Margaret Bertha George of Penville is living testimony that one can achieve excellence in any undertaking in life.
The Ministry of Health recently recognized Ms. George with an award of excellence for her work as a cleaner in the public service for over 22 years.
She received a plaque and certificate of achievement for what was described as her “outstanding, committed and exemplary” service to the Penville Health Centre.
Minister for Health, Julius Timothy and District Medical Officer, Dr. Candia Jacob made the presentation.
Ms. George was the cleaner at the Penville Health Centre from its inception and according to the citation read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Helen Royer, “ Her service delivery was remarkable. She single-handedly managed not only the cleaning of the Centre but did yard maintenance on her own for no added fee.”
George, it seems, took her job as cleaner way beyond the call of duty, paying others from her own pocket to do the work when it was too much for her to handle, ensuring that one of her children worked in her stead when she was sick, and working with no time schedule, to ensure that her “immaculate cleaning” tasks were done to her satisfaction.
“She actually hosed and scrubbed the external building once a month. She created an ambience of cleanliness that was noticed by all who visited the centre.” Royer quoted from from the citation.
Royer who, as a District Nurse, was once George’s supervisor, said the Penville resident was so engrossed in her work that she did not request vacation leave for many years.
She said when George was asked to take her leave, she did so reluctantly “as she wanted to ensure a professional job at all times.”
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is also the Parliamentary for Penville, said Ms. George’s achievements should serve as a motivation for all in the Community of Penville.
He emphasized that if people work hard they will achieve great things, not only for themselves but for the entire country.
” I am feeling good, proud, excited. I worked hard. I did not expect it, but I thank God. “ the elated and “honoured” Margaret George exclaimed after receiving her award.
The 77 year old said when she began working at the Health Centre in 1973, her wage was $6.00 per month.
Well deserved but may be an envelope with some green backs would go a long way.But I guess a good name is better than riches, hope our politicians take note????
Why not give her $10,000 to help her with retire.
ma Bertha,I know you were elated at receiving your award,I know you deserve mush more,you retired,but with no cash, God bless you.
That’s the way to go,receive your flowers while you are alive madame.I don’t know you,but surely hard work pays off.
Great to recognize her while alive. I hope she was given some monetary compensation.
When I was in school up to when I worked as a teacher in our school, it was the only public place in our village which needed a daily cleaner.
I remember her as an old lady, her job was to sweep up the school’s flooring and to clean the school toilets–boys, girls, and teachers.
However the boys and girls toilets were not designed for small children like five to six years old and that was where I noticed the kind of hard job she had to clean that mess the smaller children would make in both the boys and girls toilet as well as older children.
I can still remember Mrs. Ruth James pleading to the children–about the messed toilets–for the sake of the old cleaning lady, who had to do that cleaning job after them. But waht could they do? Nature had to be answered to when it calls–small have no control to wait
I still have nightmares of going to a toilet room–which I now know as a washroom–because there so much water everywhere–but my dream is always about being at home where the toilets were so dirty–the nightmare always wakes me up to discover that I do not have to use such dirty place.
I hope that our health system has improved drastically–especially in the schools–since I left home 38 years ago.
All the best to this lady for her work well done! I know the feeling of receiving an award for my work as well. I can never forget that day.
Congratulations Ms George- those little stories make a difference! Enjoy your retirement.
well done madame i comend you.
Great job,Margaret — way to go!!!!