Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 17, 2015 (SKNIS): The Human Resource Management Department (HRMD) of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, on Wednesday, November 09, 2015, held a workshop for persons who are new to the Civil Service.
The workshop was held at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Building in Lime Kiln, Basseterre, St. Kitts and ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Olleen Knight Warner of the HRMD, revealed that the department hosts fourteen similar workshops throughout the year. She explained that it is the department’s mandate to ensure that all persons who are employed by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis are educated on their rights and responsibilities as employees.
Mrs Torfreda Rochester, Chief Personnel Officer, while providing a comprehensive overview of the Civil Service’s Rules and Regulations, explained that a civil servant is part of a noble profession. She noted that the Civil Service offers employees many benefits, noting that employees are given the opportunity to contribute towards a pension scheme as well as a comprehensive health and life insurance plan with the National Caribbean Insurance.
Mrs Rochester also said that the Civil Service not only offers paid maternity leave to expectant mothers but new fathers have the option of applying for paternity leave as well. She explained that revisions to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations are ongoing because it is the aim of the Government to ensure that employees are given the best work experience possible.
SKNIS (St. Kitts-Nevis Information Service) Director General, Mr Lesroy Williams, was the third presenter with a presentation entitled “The Importance of Communicating Effectively in the Workplace”. Taking an interactive approach, Mr Williams led the workshop participants to the discovery of a definition for communication. He stressed the fact that in every action and even inaction persons are at all times communicating. He explained that excellent communication skills are important to any work place.
The afternoon session of the workshop saw presentations from officials from the National Caribbean Insurance and Social Security. Each presentation explained the benefits afforded to civil servants.