Former Minister Hon. D. Neletha Butterfield, M.B.E., J.P. from Bermuda Conferred with Honorary Ed.D (Doctrin de Education Award) in Community Development through Alternative Learning
Minister Hon. D. Neletha Butterfield, M.B.E., J.P.
Ed.D (Honoris Causa)
Doctrin de Education Award
is
The Pride of Bermuda
1998-2012 Member of the House of Parliament (PLP Government)
1999-2012 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association – Regional Executive Member
MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS
2002-2003 Minister without Portfolio
2003-2006 Minister of the Environment
2006 Minister of Education and Development
2006-2007 Minister of the Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce
2009-2010 Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation
2010-2011 Minister of Government Estates and Information Services
Recipients of Honorary EdD are recognized as Resource person of international repute in Community Development, Education and Management
MISSION of Honorary EdD is to produce Technologists of calibre by imparting quality Education to the students
MISSION of Honorary EdD is to promote research and extension among Universities and other research organizations in all aspects of research, extension and training.
MISSION of Honorary EdD is to undertake consultancies and studies in Community Development, Education and Management
MISSION of Honorary EdD is to provide advisory services in Community Development, Education and Management
Exclusive Interview with former Minister Hon. D. Neletha Butterfield, M.B.E., J.P. Doctrin De Education Awardee Honoris Causa
Question: What are your recommendations to improve the standards of journals publishing research articles on Human Resource Development?
Answer: My recommendations are to ensure that the journals are written and published in laymen’s terms so that researchers and students can identify with the information and combine it with their studies and their research papers. The journals should include the aims and objectives with the understanding of the content. It is normal and important for journals to acknowledge contributors and where the information was found and how long ago the information was written. Share the information before journal is published in addition to receiving support and recommendations too just in case some of the information is outdated. In today’s society Human Resource Development is seeking for papers with new directions, innovative theoretical approaches, lots of examples and comparisons can be a plus to improve the standards of journal publishing by following guidelines provided.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve Human Resource in Health sector for Corona testing, treatment and rehabilitation?
Answer: To continue to perform testing. For an example in my country, we can do testing on all persons living and residing in Bermuda because the population is approximately 65,000 residents. We can designate a focal point for essential health care services, establish protocols for prevention measures, make sure that all essential services be tested on a regular basis and maintain communication between finance and health authorities in government to ensure financing for health and social services. Create a road map for progressive reduction and mitigation measures of COVID 19 transmissions and restoration of services as pressure on the health system surges and recedes. Within the health system start a programme for continued treatment and rehabilitation for those who are in recovery.
Question: What is Human Resource Development? What are the major branches in Human Resource Development?
Answer: Human Resource Development is the integrated use of training and career development efforts to improve the performance of the individual or group as well as overall organizational effectiveness. It develops the competencies that employees need to perform their current jobs and prepares them for future roles through planned learning activities. HRD focuses on matching the needs of the individual and the organization.
While choosing the right person for the job and then retaining them has always been the focus on the Human Resource Departments to create policies and programmes that lead to the development of the workforce and contribute to the development or the organization. The major branches are:▪ Compensation and Staffing ▪ Recruitment and Staffing ▪ Training and Development▪ Employees Relations▪ Employee Satisfaction ▪ Labour Laws and Legal Compliance
Question: What are your recommendations to frame guidelines on funding of research projects on Human Resource Development?
Answer: The guidelines should consist of a vision statement, mission statement, core values, goals, measurable outcomes. Prepare proposals for funding with a financial budget statement and research of companies that will financially support the research project.
Question: How can universities produce revolutionary PhD and Post Doc thesis and dissertations on Human Resource Development? What are your recommendations to improve the academic standards?
Answer: Universities have a variety of courses and guidelines of the courses to take but many students spend a considerable amount of time on research because some instructors fail to provide additional assistance and this may be due to lack of funding. More teachers more funding. I believe that teachers can be recruited to assist. I would recommend that during enrolment and completion of courses that a survey with questions to students and teachers asking what areas the college can improve on to assist in the writing of thesis and dissertations. The answers can be incorporated in the growth in the Human Resource Development as well. Improving standards are always good but must be done with the cooperation and communication to both students and teachers.
