National Caribbean Insurance Company Ltd. (NCI) honored its past seven general managers, its staff, and customers with over 57 awards at its historic 50th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 14, 2023. This Golden Jubilee 1073-2023 Dinner and Awards, guided by the slogan: “At 50 We Stand Tall, NCI Cares for All” was held under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Mr.
Walford Gumbs, OBE, JP, Governor-General Deputy as a special tribute to past and present board members, management, and staff and all its customers. Mr. Curtis Martin and Ms. Nekirah Nicholls elegantly hosted an exceptional night that was set to the magnificent sounds of the KC5 Band, poetry, dance, and steel pan music and a culinary treat for the ages.
Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, former Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Dr. Denzil Douglas, and other industry leaders were also among the invited guests and dignitaries in attendance.
Special recognition was given to Jasmine Warner-Weekes who penned the now immortal slogan, “At 50 We Stand Tall, NCI Cares for All” which rang out like a mantra throughout the proceedings. Acting NCI General Manager, Mr. Ryeburn Boyce gave opening remarks and laid the foundation for a night of celebration of such a landmark.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Denzil Crooke, OBE, former NCI General Manager. Mr. Crooke reprised the theme from NCI’s special anniversary church service “Living in the Power of Transformation” and challenged the company to embrace the power of transformation and transformational leadership.
In his own remarks H.E. Cedric Liburd NCI Chairman highlighted the contributions of the founders, past and present staff and customers in NCI’s success and gave his own vision for NCI’s sustainable growth going forward.
Chairman Liburd then conducted two colossal toasts: firstly, to the employees and then to all customers to begin the massive awards presentation. NCI’s past seven (7) general managers were all recognized for their sterling contribution to the success of NCI over the last fifty years.
The Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew presented the special awards to the Hon Roy Jones, represented by his son Mr. Royston Jones, Mr. Denzil Crooke, Mr. Oliver Morton represented by his brother Pastor Joel Morton, the Hon.
Eugene Hamilton, Mr. Michael Morton, Mrs. Judith Attong, and Mr. Cedric Jeffers. Another highlight of the evening’s awards ceremony was the Pioneer Award in recognition of Sir Edmund Lawrence, GCMG, OBE CSM JP visionary founder of NCI.
Dr. Caroline Lawrence and Dr. Louisa Lawrence accepted the award on their father’s behalf. The Chairman’s Award went to Charles Leonard Williams as the first sales manager of NCI. Mrs. Seana Williams-Harvey accepted the award on her father’s behalf with Mr.
Williams addressing the gathering on video from the USA. Many employees who have given yeoman service to NCI over a minimum ten (10) years were also recognized for their steadfast contribution in categories rising to 38 years of unbroken service.
The Employee of the Year Awards were presented by the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew to Ms. Seana Mills – St. Kitts, Ms. Mareta Hendrickson – Nevis Branch and Ms. Vernette Reid – Anguilla Branch. Mrs. Debbie Gumbs-James of
the Anguilla Branch won the highly coveted Sales Consultant of the Year 2023 Award. Customer appreciation awards were also presented by the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew to Ms. Elrethia Douglas Longest Customer – Life and Health Insurance; Mrs.
Ellana Tuckett-Clarke – Customer with the most policies Life and Health; and Andrew Bass – Individual Customer with the Most Non-Life Business. Also recognized was Ms. Yvette Bowers – First Life Insurance Policyholder. NCI’s Golden Jubilee Dinner and Awards gala event was a night of recognition and celebration, elegance and glamour, culinary delights, and classic entertainment to mark the 50th anniversary of a company that rose from humble beginnings in 1973 to the top of the financial services and insurance industry in the sub-region.
Congratulations to the NCI Management and Staff on the achievement of this remarkable milestone with every wish for continued growth and success in sterling service to the nation and the region. (National Caribbean Insurance Company Ltd.)
