Bartbados Association of Office Professionals Feature

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Series of events behind celebration

THE BAOP BOARD: (Sitting from left): Donna Wade, treasurer; Linda Coombs, president; Angela Carter, president elect; (standing, from left): Esther Tull, assistant secretary treasurer; Sandra Hinds, corresponding secretary; Carlyn Waithe, recording secretary; and (inset) Janice Williams, immediate past president. (GP)

SEVERAL activities have been planned to mark this year’s Barbados Association of Office Professionals (BAOP) Week, which runs from April 24 to April 30.

The week gets started with a church service on Sunday, April 24, 9:30 a.m., at Sharon Moravian Church, Sharon, St Thomas. This will be followed on Tuesday, April 26, with the Secondary Schools’ Seminar from 8:30 a.m to noon, at the Barbados Community College’s auditorium.

Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of The Nation Publishing Company Limited, Vivian-Anne Gittens, will be the guest speaker at the Annual Luncheon, scheduled for Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, April 27.

On August, 28, National Heroes Day, Dr Leo Brewster, director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit, will lead members on a coastal walk from Brandon’s Beach, St. Michael, to Crystal Cove Hotel, St James. The walk starts at 7 a.m.

The week of activities climaxes with two activities. BAOP members will donate a food hamper to the HIV/AIDS Food Bank on April 29, at 12:30 p.m, and host an after work lime and mini golf tournament at Divi Southwinds Hotel, from 5:30 p.m, that same day.

Reason for week remains the same bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars and individual corporate activities recognising support staff.

Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States alone, according to United States Department of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles.

More than 475 000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.

Administrative Professional Week is always celebrated the last full week in April.

This year, it runs from April 24-30, with Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 27.

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SINCE 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week.

Today, it is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays.

In 2000, IAAP announced a name change for Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day. The names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances.

The event is celebrated worldwide,

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BAOP CHAIRPERSONS: (standing, from left) Diana Holdipp, Janet Sealy, Clovine Leslie, Maxine Inniss, Sandra GriffithCarrington, (sitting, from left) Olivia Birch, Veronica King and Lorna Bryan.

(GP)

Message from LINDA COOMBS, president BAOP 2010 to 2011.

IN TODAY’S diverse and rapidly changing business environment, the continuing trend among administrative professionals is to engage in life-long learning.

In doing so we seek to identify our core competencies, master various management and technical skills and harness our ability to be multiskilled.

How relevant is this action plan as we seek to validate our efforts?

Are we equipping

Continual training key to job ourselves for future leadership opportunities?

Are we using every available opportunity to make meaningful contributions as organisations continue to introduce best practices for their future development and expansion?

Are our administrative goals aligned with the business goals of the company?

Do we resist change and accept the status quo or do we position ourselves to become agents of change?

Are we flexible and

open to embrace the constant challenges of down-sizing, rightsizing and, when required, flexing our entrepreneurial arm to offer our skills and services to multiple organisations instead of one organisation?

As we equip ourselves

for the varying tasks, roles, challenges and opportunities in the organisation, we must continually allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in the changing workplace and seek innovative methods to achieve and ensure efficiency.

LINDA COOMBS (GP)

Colleagues, as we observe Administrative Professionals Week let us remember that with diversity of thought, education and work experience we can chart a course for the successful attainment of both our personal and professional goals.

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Message from Karlene Burgess MBA, CPS, president 2010 to 2012, Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals for Administrative Professionals Week (April 24 to 30, 2011)

Celebrating honourable profession

ON BEHALF of the 2010 – 2012 Executive of the Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals (CAAP), I would like to extend greetings and best wishes to all administrative professionals throughout the region as we celebrate the 59th observance of Administrative Professionals Week highlighting the theme, Administrative professionals – Equipped for the task… Ready to achieve.

The origins of the secretarial profession are not known, but there is evidence that secretaries existed prior to the establishment of the Roman empire.

For most of its history, this profession was exclusively filled by educated men who often acted as trusted advisors to political leaders and other powerful people.

Secretaries gained elevated status during the 15th and 16th centuries as world trade expanded and people of wealth and power needed secretaries to handle correspondence on private or confidential matters, most particularly, matters of state.

Since then, more than 300 years later, the profession still exists and is even more prominent and dynamic.

We are still held in high esteem and

Alicia Lynch

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considered confidants by our colleagues and managers.

