Retiring civil servants talk of gratifying careers |04 December 2012

Those among them whom we interviewed said it was a joy to have served the country, their pupils and patients and it was rewarding to see them make progress.

Six were teachers who added on to the few others who retired recently prompting the principal secretary (PS) for education Merida Delcy to say they will no doubt leave a void – especially because of their long experience and speciality.

She however added a few teachers are rejoining the ministry and continuing to serve after their well-deserved break.

Mrs Delcy also said the ministry is continuing with its determined recruitment drive, while the retirees added their voice to that of Mr Faure and the PS urging more young people to join the noble profession.

Retiring nurse Marie-Antoinette Salomon, who has put in 42 years of service, made a similar call for youths to consider nursing, which she said offers rewards from seeing patients get better after helping them on their road to recovery.

The longest serving among the nine was former teacher Rita Milius who has served for 47 years, followed by her former colleagues Valiama Stravens (46 years), Nadege Emmanuel (45), Sheila Dine (45), Maryse Robert (37), Berard Esparon (34), Suzanne Morel (31), and ambulance driver Wilby Botsoie who has been in the civil service for 31 years.

The retirees said though they still feel energetic, taking a break is a priority for them before considering their next steps, although a few told Nation they would like to travel given they did not have much of a chance to do that during their careers.

Some of the teachers said they were so engaged they did not even realise the years passing because even during school holidays they attended workshops which helped to develop them professionally.

They said one of the greatest achievements is to see the pupils or students they have taught occupy useful positions regardless of the sector or level, while some said the respect they get from the former scholars is a great reward, although some of the retiring teachers said there are a few who pretend not to notice them.