Grocery packer Lillyan Williams’ dream of joining the T&T Coast Guard drew closer after she met with Force Command Fleet Chief Petty Officer Marlon Bethel and Lt Commander Kirk Jean-Baptiste, Public Affairs Officer, T&T Defence Force.
On Thursday, Bethel and Jean-Baptiste visited Williams, who was recently highlighted for her act of goodwill—assisting a physically challenged man shop for groceries and feeding him as he waited on transport.
The officers briefed Williams on what would be required of her academically, physically and mentally in order for her to join.
The visit came hours after she was invited to the Office of the Prime Minister, where she mingled with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Cabinet members.
“I am studying now and I hope for the best results. Once I get through I will be moving towards my goal to join the Coast Guard,” Williams told the T&T Guardian on Thursday.
“The Prime Minister offered best wishes towards my future and he told me he could already see me in a Coast Guard uniform.”
At her workplace, JTA Supermarket, yesterday, Williams was promoted to JTA Supermarket’s highly specialised Customer Service Initiator (CSA) team.
Making the announcement through a press release, JTA’s director Christie Samm said, “This team is responsible for many of the customer service initiatives that are ongoing within the company. Its members can be easily identified with their bright red vests. Coincidentally, JTA is about to embark on a significant customer service initiative, the launch of its own rewards card that will be called the “JTA Thank You” card. We are excited for Lillyan to be part of this energetic team that will champion this new initiative for our loyal customers.”
She said they were proud of Williams, affectionately known as “Lilly” by her colleagues and family, and continue to support her as she furthered her education with part-time classes.
“So together with management and staff at our Cross Crossing store, Lilly’s warm and friendly personality has raised the customer service bar by showing such warm and positive energy to all those around her. Her compassion and willingness to assist the differently-abled in our society must be highly commended.”
Williams, 19, shot into the spotlight after photos of her feeding a man in a wheelchair while he awaited transport for the differently-abled outside JTA Cross Crossing branch were posted on social media and her story carried on the front page of the T&T Guardian. Williams’ act of kindness touched the hearts of several people and even earned her a special audience with Rowley.
She was also commended by San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein and paid a visit by former independent senator Dr Kriyaan Singh who gave her $1,000 to assist with her studies.