stluciancpc

There’s a popular saying that goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”  When a cup is empty, no amount of work or wishing could produce a drop out of it. In the very same way, as individuals, when we push ourselves beyond our limits (emptying our physical and mental reserves) and more is required of us, we are then unable to produce in a manner that is efficient.
The notion of productivity is steeped in the ideals of efficiency, continuous improvement and excellence.   In fact, the Business Dictionary defines productivity as the “measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, factory, system, etc., in converting inputs into useful outputs.”
In a field like nursing, where the work never ends, achieving maximum productivity is a difficult feat. A normal/typical day does not exist in the life of a nurse. As primary caregivers, nurses are often found balancing diverse tasks to ensure that their patients are well cared for, all while putting their own needs aside. Regrettably, the effects of caregiving on their health/well-being and output are often considerable.

The nurses of the Rehabilitation Unit #3 of the St. Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre provide mental health care services to the patients on the unit.  Their patients include long stay patients who are sometimes geriatric and independent patients who have been undergoing treatment for periods exceeding ten (10) years. Their primary goal is to prepare patients for re-entry into society by ensuring that they adhere to their stipulated treatment regime. The delicate nature of their work means that the nurses are constantly on the go.
The team of nurses who service the unit came to the stark realization that continuing in the current “always on the go” fashion would do more harm than good to their overall job efficiency. It was with this in mind that on June 24th, 2016, the nurses broke away from their usual work setting and decided to invest in their own self-care and development. 
In an attempt to boost overall staff morale and productivity at the Centre and by extension help them to achieve even greater results on the job, the idea of a teambuilding retreat was birthed. The activity which was observed under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Achievements, Striving to Give our Best’ opened with a debriefing session facilitated by Mr. Martin Weekes, a training and management consultant professional. During this session, the nurses had the opportunity to examine where they were at professionally and personally and where they would like to see themselves advance and the required actions to needed for their advancement.
The highlight of the day however was a presentation on “Productivity in the Workplace” by Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, Executive Director of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council. Having identified productivity as critical to improving the existing work environment at the National Wellness Centre, when Unit Manager, Ms. Enda Edward approached the Secretariat, the response was a resounding yes.
The presentation sought to give the nurses an overall understanding of what productivity is, the existing productivity climate but more so as it pertained to the health sector, the importance of productivity and most importantly ways to improve it. Mrs. Hinkson was very pleased at the level of interest and interaction during the presentation and in closing applauded the Unit for taking the initiative to improve their productivity. “You cannot pre-empt how any given day is going to unfold or the number of patients that you may have to care for. However, there is so much that you can do to take care of your own personal well-being and ensure that your needs are met,” Mrs. Hinkson stated in her opening remarks to the participants.
“Understanding productivity and what impacts it, means that you now have the tools to work in a manner which is more efficient and will yield greater results. While you strive for greater output, you must not neglect the quality of that output. Your investment in yourselves today, is reflective of your willingness to be better at what you do and I applaud that. Today is a step in the right direction which can only augur well for the health sector.  The NCPC urges you to continue to invest in yourselves so that your patients can continue to receive an even higher quality of health care.”
Productivity continues to be a major impediment to organizational efficiency, growth and development. More often than not, a lack of understanding of the part that each individual has to play in improving productivity is what creates barriers. As we pursue productivity on a national level, we must continue to challenge current mindsets and highlight the need for continued efforts at attaining excellence.

