New expat workers urged to 'try to assimilate to lessen the culture shock’
The inaugural training took place at the Training Room of the Labour Department and saw a number of persons in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Ronald F. Smith-Berkeley, who encouraged the new expatriate employees to learn as much of the Virgin Islands culture as they could as this would help with their assimilation.
“In just a little while the Labour Commissioner and her team will take you through some information that will become very useful as you navigate the labour environment in this territory. However, my brief remarks will be focused on you and your interface with our territory,” he said.
He advised them that they will be faced with a whole new set of cultural norms, attitudes and behaviour and their ability to integrate into the society and their surroundings armed with their own unique cultural backgrounds and expectations is paramount to the success of their expatriate experience.
“You have come here with your own ideas, values, customs... but I ask that you try to understand our culture and overlay that on your own perspective,” he said.
He told the expatriate workers that in order to lessen the cultural shock, “I am hoping that you would have done some research prior to your arrival. Most of you, if not all, are moving from a larger jurisdiction to a much smaller one and may find living and working here in this territory to be radically different.”
Smith-Berkeley said it is essential for them to have the cultural skills to adapt and understand the new customs and traditions that they will encounter to optimise their expatriate experience.
The novelty wears off
He told them that while the novelty of the new environment will quickly wear off, they will have to deal with the mores of a new culture.
“I hope that the information that you will garner here today will be able to assist you as you adapt to your new way of life. I urge you not to underestimate this move. You will meet some challenges in your quest to become acclimatised and please don’t be fooled by the fact that you may know someone from your home country. You need to keep in mind that the person has been here for a while and may have already become acclimatised,” said Smith-Berkeley.
He told them that the benefits to be derived from the territory economically and otherwise is for all who reside within its borders. “Therefore I want you to not survive but to thrive. Because it is only in so doing that the territory will be able to achieve its objective as articulated by our Minister,” he said.
Labour Commissioner Janice I. F. Rymer said the training will include talks on the functions of the Labour Department, types of work permits, the process of work permits, inspections, occupational safety and health, retrenchment, disputes and terminations.
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22 Responses to “New expat workers urged to 'try to assimilate to lessen the culture shock’”
Most people coming to the country do try to fit in but are treated like sh*t by so many that they be become worn and jaded. Maybe the BVI Islanders need to have some kind of info session on what these people are bringing to the country and why the country finds it important to have them here. Also have expat children in public schools. Tolerance for other cultures is best taught when you are young. So many school kids think a white person in their school is a novelty. The white / black / Spanish / Syrian difference is pushed at school in a negative way. I agree everyone should learn about BVI culture but shouldn't we be educating the children on other cultures as well so they have more respect for their fellow pupils? Have cultural exchanges and send children to other countries in and out the Caribbean to learn history, culture and language. Maybe it would help eradicate the born here arrogance that keeps young people out of employment.