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‘NMI must adapt to changing economic reality’
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Posted on Nov 30 2006
The CNMI should be aware that today’s economic reality is changing structurally, with global factors impacting businesses and the support services and infrastructure they require, according to a U.S. Department of Labor official.
Rosemary Cowan, Workforce Systems Division Employment Training Administration chief said that the permeation of technology throughout all industry sectors has elevated occupational skill requirements.
Speaking via video teleconference yesterday before participants of the 2006 CNMI Workforce Development Summit at Fiesta Resort and Spa’s Hibiscus, Cowan said that talent development is a major part of economic development planning.
The Labor official underscored the “power of E3” (employment, economic development, and education) in creating the biggest impact on the 21st century workforce.
She said people should have shared understanding and vision.
Policymakers, Cowan said, should act to institutionalize the vision and that there should be clear direction to the existing system that change is expected.
“Begin changing the things the you control. Start trying to influence what you don’t control,” she pointed out.
In terms of resources, Cowan stated that they are committed to help the CNMI.
Guam Department of Labor director Maria Connelley cited that building and retaining a qualified and productive workforce is essential to the bottom line of every U.S. business and to the nation’s economy.
Connelley mentioned that Gov. Felix P. Camacho’s workforce vision is to improve the quality of life of Guam citizens and maximize their potential for employment in a competitive economy. [I][B](Ferdie de la Torre)
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