A country’s stagnant education system can contribute to the decline in a country’s competitiveness. As such, there lies an opportunity for our local business leaders to form partnerships with our educators to affect a workforce that is ready to revolutionize the private sector to spur economic growth and country competitiveness. Global business leaders have long recognized the connection between an effective education system and a qualified workforce.
Additionally, advanced economies have shown that an economy’s long term prosperity depends on the quality of its human resources. Failing to invest adequately in human resources can develop into an economic problem for countries. This is critical since at the core of country competitiveness is the quality of the human resources of a nation. This is greatly influenced by the quality and standard of skills training and the education system.
It is therefore important that Saint Lucia invests in proper education and training of the workforce to prepare students for the relevant jobs in industries where the country has a competitive advantage. Training should also prepare the workforce for jobs in the global market. This means that skilled persons can export their services overseas or investors can outsource services to the country because of the availability of specialized skills. This is particularly important in alleviating Saint Lucia’s high rate of unemployment.
“Business leaders today are engaged in education in ways that are generous, well-intended, effective at alleviating the symptoms of a weak education system, and thoroughly inadequate to help strengthen the system,” says Harvard Business School Professor Jan W. Rivkin.
The current generation of private sector innovators is now inclined to challenge traditional ways of doing things in schools. They see the traditional school system as failing to equip the future labor force with the skills to compete in a global age. They believe passionately that innovative products and approaches could help students perform better. This determination to shake things up within schools has motivated business leaders to invest in schools.
Rivkin pointed out the new developments in education that has been implemented as a result of the private sector getting involved in the education system. He noted developments such as improved teaching and leadership talent, the use of technology in personalized learning and a dramatic upgrade in the quality and use of data analytics to determine what is working in education and which measures are not effective.
So what can business leaders do, to make sure the workforce of the future is getting what they need? It is a matter of acknowledging the problem, realizing what this means for businesses and actually doing something about it. The following are three areas that capitalize on business’s strengths which can result in the greatest returns within the education sector:

• Influencing policy-In order to promote innovation in education, this process has to start with policy formulation.  Business leaders can exercise a great deal of influence in policy within our local schools. In the US, in Denver, Colorado, businessmen partnered with educators to lobby for an increase in taxes to support education.
• Building on proven innovation- Business leaders are usually skillful at using innovations that work within their respective businesses. Therefore the educators need to leverage this expertise to help build better schools. ExxonMobil, a founding sponsor of the National Math and Science Initiative, helped to scale two projects: one focusing on improved training for science, technology, and math teachers, the other on improving advanced placement test results in the same areas.
• Reinventing the local education system. Employers need to get involved and help teachers build curriculums that encourage creative thinking.  Business leaders are now participating in standards validation committees to ensure that learning requirements are up to date. By doing this, they actually create material that actually teaches what their best employee needs to know. They are now investing their time to make sure that experience and innovation become instilled in graduates. This ensures that school leavers get hired!

It is therefore important that private sector leaders not simply wait for the education system to change on its own.  Local businesses have the expertise, experiences and resources to make a shift. As such, something has to be done than to sit and just complain about employees having no skills.
This shift can start before students graduate. In light of this small acts go a long way, whether it is hiring apprentices for projects in the office. Allow them to use real tools instead of having them run errands. Nowadays, nearly every office has some database that needs to be reviewed. Therefore the intern can start there. It may be considered as boring work, but is essential in gaining familiarity with technology and working with data. Alternatively, students can be giving the space to exercise their creativity in coming up with solutions to a work problem.
Successful local leaders need to become part of the solution. They are the teachers that our students truly need. Whether you are a company leader, hiring manager, expert or a job candidate, you have a stake in addressing this issue. The education revolution is upon us and business leaders have the power to effect a positive change which can lead to a more effective and competitive workforce.
 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
 
 

 

Queen’s Young Leader and Productivity Ambassador Tevin Shepherd Addresses Students of Corinth Secondary School

