Two U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) employees were recognized for their dedication to public service last week at the 2019 USVI Employee of the Year 30th Annual Public Service Recognition Week Award Ceremony. Kelly Thompson-Webbe, a budget and financial analyst, was selected as the USVIEDA Employee of the Year for the St. Thomas-St. John District; Gloria Fredericks, a receptionist, was selected as the USVIEDA Employee of the Year for the St. Croix District.
These award ceremonies were held respectively on Thursday, June 6, at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix and on Friday, June 7, at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas.
Thompson-Webbe, a USVIEDA employee for 12 ½ years, and Fredericks, employed at the USVIEDA for three years, have both exemplified excellence and professionalism in their daily commitment to serving the people of the territory and citizens from abroad who engage with the USVIEDA and its programs and services.
“Public service plays a significant role in our community’s quality of life. This type of service impacts education, healthcare, public safety, community development, our infrastructure and the way we do business — all of which contribute to the economic development of our territory,” said Kamal I. Latham, USVIEDA chief executive officer.
“The recognition of Mrs. Thompson-Webbe and Ms. Fredericks, and many others in our public service community for their dedicated service, is well-deserved. Congratulations to these individuals for their fine work and for being an example for our young people entering public service and other individuals to follow,” added CEO Latham.
Providing leadership in all phases of the USVIEDA’s budget activities such as budget preparation, formulation, presentation, execution and financial management, Thompson-Webbe was selected as Employee of the Year by her co-workers for her professionalism and humility. She was also recognized for her consistent demonstration in identifying and recommending solutions to operational issues that can have a fiscal impact on the USVIEDA.
Employed in public service for 12 1/2 years and selected as Employee of the Year in 2013, Thompson-Webbe has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration.
In addition to her clerical duties and assisting office visitors, Fredericks takes on the responsibility of channeling incoming calls and correspondences to USVIEDA team members, and oversees mail distribution activities and requisitions for office supplies. She was hired through the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program provides senior citizens with job placement at agencies that are willing to provide on-the-job training and skill development.
The 2019 USVI Employee of the Year Annual Public Service Recognition Week Award Ceremony was among several week-long activities held to honor men and women who serve the territory as government employees.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, visit www.usvieda.org.
