Groupchat 2015 :: Volume 3

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JULY 2015

a Message from the

PRESIDENT

As we close the first quarter of the new fiscal year and I am pleased to share with you that JBGL is off to a great start. The Lord continues to show us favour across our operations and despite challenges in our various markets we continue to see growth!

As a team, you have all demonstrated your commitment to excellence, and this is substantiated by the Company’s results. But even beyond this, the camaraderie and fellowship shared not only within each Division or Subsidiary, but across the length and breathe of the Company, continues to hold us together like a family.

Let us continue along this path. Let us stay true to the core that holds the JBGL family together: • Our core business is poultry; everything we engage in revolves around this core product.

• Our core belief is in the Lord Jesus Christ; we continue to trust His guidance as we move forward.

• And our core values are efficiency, truth, fairness and a commitment to the building of goodwill among all our stakeholders.

Here’s to the start of a great year!

Christopher Levy President & CEO 2

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Claudette Cooke

the chief’s team Danah Cameron Loren Henry Karla Davis Christina Russell

Photographers Steve Quallo Gabre Cameron Skkan Media

contributors

MESAJ

PREZIDAN An

Kòm nap fèmen premye trimès nouvèl ane fiskal la, mwen kontan poum enfòme nou ke JBGL fè yon bon demaraj. Seyè a kontinye montre nou favè li nan tout operasyon nou yo e malgre tout kalite defi ki genyen nan tout mache nou yo nou kontinye wè Progrè!

Kòm yon ekip, Nou tout te montre angajman nou nan dènye degre, e nou wè prèv la nan rezilta konpayi an. Men, menm pi lwen pase sa, kamaradri nou ak remesiman nou a Bondye, simaye pa sèlman nan chak Divizyon oswa filyal, men nan tout dimansyon ak respirasyon ki nan Konpayi an, ap kontinye kenbe nou ansanm tankou yon fanmi.

An nou kontinye nan chemen sa a. An nou rete nan verite ak nwayo sa ki kenbe fanmi JBGL la ansanm: Biznis santral nou se poulaye; nan tout bagay nou angaje nou, santre toutotou pwodwi prensipal sa a. Konfyans nwayo nou an se nan Seyè a Jezi Kris; nou kontinye gen konfyans nan konsèy li pandan nap avanse pou pi devan. Epi valè debaz nou yo se efikasite, verite, jistis ak yon angajman nan konstri bòn volonte nan mitan tout envestisè nou yo.

Vwale, ak kòmansman yon bèl ane!

Christopher Levy Prezidan ak Direktè Jeneral

Stacy Moore Joane Bijou Annette Jackson Denise Johnson Avadaugn Sinclair Ibett Remedios Capt. John Richards Racquel Watson Tavia DeLisser Ryan Evelyn

THANKS

What an exciting few months this has been!

The new fiscal year is off to a great start and we’ve been overwhelmed by the wealth of photos and articles! Keep ‘em coming!

Thanks again for all the great feedback. Keep on sending in your content and we’ll be chatting again in October. Till then...

Stay true to the core!

Published in The Gleaner: May 2, 2015

Kellier Lauds JB Group For Business, Labour Practices Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier has commended the Jamaica Broilers Group for its strict adherence to global manufacturing standards as well as good industrial relations practices.

“We get the impression, cursory though it may, that your workforce seems to be a competent one and they seem to be fairly happy and focused, and that is the key ingredient to success of many enterprises,” he said at the company’s corporate head office in McCook’s Pen, St Catherine.

He continued: “The workers are the heart of business and without the workers you have no business.

From all indications and from what I have gleaned about the labour relations side of it, it seems to be managed very well. I want to congratulate you

and the Jamaica Broilers team for ensuring that the workers’ welfare are properly attended to.”

Top-Class Operation Kellier, who also has the labour and industrial relations portfolio, had earlier led a tour of the company’s feed mills operations in Bodles, St Catherine, as well as the Best Dressed Chicken processing plant in Spring Village, also in the parish.

“I really think the operation is top class. We’ve visited many operations in North America and I really think the team has learnt a lot from the experience of today,” he said.

In fact, Kellier admitted that the insight into the company’s operations gleaned from the tour had

given him a greater appreciation for the different aspects of its business.

as an extension of the Ministry of Agriculture,” Levy shared.