An enchanted silence filled the auditorium when the sea of over 100 students clad in their blue and grey gowns descended upon a crowd of proud family, friends, teachers and supporters at the 26^th Graduation Exercise of the Corinth Secondary School.
It was evident from the start of the proceedings that it was going to be an extraordinary evening and the students and faculty did not disappoint in their delivery.
Every part of the evening’s programme from the students’ performance of the song “I Know Who I Am” by Sinach to the Feature Address by Mr. Armstrong Alexis, past student of the Corinth Secondary School,  echoed the theme for this year’s graduation “I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions.”
Following the address by the Principal, Mr. Willard Andrew (an account of the academic year 2015-2016); Mr. Alexis who is currently the Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP gave a heartfelt account of his experiences as a young man growing up in the community of Gros-Islet and his journey at the former Corinth Junior Secondary School. In closing , Mr. Alexis encouraged the students not to allow any obstacles to come between them and their dreams.
The programme continued with many displays of the raw and diverse talent of the Corinth Secondary School students. Each performance further highlighted the message that each student had to play an active role owners of their own destiny and not mere participants.
The evening came to an end on a very high note with a charismatic speech by Productivity Ambassador, 23 year old Tevin Shepherd, recent recipient of the Queen’s Young Leader Award and 2nd Vice President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council. Mr. Shepherd captivated the students and other guests with the story of his very humble beginnings, growing up in Canaries and attending the Soufriere Comprehensive School.  He spoke of the adversities he faced along the way and how although he could have called it quits at any point, but by making a firm decision to change his story, he went on to have so many opportunities and experiences that many his age have only dreamed of.
Tevin is the perfect of example of what happens when a young person decides to defy the odds. What is even more inspiring about this young man is the commitment he has made to help other young people like himself to realise their full potential and achieve their dreams.
Look out for more excerpts from the 2016 NCPC Schools’ Graduation Tour.
 

 

Further to the 5^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) held in Arizona and California in April, business leaders and policy-shapers worldwide are preparing for the 6th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) which is scheduled to take place from September 25^th to October 1^st, 2016 in Canada.
The week-long tour will include visits to Toronto-Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and the Niagara Region. ACE participants will gain insight into the best-practices in key Canadian economic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, clean tech, life sciences, agri-food, and fintech.
For more information on the 6^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship visit http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/, watch the video http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/video.html or click here to download the Overview of 6th ACE.
There will be an interactive webinar on June 28^th, 2016 at 2:46pm where interested participants can gain more information on the program, application process, logistics, etc. Click here to join this webinar https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/633067957
RECAP OF 6th AMERICAS COMPETITIVENESS EXCHANGE on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
WHAT: The 6th ACE is a week-long tour for key business leaders and policy shapers from the Americas and beyond
WHEN: September 25 – October 1, 2016
WHERE: Province of Ontario, Canada (Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region)
APPLY NOW! http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 7, 2016

Following the launch of the PROCOM Challenge in mid-April, there has been a significant interest from a number of private sector organizations across commercial sectors. Businesses are jumping at this opportunity to improve on their productivity and competitiveness and by extension maximize on their operational efficiency.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Saint Lucia are set to receive co-financing of up to XCD$100,000 for the implementation of projects which seek to enhance productivity and competitiveness through the PROCOM Challenge. In addition to the financial investment, winning businesses will receive the technical assistance to ensure that their ideas/solutions thrive and are impactful. The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage businesses in finding innovative solutions which will help improve the overall climate as it relates to productivity and competitiveness.
Executive Director of the NCPC, Mrs. Fiona Hinkson is very positive about the level of interest generated in the PROCOM Challenge and is looking forward to seeing the types of projects which will emerge. Speaking on the Challenge she said, “When the PROCOM Challenge was initially conceptualized, we had identified micro, small and medium enterprises as the sole recipients. We have received significant feedback post-launch and after internal discussion, we went back to the drawing board and further improved on the Challenge. We recognize that great ideas can come from anywhere and we want to ensure that we give equal opportunities to organizations that may have winning ideas but encounter greater challenges in accessing funding. We have therefore included a small-window for start-ups (i.e. businesses that are registered but have only been in existence for 1 to 3 years). We are hoping that the diversified solution stemming from the PROCOM Challenge will transform the business environment.”
The application process for the challenge is very simple. Businesses applying to the PROCOM Challenge are asked to follow these steps:
STEP 1: Before you start a PROCOM Challenge Application Form, carefully review the eligibility criteria and selection guidelines to ensure that you are the right fit for the Challenge. This information can be found in the PROCOM Challenge Brochure and PROCOM Challenge Manual which may be downloaded from the NCPC Website; www.stluciancpc.org or blog; www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com. You may also call 468-5576/468-5571 with any questions/queries on the Challenge.
STEP 2: If you think your idea/solution meets the necessary requirements, submit your application using the prescribed forms and supporting documents to the NCPC; stluciancpc@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm on Thursday, June 30^th, 2016.
 STEP 3: Wait for confirmation from the NCPC. If your initial application has been shortlisted, you will be invited to a Business Plan Training Session where you will receive guidance on the preparation of your business plan for submission to the investment panel. (N.B Only successfully shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the NCPC)
STEP 4: Completed Business Plans must be submitted to the NCPC no later than four (4) weeks after the Business Plan Training Session.
STEP 5: The Business Plans will be reviewed by the Investment Panel and short-listed applicants will be required to pitch their idea to the panel for final judging. Once approval has been given, the funds will be disbursed after signing of the grant agreement and project work will commence.
The PROCOM Challenge comes to an end this week. Interested businesses are asked to apply by sending their application forms to the NCPC no later than June 30^th, 2016.
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

