I have been asked to make this address to declare open the week of celebration organized by the National Association of Administrative Professionals of St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme “Caribbean Admins: Working Together to Move Mountains” as part of its contribution in recognition of all Administrative Professionals over the world for 2018.
This year the National Association of Administrative Professionals will celebrate its thirty-sixth (36th) anniversary of excellent service to St. Kitts and Nevis through training of Office Managers and Administrative Professionals who are employed in our country.
The National Association of Administrative Professionals was established in 1981 with stated aims and objectives as follows:
- To provide an organization for Administrative/Office Professionals and to promote the interest of all persons engaged in the practice of office administration
- To establish and maintain a high standard of conduct for persons engaged in the practice of the Administrative Profession
- To hold conferences and meetings for the discussion of such matters, interests and duties that pertain to the Administrative Profession
- To assist and advise persons desirous of entering the Administrative Profession
- To develop an awareness and acceptance of responsibilities of citizenship by encouraging and promoting interest in civic, economic, commercial, industrial and cultural affairs”.
These aims and objectives are very noble ideals which when applied can transform the quality of the work force in St. Kitts and Nevis.
We are aware that it is a necessary prerequisite for any country to develop its human resource for its future development. And to achieve this, ongoing training and capacity-building must be a priority. The National Association of Administrative Professionals has been an indisputable element in the forefront of this process and the full extent of its contribution cannot easily be quantified and must be appreciated by all of us in St. Kitts and Nevis.
In an age when there is a great focus on ICT and the use of technology as the basis for development and Artificial Intelligence is being given prominence, it is advisable that we do not lose sight of the fundamental importance of the role that people must continue to play in the ongoing Economic and Social Development of humanity.
It is imperative therefore, that we hold the Administrative Professionals in our country in high esteem and value the service which they give in support of the achievement of greater efficiency and increased productivity in St. Kitts and Nevis.
This, I believe, is an integral part of the mandate of the National Association of Administrative Professionals to contribute in greater measure to the National prosperity agenda.
Over the thirty-six years of existence this organization has played a pivotal role in changing the culture and the mindset of people in the workplace in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is important that this organization continues the process to inculcate an attitude to pursue excellence not only in its members but in the people of St. Kitts and Nevis generally.
As part of the celebration of its 36th anniversary, the executive and members deserve to be given high recognition for their contribution to National Development. I am very enthusiastic about the ongoing effort of this organization.
As you celebrate your week of activities under the Theme “Caribbean Admins… Working Together to Move Mountains” I encourage you to adopt positive attitudes in the work place and to embrace the spirit of team work to build meaningful relationships as well in the work place. The combination of your individual attributes and skills to work in harmony towards the common goals, will redound to the benefit of your organization and to the institutions which you serve as administrative professionals. The collaborative spirit and singleness of purpose will make the task of achieving your objectives so much easier and will enable your members to attain the highest level of efficiency and professionalism which your work demands.
As you celebrate during this week under your theme, “Working Together to Move Mountains,” I encourage you to see the bigger picture and recognise that the “mountains” would be more effectively and efficiently moved by designing a strategic plan to move them little by little, through well-structured and cooperative efforts, always keeping the overall goal and objective in mind.
During this week, you will showcase your capabilities and your technical competence in the work place as you go about providing training and mentoring to sharpen the skills among yourselves. You will also be required to impart such skills to those who are new to the profession, to elevate the level of professionalism and productivity in our country.
The execution of your strategic plan could contribute to the enhancement of the image of St. Kitts and Nevis as a country in which it is easy to do business and in which a high quality of efficient and competent Administrative Professionals are ready and willing to provide the administrative and supervisory support to attract investment for business both local and foreign.
This is a challenge and an opportunity for you the members of the National Association of Administrative Professionals as you celebrate your thirty-sixth (36th) anniversary. During the week of activities, emphasize the quality and capabilities of your members to attain even greater levels of performance and excellence for the future development and growth of your organization and the country as a whole.
I now declare your week of activities open and wish you success in your future endeavors. Your country is depending on you to lead the way to greater efficiency and productivity for greater prosperity for all.
May God bless you and bless all the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
