Lands and Survey officer named employee of the year
(L-R) Deputy Governor Franz Manderson; Philbert McFarlane and his wife, Joan McFarlane; and Lands and Survey director Rupert Vasquez
(CNS Local Life): Philbert McFarlane, from the Lands and Survey Department, has won the Deputy Governor’s Award 2015-2016, selected from the 12 finalists who took home the individual Employee of the Month honours over the year. Governor Helen Kilpatrick and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson hosted the award ceremony, which was held 16 November at Government House.
Manderson said his choice for the top honour in the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme had taken him two days to decide as all the finalists were of such high calibre.
“These 12 civil servants exemplify the best of the civil service and serve as role models for others,” he said, in a government press release. “My vision is to create a world-class civil service and by their example of consistently going the extra mile, they help take the civil service a giant step further towards making this vision a reality. I am extremely proud of them and appreciative of their contribution.”
McFarlane, who is a land registry officer, scooped the prestigious accolade for being “most helpful, pleasant and informative” in his job. He was the March Employee of the Month and was previously recognised as his department’s Employee of the Year in 2007.
He joined the Lands and Survey Department 28 years ago as a field assistant, and promoted to land registry assistant with customer service duties. He has received many commendations from customers saying they are grateful for the level of care he provides.
This attitude is not limited to Lands and Survey customers. McFarlane often goes out of his way for clients who have experienced setbacks when dealing with other government departments, the press release said, leading to customers standing in line to wait specifically for him to help them.
He can be also counted on to be the first to assist a distraught or demanding client and his empathetic ear allows him to outline clear plans of action to help people with their needs.
“It is a wonderful surprise to win this award – I can’t believe it,” McFarlane said. “It is a wonderful feeling – an excellent feeling. I don’t think it can get better than this.”
Lands and Survey director Rupert Vasquez praised McFarlane for an outstanding commitment to his job and said he was extremely proud of him winning the top award.
Chief Officer in the Portfolio of the Civil Service, Gloria McField-Nixon, who announced the winner, commended all the finalists as representing the outstanding level of customer service to which the civil service aspires.
“The men and women being honoured hail from different backgrounds and areas of professional responsibility,” she said. “However, what they have in common is a demonstrated commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve, and to inspire those with whom they serve.”
McFarlane was presented with a plaque and given a $1,000 cheque to mark the occasion.
Category: Civil Service
