Employee of Year/Wellness retreat/Cayman to benefit 2nd Tampa ship
NICHOLAS MCLEAN IS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
The Department of Education’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Systems Administrator, Nicholas McLean, has emerged victorious from among 11 highly accomplished civil servants nominated for the Deputy Governor’s Employee of the Year award.
Acting Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, revealed at the award’s presentation reception at Government House on Wednesday, 28 August 2013 that it was no easy task to arrive at the decision, but that it was also pleasing to have such a talented pool of Civil Servants to choose from. “I am very happy with the decision,” he commented.
Mr. Manderson noted that the awards scheme showcases hardworking, dedicated, and innovative civil servants to their peers in the civil service as well as the Cayman Islands people.
He said he was “exceptionally proud” to be the head of a civil service that contained the calibre of the finalists that characterised the awards programme.
While some criticised civil servants, Mr. Manderson said, in reality, most provided good service to thousands of people on a daily basis without complaint.
He added that the tremendous talent that is available in the civil service deserves recognition and that was a substantial reason behind the awards.
Acting Deputy Governor, Hon. Mary Rodrigues, JP, emphasised that, in addition to being the biggest employer in the Islands, Government has the critical role of striving to provide the best service it possibly can.
Ms Rodriguez outlined the process for selecting the Employee of the Year, which included selections by Chief Officers along the way. She too applauded the work of all civil servants with strong public sector values, and said that the finalists were among the best upholders of their departments’ missions and visions.
The finalists were also exemplary employees who left a lasting and positive impression on their peers and colleagues, she noted. She was especially proud of Mr. McLean, who as a Systems Administrator with the Education Department is one of her Ministry’s own, she said.
The nomination form stated that Mr. McLean exemplifies all of the expectations of the ideal worker and that his work ethics are unsurpassed. He has never been absent from work and has never missed a deadline. Mr. McLean often puts in extra hours, without being asked to, and was described as being a problem-solver. He has never received a negative report and exceeds expectations by constantly looking for ways to alleviate problems, approaching his work with zeal, enthusiasm and dedication.
Responding to his selection, Mr. McLean said, “I am really humbled by the presentation of this award. It has definitely caught me by surprise. As a fairly new civil servant I have now been able to get an inside perspective of what goes on, and have noticed that there are many civil servants who work hard, putting in long hours, that are also deserving of recognition.
“I would have to say that this award is a collective win for the entire Ministry of Education’s ICT Team, as without their help, along with that of John Gray High School’s Principal, who is also here tonight as a fellow Employee of the Month Awardee, it would be much more difficult to do my job.”
He also encouraged students to fully use all the resources at their disposal in their studies. (The full text of Mr. McLean’s response follows.)
The other finalists were:
Ms Lyneth Monteith, Mr. Michael Myles and Mr. Robert Llamas (all Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs);
Mr. Michael Godfrey, Mr. Selburn Christian and Ms Azzelia Watler (all Ministry of Finance and Economic Development);
Ms Dausea Scott, Mr. Mark Luke and Ms Tamara Hurlston (all Ministry of Home and Community Affairs); and
Mr. Mark Orr (Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce and Environment).
Photo captions: Photos by Bina Mani
DG Presents: His Excellency the Acting Governor, Mr. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, presents the Civil Service’s first Employee of the Year award to ICT Systems Administrator Nicholas McLean, with Acting Deputy Governor Hon. Mary Rodrigues, JP.
Finalists group: L-r: Mr. Mark Orr, Ms Lyneth Monteith, Ms Tamara Hurlston, Mr. Michael Myles, Ms Robert Llamas, Deputy Governor Mary Rodrigues, Mr. Nicholas McLean, Acting Governor Mr. Franz Manderson, Ms Dausea Scott, Mr. Selburn Christian, Ms Azzelia Watler, Mr. Michael Godfrey and Mr. Mark Luke
Nicholas McLean’s response
With protocol already having been established, I’ll just say a pleasant good evening to all.
Wow! To say this is an honor to be the recipient of this award is an understatement. I feel privileged just to be here grouped along with the other Employee of the Month Awardees, fellow civil servants of the highest caliber.
My grandfather always said that it’s best to be thought a fool than to open our mouth and remove all doubt, so I’ll keep this short.
I am really humbled by the presentation of this award. It has definitely caught me by surprise. As a fairly new civil servant I have now been able to get an inside perspective of what goes on and have noticed that there are many civil servants who work hard, putting in long hours, that are also deserving of recognition.
