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10 3 6 9 10 12 13
HURRICANE IRMA Not to Be Forgotten
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP ICWI GROUP FOUNDATION REACHES OUT ICWI GROUP FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
Valued at Over $250,000 to Brown’s Town Students
ICWI GROUP FOUNDATION STAFF EDUCATION FUND ICWI Pink Run Launch Event 2017
15 15 20 21 22
15 PINK DAY HIGHLIGHTS ICWI PINK RUN
Raises Over $3 Million To Donate To Jamaica Reach To Recovery
ICWI CAYMAN PLAYS A PART IN BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH BLUE EAGLES FOOTBALL TEAM CELEBRATE WITH THE CHAIRMAN FINANCE BREAKFAST STAFF MOVEMENTS
HURRICANE IRMA Not to Be Forgotten Hurricane Irma began August 30 near
threshold of a Category 5 - slammed Barbuda before hitting St. Maarten and
the Cape Verde Islands. It was the ninth
Anguilla, then onto parts of the US and British Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico, the
named storm and fourth hurricane of
Dominican Republic, and Haiti were also affected, but not with a direct hit. On
the 2017 storm season, but it will be
September 8th, Irma shattered the Turks & Caicos islands as a Category 5 storm.
remembered for decades as ‘The Big A day later, Hurricane Irma downgraded to a Category 4, maintaining sustained
One’.
winds around 150 mph, and made landfall over mainland Florida early September Irma developed from a tropical wave
10. No doubt a storm of this size and intensity did major damage as it crossed
that formed off the West African
over so many islands, affecting over 1.2 million people.
coast two days earlier, and rapidly strengthened into a Category 2 storm
How much damage did Hurricane Irma cause?
within
intensity
Irma cut a devastating path, leaving at least forty-four people dead in its wake;
fluctuated in the days to follow, and
eleven in the French territories, ten in Cuba, five in the British Virgin Islands, five
on September 4, became a Category 4
in the US Virgin Islands, four in Anguilla, four in St. Maarten, three in Puerto Rico,
hurricane. One day later on September
one in Haiti, and one in Barbuda.
24
hours.
Irma’s
5, it grew to Category 5 strength. Hurricane Irma is not a name that many throughout the Caribbean will forget At one point, Hurricane Irma was
soon. The world watched in awe for days as Hurricane Irma claimed her victims
the strongest hurricane the National
across the Caribbean, ravaging nine islands in her path, along with the US state
Hurricane Centre had ever recorded in
of Florida.
the Atlantic outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Irma’s core,
Anguilla, Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin / St. Maarten, the US Virgin
with maximum sustained winds of
Islands, and Turks and Caicos were hardest hit, with up to 99% of structures at
185 mph - well above the 157 mph
least partly damaged. 3
Can you put a price tag on the destruction caused by
Here at ICWI, our prayers and thoughts were with
Irma?
the members of our ICWI family who had to face the
The scale of destruction is steep. The damage from Hurricane
horrifying nature of Irma. As the hurricane was first
Irma is estimated to be over US$100 billion. To put this loss
set to pass over St. Kitts
into perspective, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 killed 55 people
the nighttime hours of September 5, worry set in.
and caused more than $20 billion in damage across the US
Fortunatly, we were able to breathe a sigh of relief
and the Bahamas; Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana
for our friends in St. Kitts who were spared the brunt
cost an estimated $108 billion; Hurricane Ivan caused losses of
of the storm. As daylight broke, news stations and
approximately US$1 billion in Cayman. The economic loss to
social media sites were scoured seeking information
these Caribbean islands due to loss of tourism and the negative
about the impact that the nighttime monster caused
effect on the business sector will be crippling to their economies
as it crawled ever so slowly over the small island of
for months, if not years, to come.
