Thursday, December 3 – The Deputy Governor’s Office in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources yesterday launched a series of workshops geared towards heads and deputy heads of departments in an effort to ensure that Government continues to strengthen the capacity of its public service.
The aim of the workshops is to give participants greater awareness of the planning and implementation process of the organisation and recognize the part they as Heads of Department play in that process. In addition, the workshop provides the knowledge and skills to manage, develop and motivate others to achieve performance.
The Governor told the participants if Government does not have a strong engine room then whatever is attempted from the top will never really be actualized. “We are essentially addressing this course at the absolutely critical level of management in the BVI public service.”
“I see the heads of department level in the BVI public service basically being the engine room of the public service. Nothing important can happen with the development of the BVI public service without your invaluable contribution,” Governor Pearey said during his opening remarks.
During her remarks Deputy Governor, Mrs. Archibald spoke about the explosion of knowledge and the importance of Government keeping pace. “In this era of rapid knowledge explosion it is a given that employees continue to learn and develop as well- informed, self-motivated contributors to the goals of the organization.
More importantly, every organization must become a learning organization that has the capacity to appropriately reinvent its processes to meet the changing demands of the society it serves,” Mrs. Archibald said.
She further stated, “This can only be achieved through shared experiences in which all learn together, plan together, find solutions together and share perspectives on work processes together.”
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosalie Adams encouraged the participants to complete the programme and use the information to develop strategic plans for their departments. “You will complete your programme and set yourselves as a model to those who are below you in the hierarchy, show them that you are committed and in turn require them to be committed to the programmes that will be planned for them.” Mrs. Adams further stated “I believe in this way, we can have a model public service. I believe that the training you will get will set you in good stead in the succession planning for the ministry and for the overall public service.”
Acting Chief Labour Officer, Ms. Oleanvine Maynard, a participant at the workshop told the Department of Information and Public Relations that she expects to refresh her skills and regards this as an opportunity to gain more experience. She plans to capitalize on all the training has to offer.
The Development of Managers training course which consists of three modules will be delivered over the next week and a half and will concentrate on managing and developing self, managing operations and managing and developing people. The workshop was opened with a ceremony that featured remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. David Pearey, Deputy Governor, Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Ms. Julia Christopher, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, Financial Secretary, Mr. Neil Smith and Director of Human Resources Mr. David Archer who all spoke about the need and importance of the mandatory training.
Government is committed to improving public sector operational efficiencies by enhancing employee skills and implementing employee satisfaction initiatives to help boost productivity and the capacity of the public service.
British Virgin Islands News