157 NSWMA Employees Honoured for Long Service

Employees of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) are being commended for their unwavering dedication and resilience in maintaining sanitation services across the island, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, praised the workers for their loyalty and commitment, while addressing the Long Service Awards Ceremony for staff of NEPM Waste Management Ltd. and WPM Waste Management Ltd. at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on Wednesday (May 27).

The ceremony recognised 157 employees with 15 years of service and above for their outstanding contribution and commitment to the organisation.

Mr. Gordon said sanitation workers continue to perform an essential national duty, despite the difficult nature of the work.

“The NSWMA is on the move. We are not just taking up garbage, as you can see; we have distinguished men and women who have dedicated their lives to doing the work on behalf of this great country that most people would not want to do,” he stated.

Mr. Gordon pointed out that while all people generate waste, few are willing to handle its disposal, underscoring the critical role played by sanitation workers in preserving public health and environmental cleanliness.

“Once there is civilisation, you will have the generation of solid waste, but almost all humans don’t want it around them. Once we have generated the garbage, we want to get rid of it. Here comes the NSWMA, and we do this day in, day out, rain or shine, whether there is a pandemic or we are in good, peaceful times,” he said.

The Executive Director noted that the commitment displayed by NSWMA workers is unmatched, stating that many employees continued to serve even while dealing with personal hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“You have demonstrated beyond any doubt that you are the epitome of loyalty to country and patriotic extraordinary. I have been around and I’ve watched workers of different entities performing their job and I’ve seen dedicated people. I have seen people who take their job seriously, but when I come to the National Solid Waste Management Authority, I’ve seen it on a level that is second to none,” Mr. Gordon said.

He said the awards ceremony was intended not only to honour years of service but also the resilience and sacrifice demonstrated by workers over the years.

For his part, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace, who served as guest speaker, commended the sanitation workers for their role in preserving Jamaica’s environment and supporting the country’s tourism product.

Dr. Wallace noted that clean surroundings contribute significantly to public behaviour and the overall visitor experience, while underscoring the importance of sanitation workers in maintaining the island’s appeal.

“Clean surroundings create a clean mindset. All the studies in psychology speak to when you go to a place where it’s neat, it’s tidy, it’s clean, the verges are well manicured, your behaviour changes,” he said.