St. Maarten. It was over a day before we finally heard
and St. Maarten during
word from our team on the ground. Everyone was safe
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The numbers of horrifying stories of destruction and near
– shaken, wet and tossed around, but safe. Another
death are too many to mention. Social media sites have been
sigh of relief. That relief however, soon turned into
exploding with images of fallen houses, drowned cars, and boats
dread as Irma set its course to make a direct hit over
of all shapes and sizes twisted into a tangled mess.
the British Virgin Islands.
Once again, lack of communication with our team was
diminished quickly. It is when events like this happen that
worrisome, but at long last after - 24 hours - contact was
you truly see the strength in the ICWI Family. Members
made with our team in Tortola; everyone was safe despite
of our team in St. Kitts hired speed boats to carry food
minor damage to their homes.
supplies to their colleagues in St. Maarten and The British Virgin Islands. One shipment even had boxes of ‘Juici Beef’
But Irma was not done with ICWI or its team – two days later,
patties which were sent to St. Maarten as a special surprise
after clipping the northern coast of Hispanola, Irma set its
for our ladies in the office who love a “good Jamaican
target for the Turks and Caicos islands. Slammed with a
patty”. Caribbean Airlines was also contracted to carry relief
category 5 storm, both Grand Turk and Providenciales were
supplies to St. Maarten once they were granted permission
hardest hit. A member of our team lost her roof during the
to land on the island with relief goods. Large quantities of
storm. She had to seek refuge on the ground floor only to
water, dry foods, canned goods and bread were sent. As
see the ceiling above begin to fold in with the weight of
one staff member who assisted with relief supplies said, “It
the water that was settling above. Finally, Irma moved off
is a good feeling to know that I could help in a situation
the western coast of the island and relief set in, but not
where you feel so helpless.”
after shaking the very core of humanity. For many, it was survival first - life over possessions.
The recovery process will indeed be long, but rest assured ICWI will stand strong to serve the people of the
In the weeks to come, members of ICWI’s Head Office
Caribbean when they need us most, staying true to our
struggled to keep in communication with our staff who
motto “Serving you is all we do”.
were affected. The most challenging feat was to find ways to get hurricane supplies to them as food and water stores
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE
HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP
On September 20, a group of 19 employees participated in ICWI’s biannual Wellness Workshop, which focused on stress reduction. Here are some highlights from the Workshop: What is stress and how can we reduce, avoid or mitigate its effects?
6
Life Balance was put forward as one major means by which people can achieve a wholly healthy life. The Healthy Plate was described as more than just what is eaten, but also as a means by which to manage stress, move the body, rest, drink water, and have food in the right portions from the desired food groups as depicted in the Integrative Nutrition Plate to the right.
Other than our emotional responses, what else contributes to stress? You would be surprised to learn that the foods we eat play a major role in our stress level. Yes, some foods cause stress, but luckily, there are others that reduce it.
Foods that Contribute to Stress
Foods that Fight Stress
Let’s increase our consumption of foods that reduce stress and toss those that cause it! 7
The participants also enjoyed a type of lunch that epitomized ‘eating green’. Lunch: Surf & Turf Mediterranean Quinoa & Vegetable Platter. Description: Chicken & fish kebabs served with spiralized zucchini pesto salad, mediterranean quinoa, roasted beetroot hummus & gourmet mixed greens. Dessert was made with wholesome ingredients, no sugar, oil or artificial flavoring or colouring. 8
ICWI GROUP
FOUNDATION REACHES OUT ESSAY COMPETITION Brown’s Town Branch
Brown’s Town is the education capital of St. Ann as there are a remarkable number of highly recognized high schools and colleges in that small town. Many of the students who attend these institutions are bused in from as far away as Ocho Rios, Claremont, Falmouth and Aboukir. It means therefore that thousands of young students who are potential motor vehicle owners pass through that town on a daily basis and are a captive group to whom insurance can be introduced. At the same time, financial assistance can be given where needed as a means of giving back to the community that serves ICWI so well. The numbers and the daily trek was the birth of the idea for an essay competition that would enable quality research in insurance, and successful candidates would be rewarded with scholarships to assist with their CSEC examination fees. The competition which started in 2016, benefits the students and their parents, the English teachers, and ICWI for the indirect promotion that it gets.
