CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – DIRECTOR of Culture Halstead Byron has urged HOPE Nevis to target young male professionals for its quarterly Young Professionals’ Seminars.
Byron, who was speaking at yesterday’s opening ceremony of the first seminar in 2009, said he was disappointed that not a single male was among the participants. He said that set him wondering if there are no young male professionals on Nevis. He commended HOPE for the initiative they have taken but challenged them to have at least one male attend the next seminar.
The seminar, under the heading “The Obligations of the Employee to the Employer”, dealt with labour laws and Mr. Byron believes it is timely in the face of the current global economic crisis. He said it is important that young people understand the terms and conditions under which they work so that when challenges arise they know how to handle them.
Byron also said it is important for employees to develop themselves professionally and learn how to operate on the job so they could better serve themselves and their company.
The Director of Culture hopes that other organisations would follow HOPE’s example and put on similar seminars. He explained that the government does its part but there is still a lot of work to be done, so it is important that HOPE and other groups fill the gaps.
Byron, who apologised for the absence of Minister of Social Development Hon. Hensley Daniel, also urged HOPE to develop programmes to reach those youths who may have slipped through the cracks of the education system. He said reaching those youths is crucial to the development of the country since many may turn to non-productive activities, like joining gangs, to feel appreciated.
President of HOPE Nevis Ron Daniel said the quarterly seminars were initiated because it was observed that some young people are coming into the workforce underprepared. He revealed that funds derived from the fees paid by attendees go towards the HOPE Nevis Deserving Child Award Fund.
Leroy Richards, Human Resources Manager at Delisle Walwyn and Company Limited and a former Labour Officer, was the resource personnel at yesterday’s seminar.
Chairperson of YPS 2009, Nailah Tyrell gave a brief overview of the workshop which was held at the GMBC Building on Government Road, Charlestown.
