clarke couldn't stop talking about the fab financial femme as he rambled about her sales management skills and stating that her career was one that focused on customer satisfaction. Ladies from within the organisation had a special treat for her as they read little thoughts that they felt she could carry with her always.
FINAL SURPRISE
Understandably emotional at all the ado, Ms. Israel thanked all her mentors at Bank of Nova Scotia
for helping her progress.
She opined that Scotia Jamaica workers were so good, she might have to borrow some for her new assignment. We doubt she'll need that much help.
As a final surprise for her, she was presented with a painting of a little girl sitting on a wall by the road in a picturesqe rural setting. Fitting for the self-proclaimed country girl; she later revealed this was her favourite piece of artwork and jumped with glee that she now owned it.
Ms. Israel started at Scotia Bank Jamaica in May of 1991 as an account manager and has soared to the upper spheres of the financial sky. To quote one of the many persons who commented, 'Walk good, Minna!'
Those telling her bye bye included Paul Pennicooke; Jimmy Moss-Solomon; Patrick Hylton; Delano Franklyn; Deika Morrison; Chris and Michelle Bovell; Becky Stockhausen; Rosemarie Chung; Security Minister Peter Phillips and wife Sandra; Audrey Hinchcliffe and son Garth; Manager of BNS' New Kingston branch; Barry Chisholm; Marcia Forbes and Sonia Hamilton.
