Table of Contents 3 6
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COVID-19 Hits the World Amid a pandemic, ICWI expands its branch network New I.T. platforms
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ICWI Masks Up
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Long Service Awardees
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HR Corner
Hurricane season is here again. Are you prepared?
“Serving you... is all we do�
#TogetherApart
COVID-19 Hits the World On December 31, 2019, the World
a spillover of an animal coronavirus While the world has been
Health Organisation (WHO) China
which later adapted the ability of
scrambling to find a vaccine, by the
Country Office was informed of
human-to-human transmission.
end of June, the virus had infected
cases of pneumonia of unknown
Being highly contagious, the virus
close to 11 million and killed
cause detected in Wuhan City,
began to spread around the world
more than 500,000 people globally
China. By January 3, a total of 44
and by January 20th, the first
according to the Johns Hopkins
patients with pneumonia had been
confirmed cases outside mainland
University & Medicine Coronavirus
reported to WHO by the national
China occurred in Japan, South
Resource Center.
authorities. As cases continued
Korea and Thailand and on the very
to climb, on January 11, WHO
next day, in the US.
announced COVID-19 as the name
In response many countries closed their borders and instituted
of the disease - a Severe Acute
On March 10th, Jamaica was the
curfews and work from home
Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
first Caribbean country to confirm
and stay at home orders. “Social
(SARS-CoV-2); symptoms included
its first case of COVID-19, followed
Distancing” has become perhaps,
fever, malaise, dry cough, and
by Trinidad & Tobago the following
2020’s motto. COVID-19, the 5th
dyspnea. The virus is believed to be
day.
pandemic since the 1918 flu, is
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not only the defining global health crisis of
You can become infected more easily by coming into
our time, but has had significant economic
close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a
impacts as well. Across the world, many
person who has COVID-19.
businesses have been forced to close and
a shift in how business and schooling
WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure and transmission of COVID-19, and a range of other illnesses are:
are conducted, and even how events and
•
the incomes of many people have been affected. In an attempt to minimize person to person contact, the virus has created
gatherings are kept, i.e. online.
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
•
When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,
nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away
certain people are at a higher risk if they
immediately and wash hands;
were to become infected with COVID-19
•
including those over 85 and people with heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. Also
Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
•
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek
concerning is that many people who have
medical care early and share previous travel history
the virus are asymptomatic and are unaware,
with your health care provider;
and may unknowingly spread it to others
•
who may become more seriously affected.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in
Despite the seriousness of COVID-19, it is important to note that only 2% of cases
contact with animals; •
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal
are deemed serious or critical. It is also
products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or
important to keep informed, and institute
animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid
new daily habits to reduce the risk of
cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per
contracting or spreading the disease.
good food safety practices.
Remember, the disease is spread by:
Most people have been affected in some way by this
1. Respiratory droplets when an infected
pandemic and it helps when we remember that we
person coughs, sneezes, or talks 2. Touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
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are all in this together. Let us do our part by taking all precautions and by staying apart, together.
“Serving you...is all we do”
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AMID A PANDEMIC, ICWI EXPANDS ITS BRANCH NETWORK
“Serving you is all we do” has been the
Conveniently located in the new Super Valu Towne Centre
motto of this insurance giant for over
opposite Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) Constant
fifty years, and despite the impact of the
Spring offices, ICWI’s newest branch will facilitate
COVID-19 pandemic and the far reaching
residents and businesses in the densely populated areas of
economic effects it has had on business
Kingston 8 and 10, and provide a value-added service for
in Jamaica, The Insurance Company of
those conducting business with TAJ.
the West Indies (ICWI) has held true to this motto. In mid-March, just as the country
While boasting the largest branch network of any general insurer
began facing various COVID-19 safety
in Jamaica, ICWI President Paul Lalor acknowledged the need to
measures and closures, ICWI opened its
make it easy for the public to access insurance services across
sixteenth branch location, offering their
Jamaica. “Our goal has always been to be there when our
customers yet another outlet at which to do
customers need us most, not only at the time of a claim, but to
business with them.
ensure accessibility to transact business with us.”