“Most people may think that it’s just a chicken operation, but we have seen the diverse things that you are capable of producing in the factory.

Nothing goes to waste, and that is very important in this kind of operation. It means that farmers who support you, they benefit quite well and, again, that extension service is a good thing. The corporate support you give to the citizens by way of the things that you set up in the community is commendable,” Kellier asserted.

He went on to single out Dr Osbil Watson, head of the Vete-rinary Services Division, for his excellent leadership and willingness to provide technical support to the wider farming community, citing the recent Asian flu

In response, Christopher Levy, president and chief executive officer of the Jamaica Broilers Group, assured the minister that this helping hand approach was at the heart of its corporate philosophy.

“This company is about building other people’s business. That’s what we do. We want the farmers to invest and we will support them - whether it is in technical services, feed or whether it is in sales and marketing. For us, it’s about building other people’s business. We see ourselves, quite frankly, almost

outbreak as an example of the cooperation that helps to strengthen Jamaica’s global competitiveness in agriculture.

Levy assured the minister of his company’s support in the ongoing drive to improve and increase Jamaica’s production and productivity.

“I want to pledge that Jamaica Broilers is a hundred per cent behind you and the agricultural industry and its development. We go through a lot of changes and phases in this country, but we have been here 54 years. It’s because we’ve been able to understand the various governments, leaders and ministers of agriculture and the priorities, and (we) work accordingly with them,” he declared.

TEAM JBG AT relay for life Relay for Life 2015 was held on June 13 – 14 at the Police Officers Club. This unique charity has widened its impact over its 13 years of existence and has established itself as an entertaining family event which raises money for the Jamaica Cancer Society while increasing cancer awareness and celebrating survivorship. Within an hour the atmosphere was filled with the clicks of cameras, the shouts and laughter of friends, the slamming of dominoes, music from the live band on stage, the clashing of pot covers and the singing and marching of the teams going around the track.

Team Jamaica Broilers was dressed in green shirts this year catching the attention of the cameras during the Team March. With sheer joy and enthusiasm they marched with their banner held high singing “Jamaica BOOM!” and as they passed the Best Dressed Chicken booth which enticed the marchers

with an aroma of delectable meals, they had the BDC Family beaming with pride as with loud voices they bellowed “Best Dressed Chicken a di Favourite!”

After the march, the team enjoyed mouth-watering Best Dressed Jerk Chicken, tasty Reggae Jammin’ hamburgers, Reggae Jammin’ and Hamilton’s Hot Dogs and nuggets and fries for the kids.

Jamaica Broilers received a visit from The Minister of Health, The Honourable Dr. Fenton Ferguson, who shared the camera with members of the team.

Afterwards, the Team participated in the ceremonial lighting of the Luminarias around the track, each light representing persons who lost the fight against cancer. Team members attending the event for the first time were in awe to see a track full of the lights of lost soldiers.

It was a truly memorable experience and overall a wonderful all-nighter for Team JBG!

A ‘LABOUR in LOVE’ AT POLLY GROUND PRIMARY SCHOOL Polly Ground Primary School, perched in the hills of Ewarton St. Catherine, just 21 miles north of the Best Dressed Chicken Processing Plant, boasts a student compliment of 605 and Information here has been an integral part of the community for almost 50 years.

The Team came out in their etcBDC blaa blaa numbers to celebrate Labour Day by completely renovating and so on kitchen aboutfacility. the School’s The Project aptly fit under the national theme which called for the touring of the citizens to ‘Labour in Love’ by nurturing our children.

“Labour Day is a call for us to serve our community [and we wanted] to enrich the educational experience of students at Polly Ground,” said Avadaugn Sinclair, BDC Marketing Manager.

The Team replaced mesh doors, resurfaced work area countertops, installed new fixtures, fittings and kitchen equipment and repainted both the interior and exterior walls.

BDC Team Member Andrew Allen, remarked that, “It [is] personally rewarding for all of us to be here today to support the school’s effort to boost the nutrition of its students.”

The school’s principal, Mr. Colin Blake, as he happily facilitated the work of the Best Dressed Chicken Team said, “A healthy meal plays an important role in nurturing students by equipping them to learn. Sadly, our relatively small kitchen has not had any improvements since the 1990’s and we are thankful for the assistance.”

The School continues to enjoy their newly renovated facilities.

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BDC Marketing Manager Avadaugn Sinclair takes a quick break from cleaning up to flash us a toothy grin

before

After!

