Honourees at the Gleaner Long Service awards function held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston yesterday. Special guest, Zahra McGraham (sashed), second princess Miss Jamaica World 2006, poses with the group. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer.

It's that time of the year again, when The Gleaner pays special tribute to its long-serving employees. Yesterday, 45 members of staff were fêted at a luncheon held in their honour at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

The employees have been with the company for between 10 and 35 years.

Oliver Clarke, the newspaper's chairman and managing director, who himself was honoured for 30 years of service, thanked the employees for the dedication they have shown to the company over the years.

"The Gleaner boasts the finest staff members of any company in Jamaica. You can all be proud and you must accept the challenge to make the coming years as successful as the last," he said.

Guest speaker at the function was Brian Wynter, executive director of the Financial Services Commission. He is the son of former editor-in-chief of the newspaper, the late Hector Wynter. The guest speaker joined in the festivities by congratulating the employees and encouraged them to continue to pursue excellence.

Application of will

"Excellence is nearly always the product of persistent application of will. You should all be proud of your determination and commitment to excellence," said Mr. Wynter, who was introduced by Mark Dawes, The Gleaner's news editor for regional and international news.

Sherdon Forbes, who works in the advertising department and was honoured for 10 years of service, thanked the company for hosting the event. "We would also like to thank all former employees for the high standards they set for us to follow," he said.

Master of Ceremonies was Mary Dick, training officer, and prayers were offered by Isaiah Jackson, supervisor of the mailing room.