Mrs. Barbara Pottinger is a picture of serenity at the Luncheon in her honour

“Every organization needs people who can relate to members of the public and earn their respect”… and “public officers have a responsibility to understand that the way in which they present themselves determines how the organization is viewed,” Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Rt. Rev. Alfred Reid, said as he recognized the outstanding service which recently-retired Accounting Clerk, Mrs. Barbara Pottinger, gave to the Diocese.

Bishop Reid was speaking at an Appreciation Luncheon hosted in honour of Mrs. Pottinger by Church House Staff at Hotel Four Seasons on January 27, and attended by her husband and children. “Anyone who can be amicable and yet work with integrity and without compromise is an asset. The Church owes a debt of gratitude to you, Mrs. Pottinger, for being a dependable and loyal employee for more than 30 years,” he said.

“P,” “Miss P,” “Barbara” or “Mrs. Potty,” as she is fondly called, joined the Church House family in June 1979. This soft-spoken and diligent professional worked tirelessly and closely with the Clergy and Treasurers to streamline the accounts of Churches and Missions islandwide. Ill health forced her early retirement in December 2009.

The Citation referred to her “calm demeanour and willing disposition” as well as her “down-to-earth” approach, which endeared her to the many church workers with whom she interacted.

Diocesan Secretary, the Rev. Denzil Barnes, described Mrs. Pottinger as “the pillar and rock” of the Accounts Department, with a deep-seated commitment to her work that led her to persevere on the job, despite her health challenges.

A collection of comments from employees in the Accounts Department was read by Diocesan Accountant, Mr. Almerick Cooke. Describing her as the “Mother of Accounts,”
her colleagues reflected on the encouragement she freely gave to everyone and her willingness “to go the extra mile for others.”

Senior Secretary and Mrs. Pottinger’s close friend, Miss Eulitt Lampart, recalled “the personal joys and sorrows,” as well as the lunch-time shopping trips they shared; and urged her to “continue to look to Jesus through the ‘winter storm’ of her illness.”

Responding on Mrs. Pottinger’s behalf, her daughter, Franceta, thanked God for being “our source and protection.” She also acknowledged the support of the Church House family, which she said was a blessing to her Mother.