PM Harris encourages STEP workers

Workers participating in the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) should be the “best they can be,” and contribute to their families, communities and the country, according to Prime Minister and Minister of People Empowerment, Dr Timothy Harris.

STEP falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, and Dr Harris made the remarks when he addressed STEP workers from Bird Rock, Conaree, Needsmust, and at the National Heroes Park during a one-day Soft Skills Training Programme held Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Conaree Community Centre.

“I see this morning exercise, in keeping with core expectations that we want everyone to be the best that he or she can is important,” Dr Harris said. “You must want to be the best that you can be. You must want it for you, your children, your neighbours and your communities.”

The prime minister advised participants that they must always see themselves as having the capacity to behave just as nice as anybody else. When doctors and lawyers go to the Parent Teacher Association meetings, they too must do the same, because the love for their child is not any different from the love the doctor and the lawyer have for their children.

“You must see yourself as being able to take and encourage your daughter or son to go to Sunday school or church,” Dr Harris said. He advised STEP workers that even if they do not go with their children, they must know in their heart and soul that something good comes from exposing children to grounding in the church.

“That is where they build their moral fibre through encouragement, and through admonition in Sunday school.”

The Soft Skills Training Programme was facilitated by the former Director of Gender Affairs Mrs. Ingrid Charles-Gumbs; and International Social Skills Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist, and President of Motiv-8 for Change International, Dr. Neals Chitan.

Also present were Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for STEP, Osbert DeSuza; STEP Director, Wendell Wattley; STEP’s Quality Assurance Coordinator/Consultant, Emile Greene; STEP Field Coordinator, William Phillip, and STEP Field Officer, Jason McKoy.

DeSuza said the STEP office will soon give sessions in proper and effective money management; formal training in civic responsibility in creating a positive attitude toward work; and building good relationships among one another.

“The whole idea is to start to provide effective soft skills training to all STEP employees,” the Permanent Secretary noted. “That is something we can do for you to basically help build positive character. Two presentations on conflict management were chosen to start the series of activities that are timely and will benefit you.”