Inaugural World Quality Day Panel Discussion
PROFESSIONALS UNDERCORE FOSTERING QUALITY CULTURE AT CFBC
INAUGURAL WORLD QUALITY DAY PANEL DISCUSSION
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 22nd November 2024 (CFBC): At the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College’s (CFBC) inaugural panel discussion celebrating World Quality Day on 14th November 2024, experts from the public and private sectors including education, health, banking, and manufacturing emphasised the critical need for fostering a quality culture within organisations. They highlighted that in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, maintaining high standards of quality is not just beneficial but essential for organisational survival and success. The panelists shared insights on how a commitment to quality can drive innovation, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve overall operational efficiency. They shared their insights and experiences, underscoring the shift from mere compliance to a performance-driven approach to quality. Their discussions highlighted the importance of integrating quality into every aspect of organizational operations to achieve excellence and sustainability in today’s competitive environment.
Held under the 2024 theme “Quality: from Compliance to Performance,” the panel featured Mr. Desroy Tate, Quality Manager at Carib Brewery (St. Kitts & Nevis) Ltd; Mr. Stuart LaPlace, Director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards; Ms. Tamara Liddie, Quality Assurance Officer at Joseph Nathaniel France General Hospital; Mr. Terrence Crossman, First Chair and Managing Director of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd; and Mrs. Trisha Francis, Executive Director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Accreditation Secretariat.
Fig. 1. (L-R): Dr. Leighton Naraine; Mr. Stuart LaPlace; Mrs. Trisha Francis; Mr. Terrance Crossman; Mr. Desroy Tate; Ms. Tamara Liddie.
In her introductory remarks to the panel discussion, Interim President of the CFBC Dr. Moyia Rowtham said that the CFBC takes quality assurance very seriously.
“At CFBC, we understand that quality is not just about checking the boxes or meeting benchmarks, but it is a frame for our commitment to ongoing improvement and the pursuit of excellence across all areas of our institution. Our journey towards institutional accreditation is a testament to this commitment,” Dr. Rowtham said. “Accreditation is more than credentials. It represents our promise to students, faculty and the community that we hold ourselves to the highest standards in education, service and operation. This journey is a part of how we at CFBC embody our motto Ad Summa Semper Nitens- Always Striving for Excellence.”
Mr. LaPlace, who was the first speaker, said “Standards, to put it very briefly, is a measure of quality, so it is like a chicken and an egg, one does not exist without the other, so standard is a basic measure of quality and without quality, there are no standards.”
Additionally, Ms. Francis said, “Historically, quality assurance has been centered around compliance, ensuring that institutions meet minimum standards and regulations, but this approach is somewhat of a base. It’s a base level of quality when we look at standards protecting students, institutions and stakeholders. However, as things evolve, as education evolves, we realize that the demands on the institutions and accrediting bodies have changed significantly and so today compliance is no longer the end point as we all realize—it’s just the start because now we are looking at how persons or individuals…are incorporating quality in everything that they do and creating that quality culture.”
On the other hand, Ms. Liddie made some excellent points about quality assurance. She said that engaging staff in performance and enhancement efforts is crucial for fostering a culture of quality within an organization and by focusing on learning, growth, and resilience, teams can work together to ensure that quality is not just a goal but a shared value. She emphasized that his approach not only enhances the overall performance of the institution, but also builds customer satisfaction and trust.
She outlined several key steps to achieving accreditation, emphasising the importance of adopting continuous improvement practices and engaging staff in quality initiatives. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability, she stated that organizations can ensure that all members are committed to maintaining high standards. Additionally, she highlighted that aligning goals across the organization is crucial for cohesive progress, while leveraging technology to drive performance can streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency.
Moreover, Mr. Tate stressed that understanding customer needs and closely monitoring processes, behaviors and variations are crucial for safeguarding the customer and ensuring quality, and that by gaining deep insight into what customers expect and require, organizations can tailor their processes to meet these demands effectively. He said that in St. Kitts all manufacturers that have implemented quality systems have all reported major improvements in productivity, performance and profitability.
