NAME ME!!
ISSUE 1 May 2012
Inside
2 3 Promotions and Transfers 5 Undercover SuperStar 5 Star “Ballaz” 6 Health and Wellness 101 Tributes:Time to Say Goodbye Farewell to Ms.reddy 7 8 Bundles of Joy Managing Director’s Address
Values In Action:Crossword Puzzle
8
Managing Director’s Address Colleagues, The introduction of the newsletter is in support of the first on the list of our Core Values: “Employee Engagement”, which is the starting point for us to live up to the rest of the Values. The first step in the “Engagement Process” is communication 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 communication 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 encourage 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 yourselves 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 congratulate 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 address your concerns and truly become your employer of first choice. This is your Newsletter, share it with your friends and family! With Regards, Peter
Financial Outlook:Green Lights The first quarter has been one of the most successful 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 appreciative. As Ralph Waldo Emerson states “what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared 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 passion 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 Samuels Simone Foote David Stewart Orlando Bankasingh Joy Gibson Kerri-Ann Foster Sheron 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)
Page 2
Branch Highlight
In this issue we will be highlighting the Mandeville Branch of BCIC. Our Mandeville Branch continues to make a significant contribution to the nation’s most vulnerable citizens through the Manchester Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross. The branch has most recently made a cash contribution to the Red Cross at its Annual 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 relationship between the Red Cross and BCIC. Mr. Walker commended BCIC for providing insurance coverage for the ambulance free of cost for two years. He also expressed appreciation for BCIC’s support to the community.
Promotions & Transfers
We congratulate the following staff members on their promotions and transfers:
Shayon - Senior Insurance Officer
Sonia, Senior Insurance Officer
Anthony, Montego Bay: Junior Underwriter.
Christal Burke, Intermediate Insurance Officer
Anita Dacres, Intermediate Insurance Officer
Brian Murdock, Operations to Legal: Legal Administrative Assistant
In addition to the cash contribution, Michele McLean, Branch Supervisor also made a presentation on Hurricane 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, personal effects. Update the list each time a new acquisition is made or, likewise, when an item is discarded.
Tafari Duhaney, Operations to Corporate Risk
Vanessa Johnson, Operations to Corporate Risk: Junior Underwriter
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 exposed, 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)
Page 3
BCIC Celebrates 50 This year BCIC celebrates its 50th anniversary; October 23, 2012, to be exact. BCIC’s history began when two law firms, Myers 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 Company Limited, to form British Caribbean Insurance Company Limited, on October 23, 1962. The Company 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 members are: Doreen Samuels, Karen Rochester-Jackson Racquel Grant Joy Gibson Odesha Lewis Yanique Junor Simone 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.
Staff Engagement Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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: Leadership Employee Involvement Employee Engagement Employee Morale Quality 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 complete 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 information 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 consider 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.
Page 4
Undercover SuperStar
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 Receivables 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.
