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BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

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Quarterly Staff Newsletter
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Inside Managing Director’s Address 2 Promotions and Transfers 3 Undercover SuperStar 5 Star “Ballaz” 5 Health and Wellness 101 6 Tributes:Time to Say Goodbye Farewell to Ms.reddy 7 Bundles of Joy 8 Values In Action:Crossword 8 Puzzle NAME ME!! ISSUE 1 May 2012
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Page 1: BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

InsideManaging Director’s Address 2 Promotions and Transfers 3Undercover SuperStar 5Star “Ballaz” 5Health and Wellness 101 6Tributes:Time to Say Goodbye Farewell to Ms.reddy 7Bundles of Joy 8Values In Action:Crossword 8

Puzzle

NAME ME!!ISSUE 1 May 2012

Page 2: BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

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Colleagues, The introduction of the newsletter is in support of the first on the list of our Core Val-ues: “Employee Engagement”, which is the starting point for us to live up to the rest of the Values. The first step in the “Engage-ment Process” is communica-

tion and the number one task of management is to facilitate communication from and to staff members. This newsletter will help us to do so and is therefore an important tool to improve the overall level of com-munication within the organization.

We want to make you aware of what is going on with your colleagues in terms of the company’s exploits and about other topics that are of interest to you. I am therefore taking this opportunity to encour-age you to contribute to the success and sustainability of this Newsletter through the sharing of your ideas and articles because it is a good way to express your-selves and to get to know and feel good about each other.

I know that many of us have talent that we don’t necessarily expose in the professional space, so my hope is that you will be moved to reveal and express things about yourselves that will inspire others to live up to their full potential in all sphere of their lives.

Your hard work and focus has paid off as we can see from our financial results for the first quarter. I want to take this opportunity to once again congratu-late you for your contribution to our success . The hurricane season may be a busy one for us. From my perspective, we want to make sure that we have our own disaster continuity plans in good order, so if we have an event we can help our customers to cope. We need to be ready to move quickly to assist our customers so I encourage you to pay attention to the hurricane tips and prepare. As promised, we plan to implement Employee Engagement Survey within the month of June and I encourage you to participate so that we can better ad-dress your concerns and truly become your employer of first choice. This is your Newsletter, share it with your friends and family!

With Regards,Peter

Managing Director’s Address Financial Outlook:Green Lights

The first quarter has been one of the most success-ful to date with us exceeding most of our financial objectives.

We could not have done this without you: the most remarkable team in the insurance industry and with this we say thank you to ‘each and every’ member of the team.

You have proven that Better Insurance Pays! We congratulate you for your indomitable drive, passion for excellence and unrivalled customer service. We know your relentless focus is the “wind beneath our wings” and we are most ap-preciative.As Ralph Waldo Emerson states “what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters com-pared to what lies within us.” What lies within BCIC is greatness and we encourage you to stay on this path “steering our vessel to higher heights and clearer paths”: because with you Better Insurance Pays!

BCIC is a tremendous organization. The pas-sion with which we operate is exemplary. Each individual possesses unique qualities. The aim

of this newsletter is to showcase those qualities. This is your newsletter. So, I urge you to own it and contribute ideas, articles and even “random

photography”.

You may submit your input through the Editorial Team consisting of:

Doreen SamuelsSimone FooteDavid Stewart

Orlando BankasinghJoy Gibson

Kerri-Ann FosterSheron Ragbeir (Liason Support Officer)

Thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far and we are looking forward to more successful

newsletters in the coming months.Warmest Regards,Ollyvia Anderson

(Editor)

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Promotions & TransfersWe congratulate the following staff members on their promotions and transfers:

Shayon - Senior Insurance Officer

Sonia, Senior Insurance Officer

Anita Dacres, Intermedi-ate Insurance Officer

Christal Burke, In-termediate Insurance

Officer

Anthony, Montego Bay: Junior Underwriter.

Brian Murdock, Opera-tions to Legal:Legal Administrative Assistant

Vanessa Johnson, Opera-tions to Corporate Risk: Junior Underwriter

Tafari Duhaney, Operations to Corporate Risk

In this issue we will be high-lighting the Mandeville Branch of BCIC. Our Mandeville Branch continues to make a significant contribution to the nation’s most vulnerable citi-zens through the Manchester Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross. The branch has most recently made a cash contribu-tion to the Red Cross at its An-nual Fundraising Banquet on

Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Golf View Hotel.

