FIFTEEN employees of the Department for Community Development and Religion were officially farewelled yesterday.
The retirees, aged between 55 and 71 years who served in various capacities across different sections of the Department were acknowledged for their service to the state.
Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase thanked the retirees for their years of service and commitment in improving the lives of vulnerable and marginalized people in the country.
“Your efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Papua New Guineans.
“As you retire, we celebrate your legacy and wish you all the best in the next chapter of your lives,” Mr. Ubase said during his address.
Likewise, Deputy Secretary Ms. Karen Haive thanked the retiring staff for their dedication and service as public servants with commitment and pride not only for the department but for the country as a whole.
“So, it’s been a journey, and all of them have come through that journey,” Ms. Haive stated.
Although these staff members will no longer be in the office, Ms. Haive encouraged the current staff to maintain communication and seek knowledge from them.
Among the 15 retirees, 10 were women, with 4 of them having served as public servants within the Department for over 40 years.
One of these women, Mrs. Isabel Salatiel, began her career in public service in 1973 as a Grade 1 paid officer.
She rose through the ranks to become the Director of Child Welfare in 2005 at Grade 17, later advancing to Grade 18. Mrs. Salatiel retired after 47 years of service.
The ceremony included presentations of certificates of appreciation and retirement packages as a token of the Department’s recognition and gratitude.
The event concluded with a farewell luncheon, where staff and retirees shared fond memories and exchanged well wishes.
