stluciancpc

(To be aired on Wednesday, November 23rd at 8:00p.m on DBS TV)

In the past decade, the face of education has transformed drastically. A look at the modern education landscape reveals a shift towards the implementation of more innovative practices and policies in schools worldwide. In some schools, innovation can be seen in the use of instructional technology in classrooms while in others this innovation is translated in the way schools are managed/organized.
Upgrading our schools and teaching methods are essential in nurturing and cultivating a citizenry of problem solvers and innovators who will help build a competitive Saint Lucia. This is important as, at the core of country competitiveness is the quality of the human resources of a nation.
In an attempt to enhance St. Lucia’s productivity and competitiveness climate, the NCPC has placed the spotlight on the youth in inculcating a mindset change with the intention of nurturing a new generation of citizens who are productive and competitive Saint Lucians.
The NCPC’s Innovative Secondary Schools Documentary seeks to highlight some of the innovative projects being undertaken by Secondary Schools in Saint Lucia. It is hoped that this will not only inspire and encourage other schools and individuals to follow suit but similar will be the catalyst for advocating for a supportive environment that embraces innovation in key sectors such as education.

Don’t forget to tune in to DBS at 8:00pm on Wednesday, November 23rd to view this documentary.

 
Global Entrepreneurship Week may be only two days in but the level  of excitement and enthusiasm among the young entrepreneur community has been astounding.
Earlier today, the Business Studies Department of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College hosted an Idea Generation Competition, in an attempt to highlight entrepreneurship among the student population, as part of the calendar of activities for #GEWSLU2016.
Conceptualized after the renowned television show “Shark Tank”, students from various divisions of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College presented their ideas (and in some cases finished products) to a panel of  four judges which included, NCPCs Communications Specialist, Ms. Taluah Girard.
Eight teams and individuals vied for the top three spots and prizes which included trophies and cash to go towards their business ventures/ideas.
The competition was very intense. The level of preparation and research which went into the various presentations was evident. Ideas presented ranged from scented candles, organic fruit juices and online businesses to organic skin and hair products and upcycled personalized furniture. In the end, the effervescent Jasmine, a second-year student from the DTEMS division walked away with the top prize for her business Beyoutics (@Beyoutics), a line of organic products (including a Brown Sugar Olive Oil Exfoliator, Coffee Cellulite Reducer aimed at skin correction and maintenance. Team Amobye with their eclectic upcycled furniture came in second while Everything Crochet with their personalized bralettes and crochet-wear.
The excitement continues today with Global Entrepreneurship Exhibition at the Grace Augustin Conference Room of the College from 9:00am – 2:30pm.
NCPC is playing a part in harnessing the entrepreneur in you(TH)!
Join the global movement to promote entrepreneurship. It is vital to our economy.
#gewslu2016 #harnessingthepowerinyouth #entrepneurship #SALCC #NCPC #youthempowerment

