Members of staff of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat met in a two-day retreat in Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 20-21) to devise strategies to assist the Organisation to more effectively and efficiently serve the Region and its people. The retreat was part of an organisational change and refocusing exercise, which is being undertaken in several phases at the Georgetown-based Secretariat that serves as the implementation arm of the 15-member Regional Grouping.

The exercise was led by international consultant in organisational change and management training, Dr. Joaquín Páez, who has worked with organisations such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation. Employees of all departments within the CARICOM Secretariat participated in the sessions, which included workshops in change management, service delivery, team building and a review of the Secretariat's vision, goals and operating procedures.

Office Attendant at the Secretariat Ms. Nellie Bynoe thinks that one of the most important achievements of the two-day staff retreat was the coming together of both junior and senior staff and the recognition by all that they are working for the same cause. "That's how it should be: people expressing their views about the Organisation and the work no matter what their position is; because we can't do without each other in getting the work done," she said.

Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington has described the staff retreat as a wholesome exercise, which was both timely and valuable. He noted that: "It was important that the retreat was held during a period of institutional review and reform in the Community; at a time when we are also about to experience enhanced synergy and interaction from moving our various departments from several buildings to under one roof; and when the Community, which we serve is on the threshold of a major undertaking - the Caribbean Single Market and Economy." He added that while the exercise unearthed some negative perceptions, he was satisfied that these emerged only to equip the Secretariat to better address them. The Secretary-General pointed out that he was greatly encouraged by the common vision of the Organisation expressed by staff of different departments and the great similarity in the perception of the way forward.

Contact:

Huntley Medley
Email: hmedley@caricom.org