As Saint Lucia experiences its third and biggest wave, thus far, of coronavirus infections and with the government announcing more stringent measures, the Department of Finance has, in turn, stepped up its compliance and communications efforts as it related to the established Covid-19 protocols.
In this regard a video explaining the Department’s Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan has been created and widely circulated to staff and the general public who access the Finance Administrative Centre.
The Department of Finance (DOF) has created an explainer video that highlights the protocols outlined in the Department’s Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. Though the plan was prepared and circulated to staff in April of 2020, management realized that not many staff members were familiar with the protocols and thus embarked on the production of a video as another layer in their communications strategy.
Nicole Jn Jacques, Acting Deputy Director of Finance with responsibility for Administration stated that the protocols were established to ensure the continued delivery of critical operational services, business continuity and to provide clear channels of communication.
“We realize that it was a ten-page document and staff don’t read as we would like them to read. So it was like a visualization of the hard copy document right there in their face to have access to it, like, a reminder as to what to do when they come into the work environment in the physical setting.”
She said the video was well received by staff who themselves are on high alert having been affected by both suspected and positive Covid cases within the building.
“Every staff member from top management to the line staff are on board including security. Even those members of staff of the government service who are part of Economic Development, they’re also on board with us in ensuring that everyone is safe in the building while they are working or just visiting on business.”
Some staff members commented on the impact of the explainer video which is laced with moments of levity.
Adrian Albert – Assistant Budget Director
“I saw the video and I was quite pleased with it. In terms of the relevance of the video, I mean right now we all know what’s going on with Covid and there is never too much information. So the more information that we get or which is given to the public, I am hoping that they can take it and use it.”
Stacey Duncan – Administrative Assistant, DOF
“Sometimes we hear a lot of stuff, sometimes it’s good to be creative. So that creative initiative will have a very positive impact on the minds of our officers in the building to allow them to continue to practice safety protocols for the control of the coronavirus.”
Janyté Edwin – Budget Analyst
“I think the video is excellent in giving us diversification in our communication of these important and pertinent guidelines.”
Donna Edward – Budget Analyst
“We have so much reading already and to be reading protocols and trying to follow it, I think it’s more feasible to have a video. The acting, as well as the message in the video, is a lot clearer when you hear it from your own colleagues.”
The video highlighted scenarios such as a symptomatic employee in the workplace or at home or who was a contact of a positive case, it also addressed the sensitive issue of children in the workplace.
“Surprisingly when you go around the general public you’re hearing that Saint Lucians don’t observe the protocols established to keep them safe. So I am hoping that this actually sticks in the minds of our employees and when they go home they’re able to share it with their immediate friends and families.”
The Department of Finance is hopeful that this initiative and modality of communication will be replicated within the public and private sectors to drive greater compliance of the Covid-19 protocols. The video was presented by Javan Lewis from the Department of Finance and Stanza Deligny from the Department of Economic Development.