‘Ministry for Labour and Human Resources Development shares its plans for 2014 stakeholders’

The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development held its first Human Resource Forum for the year on Thursday 27^th March 2014 at the STC Board Room. To note, the Human Resources Forum is a platform for consultation, sharing of knowledge and best practices.

During the session, which was chaired by Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson, the Forum participants were given the opportunity to learn about the Ministry’s major plans and projects for 2014.

The first presentation for the day was by the Director for Policy Planning and Research, Ms Susan Morel, who spoke about the main goals of the Ministry for the year 2014, which include strategies to produce quality statistics, the revision of policies to bring them in line with national developments as well as international labour standards, conducting research on employment topics, promoting the ILO concept of decent work, equality amongst workers and maintaining a low unemployment rate, improving national productivity, managing employment and welfare of non-Seychellois workers and ensuring workplace safety, health and fairness at work.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer for the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD), Mrs Margarette Pillay, highlighted the changes in the roles and functions of the Agency and its strategies to develop human resource in the country. She also encouraged the human resource professionals present to make use of the free services offered by the ANHRD and to work closely to ensure that training is provided for posts which are relevant to the needs of the country.

Participants had the opportunity to discuss the plans and they provided some good recommendations which will be taken on board and shared with the relevant Ministries and departments concerned.

The day ended with guest presenter Mr Paul Didon from the Immigration Department addressing member’s queries and concerns in relation to the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) process and an open discussion on Compensation for non-Seychellois workers.

For the second Human Resource Forum for the year, held on the 29^th May 2014 at the Seychelles Fishing Authority Conference Room, Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson took the opportunity to welcome four new members to the Forum.

This was followed with a presentation by the Director for Labour Migration, Ms Benilda Cupidon on the new quota entitlement for the employment of non-Seychellois which came into effect on 15^th May 2014. Forum participants then sought clarifications on various points which included the renewal of GOP’s and overseas contractual obligations under the new quota system and provided suggestions to facilitate the implementation of this new system.

The second presentation was by an Employment Officer from the Labour Migration Section, Ms Juliana Valentin and Senior Human Resource Development Officer from the ANHRD, Ms Juliette Gerry. They focused on the different components and requirements that need to be taken into consideration when designing a training programme under the Localization Plan.

Similar to the first presentation, many queries were raised by participants, particularly in regards to identifying the appropriate candidate for training and the level of training needed, which is often not offered locally. It was also suggested that the 3 month period given to organizations to complete their evaluation forms for understudies under the Localization Plan be extended to 6 months.

At this point, Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson highlighted the importance for the private sector to take a more active role in the training of local workers. She encouraged organizations to liaise with the ANHRD in regards to the same.

On the invitation of the Forum, officers from the Seychelles Revenue Commission did two presentations; one on Personal Income Tax and the other on the Seychelles Revenue Commission’s e-service. Members spent the rest of the afternoon discussing and sharing ideas on topical issues. The next Human Resource Forum will be in three months time.

On 15^th and 16^th May 2014, the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander, conducted the first of a series of meetings aimed at informing employers of the quota entitlement for the employment of non-Seychellois workers.

The new procedures and measures which came into effect as from 15^th May 2014, will facilitate the procedures for recruiting and managing non-Seychellois workers that fall within the following industries Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Financial Services, Construction, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Domestic Work based on the demands of the labour market.

In addition to this, the quota entitlement will work alongside the Localisation Plan, to ensure Seychellois are continuously provided with the opportunity to secure employment.

Overall, the quota entitlement has been well received by those present at the meetings and many have expressed that this is a good initiative on the part of the Ministry. In addition to this, many of the constraints they had raised in past meetings have been taken into consideration in the quota entitlement.

As well as a presentation on the different quota entitlements, the representatives from the various sectors also had to opportunity to put forward their concerns and offer suggestions. Amongst these suggestions were for the intake of post secondary students to be increased, particularly in the field of Tourism and Construction, encourage the sharing of knowledge to local workers by non-Seychellois and to reduce the salary gaps that exists between Seychellois and non-Seychellois workers.

Minister Alexander also informed the meeting attendees that quotas will be reviewed by the Committee for the Employment of Non-Seychellois (CENS) after three months. Additionally, the labour market will be continually monitored to identify any new and emerging trends.

Furthermore, as a means of monitoring compliance with the new quota entitlement, the number of joint visits carried out by the Ministry in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs Community Development and Sports, Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport and the Ministry of Health will be increased.

