BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The National Association of Administrative Professionals (NAAP) – St Kitts Chapter – observed the 60th anniversary of International Administrative Professionals Week 2012, April 22nd – 28th under the theme “Embracing Diversity … Critical to Organizational Success”. After participating in a church service at the Co-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, NAAP engaged in two major activities for the week.
The leadership training seminar which was held on Tuesday 24th April at the St Kitts Marriott Hotel, was a resounding success which saw the attendance of over 60 participants from a wide cross-section of business and industry. The three facilitators – Mr Denzil Crooke, Mrs Merva Lake-Mallalieu and Pastor Deslyn Belle Watson – received rave reviews as they were able to impart much information in an exciting, thought-provoking way. The topics dealt with were “Leadership in the 21st Century – Taking the Leap from Administration to Management”, “Creating Your Own Success Through Individual Development and Performance Planning” and “Finding Balance in Relationships – A Spiritual and Emotional Perspective”. ’The attendees participated fully as the speakers were able to involve them in an entertaining way which ensured maximum retention.
In celebration of Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday 25th April, a gala dinner was held at the Nirvana Restaurant at the old Fairview Inn. Executives and their administrative professionals from prominent business houses and institutions were treated to a sumptuous meal and first class entertainment by Dejour Alexander – the winner of ZIZ’s 50th Anniversary Song Competition. Dejour’s exceptional vocal skills and his smooth charm melted the hearts of many as he serenaded the administrative professionals while handing out beautiful red roses. The keynote speaker for the evening’s event was Dr Carmen Fuentealba, a professor at Ross University, whose warm, engaging manner held the audience’s attention as she explored the many facets of diversity.
The highlight of the dinner was the announcement of the Company of the Year and Administrative Professional of the Year. The Company of the Year is one that gives stellar support to the NAAP by way of financial contributions and involvement in its activities. This year Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd / Caribbean Alliance Insurance Co. Ltd was named the Company of the Year, and Mr Patrick Ryan - General Manager of Caribbean Alliance Insurance was on hand to receive the award. Delisle Walwyn celebrated 125 years in 2011 and is the longest serving insurance provider in St Kitts and Nevis. It is the agent for Caribbean Alliance Insurance whose excellent financial standing makes it the highest-rated company domiciled in the OECS!
This year’s Administrative Professional of the Year Award went to Ms Velma Merchant, a real estate professional employed at B Kassab and Associates. Ms Merchant is known as a highly organized and efficient administrative professional with an eye for detail and whose willingness to try various solutions ensures successful outcomes. The NAAP congratulates the 2012 winners, and takes this opportunity to heartily thank businesses, institutions, executives and their administrative professionals for making Administrative Professionals Week 2012 a successful and memorable one.
