Uncategorized

NCPC Executive Director , Mrs. Fiona Hinkson presents on Productivity Measurement  [Photo by Gabrielle Johnson, National Project Officer, CEF]

On Wednesday, January 18, 2017 The St. Lucia Employers Federation (SLEF) hosted a one-day Membership Workshop entitled “Productivity Improvements for Small and Micro Enterprises” at the Bay Gardens Inn. The workshop was a follow-up to one held in Grenada in 2015, for members of the Caribbean Employer’s Confederation (CEC), which identified productivity training as one of the critical needs of members.

This year’s workshop, which was a collaboration with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), sought to equip SMEs with an understanding of the concept of productivity and strategies for improving at an organizational level.

Amongst the facilitators at the activity were Ms. Vanessa Phala, Senior Specialist on Employers’ Activities attached to the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, who provided participants with an Overview to some ILO Productivity Tools; Ms. Fiona Hinkson, Executive Director of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) , who presented on on “Productivity & Competitiveness Indicators, Measurement, Data Requirements & Data availability in St. Lucia” and “Measures to Improve Productivity at various Organizational Levels” and Mr. Joseph Alexander, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Employers’ Federation who addressed“Improving Productivity/Controlling absenteeism”. The workshop concluded with discussion on policies and strategies to address productivity.

             Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)                  [Photo by Gabrielle Johnson, National Project Officer, Caribbean Employer’s Federation]

 

Show me your workspace and I will tell you who you are! In the very same way that the friends a person keeps is a reflection of who they are, the condition of an individual’s workspace can reveal much about their state of their mind and their productivity.
Although the issue of physical workspace is often overlooked, workspaces play a very influential role as it pertains to individuals’ feelings towards their work and very often impacts actual performance.
In this article, we take a look at how some of the world’s leading productivity experts have decluttered and organized their workspaces to maximise their efficiency and improve their productivity.
 PETER WALSH
Organizing Guru Peter Walsh, author of ‘It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff’, says he imagines his desk like a car. Everything you need most immediately—the steering wheel, radio, ignition, indicators, door handle—is at arm’s length. Things that are needed but not used regularly are two-arms’ lengths away, such as in the glove compartment, and the things used infrequently are in the trunk.
Your desk should be exactly the same,” he says. “When you’re sitting at your desk, the only things you should be able to touch are the things you use all the time.”
Walsh’s desk holds his computer and keyboard, a charging station for his phone, and vertical files that hold active projects. “That’s all I have on my desktop,” he says. “Your desk is a workstation, not a storage facility.”
DAVID ALLEN
Productivity king David Allen, author of ‘Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity’, needs just a small desk in his Amsterdam office. He says a desk should hold four things: supplies, reference materials, decorations, and equipment. Anything else should go somewhere else.
A tour of his desk includes a box of facial tissue; a container that holds a letter opener, fountain pen, three felt pens, a ballpoint pen and scissors; and a standing file rack he personally designed that holds about 20 labelled file folders with current projects and client work. He also has a MacBook Pro on a vertical stand that connects to a large screen, a blue-tooth keyboard, and a mouse pad.
Allen also keeps two paper notepads in different sizes, and a pen at the ready. The in-basket is one of the most important tools on Allen’s desk, and it keeps his workspace clean. “It’s the funnel for miscellaneous things you haven’t decided about yet, such as mail or meeting notes,” he says. “Throw them in there. It’s the one place that gives you freedom and discipline to capture unprocessed stuff so it’s not thrown all over the desk”.
JULIE MORGENSTERN
Julie Morgenstern, author of ‘Organizing from the Inside Out’, keeps her desk neat by being selective about what’s on it. Hers includes a computer monitor, keyboard, telephone, and a small clock with an important function: “It’s easy for me to get absorbed in what I’m doing, and it keeps me conscious of the time,” she says. “It’s an old-fashioned clock with a second hand and very clear numbers. I don’t like looking at my iPhone for the time; it’s a device that sucks your energy.”
The most important tool on her desk, however, is her Balanced Life Planner, a product she designed herself, she says.
“It’s always out, and if an idea comes to me about something else I want to do, I immediately put it in my planner,” she says. “Then I can stay focused on what I’m doing. It helps me capture to-dos and guides me through my day, telling me what I’m doing when.”
Morgenstern also keeps a glass of water on a felt coaster and a quote-of-the-day affirmation calendar by Louise Hay. “It’s not an essential,” she says. “It’s something new I’m trying.”
Nicknamed “the queen of putting people’s lives in order” by USA Today, Morgenstern says she prefers her desk to be a clear surface except for what she’s working on at that moment. “I might have a client file or media interview folder, but if I’m not working on it, I don’t keep it out,” she says. “Once you start leaving things out, it becomes distracting. I store everything else within a spin of my chair.”
KIP TINDELL
As CEO and founder of The Container Store, Kip Tindell has access to multiple organizing tools to keep his desk tidy, but he’s very selective about what he uses. “I like to keep my work surface as open and clutter-free as possible since I prefer to be out, interacting with others instead of cooped up in my office,” he says.
Tindell uses stackable desktop organizers from his company’s Like-It Collection to hold office essentials. His desktop also holds a selection of books written by colleagues and friends. And decorating the surface is a collection of seven colored blocks that represent his company’s seven Foundation Principles, which guide everyone on how to treat employees, customers, vendors, shareholders, and the community with respect and dignity.
Since his desk is streamlined, Tindell says it typically doesn’t get too unruly: “As you can imagine, we like to keep things well organized at The Container Store,” he says.
There are many systems that you can use to organise your desk. You may even choose to incorporate different organizational styles to create one of your own. Either way your objective should be to implement an approach which will allow you to carry out your daily tasks productively.
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

