Immigration staff get management training
(Seated) Michael Ebanks and Samantha Bennett, with some of the DOI staff who took the course
(CNS Local Life): The Department of Immigration (DOI) recently partnered with The University of the West Indies (UWI) – Open Campus, Cayman Islands, in a strategic talent management initiative. The goal was to ensure that DOI employees are equipped with the skills required for effective and efficient delivery of immigration services. A group of 10 employees from across the DOI underwent the eight-week training to help hone their skills as practising supervisors.
The course comprised a combination of lectures, group discussions and visual aids. Attendees learned the various roles and challenges of a supervisor, in addition to the fundamentals of planning, organising and delegating authority; decision making and problem solving; motivation and work attitudes; organisational communication; how to handle discipline; grievances; and appraising employee performances.
At the end of the training, the participants were assessed based on coursework and an examination.
Immigration Communication Centre Supervisor Jacqueline Whittaker said of the training: “This course provided a platform for enhancing my skills set. The sacrifice of attending those evening classes was worth the effort, as I found the sessions engaging and valuable.”
Samantha Bennett, Acting Chief Immigration Officer, said these requirements are intended to provide students with a true understanding of the leadership responsibilities involved with supervising persons today.
“I am extremely pleased that the employees were able to participate in this training programme,” she said. “I know such initiatives will continue to contribute to the DOI’s vision: to be a leading and respected example of a modern, efficient and professional Immigration Service.”
Deputy Chief Officer for the Ministry of Immigration Michael Ebanks said he was delighted by the department’s continuous quest to make its workforce more professional.
“Our ultimate goal is to deliver world-class services to all customers and stakeholders,” he explained. “As a team, we are committed to building a talent management programme to support and further enhance all operation capabilities across all sections of the DOI.”
Category: Civil Service, Training
Not a common problem at Immigration’s office,but yesterday they had the Union Jack flying upside down. Hopefully the management training will cover that!
Hopefully it will make a difference in the DOI, because if you have bad management at the top it trickles down and you have a poor running department.