Three “dedicated, long serving pioneer” retirees of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received plaudits for their selfless service to vulnerable members of the community.

Mrs. Eileen Sanguinetti-Codlyn with 29 years’ service, Mrs. Barbara Gee, who served for 23 years, and Mrs. Delva Mattocks, in service for 20 years, were all honoured at an event at the Golden Age Home (GAH) in West Bay on Wednesday, 17 June 2015.

Mrs. Sanguinetti-Codlyn was employed at GAH in West Bay at the time of her retirement; Mrs. Gee had been transferred from DCFS and served her last two years with the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU); and Mrs. Mattocks was employed at Maple House caring for children with special needs.

They received floral tributes and long service plaques as tokens of appreciation for their tireless commitment to doing a good job consistently over the years.

Speaking on behalf of Community Affairs Minister Hon. Osbourne Bodden, Councillor Alva Suckoo said, “These awards are a testament to your hard work and great skills. Over the past years of service, what you have given to the people of the Cayman Islands speaks to your passion, dedication and perseverance and will remain an excellent model for your colleagues. The Government will never forget what a marvelous job you have done.”

Mr. Suckoo commented that their long service demonstrated their loyalty and a strong sense of belonging. Noting their stellar contribution to the Department’s development and especially its Adult Special Needs Programme, Councillor Suckoo further said, “Through your devotion, many elderly citizens have been able to live their senior years with dignity, respect and love. There is no price for the service you have given; service is about how much you care – causing others to have a better life.”

Summing up the sentiments of the top government officials present, Mr. Suckoo thanked the three ladies and wished them “every success in the future” that might bring new challenges and new rewards.

Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, expressed his gratitude for their positive impact on so many lives in the community and added that their work far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Officials attending included Ministry of Community Affairs Acting Chief Officer Debbie-Ann Whittaker and Department Director Alicia “Jen” Dixon.