STAFF OF FIRSTCARIBBEAN International got their fill of excellence yesterday.

They were the special guests at St Paul's Anglican Church for the start of their annual Employee Appreciation Week.

Rector Canon Wayne Isaacs said excellence could be likened to the fourth set of seed sown in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

He said excellence flourished when sown under the right conditions, and further explained that the parable was about abundant living and fulfillment.

Noting that everyone aimed for the best and to be successful, he said excellence signified that goals had been achieved.

Isaacs added that people who did not aim for excellence became a liability.

He said an environment of appreciation was also vital for the promotion of excellence.

"When people know they're appreciated, it makes them excel," he submitted.

Respect for all, appreciation of difference, competition, trust and dignity were some of the other things Isaacs said fuelled excellence.

On the issue of difference, he cautioned that it could be a dis-incentive to excellence if it was not properly managed. Having said that, he said difference could also be a driving force for co-operation.

Isaacs observed that while competition was a good test for excellence and a motivating factor, there was also a destructive element because it led to mis-trust, fear, jealousy and hatred.

Managing director for FirstCaribbean Barbados gave brief remarks on behalf of his staff. He also made public the bank's $5 000 commitment in support of the church's Diesmartis charity for children. (YB)