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APPLICATION FORMS
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MEETING RESULTS |
| SEPT 2009 - APPROVED WORK PERMITS |
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| Jan 08 - 09 APPROVED LETTERS |
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| Residency Permit Application |
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| WORKING TOWARDS UNIFYING THE KEY ELEMENTS - IMMIGRATION BOARD WORKSHOP |
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| PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - Owners and representatives of employment and consultancy agencies operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) convened at Beaches Turks and Caicos for a
two-day workshop. It is here, where participants will learn more not only about how to help place qualified persons to positions, but to better themselves with working along with the four key elements relating to labour relations in this country. |
The Immigration Board within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety,
in conjunction with the Immigration Department, Labour Department and Police
Department (SPICE Unit) - saw it fit that once again these persons working
in close proximity should come together.
At the opening ceremony, Mrs. Norma Goodridge, owner of Norwani Services
Ltd., in presenting on Employment Agencies and Consultancies - their Role in
Society, clarified the distinction of both, and made mention how they should
function in the TCI.
While agencies have operated in the TCI for almost two decades, she noted
the concept is still fairly new, though gaining acceptance. "A lot of us
call ourselves employment agencies, but a lot of us are doing immigration
consultancy work, but it still comes under the name of the employment agency
and I think we as agencies have to sit down and sort ourselves out," said
Mrs. Goodridge.
She said an agency has a role in industrial relations (sourcing, screening
and placement; essentially matching jobs and skills), while consultancies
have to concern themselves with matters relating to immigration and work
permits issues. These entirely cover two different needs and for them to
survive effectively in the TCI, persons should not cross platforms. To that
end, she called on all operators to work with integrity, stating that a code
of ethics in keeping with the requirements of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Government (TCIG) must be established.
As the Office of Public Service Management (OPSM) is the centralized agency
for recruitment, selection, training and development for the public sector,
Mrs. Cheryl-Ann Jones is the Director of Training therein. In remarks, she
underscored equality in service, regardless of status, gender or Island of residence.
In keeping with their vision 2012 mandate, the OPSM want to ensure that they
have the best and brightest, thus fully developing the skills of workers to
match the competencies required and that the public sector becomes employee
of first choice. Mrs Jones said ultimately, the OPSM aim is to create a
better, more service oriented sector, that is client centered, and exist in
an environment that fosters learning, development and high performance. "In
the end, all of this is simply about national development, it is about
building a country and it is about high quality service, meeting the needs
of the client that you serve."
Mr. Derek Been, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs said
employment agencies must observe the highest principles of ethics, equity,
integrity, professional conduct and fair practice in dealing with others;
adding that departments within the Ministry are there to assist and offer
guidance, legal advice and training to achieve these standards.
"Ethical conduct is not simply compliance with legal requirements, but
extends to honesty, respect for and equitable treatment of others, integrity
and social responsibility. It is conduct that holds up to disclosure and to
public scrutiny," said Mr. Been. He then advised participants that in order
for us to achieve high ethical standards, we must comply with all relevant
laws and policies of the land.
The PS noted that as most of our employment recruitment come from abroad, we
should seek to supply all overseas work seekers with information that
include details of the likely cost of living in these islands. Therefore,
"All fees, charges and services provided must be explicitly and fully
disclosed to clients prior to the acceptance of an assignment, or prior to
any work being undertaken for a client."
Mrs. Christne Kelly, President and CEO of Jobquest International, based in
Jamaica, the principle facilitator for the two-day workshop, gave a rundown
as to how her company operates. Jobquest International Limited is set up to
facilitate qualified persons who desire to work overseas; thus taking the
guesswork out of applying for and landing the job.
Offering a variety of programs to Caribbean nationals as well as to other
international workers who may seek to utilize our services, Mrs. Kelly said:
"Our company's objective is to provide dignified, gainful employment while
endeavoring to supply productive, reliable personnel to companies in need of
international workers." She added that they partner with staffing and
recruitment companies overseas and work closely with overseas employer to
provide the best workers required based on employers needs.
Before declaring the workshop open, Hon. Galmo Williams, Minister of Home
Affairs -made mention that government is working on legislation and
regulations for employment agencies in the Turks and Caicos. It was over a
year ago that the Hon. Minister met with agencies to advise them to organize
themselves; that if they did not, then government will do it for them.
He said it is important for government to know that people who come to live
and work in the TCI are being treated fairly, have basic necessities, proper
housing, proper salaries, and all that comes with it.
Furthermore, he noted that many persons operating in the employment and
consultancy field are more concerned with making money, then working with
integrity, and that this practice need to discontinue.
Hon. Williams then urged departments within his Ministry to report all
illicit and illegal matters to the Police Department that a proper
investigation is carried out; and if companies are in breach of the law,
then they must be held accountable.
END
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