The Tribune

THE Bahamas Human Resources Development Association's (BHRDA) new executive team is looking to tackle the main issues impacting the profession in the Bahamas.

President Rachel Rolle said her team wanted to promote the profession's growth through community-based programs, such as the Workforce Readiness Program, which is geared towards preparing high school seniors for the transition from school to work. This will be extended to the Family Islands, along with the hosting of workshops/conferences for BHRDA members in various islands.

The BHRDA has also begun a review of the Bahamas' employment laws, with the end result targeted as the presentation of a white paper to the Government on how best to make them relevant for today's workers and other stakeholders.

During the 2012-2013 year, the BHRDA is also looking to expand the organisation's reach by forging a partnership with the hotel industry's Human Resources Association, and to establish a Standing Ways and Means Committee to drive fund raising efforts.

Under the theme Putting the 'Human' Back in Human Resources, the BHRDA's seven top executive members were officially named during an installation luncheon at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Hotel on February 29.

"The Bahamas Human Resources Development Association members represent a strong and vibrant voice in our organisations, and have an amazing opportunity to make a significant impact in the human resources world," Ms Rolle said.

"As we focus on putting the human back in human resources, my focus will be on you, to serve you, our members, and to deliver events and programmes that will make a difference in helping you and your organisations take it to a higher level."

Ms Rolle currently serves as human resources manager at the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD). Paul Haven, vice-president of human resources at Doctors Hospital, holds the post of vice-president of programmes.

Richard Adderley, lecturer at the College of the Bahamas (COB), has secured the position of vice-president of education. Renae Mayers, vice-president of membership, is the associate vice-president of human resources at the College of the Bahamas. Aanica Scavella, human resources manager at Princess Margaret Hospital, now serves as vice-president of public relations. Credit Suisse's vice-president of human resources, Barbara Gardiner, holds the post of treasurer, and Dellareese Richardson, human capital manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), is this year's secretary.