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Governor General of Barbados His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave (seated centre), accompanied by his Aide-de-Camp, Captain Ashton Caddle (standing left), poses for a photograph with staff of the Government Printing Department. Sitting with him are Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Sonja Welch (second from left); Deputy Permanent Secretary Margaret Jones (left), Government Printer Joan Griffith (second from right) and Assistant Government Printer, Andrea Forde (right).

Governor General visits Government Printery

Governor General of Barbados, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave recently paid a visit to the Government Printing Department on Bay Street, St. Michael, to say a special thank you to the staff there for the work done during his tenure over the past five years.

Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Sonja Welch and Government Printer Joan Griffith. After a brief tour of the printery, the Governor General then greeted and engaged members of staff from all departments, who were eager to liaise with him.

Commending management and staff for a job well done, Sir Elliott revealed that the visit was being made in his capacity as Governor General before he demits office at the end of this month. Noting that Barbadians will hear “in the fullness of time” who will replace him as Governor General, he stressed that on coming to office in 2012, he had plans to remain as Head of State for just three years, but ultimately he ended up putting in five years of service.

Commenting on his intended retirement, Sir Elliott stated, “I walked in there [Government House] and I want to walk out.”

Government Printer Joan Griffith meanwhile thanked the Governor General for taking the time to visit the staff at the facility, as did Permanent Secretary, Sonja Welch, who expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Office, which is responsible for the Government Printing Department.

Welch noted that as permanent secretary it has been a pleasure to oversee the printery. Pointing out that it has been in existence since 1957, she highlighted the “very important task” performed by that department over the years and she also placed on record her delight in having the Governor General visit to show the staff how appreciative he is of their “amazing” work and what the printery means to him.
(RSM)

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