Here, BCIC was commended for our contribution. Our kudos did not stop there as the Mr. Michael Walker who gave the vote of thanks praised BCIC and expressed to the gathering the longstanding relation-ship between the Red Cross and BCIC. Mr. Walk-er commended BCIC for provid-ing insurance coverage for the ambulance free of cost for two years. He also ex-pressed apprecia-tion for BCIC’s support to the community.

In addition to the cash contribution, Michele McLean, Branch Supervisor also made a presentation on Hur-ricane Tips.:

Here are some of the tips Michele shared:

1.Obtain a current valuation to establish the value at which your building should be insured.

2.Make a comprehensive list of all your furniture, per-sonal effects. Update the list each time a new acquisi-tion is made or, likewise, when an item is discarded.

3.Ask about the scope of cover being offered to ensure you get the most comprehensive coverage as there are a number of hazards to which your property is ex-posed, other than hurricanes; such as fire,earthquake, theft and flood.

4.Last, but by no means least, make sure that you purchase insurance before the storm begins. Insurance providers will often cease to grant new or increased levels of cover when a hurricane watch or warning has been annonced.

Michele (Mandeville Branch)

Branch Highlight

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This year BCIC celebrates its 50th anniversary; Oc-tober 23, 2012, to be exact.

BCIC’s history began when two law firms, My-ers Fletcher & Gordon and Judah & Randall, then acting as insurance agents, merged their insurance operations to form British Caribbean Insurance Agents Limited.

The Agency later formed an association with the international company, Eagle Star Insurance Com-pany Limited, to form British Caribbean Insurance Company Limited, on October 23, 1962. The Com-pany officially started operating in 1963.

Like Jamaica, the planning has commenced for the observance of our Golden Jubilee. We have formed an Anniversary Planning Committee, whose mem-bers are:Doreen Samuels,Karen Rochester-JacksonRacquel GrantJoy GibsonOdesha LewisYanique JunorSimone Foote

We are also privileged to have our beloved Patricia Prawl on board, dedicatedly immersing herself in the planning exercise.

Stay tuned for updates as the plans unfold...

Simone.

BCIC Celebrates 50

Why are we conducting the survey?We want to use the survey as a strategic tool to help us align our culture with our business goals. Specifically, we want to know your view about our: LeadershipEmployee InvolvementEmployee EngagementEmployee MoraleQuality of Customer Service Quality of Work Life

How will the survey be conducted? The survey will be administered online on individual computers and on computers located in the Head Office Training Room for the staff at our Duke Street Office. Branch Office staff will com-plete the survey online at their respective computers. The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

When will the survey commence?Monday 11 June and will end on Friday 22 June 2012.

Can your responses be identified? Your candid opinions and criticisms are what we seek, so we have taken steps to assure anonymity. Your completed survey response is transmitted directly to LOMA in Atlanta, Georgia and no one at BCIC will see your individual responses. In addition, to assure confidentiality, LOMA will not provide information unless at least five persons are included in a group. Consequently, we have combined the departments listed herein (HRM, Marketing, Legal, Insurance Solutions & Managing Director’s Office) under one umbrella making a group total of 12 persons.

How will results be used? We will use the results to identify and prioritize areas that need our focused attention to reach our business goals. To help us better understand the results, we will ask you to provide infor-mation about your job level and the area in which you work. This information is important as people at different job levels or in different work areas typically have different views about areas of strength or concern. Also, having the results for your work group will probably be more meaningful to you, and your work group can use this information to help maintain your strengths and to build action plans for areas that need improvement. Will employees receive results?Once we (management) have had a chance to review and con-sider the results, we will present them to you. After this meeting, managers will meet with employees to discuss results for each work group.

Please take the time to complete the survey. Your opinions are valuable.

If you have additional questions, please contact:Doreen Samuels or Joy Gibson of the HRM Department.

