Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Outgoing president of Blue Cross of Jamaica, Prof. Errol Morrison (centre), jokes with Frank Villiers (left) and Dr. James Peart. - Photo by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Amid hollers and whoops of excitement, staff of Blue Cross of Jamaica cheered on their colleagues at the company's annual staff awards held on, Wednesday, December 20.

Held on the lawns of Blue Cross' Hope Road headquarters, staff were honoured for five to 25 years of service. This staff awards were extra special as they came during the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Departing president of Blue Cross, Professor Errol Morrison, said the members being honoured had proven their loyalty and commitment to the core values of the company. He declared that it was through their dedication and hard work that Blue Cross had remained number one in the island. He reflected on 2006, briefly pointing out a few of Blue Cross' achievements.

Book

Among them was the publication of the second edition of the book, The Blue Cross Story; the launch of the Sidney Anderson Memorial Scholarship (named in honour of Blue Cross' founder) and a 27,000 - subscriber increase. He even pledged the organisation's move to conquer the Caribbean.

"Our brand is ready and renowned. Our message of wellness is loud and clear," he said.

But the evening was all about groovy music and the excitement of the awards section. Dwight Richards and backing band took care of the former with their selections ranging from the soft songs of the season to the groovy tunes of Motown heyday.

Among the major award winners were Marsha Mason who received the Chairman's Award; Karen Stephenson, who was voted Employee of the Year. Manager of the Year went to Violet Wright and Delroy Grant was Sales Agent of the Year.

Two awards that were not scripted went to Prof. Morrison as his tenure as president closes and to chairman of Blue Cross, Dr. Henry Lowe, for his recent strides in cancer research.

Guests at this festive occasion included Neville Graham, Dr. Knox Hagley, Dr. Anthony Vendryes, Rev. Dr. Richmond Nelson, Sasha Darby, Adrian Genus, Marcia Haven-Little, Hermin Hew-Sang, Elizabeth Jones, Pauline Bryan, Dr. John Baugh, Dr. Milton Hardy, Moira Peddlar, Dr. Badih Shoucair, Aldith Grant and Ingrid Munroe.