 
 

Graduation- a time for celebration!
Graduation- seeing years of hard work and commitment finally bear fruit!
Graduation- a proud moment for parents and students!
While graduation means different things to different people, the fact remains that this period of transformation from student to graduate is often fraught with uncertainty for students.
 In Saint Lucia, during the months of June to July thousands of students leave behind their secondary schools to embark upon a journey. After five (5)  years of growing accustomed to familiar routines and faces, some are immediately thrown into the world of work while others continue go on to further their studies.
Understanding how difficult this transition can be for students and the possible impact on productivity, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) has embarked on a Schools’ Graduation Tour. The tour aims to promote an awareness and understanding of the notions of productivity and competitiveness.
Earlier today, NCPC Productivity Ambassador, Johanan Dujon, the Managing Director of Algas Organics (an agro-processing firm specialising in the production of bio-fertilizers from seaweed) had the opportunity to speak to a group of over 100 students of the Leon Hess Comprehensive School 2016 Graduating Class.
The theme for this year’s Graduation was “Find Your Passion- Live Your Dreams” and Johanan, a young entrepreneur, was able to share his own story of finding and nurturing his passion and eventually living his dreams.
Look out for more excerpts from the 2016 NCPC Schools’ Graduation Tour.
 

One of the key objectives of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council is the monitoring of productivity growth and the benchmarking of Saint Lucia’s productivity levels with that of other countries. 
Undertaking this inaugural assessment of the levels of productivity is a very critical step in the discussions on productivity and the actions that will be required to raise productivity levels in Saint Lucia. 
Click here to download the  Saint Lucia Productivity Study – Summary-2000-2015

The quarterly newsletter from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) features updates of news and events and productivity and competitiveness related matters.
NCPC Productivity Matters Newsletter- Volume 1 Issue 1 2016

By: Snaliah Mahal

 