Staff Engagement SurveyFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Page 5: BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

BCIC Staff Newsletter: Having watched shows like, Beauty Shop and the like, stylists usually provide a listening ear to their clients, is that the case in your exploits and i you could give three (3) hair tips to your fellow teammates, what would they be?NCH: Getting a Salon treatment offers an atmosphere of relax-ation which sometimes allows customers to share their moods and experiences. So yes I too have had to give a listening ear to my clients and even give advice, if I’m asked to do so.For persons who relax: always do a deep condition two weeks after your relaxer service. Every time you shampoo, ask your hairdresser to give you a scalp massage which helps circulation. Avoid braids that are too tight, also sleeping in rollers as these causes traction Alopecia, which is hair loss that can be perma-nent.BCIC Staff Newsletter: Where can we find your shop? NCH: Currently I offer home service,so all you have to do is just call and I will come and do your hair in the comfort of your own home.

BCIC Staff Newsletter:What is the funniest thing that has ever happened while hairdressing or with a client?NCH: Actually that client was me, when I coloured my own hair. I am usually a conservative person, black hair, maybe a few streaks here and there. This time around, I wanted a look that was fun and lively so I decided to go red… bright red. When I looked in the mirror, my head looked as if it was on fire…so I started hiding from everybody. I went to the supermarket and a co-worker glimpsed me and asked “wait: a wah do yuh head?” *I eventually adjusted to having red hair and to my surprise people loved it and gave me quite a few compliments.

Thank You Nadine for sharing with us. Look out You could be the be next SuperStar!

Undercover SuperStar Cont’d

Undercover SuperStar profiles interesting staff members, who have hidden talents and interests or possess skills that are deemed extraordinary. In this issue, we will be highlighting Receiv-ables Officer and Cosmetologist, Nadine Cole- Hammond (NCH).

BCIC Staff Newsletter: Everyone has a hidden talent, we hear that yours is hairdressing.so, why hairdressing?NCH: Hairdressing is a natural talent, I have always combed my own hair and that of friends,.I Love to see hair that is nicely styled and properly groomed, after all, your hair is your beauty. I hate to see hair that is limp, breaking and unhealthy looking. My daughter has natural

hair and I give her a treatment whenever it is washed because it enhances and improves how it looks and feels. I just think that hair should look healthy.

BCIC Staff Newsletter: What is your favourite hairstyle and why?NCH: I like a layered cut, as this provides movement and bounce, e.g. the Rihanna Hairstyle: the Pob. Styles like these make the hair look full, so even a person with thin hair can do a layer and it looks full.

BCIC Staff Newsletter: Describe your typical client?NCH: My typical clients are really people who want to take care of their hair and not just the style per se. Persons who have suffered damaged from braids, weave etc. who are seeking treatment for their hair. These range from office workers, unemployed persons, mostly those with permed hair, but I also do natural hair.

BCIC Staff Newsletter: Hairdress-ing is one of the “personal service” areas under customer service which we know have challenges.....how do you differentiate yourself in this area.....in other words, what makes your customers return? Each client is different and has different needs. I take the time to analyze each person’s needs and make my recommendation. For me it’s not just about the money but what is best for the client for example, a client may ask for a service that will bring in `the bucks’ but if it’s not the best application for her hair, then I’ll suggest otherwise even if I end up making less money. I have learnt in my job here at BCIC and I do believe that excel-lent customer service that exceeds the customer’s expectations is the key to any successful business so I try to deliver on that at all times.

BCIC Staff Newsletter: Are you a trained hairdresser? NCH: Actually I have a Level two certificate from Heart Trust NTA in cosmetology. I did this to formalize my operations as well as, I enjoy it. I love to seeing a woman nicely put together.

BCIC Staff Newsletter: When you are not here at work or hair-dressing, what does Nadine do?NCH: I’m at school pursuing an Associate Degree in Insurance management and spending time with my kids.

Undercover SuperStar Star “Ballaz”

If you missed it, here’s the team’s pro-gression through through the league:

Opponent Result Goal Scorers

Guardian Life 5-4 On penalties

Christopher Johnson, Romaine Walton, Jermaine Antoine, Kit-wana Lawrence and Kirby Hood

Mayberry Investment

1-0

The BCIC/CGMG team collected the trophy for the Knockout Cup Winners, Insurance League Runners Up(Second Place), and Kitwana Lawrence received the MVP for the Knockout Cup finals. Out of the 48 goals scored throughout the season by all teams, the BCIC/CGMG scored the most with 22 goals and conceded only just 6 goals. The BCIC/CGMG team were also highlighted as the team with the highest win in a match with a 6-0 thrashing on the TFS/FFK/Globe team.

