Eight workers from the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) were honored by the Apostolic Faith Mission on St. Johnson’s Avenue on Sunday September 9, 2018 for excellence in executing their duties. The occasion was the Sanitation Workers Appreciation Day Church Service, held annually for the last 16 years and is organized by Pastor Lincoln Hazel and the Apostolic Faith Mission. The service was held at the church and was attended by dignitaries including Governor General Sir Tapley Seaton, Minister of Health Eugene Hamilton and sanitation workers from Parks and Beaches, the SWMC and Environmental Health Department.

The awardees from the SWMC are: Jermaine Pringle who serves as a security guard, was honored for being the most reliable employee who has never been absent from work. Sylvester Wattley was recognized for being the best cashier; Dennis Richardson as best landfill operator, Yvonne Allen as a hard worker who never misses work; Marcus Daniel was recognized for always willing to assist in extra work when needed and is never absent, Morley Bedford who is considered a hard working truck driver, Allinton Jeffrey who works as a loader and who is ready to assist and help when needed. He too has not missed a day of work. Sandra Caines was honored for her role as litter warden. Other exceptional sanitation workers from Parks and Beaches and the Environmental Health Department were also recognized.

Minister Hamilton commended the sanitation workers for their contribution to the economy and sanitation of the nation. “Don’t think of you just doing a job. Think of you of providing an environment that encourages people to come to our country,” the minister said in highlighting the economic importance of the work of the SWMC. “As a sanitation worker you are not just doing a job, you are actually adding to the economic wellbeing of this country because when people come to the country and see our country clean, they will come again,” he added. The minister also commended the management of SWMC for doing an excellent job in managing the corporation. He also had high words of commendation for retiring General Manager Alphonso Bridgewater. Minister Hamilton apologized for both Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris and Mr. Bridgewater who were both unavoidably absent.

This is the 16th installment of the Sanitation Workers Appreciation Day Church Service, which is organized to recognize and show appreciation to sanitation workers. The preacher for Sunday’s service was visiting preacher Pastor Shawn Robert Craine.