Here the BDC Labour Day Team gathers for prayer and briefing before getting to work!

Published in Family & Faith Magazine: June 2015

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SNAP SHOT! Wincorp President, Stephen Levy paying a visit to one of our farmers in North Georgia.

hi-pro bodles community health fair The BDC Feedmill & HiPro Marketing Teams came together to stage a Community Health Fair at Esquivel Sports Centre on June 10. Members Information of the Bodles here Community were delighted to see the RGD, Lions Club of Kingston, etc blaa blaa NHT South East Regional Authority, and of course our Company Doctor and Nurse. and so on about Hi-Pro also hosted a number of games and competitions the touring the and including sack of races an exciting round of football matches.

Pam Russell, Manager BDC Field Operations 12 GroupChat listens keenly as John Carberry, Assistant VP Energy takes a trip down memory lane.

DJ Carrot (centre) and his Hi-Pro clad assistant (right) step away from the turn tables to snap a photo with these lovely JBG ladies (left to right) Denise Johnson, Hi-Pro Marketing Officer; Danah Cameron, Group PR & Training Officer; Michelle Sinclair, BDC Promoter; and Alicia Brown, BDC Promoter.

Dr. Hanley, BDC Research & Development Manager with a dashing GQ smile.

John Carberry, Assistant VP Energy greets one of the Bodles Community representatives.

star chefs heat up bdc pavilion at the table talk food awards Guests at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards was treated at The Best Dressed Chicken pavilion, which featured culinary artistry from four top chefs—Jacqui Tyson, Brian Lumley, Jason Howard and Vidyadhara Shetty.

The pavilion was designed around the theme of ‘The Art of Good Food’ and the driving inspiration to present the very best of contemporary Caribbean cuisine. “The Jamaican food narrative was expressed

by Chef Tyson and Chef Lumley, while our special guests, Chef Howard and Chef Shetty will brought an exciting international perspective.”

Local culinary firebrand, Jacqui Tyson is the Director of From Yardstyle to Gourmet and the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards 2014 Chairman’s Awardee. Chef Tyson perennially serves up innovative takes on Jamaican cuisine. Chef Brian Lumley is owner of the popular New Kingston restaurant, 689

by Brian Lumley and has distinguished himself by garnering a host of accolades including Caribbean Chef of the Year 2013-2014 and the youngest 14

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Jamaican Chef of the Year in 2008 and 2012.

Barbadian born Chef Jason Howard is Michelin trained with more than 14 years’ experience working in four and five-star hotels in Barbados prior to working as a sous chef for Hélène Darroze at the Connaught Hotel London. Since then, he has organized a series of pop-up dining events titled “The Caribbean Fine Dining Experience”, where he fuses the Caribbean food and flavours of his background in a deconstructed way, delivered on par with that of fine dining excellence.

Vidyadhara Shetty, originally from Mumbai, India is Executive Chef at Blue Cilantro Restaurant in Grand Cayman where he is revolutionizing the food industry there as President of the Cayman Culinary Federation.

Our Best Dressed Chicken pavilion transcended the traditional tasting experience and offer guests an epicurean adventure around the Caribbean with fresh and progressive expositions from our chefs.

JBG President, Christopher Levy (centre) is flanked by BDC’s Star Chefs (from L - R) Brian Lumley, Vidyadhara Shetty, Jacqui Tyson, and Jason Howard.

President Christopher Levy presents the award for “Di Favourite Chicken Spot” to attorney –at-law Keela Foote & Inthing Restaurant Manager Kishan Tulsie.

k a e p e h t o t a trek

peak

This April, a small cohort of the JBG family embarked on the annual company trip to the Blue Mountain Peak. On that Friday evening the mixed group of “newbies” and seasoned hikers, drove to Whitfield Hall (a rustic hostel in the mountains) gearing up for another memorable hike. Once there they were fed a hearty, “proper country-cooking” dinner, heavy with carbohydrates to supply them with much needed energy for the walk. After sleeping for a few hours they would head out early in the morning, hoping to watch a beautiful sunrise from the peak.

At 2:00 a.m. the group gathered outside the hostel in the crisp mountain air for prayer, and by 2:05 a.m. they were on their way. It would be a long 7 mile trek to the summit at 7,402 feet.

