Emotions ran high amongst TelEm Group workers Thursday upon hearing of the sudden passing of popular colleague, Junior Lake, earlier in the day.
Staff were visibly moved with some resorting to tears upon hearing the unexpected news of Mr. Lake’s passing.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, ordered the public area in the main building on Pond Island, where Mr. Lake worked, closed for the afternoon so that staff and colleagues could compose themselves, comfort each other and mourn their loss.
“Junior never greeted anyone in the company without a smile or his characteristic laugh, so I fully understand how his colleagues and staff could be so shocked by his sudden passing,” said Mr. Dupersoy.
“On behalf of TelEm, I apologize to our customers for the sudden closure Thursday afternoon, but I trust everyone will understand that we had to take this action in the interest of our staff and colleagues of Mr. Lake who were all visibly upset and could not concentrate on their work,” said Mr. Dupersoy.
The CEO said the passing of Mr. Lake was even more sad because he had only reached a milestone of 25 years in the company in the past few years, and was looking forward to his retirement within the next five years.
“Junior was a very caring and loving family man who will be dearly missed by all of us,” continued the CEO, who has meantime expressed sincere condolence to the family and friends of Mr. Lake.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by Manager, Human Resources & Development Ms. Shadira Richardson, who described Mr. Lake, A Financial Administrator, Accounting, Payroll and Cashiers, as a dear and beloved colleague.
“Junior will be missed by all and we pray for strength and grace for his wife, children, siblings and Mom, whom he spoke frequently about in the workplace,” said Ms. Richardson.