NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 16 Caitlon Clayton/Features Writer AS THE Gleaner celebrates its 190th anniversary, few can speak to its enduring legacy as profoundly as Sylyn BrownHamilton. With over 38 years of service to the company, she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact The Gleaner has had on the lives of Jamaicans and the wider society. Reflecting on her tenure, Hamilton expresses a deep sense of fulfilment and pride in being part of such a longstanding institution. “The Gleaner has a rich heritage embedded for 190 years, which plays a significant role in impacting the lives of Jamaicans and other nations,” she says. “Reflecting on the long, rich history of credible news, The Gleaner has been revered for being a leader in influencing public opinions and evoking national conversations on political, economic, legal, and social events over the years. It is indeed a rewarding feeling to be employed at a company with such a legacy.” For Hamilton, The Gleaner’s milestone anniversary is not just a celebration of the company’s achievements but also a personal one. Having spent nearly four decades with the organisation, she has been part of countless projects and forged enduring relationships with her colleagues. “Reaching a milestone anniversary of 190 years, and especially with my tenure of almost 40 years, is incredibly meaningful to me,” she reflects. “This is a time for me to reflect on the many projects that I had the opportunity to participate in, the warm relationships built and shared with my colleagues along the way, and the support received from my staff. My tenure has been more than just a career; it is a journey of personal and professional development.” One of Hamilton’s most memorable experiences at The Gleaner was the 180th anniversary 5K Walk/Run held on September 13, 2014. This event was not just a celebration of The Gleaner’s longevity but also a testament to the company’s commitment to community and social responsibility. “I recall the responsibilities of the Purchasing Department to procure goods and services for the seamless execution of the event and the cooperation required of all team members to achieve the deadline,” she says. “The handling of the procurement of such a large project helped to shape my planning, organising, staffing, leading, and controlling skills in my work life.” The event brought together staff in a way that Hamilton had never seen before, fostering a sense of pride and inclusion that resonated throughout the company. “The first-ever Gleaner 5K Walk/Run brought out a high level of staff engagement, bonding, participation, happiness, sense of pride, and inclusion,” she recalls. “The Gleaner touched the lives of many and gave back to the community. The event was big, memorable, and in my opinion, one of the most successfully staged events of the company.” Throughout her tenure at The Gleaner, Hamilton has witnessed the evolution of the Purchasing Department’s strategies, which have had a significant impact on the company’s ability to serve its readers and advertisers. Initially focused on securing the best deals for materials and resources, the department’s approach has become more strategic and aligned with the company’s overall goals. “We have moved from a purely transactional mindset to a more strategic one, emphasising supplier relationships, cost management, and value creation,” she explains. “These changes THE GLEANER 190TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE PURCHASING POWER! Sylyn Brown-Hamilton’s journey with The Gleaner PLEASE SEE POWER, 17 Sylyn Brown-Hamilton
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