Contents
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Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Lower
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The ICWI & Essence of Hope Pink Walk:
Breast Cancer Wellness Corner Risk
A Walk For An Urgent Cause…Huge Success
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ICWI’s Partners with Junior
17
The ICWI Pink Run 2018
Achievement in St. Kitts and Nevis
21
Hurricane Irma
6
T&T Earthquake
The Road To Recovery: One Year On
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Pink Run Launch
22
HR Corner
“Serving you...is all we do”
Wellness Corner
Simple Lifestyle changes can
LOWER BREAST CANCER RISK It’s easy to feel powerless about breast cancer, but there are simple lifestyle changes you can make right now to put you in a better position to avoid the disease.
3 LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO MAKE RIGHT NOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER
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Just three strategies could prevent one-third of breast cancer cases, the American Institute for Cancer Research estimates.
1. Get to — and stay at — a healthy weight
fat around your middle may be particularly worrisome.
This is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk for
It’s not easy to slim down if you’re already
post-menopausal breast cancer and 10 other
overweight, but a powerful way to start is to
cancers.
just focus on not gaining any more pounds for
That’s because excess body fat can produce chemicals that promote chronic inflammation, increased blood levels of insulin and hormones that can spur the growth of cells. “It ’s not just a tissue sitting there doing nothing,”
said Alice Bender from the American Institute for Cancer Research. “It creates an environment that allows cancer to thrive.”
Your BMI and waist size can be good indicators of whether you’re at a healthy weight. Excess
now, Bender advised. Eat a mostly plant-based
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diet; keep your calorie intake low; eat lots of vegetables, whole grains and beans; and limit higher-calorie foods.
2. Fit activity into your day Physical activity reduces the risk of both types of breast cancer: pre-menopausal and postmenopausal, Bender said. The simple act of moving your body can help you manage your weight, boost your immune system and help keep your gastrointestinal tract in good shape.
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releases
a
lot
of
really
healthy
substances in our body that keep us not just fit, but also healthy in other ways,” she noted. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day — more is even better. A
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brisk walk that raises your heart rate and helps you work up some sweat is a good example of moderate exercise.
3. Avoid alcohol, or if you do drink, drink moderately Skip the booze as often as you can or enjoy it at a very moderate level. “Alcohol is a recognized carcinogen,” Bender said. “It can damage DNA; it can increase hormones in your body, like estrogen, that can fuel cancer.” For cancer prevention, it’s best to not drink at all, she noted. Women who still choose to drink should limit their intake to no more than one standard drink a day — equivalent to 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. Article Adopted from here.
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ICWI Coverage
July - October 2018
“Alcohol is a recognized carcinogen, It can damage DNA; it can increase hormones in your body, like estrogen, that can fuel cancer.”
3 lifestyle changes to make right now to reduce your risk of breast cancer
“Exercise
REGIONAL NEWS
ICWI’s Partners with
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT in St. Kitts and Nevis
Samantha Samuda, Vice President of Marketing and Human Resource, made
a
caveat
introduced
to
that
‘coding’
The Insurance Company of the West Indies has always recognized its
be
children
via
corporate responsibility in supporting events and programs that are
competition. She further posited
geared towards social development. On the 21st of September, the
that this is one area that is not
Chamber of Industry and Commerce in St. Kitts and Nevis relaunched their
adequately emphasized within the
Junior Achievement program at the Ocean Terrace Inn. Ms. Brenda John,
Caribbean. The lack thereof may
Chairman, Junior Achievement of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted this year’s
result in the Caribbean lagging
event, and in her opening remarks, she acknowledged ICWI as one of the
behind as a region.
first sponsors who committed to providing financial support. Samuda noted that there is room ICWI donated a total of EC$13,500.00
for other organizations to become
to the Junior Achievement of St.
involved in these programs. She
Kitts and Nevis to assist with the
further encouraged other corporate
development
and
entities to join the partnership in
activities that will be established
giving back to communities as “we
by the foundation. The cheque
each have our role to play in the
was presented by Nordia Dobbs,
development of our children,” and
Business Development Officer of
by large our Caribbean Region.
the St. Kitts and Nevis branch.