Saint Lucia’s economy in recent years has demonstrated sluggish growth which is indicative of our vulnerable and fragile main economic sectors. As such, for the last five years GDP growth has averaged at -0.4 percent. Therefore the question is- How can we improve the economic conditions of the local economy that will lead to more jobs, better prices and upward social mobility.

The answer therefore lies in productivity however more specifically- labour productivity.  Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Eric Williams in an Independence Day speech highlighted the importance of labour and its impact on the national economy. He stated that high absenteeism and turnover, shortage of skilled workers, poor customer service, low levels of technological innovation and transfer can contribute to a poor labour market and thus a weak economy.

Within Saint Lucia’s context, there is a general inability of our labour force to compete in the international market. This means that not all international investors are able to set up sophisticated businesses within our shores because of a shortage of skilled labour. Alternatively, local businesses exporting their services may be unable to bid for certain jobs because of a lack of skills within their firms.

The inaugural Productivity Assessment for Saint Lucia underscored a number of factors which have contributed to the low levels of productivity of our workforce. Some of these issues include: poor work ethic, worker absenteeism, high turnover rates and low levels of skills including soft skills. It is therefore critical that we transform our workers to become more innovative, solutions oriented to drive Saint Lucia towards economic prosperity.

Conversely, countries which are characterized by high labour productivity are therefore able to transform the economy towards sustained social and economic transformation. Increased labour productivity raises the power of an economy to satisfy the needs of the citizenry. As such, these countries benefit from a larger pool of tax revenue in which there is greater fiscal space to generate the necessary social services such as health care, education, welfare, public transportation etc.

A country’s labour force is therefore vital to its level of economic growth as workers are the driving force behind every product or service produced. For this reason, we must ensure that our labour force is competitive and competent in promoting economic growth. Hence, the cornerstones of a policy framework for developing a highly skilled and competitive workforce are: broad availability of good quality education as a foundation for future training; a close matching of skills to the needs of businesses and the labour market; enabling workers and enterprises to adjust to developments in technology and markets and preparing for the skills needs of the future.

When applied successfully, these approaches cultivate a virtuous cycle of better education and training which enables workers to be innovative, become creative entrepreneurs which fuels economic diversification and competitiveness. A well trained labour force promotes social and occupational mobility- and thus the creation of more productive and rewarding jobs, whereby they are able to increase living standards and thus collectively enhance country competitiveness.

Policy makers must therefore understand the role of labour in transforming our economy into a highly competitive society.  And so to promote a more productive and competitive Saint Lucia, it all starts with every worker. Every teacher, business owner, contractor, athlete- plays a pivotal role by collectively adopting the right attitude that promotes excellence. That is, in order to stimulate a more prosperous Saint Lucia, the economy needs more educated, skilled and highly trained individuals who are disciplined, self-driven and productive workers who will help build our nation.