There was an encouraging number of entries last year from six schools, and the ICWI GROUP FOUNDATION paid for fourteen (14) students to sit sixty-five (65) subjects. The competition for this year was launched in June with a choice of essay questions unlike last year where there was only one topic. Parents and students have written to the Company and come into the Brown’s Town branch expressing their thanks for this innovation. ICWI is pleased with the enthusiasm displayed this year and hope to cement this project in the calendars of ICWI Brown’s Town and the High Schools.
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ICWI GROUP FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS Valued at Over $250,000 to Brown’s Town Students
Eighteen students from schools in the Brown’s Town, St. Ann area
“You’re looking at 3,350 dollars per subject,
were recipients of scholarships from the ICWI Group Foundation after
and there are times when a subject may have
emerging as the top three winners for their respective schools in the
a practical component, so you have to add to
Foundation’s essay competition. The competition which is in its second
that and then there are fees. Children’s fees
year had its presentation ceremony at the St. Hilda’s Diocesan High
can come to as much as 20 plus thousand
School Auditorium on Tuesday, November 7.
dollars or more so we thought this was a great way to give back to the students who did well
The top three students from each participating school will have three,
in the competition,” the Manager of the ICWI
four and six of their Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC)
Brown’s Town branch explained.
subjects paid for by the ICWI Group Foundation as their reward for emerging victors.
For Julie-Ann Henry, the mother of top student from the competition, Othia Fyffe, six of her
According to coordinator of the competition, Sandra Touzalin Butler, the
daughter’s seven subjects being paid for is a
idea for the rewards for doing well in the competition was conceived in
welcomed relief.
light of the high cost for students sitting CSEC subjects.
The top three awardees from the six participating schools in the ICWI Group Foundation Essay Competition proudly show off their certificates of participation that they received at the presentation ceremony which was held at the St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Auditorium on Tuesday, November 7.
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Nearly JM $470,000 has been awarded in the competition’s two year duration to top performing students from York Castle High School, Westwood High School, Aabuthnott Gallimore High School, Ferncourt High School, Brown’s Town High School and St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School.
ICWI Marketing Agent Michelle Brown (left) presents the award for top parent to Julie-Ann Henry whose daughter; Othia Fyffe was the big winner at the ICWI Group Foundation Essay Competition Presentation which was held on Tuesday, November 7, at St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Auditorium where 18 students were awarded for being top performers in the competition.
“These subjects are pretty expensive so to have nearly all of them covered by ICWI is a lot of assistance, I am so proud that she worked so hard on her essay and has been rewarded
Principal of the St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Heather Reid Johnson, and St Hilda’s students are caught mid conversation at the ICWI Group Foundation Essvay Competition Presentation Ceremony where the top three students from the six participating schools received scholarships as their prizes on Tuesday, November 7.
in this way,” she added. Henry also received top parent at the presentation ceremony after collecting her daughter’s award. Othia was absent because she was representing her school in netball. Top teacher, Patrice Christie-Bailey, from Westwood High School, lauded the ICWI Group Foundation for continuing the competition. “The students worked very hard at doing well in the competition because they were aware of the awards so I want to applaud ICWI for this, as it not only pushed the students out of their comfort zone, but they have
Julie-Ann Henry is the picture of pride as she shows off her awards received on behalf of her daughter, Othia Fyffe who was awarded top student in the ICWI Group Foundation Essay Competition. Henry was also awarded the top parent award at the presentation ceremony held on Tuesday, November 7 at the St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Auditorium.
helped to ease a lot of burden off parents.” Christie-Bailey noted.
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ICWI GROUP
FOUNDATION STAFF EDUCATION FUND In August, the ICWI Group Foundation, through the Staff Education Fund,
was the ICWI Group Director of
provided financial support for the children of twelve permanent employees,
Human Resource Development and
who have demonstrated excellence through academic achievement.