Over the years, our profession has stood the test of time, and has embraced and survived many challenges.

Our profession continues to be in a state of evolution, which has led to secretaries/administrative assistants/administrative professionals being assigned more responsibilities now than were given to them in the past.

We are, because of the digital age, able to be more productive and dedicate more time to tasks that require highly developed decision making, business or organisational skills; and play more strategic roles within the organisation.

We continue to be key professionals working with leaders and managers in public and private sector entities. To enhance those required business skills; maximise our impact on the organisation, and be highly productive and valuable, we must constantly equip ourselves to take advantage of new developments not only for our own advancement, but also for the

Cheryne Corbin

Elaine Holford-Sealy

MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011. DAILY NATION EXTRA.

Lauding contribution of all office workers

KARLENE BURGESS (GP)

betterment of the organisations that we serve.

The CAAP executive remains resolute in carrying out the main mission of the association, which is ‘to be the recognised leader in the provision of education and training for secretaries and administrative professionals within the region, and to enhance the individual and collective skills of its members.

We will continue to work with our Caribbean partners to equip administrative professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the increasing demands in the workplace.

To celebrate this very important week, a number of events have been planned. Congratulations and commendations to the presidents and their members for coordinating these events.

To all secretaries and administrative professionals within the Caribbean, do have an informative and rewarding Administrative Professionals Week 2011.

Message from Mary Ramsay-Drow, CPS/CAP 2011 International President, International Association of Administrative Professionals, for Administrative Professionals Day ON Administrative Professionals Day we MARY honor administrative RAMSAY-DROW (GP) professionals working in all capacities of office life.

This year, as the global economy recovers from the downturn, we include all office professionals who have made a contribution in their workplace.

To the office workers in Barbados, we salute you during this week set aside annually to honor administrative professionals.

At the International Association of Administrative Professionals, (IAAP) we take seriously the work of the administrative professionals. We are here to advance the profession.

Our mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

We believe that administrative personnel are the cornerstone of the office. I wish all the office workers – those who keep the office running smoothly and efficiently – a happy Administrative Professionals Day.

“Our unified, well-trained, highly motivated, professional administrative team has been a key element in our company’s success.

They have continually demonstrated their commitment to excellence”

Grantley Bailey

Heather Negahdar

Mario Blackett

Princess Watts

Richardine Alleyne

Shanna Nurse

Call us at 431 2800 or visit sagicorgeneral.com

Shanna Streeks

DAILY NATION EXTRA, MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011.

by FREIDA NICHOLLS marketing and public relations specialist THE THEME of the 14th Annual Conference of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals was Waves of Change – Oceans of Opportunity, and in my presentation in the Plenary Session on Oceans of Opportunity I challenged office professionals to prepare themselves to take advantage of any opportunity for growth and success that may present itself.

I also reminded them that opportunities can be created.

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Opportunities – found and created

marketability.

Her recording releases target the fastest growing segment of the worldwide web – Internet sales.

Her portfolio is diversified – she is an entertainer, and she also models for the world’s top designers.

She has secured lucrative endorsement The changing deals with Kodak, Doritos, business and Cover Girl. She is environment featured in Vogue – the world’s leading fashion The business publication, environment has changed and she is the only dramatically over the past non-athlete to have ten years. a multi-million dollar We are in a competitive endorsement contract with digital age, and rapid sports powerhouse Nike. globalisation has forever Rihanna has changed the way we diversified into movies, interact with the world. securing a supporting role There are loud calls for in the film Battleship more ethics and social scheduled for release in responsibility in the way 2012, and she successfully we conduct our business. launched her new perfume We have to respond line Reb’l Fleur. positively to the impact of She continually the recession – sitting and reinvents her persona, waiting for something to effectively distancing happen just will not cut it. herself from Beyonce.

Additionally, the age Rihanna now owns the structure of the world’s image of red hair, and is population is changing, instantly recognised all with a significant over the world. percentage of over 60s baby boomers and Is Rihanna’s burgeoning numbers of success luck? young techno-savvy under25-year-olds.

Many people will say Not to be left out of that Rihanna was just consideration is the lucky, but luck is when changing political and opportunity meets social environment, and preparation. events in the Middle East Luck is the residue of require us to pay close design. In other words, if attention.

