Acting Chief Labour Officer, Victor Felix, speaking at the closing of the Ministry of Labour’s sign language training programme in the Warrens Office Complex. (Photo credit: H. Reece)
Acting Chief Labour Officer, Victor Felix, views training as the impetus to moving persons out of poverty and assisting vulnerable groups to integrate within the society.
He expressed this view recently while addressing the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development’s sign language training programme at the Warrens Office Complex.
Mr. Felix pointed out that if Barbados was serious about empowerment and moving persons beyond the poverty line, then we must “do everything in our power” to assist vulnerable persons and groups.
He continued: “I am sure that the sign language skills acquired will [not only be] used beyond the department [the National Employment Bureau], but will also be used to enhance the lives of the officers who were trained and also those persons with whom staff … may otherwise interact.”
Noting that persons with disabilities can also be considered as “persons with great abilities”, the Acting Chief Labour Officer maintained that all persons should be given the opportunity to make a contribution to the economy and society of Barbados and its national development.
Mr. Felix lauded the staff of the Bureau for their commitment in undertaking the training, which he described as “an opportunity to learn a language and gain greater insight into the lives and realities of the deaf community”.
The Acting Chief Labour Officer urged participants to use the sign language skills and to pursue any further skills that would make a difference in the lives of the deaf community and those with other special needs.
Ten participants received certificates from the programme, which was conducted by Chief Interpretation Consultant with Signature Interpretations, Bonnie Leonce.