Chairperson for the Staff Education Fund.
The ICWI Staff Education Fund was launched in January 1991 by the ICWI Group of Companies as part of an on-going effort to expand the range of
The
2017
benefits available to employees of member companies, and to promote
‘Jennifer
academic excellence. It is developed through the voluntary contributions
Excellence’ are Dominick Hinds,
of employees, plus matching funds from ICWI.
son
of
recipients Cox
Annette
of
Awards Pryce
the for
Hinds
(primary level) and Kahlil Walker, This year, ten scholarships were awarded:
son of Dawn Walker (secondary
1. Ajani Thompson, son of Keisha Gordon
level).
2. Dante Ruddock, son Teika Ruddock 3. Alexxya Johns, daughter of Jacqueline Johns 4. Jaymonie Hill, son of Dermaine DaSilva 5. Alyssa Buchanan, daughter of Keisha-Lou Buchanan 6. Kym Allen, daughter of Deon Cummings 7. Breanna Burke, daughter of Samara Smith 8. Realdean McFarlane, son of Tina Ashley McFarlane In addition to these awards, two ‘Jennifer Cox Awards for Excellence’ are presented each year to one primary and one secondary level student. The awardees are students with academic achievement of an ‘A’ average who show leadership beyond the classroom and who actively participate in the wider society through extra-curricular activities. These awards are given in memory of Jennifer Cox, who at the time of her tragic death in April 1993,
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Congratulations to all the awardees and their parents!
For more information on how to contribute to the Staff Education Fund,
and
how
to
apply
for
scholarships, please contact ICWI Group
Foundation
Chairperson
of the Grants Committee, Valerie Khani-Reynolds, at extension 2087.
ICWI Pink Run
LAUNCH EVENT 2017
On Thursday September 28, the launch of the
this many, many years to come”. Mr. Lalor continued to explain that
ICWI Pink Run 2017 was held in the form of a
this year’s theme of Tutus and Tall Socks is in tandem with the event’s
press conference at the Courtleigh Auditorium
aim – to incorporate some fun and encourage more young people to
in New Kingston.
participate.
Paul Lalor made the opening remarks, welcomed
Speaking at the launch, Yulit Gordon, Executive Director of Jamaica
guests and provided a brief history of the event,
Cancer Society, pointed out that for every 21 women, one will develop
advising that this year will be the third staging
breast cancer in her lifetime and that approximately 300 Jamaican
of the ICWI Pink Run and a turnout of 3,000
women, according to the Ministry of Health, die annually from breast
participants is expected. “Last year we got to
cancer – a cause for great concern especially since she said, breast
2,000 participants up from 1,200 in that first
cancer can be successfully treated if detected in its early stage. “Let
rainy year, and we are looking forward to 3,000
us therefore, ladies and gentlemen, be vigilant in making health a
this year and hopefully we will continue to build
priority”. 13
Tamu Davidson, Director of Non-Communicable Disease
The Morning ended with the vote of thanks given by Michael
and Injuries Prevention in the Ministry of Health, pointed
Fraser, Vice Chairman of the Jamaica Cancer Society,
out that physical activity is fundamental to a person’s well-
followed by the presentation of a cheque from Mr. Lalor to
being. She advised of the need for more Jamaicans to take
Mrs. Graham for Jamaica Reach to Recovery in the amount
responsibility for their health and work together as partners
of one million dollars.
to create an enabling environment for each other. After the formalities, guests and sponsors were given the Chairperson of Jamaica Reach to Recovery, Carolind
opportunity to purchase breast cancer pins, bracelets and
Graham, expressed her delight at the growth of the Pink
‘tall socks’ which were on display. The same items have
Run and hopes it continues to expand, both in bringing
also been placed in various outlets for sale to the public,
awareness to the fight against breast cancer and financially,
proceeds from which will go to the Jamaica Cancer Society.
as the funds raised by the run plays a key role in assisting women to access life-saving tests and treatments.