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) emerged in 2008 as a platform to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit and innovative culture. The inaugural activity was held locally in 2011 and has since continued to grow with new partner organizations collaborating and committing their support. As such over the years, new events and activities have emerged annually.
As Saint Lucia prepares to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 14^th– 20^th, 2016, under the theme, ‘Harnessing the Entrepreneur in You(th)’, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and GEW Saint Lucia to equip and empower young entrepreneurs (youthpreneurs) to succeed in the current global climate.
Entrepreneurial activity is a source of national wealth. That is, the productivity, efficiency and dynamism of local businesses are essential to country competitiveness. When businesses in an economy are collectively making profits, employing persons and exporting products and services, this in itself drives the competitiveness of the country.
It is therefore widely believed that entrepreneurial activity contributes to a prosperous and competitive country. Consequently, more developed and competitive countries have aimed to increase the number of entrepreneurs in their country by assisting in their development.
Entrepreneurship therefore plays a critical role in economic growth globally. Moreover, in developing countries like Saint Lucia that are resource-constrained, entrepreneurship has the ability to transform, not just the standard of living of the entrepreneur, but similarly impact the entire society through the creation of job opportunities.
Notwithstanding, youth unemployment continues to be a major problem facing the Caribbean Region. In a recent study entitled, “You Are The Future:  The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean”, published by the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB President Dr. Warren Smith states, “Not only is youth unemployment high relative to global levels, it is also significantly higher than  adult unemployment.”
In 2012, unemployment among youth aged 15 to 19 was at 60% in Saint Lucia. Similarly, during the period 2008- 2014, unemployment among youth aged 15-24 rose by 15%. This is the glaring reality of the magnitude of the challenge which we are confronted with where youth are concerned.
Considering the high population of youth in Saint Lucia, the involvement of youth in entrepreneurship will not only address issues of unemployment, but will similarly help to stimulate a culture of innovation amongst our young people.
Since the establishment of the Council in 2013, the NCPC has engaged in a series of activities which not only promote increased productivity and competitiveness but similarly focus on equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and encouraging an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.
During GEW 2016, the NCPC will be highlighting two young Saint Lucian entrepreneurs who have overcome every day challenges through innovative solutions and created successful businesses. The two five-minute features, which will air on the National Television Network (NTN) on Monday, November 14^th at 6:15p.m. and on Choice TV at 7:55pm on Wednesday, November 16^th and Thursday, November 17^th, will follow the journey of Johanan Dujon, Managing Director of Algas Organics and Mandisa Morrison, Managing Director of Shoe Rehab.
 Information on airing dates and stations will be published on the NCPC’s Facebook page (www.stluciancpc.org ) and blog; www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com
The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council is pleased to be a part of this global initiative to empower youth. Mark your calendars and get ready for #GEW2016!
 
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island.
For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576/1587 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com.
 

 

“If you aren’t innovating, you’re just waiting for the expiration date on your business,” Maria Ferrante-Schepis.

Competitive businesses are characterized by the development of innovative ideas to keep operations, products and services relevant and up to date. Competitiveness refers to the degree to which a country can produce goods and services to satisfy international consumers’ needs while citizens enjoy a better standard of living. Innovation is an essential ingredient in building private sector competitiveness. Innovation provides businesses with an edge in entering new markets faster, increasing sales beyond national borders, expansion of business opportunities beyond traditional markets, creating employment opportunities, development of efficient business processes and the list continues.
The private sector is central to every country’s economic ecosystem. They have the driving force to keep the business sector changing; being more up- to- date and responding to changing customer trends and needs. Their ability to innovate and expand is the centrifugal force in building competitiveness. Businesses which sell high quality products that rival that of other countries and are able to gain a greater market share in global competition are fundamental in positioning the country as a competitive economy. Therefore, innovative businesses are instrumental in driving export growth, supporting economic diversification and enhancing competitiveness.
Enterprises that are quick and responsive to opportunities to create increased profits through innovation in this uncertain economic environment will not only survive; they will successfully compete and thrive in the face of harsh economic conditions. These companies are smart to use innovation as a strategic, systemic and technological lever for developing agile innovation cultures, efficient business management processes and global industry eco-systems.
Within our local context, some companies have not adapted to innovative trends which have the potential for creating more value for the business. Some companies still do not have a website or email address, stores close at peak hours or are still faxing documents to clients. Business owners should understand that through innovation, employees are empowered to deliver business breakthroughs which helps cultivate a profound culture that promotes faster business growth and business value.
The following are some possible ways in which firms can innovate in order to drive enterprise competitiveness:

• Attract and recruit passionate employees. Their passion can lead to new ideas for revolutionary product or service innovations. Innovative businesses allow employees some time to work on passion projects. Through this strategy they find many new ideas, solutions and successes from these projects. If team members in the business are encouraged to be innovative, this translates to many benefits for the business, while giving them a sense of involvement in the success and profitability of the company.
• Incorporate innovation in every unit within your business. Gillette, in its attempt to build a culture of creativity and innovation launched an internal innovation fair. Every unit was given the opportunity to showcase its most promising new concepts. An award was given to the legal department for its ethics program. This shows that every department can play a role in developing a culture of innovation.
• Train your employees to think like innovators. With some employee training in innovation and opportunities for real world practice, this can significantly upgrade the innovation skills of team members. A pertinent example of this strategy is that of Whirlpool Corporation’s strong innovation performance which stems from the fact that the company has trained more than 15,000 of its employees to be business innovators. Innovation training program should start by helping individuals see the world with fresh eyes and a different perspective.

