Courts staffer retires after four decades
Ermyn Berry is flanked by Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, who is presenting a retirement gift, and Court Administrator Kevin McCormac
(CNS): Ermyn Berry, administrative secretary at Judicial Administration, who has retired after 40 years of service, was treated last week to a surprise farewell party. Her career in public service began on 1 August 1975, with the Registrar of Companies, then located within the Courts’ administration.
Berry was later seconded to the Currency Board, and in 1988 she was promoted to executive officer and transferred back to the Courts where she remained. In 1997, her title was changed to administrative secretary, a post in which she has served ever since.
“All of us are…aware of what a dedicated, warm and lovely person Ms Ermyn is,” said Chief Justice Anthony Smellie at the farewell ceremony held 29 October, and attended by Acting Governor Franz Manderson, judges and magistrates, administrators at all levels, and her colleagues from all across Judicial Administration.
“Speaking for myself, I have always been impressed by her kind and graceful disposition and will truly miss working with her here at the Courts,” he said.
Deputy Clerk of Court Cecile Collins (herself a long-serving staffer at Judicial Administration), said: “It’s been great working with Ms. Berry. Having her on my team made a difference and I am truly appreciative for all she has done.”
Collins added, “Thank you, Ms. Ermyn, for being such a dedicated and valuable employee. I will truly miss your fleeting steps as you moved about the office, never delaying to deal with a task.”
Despite all the tributes, Berry said simply, “My time in government has been overall good; it was not without its difficult times, but I am thankful for the jobs that I had.”
She said she is looking forward to enjoying friends and family, especially taking care of her octogenarian mother, Glennis Berry, and spending time with her granddaughter, Kyannah. High on her retirement goals as well is greater involvement with her church, the Bodden Town United Church, and tending to her gardening.
The Chief Justice added these words of praise: “Throughout her career, Ms Ermyn has been regarded as a very dependable, efficient and well-respected employee….I wish for you, Ms Ermyn, a very long and happy retirement.”
Category: Civil Service