The meetings ended with the Ministry pledging the support of all the employers concerned to ensure that the quota entitlements system is successfully implemented.

On Friday 9^th May 2014, the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander, conducted her first visit to La Digue for the year. She visited the La Digue Island Lodge at La Passe and Mills Construction Company at Belle Vue.

The La Digue Island Lodge was the first establishment to be visited. The Ministerial delegation was met by the General Manager, Mr Gregoire Payet, the Operations Manager, Mr Daniel Payet and the Human Resource Manager, Mrs Pamela Constance. Following a tour of the different departments at the hotel and interacting with the staff, a debriefing was held with management.

The points raised by staff during the visit were discussed during the debriefing session. They included a shortage of staff and other minor human resource related issue. The other points mentioned were issues identified during an inspection visit in March 2014. Minister Alexander was pleased to learn that work has already begun to rectify the issues. She also congratulated the hotel on their high staff retention rate which ranged from 10 years to 36 years.

Minister Alexander added that the ANHRD, which is which is presently conducting HR Audits in various organizations, could assist them in terms of identifying the training needs of their staff.

On their part, the management team informed the Minister that the main problem they were encountering were to recruit new staff. The hotel has recently adopted a few strategies to help with recruitment, which includes liaising with private employment agencies, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Academy and they are trying as much as possible to recruit locally.

Staff recruitment was also the main concern at Mills Construction where the Minister was met by the company’s Managing Director, Mr Carl Mills at the Chateau St Cloud Hotel. Again the issue of attestation of contracts was raised following an inspection visit carried out in July 2013. Mr Mills informed the Minister that he is working to remedy the issue with the assistance of his new Hotel Manager.

The Minister was satisfied to learn that the Hotel Manager is also a graduate from Shannon College who studied Hospitality Management and Business Management.

‘‘It is good to see that you are applying your knowledge and experience from your studies in your work’ she said.

Minister Alexander ended both visits by assuring the management teams that her Ministry would assist them with the recruitment of qualified staff.

This year, the National Theme Steering Committee participated in the Carnival de Victoria which was held on Saturday 26^th April 2013. The float consisted of committee members, cyclists and 30 youths from Ile Perseverance. Ten of the boys carried boards with motivational messages relating to the National Theme of “International Year of Small Island Developing States; Seychelles – A Determined Island Nation”.

The aim if this activity was to raise the awareness of both the local and international public of this year’s theme. Leading up to the Carnival, the Committee members also had the opportunity to promote the National Theme with members of both the local and international media. Overall, the activity was a great success.

On Saturday 3^rd May 2014, the Ministry for Labour and Human Resource Development, in collaboration with the National Sports Council, organized a Sports Fun Day.

This activity is amongst a series of activities being organized to celebrate Labour Day. The aim of the Sports Fun Day was to promote team work amongst the participating organizations and the importance of exercising.

A number of organizations from both the private and public sector participated in the activity which included the Ministry of Health, Seychelles Police Academy, Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces, Public Utilities Corporation, SEYPEC and Cable and Wireless.

The day was kick started with a mini marathon which saw the participation of the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Minister Idith Alexander and Principal Secretary Ms Veronique Bresson. Participants then had the opportunity to participate in activities such as football, volleyball, netball, petanque, domino and number of leisure activities like the three legged race and balloon popping competition.

Like last year, the final activity for the day was the tug of war which saw stiff competition in both the male and female categories. However, the Ministry of Health came first in the female category and the Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces in the male category.

The day ended with the presentation of prices to the winners of each discipline by the Minister Alexander, Principal Secretary Bresson, other officials from the Ministry and a representative from the Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces. After tallying all the points, the Seychelles Police Academy came out as the winning organization with the Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces in second place and the Ministry of Health in third.

Overall the activity was a success and all the winners will have the chance to defend their titles next year.

On Friday 4th April 2014, Minister Alexander conducted her thirteenth workplace visit for the year. She visited the SkyChef Servair at Pointe Larue where she was greeted by the Managing Director, Mr Neville Morel.

During the visit, the Minister had the opportunity to interact with the staff. A strong point that was noticeable was the high staff retention with a good number of staff having been with the company from between 20 to 42 years. The main issues raised were human resource related namely attitudes, communication and training needs.

It is to be noted that since the beginning of the year, the Ministry has conducted a number of visits to the company and has been working with the management to address issues brought forth through routine investigation visits. Minister Alexander was satisfied to perceive that there has been some improvement.

