Kingston, Jamaica – With joyful songs and the excited chatter of children as the backdrop, the 2023-24 cohort of the First Heritage Cooperative (FHC) Civil Servants of the Year officially handed over their transformative community project on July 30. The freshly renovated and beautified Reddie’s Place of Safety on Mountain View Avenue was the centerpiece of the day’s celebrations.
Leading the inauguration was Clover Reddie-Brown, manager of Reddie’s Place of Safety, joined by a distinguished group of invitees. Among those present were Techa Clarke-Griffiths, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association; Michelle Tracey, assistant general manager of marketing, communications, and member experience at FHC; and Sylvia Shirley-Sterling from the Civil Service Week Planning Committee. Also in attendance were members of the Kiwanis Club of North St Andrew and several other project sponsors.
A Joint Effort for a Greater Good
The project was a collaborative effort involving the three FHC Civil Servants of the Year awardees — Christene Rowe, secretary in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Technical Support category); Ruth McGrowder, senior case officer at the Administrator General’s Department (Mid-Managerial category); and Opal Bryan, corporate planner at the Administrator General’s Department (Managerial category). These dedicated professionals worked seamlessly together to enhance the lives of 19 children and four staff members residing at Reddie’s Place of Safety.
The initiative involved extensive renovation work that commenced before Labour Day on May 23, 2024. Essential repairs included termite remediation, fixing the roof, replacing plumbing fixtures, painting, and undertaking general cleaning. These efforts culminated in a full-scale upgrade valued at over $800,000.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The ceremony saw an impressive lineup of attendees, including Stacie-Ann N Carty, Administrator-General and CEO, and keynote speaker Techa Clarke-Griffiths. Michelle Tracey from FHC delivered stirring remarks, highlighting the project’s theme, “Achieving Excellence Through Collaboration.”
“This theme resonates deeply with us [at FHC] as it underscores the power of working together towards a common goal,” said Tracey. “It is a testament to the incredible impact that collaboration can have on our society.”
Post-ceremony, attendees were given a comprehensive tour of the newly renovated facility. Improvements included the main dining area, bathroom facilities, a reorganized and repainted library, and fresh landscaping for the exterior of the facility.
Continued Commitment to Excellence
As the 2023-24 project comes to a close, the FHC Civil Servants of the Year program is looking forward. Nominations for the 2024-25 cohort are now open in association with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. Interested parties can find nomination forms on the Credit Union’s and the Ministry’s websites, with the deadline set for August 30, 2024.
“We take immense pride in supporting our Civil Servants over the years. You are like family to us, and we cherish the strong bond we have built,” stated Tracey. “Your unwavering dedication and service to our community inspire us to continue our efforts in fostering positive change. The success of this project is a clear illustration of what can be accomplished through collaboration and a shared vision for a better future.”
A Legacy of Service and Community
The renovation of Reddie’s Place of Safety is more than just a physical upgrade; it is a testament to the power of community and the impact of dedicated service. As the children and staff settle into their revitalized surroundings, the echoes of collaborative effort and the spirit of giving will continue to resonate, serving as a beacon of hope and excellence.
For more information on the FHC Civil Servants of the Year program and how to get involved, visit the First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union and the Ministry of Finance and Public Service websites.
This article celebrates the remarkable collective effort and dedication of the FHC Civil Servants of the Year, ensuring their legacy lives on in the improved lives of those at Reddie’s Place of Safety.