The ICWI Pink Run will be held on Saturday October 28, rain or shine, at the ICWI building starting at 6:30 a.m. under the
Alfred Francis, Director of Running Events Jamaica, then
theme Tutus and Tall socks, and it’s going to be fun!
provided a detailed overview of the course and what to expect on race day. The “Sponsor Remarks” were presented by Kari Steele, Brand Manager of Lasco, on behalf of her company, advising of their proud affiliation with the event and giving her assurance that Team Lasco will be out in their numbers on race day showing their full support.
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Football Team:
In support of breast cancer awareness, and the ICWI Pink Run, the ICWI Blue Eagles vowed to #Jointhefight and wear pink t-shirts to their matches throughout the month of October.
PINK DAY HIGHLIGHTS
MIS
LIGUANEA
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MONTEGO BAY
MANDEVILLE
OCHO RIOS
Rocking It!! PORTMORE
President of The Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) Paul Lalor signs up for the ICWI/ Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run which was held on October 28 in New Kingston. Looking on are members of ICWI who wore pink on Monday, September 25, in support of efforts to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Month which is celebrated in October. Last year, ICWI registered over 150 participants for the annual run and the Company anticipates an increase in participation this year.
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Members of the Insurance Company of the West Indies staff flash bright smiles as they wear pink to raise awareness about Breast Cancer month, which is celebrated in October. The ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run is among a host of activities being coordinated to mark the month.
President of the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI), Paul Lalor (centre) and members of staff are all smiles as they show off their pink which they wore to raise awareness about Breast Cancer month, which is celebrated in October. The ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run was among a host of activities coordinated to mark the month.
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ICWI PINK RUN RAISES OVER $3 MILLION TO DONATE TO JAMAICA REACH TO RECOVERY President of The Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited, Paul Lalor (left), proudly presents a symbolic cheque of JM $3.2 million to Finance Manager of the Jamaica Cancer Society, Michael Leslie (centre), and Chairperson of the Jamaica Reach To Recovery, Carolind Graham. The funds which were raised from this year’s staging of the ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run was officially handed over to its main beneficiary Jamaica Reach to Recovery on Friday, November 24, at ICWI’s Corporate Headquarters.
The ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run planning committee announced on Friday, November 24, that JM $3.2 million was raised from the 5K Walk/Run. The funds were officially handed over to the beneficiary, Jamaica Reach To 18
Recovery at a ceremony on Friday
The Chairperson of the Jamaica Reach
support from other corporate bodies
November 24.
To Recovery Carolind Graham, who
and participants who contributed to
accepted the funds, expressed delight
the success of the Pink Run.
The Jamaica Reach to Recovery is
on the positive impact that the funds
an affiliate of the Jamaica Cancer
raised will have on persons affected by
“We are elated that Jamaica has
Society
breast cancer.
committed in such a big way to
that
provides
emotional,
psychological and financial support
supporting individuals affected by
to breast cancer survivors and also
“Words cannot express our gratitude
breast cancer because the need for
assists women in accessing lifesaving
in accepting these funds today as it
assistance for these persons is great
tests and treatments.
will prove critical help for persons who
and everyone who showed up played
are fighting cancer or have survived
their part,” she added.
This is a record amount raised from the
cancer. There are many financial costs
event which is in its 17th year, and its
associated with this disease so the
The ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery
third year with ICWI as its title sponsor.
impact of this donation will be far
Pink Run was the culmination of
reaching, ” said Graham.
activities coordinated for the month
Registration for this year’s staging
of
October,
which
is
recognized
was approximately 3500 participants,
ICWI Vice President of Marketing,
worldwide as Breast Cancer Month to
almost
Distribution and Human Resources,
raise awareness about the prevalence
Samantha
of the disease.
doubling
the
number
participants at last year’s staging.
of
Samuda,
saluted
the
President of The Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited (ICWI) Paul Lalor (left), discusses the plans for the funds raised from the ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run with Chairperson of the Jamaica Reach To Recovery Carolind Graham (right). The funds raised from this year’s staging of the run were officially handed over on Friday November 24, at the ICWI Corporate Headquarters. Also looking on is the Finance Manager of the Jamaica Cancer Society, Michael Leslie.
