PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Finance held a retreat for its civil servants at the Little Well Oasis Activity Center in Cole Bay. The theme was "Building and fostering relationships within the Ministry."
Over three hundred civil servants from the Ministry were present to hear from the Minister of Finance, the Honorable Martin Hassink and motivational speaker, L. Anthony Watkins. At the end, those persons present interacted socially.
Minister Hassink thanked the persons involved in organizing the event and wished the management and staff a successful afternoon. I want to thank the organizers and all the persons involved in organizing such an event for the ministry. It is a good one.
"More importantly, I want to urge all present to take time to bond with each other, get to know each other a little better, and to think on work a little bit. But not too much, for we are away from work. This afternoon is meant for you to take in the message from the speaker and reflect a bit. So please enjoy yourselves", the Minister said.
At the event, new uniforms for the tax administration department were revealed, much to the delight, of the staff. For other departments, they will get uniforms as well, said Sherry Hazel, Head of the Receivers Office within the Ministry.
At the retreat, organizational development consultant and motivational speaker, L. Anthony Watkins, spoke about the intricacies of change.
Certain things we have to face, from the economic situation to financial markets, that they are in decline, Watkins said. We have to deal with the ever changing world. There will be societal interruptions, we have to deal with these issues, he pointed out. We cannot run or hide from them. We have to adapt to the situations that we are faced with. It is not the survival of the fittest, but those who can adapt best.
In addition, Watkins said, the integrity of the world and their politicians and others in position have been call into question.
"With all these things going on in society, the world, much will be demanded of you, there will be constant demands on you. Challenges are real. We have to face them. Change will come. It is something you cannot stop," Watkins said. "The world just seems to be going faster and faster. Change is disruptive and you have to get accustomed."
He added that whatever happens, we must succeed. Change will not kill you. We will make it. We have power to make it.
The retreat concluded with the civil servants enjoying drinks, snacks and socializing.
