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Facilitator Curtis Martin (left) ends an intensive training session for Music Festival volunteers |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 13, 2005): The St. Kitts Music Festival volunteer corps is in a better position to meet challenges that may arise during the annual staging after completing weeks of intensive training.
The process started with a six-course workshop on April 21 that ran for three weeks. This session was followed up by additional meetings with the final convening on Saturday at the Fort Thomas Hotel.
Over 50 persons braved the sporadic rainfall and engaged in an interactive and informative session with facilitator Curtis Martin who spoke on team building, and to meet chairpersons from the various subcommittees of the festival.
Hilary Wattley heads up a volunteer training committee for the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture and indicated that more than 300 persons have been trained under this programme.
She told SKNIS that the exercise is very worthwhile.
The activities really are related to making them (the volunteers) more competent in what they are doing and to enable them to perform in a professional manner, Ms. Wattley noted. I am encouraged by the turnout today. Persons who have come have been enjoying the sessions and I think they are really committed to working with the music festival.
Participants generally echoed the sentiments of Ms. Wattley.
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Over 50 volunteers braved the sporadic rainfall on Saturday to engage in an interactive and informative session. |
I find that it (the workshops) has helped & in character building, a four-year volunteer Desiree said. It is very informative and it has allowed me to form bonds and make friends with people. When asked about the necessity of the training programme Desiree stressed that the facilitators simulation on challenges that may arise will greatly aid the conflict resolution capabilities of volunteers.
Before adjourning, volunteers were briefed on various policies of the festival regarding badge issuance, emergency evacuations, security and contingency plans by co-chair of the St. Kitts Music Festival Stanley Franks Jr.
Individuals trained under this system will be added to a national volunteer database, which is being compiled to streamline volunteer operations.
These persons will be targeted to assist with the upcoming Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference scheduled for September as well as other major events to be held in St. Kitts.
