Preface

• Author: Noel Cowell/Clement Branche
• Pages: 13-13

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Preface

This publication on Human Resource Development and Workplace

Governance in the Caribbean is extremely timely, given the increasing

recognition of the importance of human development, based on the

overwhelming evidence that improved skill formation and the application of

technology have made a significant contribution to the growth performance

of many countries. Indeed, this recognition has been reaffirmed by the analyses

carried out by institutions such as the World Bank which have highlighted the

central role of “intellectual capital” in the development process.

It is also important to note that human resources development has actively

engaged the attention of policy makers in the region, as is evidenced by the

adoption of the CARICOM Regional Human Resource and Social

Development Strategy, in the elaboration of which the University has played

an active role. Needless to say, the University has an abiding interest in the

subject since its mission is to contribute to the development of the human

capital required to enable the countries of the region to tackle the multifaceted

challenges confronting them.

The articles featured in the publication which were presented at the 2000

Mona Academic Conference, provide a number of insightful perspectives on

a wide range of issues, including labour market transformation and

management, workplace governance and industrial relations.

I believe that the publication will be of considerable interest not only to

members of the academic community but to policy makers, both within and

outside the region, who have an interest in human development issues.

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to the

Department of Economics for its excellent support in organising the 2000

Mona Academic Conference which has led to this important publication.

Professor Kenneth O. Hall

Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal

Mona Campus

University of the West Indies

March 2002