Merchandise:
In tandem with this year’s theme for the #ICWIPinkRun, Tutus and Tall socks, ICWI purchased “breast cancer awareness” branded ‘tall socks’ which are available for sale to the public for J$500 at the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) – the proceeds of which will be kept by the JCS.
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ICWI CAYMAN PLAYS A PART IN
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ICWI Cayman was the presenting sponsor for the ultimate “Girls’ Night In”. The Marriott ballroom was transformed into every girl’s dream with fairy lights, cozy pillow filled canopies and of course, welcome cocktails. Pamper stations adorned every corner of the room where you could have your nails done, hair braided, get a massage, watch a chick flick or indulge in delicious slumber party snacks, including a Cadbury chocolate fountain! Patrons could enter to win raffle prizes ranging from spa treatments to diamond jewelry, and to top it all off, everyone went home with a fabulous goodie bag with an array of ICWI sponsored pamper party items and other giveaways. The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens - Breast Cancer Support Program took home over $3,000 from the proceeds of the event.
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Blue Eagles Football Team Celebrate with the Chairman
FINANCE BREAKFAST
On Friday November 3, the Finance Department hosted its Annual Breakfast to treat all Head Office staff to a scrumptious and very filling Jamaican Breakfast. Members of the Finance Team showed off their culinary skills and hospitality in style.
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Staff Movements July - December 2017
Welcome
We the following persons to the ICWI family and hope their stay will be a long and happy one
Ms. Nichola Parkes Claims
Ms. Nicole Blagrove Customer Care
Mr. Cavin Cheung Customer Care
Ms. Shanice Allen Finance
Ms. Kamoya Kidd Finance
Ms. Deandra McLean Finance
Mrs. Roxanne Coleman Human Resources
Ms. Sharlene Harris Ocho Rios
Monique Lightbody -
Traci-Ann Smith -
Mrs. Amaliah Nation MIS
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Ms. Shaneka Bryan Customer Care
Ms. Tiffany Dixon Claims
Ms. Terry-Ann Mills Corporate & Compliance
Ms. Yanique Jonea Customer Care
Departures Ms. Tishawa Gallimore Claims Department
Mr. Jordan Nunes Claims Department
Ms. Chanthorn Benjamin Claims Department
Ms. Lasonia Thomas Claims Department
Ms. Danea Hamilton Customer Care
Mrs. Chantelle Smith Customer Care
Ms. Shellian Dixon Customer Care
Ms. Vanessa Gibbs Customer Service
Ms. Kerry-Ann Wright Customer Service
Mrs. Tricia Beckford Finance
Mr. Gordon Wong Finance
Ms. Shellesa Smith Finance
Mr. Otis Johnson MIS
Ms. Danielle Anikey MIS
Ms. Tamisha Campbell Human Resources
Ms. Georgia Osbourne Ocho Rios
Mr. Adrian Edwards Montego Bay
Ms. Karlene Garibe Montego Bay - Lucea
Retirement Enid James Sandra Touzalin Butler Matches Congratulations to Gayon Barrett of the Montego Bay Branch who got married on 30 July 2017.
Condolences The ICWI Family extends its deepest sympathies to the following members of staff and their loved ones: Viviene Richards, Marketing Agent (Sav) on the passing of her brother Angelique Harvey, Marketing Agent (Ocho Rios) on the passing of her mother Ivy Grizzle, (Montego Bay) on the passing of her father in August and her mother in September.
The family of Errol Urquhart, Pensioner, who passed away in August. Errol Urquhart worked with ICWI as a Programmer/Manager in the MIS Department from 1980 to 2012 Cynthia Bravo
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“Serving you...is all we do”
2 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 926-9040-7 Fax: (876) 960-6918 direct@icwi.com www.icwi.com