“I am happy to see that you have tackled many of the concerns that were identified during the inspections earlier this year. However, there are still a few issues that need to be addressed,” she said.

She also stressed that communication was key to tackling these minor human resource issues and that communication should be a two way process.

On their part, the management team pointed out that recruitment and the reluctance of some staff members to do overtime as and when required remains a problem for the company. In view of this, the Minister provided a series of proposals which included the introduction of incentives to increase job satisfaction and create a conducive environment thereby encouraging staff to be more productive.

Another proposal was to conduct a training needs analysis in order to identify the needs of the organization and provide training for middle management staff that is best suited to their needs.

In regards to the staff, Minister Alexander pointed out that it was important for them to take their responsibility towards their work seriously.

The visit ended with the Minister highlighting the benefits of joining the Human Resource Forum, an idea that was welcomed by the management team. She also gave her assurances that her Ministry will provide them with the necessary support in terms of recruitment through Private Employment Agencies.

On Monday 7^th April 2014, the National Theme Steering Committee held its second meeting for the year. The main topic of discussion was the compilation of the National, Organizational and Regional Calendars of Activities and the subsequent upcoming events for this month which Committee members will be taking part in.

These activities include:

• Good Friday which falls on the 18^th April
• Earth Day whereby students will have the chance to visit neighbouring islands and learn about the biodiversity, management and achievements of these islands
• Promotion of the National Theme during the Honorary Consuls Conference from the 23^rd to the 24^th April
• Carnival International de Victoria which will be from the 25^th to the 27^th April which will help to raise awareness of different Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• A series of activities from the 28^th Aril to 4^th April which includes a guided tour of the Ministry, reflection sessions on the National Theme at district level, a gospel show, school quiz competition, a documentary tracing achievements and struggles in regards to employment in Seychelles and a Sports Fun Day to commemorate Labour Day.
  
  

The Chairperson, Ms Idith Alexander is counting on the support of all the Committee members and the general public to ensure the success of these activities. The activities for the month of May will be communicated in due course.

The Chairperson of the 2014 National Theme Committee, Minister Idith Alexander officially launched this years’ theme of "International Year of Small Island Developing States: Seychelles - A Determined Island Nation", today at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles.

The 2014 theme is derived from the United Nations declaration of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).Small Island Developing States like the Seychelles are presented with a number of significant challengessuch as climate change, piracy and effects of globalization.

Celebrating this year’s theme both at national and international level will attract several key benefits to our people and the country. It will highlight to the world the challenges that confront Small Island Developing States and gain the respect of other countries for our hard work and tenacity. On a local level, the marking of such theme will raise awareness of the power that we hold as a nation to overcome and to succeed. The theme will also bring the call for sustainable development and concepts of Blue Economy.

In her official speech, the Chairperson of the 2014 National Theme Committee spoke on the resilience of small islands states faced with the challenges and she stressed that it is important for small island states to work together as they are experiencing many of the same problems.

“As we pull our efforts together, we are stronger to negotiate with the industrial world on environmental issues such as carbon emission, all with the aim of protecting our environment for our future generation.’’

Minister Alexander added that this years’ theme concerns all of us so we have to be more determined in ensuring peace, love and unity in our homes, communities, work organizations and the society.

This was portrayed throughout the Launching Ceremony by various video presentations, songs and dance performances. During the ceremony, there was the unveiling of the National Theme logo which has been designed by local artist, Mr Aubrey Adeline.

The Ceremony, which was attended by President James Michel, Vice President Danny Faure, high government officials and members of the public from different sectors of the economy, ended with the national theme song entitled, “Nou Determinen”, written and performed by Mr Jean-Marc Volcy in collaboration with various artists both young and experienced.

‘Minister Alexander continues visits to three establishments in the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors’

The visits, which took place on Friday 14^th February 2014, were to the Asian Fusion Restaurant at Au Cap, La Plaine St Andre and the Takamaka Bay Distillery also located at Au Cap and the Crown Beach Hotel at Pointe Au Sel.

Accompanied by high officials from her Ministry, the Minister first visited the Asian Fusion Restaurant where they were greeted by the General Manager, Mr Tajudeen Mohamed. As with other visits, a guided tour was given of the establishment where the Ministerial delegation met with and spoke to staff members.

