Charlestown, Nevis
October 22, 2007)
Minister of Social Transformation on Nevis the Hon. Hensley Daniel, called on the Nevis Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (NASAP) to be guided by the ideals for which the Caribbean Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals stood.
Mr. Daniel made the call while he addressed a seminar at the Mount Nevis Hotel on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. The seminar formed part of a week activities to mark the 10th anniversary celebrations of NASAP.
He told members of the Association that as the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) charted a new path to development marked by education, training and entrepreneurship, their positions should be regarded as one of trust. He said that they should establish, practice and promote professional standards at all times.
“Be ethical and understand in all business associations to promote the interest of the business in which you are employed; to exemplify loyalty and conscientiousness at all times and to maintain dignity and poise under all circumstances,” he said.
Mr. Daniel continued “I am sure that the workplace can benefit immensely from the development of a Code of Ethics to govern behavior at work. I want to see a work ethic that is fed and driven by punctuality and regularity at work. I want this because I am aware that if we are going to remain on the cutting edge of development, we have to develop a new work ethic – one that is possessed with efficiency and effectiveness; one that links performances to salaries and goes beyond the narrow confines of the 8 ““ 4 workdays.”
He recognised that secretaries and administrative professionals were the focal points in their organisations and noted that they had the opportunity to lead the way in the creation of customer-friendly workplaces which could impact the level of business generated by their organisations.
Mr. Daniel opined that the NIA needed the sharpened skills of secretaries and administrative professionals to facilitate the speedy implementation of programmes and policies and urged members of (NASAP) to pay close attention to the standards set in their organisations. He encouraged members to establish a training plan to develop the capacity of its members.
“You must ensure that your members are trained, they must demonstrate particular competencies but they must be exposed to management. I expect that members will be seeking to broaden their range of skills as this will help you adapt to the changing work environment.
“As you celebrate, I trust that you will use the occasion to foster teamwork and keep in mind that together each one achieves more. Bear in mind that society needs to feel your influence in the workplace”¦I trust that you will use this week to re-examine the work of the organisation and develop creative ways of remaining on the cutting edge,” he said.
Meantime, Senior Administrative Officer to the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Mrs. Avonel Ruan addressed the topic “Portraying a Professional Image” while Coordinator of the Social and Gender Affairs Unit of the Department of Social Development, Mrs. Salomie James dealt with “˜The Importance of a Good Working Relationship in the Workplace”.
Other highlights of the 10th anniversary celebration included a church service on Sunday October 14th at the Gingerland Wesleyan Holiness Church. Wednesday October 18th which was dubbed Bosses Day, saw secretaries and administrative professionals shower appreciation on their bosses and on Thursday the members engaged in a community outreach project which involved a facelift to the D.R. Walwyn Plaza in Charlestown. The group engaged in cleaning the area, trimmed plants and painted the water fountain and seating areas.
While she commended the various businesses on Nevis for supporting the week of activities, a grateful NASAP President, Miss Paulette Maynard said the intention of the anniversary celebrations had been accomplished and revealed that a range of plans were ahead for 2008. She encouraged bosses to guide their workers to become members of the association which she said was the gateway to the office.