The Tribune

Bahamas Association of Administrative Professionals

OFFICE professionals were recently engaged in a seminar where the ultimate goal was to become professionally transformed. 

The Bahamas Association of Administrative Professionals (BAAP), hosted its annual spring educational seminar under the theme “A Focus on Professional Transformation.’

The one-day seminar provided a forum for office professionals and support staff to be filled with knowledge that they could take back to their various jobs.

The participants heard from four powerful speakers who delved into various aspects of becoming professionally transformed. 

“I am compelled to tell you that we are living in a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and anxiety. And if truth be told, professional transformation requires three things: moral change, mental change and motivational change,” said Bishop Dr Deanza Cunningham, who spoke on professional transformation, 

Dr Cunningham pointed out to the office professionals, requirements to become professionally transformed such as having discipline and good habits, which included dressing professionally. 

Kisha Wynter, a leadership consultant, executive coach and author from the US, revealed her proprietary DIVA method: Savvy strategies to confidently succeed at work.

The “D” stands for delivering results on time and ahead of schedule. The “I” is for your image, your personal brand. “V” is for visibility. She said that you should make yourself visible to decision makers because if you want to get ahead, you cannot be the best-kept secret at work. Lastly, “A” is for having an advisory board. Just as every successful company relies on a board of proven experts for guidance and strategic direction, every professional should also have their own trusted group of experts.  someone who advises you in your career, such as a mentor or a coach, who teaches you strategies to succeed.  In essence, the DIVA Method is a comprehensive approach to professional success.

Also, in her presentation, she told office professionals how to switch from being their own critic to their coach. 

“If you want to experience professional transformation, the first thing you have to do is stop criticising yourself.  Instead, speak to yourself in a way that is empowering. Through this self-coaching, you will realise that you are powerful enough to handle any challenge you are now facing because you have overcome many obstacles in the past. This evidence of your past success will help you develop self-trust, which is the antidote to self-doubt,” said Ms Wynter.

Being mentally fit plays an integral role in one’s professional life. Psychologist and Personal and Professional Transformation Coach, Dr Alexandria Johnson, gave seven ways for one to build their mental resilience. This included managing one’s stress and that self-care is not an option.

In her presentation, she asked the audience to hold up a pen and advised them that “When you hold the pen, I want you to know that you are the conductor of your life and absolutely nobody else. You are the conductor of the music that comes from your life,” said Dr Johnson. 

She further told office professionals, “You are powerful beyond measure and you are more capable than you give yourself credit for. I want you to leave out this room knowing that you are the conductor of your life. So, if there are things in your life that is not serving you then you know what to do. You pause the music and you deal with them. You don’t allow anything or anybody to come into your life and make your life a scorch record.”

In completing the equation of being professionally transformed, the last speaker for the day was Lacretia Johnson who spoke on ethics in the workplace.  Mrs Johnson said that “ethics helps us to make wise decisions. It helps us to discover what is right and wrong and to create a healthy work environment for employees and companies.”

Participants were encouraged to return to their offices and share what they had learnt at the seminar.

By Tiffany Grant 

CANCER SOCIETY OF  THE BAHAMAS

The society’s monthly general meeting with Dr Charles J Johnson, Jr, will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 6.30pm via Zoom.

Rather than being a diagnosis, head and neck cancer is a category of cancers that start in the head and neck areas of the body, each beginning as a growth of abnormal cells that invade and destroy healthy body tissue.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several types of head and neck cancers, some of which include: oral cancer, salivary gland cancer, nasal cancer or paranasal sinus cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer. 

• Under the theme of “The Royal Ball: Timeless Elegance,” the 23rd Annual Cancer Ball will include a spectacular fashion show highlighting exquisite period-inspired looks by Bahamian designers, such as Judy Deleveaux, Cedric Bernard, and Sabrina Francis, who are internationally acclaimed for their profound creativity and talent.

The ball will be held on Saturday, May 24. Cocktail hour: 6.30pm. Dinner: 8pm. Venue: Grand Ballroom, Atlantis. Tickets: $300 each. Call (242) 325-2483 or (242) 323-4482 or email cancersocietyball@gmail.com. 

This Saturday, Women from Exuma will receive free mammogram screening at Oaktree Medical Centre. 

As part of the Cancer Society’s FIMS Programme, up to 15 women from Exuma will be brought into Nassau for a free mammogram screening, widely considered the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. A special thanks to Oaktree Medical Centre for partnering with us in the fight to lessen the diagnoses of Breast Cancer in The Bahamas.

ß

SOCIETY of the literally fantastic book club

The Society of The Literally Fantastic Book Club aims to build a vibrant network for readers aged 9 to 13, with a strong emphasis on Bahamian literature, with the aim that connections, and engagement ensues. 

Members are encouraged to submit video reviews and contribute to a private YouTube channel where they can share and view content with fellow members. The Society of The Literally Fantastic Book Club is dedicated to creating a dynamic community for readers aged nine to 13, with a particular focus on Bahamian literature. Our goal is to foster connections and engagement among young readers.

The  book club invites readers from across the country to participate in reading a new book each month. Members are encouraged to submit video reviews and engage with one another through a private YouTube channel, where they can share and view content with their peers.

Caerwyn’s quest is to bring these stories to the forefront and ensure that the enchanting narratives of our culture are cherished and preserved. Each Bahamian book you open is a beacon of our heritage, lighting the way for future generations to connect with our timeless tales.

We invite readers to embark on this momentous journey with Caerwyn. Let your hearts be stirred and your imaginations set aflame. Every page turned is a step towards safeguarding our cultural legacy and celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Bahamas.

To explore our Bahamian book catalog and to learn more about how you can be part of this exciting movement, email books@throughthepagesbahamas.com.

The Society of The Literally Fantastic is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and storytelling among Bahamian youth. Through engaging literature and educational initiatives, the aim is to preserve and promote our cultural heritage for generations to come.

Caerwyn, the founder of The Society of The Literally Fantastic, is more than just a young author; he’s a champion of words. At only nine years old, Caerwyn has already penned two books and achieved notable success in the world of spelling. As his school’s spelling bee champion and the youngest participant in his district spelling bee who went on to place 4th in the Bahamas National Spelling Bee Competition, Caerwyn exemplifies the power of literature and the love of language.