“In the 21st century, quality is everybody’s responsibility. In most companies, you would have a quality department, a quality manager, however, it has changed significantly in the 21st century in that we have to maintain a quality culture throughout the entire organization. It is no longer a function of a department. It has to be a culture that is created that even the line staff can gain an appreciation, an understanding of exactly what is quality,” Mr. Tate said. “Quality must be a habit.”
Also, Mr. Crossman spoke about the importance of quality assurance in relation to banking. He highlighted that quality assurance in banking is a critical process that ensures reliability, accuracy, and security of banking services and products. He said it involves systematic monitoring and evaluation of various aspects of banking operations, including software applications, customer service, and compliance with regulatory standards. His presentation stressed that by implementing robust quality assurance practices, banks can enhance their operational efficiency, reduce errors, and build trust with their customers.
The panel discussion ended with a lively question and answer session.
Read MoreCFBC Bulls Win Back To Back
CFBC BULLS WIN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES AGAINST EAGLES AND PANTHERS
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 18th November, 2024 (CFBC): The CFBC Bulls Netball Team continued their impressive winning streak, securing back-to-back victories. On Thursday, 14th November, they triumphed over the CEMSS (Charles E. Mills Secondary School) Eagles at Netball City, Warner Park, demonstrating their skill and teamwork. Just two days later, on Saturday, 16th November, they continued their winning momentum by defeating the GSS (Gingerland Secondary School) Panthers in Nevis.
The CFBC Bulls convincingly defeated the CEMSS Eagles with a score of 22-3. Angelina Liburd’s outstanding play earned her the title of Player of the Match. Continuing their impressive form, the Bulls triumphed over the GSS Panthers with a decisive 33-5 victory, where Zaalyhah Warner’s exceptional skills secured her the Player of the Match.
Fig. 3. Bulls VS. Eagles, Player of the Match – Zaalyhah Warner with team
Fig. 4. Bulls VS. Panthers, Player of the Match Angelina Liburd with team
In the Bulls next challenge, they are set to face the Saddlers Secondary School Wolves on Tuesday, 19th November. The match will kick off at 4:00 pm at Netball City, Warner Park.
Read MoreCFBC Bulls Triumph Over WAHS Wildcats
CFBC BULLS TRIUMPH OVER WAHS WILDCATS WITH 19-17 VICTORY IN SCHOOLS NETBALL COMPETITION
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 8th November, 2024 (CFBC): In a nail-biting encounter, the CFBC Bulls emerged victorious against the Washington Archibald High School (WAHS) Wildcats with a close score of 19-17 on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, at Netball City, Warner Park. This game marked the Bulls’ second win in the Powerade Dasani Schools Netball Championship.
The clash between both teams was intense, with both teams showcasing strong defensive strategies, a testament to their skill and determination. Despite the fierce competition, the CFBC Bulls managed to narrowly edge out the Wildcats, securing a hard-fought victory. Team Captain Angelina Liburd played a pivotal role in her team’s success and was declared the player of the match, highlighting her exceptional performance and leadership on the court
Fig. 2. Angelina Liburd
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The Bulls are confident to repeat their recent success when they face off against the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) Eagles on Thursday, 14th November. The match is scheduled to take place at Netball City, Warner Park, with a start time of 5:15 pm.
Read MoreCFBC Continues To Dominate
CFBC CONTINUES TO DOMINATE IN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL COMPETITION WITH 10-0 WIN AGAINST GSS PANTHERS
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 1st November, 2024 (CFBC): The CFBC Bulls demonstrated their dominance once again in their fourth game of the Jones Group Ltd Schools Football Competition, securing a resounding 10-0 victory against the Gingerland Secondary School (GSS) Panthers. The match, held at the Mundo Track and Field Stadium in Nevis on Wednesday, 30th October, 2024, highlighted the Bulls’ exceptional teamwork and offensive strength.
From the first whistle, the Bulls controlled the game, demonstrating superior ball control and relentless offensive pressure. The Panthers struggled to keep up with the Bulls’ pace and precision, ultimately succumbing to the relentless attacks and being embarrassed on home turf. This victory not only cements the Bulls’ position at the top of the league but also sends a clear message to their competitors about their formidable presence in the tournament.
