In light of a new year the Honourable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Cornelius de Weever hosted an extended staff meeting with all employees under the Ministry on Thursday February 21st at the Caribbean Cinema Megaplex. During this staff meeting Minister Cornelius de Weever and the Secretary General, Jorien Wuite went over the accomplishments as well as challenges that the Ministry faced in 2012, and then elaborated on the top priorities that each of the 9 departments under the Ministry will be focusing on for 2013. The intentions of this meeting were to encourage, motivate, and applaud the work of the Minister's staff.
The Ministry's motto for this year is "We will be smarter". Smarter in the way in which we make use of our financial and human resources, which means being more critical and making choices to secure efficiency and avoid unnecessary expenditures. The priorities that will be of focus for 2013 include: promoting employment and employability; ensuring social protection and social provisions; promoting quality of health services, public health, and healthcare provisions; as well as adherence and rights to a healthy and safe society. After the meeting the staff was awarded popcorn, a drink, and a movie. At the end of the day all staff members walked away feeling enthused about their planned contributions for 2013.