Barbadians now have a visual reminder to be courteous at all times.
It has come in the form of a "Let Courtesy Shine Through" billboard erected in Oistins, Christ Church by the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE).
In her address at the unveiling ceremony today of the first of two signs, Minister of Labour, Dr. Esther Byer?? Suckoo, explained that the billboard was part of a national ???Live Excellence’ campaign promoted by NISE,?? to reinforce the Barbadian values "that have fashioned and guided Barbados from years gone by". She added that these ideals would allow this nation to compete under the regimes of globalisation, trade liberalisation and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
"Since we have come to rely heavily on a service economy, programmes such as the "Live Excellence" campaign play a pivotal role in giving Barbados leverage, as we seek to compete in the new global economy," Dr Byer Suckoo stated.??
She further added that it was important to have designated November 15 to December 3 as courtesy month to coincide with Barbados’ independence celebrations, since the other components of the five-star behaviours – honesty, creativity, responsibility and compassion – were the building blocks used by our forefathers "who have sown the seeds from which our pride is sprung".
The Labour Minister maintained that these five-star behaviours were the cornerstone that provided the ethical framework that was indispensable for a successful nation. "It is these core values that will assist in offsetting the negative cultural penetration which confronts Barbados and threatens our national identity", she underscored.
Minister Byer Suckoo, who is also Chairman of the Sub-Committee of the Social Partnership, lauded NISE for its commitment, hard work and zeal exhibited in carrying out its mandate.?? She also praised the organisation for the sterling work it was doing to achieve sustained excellence at the organisational and individual levels and for promoting and facilitating service excellence.
NISE was established in 2004 by the Social Partners of Barbados to advance a national effort to help Barbadians consistently deliver service excellence and to be internationally recognised for so doing.??clashley@barbados.gov.bb