RJRGLEANER workers urged to uphold service standards
Published:Wednesday | November 9, 2022 | 12:10 AMChristopher Serju/Gleaner Writer
Group Deputy Chairman Dr Lawrence Nicholson challenged members of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group on Tuesday to continue to offer high-quality service to its clients and the wider public.
Delivering the keynote address at the company’s Long-Service Awards and Pensioners’ Luncheon at the AC Hotel in Kingston, Lawrence told those in attendance: “We expect the best from you.”
Living up to that charge, he said, was especially important in an era that is often accommodative of mediocrity, but RJRGLEANER Communications Group employees were urged to uphold high standards.
“It is important to recognise that without the customers, we are nothing. It is important that we recognise that we do not exist as an organisation for our sake; we exist as an organisation for the sake of service, as we are called to served,” Nicholson told the audience.
“Unfortunately, as a society, we believe that the moment we do something, we are to get some accolades. We are happy for you, but guess what? We are awarding you for what we expect you to do and we are glad that you did it with distinction.”
For the awards ceremony, 302 persons were recognised in batches for varying lengths of service – five, 10, 15, 25, 30 years, with Sylyn Brown-Hamilton of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited the toast of the event for 35 unbroken years.
In lauding Brown-Hamilton, Burchell Gibson, deputy general manager of print, plant and circulation, summed up her service this way: “Your commitment to quality, matched by your endearing personality, has been the crux in forging the unbreakable links between us and our suppliers and customers.
“Sylyn, you are a sentinel of profound intelligence and integrity that sets us leagues apart from the competition. We congratulate and salute you on this milestone of 35 years of service as we celebrate your contributions to maintaining and elevating the company’s success,” Gibson said.
Meanwhile, among the 81 pensioners honoured was veteran broadcaster Winston Williams, who first entered radioland in 1963.
“It was joy unspeakable. It’s good that they honour you while you are here,” said Williams with a hearty laugh, adding that it was a hard grind over many decades.
“I’m elated. Over the moon, as they say.”
Williams’ career spanned stints at Radio Jamaica, the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, and Power 106.
Asked whether he might re-emerge on the airwaves, Williams quipped: “Get back into radio? No, man, I’m retired. I’m now working with RNR: Retired Not Rich.”
Image technician Trecia McGowan, who was honoured for 30 years of service, was among the hundreds honoured for excellence and loyalty. She recalled joining the company for what was supposed to be a three-week stint in 1992. Three weeks turned into three decades.
Having started as a proofreader in the Prepress Department, McGowan has witnessed many systemic and technological changes during which time she was awarded Employee of the Year and Staff of the Quarter.
Though digitisation has been a game-changer in the printing industry, the image technician believes there is still a place for individuality.
“I feel great. I love my job, so that’s the reason why I have been here so long,” McGowan said on Tuesday.
“Things have changed a lot, with new systems being introduced, but you still have some things where you need the human touch.”