Devauhn Mills showcased his incredible goal-scoring prowess once again, netting four goals to bring his tournament tally to an impressive sixteen. Zahmai Greene also made a significant contribution with two goals, while Jahmarli Connor, Eusani Hendrickson, Tenron Henry, and Ronvyl Williams each added one goal to the scoreboard.
Jahmarli Connor, the team captain, was declared player of the match.
Fig 1. Jahmarli Connor
The CFBC Bulls are gearing up for their next match at Warner Park on Saturday, 2nd November, 2024, at 5:30 pm. They will be facing off against the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) Eagles. This highly anticipated game promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams bring their best to the field.
Read MoreCarnival Corp and Tourism Visit
REPRESENTATIVES FROM CARNIVAL CORPORATION AND TOURISM OFFICIALS VISIT CFBC HOSPITALITY DIVISION
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 30th October, 2024 (CFBC): As part of the activities leading up to Tourism Awareness Month, which is observed annually in November, along with the commencement of the 2024-2025 cruise season in October, tourism officials, accompanied by representatives from Carnival Corporation, visited the CFBC Hospitality Division on 29th October, 2024, to discuss the critical importance of sustainable tourism development and the vital role of hospitality in the sustainable tourism industry. During their visit, they emphasized how exceptional hospitality services can significantly enhance the overall visitor experience, fostering positive impressions and encouraging repeat visits. The discussions focused on the importance of training and education in hospitality to ensure that professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality service.
By collaborating with educational institutions like the CFBC, tourism industry leaders aim to inspire and prepare students to meet the evolving demands of the tourism sector, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Speaking at the forum, Interim President of the CFBC, Dr. Moyia Rowtham underscored the CFBC’s commitment to training students for the tourism and hospitality sector.
“This seminar is indicative of CFBC’s commitment to the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and its partners as they chart courses that enhance our islands appeal to travellers from around the world. Your partnership not only fuels our local economy but also opens invaluable doors to our students exposing them to the dynamism of the tourism industry—for this, we are grateful,” Dr. Rowtham said.
Dr. Rowtham thanked the dedicated CFBC team of lecturers, adjunct lecturers and technicians led by Dean of the Division of Technical Vocational Education and Management Studies (TVEMS), Mr. Terry Hanley and Director of Hospitality, Ms. Marsha Bassue, for the exceptional training of the hospitality students.
“As we sail into another year, CFBC remains committed to enhancing this group of learning, growth and collaboration. Each port of call, each visit to our shores, brings new stories, vibrant exchanges and an ever-deepening connection between the CFBC, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and our esteemed cruise partners. Thank you for including us in your journey, one filled with opportunity and the steady wings of support for our college community. May the season be filled with unforgettable moments and add to the vibrant tapestry of St. Kitts,” Dr. Rowtham added.
The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Marsha Henderson, in her brief remarks to the students gathered in the Poinciana Conference Room, emphasized the crucial role of hospitality in building a sustainable island state. She highlighted that the country’s future heavily relies on the students’ contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector. She told them that by taking their education seriously, they will be well-prepared to fill numerous jobs within the industry, thereby playing a pivotal role in the sustainable island state agenda by ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the nation’s tourism, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and resilient part of the economy.
Mr. Javonte Anyabwele, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing for IT, Corporate Indirect, Ports and Onboard Revenue at Carnival Corporation gave a motivational speech to the students telling them that in order to get to where they are, they must know who they are.
With a powerful message, he underscored to the students the importance of courage, resolve, and strength of character. He emphasized that they must possess grit—the tenacity to face challenges head-on and the resilience to rise after every setback. He inspired them with the notion that the only true failure is when one stops trying, urging them to persist through adversity and to never lose sight of their goals. His words resonated deeply, encouraging the students to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity to grow and succeed.
Mr. Terry Hanley gave the vote of thanks and Ms. Marsha Bassue gave the welcome and CFBC team introductions.
Other officials at the forum included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Tivanna Wharton; Product Development Manager at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Ms. Golda Franks; Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (Ag) Ms. Wanda Hughes; Ms. Odette McFarlane, Director of Home Port Operations, Carnival UK and Ms. Charlene Drakes, Manager of Stakeholder Engagements for the Caribbean Region.