In other words we need to put labour at the centre of our development. We must create a conducive environment to encourage productivity otherwise people are not going to produce at their maximum. As a country, there must be an effort to create the right environment to encourage productivity. The following are changes which may be adopted to encourage increased labour productivity:

• Effective laws concerning workers must be enacted- The absence of any labour market regulations could lead to high turnover and poor worker morale, which could also diminish labour productivity.
• Create a culture of pay performance- There is a lot of talent hidden amongst workers, which will not be maximized unless we adopt the model of rewarding performance. Also tax and welfare reforms to improve work incentives and increase the incomes from people working more productively can be adopted.
• Incorporate education and skills training plans into our economic and national objectives. Improving the quality and affordability of education and training will increase its effectiveness at raising productivity – for example an expanded program of apprenticeship schemes, better management quality and investment in STEM subjects etc.
• Measures to boost business start-ups and research and innovation can all lead to higher productivity in the long run.

Enhancing productivity is essential in making Saint Lucia’s economic recovery durable and will ensure that the benefits are shared by the citizenry. This requires efforts to improve and transform our labour force as they are at the heart of our socio-economic transformation. Therefore, when looking at what makes an economy grow in the long run, it is imperative to begin by examining how output is created. Output is produced by the workers who produce, manage, and process production. As such at the cornerstone of economic growth is the need to transform our labour force into a highly productive one.

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

Saint Lucia’s economy in recent years has demonstrated sluggish growth which is indicative of our vulnerable and fragile main economic sectors. As such, for the last five years GDP growth has averaged at -0.4 percent. Therefore the question is- How can we improve the economic conditions of the local economy that will lead to more jobs, better prices and upward social mobility.

The answer therefore lies in productivity however more specifically- labour productivity.  Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Eric Williams in an Independence Day speech highlighted the importance of labour and its impact on the national economy. He stated that high absenteeism and turnover, shortage of skilled workers, poor customer service, low levels of technological innovation and transfer can contribute to a poor labour market and thus a weak economy.

Within Saint Lucia’s context, there is a general inability of our labour force to compete in the international market. This means that not all international investors are able to set up sophisticated businesses within our shores because of a shortage of skilled labour. Alternatively, local businesses exporting their services may be unable to bid for certain jobs because of a lack of skills within their firms.

The inaugural Productivity Assessment for Saint Lucia underscored a number of factors which have contributed to the low levels of productivity of our workforce. Some of these issues include: poor work ethic, worker absenteeism, high turnover rates and low levels of skills including soft skills. It is therefore critical that we transform our workers to become more innovative, solutions oriented to drive Saint Lucia towards economic prosperity.

Conversely, countries which are characterized by high labour productivity are therefore able to transform the economy towards sustained social and economic transformation. Increased labour productivity raises the power of an economy to satisfy the needs of the citizenry. As such, these countries benefit from a larger pool of tax revenue in which there is greater fiscal space to generate the necessary social services such as health care, education, welfare, public transportation etc.

A country’s labour force is therefore vital to its level of economic growth as workers are the driving force behind every product or service produced. For this reason, we must ensure that our labour force is competitive and competent in promoting economic growth. Hence, the cornerstones of a policy framework for developing a highly skilled and competitive workforce are: broad availability of good quality education as a foundation for future training; a close matching of skills to the needs of businesses and the labour market; enabling workers and enterprises to adjust to developments in technology and markets and preparing for the skills needs of the future.

When applied successfully, these approaches cultivate a virtuous cycle of better education and training which enables workers to be innovative, become creative entrepreneurs which fuels economic diversification and competitiveness. A well trained labour force promotes social and occupational mobility- and thus the creation of more productive and rewarding jobs, whereby they are able to increase living standards and thus collectively enhance country competitiveness.

Policy makers must therefore understand the role of labour in transforming our economy into a highly competitive society.  And so to promote a more productive and competitive Saint Lucia, it all starts with every worker. Every teacher, business owner, contractor, athlete- plays a pivotal role by collectively adopting the right attitude that promotes excellence. That is, in order to stimulate a more prosperous Saint Lucia, the economy needs more educated, skilled and highly trained individuals who are disciplined, self-driven and productive workers who will help build our nation.