For the fans, we appreciateyour unwavering support.

We congratulate the “Star Ballaz” on their excellent perfor-mance this season. They have faced challenging opponents and have stood the test of time bringing victory to the Red and Black.They have proved worthy champions and we take this opportunity to con-gratulate and celebrate our team:Romaine WaltonJermaine ManhueJermaine AntoineAnthony ThompsonJason KnottMichael White

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Page 6: BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

“Who’s the better driver?” has often been the topic of fervently debated conversations since the invention of the car in 1672. It is argued than men are better drivers than women. However, many insurance providers differ in this stance, as they prefer to insure female drivers whom they feel are more cautious and conscious than their male counterparts. Let us not rely on opinion and pref-

erences but rather empirical evidence to decide who the better drivers are.

Women are Better DriversAn online- based insurance company, ‘4autoinsurancequote’ recently conducted a study which revealed that women are better drivers, as they are 27% less likely to cause accidents than men. It was also revealed that men are responsible for 80% of all fatal accidents, a notion that is supported by The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Loss Data Institute , who in a 2009 study reported that more men die in car crashes than women.

Men are Better DriversJohns Hopkins University contradicts the notion that women are better drivers as they were involved in “slightly” more accidents than their male counterparts. Males were involved in 5.1 crashes per million miles driven while, females averaged 5.7. miles driven.

The TwistThe researchers discovered that age attributed to driving experi-ence rather than gender. They found that teenage boys had 20% more crashes per mile driven than females. Between the ages of 20 and 35, however, men and women are equally likely to be in accidents. Furthermore, at ages above 35, females are actually at a higher risk of being in an accident and also have more severe accidents.

My ConclusionHaving done my own research of BCIC’s Insured: females tend to be in fewer accidents than males. When females do have acci-dents they tend to be less severe than that of their male counter-parts. Like the researchers at John Hopkins, I discovered that age is much more important in determining the better driver. I also found that males start out being worse drivers than females and as they progress become better drivers. In the words of BCIC’s C.E.O “As men grow older they become women”.

I honestly think it’s a close call. What’s your take?

The Business Of InsuranceWho are Better Drivers?

Contributed by: Raymond Wilson

Critical Illness and YouWhen asked what we place most value to, we often reply: family. In the times we live in, health is increasingly becom-ing a significant issue. We often impress on customers to be responsible citizens and to ensure that they protect their home; vehicles and other personal property, as situations may arise instantaneously that require such protection. Critical Illnesses likewise threatenvour health and safety. These include Cancer, Heart Attack, Coma, Paralysis, Motor Neuron Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Major Burns.

We will improve our peace of mind if we practice the three “P’s”: PLAN, PREPARE AND PREVENT.

PLAN PREPARE AND PREVENT

Practice Healthy Living: Exercise

Do periodic medicals

Spend every moment you can

with your loved ones.

Stick to abalanced diet

Get insured for critical

illness and or have a savings

account dedicated to critical ill-nesses.

Make your health a priority today.

To aid in your healthly lifestyle, the BCIC Gym will be offering amazing discounts to new and existing members who sign up or renew by June 30th.See the coupon below for details. You may redeem your coupons with Odesha Lewis.

Additionally, the first person to send the names of the persons excercising in the photo above (to [email protected]) will recieve one month free gym membership.

Health and Wellness 101

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Page 7: BCIC Newsletter Issue 1

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Saying Goodbye to Richard FontaineInsurance Industry StalwartThe late G. Richard Fontaine, “Fonz”, was the co-founder, chairman and president of Fraser Fontaine and Kong Ltd. (FFK). He was a stalwart and highly respected in the general insurance industry and made a remarkable contribution to Jamaica.Many persons at BCIC interacted closely with Mr. Fontaine and remember him for his depth of experience, warmth and fun-loving ways. Our last close interaction with Mr. Fontaine was when he showed great appreciation for the support and hard work put in by members of the BCIC/FFK team to retain the RJR account after it came under serious attack by a competitor. He showed his appreciation for our loyalty by feting members of the insurance team on his boat; partying along-

side his clients and the FFK crew. What a happy and relaxed time they had! These are the memories that we have of this revered insurance giant.Mr. Fontaine, who was born in Bridgetown Barbados, became a naturalised Jamaican and attended St George’s College,Kingston. He served as the chairman of the Consumers Affairs Commission, director of Things Jamaica Limited and also served as a found-ing member, executive director and lifetime member of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean of which he was President at different intervals over the years.His legacy lives on in his children, Martine and Gerard Fontaine, who have taken over the reins of their father who served as their mentor and best friend.