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ICWI President Paul Lalor cuts the ribbon to officially open the Company’s sixteenth Jamaican branch located at the new Super Valu Towne Centre, 144 Constant Spring Road. From left to right, Samantha Samuda, VP Marketing, Distribution & HR, Paul Lalor, President; Kasian Burrell, Customer Service Representative and Nordia Dobbs, Branch Supervisor.
In this era of digital services, one may wonder
a 300% increase in online transactions by our customers in
why ICWI has decided to open another physical
April, once our branch offices were fully operational when
location. In response, Mr. Lalor noted that
curfews were extended, we saw a 10% decline in May; this is
although digital services seem to be on an
why we have worked very hard to ensure no one is forgotten,
upward trend, the Company recognises the
so we like to give our clients multiple options to choose
diverse market segments it serves. “We
how they wish to do business with us. We offer a full online
recognise that not all of our customers are
experience, or you can walk into our nearest branch office
ready to go digital and the last thing we want
and see the familiar faces you have become accustomed to
to do is to alienate anyone. Although we saw
over the years.” “Serving you...is all we do”
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Nordia Dobbs, Branch Supervisor.
Mr. Lalor is anticipating a very positive response to the Company’s newest branch office which will also open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ICWI is one of the region’s leading Motor and Property insurers, they take great pride in offering their customers several options to facilitate ease of business and endeavour to take the hassle out of insurance.
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Kasian Burrell, Customer Service Representative
New I.T. platforms Omari Bogle and Kenneth Marshall of the
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting people’s
MIS Department are the programming
movements, the impetus was greater than ever to further expand
aficionados behind the ICWI Group’s
ICWI’s digital offerings.
online platforms, and as ICWI continues to expand its footprint across the Caribbean,
As a result of Omari and Kenneth’s efforts over the past few
Omari and Kenneth’s ‘to-do’ lists also
weeks, Click & Go now has a new page that allows users to
continue to expand to meet the demands
request a number of different changes to their Motor policies,
of the operations in all nine territories.
including adding a vehicle, adding a driver and changing the sum insured. Clients can also use this page to have their household
In recent years, ICWI has made a big push
policies renewed without having to visit an ICWI office.
towards offering its clients, agents and brokers more options to do business online by way of Click & Go, kiosks and eBroker. Until recently though, the online
Turks & Caicos First will also be benefiting from
services were limited to Motor renewals,
"Team MIS's"
which represent the bulk of ICWI’s
hard work as
transactions.
they get ready to debut Click & Go in that market in July, complete with a fresh new company logo.
“Serving you...is all we do”
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Another exciting update to look out for in the coming months is new business on Click & Go!
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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE AGAIN are you prepared? As we again enter the hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and continues until November 30 annually, we need to reiterate the importance of pre-disaster planning and general precautions which are vital to reducing the impact of hurricanes to which our region is prone.
AT THE START OF THE HURRICANE SEASON
and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a
•
plastic bag or other waterproof material.
Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and
•
•
•
in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit
Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the
latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc. Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need
of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent
very little preparation. Electricity may be
important documents, paintings, equipment
off during a hurricane, leaving you without
and furniture from getting wet.
refrigeration.
Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood,
•
Place emergency food supply in a
timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
waterproof container and store in a closed
Trim trees that touch power lines (with
box, cupboard or trunk. •
Make sure you have emergency equipment
over the house and other buildings.
in your home. These include water boots,
Make sure that emergency cooking facilities
raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable
such as coal stoves are in good working
radio, kerosene lamps and matches.
condition as these may be necessary. •
•
Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets
assistance of local power company) or hang
•
Latch down securely all small buildings
repair where necessary.
roof of your house is properly fastened. •
•
Make sure you have a supply of kerosene
•
Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
“Serving you...is all we do”
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RESPONSE TO HURRICANE
AFTER THE HURRICANE
WARNING
•
•
Listen keenly to official announcements and heed
•
•
Seek medical aid of
•
Be careful with cooking flames and
injured persons.
candles/lamps which could cause
Stay clear of dangling
accidental fires.
the evacuation orders of the
wires and trees or
•
Check food for possible spoilage.
authorities.
objects in contact with
•
Drive cautiously and beware of
Persons who live in flood-
power lines.
weakened roads, bridges, fallen trees
Boil all water before
and other debris.
prone areas, near coastlines or in home which do not offer
•
drinking.
adequate protection must plan to move. •
Do a double check of your emergency equipment and supplies.