Rihanna had not been prepared and shown Are you prepared? potential to be a complete ‘package’ at that audition You have to ask with Evans Rogers, there yourselves some searching would never have been the questions: What is your next step. dream? Do you even have How many people in the a dream? Have you set workplace are prepared goals for yourself? when an opportunity for What is your role in promotion or new your company? How responsibilities are knowledgeable are you on presented? current affairs – local, regional and Your personal international? And how strategic plan will these issues impact your company?

Just like Rihanna’s management team did, The Rihanna you must develop your experience own personal strategic plan. Define your purpose Say what you will, – what do you want to there is no disputing the accomplish? masterful marketing Next you must identify strategy that is being used your objectives and goals to further Rihanna’s for the short term. success.

Clarify how you will Her management reach your goals – do you has skillfully executed need to upgrade your a well-crafted plan to skills and qualifications, ensure her optimum or improve your

communication capability, or enhance your personal development?

Prepare a SWOT analysis, just as a company would do. Assess your strengths and your weaknesses, look for opportunities and determine the threats.

Then make an action plan

that will ensure that you achieve your goals and make you more of an asset to your company or business.

Finally, you must monitor your progress.

Ask for feedback from your boss, your colleagues, from management. Periodically adjust your plan to adapt

to changes in the marketplace, and look for opportunities to enable you to continually be in step with those changes.

It begins and ends with you.

• Freida Nicholls can be reached at freidaeagle@hotmail.com

FREIDA NICHOLLS (GP)

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Message from Sandra GriffithCarrington, recipient of the Education Award 2009/2010 CONGRATULATIONS to all administrative professionals!

Our theme for this year, Administrative Professionals – Equipped for the Task...Ready to achieve. prompted me to ask the question: Are office professionals truly equipped for the task?

In this dynamic environment, it is important that every administrative professional be equipped for the task.

The office of an administrative professional calls for an individual who is multi-skilled and can multitask in a seamless manner.

Our complex tasks include writing effective business correspondence, implementing and managing projects involving research, planning, coordinating meetings, scheduling and maintaining calendar systems for our executives, creating and maintaining databases, developing and maintaining electronic filing systems, ordering office supplies, maintaining inventories, working with vendors and creating spreadsheets.

The list is not exhausted.

It is crucial that office professionals be good communicators with the ability to adapt to different personalities and management styles while remaining highly composed as the representatives of our organisations in this globalised environment.

Professional success is therefore not an accident; office professionals must

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Challenge: Equip yourself for dynamic field be equipped for the task. One way that this is achieved is by taking advantage of educational offers.

The Mighty Sparrow in his song Education Is Essential reiterates that education is the key to success.

Sparrow’s lyrics have endured and survived the test of time.

Personally, this song impacted on me at a young age, echoing the words of my mother and leaving an indelible motivation on my life.

It is true that you need more than education to be a well-rounded person and have competitive advantage, but as Sparrow opines, it is essential to have education if you want to earn better than average pay.

The University of the West Indies

SANDRA GRIFFITH-CARRINGTON (GP)

(UWI), the premier university in the region, has given office professionals throughout the region an opportunity to expand their knowledge and remain on the cutting-edge by its expansion of degrees in management.

These include Banking and Finance, Management with Psychology, Management with Spanish, Economics

and Management.

The UWI has also responded to the dynamic environment through its fourth and newest campus, the Open Campus. This virtual campus embraces the open and flexible approach to the delivery of instruction anchored on new and emerging information and communication technologies.

UWI Open Campus allows all office professionals the benefit of fulfilling their mandate at work while expanding their education on line.

The campus’ unique distinctiveness of flexibility, accessibility and affordability allows office professionals the dual benefit of equipping themselves at a pace which accommodates their work life balance while remaining in the office.

Finally, I encourage you, as you equip yourselves, to also build purposefully and passionately on your foundation. Create a road map to success by identifying where you want to go.

Explore avenues, venture in unchartered seas, take on new responsibilities and challenges, update your professional skills, maximise your potential and expand your knowledge while fulfilling your role as a valuable asset to your organisation.

• Sandra Griffith-Carrington is the Marketing and Communications Assistant, UWI Open Campus.

She has worked in the secretarial/administrative professional field for 28 years.

DAILY NATION EXTRA, MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011.

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THERE WAS A TIME when cocktail parties were meant to be the affairs of only the high and mighty.