(Press Release, St. Kitts & Nevis)
of
programs
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T&T
EARTHQUAKE
On August 21st, Trinidad and Tobago was jolted by a massive, 6.9 magnitude earthquake. The quake happened at about 5:31 p.m. and lasted for just under one minute. According to the Daily Express, “Some people fled their homes as car alarms sounded and water sloshed around in swimming pools; several office buildings were evacuated as ceilings fell; supermarkets suffered significant losses as a result of products tumbling off shelves; trees fell, and there were power outages in some parts”. Loop News reported that the island then suffered 32 aftershocks in the 24 hours that followed, including a 6.0 magnitude tremor which struck at 9:27 the following morning.
Sections of a concrete building broke off and damaged a motor car
Significant damage to roadway making it impassable.
Despite the devastation, the region is described as “lucky”. SRC Engineer Seismologist Dr Ilias Papadopoulos explained that T&T escaped with relatively minor damage as a result of the distance of the earthquake’s epicentre, as the quake originated near the Northern Coast of Venezuela. Thankfully, no casualties were reported as a direct result of the quake. To date, ICWI’s Trinidad branch has received in excess of 35 property claim notifications due to damage as a result of the earthquake.
The ceiling caved in causing damage to furniture in this church
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ICWI Coverage
July - October 2018
Display fixtures were uprooted and broken during the quake scattering merchandise on the floor
A concrete wall falls flat from the impact of the earthquake
PINK RUN
LAUNCH Friday, September 21, 2018
KINGSTON, Jamaica; The month of October is recognized globally as breast
the Pink Run, Samantha Samuda, announced that the
cancer awareness month, and ICWI has been very
Company has increased its sponsorship of the ICWI/
involved in raising funds for the Jamaica Cancer Society
Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run to JM $1.5 Million
for the past 4 years, and more specifically breast cancer
from JM $1 Million.
patients, many of whom are unable to afford the lifesaving treatment they need.
According to ICWI Foundation Chairperson Valerie Reynolds, the growth in sponsorship represents ICWI’s
On Friday September 21, a press conference was held
ongoing commitment to giving more persons affected
to launch the 2018 staging of the ICWI Pink Run. At
by breast cancer a fighting chance at surviving the
the event, Vice President of ICWI and Chairperson for
disease.
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ICWI donates $1.5M to Jamaica Reach to Recovery at the Pink Run Launch on 21 September 2018.
“As the title sponsor of the Run for the last four years we have had a first-hand view of how critical the funds raised prove to be as it provides well-needed assistance, so we knew it was necessary to increase the financial support we contribute to this cause” explained Reynolds. Over
JM $3 Million was
raised through the 2017 staging, with an estimated 100 persons assisted through the beneficiary of the funds raised, Jamaica
Mrs. Samuda said the planning committee was aiming to raise JM $6 Million
Reach
and register 5000 participants as they target helping an additional 100
To
Recovery.
Jamaica
Reach to Recovery is an affiliate of
persons through this fundraiser.
the Jamaica Cancer Society that offers emotional, psychological
“We are using the run to promote awareness of breast cancer as Ministry
and financial support to breast
of Health statistics show that 1 in 21 Jamaican women are affected by this
cancer patients and survivors.
disease. We are also aiming to increase participation and funds raised to
The
continue the conversation around the disease, how it can be prevented and
organization
consists
of
volunteers who are breast cancer survivors.
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ICWI Coverage
July - October 2018
the need for regular screenings,” added Samuda.
Chairperson to
of
Recovery
applauded
Jamaica Carolind
ICWI
for
Reach Graham their
commitment to the cause. She also expressed gratitude for the continued support from corporate Jamaica and citizens who have participated over the 18 years of it being staged. “Witnessing the growth of this event
has
been
heart-warming
as it facilitated our organization extending a helping hand to a greater number of persons who
showcase their creativity with their
to the Company, “Breast Cancer
are affected so we thank each and
outfits as there will be prizes for
touches so many lives; we are all
every person who has donated their
the best-dressed team and best-
aware that the need is great, so
time or finances to the continued
dressed individual.
in this our 50th year of service to
success of the run,” Graham said.
the people of Jamaica, we wish to cancer
reinforce our commitment to the
The ICWI/Reach to Recovery Pink
month draws to a close, ICWI has
fight against breast cancer, and
Run (pink is the colour associated
recommitted to the cause in a big
announce that we will donate $1000
with breast cancer worldwide) is a
way. At the launch event held in
for every new Road Angel policy we
themed 5K Run/Walk. Individuals
Kingston, Mrs. Samuda made a
write between October 2018 and
and groups are encouraged to
second announcement as it relates
Oct 2019.”
