Culture Day

Jamaica Branches

“Celebrating and Embracing Our Culture,” was the theme for ICWI’s culture day held on the 14th of October 2022. In the process of rebuilding from the impact of Covid-19, this proved an effective way of rekindling patriotism by commemorating our wonderful Jamaican heritage. Each branch/department was required to set up a table decorated with old time artefacts that represented Jamaica’s heritage. Additionally, participants were to provide a 30 second video clip showcasing the items on display.

To add to the day’s excitement, the HR team put together a quiz competition. The questions were generated from various categories such as History, Culture, Sports and Attractions. This section required speed and knowledge as the winner would have to be the first to submit all correct answers. Though the event was exhilarating, filled with fun and laughter, there could only be one winner for each category.

What was intentioned for an educational event in actuality proved very competitive and the level of team spirit exercised was commendable. So much so that all would agree...We need a do over!

If mention was to be made of all items demonstrated by each department, this would prove exhausting. However, a quick overview should suffice.

Pit toilet, cold fire, black and white television (stationed on JBC) were among the items displayed by Customer Service Direct – New Kingston. Patched clothes were hung out to dry around the Broker Department who also featured old time tape with old hits, Jamaican herbs and Jamaican food and treats.

The International Business Development Unit was decked in Jamaican colours and their display included kerosene lamp, food baskets and enamel mugs for tea.

Old time dancehall was in session over by the Head Office Claims department with old hits being played. Dance attendants could be seen wearing colourful dancehall attire. The staff were also engaged in ring games, dominos, hopscotch and chiney skip.

The Customer Care and Business Development Unit had Jamaican meals on display. Ackee and Saltfish, Mackerel run down, fried dumplings, boiled bananas and yams, while a well roasted breadfruit was sitting on fire sticks.

Human Resource/Administration Corporate and Compliance had money on display both coins and notes. Food Carrier, graters, old irons and pots were some of the many items showcased.

The Finance Department displayed a sewing machine, old time radio, a house phone, vaseline and runners or doiley’s for furniture.

MIS Culture Zone opened a one stop shop with Jamaican treats and other items on sale. These items were priced in old time currencies such as pound and shillings.

Browns Town Branch presented water pots, washing pans or bath pans, and a basket with ground provisions.

For the Sav-la-Mar Branch, one could see a mortar bucket and stick, rocking chair, china wears and an old time metal lamp.

The Mandeville Branch incorporated an old time scale, water goblet with face basin, spit cup, coasters of board and a scrubbing board among many other items in their presentation.

Lastly, the Ocho Rios branch displayed some wooden wall plaques, water goblet and face basin, cidar jar, seeping jar among many other items. Indeed, it was an exciting competition, and the level of teamwork executed cannot go unrecognized. Kudos to all the participants who made Culture Day 2022 a success. We could not have done it without you!

The Winners of the Culture Quizzes from the various categories were:

Kriston Gordon - Icebreaker

Phillippia Dawson – Jamaican Culture

Teddale Simpson – Sports and Attractions

Nickisha Jackson – History