Scotia recognises Bernard for contribution to netball

KINGSTON:

Scotiabank made a special presentation to Marva Bernard, former president of the Netball Jamaica (NJ), for her contribution to the development of the sport.

"We have seen your dedication and hard work and wanted to personally express our appreciation to you for all that you have done for netball over the years," said Jacqueline Sharp, president and CEO of Scotia Group, after making the presentation in her office at Scotiabank Centre on Tuesday.

"Our netballers have risen to such great international prominence in recent years, and I think it is safe to say that a lot of this success has been attributable to your determination," Sharp pointed out.

Scotiabank has been supporting NJ since 2006 when Bernard first made an appeal to the company for assistance. Since then, the sponsorship has been focused primarily on the development of the Under-16 team and the establishment of a strong core of junior umpires.

Her presents included a specially designed tombstone, which reads: 'Presented to Marva Bernard, Past President Netball Jamaica, for passionate advocacy, dedicated administration, outstanding service and sterling contribution to the development and growth of netball in Jamaica'.

Bernard expressed delight at the recognition.

"To say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement," she said. "I have always felt like a part of the Scotiabank family. My job was made much easier because I have never felt uncomfortable to ask for help," she continued.

HER WORDS OF WISDOM

She also used the opportunity to share her own words of wisdom.

"Success," she said, "is really about relationship building. Persons need to remember that ethics and accountability are important, and sponsors need to know that you are using their money wisely," she advised.

She added: "If you don't have supportive friends, the road can get lonely, but always remember it's not what you get, it's what you become that is important."

In this new phase of her life, Bernard says she is enjoying retirement.

"There are days when I wake up and I want to do nothing," she said.

However, for the most part, she admits taking up swimming in the mornings, training for a 5K and assisting her church with a number of projects. She also remains open to organisations that may want to lean on her expertise.