Institutional Strengthening

Projects Unit

The year 2009 saw the birth of organizational reform within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

With the new Permanent Secretary, Nigel Dharamlall,  and with support from the Organizational Development  (O.D)Advisor, Renato J. Gonzales, a new  Projects Unit was established in October last year. Six (6) Sustainable Project Officers, led by Projects Coordinator, Sharon Austin, were hired late last year to spearhead the creation of projects geared towards further development in the hinterlands (see related story under PROJECTS).  Before assuming their respective positions, all six new employees underwent an intensive training on all aspects of Project Management viz.  Training, Team Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Management and Community Development.

Management Information System

MOAA continues to strengthen its data collection on Amerindian Villages through an integrated Management Information System.  Phase I of the project has already been completed and efforts in collecting and collation of data available will be pursued through the help of Community Development Officers under the Principal Regional Development Unit (PRDU).

Institutional Strengthening of PRDU

In its attempt to strengthen the PRDU which plays a significant role in Amerindian Development and Welfare, 13 CDOs were trained by the Projects Unit in Conflict Management, Communication, Goal Setting and Decision Making, Code Of Ethics, Understanding their Terms of Reference, Conducting Meetings, SWOT Analysis, Community Development Planning, Presidential Grants, Review of the Amerindian Act, Village Rules and Improving Reporting and Work Plans.

The training was held on November 30 to December 3, last year.

Institutional Strengthening of the Welfare Department

At present an Amerindian Residence Management Plan is being developed to strengthen the operations of the Amerindian Hostel and to improve its services.

Carbon Process Management

In response to the LCDS, MOAA is gearing itself towards a Management System that will ultimately reduce its carbon footprint.  The plan is to review organizational processes that contribute to carbon emissions, and by streamlining activities, carbon emission will be reduced in terms of employee transport and commuting, energy use, and paper usage.  CPM will be established through teams, thereby allowing all sectors in the Ministry to participate in organizational effectiveness.