CARICAD Partnership
Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College Embarks on Strategic Planning with CARICAD Partnership
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 4th October, 2024 (CFBC): As part of our commitment to ensuring that the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) remains aligned with national priorities and regional higher education standards, CFBC has initiated a strategic planning process in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD). This comprehensive three-year plan will guide the College’s growth and development from 2025 to 2027.
CARICAD, a designated institution of CARICOM with over 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in strengthening managerial capacities across the Caribbean to promote sustainable development. Their unparalleled expertise will support CFBC in aligning its vision, mission, and mandate with a clear roadmap for future success. The evidence-based planning approach accepted by the College begins with an inception mission designed to fully comprehend CFBC’s context, objectives, and scope, ensuring alignment with its strategic goals.
The CARICAD Team will be led by Mr. Devon Rowe, Executive Director , and will include Mr. Franklyn Michael and Mrs. Maria Mason Roberts , all of whom bring extensive experience in strategic planning and institutional development across the Caribbean.
Left to Right: Mr. Devon Rowe (Executive Director), Mr. Franklyn Michael, Mrs. Maria Mason Roberts
Key stakeholder engagement sessions will take place from 7-11 October 2024 as part of this planning process. Stakeholders to engage CARICAD include but are not limited to various CFBC personnel, the Board of Governors, Ministry of Education personnel on St. Kitts and on Nevis, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Social Services Department, and representatives from the Chambers of Industry and Commerce on both St. Kitts and Nevis. Owing to the limited time CARICAD will spend in the Federation, not all stakeholder meetings will be covered in person. As such, virtual sessions will be arranged following CARICAD’s departure on Saturday, 12 October 2024, to ensure comprehensive engagement.
Through this partnership with CARICAD, the CFBC is taking a decisive step toward securing its place as a leading institution in the region, equipped to meet the evolving demands of both students and the broader community.
For more information on CFBC’s strategic planning process, please contact the Office of the Interim President at (869) 465-2856 ext. 1154.
Contact Information: Office of the Interim President
Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College
Phone: (869) 465-2856
Email: [email protected]
Appreciating Island Purified Water Ltd
CFBC Shows Appreciation to Island Purified Water Ltd for Supporting Football Team
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 11th September, 2024 (CFBC): In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) recently presented Island Purified Water Ltd with a Certificate of Appreciation for its unwavering support of the CFBC Bulls Men’s and Women’s football teams. Ms Shenel Crooke, Sports Officer, made the presentation on behalf of CFBC.
The presentation served as a symbol of recognition for the invaluable contribution made by Island Purified Water towards the success of the teams. Both teams participated in the Jones Group Ltd Football tournament with the men’s team emerging as champions and the women’s team finishing third.
The partnership between Island Purified Water and CFBC has been instrumental in providing essential resources and support to the football team, enabling them to excel both on and off the field. Through their generous assistance, Island Purified Water Ltd has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a strong community spirit and promoting the development of local sports.
The presentation to Island Purified Water from CFBC stands as a testament to the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of those who go above and beyond to support local initiatives and foster community growth. It is through such partnerships and gestures of gratitude that we can continue to build a strong and vibrant community for all to thrive in.
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Read MorePresident’s Leaving
For Immediate Release
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LEAVES CFBC AFTER 18-YEAR TENURE WITH A HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 30th August, 2024 (CFBC): The Faculty and Staff of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) bade farewell to Mr. Andrew Abraham, the fifth President of the CFBC, who was inaugurated on October 12, 2023.
At the CFBC’s General Meeting of Faculty and Staff on 29th August, 2024, President Abraham was commended for his sterling contributions by the Chair of the CFBC Board, Dr. Tamu Browne and the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Moyia Rowtham, along with faculty and staff. His 18-year tenure at the tertiary academic institution saw him rise from the ranks of lecturer to dean then president.
Dr. Tamu Browne (Left), President Abraham (Right)
President Abraham said that he was leaving the institution with mixed emotions but with a heart full of gratitude as he embarks on his new assignment.
President Andrew Abraham
“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a lecturer, a dean and within the last 13 months as president,” Mr. Abraham said. “I am filled with a great sense of accomplishment and pride.”