In other words we need to put labour at the centre of our development. We must create a conducive environment to encourage productivity otherwise people are not going to produce at their maximum. As a country, there must be an effort to create the right environment to encourage productivity. The following are changes which may be adopted to encourage increased labour productivity:

• Effective laws concerning workers must be enacted- The absence of any labour market regulations could lead to high turnover and poor worker morale, which could also diminish labour productivity.
• Create a culture of pay performance- There is a lot of talent hidden amongst workers, which will not be maximized unless we adopt the model of rewarding performance. Also tax and welfare reforms to improve work incentives and increase the incomes from people working more productively can be adopted.
• Incorporate education and skills training plans into our economic and national objectives. Improving the quality and affordability of education and training will increase its effectiveness at raising productivity – for example an expanded program of apprenticeship schemes, better management quality and investment in STEM subjects etc.
• Measures to boost business start-ups and research and innovation can all lead to higher productivity in the long run.

Enhancing productivity is essential in making Saint Lucia’s economic recovery durable and will ensure that the benefits are shared by the citizenry. This requires efforts to improve and transform our labour force as they are at the heart of our socio-economic transformation. Therefore, when looking at what makes an economy grow in the long run, it is imperative to begin by examining how output is created. Output is produced by the workers who produce, manage, and process production. As such at the cornerstone of economic growth is the need to transform our labour force into a highly productive one.

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

Effective Leadership for Improved Workplace Productivity

The topic of genetics continuously presents a fascinating conversation to us. It is one in which perhaps an end may never be determined. Facets of our everyday lives throw us into contact with a potpourri of characters and personalities in the people that we interact with.   The work place being no exception.
While the many variances in personalities and orientation may foster breakthroughs in innovative and diverse approaches and ideas, this diversity of breeds and thoughts can undoubtedly present the possibility of a chaotic atmosphere if not contained.
In a contained and controlled setting, these clashes may foster passionate exchanges of ideas that lead to innovation, improved productivity and stronger teams. In these instances, participants avoid personality-focused comments. When however, workplace conflict becomes personality-driven, it becomes destructive. It polarizes the workplace, distracts from the work, wastes time and energy and forces talented employees to leave.
In identifying these differences and their effects on workplace productivity, the NCPC ponders the question, “Are we prone by nature through our engraved genetics to be more productive than others or can our “productivity gene” be nurtured and groomed towards becoming more effective, productive and efficient in the work environment? 
The NCPC takes the all assuming stance that while nature plays a significant role in the workforce productivity, nurture has the upper hand!
We can agree that Effective Leadership may very well be the catalyst to creating more conducive atmospheres for teamwork and creation of new leaders.
Excellent leaders know that identifying and nurturing leadership qualities in the team helps to increase productivity and presents people who are ready to step up to the plate when organizational changes occur, making new leaders necessary. Within the workplace, a good practice is to identify a number of people to whom certain functions can be delegated, these may include leadership roles.
With this in mind, it is important that leaders seek to avoid the trap of the “Crown Prince Syndrome” where the focus is on the development of only one individual. The development of all team members is important to the success of the workplace and will provide the organisation with a talent pool while also ensuring a viable succession plan in the event of unplanned employee departure.
Here are four characteristics of essential leadership qualities worthy of nurturing for continuity of the work plan and increase in workplace productivity:
Good Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent interpersonal communication skills are essential for a leader of any size team. If you notice that an employee is able to communicate effectively on different levels and adjust the conversation to the needs of the person they are communicating to, you have a potential leader among your staff.
Good Time Management Skills:
Leaders must be able to manage their own time and meet deadlines, especially those that impact on other team members’ tasks. Give your staff tasks and see who manages their own time effectively to complete the tasks. These are good leaders in the making.
Ability to Take the Initiative
Leaders must be able to respond quickly to solve problems and to take the initiative to prevent problems proactively from occurring. Anyone who not only can work unsupervised and still produce excellent work, but who will take the initiative to come up with a solution or solve a problem is well worth nurturing.
Ability to Work with Others in the Team
Every leader has to work with a myriad of personalities in a team environment. If you have staff members who consistently produce their best work when collaborating with others, you could have potential leaders. Good teamwork is a key leadership skill.
Now it is time to Nurture!  Identify the potential leaders in the team, encourage the individuals to take on some small leadership roles, mentor and support the person to grow their leadership skills, and provide training in specific areas of leadership. Identifying and nurturing potential leaders in your team takes some time and dedication, but in doing so the workplace is provided with skilled individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of leadership when needed!

