In mid-May, we launched the ‘COVID-19 Champions’ program, a global employee recognition initiative dedicated to celebrating those who are making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic by finding innovative ways to support their colleagues, the Company and the community.
The program aims to recognize employees who are going above and beyond to make a positive contribution in the areas of health and safety, innovation, community support and increasing team morale.
This week, we recognize Deba Moctar Ely, a pit dispatcher from Tasiast, for helping promote best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and furthering a strong health and safety culture at the mine.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of the first employees on site to wear a protective face covering, setting a good example and helping educate his colleagues on the importance of masks to protect themselves and their peers.
As a pit dispatcher, Deba is in contact with many employees at the mine and uses this opportunity to promote the importance of face coverings, hand washing, sanitation and physical distancing. He quickly became a leading voice supporting COVID-19 measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
Deba knew the challenges associated with lifestyle adjustments related to COVID-19 restrictions and wanted to serve as a constant advocate for remaining safe. The site nominated him to become their ‘COVID ambassador’ to promote best practices across the site, including monitoring sanitizer levels, face coverings, physical distancing procedures and ensuring employees on transportation vehicles remain at a safe distance when traveling.
As the ambassador, Deba goes above and beyond his day-to-day tasks to increase awareness of the severity of the virus and ways to prevent the spread at site. Deba is passionate about protecting our people, and continues to set an example by encouraging his peers to implement these changes at work and in their personal lives.
Thank you Deba!