I would have to say that this award is a collective win for the entire Ministry of Education’s ICT Team, as without their help, along with that of John Gray High School’s Principal, who is also here tonight as a fellow Employee of the Month Awardee, it would be much more difficult to do my job.
When I first started in this position, I quickly realized that IT, or ICT as it is referred to in the school system, is now far more heavily integrated in the curriculum than it was in the past, spanning the various subjects. It was at that time I found out I really had my work cut out for me.
It is rewarding working at the John Gray High School being able to provide staff and students with necessary ICT equipment and services. I encourage each and every one of the students to make full use of all resources, ICT and otherwise, that are at their disposal for the enhancement of their school studies.
Last school year, John Gray High School initiated the High 5 program, the 5 core values expected by students and staff alike. These are Respect, Right Time, Right Place, Responsibility, & Achievement.
After thinking about it, I realized how they complement my own personal values and work ethic.
By the nature of my job and the person that I am, I’m really a behind the scenes type of person. I hope the presentation of this award with serve as an example to students to in some way inspire and motivate them to focus on their studies and strive every day to be the best student they can.
Once again thank you and goodnight.
LIFESTYLES WELLNESS RETREAT
Looking for a great gift-idea for your lady? Please see the attachment with information on our new and improved upcoming November Retreat which we are delighted to say now includes delicious foods from Chef George Fowler of Calypso Grill fame. Please reserve early.
Other programs and classes – Calm Kids Cayman, Yoga Lite, Weight Management and Water Conditioning resume mid-September. A newsflash with information will be forthcoming shortly.
Living well is good for the soul.
Donna Mitchell
Lifestyles Consulting
Specializing in Weight Control, Water Conditioning, Yoga Lite and Calm Kids.Ky
P. O. Box 79, KY1-1701 Grand Cayman
345-929-7512
Visit our website
www.lifestylescayman.weebly.com
CAYMAN TO BENEFIT FROM SECOND SHIP TO TAMPA
From All Things Cruise
Royal Caribbean commits second ship to Tampa- Vision of the Seas joins Brilliance of the Seas to offer vacationers more Caribbean options from Florida’s gulf coast.
The Tampa Port Authority and Royal Caribbean International announced that the cruise line will be deploying a second ship at the Port of Tampa beginning in the fall of 2014. Royal Caribbean International has been operating one ship at the Port of Tampa, during winter cruise seasons, since January 2002. Brilliance of the Seas, which will sail seasonally four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises, will now be joined by a second Royal Caribbean ship, Vision of the Seas, which will offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises, sailing from Tampa throughout winter 2014-15. Vision of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas’ winter 2014-15 cruises from Tampa are now open for sale.
“It is extremely exciting to see Royal Caribbean International’s continued support of the Tampa cruise market by adding an additional vessel to our thriving home port. Royal Caribbean is a very important partner, offering a quality cruise experience to their guests and significant economic value to the port and our region,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.
Vision of the Seas will sail a nine-night Southern Caribbean itinerary from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on November 6, 2014, to Tampa, with calls at Aruba, Curacao, Grand Cayman and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise on the north coast of Haiti. Beginning November 15, Vision of the Seas will sail every Saturday from Tampa to destinations in the Western Caribbean, including Grand Cayman, Cozumel (MX), Costa Maya (MX), Roatan (Honduras) or Belize. The 915-foot ship has a capacity of 2,000 guest, double occupancy, and a crew of 742. Previously announced, Brilliance of the Seas also will sail from Tampa in winter 2013-14 and 2014-15 on four-night cruises to Cozumel, and five-night Cozumel itineraries, which additionally call at Grand Cayman or Key West.
“We look forward to having two of our most recently revitalized ships, Brilliance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas sail from Tampa in 2014,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “The Port of Tampa has been a great partner for more than a decade and we look forward to continued growth with the Tampa Port Authority in the future.”
There will now be six cruise ships that homeport in Tampa. The projected passenger throughput with the sixth ship will be just over 1 million passengers, the largest throughput in the port’s 31-year history as a cruise port. Port officials are excited to welcome an additional ship to Tampa, which has been home port to Royal Caribbean ships since the first ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, called in January 2002.
Through the cruise line’s ongoing fleetwide revitalization program, Vision of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas offer guests some of the more popular concepts that were introduced aboard Royal Caribbean’s ground-breaking Oasis-class ships, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, new flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, an oversized LCD movie screen overlooking the main pool, Concierge and Diamond Lounges for suite and Crown & Anchor Society loyalty member guests, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for the youngest guests ages six to 36 months.
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