Sun | Jun 28, 2026

Fantastic time in Panama

Published:Thursday | April 17, 2014 | 12:00 AM
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Garnett Levy (third right), China Harbour Engineering Company Americas Division Employee of the Year, Sherreka Lowe (second right) - first runner-up, and Gary Roper (second left), second runner-up, are flanked by Aldo Ferrufino (right), deputy general manager of CHEC Panama, and Alejandro Yanis (left), deputy general manager of CHEC Colombia. They were photographed at the CHEC Panama office where awardees were taken on a tour during their all-expense paid, one-week trip to Panama City.
China Harbour Engineering Company Americas Division Employees of the Year pose with Andrea Jarrett (right), regional human resources manager, and Yanming Xiao (left), deputy general manager of China Harbour, with their certificates. Garnett Levy (third left), driver, won first place, Sherreka Lowe (second right), administrative assistant, received first runner-up, and Gary Roper, driver, was the second runner-up. - Contributed photos
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Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

The diligent work of three Jamaicans, Garnett Levy, Sherreka Lowe and Gary Roper, paid off as they won an all-expense paid trip to Panama City and handsome cash prizes, having placed highly in the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Americas Division Employee of the Year Competition. Winners were taken on a tour of CHEC's posh subregional office and fêted at the annual street carnival during their one-week tour of the exotic Panama City.

First-place winner Garnett Levy is one of 12 drivers for the company. He was second runner-up for the Jamaican Employee of the Year in 2012; he continued to display excellent work ethic, which earned him the 2013 CHEC Americas Division Employee of the Year award.

"When I heard my name I was so surprised because I thought it would have been one of the more senior drivers. And now, to have actually won Employee of the Year is an honour. When I first joined CHEC I did not know that I would have the opportunity to travel outside of Jamaica. I am humbled by this fantastic experience," Levy said. This was his first overseas trip.

Similarly, Sherreka Lowe was also very excited to have received the trip to Panama. She has been an administrative assistant at CHEC for the past three years. During this time, she has proved her dedication through her willingness to work beyond the call of duty in order to ensure that her tasks are properly executed.

Being an avid student of Mandarin, Lowe makes every effort to integrate both the Jamaican and Chinese cultures through her involvement with the company's social committee, a group that organises a variety of fun activities for all staff members. It is no surprise that Lowe was chosen as the first runner-up in the CHEC Employee of the Year Competition.

Like his co-worker Levy, CHEC driver Gary Roper's first experience flying was his recent trip to Panama City - as he was the second runner-up in the CHEC Employee of the Year Competition. "I was really surprised. My wife now resides in Canada and I thought I would have been able to visit Canada first before travelling anywhere else. But this trip came along and it will always stand out in my mind," Roper said.

COMMITMENT

Known for his keen and meticulous attention to detail, Roper has displayed his commitment on numerous occasions, as he is always eager to lend a helping hand and is now offering valuable assistance to the HR team, sometimes spending very long hours at government agencies just to ensure that requested documents are handled in a timely manner.

Prior to being employed to CHEC, Roper operated his own business but that was slow. Since joining CHEC in 2012, Roper had the opportunity to visit a number of government agencies and recreational places in Jamaica.

"I don't think there are many companies that would have put as much effort into recognising their staff," Roper said. "We got a trip to Panama, cash and a certificate to remember the occasion. This is something that I will always remember," Roper added.