Cayman Islands Customs Training Manager Retirement Celebration

The Cayman Islands Customs Department celebrated Mr. Langlie Powery and his 37 years of service at his retirement ceremony on Friday, 16 September 2016.
The retired Customs Training Manager received high praise from Ministry leaders, colleagues and friends for his commitment and dedication to government service.
Mr. Powery began his career with the Cayman Islands Government on 1 April 1979 as a Customs Officer Recruit for the department.
Between 1979 to present, Mr. Powery worked his way through the ranks, from Senior Customs Officer to Assistant Collector of Customs, until he was promoted to Customs Training Manager in 1999.
Speakers and attendees included Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP; Minister for Finance Hon. Marco Archer, JP; Financial Secretary and Chief Officer, Mr. Kenneth Jefferson, JP; Senior Assistant Financial Secretary, Anne Owens, Deputy Collector of Customs, Mr. Marlon Bodden, Acting Deputy Collector of Customs, Mr. Jeff Jackson and President of the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association, Mr. James Walter. Collector of Customs, Mr. Charles Clifford, was unable to attend the farewell event but sent his regards.
Deputy Governor Manderson expressed his gratitude to Mr. Powery for his significant contributions to the department and its’ customers.
“I sincerely thank you on behalf of the civil service for all of the hard-work you have done,” he said. “You have given back so much to this community. We wish you a happy retirement and God’s blessing.”
Minister Archer applauded Mr. Powery for his commitment to his job, and his determination to provide the highest professional service.
“You spent 37 years dealing with law and order and law enforcement to ensure our people and community were kept safe,” he emphasised. “Words cannot express enough just how much you have contributed to this department and the legacy you leave behind.”
Remarks from Customs Collector Mr. Clifford were also read aloud.
“I am well aware of the significant contributions which you have made to our country and of your willingness to go the extra mile through your many years of service with and support to the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association, he said. “We must record our collective and sincere gratitude for your dedicated service as we wish you well in your retirement.”
Several colleagues of Mr. Powery also shared kind words and applauded him for the positive impact he made on their careers as a role model, and also thanked him for his advice and guidance throughout the years.
In response, Mr. Powery said, “It has been a joy and a pleasure working in the Customs Department. This is where I was raised. I have enjoyed my time here and I thank all of you for your kind words.”
Mr. Powery said he is stepping down to work full-time on a retirement project in West Bay to build a fitness centre next to the Ed Bush Stadium. He officially retired earlier this year on 31 July 2016.
During the celebration, Mr. Powery received a plaque and a watch as a token of appreciation from his colleagues.

Photo captions: Photos by Jamie Hicks, Information Officer, GIS
Powery and Ministry Leaders: (from left to right) Financial Secretary and Chief Officer Mr. Kenneth Jefferson, Deputy Customs Collector Mr. Marlon Bodden, Mr. Langlie Powery, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Minister for Finance Marco Archer.

Powery with Customs Leaders: (from left to right) Acting Deputy Collector of Customs Jeff Jackson; Deputy Collector of Customs Mr. Marlon Bodden, Mr. Langlie Powery and Acting Deputy Collector of Customs Kevin Walton.