GOVERNMENT is exploring the possibility of increased training opportunities for civil servants, particularly in the areas of human resource and public sector management.

This was one of the issues discussed recently when representatives of the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP) and the University of Surrey paid a visit on Minister of State Senator Arni Walters.

Senator Walters, who has responsibility for the Civil Service and the Training Administration Division, said he would also wish to see further training carried out in supervisory management and employment relations, with more women signing on in the latter area of study.

"Industrial relations have been the domain of males, the old guard has traditionally been males and we need to balance that more. The challenge is getting more females involved in this process," he stressed.

The minister also urged officials from the University of Surrey to work closer with their Barbadian counterparts so individuals could access any available training, attachments or short study courses.

Dr Alf Crossman said the University of Surrey, through BIMAP, should be able to put in place a customs programme for the civil service within a reasonable time. (BGIS)