January 26, 2009
Sometimes we get an assignment whose public good is so compelling it brings not only professional satisfaction, but also pride in a national effort. Such can be said of our involvement with the European Banana Sector Retraining Programme. Panmedia will brand the project and design its messages for stakeholders and participants.
Heart Trust/NTA is implementing the 15-month initiative to give new skills to those left unemployed by the decline in the banana industry.
The 620 participants from the traditional banana producing parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, and Clarendon are attending career counselling workshops, and will soon be taking classes in vocational skills and computer-based training.
Former banana labourers, farmers, port workers and others who may lose jobs because of the end of preferential trade with Europe are acquiring skills in hotel housekeeping, grounds and landscape, food and beverage services, and hotel maintenance.
The training is taking place at HEART Trust NTA or partner institutions across Jamaica, including: the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Rural Agricultural Development Authority, All Island Banana Growers Association, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Social Development Commission, Jamaica Producers and the Fair Trading Commission.
We sincerely hope the project gives its participants the confidence and opportunities to embrace change in a difficult economic environment.