Three public officers are set to receive training through the Caribbean Administration for Development Administration’s (CARICAD) Mid-Level Leadership Programme.

Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, Calveia Scatliffe and Shaquana Vanterpool will participate in training sessions aimed at developing individuals for leadership roles within the Public Service.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome expressed her confidence in the programme to aid the development of public officers for eventual leadership roles.

Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said, “Programmes like these play a key role in ensuring public officers are prepared for eventual leadership in the Public Service. It is vital that we continue to engage potential leaders and provide them with opportunities for personal and professional development.”

The programme, now in its fifth year, provides leadership development for public officers across the Caribbean who are seeking to advance their abilities. The Leadership Development Programme is designed to strategically strengthen the next generation of Caribbean leaders to contribute more effectively to regional integration and economic growth.

This is accomplished by developing leadership programming aligned to the needs and culture of the Caribbean Region and by fostering regional approaches for the sustainability of leadership development.

The public officers will be immersed into international and regional perspectives on leadership, develop sustainable strategies for continued excellence, and build a network of trusted colleagues, among other objectives.

The Department of Human Resources, through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI) has moved to ensure that strategic focus is placed on providing the necessary avenues for public officers to receive training that can aid in being successful in their roles.

Interim Director at the institute, Dr. Connie George said, “Programmes like these are paramount in ensuring that public officers have access to learning opportunities that are tailored to them, and can craft a pathway to individuals discovering their full potential.”

Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, Ms. Kaisa Penn said she looks forward to supporting the public officers in implementing the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through the training to support the transformation of our public service. “We are excited to continue in our partnership with CARCAD in developing the leadership of our Public Service, and we continue to celebrate the success of the three participants of the Mid-Level Leadership Development Programme.”

CARICAD, an institution of CARICOM, aims to provide training and capacity-building to persons at all levels of the Public Service. Since its establishment in 1979, the centre has led the way in public sector transformation, modernisation, and development. CARICAD provides guidance to governments across its 17 member states and seeks to build their public service, financial management, human resources and e-Government infrastructure.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to ensuring public officers are equipped to perform well in their roles, and developed for upward mobility within the Public Service.