Colette Roberts-Risden, the permanent secretary and chair of the Management Committee at the Jamaican Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), acknowledges that few things in life are perfect. However, she emphasizes that some things are worth the effort to make them work. Speaking at the Jamaican Liaison Service’s Leamington-area Appreciation Event for the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) and other workers, employers, and invitees on Oct. 6 in Kingsville, Ont., Roberts-Risden highlighted the importance of nurturing and maintaining relationships to ensure their success.
Roberts-Risden drew a parallel between the longevity and success of relationships, such as marriage, and the ongoing partnership between Jamaica and Canada through programs like SAWP. With 7,000 Jamaican workers coming to Canada annually through SAWP, contributing to a significant portion of the $3.1 billion USD sent back to Jamaica by the diaspora, Roberts-Risden stressed the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration to sustain the program’s success.
Acknowledging that nothing is ever perfect, Roberts-Risden underscored the need to work together to enhance the SAWP program, which has been benefiting Jamaican workers for 57 years. She emphasized the collaborative efforts with employers, workers, and the Canadian government to ensure the program’s longevity and mutual benefits for both countries.
Roberts-Risden also conveyed greetings from Pearnel Charles Jr., Jamaica’s minister of labour and social security, affirming the government’s commitment to improving services for Jamaican offshore workers. The introduction of new initiatives in 2024, such as additional JLS offices in Simcoe and the Niagara Region in Ontario, demonstrates a proactive approach to better support and serve the workers.
Furthermore, Roberts-Risden highlighted the importance of establishing personal connections between liaison officers and workers beyond mere communication over the phone. By having officers present at events like the Leamington gathering, the aim is to foster better relationships and understanding between the parties involved in the program.
The event in Leamington was part of a series of celebrations across Canada during the 2024 season, reflecting the government’s dedication to enhancing services and strengthening relationships with workers and employers. The gatherings provided an opportunity for social interaction, recognition of long-serving individuals, and expressions of gratitude for the contributions of offshore workers to Canadian agriculture and the economy.
Acting chief liaison officer Althea Riley reiterated the commitment of the JLS to provide better representation and more efficient services to employers, workers, and partners. By engaging with workers in a personal and empathetic manner, the liaison service aims to make their stay in Canada as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Riley also expressed appreciation for the employers’ contributions to the program, emphasizing their role in supporting individual workers and community development. The event concluded with a message of gratitude and recognition for the dedication and service of the workers, emphasizing their value and importance to both Jamaica and Canada.
In addition to the heartfelt speeches and messages, prizes donated by JN Money and the JLS added a festive touch to the celebrations, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and appreciation among all participants. Overall, the event served as a platform to strengthen relationships, foster communication, and express gratitude for the ongoing partnership between Jamaica and Canada through programs like SAWP. The Jamaican Liaison Service recently hosted a series of engaging and entertaining events in various locations across Ontario. Albert near Newmarket, Ont., featured a highly competitive dominoes tournament, Thornbury hosted a lively round of bingo, and Kingsville held a trivia contest followed by a crowd-pleasing dance-off. In the end, Andre Allen emerged as the winner of the dance-off, impressing the judges with his unique technique that he described as reminiscent of a Jamaican dance.
During the dance-off, Allen and O’Neill Scott showcased their moves to popular tunes like Wacky Dip and Row Like A Boat played by DJ Bruce International. Allen’s victory was attributed to his precise execution of the ‘sway’ dance move, which earned him the title of champion. Both participants received prizes for their performances, acknowledging their bravery and creativity on the dance floor.
JLS officer Allia McLeary commended Allen for his skillful performance, stating that dancing is a form of self-expression with no right or wrong way to do it. The event provided a platform for workers to relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. Nadine Rose, a program participant, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to unwind, connect with others, and enjoy the festivities.
The appreciation event also featured delicious food, including curry goat and chicken, which received rave reviews from attendees. Rose praised Leamington-area liaison officer Leighton Davis for his efforts in organizing the event and bringing people together from different farms. She emphasized the importance of such gatherings and expressed a desire for them to become a regular occurrence in the future.
Despite the financial and organizational investment required to host JLS events, Davis emphasized the value of building relationships and creating a welcoming environment for all participants. He highlighted the significance of showing appreciation to workers and employers, acknowledging their contributions to the community and fostering mutual respect and understanding.