Star “Ballaz”
We congratulate the “Star Ballaz” on their excellent performance 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 congratulate and celebrate our team:
Romaine Walton Jermaine Manhue Jermaine Antoine Anthony Thompson Jason Knott Michael White
If you missed it, here’s the team’s progression through through the league: Opponent
Result
Goal Scorers
Guardian Life
5-4 On penalties
Christopher Johnson, Romaine Walton, Jermaine Antoine, Kitwana 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 BCIC Staff Newsletter: Describe your typical client? highlighted as the team with the highest win in a match with a 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 6-0 thrashing on the TFS/FFK/Globe team. For the fans, we appreciateyour unwavering support. 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: Having watched shows like, Beauty Shop and the like, stylists usually provide a listening ear to their clients, BCIC Staff Newsletter: Hairdressis that the case in your exploits and i you could give three (3) hair ing is one of the “personal service” tips to your fellow teammates, what would they be? areas under customer service NCH: Getting a Salon treatment offers an atmosphere of relaxwhich we know have challenges..... ation which sometimes allows customers to share their moods how do you differentiate yourself and experiences. So yes I too have had to give a listening ear to in this area.....in other words, what my clients and even give advice, if I’m asked to do so. makes your customers return? For persons who relax: always do a deep condition two weeks Each client is different and has different needs. I take the time after your relaxer service. Every time you shampoo, ask your to analyze each person’s needs and make my recommendation. hairdresser to give you a scalp massage which helps circulation. For me it’s not just about the money but what is best for the Avoid braids that are too tight, also sleeping in rollers as these client for example, a client may ask for a service that will bring causes traction Alopecia, which is hair loss that can be permain `the bucks’ but if it’s not the best application for her hair, nent. then I’ll suggest otherwise even if I end up making less money. BCIC Staff Newsletter: Where can we find your shop? I have learnt in my job here at BCIC and I do believe that excel- NCH: Currently I offer home service,so all you have to do is just lent customer service that exceeds the customer’s expectations call and I will come and do your hair in the comfort of your own is the key to any successful business so I try to deliver on that at home. all times. BCIC Staff Newsletter:What is the funniest thing that has ever BCIC Staff Newsletter: Are you a trained hairdresser? happened while hairdressing or with a client? NCH: Actually I have a Level two certificate from Heart Trust NCH: Actually that client was me, when I coloured my own NTA in cosmetology. I did this to formalize my operations as hair. I am usually a conservative person, black hair, maybe a few well as, I enjoy it. I love to seeing a woman nicely put together. 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 BCIC Staff Newsletter: When you are not here at work or hair- looked in the mirror, my head looked as if it was on fire…so I dressing, what does Nadine do? started hiding from everybody. I went to the supermarket and a NCH: I’m at school pursuing an Associate Degree in Insurance co-worker glimpsed me and asked “wait: a wah do yuh head?” *I management and spending time with my kids. eventually adjusted to having red hair and to my surprise people loved it and gave me quite a few compliments.
Undercover SuperStar Cont’d
Thank You Nadine for sharing with us. Look out You could be the be next SuperStar!
Page 5
The Business Of Insurance Who are Better Drivers? Contributed by: Raymond Wilson
“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 preferences but rather empirical evidence to decide who the better drivers are.
Women are Better Drivers
An 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 Drivers
Johns 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.
Health and Wellness 101
Critical Illness and You
When asked what we place most value to, we often reply: family. In the times we live in, health is increasingly becoming 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 Practice Healthy Living: Exercise Do periodic medicals
The Twist
The researchers discovered that age attributed to driving experience 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 Conclusion
Having done my own research of BCIC’s Insured: females tend to be in fewer accidents than males. When females do have accidents they tend to be less severe than that of their male counterparts. 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?
Stick to a balanced diet
PREPARE AND PREVENT
Spend every moment you can with your loved ones.
Get insured for critical illness and or have a savings account dedicated to critical illnesses.
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 olllyviaanderson@gmail. com) will recieve one month free gym membership.
Page 6
Tributes: Time to Say Goodbye
Saying Farewell to Ms.Reddy
We 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 Limited 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 endearment “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”.
Ms.Reddy’s Reply It 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 rewarding, 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 industry 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 celebrations. 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 influenced 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 Association Committee. May the Lord continue to bless you all and the industry that you so passionately serve!
Saying Goodbye to Richard Fontaine Insurance Industry Stalwart The 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 alongside 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 founding 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.
Page 7
BUNDLES OF JOY Madison, Daughter of
Raquel Grant
Haeli, Daughter of Khadine Berbick
Joel Son of Karen Wright
ACROSS 2 Teamwork, growth and empowerment 4 Risk-Taking, envision a better way and work towards it 8 We care about people 10 Constantly look for opportunities to add value and review decisions to get better 12 Truthful and respectful DOWN 1 Accommodating, solution oriented 3 Admit mistakes, accept feedback, share ideas 5 Accountable and have technical skills and knowledge to do our jobs 6 What we are, provide peace of mind to customers by delivering solutions 7 We go the extra mile not accepting mediocrity and celebrate success 9 Who we are 11 Who we want to be, the most motivated, empowered team in our market, living our values in service of our customers
Cuewayne Antoine, Son of Glenroy Gilroy
See Solution in the Next Issue.
Page 8