As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the University of the West Indies, Mona recently honoured 123 staff members at a long-service awards ceremony.

Leona Bobb-Semple, Mary Gray, Zellynne Jennings-Craig, Sandra Pusey and Paulette Williams received special awards for meritorious service to the university.

The ceremony was held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge, located on the university's campus.

Overcome with joy

The staff members, who served in various departments at the UWI, were awarded for 15, 21, 30 and 40 years of service. In the 15-year category, 65 persons were presented with awards; for 21 years, 36 were awarded; 14 were awarded for dedicating 30 years and three awarded for 40 years.

Professor John Lindo, who replied on behalf of the 123 awardees, said he was overcome with joy to know the institution he and his colleagues served had found it appropriate to recognise the hard work of its staff.

"We are happy to be recognised for our hard work and long service," Lindo said. He was awarded for having served the institution for 15 years.

Lindo also expressed his gratitude to the university for allowing him and his colleagues to be a part of what he called the "Caribbean dream".

He also extended congratulations to those who were given meritorious awards for their outstanding, long, dedicated service to the UWI.

Beryl Cunningham (left), Sandra Cole and Ingrid Akpeti (right) were among recipients of the award for 21 years of service to the University of the West Indies' long-service and special 60th anniversary awards held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge on Tuesday.