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Saint Lucia face a myriad of environmental challenges. At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of Parties (COP21)  held in Paris last year, the plight of SIDS and their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change were at the forefront of negotiations as climate changes poses an existential threat to countries like ours. Climate change and other environmental changes are set to have detrimental effects on struggling states, affecting all industries: from fisheries, to agriculture, to manufacturing and of course tourism. In the face of climate change and economic uncertainty, developing countries continuously have to balance development and environmental protection.
Prior to, during and after the COP21, Saint Lucia was inundated with climate change information and what the impacts of climate change meant for the future of this country, the importance of our natural environment and the need to conserve what little resource we have. On Earth Day (April 22^nd) Saint Lucia became one of the first countries to both ratify and sign the agreement emanating from COP21 (Paris Agreement).
With this as a backdrop, what have Saint Lucians across the different sectors of society learnt? Who is responsible for ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy the quality of life that we currently enjoy?
Most, if not everyone agrees that government has the major role to play with regards to the care of the environment. There is often talk of environmental governance.  Although environmental governance is not solely the responsibility of governments, they however possess the policy-making and enforcement roles with regards to overall sustainable development.
Environmental governance is not usually seen as the purview of businesses. However, in business terms, the concept of ‘environmental responsibility’ is used to describe “the duty that a company has to operate in a way that protects the environment” (Cambridge Dictionary).
Businesses are undoubtedly some of the biggest users of a country’s natural resources. Do they hence have a role to play along with governments, in ensuring a sustainable future for all? Considering that what drives a business is its ability to make profits and generate surpluses, one may ask whether a link exists between productivity and competitiveness of businesses and their natural environment.
Competitiveness is the “ability of a firm or a nation to offer products and services that meet the quality standards of the local and world markets at prices that are competitive and provide adequate returns on the resources employed or consumed in producing them” (Business Dictionary) while productivity is “ the rate at which a company or country makes goods, usually judged in connection with the number of people and the amount of materials necessary to produce the goods” (Cambridge Dictionary).
Are businesses able to operate efficiently and be environmentally responsible? In some parts of the world, profits and greed reign supreme at the cost of environmental protection. Companies have shareholders to report to, who may not consider the damage, some irreversible that said companies are inflicting on the environment.
In the developed world strict environmental compliance and or responsibility may give businesses the competitive advantage over their rivals. Companies’ bottom lines may suffer greatly by any actions real or perceived which may be to the detriment to the environment. Organisations such as Greenpeace for example, speak out vociferously against threats to the environment. However in a country such as Saint Lucia when sometimes there is only one company providing essential products and services to an entire population, environmental responsibility becomes a choice rather than a requirement for good business. Consumers are left with little to no choice in what products they buy and from whom. Additionally there is a lack of advocates for the environment which can force any real change in business practices which may be contrary to proper environmental practices.
Businesses may not see the role they play in caring for the environment and though lack of environmental responsibility may not affect competitiveness because of small market size, it has proven to affect productivity. During the Chikungunya outbreak in 2014 many businesses suffered with employees calling in sick and being out of work for extended periods of time and in so doing putting a strain on business operations and slowing down productivity and by extension affecting the bottom line.
The Chikungunya epidemic highlighted the importance of the private sector in taking an active role in environmental education of not only the general public, but similarly of their employees. Ensuring that our surroundings are kept clean and prove unfavorable to mosquito breeding, will in turn decrease the prevalence of vector borne diseases and minimise the amount of resources that Government dispenses through the Department of Environmental Health in educating the populace.
Working towards sustainable development and fighting climate change are considered one’s moral responsibility and a commitment to future generations. On an individual basis it has proven difficult for persons to change bad environmental practices. What then for a company which may not have Environmental Responsibility embedded in their Mission, Vision and Values?
Can Saint Lucia with its limited natural resources and limited land space sacrifice the small and vulnerable natural environment that it possesses for economic growth and development?
We all want access to clean air, water, uncontaminated rivers, seas and agricultural land but what role have we taken or businesses taken to ensure that the small space that we have been given to inhabit in the Caribbean Sea is clean for our use and for our children’s children?
Businesses in a country like Saint Lucia though not usually compelled to do so, need to start taking a vested interest in their natural as much as their economic environment. While it is easy to focus on just numbers, the fact remains that neglecting to protect the environment today can very well result in not having a market to sell products to tomorrow.
Article submitted by Guest Contributor Ms. Snaliah Mahal. Snaliah is an environmental activist and enthusiast, an active member of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network- Saint Lucia Chapter and an advocate for youth development.  She holds a Bachelor’s in IR and an MSc in Climate Change and International Development. She recently embarked on a micro-business venture where she repurposes everyday items and creates magical pieces. She was also the recipient of this year’s Esteemed Award in Youth Development in the 2015 National Youth Awards. To connect with the author follow her on Instagram @katharsis_7Ks, on Twitter @snalsm and like her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/7ks.