In conclusion, the Jamaican Liaison Service events serve as a platform for cultural exchange, celebration, and connection among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through activities like dance-offs, trivia contests, and bingo, participants have the opportunity to relax, have fun, and build lasting relationships. The success of these events is a testament to the dedication and commitment of organizers like Leighton Davis, who strive to create meaningful experiences for all attendees. In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is crucial for success. Whether it’s interacting with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders, clear and concise communication is key to building strong relationships and achieving business objectives. In this article, we will explore the importance of communication in the workplace and provide strategies for improving communication skills.
One of the primary reasons why communication is so important in the workplace is that it helps to foster collaboration and teamwork. When team members are able to effectively communicate with one another, they can share ideas, provide feedback, and work together towards a common goal. This collaborative approach can lead to increased productivity, improved decision-making, and ultimately, better business results.
Effective communication also plays a key role in building relationships with clients and customers. By communicating clearly and professionally, businesses can establish trust and credibility with their target audience, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention. In addition, effective communication can help businesses to better understand their customers’ needs and preferences, allowing them to tailor their products and services to meet those needs.
In addition to external communication with clients and customers, effective communication within an organization is also critical for success. Clear communication between managers and employees can help to set expectations, provide feedback, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. This can lead to improved employee morale, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately, higher levels of productivity.
Despite the importance of communication in the workplace, many professionals struggle to communicate effectively. This can be due to a variety of factors, including differences in communication styles, lack of clarity in messaging, or simply a lack of practice. However, with some effort and dedication, it is possible to improve communication skills and become a more effective communicator.
One strategy for improving communication skills is to actively listen to others. This means paying attention to what others are saying, asking clarifying questions, and responding thoughtfully. By listening actively, you can better understand others’ perspectives and communicate more effectively in return.
Another strategy for improving communication skills is to practice empathy. Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. By practicing empathy in your communication, you can build stronger relationships with others and communicate more effectively.
In addition to active listening and empathy, it is also important to be aware of your nonverbal communication cues. Nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, can significantly impact how your message is received. By paying attention to your nonverbal cues and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your communication is clear and effective.
Finally, it is important to seek feedback on your communication skills from others. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to become a more effective communicator. By actively seeking feedback and continuously working to improve your communication skills, you can become a more confident and successful communicator in the workplace.
In conclusion, effective communication is crucial for success in the workplace. By fostering collaboration and teamwork, building relationships with clients and customers, and improving internal communication within an organization, businesses can achieve their goals and drive success. By actively listening, practicing empathy, being mindful of nonverbal cues, and seeking feedback, professionals can improve their communication skills and become more effective communicators. Ultimately, strong communication skills are essential for building strong relationships, driving productivity, and achieving business objectives in today’s competitive business environment. In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. One of the key strategies that businesses can adopt to achieve this is by investing in innovation. Innovation is the process of introducing new ideas, products, or methods that lead to improvements in efficiency, productivity, and overall success.
There are several reasons why innovation is crucial for businesses. Firstly, innovation allows companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors. By constantly coming up with new and improved products or services, businesses can attract more customers and stand out in the market. This can help increase brand loyalty and build a strong reputation for the company.
Secondly, innovation is essential for driving growth and profitability. Companies that are able to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions are more likely to succeed and thrive in the long term. Innovation can lead to cost savings, increased revenue, and improved customer satisfaction, all of which contribute to the bottom line.
Furthermore, innovation is important for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving business environment. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, companies need to innovate to keep up with the latest trends and developments. By investing in innovation, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and ensure their long-term success.
There are several ways in which businesses can foster a culture of innovation within their organization. One key strategy is to create a supportive and encouraging environment that values creativity and new ideas. Employees should be encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and experiment with new approaches. This can help spark innovation and drive positive change within the company.
Another important aspect of fostering innovation is investing in research and development. Companies should allocate resources to support innovation projects and initiatives, whether it be through funding, time, or personnel. By dedicating resources to innovation, businesses can accelerate the development of new products and services and stay ahead of the competition.
Collaboration is also key to fostering innovation within a company. By encouraging cross-functional teams to work together on innovation projects, businesses can leverage the diverse skills and perspectives of their employees to come up with creative solutions. Collaboration can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions that can drive the company forward.
In addition to internal initiatives, businesses can also seek external sources of innovation by partnering with startups, universities, or research institutions. By collaborating with external partners, companies can access new technologies, ideas, and expertise that can help drive innovation within the organization. This can lead to new product developments, improved processes, and increased competitiveness in the market.
Overall, innovation is a critical component of success for businesses in today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment. By investing in innovation, companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors, drive growth and profitability, and stay ahead of the curve. By fostering a culture of innovation, investing in research and development, promoting collaboration, and seeking external sources of innovation, businesses can position themselves for long-term success and growth.