However, the concept has become quite common these days, especially in the corporate world. Still, not many people are comfortable with cocktail parties, mostly because they are new to the concept. Are you one among them? If yes, the cocktail party etiquette listed in the following lines would prove extremely useful to you, ensuring that you do not end up doing something unacceptable at such a party.

RSVP: If you have received a formal invitation for a cocktail party, it is important to acknowledge it, through RSVP. In case a self-addressed stamped envelope has been provided by the host, make sure to post it, indicating whether you would be able to attend the party or not. If there is no envelope, either call the host or send your reply by letter.

Dress: While dressing up for a cocktail party, you need to keep in mind the nature of the event. If it is a cocktail buffet,semi-formal or casual attire will do well. In the case of a cocktail party, you are required to dress up semiformally. Cocktail receptions however, require very formal attire.

Mingling: If you have been invited to a cocktail party, keep in mind the fact that the whole purpose behind such an event, is to give you a chance to mingle with new people, make or solidify your connections, and even strike deals. So, make sure that you do not end up sitting

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Be attuned to business of socialising in a corner nursing a drink. Speak to people and even allow them to introduce you to other people.

Eating: You need to follow proper etiquette while eating at a cocktail party. Be sure to take a napkin whenever you eat something. When appetisers are served choose, and eat, one at a time – in its entirety. If the food is being served in a buffet, do not make too many trips to the table.

Drinking: Always use a glass for beverages. Never drink from a bottle or can. If you are having wine, remember that a red wine glass is held by the bowl, while the white wine glass should be held by the stem. Never ever place your drink on tables or surfaces that may stain. Always limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Basic manners: There are certain basic manners that need to be followed at a cocktail party as well. For instance, always maintain eye contact when you are talking to someone. Be polite while requesting something from the party staff. Do not forget to say ‘thank you’ to the host and hostess before leaving the party and even bid farewell to other guests.

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ENTERTAINER MARK LORD, as he entertained the members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals. (GP)

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MEMBERS OF the Barbados Association of Office Professionals get down to business, during their Valentine’s Day meeting earlier this year. (GP)

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES CAVE HILL CAMPUS

Salutes its

Administrative Staff

”The companies that survive

longest are the ones that work out what they uniquely can give to the world not just growth or money but their excellence, their respect for others, or their ability to make people happy. Some call those things a soul.”

Charles Handy

Thank You

for your hard work and dedication

LOUISA NURSE (left), addresses members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals. At her right is Veronica King, chairperson of the Planning Committee. (GP)

Members mix and mingle for Valentines LAST FEBRUARY, members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals held a special Valentine’s Day meeting during which time they got up close and personal with each other.

They spent the evening fellowshipping with one another and allowing each other to recognise their importance to the organisation.

The meeting took place at the Clock Tower room at the Garrison Savannah, where members mingled and had lots of fun.

Entertainment was provided by veteran entertainer Mark Lorde.

Here, we present highlights of JANET SEALY, publicity chairperson, makes a point during the special meeting. that meeting.

(GP)

CHAIRPERSON of the Membership Committee, Maxine Inniss (top left), has the full attention of committee member, Gloria Jones. (GP)

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Sounding off on concert etiquette DURING a classical or other low-intensity concert, talking and moving around are big distractions to those around you. When attending such a concert, keep these seven simple rules in mind.

• Enter and exit your seat only between selections. If possible, wait until the audience is applauding before moving. The only exception to this is if you need to remove a restless or crying child.

• Don’t talk during a performance. If you must talk to your neighbor, always whisper directly into their ear so that those around you cannot hear your comments.

• Cell phones must be turned off or kept on vibrate.

• If your performance venue allows you to eat in the auditorium, do not unwrap candy or slurp soda while the musicians are playing.

• It is customary to applaud when the conductor first comes out on the stage. He or she will bow to acknowledge the audience's applause and the concert will begin.

• Some classical pieces of music are broken down into parts called “movements”. In between these movements the music will stop for a few seconds.

Do not applaud until the conductor has dropped his hands and has turned around to acknowledge the audience.

• Whistling, yelling, or otherwise congratulating the performers is generally not appropriate for classical music concerts.

• Compiled by Louisa Nurse, EDEM, AAA,CAP, CPS.

Quirky cultural differences to note THERE ARE many social differences across the globe and many customs and terms with which you may not be familiar. Here are a few dining tips that come to-mind: • In England, “Spotted Dick” is a dessert, not a venereal disease • In Japan, if you are served a small smoked hunk of meat, it’s not meant to be eaten whole.