However,
as
breast
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The attendees were all ears….
“Be an Angel ... Be A Supporter” - Samantha Samuda
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
To this end, ICWI has decided to once again place significant focus on its innovative Road Angel policy which was launched some 47 years ago. The Road Angel policy, the brainchild of the Honourable Dennis Lalor, was launched in 1971 to recognize the safety conscious female driver. Fast forward four decades later, the Road Angel policy has become a household name and touted within the insurance industry as the
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first of its kind.
Mrs. Samuda continued “It is only
fitting that given the success the Road Angel policy has brought to ICWI, that we now give back to all women by shining a bright light on such a serious issue affecting too many of our women.” “We know women have a choice when it comes to insuring their motor vehicle, but we wanted to give all lady drivers the ability to purchase a great policy with superior protection and benefits at an unbeatable price, and feel good knowing that their decision to insure with ICWI will help to save lives, hence our tagline ‘Be an Angel… Be A Supporter’”. Donations to the Jamaica Cancer Society will take place quarterly for the period of one year. Mr. Oneil Banton, CEO of Rizzen Brand Consultancy, usually hard at work behind the scenes, now caught on camera!
A few of the sponsors of the 2018 Pink Run
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
#ICWICares
Be a supporter!
Be an angel...
At ICWI, we salute our women and safe driving. This is why for over 50 years, we have been rewarding female drivers with our Road Angel Policy designed with special rates and benefits. To further extend our support to women, ICWI will now donate 5% of all premiums to the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
icwi.com HEAD OFFICE
T: 1(888) 926-ICWI | (9040)
E: direct@icwi.com
2 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5
$1000 from every new Road Angel Policy will be donated to the Jamaica Cancer Society
A walk for an urgent cause…
HUGE SUCCESS
Basseterre, 29th
Monday,
October,
Cancer Foundation for
2018,
the past nine years, and
–
for the last three years,
(MyVueNews.com)
They came from all
sponsored
primarily
parts of St. Kitts and
by
they represented every
Company of the West
strata of society, but
Indies, ICWI.
The
Insurance
they were all united around one cause…the
This year, over 2,000
fight against cancer.
persons
joined
the
growing supporters on Saturday, 27th October, 2018, It was the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk which
to walk from Buckley’s to Frigate Bay for the cause of
has been organized by the Essence of Hope Breast
fighting cancer.
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
Some said that they were walking to support a family member or a friend. Others came as corporate groups, but there were others in wheel chairs, baby strollers and even on crutches. The huge crowd was also comprised
struggles associated with breast cancer, in particular, but cancer generally,
of survivors who publicly stated that
said President of the foundation, Pamela Mary Armstrong. The activity she
their participation was designed to
added, is also important for the income that is generated.
encourage other victims to seek assistance, and to also sensitize
The funds raised from the event is used, said Armstrong, to cover
men and women about the need to
expenses related to the work of the foundation, including the provision of
educate themselves about all forms
mammograms.
of cancer. Armstrong and other organizers expressed great satisfaction in the turn out The
aim
is
to
give
national
prominence to the dangers and
on Saturday. She said her foundation has received numerous messages of commendation, especially for the large numbers that were attracted.
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theme:
Socks and Shades Already, said Armstrong, the foundation and its main sponsor, ICWI, are looking forward to the Tenth Anniversary in 2019. There has been a significant increase in calls for support from victims, said Armstrong, with more and more people asking for assistance for treatment locally and overseas. Some have been given funds for airline expenses while others for medical tests and examinations.
is only a “drop in the bucket” of the monies needed to help victims.
Armstrong admitted that she is not sure why the demand has increased, but speculated that it could
Armstrong said that they are therefore encouraged
be as a result of more people becoming aware of the
by the outstanding financial support that ICWI has
work of the foundation and or because of the increase
been providing over the past three years, and their
in cancer cases.
commitment to do even more for 2019. The president praised ICWI for agreeing to donate 5% of all new “Road
Breast Cancer remains one of the leading causes of
Angel” polices that are signed up between October,
cancer deaths in St. Kitts and Nevis.
