Finance ministry stalwarts lauded

Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter

Yvonne Gordon and Dorothy Browning were hailed as hard-working, jovial but no-nonsense individuals who served the Ministry of Finance well for a number of years.

But those were only a few words rolling off the tongues of employees who took time out to honour the stalwarts, who have touched the lives of many during their stint.

At a retirement function last Friday, director of the Justice Reform Unit at the Ministry of Justice, Cheryl Watkis, who once worked with Browning, lauded her for her excellent work ethic.

"Her (Browning's) dignity allowed her to earn respect from everyone at the Services Commission. She is not someone who beats around the bush. She always encouraged her workers to reach for the stars, because she always wanted us to do well," she said. Browning worked at the finance ministry for 39 years.

Warm personality

Director of training at the ministry, Tanzia Saunders, said Gordon, who worked at the ministry for 40 years, was always vibrant and on time.

"She was a very frank person who was not afraid to say 'sorry'. She knew everyone she worked with, and she was a person who allowed others to shine," she said.

Jacqueline Hinkson, chief personnel officer at the ministry, reflected on her association with both retirees.

"When we were saying goodbye, it broke my heart. Dorothy was always defending her staff based on the type of relationship they shared and Yvonne kept me on my toes. She was a stickler for details. I had a fun time with them both," she declared.

"The experience here was a good one. I spent 39 years here, 36 of which I spent in the Offices of the Services Commission. That is where I had most of my growth and development," Browning reminisced.

"I am overwhelmed. I didn't expect anything like this but it goes to show how much I am appreciated," she added.