received their certificates this week -- two years after starting the course.

In July, 1990, Government's Department of Personnel Services conducted a survey and used the results to develop the in-house programme that encompassed several areas of Government work. These included health and safety in the workplace, leadership and time management skills.

Of the 125 students who embarked upon the programme, 104 finished the course.

A total of 71 passed the examination -- 12 of those with an average pass rate of 85 percent or more and five with an average higher than 90 percent.

"I feel so happy with the quality of those projects,'' said Mr. Malcolm Gregory, director of Personnel Services.

Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leopold Mills, who presented the certificates to the graduates, encouraged them to continue to provide good service "that comes from paying attention to the small details.'' "What you have done is absolutely essential for the maintenance of good government,'' he said. "It is important that we have a competent, dedicated and motivated civil service.

"At the end of the day what really determines success is your attention to the small details. Make sure you dot your Is and cross your Ts.

Mrs. Melody Parris, an administrative assistant in the Registrar General's department and Mrs. Cheryl Stafford of the Department of Health received special awards for being the highest-scoring female candidates in the final exam.

Mr. Derek Flood of the Department of Social Services was the highest scoring male.

All three candidates agreed that the practical nature of the course was its biggest asset.

"I feel it's been worth it,'' said an elated Mrs. Parris after receiving her special mention. "Government will benefit by having better skilled workers.

I'm glad Government put on the course because it's a good way for people to advance personally and in their careers.'' Mrs. Parris said she found the parts of the course that dealt with public speaking the most difficult though also the most rewarding.

Mr. Flood added that one of the good things he had gleaned from the course was a better understanding of the way Government worked.

"After taking the course I now know a bit more about the thinking behind some of the Government policies and why things are done in the way that they are.

"The whole seminar was well presented but what I enjoyed most was the fact that I was able to use what I was taught almost immediately.'' SPECIAL MENTION -- Candidates who scored the highest marks on their examinations for the Supervisory Skills Training Programme received their awards this week. Pictured (from left to right) are Mr. Malcolm Gregory, director of Personnel Services, with Mrs. Melody Parris, Mr. Derek Flood and Mrs. Cheryl Stafford. Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leopold Mills (far right) presented the certificates.