Question: What are your views on C.A.R.E. which stands for Children and Adults Reaching for Education?
Answer: My views on C.A.R.E. are exactly what the name represents. Caring while assisting children from kindergarten to secondary school in various academia such as Math, English, Reading, Problem Solving, Science, Social Studies and Computer Skills so that students can reach their educational needs and development.
Question: How can students seek job and career opportunities in Human Resource Development?
Answer: Students can seek job and career opportunities by first making sure that they have the required qualifications for Human Resource Development.
Question: What job titles are available in Human Resource Development?
Answer: Some job titles are Training and Development Officer, Senior Resource Manager, Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Management Administrator, Operations Manager, Human Resource Journalist, Facilitator and Mentoring.
Question: Which are Typical employees in Human Resource Development?
Answer: Hospitals, Medical Services, Food Suppliers, Clothing Enterprises, Insurance Companies, Education Department, Colleges and Universities, City Corporations and Hotels.
Question: Which are the courses available in Human Resource Development?
Answer: Human and Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Humanities, Gender and Ethnic Studies, Family and Community Services, Case Management and Human Services. Early Childhood and Family Studies, Domestic Violence Services, Special Needs Service, Gerontology and Foundations of Educational Psychology.
Question: As a legislator, what developments did you bring in society?
Answer: As a legislator I brought to society the following:▪ Bermuda Coastal Erosion Report ▪ Community Areas Programme (using government owned land for parks and recreation areas for the community ▪ A bus service for school students to visit the Aquarium and Zoo ▪ First State of the Environment Report ▪ Formation of a Women’s Council ▪ Appeal policy for individuals on financial support assistance from the government ▪ Cisco Networking Academy at the Bermuda College ▪ Endangered Species Act▪ Chairman of a Joint Select Committee on Education in the House of Parliament ▪ Promoted Environmental Value to Young People with educational packages on and about the environment worldwide. ▪ Harnessing and Capitalizing on the Capabilities of Women Parliamentarians to Impact the Legislative Agenda presentation paper for discussion ▪ Child Day Care Allowance Act and Child Day Care Allowance Regulations ▪ Social and Economic Status of Women in the Community
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class research article in Human Resource Development? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer: My recommendations are to do a survey of large and small business for training and career development so we can improve the performances of individuals and groups of persons. This will assist in focussing on the needs of the individuals and groups. Through the research they can also create policies that will contribute to the development of the workforce and contribute to the organizations growth with facts and examples. The results of the survey will help us to determine the feasibility of becoming creative with appropriate tools and resources designed to completely align with a transformative model needs of Human Resource Development.
The facts that should be there are on productivity, profitability, respect, trust, commitment to the employer, growth of employees, improve employee participation with new skills such as problem-solving capabilities.
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class case report in Human Resource Development? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer: I would recommend that there be a call for all Governments and Countries to assess the most concerning areas of development in their perspective countries by encouraging and enhancing improvements on Education, Health, Economy and Development of future generation. Essential components are employee training, performance development, harassment in the workplace, diverse training programmes, safety and risk management. Some of the factors will be to encourage facilitators to meet with individuals with consistent feedback to improve workplace productivity and performance. Additional components can also be succession planning and organization development.
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class review in Human Resource Development? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer: Gather as much information for the review with quarterly updates highlighting improvements and progress for both the employer and employee. The components are technology, economy, where you live, the environment and how one can think and acknowledge psychological issues. The factors are unions, government policies, laws and regulations as well as noting that just like education there must be the employee’s commitment to work and perform leadership styles and skills.
Question: What are your recommendations to establish a world class research institute for Human Resource Development?