They walked shrouded in the darkness, but for the illumination provided by flashlights of a faithful few who remembered to carry one along. Once the chances of getting lost on the trail were minimized, Captain John gave the go-ahead for the group to split up and encouraged everyone to go at his or her own pace. Captain and “the strong” forged ahead, leaving the rest of the group to “pull up the rear”.

It took a few hours, but the team at the back caught eventually up with the group at Portland Gap. There they refilled water bottles, rested briefly, and set 16

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their minds on the remainder of the uphill climb.

Captain’s group resumed the walk in front, and within the next hour, it became evident that fatigue had set in, “Leave me here and I’ll catch up” one member of the party said, but like true soldiers, they left no man behind.

They continued to put one foot in front of the other, their surroundings gradually becoming more visible.

At this point, it was safe to say they had missed the sunrise. They pressed on nonetheless, propelled by sheer will-power. A few corners later, some familiar structures began peering through what had now become thick fog.

They conquered the mountain, and were now at the peak. The group gathered for a few photos, and quickly sought refuge from the chilling wind in an old building. Due to the lack of sunshine, the decision was made that they would not to linger at the top, and so their attention turned to tackling the descent.

Only then were they truly able to appreciate the beautiful views they missed, and the close calls they escaped in the darkness earlier that morning.

Come on board for the next trip – it creates truly unforgettable memories.

It was a typical sunny morning; Jakes always seems to attract good weather. The swimmers were under the starters orders. Prayers had been said and everyone listened for the shout that would transform an apparently tranquil scene into an explosion of activity. This was the twentieth staging of the Caribbean’s oldest off-road triathlon and the excitement was so thick it wafted in the sea breeze.

Many of the swimmers had been preparing for months, some wanted to win; others, to better last year’s times; and some were just there to participate at their own sweet pace. Our team had the usual suspects – Steve, our swimmer, Kevin, the running wonder, and I [Captain John Richards] would do the ride, doubling as team captain.

Go! and the swimmers dashed for the water to begin their 500m swim in their quest for glory. 500 metres away I awaited Steve’s arrival. Steve took the corner wide during his swim and the competition ducked under his left arm and nosed in front. I waited.

Notwithstanding the set-back, he hit the beach in

12th place the worse for wear. When we tagged, I took off on the bike both overtaking and being overtaken by other cyclists.

The ride was a grueling 25K but I managed to maintain our 12th place eventually tagging the impatient Kevin as he stood in silence in the midst of the finish line clamour. He had done his stretches, was hydrated and raring to go. Kevin ran like a true champion - he has been the fastest Jamaica Broilers employee in the Sigma 5K for years in a row. We watched him power home to the finish line. Over the 7K course he had chased down and overtaken one runner finishing in 11th place overall in the run.

This year we narrowly missed the title in the dip for the finish line. The Tru-juice team beat us by 30 seconds, leaving us to settle for second place in the Corporate Team category. All in all, it was another good year, and again we are grateful to the Corporate PR team for sponsoring us.

2015

Jamaica broilers group FIXTURES

Fi x tures

Business House Football League National Water Commission Football Field

WED. June 24

I 6:30pm on Field 4

TUES. June 30

I 6:30pm on Field 2

WED. July 8

I 7:15pm on Field 3

MON. July 13

I 6:30pm on Field 3

WED. July 22

I 6:30pm on Field 4

WED. July 29

I 7:15pm on Field 4

WED. August 12

I 6:30pm on Field 1

JBG vs. BNS (A) JBG vs. BNS (B) JBG vs. Seprod

JBG vs. T Geddes Grant

JBG vs. JP Tropical Fruits JBG vs. UDC

JBG vs. Kingston Bookshop

KNOCKOUT SAT. August 22 I 5:40pm

JBG vs. Spanish Grain MON. Sept. 7

I 6:30pm on Field 4

MON. Sept. 14

I 7:15pm on Field 2

MON. Sept. 21

I 6:30pm on Field 4

MON. Sept. 28

I 6:30pm on Field 3

JBG vs. Spanish Grain JBG vs. Maritime

JBG vs. Food for the Poor JBG vs. JPPC 18

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Haiti broilers on the air!

Power 106 radio personality Derval Malcolm made his way to Haiti for an Outside Broadcast from our very own Haiti Broilers. Malcolm took the opportunity to chat with members of staff about life in Haiti since Jamaica Broilers took the decision to operate there after Haiti’s earth shattering quake in 2010.

