KINGSTON - With systematic investments in staff education and training, David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure wants the Ministry to be one that epitomizes professionalism and emboldens bold and innovative ideas.
This sentiment comes after interactions with staff from the various departments and agencies that fall under the Ministry including the Works Services Group, the Guyana Power and Light, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
“We have young, vibrant young people in our midst. It is therefore imperative that career advancement is key to the further development within this Ministry,” Hon. Patterson stated.
To this end, instructions have been given to heads of departments to ensure that all staff be exposed to both local and international training.
“Gone are those days when only a predominate few benefited from training programmes/courses; that circle has to be widened,” he declared.
The knowledge and skills of the staff, the Minister further stated, is the Ministry’s most important competitive advantage.
“Therefore,we must strive to continuously strengthen, upgrade and extend them to younger minds. Activities in the field of education and training that develop qualified and motivated employees, will remain one of our priority strategic policies also in the future,” he added.
Touching on the perception of unprofessionalism and poor communications skills in the public’s domain, the Minister admitted those issues will be addressed with some urgency.
“For a long time staff adopted certain behavioural attitudes and patterns, so it will be a challenge to break that. However, I am confident we will make progress to change that viewpoint.”
Although he is still familiarizing himself with the operational aspects of the departments/agencies, Minister Patterson is generally satisfied with the knowledge and skills shown by the staff at all levels.
However, he firmly believes that training opportunities must be available to more staff. “The future and progression of the Infrastructure Ministry depend on it.”
