Social & Professional Etiquette, the standardized universal code of ethics that governs protocol as well as social and professional behaviour, has long served to minimize instances of “international embarrassment” for countries across the world.
Twenty-one civil servants from various government organizations were given an opportunity to learn as well as hone certain skills in a four-day course offered by the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) during the period June 25-28 reinforced and implemented throughout the practical training sessions. The common courtesy of waiting on an invitation to sit, addressing guests and preparing salutations based on the Order of Precedence, as well as the dos and don’ts of fine-dining were among the topics explored. Also included were the daily faux pas of fashion and important tips on maintaining professionalism – even in dress.
Presentations were made by several informed and experienced presenters including Ambassador Elinor Felix, Chief of State Protocol at the Office of the Prime Minister; Ambassador Evadne Coye, retired diplomat and Special Adviser to the Governor-General; Honourable Marigold Harding, Custos Rotulorum of St. Andrew and upcoming stylist sensation Damion ‘Mr. Image’ Shaw, among others.
Participants in the course also paid a Courtesy Call on His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen who graciously welcomed each participant. The Governor-General used the opportunity to remind the group of their responsibility: “When you have embarked on these training courses, it is your responsibility to go back to your organisation and pass on your new-found knowledge; you must share what you have learnt. You have to now set new standards as you go along. There are no guarantees that you will be the most loved person, but you must show professionalism at your workplace and in your day-to-day interactions. Your training will help to make Jamaica “a better place”, said the Governor-General.
Guest speaker at the closing luncheon, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Lady Allen shared with the group about professionalism, the concept of professional etiquette and their impact on successful organizations. She also noted that “together with each one giving of their best, we can make Vision 2030 a reality”.
At the end of the training, the various expressions of appreciation from the participants indicated that the course had achieved its objective. Each participant was presented with a Certificate of Achievement.
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