Innovation is about seeing opportunities and grabbing them. Or being faced with a problem and finding a way around it. In today’s hypercompetitive market place, businesses need to continually adapt to remain competitive. As such, business leaders should avoid the mundane practices of past successes and upturn this with non-linear thinking. New innovative business strategies, practices and models are necessary for competing in the future. Businesses should therefore be observant in identifying distinctive skills required for future clients, technologies, regulations and competitors. This in turn motivates other companies to keep up, driving positive economic benefits and therefore positioning the country as a competitive powerhouse.
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com

New Deadline: December 31st, 2016

The NCPC Youth Audio Visual Competition is currently inviting submissions audio-visual pieces (of no longer than 15 minutes in length) on the subject of productivity and competitiveness challenges facing Saint Lucia and possible innovative solutions to these challenges.
The competition has among its main objectives, the dissemination and promotion of audio-visual pieces which tackle the issues of productivity and competitiveness in Saint Lucia with a focus on increasing awareness of these issues, facilitating dialogue and finding solutions. This activity is also intended to support the discovery of creative expression as an inspiration for the development of the film and audio visual fields.
Three winners will be chosen from among the submissions for the Youth Audio-Visual Competition by our panel of judges. The winning pieces will screened during the 2017 Piton International Film Festival. Winners can also expect some exciting prizes from our sponsors; Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd, CPR Direct and The Directors’ Institute of Media and Technology.
This is a wonderful opportunity to lend your unique voice and ideas to critical challenges facing our local communities. If you would like to submit an audio-visual piece, please visit, https://ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com/2016/10/12/ncpc-youth-audio-visual-competition-unveiled/  for the Competition Guidelines. You may also visit the NCPC’s website www.stluciancpc.org, call 468-5571/468-5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com  for more detailed information on the Competition.
The NCPC has made the submission process very simple, visit our electronic platform at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edcwdoy3057fd092&llr=wsvxeybab to submit your entry.
Entrants can shoot their films on mobile phones or any other device.
Submissions are now open until December 31st, 2016.
About the Competition
The NCPC Youth Audio-visual Competition invites aspiring youth filmmakers/producers to express their vision by creating a short 10-15 minute audio visual piece. The competition calls on youth to explore the themes of productivity and competitiveness, emphasizing what individuals and communities across the island are doing to promote action, offer solutions and inspire positive change. Participants are encouraged to use personal narratives that explore fundamental questions such as: What are some of the barriers to productivity and competitiveness in my community/on my island? What actions are being taken to mitigate these barriers? What innovative solutions do I think can be employed to resolve these challenges? 

A desk stacked with papers; an inbox overrun with e-mails; incessant meetings; a never-ending to-do list; Does this scenario sound familiar?

The fast pace of the contemporary workspace has resulted in many misconceptions as it relates to productivity. While the average worker may consider themselves to be productive, they are more often than not suffering from “busy bee syndrome.”

The notion of productivity as a vehicle for greater efficiency has become increasingly popular during the past decade. Notwithstanding this apparent popularity, there is still a general lack of understanding and confusion around the term and what it signifies.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines productivity as, “the ratio between the output volume and the volume of inputs.” In essence, productivity seeks to measure the level of efficiency with which inputs (e.g. labour) are used to produce outputs. One can therefore conclude that the overall objective of productivity, is to efficiently use inputs/resources and master the art of accomplishing more with less.

Why then is it that the employees within all sectors and at all levels within organizations, continue to harbour the belief that being a work martyr (i.e. spending more hours working on multiple tasks) translates to maximum productivity?

By understanding what productivity means and recognizing the symptoms of “busy bee syndrome” employers and employees can take the necessary steps to be truly productive.