Answer: The research institute should be centrally located so that individuals from around the world can travel as well as meet for conferences. Research, workshops and training can be held there with a first-class library for research and study to include educational classes for studying for a degree in HRD with a hands-on component to the institute in the form of a HRD department or office.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve employment and scope in Human Resource Development?
Answer: To improve employment and scope, I recommend that formal training could include in-class training, training on sexual harassment and discrimination prevention, equal opportunity and diversity training programmes for a diverse workforce. We can also improve employment through performance evaluations. Assist employees to develop their strengths and how to contribute to the organizations or businesses. The scope and key to improving employees for success is to also involve them in discussions and training topics.
Question: Would you start a campaign to request government to offer free of cost internet to all people of your country as fundamental right, because it plays a significant role in education, awareness, implementation of government policies and economic development of country
Answer: Yes, as a user of the internet I am always disappointed when travelling through the country there is no internet access until you get back home or in the office. As we experience the effects of COVID19 this will be so important and very timing for such a time as now, I am sure if I started a campaign, I would receive support. As a fundamental right it will be beneficial due to the taxes that are paid by the people and also motivation for both young people and adults for continuous learning due to free internet service. I always note the reasons why some students don’t complete assignments is due to no internet.
Question: What are your recommendations to authors, who are writing Books on Human Resource Development for more creativity and understanding of the subject?
Answer: As authors write they should be honest on the information written, giving examples, facts and the reality of today’s society in and out of the workplace. Do surveys to get the facts along with reaching and comparing the information to what, when, where, why and who questions for measurable success and information.
Question: What according to you are the Top 5 major challenges (research problems) which need to be resolved urgently by world’s scientists in the area of Human Resource Development?
Answer: The top 5 would be:1. Achieving Diversity with Inclusion2. Finding Resources for Workforce Development3. Developing the Next Generation of Leaders4. Health Issues in developing countries especially on COVID 195. Promote microeconomic reforms to stimulate private sector growth and technological innovation
Question: What are your recommendations to improve standards of Conferences in Human Resource Development? How can they be brainstorming and more creative?
Answer: Conferences in my opinion are avenues to learn what and how other countries perform their duties and enhancements of Human Resource Development. In this era of technology, the workforce is demanding new ways of doing business. Sharing ideas at a conference is very helpful and informative to the attendees who will hopefully share in the new ways of enhancing the workplace. I recommend that organizations adopt a new way of inclusion of all employees in their organizations to boost the productivity of employees. From my experience, this will encourage employees to work harder and improve their capacity to adapt to changes, new initiatives and innovations. Today, so many businesses are doing virtual conferences and gathering the information presented for further review, discussions and implementations of new recommendations.
Brainstorming can be most effective and more creative when individuals share their knowledge and personal experience. For example, conference attendees can be put in groups to discuss various topics and come to positive conclusions and how to be more creative. I have personally found this to be very helpful as I have attended many conferences and reported back to my country how we can be more creative. I believe brainstorming allows us to be creative and come to a satisfied position and conclusion by all in attendance. One of the best parts about attending conferences is the relationships you will make. Many Human Resource professionals will attend the conferences to meet up with peers, find mentors and grow their network. We attend conferences to learn, to network and connect with the rest of the world.
Question: Which major challenges do you see to establish Bermuda as world leader in Human Resource Development?
Answer: The major challenges are racism, gender discrimination, equal pay opportunity, cost of living and doing business in Bermuda and employment opportunities for Bermudians especially the young generation.
Question: Any other thing, you would like to share with World?
Answer: It has been said that if you give an individual a fish, he has food for a day but if you teach him how to fish, he has food for a lifetime. I have spent three decades of assisting individuals and I am convinced that nothing we do is more important or rewarding by helping others, I am thankful to the work that WORLD is doing especially in the area of assisting lifelong learners to fulfil their dreams. As a leader in my community, I am thankful and grateful for the opportunity to serve first my people and secondly my country. The opportunities are before us as we must reach out to these opportunities for fulfilment and happiness. Pursuing my passion has always been my goal in life and I am happy to know that it has been made possible.