The distinguished civil service career of Mr. Henry Parchment, who has retired from his post of Financial Administrator, was recently honoured by colleagues during a farewell luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI).

“Mr. Henry has left an indelible mark on us. We will miss his professional expertise and friendship,” said Deputy Chief Financial Officer Denise Delpesh-Morain.

In January, Mr. Parchment passed a retirement milestone having completed “33-and-a-third years”. Known for his reliable, good-natured and diligent approach, his life has reflected a commitment to God, country and family. “Be faithful in your work..stick to it!” is the mantra he shares with others.

Mr. Parchment’s duties in recent years as PLAHI’s Financial Administrator entailed working with colleagues in multi-million-dollar budget preparation, dealing with personnel issues relating to pensions, health and insurance, as well as managing the Ministry’s accounts payables.

Always drawn to a life of service, Mr. Parchment’s multi-faceted career in Government began in 1980 when he was hired as in the Public Health Officer. While undertaking public health studies, his career goal changed to teaching and he transferred to the West Indies College.

After returning home and doing a stint teaching, his focus changed to communications as he was hired at Radio Cayman. His work on the radio station’s accounts led to his appointment to a post in the Treasury Department in the 1990s, and then to the PLAHI Ministry in 2005.

“We sincerely thank you, Henry, for your valuable contributions and outstanding service to the PLAHI Ministry, and throughout your career,” said Minister Kurt Tibbetts. “We are grateful for your passionate and inspiring business acumen, dedication and systems knowledge.”

While authoring children’s stories and a book on early life in East End are now some of Mr. Parchment’s retirement plans, his immediate focus is on his family and church.

A long-time elder, his religious service entails everything from teaching Vacation Bible School with his wife, Melva (also a civil servant), to preaching, playing music, choral singing, community outreach and youth programmes. Fishing time is also in his new life-schedule.

Mr. Parchment’s other sage advice to civil servants is: “Keep your cool when facing personal or professional challenges; don’t give up when things get rough; have respect for others; and remember that, while giving back to your country, you are also working to benefit yourselves and your families.”

(GIS) Photo captions:

1. DCFO Denise Delpesh-Morain presents an award to Mr. Parchment.
2. The group enjoys the farewell luncheon.
3. Mr. Parchment (centre) with Deputy Chief Officer Leyda Nicholson-Makasare and Minister Kurt Tibbetts.
4. A selfie with Chief HR Officer Melinda Montemayor.