2018 and October 2019.
Next year, the aim is to attract at least 3,000 participants,
This extra funding said the foundation representative
so that more funds can be raised, because as the
will be of tremendous benefit to the work of the
foundation leader said, the current tally from the walk
foundation.
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
THE ICWI PINK RUN 2018
What emotions do the words “breast cancer” evoke in
For one out of every twenty-one women in Jamaica, that
you? For many it instils fear, that apprehension a woman
‘all clear’ message never comes and the battle ensues.
has right after she does her annual mammogram as the
The mind races, the emotions build, the ‘what-ifs’ come
doctor walks into the room; the two minutes of holding
to the fore. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes
her breath until she gets the ‘all clear’ report.
of death among Jamaican women – some because
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detection was just too late, but for others, the cost for treatment is out of reach. There is an organisation that exists to help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; The Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JRR)
the J$1 million which was donated in previous years. According to ICWI
is the breast cancer arm of the
Foundation Chairperson Valerie Reynolds, the growth in sponsorship
Jamaica Cancer Society. Their sole
represents ICWI’s ongoing commitment to giving more persons affected by
purpose is to assist, both financially
breast cancer a fighting chance at surviving the disease.
and
emotionally,
those
who
have been diagnosed. As with all
“As the title sponsor of the Pink Run for the last four years, we have had a
charitable organisations, funding is
first-hand view of how critical the funds raised prove to be, as it provides
the main hurdle. JRR’s single largest
well-needed assistance, so we knew it was necessary to increase the
fundraiser has been a 5K that they
financial support we contribute to this cause” explained Reynolds.
started over eighteen years ago, but the funds were just not enough. In 2014, ICWI became the title sponsor of the now renamed ICWI Pink Run. Over the past four years, the Run has grown from 1,000 participants to over 5,200 participants in 2018. This year, the Company increased its sponsorship of the ICWI/Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run to J$1.5 million, a significant increase from
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
Over J$3 million was raised through the 2017 event, with an estimated 100 persons benefitting from the funds raised for Jamaica Reach to Recovery.
At the 2018 launch event held at Toyota Jamaica in early September, Vice President of ICWI and Chairperson of the Pink Run, Samantha Samuda, said the planning committee had aimed to raise J$6 million and register 5,000 participants as they target helping an additional 100 persons through this fundraiser. “We are using the Pink Run to promote awareness of breast cancer, and shine a bright pink light on the cause that affects so many families. We are also aiming to increase participation and funds raised to continue the conversation around the disease, how it can be prevented and the need for regular screenings,” added Samuda. To report that the 2018 ICWI Pink Run was a huge success is an understatement; as all those who were present could feel the energy and excitement simply by walking through Emancipation Park during the event.
Over 5,000 participants from all across the island attended, making the ICWI Pink Run the third largest 5K event in Jamaica. The 2018 staging introduced a few new changes to the Run. In anticipation of a larger number of participants, the Race Village was moved from The ICWI Building to Emancipation Park; and the theme now included a colour powder aspect to encourage younger participants and introduce a ‘fun run’ idea. The event also included headline entertainment by way of Rondell Positive, Wayne Marshall, Tiffa and Agent Sasco. The electricity in the Village was dancing from one participant to the other as the music echoed through the air. This year’s ICWI Pink Run went off without a hitch in the true ICWI WAY, and none of this could have been accomplished without the generous support of the numerous volunteers who gave their time to assist on the day of the event. Chairperson of Jamaica Reach to Recovery Carolind Graham applauded ICWI for their commitment to the
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cause. She also expressed gratitude for the continued support from corporate Jamaica and citizens who have participated over the 18 years of it being staged. “Witnessing the growth of this event has been heart-warming, as it facilitated our organisation extending a helping hand to a greater number of persons who are affected, so we thank each and every person who has donated their time or finances to the continued success of the Pink Run,” Graham said. In this ICWI’s 50th year of service to the people of Jamaica, all ICWI Pros should be proud of this ‘feel good’ event. The work was challenging,
ICWI planning committee of Patrick Williams, Valerie Reynolds, Margaret
but the benefits will touch many
Peryer, Rosemarie Wilks and Samantha Samuda, they say “it feels good to
in need for a lifetime, and for the
do good”.
