By LINDSAY THOMPSON

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU – Hard work and dedication has certainly paid off for Marguerita Cornish, senior registry clerk in the Deportation Unit of the Department of Immigration, who was recognised as Employee of the Quarter from January to March, 2008.

An awards ceremony was held last Friday, April 11, at the Department of Immigration on Hawkins Hill, during which five employees were recognised for outstanding work.

Top honours went to 23-year veteran Cornish, who was called "a one woman show" in charge of the office at Marsh Harbour, Abaco, the third fastest growing economy in the country.

The other four nominees were Sophia Bailey, Enforce-ment Unit; Solomon Clarke, Deportation Unit; Zena In-graham, Naturalisation Unit; and Monica Maycock-Moss, Policy Unit.

The nominees were presented with letters of congratulations for their "hard work, determination, punctuality, providing excellent service and working in hazardous conditions", as submitted by their supervisors. Judging was carried out by other employees within the Ministry of National Security, under which the Department of Immigration falls. The nominees would also have a rotating parking spot in front of the building.

Director of Immigration Vernon Burrows encouraged the employees to "continue to provide excellent service and be model public officers."

"This is all about team work. The Department of Immigration is never going to be successful in its quest to performing at the highest level or provide good quality service to the public unless we work as a solid team," Burrows said.

He recalled working with Cornish in Abaco during his early years in the department and how she thanked him for "not accepting substandard work" from her.

"Every supervisor in Abaco has attested to her professionalism, hard work and sacrifice that Maggie (Ms. Cornish) has given to the department over the years," Burrows said.

Cornish, 49, fought back tears as she gave thanks, first of all to God, her supervisor and the Ministry for her recognition.