Cleopatra Murphy

Freeport News Reporter

cleopatra@nasguard.com

Civil servants and retirees within the public service will be recognized for their contributions during the 13th annual Public Service Week and Recognition of Retirees set to begin on Sunday, October 21, and continue to Saturday, October 27.

The week of activities will be held under the theme "The Public Service United in Love and Service"

Laurie Bullard, chairperson for the Northern Region Public Service Week Planning Committee, said it is important to recognize the contributions of retirees that would have served in the public service for 25 years or more.

"As public officers we would like to know that our service to the general public and to our country is appreciated," she said.

Bullard said the week of activities also serves to raise awareness among the public of the service that general public service officers provide.

While the full slate of activities have not been announced, events that are planned include the Mr. Debonair contest, along with an annual steak out.

"We solicit the participation of all public officers, along with the general public and business community's continued support for our upcoming events," Bullard said. "The committee is most grateful to Grand Bahama and the northern region community for its support over the years," she said.

Patrice Johnson, event coordinator for the Northern Region Public Service Week, said a new flair has been added to its events and all men within the public service are invited to participate in the Mr. Debonair contest set for 8 p.m. on November 3 at the Bishop Michael Eldon School Auditorium.

"Those interested persons are asked to call Lady Naomi Wallace-Whitfield at the Department of Public Service, Cindy Davis and Bahamas Customs, Theresa McPhee at the Police Department and John Frasier at the Rand Memorial Hospital for applications and additional information," she said.

Johnson said the Grand Bahama Police Pop Band would also provide live entertainment and encouraged all civil servants to attend to support the men.

John Frasier, a committee member, said a steak out is also scheduled for Saturday, August 25, from noon to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the General Post Office.

"This is our major fund-raiser and so we are looking forward to getting the support of the community and our various committee members," he said.

Frasier said the funds raised would go toward the purchase of gifts for public service retirees and would also cover the expenses incurred for the annual luncheon.

Tickets, he said, can be purchased from committee members or from the Department of Public Service

"Please come out and support us as we strive to honor our retirees through the fund-raising efforts of this project," he said.