their efforts this week.

Department heads chose their top staff members for awards and cheques to show appreciation of their exertions.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Leo Mills said: "It is the first time we have presented these awards for outstanding service in this type of ceremony.

"We feel you should be publicly recognised for your good work. You ladies and gentlemen exemplify the very best of public services.

"Your work does not always receive the esteem you deserve in the eyes of the general public. It is sterling work you have done and will continue to do.'' Mr. Mills said he hoped the award winners would serve as peers to other employers and set a hallmark those others can aim for.

Seventeen were chosen out of 37 nominees. They are: Debra Matthew of the Accountant General's department, Thomas Sinclair, Agriculture and Fisheries, Ingrid Brangman, Community and Cultural Affairs, Steven Perinchief, Customs, Gwen Beach, Education, Joanne Lynch, Supreme Court, Maryanne Scott, Immigration, Roseanne Gomes, Registry General, Faith Clarke, Library, Michael Fuhrtz, Legislature, Lo Wayne Woolridge, Marine and Ports, Gail Burgess, Personnel Services, Roberta Francis, Tourism, Valerie O'Brien, Transport control, Deborahann Wilmot, Works and Engineering, Natalie Nesbitt, Youth and Sport, and Dawnette Richardson from the Post Office.

Of particular note was Maryanne Scott who led the Immigration Department's naturalisation section into clearing a backlog of work going back three years.

Assistant Chief Officer Dr. Martin Brewer described her task as seemingly impossible which she made relatively easy because of her attitude.

And also special praise was made of Tom Sinclair, of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department's plant protection laboratory. Director Mr. John Barnes said that Mr. Sinclair had been deeply involved in the long-process of checking Christmas trees for disease last year.

PUBLIC SERVICE -- Two of 1992's outstanding public servants receive awards from their bosses. From left: Director of Agricualture and Fisheries, Mr. John Barnes and Mr. Thomas Sinclair, Ms Maryanne Scott and Assistant Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Martin Brewer.