“I have witnessed the growth and transformation of CFBC…I did not do it alone. It was a collective effort,” he added.
He said that the CFBC has achieved some significant milestones during his short stint in office. Some of these include the Renewable Energy Project, upgrades to the IT network and infrastructure, renovation of classrooms and buildings, the installation of projectors in most classrooms, ongoing work to upgrade the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Unit, the installation and commissioning of generators, and the establishment of a Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training with a particular focus on solar PV installation and electric vehicles (EV) maintenance and repairs.
He thanked the Government through the Ministry of Finance for its investment of over half a million dollars to the CFBC to ensure the institution’s continued improvement of services and infrastructure.
“We’ve forged partnerships. I think we have a very vibrant learning environment at CFBC, and it is not finished but it is a work in progress,” President Abraham said. “I am particularly proud of some of the initiatives that we undertook in the last year.”
He said that his near two decades at the CFBC have yielded many positive experiences that far outweigh the negative ones. He thanked senior management, faculty and staff for the support that he received over the years.
“What I’m asking of you is to continue to give CFBC your best and we will have the institution that we all desire. Keep pushing and moving this institution higher and you have what it takes to do it,” the outgoing president said.
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Moyia Rowtham, will serve as Interim President for a period of two years from September 01, 2024 – August 31, 2026.
Read MoreCFBC LAUNCHES PUBLICATION OF NEW DIGITAL EXHIBIT
CFBC LAUNCHES PUBLICATION OF NEW DIGITAL EXHIBIT—CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF AUTHORS
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 24th May, 2024 (CFBC): The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) is pleased to announce the publication of a new digital exhibit – Celebrating 40 Years of Authors – displaying the works of local authors over the past 40 years since the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent state. The exhibit was launched on Tuesday April 23, World Book and Copyright Day, at the 4th annual CFBC Author’s Forum “In Celebration of Books”.
Mrs. Sonita Daniel, Director of Library Services at CFBC
The project was conceptualized and spearheaded by Mrs. Sonita Daniel, Director of Library Services at the CFBC in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of independence of the Federation which was celebrated in September 2023. Mrs. Daniel has had over 40 years’ experience in education and librarianship and has hosted annual physical exhibitions in the CFBC Library for several years on various topics including significant events in the history of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.
Taking a community-driven approach, Mrs. Daniel reached out to authors locally and in the diaspora to provide content for the exhibit. Authors provided photographs, a biography, and book descriptions for the exhibit. CFBC staff edited the content and created the exhibit on the GitHub platform. Special commendation is extended to CFBC staff members Cassandra Nesbitt, Vernicia Wyatt, Jose Dasent, and Isabel Byron. Work on the exhibit will continue and any Kittitian or Nevisian author whose work may not already be represented is invited to contact Director Daniel ([email protected]) to arrange for inclusion of their work. The exhibit can be viewed directly at https://bit.ly/SKN40Authors and will be linked from the CFBC website in due course.
L-R: Mr. Chesil Hamilton; Mrs. Sonita Daniel; Ms. Denise Belle (Author); Mrs. Kayrisa Kelly (Author); Mr. Wayne Maynard (Author); Mrs. Elzeva Cuffy (Author); Mr. Enoete Inanga (Author); Mr. Hanzel Manners (Author); Loughlin Tatem (Author).
The digital exhibit makes visible the richness, breadth, and depth of local writing. Visitors to the digital exhibit can use the filter buttons to sort books by 14 categories including history, children’s books, romance, memoir, educational, biography and so on.
Mr. Lesroy Williams, Communications Specialist at the CFBC, who hosted the Author’s Forum held on April 23, noted that while books from outside our region are important we have the talent to produce our own books and tell stories through our own experiences, our own eyes, and our own history, and not simply allow someone from outside to tell our story.
In this endeavour the CFBC Library was delighted to collaborate with the Indiana University Bloomington Libraries. Mrs. Willa Liburd Tavernier, a native of St. Kitts and Nevis, who works as Research Impact & Open Scholarship Librarian and her team members, provided training and support to the CFBC Library staff members. Mrs. Liburd Tavernier uses digital humanities methods in her work, particularly public open digital scholarship and digital archiving. The two libraries intend to continue to work together on other digital projects.
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