The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) has officially announced the retirement of two long-serving employees – Dave Farmer and Charles Beckles.
Dave Farmer served as the Director of the National Olympic Academy from January 2008. He was responsible for the development and implementation of educational programs for athletes, coaches, managers and all stakeholders in the sporting fraternity. He was also responsible for bidding for Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports funding programs to assist athletes and played a fundamental role in the development of the BOA.
His colleague Charles Beckles served from February 2007 as Office Attendant/Driver, providing the transport service to the BOA and National Federations and their dignitaries. Mr. Beckles also looked after maintenance issues of the building.
Speaking at the retirement function held at Golden Grove Great House, President of the BOA, Sandra Osborne said that the duo will be dearly missed.
“Dave has put the Olympic Academy on the map and I think there is no doubt that he has become a role model for that. We have built a team of very competent persons, so thank you.”
Turning her attention to Mr. Beckles, Ms. Osborne described him as a person who is always one step ahead.
“There was never an issue with Charles, it was a quiet efficiency about how he did his duties, and many federations have endorsed this. This retirement is bittersweet for us. It’s bitter because we are not going to have you here every day, but for you the sweet part of it is recognising that once you have the health, this retirement actually provides an opportunity for you to do different things.”
President Osborne also had some sage advice for the retirees: “It’s almost like a new beginning, there are so many things out there. When you’re working you don’t realise how much experience and knowledge you build up. It’s only when you take it outside of the working environment and apply it to other situations that you realise how much experience you have and how much you have to offer. For you two men, you both have a lot to offer and I hope that you will continue not only to work with us in whatever way possible, but also to spread that knowledge throughout the region.”
One other colleague who paid tribute to the gentlemen was General Manager, Glyne Clarke, who thanked them for their diligence throughout the years. “You have worked hard and I’m very proud of the work we have accomplished. You were employees determined to ensure this organisation was well developed and for that you will be missed.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Senior Administrative Officer, Gail Craig-Archer, who spoke of their vast knowledge and unmatched work ethic, the absence of which will definitely be noticed at the office.
Mr. Farmer and Mr. Beckles will continue to help the BOA where they can. The Barbados Olympic Association family wishes both men a happy retirement and every success in their future endeavours.
Caption 1 – Members of The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. during the retirement function.