Malcolm pointed out that Jamaica Broilers came to Haiti at a time when the average business would have been going in the opposite direction. Dave Fairman, Operations Manager of Haiti Broilers responded noting that though the challenges were great immediately following the eartquake 5 years ago, “Everybody did everything they could, happily, to facilitate our Company setting up operations in Haiti.

When we started we were just testing the waters; we

traded and sent things from Jamaica for sale to see how the Haitian market would react to our products.

It took us a year and a half before we were able to get infrastructure in place.”

After much effort, the Jamaica Broilers Group and Haiti have developed a beautiful, mutually beneficial relationship. Our Haiti Broilers operation focuses mainly on table eggs: a low cost, high protien staple of particular value to low income families there, and has also fostered growth in the local farming industry through the Hi-Pro Feeds brand. The Le Chic Poulet brand also maintains a steady presence on the market providing quality, locally produced chicken meat.

Malcolm was greatly impressed with the efforts of the team there and insisted “There must be a book that comes out of this; all the world needs to read that book!”

TREVOR DEWDNEY

a love for farming

An early interest in agriculture “Knowing about yourself really starts from when you’re a child.” These words were offered by Dr. Trevor Dewdney as he reflected on his life. Trevor grew up in a family home in Kingston, Jamaica at a time when the population was sparse. He attended primary school at Camperdown Preparatory, and from there he went on to high school at Kingston College.

During that time, Trevor lived with both his parents and grandparents, and as a child had plenty room to play football and cricket on their property. His grandfather - a farmer - was a large land owner and would often tell an impressionable Trevor that land was a good investment. Trevor admired his grandfather; and his love for farming sparked an interest within Trevor. “It seems as if chickens were in my destiny,” he laughed to himself as he remembered that his first animal was a rooster given to him by his grandmother. “One of my first jobs, was as a wrapper in a downtown shop …I used to save my money; I was making about two shillings and six pence a day. I saved that money and bought myself a goat.”

Having always had an inclination towards agriculture and an interest in animal husbandry, he then went on to study at the Jamaica School of Agriculture before attending Michigan State University where he would complete his studies in Veterinary Medicine.

Industrious life abroad Dr. Dewdney recalled his grandfather’s words of advice to him from a very early age, “it’s not a matter of what you earn, but how much you save;” and as Trevor prepared to go to Michigan for school, he took that advice and ran with it. He had just enough 20

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money to pay for the first two terms of his tuition and one term of boarding, but he did not allow that to deter him. From the onset of his university career, Trevor started working to save towards his tuition.

He started in janitorial work on campus and during the summers, the young Dewdney would venture to New York on his own to labour in a woodwork shop.

He described the experience as a good lesson in learning to be self-sufficient, and in doing whatever was legitimate in order to get ahead, regardless of whether or not it was menial.

Obligation to his country Trevor excelled academically during his first two years in Michigan, and at that time applied for a scholarship from Jamaica to help cover his school fees. He was awarded Jamaica’s first Independent Scholarship for Veterinary Medicine, which allowed him to complete the remaining four years of his studies. “It also made me recognize that I owed something to Jamaica.” On completion of his studies, though he had opportunities to stay in the United States, the now Dr. Dewdney chose to return to Jamaica out of that sense of obligation. “I have never regretted it … [the scholarship] tied my thinking to serving Jamaica.”

An introduction to Jamaica Broilers On returning to Jamaica, the young doctor worked as a veterinarian with the Jamaican government before he was approached by Mr. Andrew Wildish to join Jamaica Broilers. Dr. Dewdney describes Mr. Wildish as a “special person. He emphasized fairness, but excellence.” So in 1971, Trevor joined Jamaica Broilers as Field Operations Manager. He also recalls the influence of Mr. Sydney Levy, one of the company’s founders, who had a unique approach to business - “whatever you do, must be

A young Dr. Dewdney examines a chicken alongside JBG farmer, Mr. Lopez

good for all concerned parties.” These principles, coupled with his grandfather’s emphasis on respect for others, created a sort of personal philosophy for Trevor’s dealing with people. This proved especially beneficial for him as it aided in building rapport with the farmers who he would visit at least three days out of his work week.