Productive or Busy? – Here are some tips to help you recognize the symptoms of busy bee syndrome and suggestions on how to nip them in the bud and harness your productivity:

1.  Too little time! So much to do!

It manifests itself in such a sneaky manner that you sometimes do not even realise what is happening. If you constantly find yourself talking about having ‘too little time and so much to do,’ chances are that you have already caught the “busy bee bug.” The good news is that there are remedies for this problem. Part of being productive is understanding how to prioritize. There are only a limited number of hours in the work day. Planning beforehand what you wish to accomplish on a given day (developing a schedule), setting goals and prioritizing work will help you to keep organized and efficient. While unexpected situations may arise, by having a plan and leaving room for eventualities, you will not only feel less overwhelmed but also accomplish more.

2. Robot mode- No time for breaks!

Tempting as it may seem to never take a break (e.g. skipping meals), all in the name of producing more, this practice can actually be counter-productive. It may seem that you are losing valuable time every time you take a break, however, research has proven that taking a five (5) minute break every ninety (90) minutes not only allows you rejuvenate and refuel but similarly refocus your concentration and improve your productivity.

3. Master Multi-tasker

Have you ever heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, Master of none?” This is a perfect depiction of the effect that “multi-tasking” has on productivity. With the advent of technology, it has become increasingly difficult to resist the urge of answering every e-mail the moment it comes in, while responding to telephone calls on multiple devices. However, in the very same way it is impossible to be in two places at once, it is also impossible to give maximum attention to two or more activities simultaneously and anticipate an efficient/quality output. Handling one assignment at a time allows you to focus your attention, thus completing tasks in a more efficient manner.

4. Saying Yes To Everything (Otherwise known as “the-bend-til-I-break-disease”)

Considering the amount of time you spend at work, it undoubtedly feels good knowing that you have colleagues that you can rely on. Employees working for the same organization may be working towards the same overall goals/objective, however, owing to the nature of individual roles, they are bound to have different priorities. While it is important to be accommodating and help those we work with, we must understand that although it may be difficult, saying no is often necessary.

It is important to assess every request and determine whether what you are being asked to do is high priority, whether it will affect any other high priority tasks you are currently working on and whether the time constraints will impact on the quality of your delivery.

Employees and employers alike tend to blur the lines between busy and being productive.” In the novel, Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging the Heart with the Dollar, authors Janne Dunham-Taylor and Joseph Z. Pinczuk state that, “Contrary to popular beliefs, we need to learn how to slow down or thinking at times, not to speed up. […] The never-ending checklist is always present and demanding attention.”

There will always be work to be done. Productivity is understanding which work actually translates to achieving strategic objectives and meeting goals and which tasks are simply keeping us busy without any real gains.

About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)

Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.

The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island.

For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576/1587 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com.

No two individuals are the same. We have our own wants and needs, our own tastes and peculiarities.  This is seen to be true, both in our personal or professional lives. Even at work we have our own likes and dislikes.  As a result of this, managers have come to the realisation that while cash bonuses and pay increases can motivate some employees, money does not motivate everyone. Even in the case of the same person- our wants and needs change over time, therefore what motivates us today, might not motivate us tomorrow. In seeing this dynamic in the work place, many managers have turned to non-cash incentives as an alternative to bonuses.
In his book ‘1001 Ways to Reward Employees’ Bob Nelson states that whilst cash is widely appreciated and needed in most cases, employees feel more rewarded when they receive something that they may not acquire otherwise or something that they have longed for over a lengthy period of time.  Recently, it has been noted that in the right circumstances and in the right combination, non-cash rewards are even more effective at bringing about higher levels of productivity from staff.
With many managers contemplating changing the way in which they reward employees, Nelson continues by stating that the best way to set up a rewards policy that everyone is happy with is  through open dialogue with employees. This will help determine what inspires each one of them to do their best. Supervisors need to understand the type of reward that will stimulate the participant group. Whilst money may still be the incentive for some, recognition or more challenging assignments may be more desirable and exciting for others.
He writes that organisations should:

• match the reward to the person,
• match the reward to the achievement, and
• be timely and specific.

