Strategic Change Retreat

The staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in a 2-day Retreat held on 14 and 15 November 2003 at the Buena Vista Restaurant. The purpose of the Retreat was for the entire staff to work together to refocus on the Ministry's strategic direction.

Mr. Roosevelt Finalyson of Management Resource Development facilitated the Retreat. Other facilitators were Mr. Chris Justlien, Music Lecturer at The College of The Bahamas and Leader of Colors Junkanoo Organization, who lead the group in an interactive exercise, themed, "Getting in Step with your Organization; and Mr. Michael Diggis, Managing Director of Jackson Burnside Limited and Doongalik Studios. Mr Diggis facilitated an interactive exercise in helping the participants to design its Vision statement.

Many members of staff viewed the Retreat as a positive initiative undertaken by Management to motivate, stimulate, inspire and cause for greater connectivity and change in the Ministry. The Retreat concluded with staff members drafting a Mission and Vision Statement to be presented to Management for their review and consideration.

Also in attendance at the Retreat were H.E. Joshua Sears, Ambassador in Washington, D.C.; H.E. Dr. Eugene Newry, Ambassador in Haiti; Mrs. Alma Adams, Consul General in Miami, staff of the Bahamas Consulate General in Miami and Mr. Ivan Deveaux, Deputy Chief Passport Officer, Passport Office, Freeport, Grand Bahama.