Foreword
| In an ever changing world, as we face growing economic challenges we can easily be blinded by the glamour of material wealth and become unmindful of the social graces which are prerequisites for peaceful and harmonious living. In every facet of life, healthy interaction among people is of paramount importance for personal development. The acquisition of new knowledge and new skills is not enough. Alice Thomas-Robert's book on protocol and etiquette for Caribbean people comes at a time when tremendous efforts are being made to bring Caribbean people closer together and when we are constantly reminded that we have a responsibility in the international area. It is quite obvious that in the years ahead we shall have to meet and work with people not only from our island home but also from the region and from countries further a field. The development of science and technology has brought us much closer, and we must make every effort to understand our culture as well as the way other people live. But scientific and technological advances must never be allowed to efface the well tried and tested norms of decency, good manners and common courtesy. Thomas-Roberts has a tremendous amount of knowledge which she has acquired through training and experience, not only in the official domain but also in the private sector. Her passion for the rectitude of interpersonal relationships comes out clearly in her book. She is quite conscious of the worth of acceptable patterns of behaviour in everyday life and the need to be comfortable when we meet others within and beyond territorial boundaries. In today’s workplace, for instance, despite all the increasing opportunities for training, if one does not appreciate the value of proper interpersonal relationship, the chances are that our business places may well fail to reach their set goals and objectives. Thus, the social graces in business and at home, indeed anywhere where people congregate, must always be in evidence. In her simple but powerful style of writing, Thomas-Roberts has given examples of the proper usage of appropriate communication. She emphasizes how important it is for people to make others comfortable and to extend courtesies to all those with whom they come in contact. It is through these social graces that we shall improve business connections, enhance friendship and improve international understanding. This book has my highest commendation as it offers much to both young and old. Paul Scoon Sir Paul Scoon, GCMG,GCVO,OBE is a former Governor General of Grenada, who served in that position for fourteen (14) years from October 1978 – July 1992. |
EndorsementEndorsement from Mrs. Beverley A. Steele, CBE, former Resident Tutor of the UWI Centre in Grenada, and author of Grenada: History of Its People “This clear, well written, easy to read, and delightfully presented book by Alice Thomas-Roberts is a treasury of essential information on etiquette for all – a must for young people just beginning their formal social interaction, as well as a timely reminder for everyone. I recommend this definitive and thorough book to citizens of all ages in Grenada, the Caribbean and the World.” |
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