SECRETARIES HOLD CENTRE STAGE DURING SECRETARIES’ WEEK

A section of those attending the secretary's day luncheon.

Secretaries from the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water & Works were involved in various activities to mark Secretaries’ Week which was celebrated from April 24-28.

On Wednesday, April 26, a Development Seminar was held at the Maxfield Avenue Office of the Ministry, which targeted various aspects of the secretary’s sphere of operations. These included interpersonal skills, work ethics, professionalism, grooming and deportment, conflict resolution, among others. Leading the presentation was Mrs. Doreen Grossett, Counsellor out of the Public Sector Reform Unit of the Cabinet Office. In highlighting the importance of the secretary, Mrs. Grossett noted that the office environment had changed rapidly and that the secretary had to keep current with those changes. She said that they had to continue improving themselves so that they remained relevant in today’s world. She exhorted them to maintain excellence in whatever they did and to keep the profession a noble one.

A section of the audience attending the secretary's day seminar.

The development seminar was followed by a luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday, April 28.

Mrs. Elsa-May Binns, Senior Director, Policy Planning and Evaluation was the chairman for the function and ably guided proceedings along. In welcoming everyone to the function, Mrs. Binns lauded the secretary for the stellar role they had been playing over the years. Also speaking at the ceremony were State Minister, Dr. Fenton Ferguson and Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Administration, Mrs Barbara Cadogan. Minister Ferguson thanked the secretaries for their contributions to the Ministry over the years and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. For her part, Mrs. Cadogan said that the secretaries were an integral part of the Ministry and that they had done a lot to advance the work of the Ministry.

In between the sumptuous fare of crispy fried shrimps, grilled chicken diable with Spanish Rice, garlic flavoured string beans and crème caramel, the audience was treated to some good renditions of items from various members of staff. Some of those performing were Ms. Nicola Carty, Mrs. Joan McLeod and Ms. Monique Harrison. Also in attendance were Minister Robert Pickersgill and State Minister, Mr. Richard Azan who had to leave early.