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

The Oxford dictionary defines patriotism as a ‘vigorous support of one’s country’. The word is also defined as ‘A devotion or cultural attachment to one’s homeland’. Patriotism simply put, signifies ‘a love for country.’ It is a desire to see one’s country grow and develop whereby citizens can enjoy a higher standard of living. Therefore, patriotism demands good citizenship. It requires that individuals contribute to the well-being of their community and country as a whole. When citizens care about the good of society, they are encouraged to perform at their best thereby contributing to the welfare of their organisation, community and country at large. Thus, being a patriotic individual calls for greater commitment and dedication which can have a positive impact on the productivity of the organisation that one is employed with.

Each person within a society has the ability and potential to contribute to the process of building a productive nation. Likewise, every employee in an organisation (public or private sector) can contribute to the success and thus the increased productivity of that organisation. A lack of acknowledgement for the well-being of the wider society or having no reverence to one’s country can negatively impact society both directly and indirectly. For example, persons who collectively litter contribute to the pollution of the natural environment. This in turn can cause an infestation of rodents which can lead to an outbreak of diseases in the community.  The spread of diseases can result in a high rate of absenteeism in the workplace. This can result in unfinished tasks, lost business, unsatisfied customers and delays in workflow processes because of the time spent out of work due to illnesses. On the other hand, a patriotic citizen who cares about the country’s wellbeing, understands the repercussions of his actions and how it affects the nation’s productivity and prosperity. Thus a true Saint Lucian patriot is one who is productive. Patriotic citizens do not see work as just another job but understand that performing their duties to their best capabilities can positively impact the wider society.

Persons should be encouraged to contribute to society and be a productive citizen. This can be done by helping to improve the community as well as the wider country. A simple way to do this is by being a committed worker. Regardless of vocation, working hard is an important part of being a productive citizen. When employees work hard, they provide important services to the public whilst earning a living. Additionally, a hardworking and dedicated staff highly contributes to the increased productivity and thus success of the organisation. A country of successful organisations will add to the greater development of the economy which in the long run will contribute to increased economic growth. Hence a collective impact is made towards the prosperity of the country.

A good citizen remains up to date on current news events. It is important to be aware of the news and stay fully informed of the issues that affect the country. Also, sharing good fortune is another positive step to being a productive citizen. The contribution need not be in monetary terms. Sharing knowledge and the giving of time for example, are just as important. There are many associations and community groups in operation throughout the country who are in need of volunteers.  Additionally, persons can make a positive influence on the lives of others through mentoring.  For instance, adults can give up of their time to mentor the youth and pass on important experiences that could contribute to the development and further empowerment of young persons.

There are several other ways that individuals can be both patriotic and productive. They include promoting the growth of our local businesses by buying local, conserving water and energy, supporting and working with our fellow Saint Lucians, promoting our country as a tourist destination when we travel etc. Patriotism is truly an integral part of being a productive citizen.  It involves having love and displaying loyalty to the country, respecting and obeying the nation’s laws and honouring the country’s national symbols.

Responsibilities of being a good citizen have to be accepted, like staying informed of national issues, volunteering, voting and serving the country to the best of one’s abilities. The outcome of which would be the growth of a productively active nation. A true patriot would not want anything less.  Are you patriotic and do you contribute to national development through your actions?

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

The holiday season takes place at the same time every year. However, most of us are still caught off-guard when December rolls around. With so much to plan for and to execute, the whole experience sometimes proves overwhelming. This becomes even more apparent when an everyday work life is added to the mix. Usually, by the first week of December our brains have begun conjuring up thoughts of presents, decorating and entertaining at home. Therefore, when at the office it can prove difficult to switch off and focus on the day to day tasks that we are faced with. However, a little thought and planning can aid in preparing for Christmas and the New Year without infringing on work assignments.