There are different kinds of non-cash incentives that can be rewarded to staff. Whilst some are non-monetary, others consist of cash and a keepsake. Incentives that can be considered include:
Recognition– The act of simply saying ‘thank you’ in public and the presentation of a tangible gift has multiple functions. To the employee, recognition signifies that someone noticed and someone cares. To the rest of the organisation, recognition acts as a guideline for standards, signifying what constitutes outstanding performance.
Time Off- In receiving paid time off, an employee’s job satisfaction is increased. They are given the opportunity to pursue a hobby or to simply relax without having to take on the extra burden of contemplating how the time off allotted will affect their earnings. The reward of a day off can be given when a staff member maintains perfect attendance, exceeds monthly sales or production goals or provides the department with an innovative solution to a business problem.
Development Opportunities/ Success– Recent arguments suggest that when an employee has access to personal and professional development opportunities they may contribute more time and effort to an employer’s goals. Success can bring about financial perks, but employees need to witness that these perks are being distributed for genuine accomplishment. If the company or department is perceived to reward staff based on favouritism or increase salaries arbitrarily, it could create negative feelings to those who were not acknowledged and perhaps then lead to demotivation.
Development can be enhanced through formal training or simply by maintaining a company library full of development based resources. This will assist in the honing in on personal and professional skills.
There is no particular reward that supersedes any other as being the best type to present in recognition of superior work. Rather, the onus is on each organisation to dialogue with employees over time and therefore determine each individual’s needs and match the reward to the person and their achievements. Managers need to ensure that rewards are not blanket or a continuous copy. There needs to be diversity according to achievement. Top performers need to know that their efforts were exceptional, recognised as such and rewarded accordingly. If this is not done, these incentives will fall short of what they aim to accomplish, that being to inspire employees to be more productive.
 

Please be advised that effective Tuesday, October 25th, 2016, the NCPC will be relocated to our new premises located at:

 

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)

4th Floor

The Finance Administrative Centre

Pointe Seraphine

Castries

Tel: 468-5571/76

 

The strength, power and capabilities of young people are undeniably irrefutable. In Saint Lucia, the youth continue to make strides in all facets of society and are often an instrumental part of the shaping of national policy. Now more than ever, concerted and coordinated efforts are being made to not only address the needs of the young population, but similarly to encourage their empowerment to express their views and harness their capacity for nation-building.

The NCPC Youth Audio Visual Competition, an initiative of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), formally opened today as one of the highlights for the 3^rd observance Productivity Awareness Week (PAW). Through this competition, youth in Saint Lucia will have the opportunity to produce a 10-15 minute audio visual piece to depict issues affecting productivity and competitiveness in Saint Lucia  and to propose innovative solutions.
Unveiled during a press conference at the Government Information Service (GIS) Studios earlier today, the competition has among its main objectives, the dissemination and promotion of audiovisual pieces which tackle the issues of productivity and competiveness in Saint Lucia with a focus on increasing awareness of these issues, facilitating dialogue and finding solutions. This activity is also intended to support the discovery of creative expression as an inspiration for the development of the film and audio visual fields.
Communications Specialist at the NCPC, Ms. Taluah Girard says, “These types of initiatives are extremely important. The 21^st century youth are not only knowledgeable but they are also very resourceful. Every individual has their own perception of productivity and competitiveness and the challenges which we face as a nation. The Youth Audio Visual Competition will not only allow the youth to showcase their creativity and talent, but similarly it will directly engage them by encouraging them to be part of the solution to our productivity and competitiveness challenges.  As we seek to raise awareness of these issues and inspire progress, these audiovisual pieces will play a great part in opening minds and changing the way that people view these challenges.”
The Youth Audio Visual Competition will be open for submissions through November 6^th, 2016, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in November.In keeping with the theme of innovation, 
Several corporate entities have embraced this competition.  Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd., CPR and The Directors Institute of Media and Technology have agreed to offer prizes ranging from stationery hampers, tablets and scholarships to pursue a 2D Animation course. The top (3) winning entries will also have the honour of being screened at the 2017 Piton International Film Festival which is scheduled for next summer.
Interested youth (residing in Saint Lucia) are encouraged to visit the NCPC’s website  www.stluciancpc.org, call 468-5571/468-5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com  for detailed information on the Competition and to download ncpc-youth-audiovisual-competition-terms-and-conditions
The NCPC has made the submission process very simple, visit our electronic platform at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edcwdoy3057fd092&llr=wsvxeybab to submit your entry.
Alternatively you can download the traditional  (Submission Form) ncpc-youth-audiovisual-competition-submission-form and submit via e-mail.
 
