The Ministry of Education ‘Unlocks the True Potential’ of its Administrative Professionals

TRINIDAD:  April 28, 2016: More than 300 administrative professionals from the Ministry of Education convened at the Teaching and Learning Complex on Wednesday 27th April, 2016 at The University of the West Indies to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week. The symposium entitled “Unlocking Your True Professional Potential” was hosted by the MIC – Institute of Technology and the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT). The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education opened the symposium by congratulating the organisers for fostering collaboration between public and private sector organisations, which he said will redound to the benefit of citizens and subsequently the sustainability of the nation.

Minister Garcia described the administrative professionals as unsung heroes and said he recognised them as partners in the success of an organisation. He said, “Be proud of the impact that you make in every organisation in which you find yourself. Do not limit yourself, pursue your aspirations as you continue on your path to unlocking your full potential.”
He also commended the efforts of the administrative professionals who he said worked tirelessly to ensure the success of their organisations, “Administrative assistants are not secretaries or personal assistants, but partners in making a business successful and I am sure you feel accountable for every aspect of your department and the organization’s success. Your presence here shows your commitment to both your personal and professional advancement and we commend and congratulate all of you for attending. This is yet another reason for the MIC to stand strong, knowing that all of you will contribute to our nation’s development and leave your indelible mark in some way or another. As I close, I leave you with this thought – that each one of you is on the right path to become a builder of tomorrow’s world, so do not ever limit yourself.”
The symposium saw a convergence of administrative professionals from the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company Limited, Pro Comm Services, Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT), Ministry of Education and the YMCA of Trinidad and Tobago who were treated to breakfast and gift bags.
Also in attendance at the symposium were the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism; Dr. the Honourable Lovell Francis, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education; His Worship the Mayor of Port of Spain Councillor Keron Valentine; Permanent Secretary Gillian Macintyre, Ministry of Education, Permanent Secretary Natasha Barrow, Ms. Cavelle Joseph, President of AFETT and Jennifer Jones-Morales, Authentic Leadership and Gender Specialist.