For the debriefing session with the Restaurant’s Management team and staff which followed, Minister Alexander informed them that being a newly opened establishment, they were bound to encounter certain issues. However, her Ministry would give them all the support and assistance they need in terms of staff recruitment to overcome these problems. The Minister also encouraged them to employ the services of Private Employment Agencies for outsourcing of casual workers when the Restaurant hosts several functions at the same time.

To address the cultural differences of the staff, management was advised to communicate regularly with their staff so as they can work together to eliminate any misunderstandings that may arise. This could be achieved through regular staff meeting.

The second visit was to the La Plaine St Andre Restaurant and Distillery where the Managing Director, Mr Richard D’Offay and the Operations Manager, Mr Andy Pothin greeted the Minister and her delegation. After a guided tour of the premises in which the Minister noted the high staff retention rate and the good camaraderie amongst the staff members, who are 100% Seychellois, a debriefing was conducted.

The Minister remarked that it was good to see that the organization has taken on students on the Tertiary and Vocational Education and Training. She also encouraged the management team to keep up their good work and join the where they will be able to share their best practices, particularly staff welfare, with other Human Resource professionals in the private sector.

“Apart from sharing ideas on best practices, you will benefit from a Human Resource Audit and have the opportunity to learn more on issues pertaining to labour” added Minister Alexander.

For the last part of the visit, the Ministerial delegation went to the Crown Beach Hotel where they were met by the General Manager, Mrs Alice Tirant. During a tour of the establishment, all of the staff members spoken to were happy with their working conditions. The Minister also noted that although the hotel is new, a number of the staff working there have over 10 years of experience in the Tourism industry.

As the hotel is fairly new, the discussions for the debriefing focused around staff welfare, recruitment of highly trained staff and tertiary training opportunities with the Minister pledging her Ministry’s support and assistance. It was also recommended that the hotel becomes a member of the HR Forum where they can learn of the practices being employed in other establishments in the Tourism sector.

The management team informed the Minister that they believe the Employment Training Scheme is a fantastic initiative and look forward to participating in the programme.

The Minister ended by informing them all that staff members have to take their responsibility towards work seriously. In order to promote this concept, her Ministry will be implementing a sensitization campaign that addresses values, attitudes and productivity in the work place.

The Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander conducted workplace visits on Friday 25^th October 2013 to two establishments.

For the first part of the visit, the Minister accompanied by high officials from her Ministry visited the Konoba Restaurant located at Roche Caiman where a local company has taken over the management of the Restaurant. The delegation was welcomed by Directors Mr Regis Francourt and Mr Melton Ernesta and the Executive Chef, Mr Hudson Philo who each have over 20 years of experience in the field of Tourism both locally and internationally.

The Ministerial delegation was taken on a guided tour of the Restaurant where they had the opportunity to meet and speak to staff members. The staff had no complaints in regards to their work conditions.

During the debriefing session, the Minister was pleased to note that the Management team is 100% Seychellois. Minister Alexander was also happy to learn that the Management has a budget set aside for training and staff welfare and pledged her Ministry’s support and assistance in regards to staff training and recruitment.

The Restaurant’s Management team on their part said that they are prepared to work with the Ministry to providing training for youths on the Skills Development Programme. They are also eager to offer training to individuals interested in working in the Tourism Sector and participating in short exchange programmes with other countries.

The Minister informed them that they will have to work hard to restore the Restaurants image and reputation affected as a result of past Management’s actions and that good communication is key.

On their part, the Management team gave their commitment to make positive changes to Konaba and become a role model for other restaurants and hotels. They thanked the Minister for the visit and look forward to a productive working relationship.

The second part of the visit took the Ministerial Delegation to the Amalgamated Tobacco Company at Anse Des Genets where they were greeted by the Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Ruggles Latimer, General Manager, Mr Steve Khambatta and the Human Resources Manager, Mr Paul Belle.

A guided tour was given to the Ministerial delegation where they spoke to staff members, the majority of whom have been working with the Company for more than 20 years and remarked that they are very happy with their work conditions.

During the debriefing session, the Minister commended the Management on their high staff retention rate. She touched on the necessity for the company to start planning for new staff to succeed those that will be retiring in the near future.

Mr Ruggles informed the Minister that the key to their success with staff retention is that they communicate with their staff on a daily basis and treat them all as part of one big family. He added that the company currently employs two staff members who were previously on the Skills Development Programme run by the Ministry.

The Minister ended the visit by encouraging the Management team to continue with their excellent work and encourage them to share their good work practices that should be a good example for other companies.

The company’s Management team thanked the Minister and her delegation and informed her that they are looking forward to future collaborations.