About the Competition
The NCPC Youth Audio-visual Competition invites aspiring youth filmmakers/producers to express their vision by creating a short 10-15 minute audio visual piece. The competition calls on youth to explore the themes of productivity and competitiveness, emphasizing what individuals and communities across the island are doing to promote action, offer solutions and inspire positive change. Participants are encouraged to use personal narratives that explore fundamental questions such as: What are some of the barriers to productivity and competitiveness in my community/on my island? What actions are being taken to mitigate these barriers? What innovative solutions do I think can be employed to resolve these challenges?

The competition never sleeps! In a developing country like Saint Lucia, with limited physical and financial resources, this reality is even more evident. While global competition continues to strengthen, in order to remain competitive, there is an increasing need to understand the factors that hinder national competitiveness and seek innovative ways to change the current landscape.
Since the formation of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) in 2013, the Council and its Secretariat has focused on raising awareness on the concepts of productivity and competitiveness and encouraging the implementation of tools and methods which seek to bring about productivity improvements locally.
For the past two years, Productivity Awareness Week (PAW), the NCPC’s flagship activity which is held in October, has provided a much needed platform for the engagement of stakeholders within the public and private sectors, to discuss challenges, share knowledge and ideas, find practical solutions to St. Lucia’s productivity and competitiveness challenges and promote the ideals of productivity and competitiveness.
This year’s Productivity Awareness Week, which is slated for October 10^th – 14^th, will be observed under the theme, “Enhancing Competitiveness through Innovation.” The activities for the Week are intended to generate a greater consciousness of the notions of competitiveness and innovation and how they work together to create and promote the environment needed for greater competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.  Some of the highlights for the week include:

• Conversation with Generation Z Feature: The role of the youth in the journey towards a more innovative and competitive Saint Lucia is undeniable. Similarly, the quality of education offered by our institutions and their ability to nurture critical and creative thinking in our students will directly impact this process. In an effort to begin the discussion on the way forward within the education sector, this twenty (20) minute feature examines the status quo while attempting to educate the populace on the thinking capacities/processes of young children and  the benefits of nurturing their creative thinking process. 

• Innovation in Education: The Secondary Schools Feature: In the past decade, the face of education has transformed drastically. A look at modern education landscape reveals a shift towards the implementation of more innovative practices and policies in schools worldwide. In some schools, innovation can be seen in the use of instructional technology in classrooms while in others this innovation is translated in the way schools are managed/organized. In enhancing the St. Lucia’s productivity and competitiveness, the NCPC has identified the youth as a crucial part of the process. This fifteen (15) minute feature will take a look at some of the innovative projects currently happening in Secondary Schools on island. More specifically, this piece will show how embracing innovation may bring about the changes that the education sector requires to continue to grow.

• Launch of the NCPC Audio-Visual Competition: Youth will be invited to submit audio-visual pieces which illustrate challenges being faced by their communities, innovative projects/actions being undertaken by business and individuals to improve on these challenges and their own view on ways in which these challenges can be addressed.

 “We are very excited about this year’s Productivity Awareness Week programme,” said NCPC Executive Director, Fiona Hinkson. Over the past two years our focus was on raising awareness and educating on productivity. This year we have taken it step further by inviting Saint Lucians to do some introspection and to challenge the existing mindset and culture and to actively play their part in the change process. We are confident that our approach this year will help to create an environment where productivity and competitiveness are able to thrive.”
 The week will run from October 10^th – 14^th and interested parties are invited asked to visit the NCPC website; www.stluciancpc.org , Facebook page;  www.facebook.com/stluciancpc  and WordPress blog;  www.stluciancpc.org or simply call us at 468-5576/71 for the full programme of activities and to find out how they can contribute to a more productive and competitive Saint Lucia.

About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island.