In a significant gathering that blended celebration with institutional reflection, the Ministry of Tourism and Investment convened a special team-building dinner on February 21st. The event served as both a tribute to departing veterans and a strategic initiative to foster unity among current staff members.
The evening’s highlight was the formal recognition of five distinguished retirees whose combined service represents approximately 100 years of institutional expertise. Naomi Elizabeth Mason, honored for her extraordinary 43-year tenure, stood as the ministry’s longest-serving retiree. She was joined by Terrance Charles (21 years), Phillip George (23 years), Carlene Gilkes (7 years), and Paula Claire Joseph (5 years).
Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac delivered heartfelt remarks acknowledging the retirees’ profound impact on both the ministry and the broader tourism sector. “These individuals have fundamentally shaped the foundation of our tourism industry,” Cenac stated. “Their decades of exemplary service have established the platform for our continued growth and development.”
Looking toward the future, Cenac emphasized the critical importance of internal collaboration and innovation. He challenged current team members to build upon this legacy by enhancing performance metrics and advancing sustainable tourism practices through strengthened cooperation.
The ministry positions this event as a pivotal moment in its organizational development—simultaneously honoring historical contributions while galvanizing current personnel around shared objectives. This deliberate merging of past appreciation with future-oriented team building reflects a strategic approach to maintaining institutional continuity amid evolving industry challenges.