(Top Row - L-R) Mr. Kurt Powell, Ms. Renda Cornwall, Ms. Netty Wagner, Ms. Jacqueline Whittaker, Ms. Lacey Rockett, Mr. Darwin Elvis Bodden, Ms. Sherry Lee McLaughlin and Mr. Mervin Manderson (Seated in front) Deputy Chief Officer for the Ministry of Immigration & Human Resources, Mr. Michael Ebanks & Acting Chief Immigration Officer (Administration) Ms. Samantha Bennett
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 management skills required to drive effective and efficient delivery of immigration services.
Ten employees from across the DOI commenced the eight-week training in the fundamentals of supervisory management to help hone their skills as practicing supervisors.
The course was rigorously presented with 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 course, a final assessment was given that included course work and an examination.
Immigration Communication Centre Supervisor, Ms. Jacqueline Whittaker stated, “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.”
Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Ms. Samantha Bennett, 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, Mr. Michael Ebanks, expressed his delight in the department’s quest to continuously professionalise its workforce.
"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."
The Department of Immigration expressed appreciation to UWI Open Campus, and course facilitator Ms. Andrea Wray-Miller for the support.