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
HURRICANE IRMA The Road to Recovery: One Year On
Between August 30 and September 13, 2017, Hurricane Irma churned through the Atlantic and Caribbean, to become the strongest storm on record to exist in the open Atlantic region. The extremely powerful hurricane left a widespread wake of catastrophic destruction in her path, and was responsible for at least 134 deaths across multiple countries.
The following day, Irma made her way to the Turks and Caicos Islands. While the eye passed just south of the main islands, it did cross over South Caicos and the Ambergris Cays, knocking out power and communication. Despite not receiving a direct hit, the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk still suffered extensive damage.
The affected islands included Antigua and Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin/St. Maarten, the US and British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cuba and parts of mainland USA, with ICWI suffering losses in St. Maarten, the BVI and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
One year later, recovery efforts are still ongoing in many of the affected countries, with the level of progress varying from island to island. For the most part, daily life has returned to normal, and tourism, an industry most of these islands rely on heavily, is getting back on track.
On September 6, at the peak of Irma’s strength, the Category 5 storm with 180 mph (285 km/h) winds slammed into St. Maarten, sweeping away entire structures, ripping trees from the ground, submerging roads and cars and triggering an island-wide blackout. The country’s airport was also so severely damaged that no one was able to get in and out of the country for days after the storm. Irma also caused extensive damage in the British Virgin Islands, with the island of Tortola bearing the brunt of the hurricane’s core. Between the ferocious winds and the storm surge, numerous buildings and roads were destroyed, with damage amounting to four times the country’s gross domestic product, making it one of the hardest hit countries.
In St. Maarten, the airport was able to reopen one month after the storm, with large air conditioned tents being used for arrivals and departures, and is still being rebuilt. It also took almost an entire year before electricity was finally restored to the entire island. Of the affected British territories, the BVI was one of the slowest to return to normalcy, taking approximately six months for electricity to be fully restored. Several resorts and business have not yet been able to reopen, with many seaside locations not projecting to do so until 2019. Turks and Caicos’ recovery was relatively speedy when compared to many of the other islands. However, a few of the harder hit islands, like South Caicos and Salt Cay, are not yet back to their pre-hurricane status.
Below is a summary of the number of claims received by ICWI and how many have been settled to date:
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HR CORNER July-October 2018
Welcome Aboard
We welcome the following persons to the ICWI family and hope their stay will be a long and happy one.
Adriene Moulton Browns Town
Dimitri Robinson Montego Bay
Alafia Simpson Liguanea
Kasian Burrell Customer Service Direct
Rochell Cockett Mandeville
Jhunelle Stewart Legal
Kristal Miller Customer Care Centre
Doneca McLennon-Bryan Spanish Town
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
Jovanie Graham Finance
Sanjah Brevett Claims
DEPARTURES We thank the following persons for the time spent with the ICWI family and wish them success in their future endeavours Suaine Williams Montego Bay
Tashnie Deeble Claims
Chantalle Jones Spanish Town
Shackara Evans Liguanea
Charlene Michael Legal
TRANSFERS Finance - Charles Tam was transferred to Customer Service – Direct Claims - Nakesha Williams was transferred to Broker Underwriting Ocho Rios - Kay-Antonette Hawthorne was transferred to Falmouth Sub-Branch
HATCHES
Congratulations to the following members of staff:
SHANEEK RICHARDS CANE Head Office
had a Daughter Kevronique
KAYLA LEWIS THOMAS
VENNISHA LALOO-BAHADUR
Trinidad
Had a Son Malik Leo
NAUDIA HODGSON
Head Office
Head Office
Had a Son Iséah
Had a Son Jahdani
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Congratulations MATCHES
Shane Clarke – Finance
Roxanne Clarke - Cross Roads
CONDOLENCES
The ICWI Family extends its deepest sympathies to the following members of staff and their loved ones: Janelle Stewart (Mandeville) – Grandmother Sandra Touzalin Butler (Brown’s Town) – Husband Melony Hudson (Montego Bay) - Father Vennisha Laloo-Bahadur (Trinidad) - Father
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ICWI Coverage July - October 2018
2 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 926-9040-7 Fax: (876) 960-6918 direct@icwi.com www.icwi.com @icwi_jamaica
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