Plan Ahead- To remain productive at work whilst preparing for the season, your time must be scheduled properly. Design your strategy at home. By doing this in advance, it simply remains for you to put your plan into action. Everything will not go the way that you want it to, but at least this way you will only need to deal with the one or two mishaps that arise from time to time.

Put Your Lunch Hour to Work- During the month of December, it might be a good idea to work through your lunch hour, this way you can then leave work an hour early to run errands. If leaving work early is not an option, be proactive and use your lunch hour to write holiday cards, address gifts or to shop for small, easy to find items.

Dedicate After-Work time To Online Shopping- Shopping on foot for the season takes up a lot of time.  Shop online during your out of office downtime. This in turn will result in you having extra time on your hands that can devoted to other tasks.

Focus on Work, Not on Your Time Off- Even though the holiday spirit may have already taken a hold, try to stay on target. It is very easy to allow your mind to wonder this time of year, but if that happens turn your thoughts to what could go wrong if you do not complete tasks. Those images should keep you on track.

Ask for Favours- We all get a little stressed out from time to time. If you feel this happening to you, there is nothing wrong with asking for help from friends and family. If they are out on the road, ask them to pick up certain gift items. If they are having certain food items prepared, ask them whether their caterer will be able prepare some dishes for you also. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to go that extra mile during the season.

It is important to find a balance between work and preparing for the holidays. Supervisors will not look too favourably on an unfinished project that remains incomplete because you had to go gift shopping. On the other hand, you do not want to be spending extra time in the office on Christmas Eve completing tasks that you continuously kept putting off. Choose to be productive- you will be surprised at how much you are able to get done.

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

NCPC Executive Director, Fiona Hinkson with employees of the Dept. of the Public Service

In addition to identifying key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in St. Lucia and  raising awareness on these issues, monitoring productivity growth and benchmarking Saint Lucia’s productivity levels against that of other countries(particularly in the Caribbean basin) is one of the major functions of the NCPC. A rigorous assessment of productivity across various sectors has allowed the NCPC to take a holistic approach in the process of determining the best course of action/solutions to enhance Saint Lucia’s productivity.

Although the term may appear to be fairly simple, productivity gains remains elusive for many organizations. While technological advances have drastically improved productivity in many sectors, much remains to be done.

In Saint Lucia, the public sector is one of the largest employers of the labour force. As a provider of key services, in particular, business services (which affect the cost of inputs) and social services (which affect labour quality), the performance of this sector weighs heavily on national productivity.

As the national body with a mandate to raise awareness and facilitate an environment where productivity and competitiveness can thrive, the NCPC remains committed to improving productivity in all sectors, in particular the public sector.

On November 30^th, 2016, Executive Director of the NCPC, Fiona Hinkson met with the staff of the Dept. of the Public Service to discuss productivity challenges facing the sector and find solutions to improving productivity r. A total of 51 employees benefited from this initial session which forms part of the NCPC’s Productivity Outreach Programme.

Often characterised by its limited natural resources and extreme vulnerability to natural disasters, the Caribbean region was not immune to the crippling effects of the global financial crisis of 2008. In fact, the period following this crisis was one known for its stagnant economic growth, depletion of vital sectors (in particular tourism) and a significant in reduction in overall GDP. For a region which relies so heavily on foreign direct investment, the road to recovery post-2008 was no easy undertaking.

Compete Caribbean which emerged in 2010, was designed in an effort to support private sector development and promote competitiveness throughout the region. The programme, a joint initiative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), has benefited over 15 Caribbean countries and resulted in the creation of over 6500 jobs to-date, according to Sylvia Dohnert, Executive Director of Compete Caribbean.

A Saint Lucian delegation led by the Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Dr. Ubaldus Raymond, along with the Director of Finance, Ms. Cointha Thomas and the Executive Director of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, recently completed a visit to Barbados on the occasion of a stocktaking exercise and celebratory event to mark the end of the initial phase of the Compete Caribbean Programme. They were among a group of representatives from the various beneficiary countries and other key regional organizations who all converged in Barbados from November 21 – 22, 2016.

Dr. Ubaldus Raymond, Minister in the Ministry of Finance flanked by Director of Finance, Ms. Cointha Thomas and NCPC’s Executive Director, Mrs. Fiona Hinkson.