Innovation and promotion As Field Operations Manager, Dewdney was able to introduce new technology to the farmers. “One of the things we did was to improve the ventilation of the poultry houses by changing the design of the houses. I got an architect to draw plans for the new type of house.” Dewdney’s diligence and initiative did not go unnoticed. Mr. Austin Epps, then C.E.O. of the company, gave him fairly free range to implement these changes, and only two years after joining the company, Trevor was made a Director of what was then Jamaica Broilers Limited. He was also appointed to the Board of Master Blend (Feed Mill).

In the 1980’s, many U.S. companies and business men sought to set up businesses in Jamaica. Dr. Dewdney made note of one such person – Mr. George Clean; who was instrumental in the setting up of Content. “I was assigned to be the assistant manager with him … this was set up where the Group Head Office is.” When Mr. Clean’s tenure was over, Dewdney was invited by the board of Content Agricultural Products to take over the position, “but that would have meant that I would have to leave Jamaica Broilers,” they were two separate entities at the time, “so I declined.” In the years to follow, Dr. Dewdney was instrumental to many other areas of the company. Of note was the creation of the

Dr. Dewdney (left), in a meeting with (L-R) David Wildish, Andrew Wildish, R.T. Cousins, Phillip Levy, and the Company’s accountant.

laboratory at Jamaica Broilers, and the establishment of the pharmacy at Hi-Pro ACE Supercentre. He officially retired from Jamaica Broilers Group when he became sixty-five, but was later invited to return to the company as a veterinarian.

The love for farming remains Dr. Dewdney was quick to point out that although he had been working in agriculture for Jamaica Broilers over the years, he by no means neglected his personal farming. “In the midst of all this, I was acquiring farming land. So I eventually ended up establishing residence in a place called Paul Mountain.” There Dr. Dewdney now has multiple farming interests.

“My son and myself are contracted to Jamaica Broilers [as contract growers] ... I rear some cattle, I rear some goats, a few pigs … we are very diverse in what we do.” According to Dr. Dewdney, farming creates a very good and satisfactory lifestyle. He also farms crops which include mango, ackee, and tamarind orchards on his property. “I anticipate that those trees will form a part of my legacy,” he noted.

On any given day, Dr. Dewdney can be found sitting in a modest office at Hi-Pro ACE Supercentre ready to consult with farmers who walk in needing help with their animals. “I have found that [experience] very rewarding; it has expanded my exposure to a whole range of animals. Instead of primarily poultry, now I have everything ... My tenure with JB has been a very good one. I’ve benefited immensely from my association with the Company” he reflected.

Dr. Dewdney has been serving on the Board of Jamaica Broilers Group for approximately ten years.

His life experiences and in large part the influence of his grandfather, have shaped who he is today – a farmer at heart.

Published in The Gleaner: May 15, 2015

Jamaica broilers Fetes educators More than 2,400 teachers have been hosted over the last 15 years by the Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) at the company’s annual Teachers’ Day luncheon.

With an average attendance of 160 teachers from 21 schools in St Catherine, the JBG event is one of the island’s largest gatherings at a Teachers’ Day luncheon.

In addition to an afternoon of fun-filled activities and entertainment, the programme includes a motivational presentation by outstanding leaders in the society, aimed at encouraging teachers to higher service.

“Jamaica Broilers looks forward to organising this event in recognition of the hard work and personal sacrifice which teachers display each day in the classroom, and to show them we care.

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Dr. Claudette Cooke, VP HRD & PR (seated) plays teacher with speaker, Dr. Shermaine Barrett (second left) and the ladies from the PR Dept. (L-R) Loren Henry, Danah Cameron & Karla Davis.

“This is also in keeping with our emphasis on empowering members of the communities in which we operate in St Catherine through education,” said Dr Claudette Cooke, vice-president of human resources and public relations at JBG. Engaging And Inspiring The luncheon was held on May 6 at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club, and was engaging and inspiring. Highlights included picture taking on arrival, a ‘chicken dance’ as well as a challenge and inspiration from Dr Shermaine Barrett, educator and human-development specialist, who urged teachers to go ‘the extra mile’.

“What you do outside of the classroom is as important as what you do on the inside, as there cannot be double standards. Teachers have to be prepared to impact not only the intellectual development of their students, but their social, emotional and ethical growth as well,” Dr Barrett said.

Kevin Downswell appeared as the ‘surprise’ on the programme. He ministered in both word and song and had teachers reaffirming God’s blessings and goodness. They danced and swayed as they sang along and even did solos of his popular songs.