(Man, they’re crunchy) It’s a smoked sparrow, and you are supposed to pick the meat off the breast with your chopsticks.

• In the United States, “Rocky Mountain Oysters” are not seafood, they are beef testicles. If you have the balls, also try ordering the “Sheep Fries” or “Rooster Fries”. In the southern United States, remember the phrase: “It takes guts to order chitlins”.

• In the Upstate New York area, if someone approaches you asking if you want a “speedy”, they are not a speed-pusher. Instead, a “Spiedie” is a delicious shish kebab.

• In Britain, if you find a large scab on your breakfast plate, it’s “Black Pudding”. A blood sausage, served at breakfast. It goes great with the fried toast and fried tomatoes.

• In France, be aware! An “inhabited cheese” contains living organisms.

• Compiled by Louisa Nurse, EDEM, AAA,CAP, CPS.

A CONCERT, classical recital or any other social event calls for different degrees of etiquette. Be mindful of your P’s and Q’s when out and about. (FP)

DAILY NATION EXTRA, MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011.

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Words to live and work by

WE ARE ESSENTIALLY what we believe ourselves to be.

Many of us have our favourite quotations, sayings and philosophies, which help to • Obstacles are necessary for success shape our lives. Below are some carefully chosen positive quotations which we can because in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles all adopt: and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and • No man will make a great strengths, your courage and your leader who wants to do it all himself, endurance, your ability and your or to get all the credit for doing it. confidence and thus each obstacle is a – Andrew Carnegie comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better or quit. Each rebuff is an • If you want to win friends, make opportunity to move forward; turn away it a point to remember them. If you remember my name, you pay me a subtle from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future. – Og Mandino compliment; you indicate that I have made an impression on you. Remember • When you see the value my name and you add to my feeling of of continued growth, the circumstances importance. – Dale Carnegie around you become stepping stones.

– Clyde M. Narrimore • Failure is an integral part of every success story. – Leussa Adrienne • Sometimes the greatest testimonies come out of the greatest challenges.

• Whatever you focus on is what you – Samuel Innocent get; negative or positive, so focus on the positive and you’ll bring more positive • Of all the things that you trade into your life. – Marion Licchiello off, never trade off your integrity.

– Osayande Akenuwa • Life is problems, success is solving problems, and all achievers are problems • Success is neither magical nor solvers. When problems surface, it is an mysterious. Success is the natural opportunity to learn something you consequence of consistently applying the didn’t know before then. Be prepared basic fundamentals. – Jim Rohn because they will surely come.

– Balogun M. Adewale • It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming • Instead of saying: ‘It is not that wider and wider ... who is bound to easy’, why not say: ‘it is not that succeed. – Alexander Graham Bell difficult’. – Author Unknown

RESPECT. DELIVER. INNOVATE. WIN.

Thanks, Team Terrific.

Our warm appreciation goes out to our terrific Office Professionals who are dedicated to delivering excellence and efficiency. Your commitment and support is invaluable to us.

Together we Win as One - Everyday.

www.lime.com LIME. For living. Everyday.

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by SANDRA GRIFFITHCARRINGTON I BECAME a member of the Barbados Association of Future Office Professionals (BAFOP) a couple of years ago. When I joined this association, I was not an office professional.

I attended a couple of meetings in the then secretariat, upstairs Imperial Optical on St Michael’s Row. I remembered missing one meeting and receiving a call about my absence. I remembered saying to the individual: “I will try to come the next time.”

I missed another meeting and received a warning letter. I was told if I continued to miss consecutive meetings after the warning letter, I would receive a termination letter. That was my wake-up call. I said to my self, “Boy, these people are serious; they mean business.”

As a past president of the Barbados Association of Future Office Professionals (BAFOP), a teacher, lay preacher, mother, wife, Sunday school teacher, dance leader and a young person actively involved with other young people, there is a need to be committed, self-sacrificing and dedicated.

Commitment is defined as a pledge to do or the trait of being sincere.

I teach professionally, and I have to be committed to those children whom I teach. I cannot decide to teach one week and then every two weeks if I

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Membership an ongoing activity am tired.

I ask you today, what about your commitment to BAFOP or to any group of which you are a part?