May he rest in peace.

Saying Farewell to Ms.ReddyWe say au revoir to Mrs Veroncia Russell as she proceeds on retirement after forty two years service to BCIC. In her typical quiet way, she said she did not want any “fan fare” and we felt obliged to honor her wish. We take this opportunity however to honour the indelible mark she has left on all our lives with the tribute below. “On June 1, 1970 Veronica Redwood- Russell joined the staff of British Caribbean Insurance Lim-ited to assume the role of Accounting Clerk. Over the years she became a reliable Accounting Officer whom exhibited high levels of accuracy, efficiency and reliability that could only be rivaled by her punctuality and outstanding attendance record. By this time she earned her two names of endear-ment “Reddy” and “Miss Reddy”.Having displayed the attributes required for the position, Veronica was promoted to the position of Cashier, January1, 1978, performing in the role of a very mature and senior predecessor. It is this same attitude of excellent performance and accuracy for almost 25 years that saw her transferal to the Credit Control Department (recently re-named receivables Management Unit). Here she made her mark as an outstanding and reliable member of the unit. Her seniority and friendly disposition made her popular with the younger members of staff from whom she won love and respect hence the other names, “Auntie” and “Mummy” emerged.She provided on the job training to new members joining the team on her volition. She became an influential and stabilizing force within the unit, so much so that the Team.In addition to her job she served as Spiritual Coordinator of the Staff Association for five years and has provided spiritual guidance and leadership to many within the organization.We are sure that Reddy has found working forty –two years with BCIC a colorful, enlightening, rewarding and enjoyable experience as she has witnessed ownership changes (overseas and local)among other things and the various changes in the industry.All in all, Reddy would not have wanted it differently, neither would BCIC and we appreciate wholeheartedly her sterling contribution”.

Tributes: Time to Say Goodbye

Ms.Reddy’s ReplyIt is time to say GoodBye! The last 42 years came and went by so quickly, but like everything else in life, all good things must come to an end. The privilege was mine, to have served and worked alongside the staff, in various capacities. They have all been reward-ing, even the negatives, as I have chalked them up to lifetime experiences.I have had many relationships that have blossomed into lifelong friendships. I have gained invaluable knowledge about our in-dustry through the countless experiences. I have laughed, cried and prayed both in the good and bad times. I have been especially blessed over the last several years with our morning time devotions. I can vividly recall the many occasions when we have broken bread together, the staff trips, the parties and the numerous celebra-tions. It is an emotional time for me, but certainly a happy one.I have spent my entire career at BCIC, it was and is my only job. I have achieved a lot over the years, which has positively influ-enced my standard of living. To the many members of staff who have made my sojourn so much more enjoyable and enriching, Thank You! However I would like to single out – Mr. William Nash, Nadine Hammond, Romaine Walters, Marlene Farquharson, Karen Jackson, Brit Johnson, Joy Gibson, M. Whiley, Melrose Blair, Eddie, Ms. Lurline, Ruby, Glen, Veronica Dixon & the Staff As-sociation Committee.

May the Lord continue to bless you all and the industry that you so passionately serve!

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BUNDLES OF JOY

Haeli, Daughter of

Khadine Berbick

Madison, Daughter of

Raquel Grant

Cuewayne Antoine, Son of Glenroy Gilroy

JoelSon of Karen Wright ACROSS

2 Teamwork, growth and empowerment4 Risk-Taking, envision a better way and work towards it8 We care about people10 Constantly look for opportunities to add value and review decisions to get better12 Truthful and respectful

DOWN1 Accommodating, solution oriented3 Admit mistakes, accept feedback, share ideas5 Accountable and have technical skills and knowledge to do our jobs6 What we are, provide peace of mind to customers by delivering solutions7 We go the extra mile not accepting mediocrity and celebrate success9 Who we are11 Who we want to be, the most motivated, empowered team in our market, living our values in service of our customers See Solution in the Next Issue.


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