Security Officers manning the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) compound have, for the first time, underwent induction training on Protocol Guidelines and Social Etiquettes, Friday 21, August.
Speaking at the training workshop held inside the OPMC Conference Room, the Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Ms. Florence Joel reminded the Security Officers that they carry out a very important role in ensuring there is enhanced visible security around the office compound at all times.
Ms. Joel stressed that the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is a very important office which interacts with both local and overseas dignitaries’ from time to time on official meetings and so it is important for the Security Officers to be conscious of security protocols.
She added that OPMC accommodates both the Cabinet and Caucus therefore it is important that Security Officers thoroughly carry out their roles and responsibility in a manner reflective of this highest office in the country.
The Protocol Training Workshop was initiated and conducted by the National Consultant in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr. Bernard Bataanisia.
Mr. Bataanisia is a former diplomat with vast experiences who had had work stints overseas at the United Nations, Forum Secretariat in Fiji and as High Commissioner in Papua New Guinea.
He explained that this Protocol Training Workshop is a series of training rolled out for other departments inside the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The training specifically focuses on Protocol Guidelines and Social Etiquettes thus covering areas on rules and behavior in society, standard in every country, honor and prestige to work in OPMC, Professionalism in work, salutation and good manners, respect for the office premises, dress code and customer service.
Besides, the Security Officers have also covered ‘Introduction to Solomon Islands Government’ which covered brief political history and the three branches of government.
Bataanisia pointed out to the Security Officers that they are the front liners in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as visitors to the office would first come in contact with them before proceeding on to their respective appointments with the Prime Minister and other senior officers, thus, it is important for you to carry out your work professionally.
He added that you should hold high regard for your work because you are so fortunate and privileged to be working in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“The seat of the head of the executive arm of government is in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet which is the Prime Minister and it is in this office as well that Cabinet and Caucus meetings take place so security of the office compound and staff is your paramount task”, Bataanisia explained.
He added that beside your security roles it is also important that you maintain communication with other OPMC staff and when passing information make sure that you pass on correct information to the right staff.
“You must always be conscious of the fact that your sole duty and responsibility is to the Prime Minister and so this demands of you your total alertness and visibility at all times around the office premises”, Bataanisia pointed out.
In his contribution the Human Resource Manager of OPMC, Mr. Leonard Ofainu’u reminded the Security Officers to always respect the office compound and avoid bringing into the area liquor and other prohibited stuff.
“We must ensure that we set a high standard of professionalism that reflects the high status of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet”, Ofainu’u added.
On their part the Security Officers have expressed their appreciation for the training workshop which for most of them is their first time ever to attend a training aimed at enhancing their work performance.
One of the Security Officers, Mr. John Steel Hatamauri revealed that he has served for more than ten years as security officer in OPMC and had never been to any training, adding that this Protocol training is the first ever he attended.
Meanwhile, the OPMC security officers have been assured of improved working relationship between them and the administration, and a weekly or fortnightly briefing session would soon be devised which would provide an avenue where they would come to together to update and recap on weekly activities around the office thus ensuring enhanced work performance.
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