Mark Sabino.
Mark Sabino, the West Indian Company’s director of marine operations, will retire on April 30 after 29 years with the company, bringing to a close a career he told WICO’s board was defined by challenge, pride, and deep professional ties to the organization.
His impending departure was announced last week by WICO CEO Joseph Boschulte during a meeting of the company’s board of directors, where Sabino reflected on his tenure and made clear that, although he is stepping away from the job, he does not intend to step away from WICO entirely.
“It was a hard decision,” Mr. Sabino said, explaining to board members that pressure had been building from his family for him to slow down. “At some point, you got to decide to stop,” he remarked.
Even as he prepares to leave his position, Mr. Sabino said he remains deeply connected to the work.
“I love the work and I’m gonna miss it really bad,” he said. “But I ain’t going nowhere,” he added, saying he would make himself available if “WICO ever needs me.”
Mr. Sabino said that commitment comes from a sense of professional pride. “I don’t want to see all the time I put in, I would not want to see it slide in any direction negatively.”
Looking back on nearly three decades at the company, Mr. Sabino said he took particular satisfaction in the demands of the job and in the relationships built over the years.
“I loved the job, loved the work challenges. I fed on the challenges,” he said.
He also said he valued the connections he made not only with WICO employees, but also with cruise line representatives and officials from other countries.
Mr. Sabino closed his remarks by again stressing that retirement would not sever his connection to the company.
“I”m not going anywhere, I’m just adjusting my pathway. I’ll always have WICO blood running in my veins.”
Board members responded with appreciation, humor, and praise for his years of service.
“You might still see him diving around out there under the boats,” board chair Hugo Hodge Jr. joked.
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