ADVANTUM mourns loss of team member

The ADVANTUM (formerly Port Computer Services Limited) family is mourning the loss of fellow team member, business analyst Anthony Martin.

Martin joined ADVANTUM in August 2010 and quickly emerged as an asset to the company and was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of working with him. He died at home on December 30, 2011.

Roger Hinds, chairman of ADVANTUM, described Martin as a gregarious individual who brought cheer to co-workers and, indeed, the clients of the company.

"He displayed the highest level of professionalism and brought enthusiasm to everything that he did," Hinds said.

Hines noted that the impact Martin made in such a short time will always be remembered. "He has left an indelible mark," Hinds said. He added that it was his hope that the cheerfulness Martin shared with those who knew him will help to comfort his family as they come to terms with this loss.

Elaine Hayden, general manager of ADVANTUM, recalled her first meeting with Martin after joining the ADVANTUM team last July. "You will never forget me," he said to her then.

Hayden found the statement to be profound. "Indeed, you will never forget his warmth or friendliness. He was more like a brother than a co-worker," she expressed.

Of Martin's work ethic, Hayden said his commitment and loyalty was unwavering. "He treated each customer as our most valued customer and ensured each received special attention. He went out of his way in a very humble manner to ensure that their expectations were exceeded at all times," Hayden said. "His shoes will be very hard to fill."

An 'employer's dream'

Annmarie Curtis, ADVANTUM's client services manager, described Martin as an 'employer's dream'. "He took his role in the organisation seriously. He always felt that ADVANTUM could soar and big things were on the horizon," Curtis asserted.

"He was an excellent team player and an example to other staff members. He was always willing to take on extended activities to assist in the success of any project at ADVANTUM," Curtis said, adding that Martin posited that, if the team failed, he also failed.

For his part, Albert Beckford, business development manager for ADVANTUM, said he admired Martin's positive attitude towards work and life, and also his willingness to take on any task assigned.

"He had the ability to interpret the client's vision even when the client was not able to fully express the needs of his/her company," Beckford stated. "He was a true people person and I will miss our early-morning conversations and the camaraderie we shared," Beckford said.

Fellow co-worker, Floyd Ball, said the sudden passing of Martin was truly a shock. "I found him to be one with that quiet presence and sociable in his own calm way," Ball said. "He would walk up to you smiling and greet you in such a way that made you feel so much a part of the ADVANTUM family," Ball added.

Martin leaves behind spouse Jani Cameron; daughter Anelia; stepdaughter Renesha Simmonds; father Osmond Martin; brothers Donnahue, Dean, Robert and Lawrence; sisters Sylvia, Yvonne, Kadian, Elaine Martin-Boothe, and Nadine Martin-McPherson.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 10 a.m. at Grace Missionary Church, 7 West Avenue, Kingston 8. The interment will be at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens, St Catherine.