To be committed, you must stay focused, and to excel, we must chart our paths, whether we’re planning for a trip; planning to study, or simply attend monthly meetings when they are called.

The second word is selfsacrifice. This means sacrificing one’s personal interests or wellbeing for the sake of others or for a cause.

Sacrifice Christ was self-sacrificial; He gave His only Begotten Son for us. Jesus in turn sacrificed His living and life for us. He sacrificed His living by giving His personal life to God’s service, and He sacrificed His life by dying on the cross and shedding his blood for our forgiveness. Both His living and life were dedicated to God. We must focus on being living sacrifices daily.

There is a story told of a young boy whose older brother was involved in a car crash. The father approached the younger son shortly after the crash and said: “Son, your older brother needs a blood transfusion in order to live. The doctors have determined that only you can provide this blood. Will you do so, so your brother will live?”

The younger son said he would indeed help his older brother. He had no idea of the simplicity and safety of the procedure.

As they sat in the hospital room, the nurse entered with the needle in hand. She commented how courageous the young boy was; prepared his arm, and slowly inserted the needle. The vial was quickly filled with the young boy’s blood.

After the procedure, and with tears in his eyes, the boy turned to his father and asked: “Daddy, how long do I now have before I die?

Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13 Have you committed each

Thank You! To all our office professionals for your hard work and dedication in making our hotel a success, we thank you! To all those professionals who book our property please continue to enjoy the benefits of our Club Liaison programme.

From the Hilton Barbados Team.

Hilton Barbados Needham’s Point, St. Michael, Barbados © Hilton Worldwide 2010.

fourth Saturday and sacrificed yourself and time for each BAFOP session? Give it a try!

Have you committed yourself to work and study for your upcoming exams, or have you committed your time and service to the various groups to which you belong, so that all the groups can function effectively and efficiently with your commitment?

Dedication The third word I would like you to reflect on is the word “dedication”. When you think of the word dedication, what comes to mind?

I think of a baby’s dedication service.

Dedicating a child allows you to proclaim publicly your desire to raise him or her for the glory of God. Dedications serve as a vessel for parents to express gratitude to God and to acknowledge their responsibility before Him in raising their children.

Dedications follow in the spirit of Hannah who offered her

son, Samuel, completely for the Lord’s work (I Samuel 1:27, 28).

Any parent(s) who knows Jesus as Saviour is welcomed to dedicate their children (of any age) to the Lord. Dedications are times of great joy and are meant to involve those closest in our lives.

We must have the zest and zeal to become dedicated members of BAFOP. We need not only attend meetings, but participate, for a chain is as strong as its weakest link.

In today’s busy world, many of us are members of two or more groups.

I am sure that we must commit, dedicate ourselves, and sacrifice our time, especially if we hold leadership positions, or are part of an executive body?

I give lessons on Tuesdays and Saturdays. On Thursdays I coordinate my dance group at church. On Fridays I attend Bible study and take my daughter to choir practice.

I say all this to say that we must be loyal in everything we undertake. I hate to be called a work in progress. I believe that everything should be done to the best of our ability to the honour and glory of God. We should remain true to our course; which may mean committing yourselves to things that people around you would normally disapprove. Let nothing distract us from being happy; let nothing else determine our fate, but ourselves.

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We can succeed at almost anything for which we have unlimited enthusiasm

Alex IďŹ ll

Antoinette Crichlow

Camela Knight

Charmaine Blackman

Cheryl Gibson

Claire Stanford

Claudia Doyle

Crystal Dottin

Eunice Willoughby-Forde

Gaymel Cummins

Gloria Forde

Hasina Patel

Hazeline Goddard Ross

Jacqueline Bradshaw

Jeannie McCaskie

Joy Anne Miller

Judy Austin

Karen Downie

Karen Greaves

Keba Bowen

Kenisha Watson

Kim Jones

Leah Green

Liesl Gajadhar

Maria King

Melissa Watkins

Monica Allyene

Nadia Corbin

Natalie Goring

Nicole Mayers

Patrice Cadogan

Samanta Pinder

Sandra Harper

Sharon Rowe

Sharon Wiseman

Sagicor is proud of its Administrative Professionals. EfďŹ ciency, enthusiasm and dedication describe this unique group of individuals, who provide valuable support each and every day.

Shernell Mayers

Tanisha Harewood

Tajahna Knight

Valencia Springer

Victoria Dalrymple