Music Minister Kevin Downswell had the Teachers on their feet dancing and singing along to his hit song “Stronger�

Family link up!

Best Dressed Chicken sponsored “Team Jamaica” in the “Taste of the Caribbean” held at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida. Of course, the Wincorp side of the family was thrilled to have the BDC cousins in town! Wincorp came out to show their support for BDC and the amazing contingent of Jamaican chefs!

Team Jamaica was a brilliant success taking home 7 different awards including “Chef of the Year” & “Team of the Year”. Family a yaad and family abraad proud cyaa done!

(Translating that last line: Family at home and abroad are beaming with pride!)

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know your industry

Hatchability

cull

The number of saleable chickens that hatch from all eggs incubated – usually expressed as a percentage.

The identification and removal of non-productive birds from the flock.

Feed Conversion Ratio A measure of an animal’s efficiency in converting feed mass into body mass. If a chicken’s feed conversion ratio is 2:1, it means that by consuming 2 pounds of feed, the chicken’s body weight increases 1 pound.

giblets

w.o.g.

These are defined as the heart, liver and gizzard of a poultry carcass.

The term is used to refer to a whole chicken where the giblets are not included as part its net weight. A WOG may be split, quartered, or cut into 8 or 9 pieces for the fast food/food service trade.

meet our customer!

Celebrating twelve years in Jamaica, PriceSmart has become a household name across the island.

From bulk cleaning supplies to its famous Christmas cakes, this membership shopping club on Red Hills Road has established itself as a major player in the food industry. GroupChat stopped by to pay them a visit.

GC: Tell us about the brand Pricesmart.

PriceSmart: PriceSmart Jamaica is a membership shopping club where individuals can find high quality local and imported products at very affordable prices. We pride ourselves in satisfying our member’s needs by providing everything they need under one roof. Along with high quality groceries and fresh items, PriceSmart offers brand name merchandise including electronics, computers, home appliances, office equipment, hardware, sporting goods, apparel and more. Our in-club services include rotisserie, fresh bakery, and a food court. Members can also take advantage of our online shopping experience

at www.pricesmart.com GC: As a global brand, why open a club in Jamaica?

PriceSmart: There was no other company offering this service in the Jamaican market and based on research it was deduced that Jamaica would be a great fit for the brand. Jamaicans are always open to all things new and different and as such we capitalized on the opportunity, especially in a period when the economy was booming.

GC: What would you say are three of your company’s core values?

PriceSmart: 1. Member satisfaction 2. Selling high quality merchandise at affordable prices 3.

Product availability GC: What differentiates you from other wholesale clubs?

PriceSmart: We keep it simple.

GC: How many SKU’s (stock items) does Pricesmart carry? (Eg: Canned, Frozen, etc).

PriceSmart: Currently Pricesmart stocks over 2,500 SKU’s, including a number of BDC’s products.

GC: How long have you been a Best Dressed Chicken customer?

PriceSmart: We have been a BDC customer since the club opened its doors in 2003 (12 years).

Charlene Danvers, PriceSmart’s Marketing & Memberships Manager explains a special membership offer to Reggae Jammin’s Racquel Watson

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GC: How do you keep in touch with the company?

PriceSmart: Our primary points of contact are our relationship manager, Lloyd Phillips, Janet Welch

The Best Dressed Team converse with Donna Marie Ford - PriceSmart’s Fresh Meats Buyer (second from right).

Paul Stephenson, BDC merchandiser, pauses briefly from packing a fridge with Best Dressed’s products

our Telesales Representative and Tavia Delisser Merchandising Supervisor.

GC: What would you say is one of BDC’s strengths as your supplier?

PriceSmart: They always prioritize our orders, ensuring our shelves remain constantly stocked.

GC: How can people sign up and what are the benefits to becoming a member?

PriceSmart: Individuals can sign up or renew their membership by contacting our telemarketing team (969-0056) or visiting our membership desk (in-store). They will be required to fill out the membership form and pay the membership fee of $4,711 (two persons) or $3,365 (one person). For members whose accounts are expired they will pay the same amount ($4,711 -double membership or $3,365-single membership) and their information will be updated in the system.

Ryan Evelyn, Marketing Coordinator, poses proudly with a fully stocked fridge of Hamilton’s products

Members will benefit from this by being able to shop in a warehouse club that allows them to purchase high quality merchandise that have already been discounted.