The main purpose of this exercise was to highlight the various success stories of the first phase of the Compete Caribbean Programme, discuss lessons learned and to map the way forward for the region as Compete Caribbean prepares to launch Phase 2 of the programme in January 2017.

Research and knowledge management, business reform and innovation and the creation of clusters was the primary focus of the first phase of the Compete Caribbean. Compete Caribbean’s intervention in Saint Lucia entitled “Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue in Saint Lucia”, enabled the creation of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC). This included  the design of the institutional structure and staffing of the unit. Additionally, it facilitated the implementation of one of the key reforms – the operationalisation of the Commercial Division of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in St. Lucia.

Speaking at the gathering, NCPC’s Executive Director, Fiona Hinkson lauded Compete Caribbean for this initiative, she said,“2010 was a very critical period for Saint Lucia. Not only were the lingering effects of the global financial crisis devastating for our economy, but we also had to deal with the unprecedented destruction from Hurricane Tomas. In addition to this, the country had to grapple with the issue of limited funds to undertake key reforms and low productivity. The Compete Caribbean Programme was very timely as it provided the Government of Saint Lucia with the necessary technical assistance and the funds to design and establish the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council in 2013 and similarly the Commercial Court in January of this year. As a result of these initiatives, Saint Lucia has and continues to make several strides where productivity is concerned. We are very happy at the outcome of Phase 1 of Compete Caribbean and look forward to the next phase.”

NCPC Executive Director, Mrs. Fiona Hinkson addresses gathering at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre

Few would dispute the benefits of a good education. The attainment of high academic achievement helps in furthering careers, aids in informed decision making and allows for the obtainment of better pay. Whilst education plays a significant role in personal development from a young age, extracurricular activities are also key.
Recent reports indicate that extracurricular activities, such as basketball, baseball, tennis, debating, chess clubs, student council, band practice, drama, choir and computer clubs aid in the rounding out of a students’ academic career. Besides being fun and a great way to socialize with peers, extracurricular activities can enhance a students’ time management and stress management skills, helping to improve their overall productivity.
Within the online article, “The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Teens”, on the ‘I Have a Plan Iowa!’ website, school counsellor Kenny Smith states, “Studies show that students in extracurricular activities have higher academic scores. They learn to manage their time, relieve stress and learn to strive for excellence in more than one thing. Students who are involved in team sports learn to work in groups. Their written and oral communication skills also improve. These things cross over into real life.”
The development of social skills, improved academic performance, and the ability to build strong supportive relationships with adults (other than parents), can also result through extracurricular activities. However, what is learned through the experience depends largely on the age of the child.  Benefits to younger children include social and academic skill development which can lead to improved conflict management and better school attendance. Pre-teens become more engaged at school and more attentive in class. They are also less likely to be involved in violent behaviour during school time. Benefits to adolescents are the most significant however. Older teens need guidance to grow into productive adulthood. They need to be deterred from anti-social behaviour and steered towards positive practices. With most extracurricular activities being held straight after school, teens remain engaged during hours usually associated with adolescent misconduct. Also, activities engaged in provide extra time for career exploration, skill development, service learning and internships, which are vital aids to those about to leave school.
Presently extracurricular activities also bear some importance within tertiary education establishments who look to the activities listed on college and university applications when determining whether an applicant would be a productive student.
As Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz states in her Huffington Post article ‘What College Admissions Offices Look for in Extracurricular Activities’, “Admissions officers look first at test scores, the rigor of the courses you take, and your grades in those courses. After that, they are interested in a student’s extracurricular activities — in other words, how you spend your time outside of classes. Colleges care about the character of people they admit; therefore, what you do after school, during weekends and over summers tells them a lot about the kind of person you are.’
She goes on’ “Extracurricular activities are the major way students can demonstrate how unique they are, possibly more interesting, even “better” than other student applicants.”
There are certain skills that need to be developed over time which will aid in the shaping of a productive individual. Yet, it must be remembered that the development of an individual is measured not only in terms of intellectual capacity but also in character and social skills. Therefore, to allow for a well-rounded development of the youth, students should be encouraged and properly guided in all of their activities (curricular and extracurricular). Productive extracurricular activities that do not undermine academic performance should be encouraged and utilized as avenues to teach the qualities of ethical leadership, teamwork and so much more. 
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