PriceSmart is making a special offer to members from Jamaica Broilers who refer someone after reading GroupChat. When an existing member refers someone to PriceSmart they will both receive a $750 gift certificate. In the referral, they should mention the name of the member from JB and include “Jamaica Broilers E-Magazine”.

Fi x tures

2015

Jamaica broilers group FIXTURES Business House CRICKET SERIES

50 overs league SUN. July 5

I 10:00am at Red Stripe

JBG vs. Red Stripe SUN. July 19

I 10:00am at BDC Sports Club

JBG vs. Dept. of correctional services SUN. July 26

I 10:00am at MICO University

JBG vs. continental banking co. ltd.

t/20 knock out competition SUN. August 2

I 2:00pm at MICO University

JBG vs. JAmalco SUN. August 9

I 10:00am at Spring Village

JBG vs. Y.B. Foundation SUN. August 16

I 2:00pm at Jamalco

JBG vs. National Housing Trust SUN. September 27

SEMI-Finals SUN. October 11

Finals

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Rotisserie Showoffs!

Six Deli/Bakery teams from the Progressive Grocers Group vigorously competed over eight days of battle in their Mother’s Day Competition for the best Reggae Jammin Rotisserie Display on May 2nd-9th.

Each team was commissioned to develop creative initiatives to achieve flair in presentation and the overall consistent “Flava to de Bone” taste of the Reggae Jammin Rotisserie Chicken.

After the judges from Reggae Jammin and Progressive Grocers met to decide what were very close scores among the teams, the Ocho Rios store came out on top. The store had a “Jammin” time after being awarded with a Jerk Day, Reggae Jammin baskets, bragging rights within the group of stores and the plaque to verify it.

Much Ado About Coffee!

On May 6, 2015 under sunny blue skies, Hi-Pro hosted their first coffee seminar at UCC Craighton Estate in Irish Town. Representatives from suppliers of Diamond R and BASF made presentations on a variety of fungicides, chemicals and fertilizers to an audience of nearly 150 coffee farmers. Effective use of this product arsenal could double the yield for Coffee Farmers and at a time when a single box of coffee beans were being sold for $10,000 up from the previous $3,000 price point, these farmers were urged not to pass up the opportunity.

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The seminar was followed by a tour of the UCC Craighton Coffee Farm where participants were able to see the impact of the products they had just learnt about, on the actual coffee plants.

The farm tour, scheduled to last one hour, instead lasted for two, as farmers lovingly stroked the leaves of plants and marveled over the total lack of blemish, the quantity of berries on a single plant, and the density of the younger plants. The event was a great success and the farmers truly appreciative.

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Hi-pro Heroes Days after the Coffee Seminar, the Hi-Pro team learnt of the devastation wrought by a fire in Mavis Bank that burnt over 500 acres of land and caused an estimated $200 million in damage to plants and property. Some of the very same farmers hosted at the Coffee Seminar had been affected.

Hi-Pro used Labour Day 2015 as an opportunity to give something back to the Mavis Bank Coffee Farmers.

With a team of 35 members of staff, Team Hi-Pro traversed rocky roads, and scorched hillsides to get to the remote community of Flamstead. Despite their recent loss, the residents were animated and upbeat- a true testimony to the resilience of Jamaican farmers. Many had made the uphill journey on foot or by bicycle from communities several miles away just to meet with the Team.

Hi-Pro

technical

representatives

conducted

workshops on best practices in broiler management and crop care, while members from the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory discussed methods for fire prevention.

Following this, The Hi-Pro Team distributed hundreds of coffee seedlings, fertilizer, broiler chicks and feed to residents who were delighted to receive the gifts. They were also treated to a KFC lunch, which perhaps for the first time in the history of Jamaica, proved to be secondary to people who had their hands full of coffee plants, chicks and feed- and just didn’t want to let go!

We were grateful to Mavis Bank Coffee Factory for their help organizing this event, and grateful to the farmers for their participation and enthusiasm... and to KFC for a great meal!

Another great day in the Hi-Pro camp!

GR

UPCHAT

There are so many new things on the horizon!

We’re excited by all the happenings around the Group & look forward to hearing more from you.

Email your GroupChat sumbissions and ideas to dcameron@jabgl.com or lhenry@jabgl.com.

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