DURING THE HURRICANE •
Remain indoors at all costs, even if the calm of the eye is passing through – unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary.
•
Do not try to reach home if you are not there when the hurricane strikes.
•
Seek protection under a table or in a door frame if the house shows signs of collapsing.
•
Stay away from glass windows.
•
Continue to listen to announcements.
•
Be calm!
How you fare in a hurricane can be dependent to a large extent on the level of attention paid to early preparations and general precautionary measures. Remember, plans for tomorrow must be made today! 12
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ICWI Masks Up ICWI Masks Up ICWI Masks Up
The year 2020 has so far shaped up to be quite
take for granted… have all been put on hold as COVID-19 has
an eventful year. Despite all that has been
caused us to ‘mask up’ as we navigate these uncertain times.
happening, no one can deny that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken the world by
Although the narrative regarding the ways in which the
storm and has pretty much ‘interrupted’ and
coronavirus can spread continues to evolve, the World
‘disrupted’ our normal way of doing things.
Health Organization (WHO) and other health officials have
A friendly hug, a handshake, a meet –and –
agreed that the wearing of masks in public spaces can
greet… simple things that we would normally
help to reduce the spread of the virus. In keeping with this
“Serving you...is all we do”
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guideline, governments in several countries
branded masks for our staff in all of the territories in which
have made it mandatory for their citizens to
we operate, as the wearing of masks has become the ‘new
wear masks in public and in other areas where
normal’. No one is sure when this pandemic will be over,
social distancing is not possible.
but we will continue to do whatever we can to ensure the safety of our staff and clients. Here are a few snapshots of
As a company, ICWI is committed to doing
our ICWI teams across the region donning their branded
whatever we can to keep our staff and
masks.
customers safe. To this end, we procured
TRINIDAD
DOMINICA
ST. KITTS
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Jamaica
“Serving you...is all we do”
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Does Wearing a Mask Pose Any Health Risk?
Generally speaking, wearing a mask does not
According to Davidson Hamer, infectious
pose any health risks for most people. Besides
disease expert at Boston University, there
babies and toddlers who stand a chance at
is no evidence to suggest that the use of
being suffocated, health officials agree that it is
masks causes fungal or bacterial infections.
quite safe for others to wear a mask. For those
Disposable face masks are meant to be used
of us who have been wearing masks, we can all
once, and then disposed of safely. With
agree that it can be uncomfortable to breathe,
cloth masks, they should be washed after
especially when it is humid outside. However,
each wear, preferable in warm soapy
the experts agree that masks do not decrease the
water. All things considered, the benefits of
level of oxygen in the body in any meaningful way;
wearing a mask far outweigh the risks.
hence, it is quite safe to wear them.
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Long Service Awardees 2020
Terry-Ann Reid
Petisha Cooper-Dunbar
Kaydian Thomas-Bowen
Janique Smith
Sherika Ellison
Maurine Samuels-Watson
Latoya Wright
Sophia Coote-Smith
Candice Richardson
- Loraine Thorpe
Karma Haye
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- Kayla Lewis-Thomas
Mellisa Jowrey
Neville Warner
Alana Phillips
Suzette Radlein
Rema Steele
Hanika Stultz
Long Service Awardees 2020
Melrose Ellis
Garnett Medley
Marcia Jarrett
Paul Simpson
Samantha Samuda
Elaine Watson
Marcia Hewitt
Dwight Cunningham
Donna McField
Nascine Millwood
“Serving you...is all we do�
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HR Corner February -June
Welcome Aboard A warm welcome is extended to the following employees who joined the ICWI family during the period February to June 2020.
Mehalia Harris CSR, Spanish Town
Kristoff Whyte CSR, Customer Care Centre
Adaisa Carruthers CSR, Broker Underwriting
Alecia Campbell Admin. Assistant Finance
Crystal Anderson Accounts Assistant Corporate & Compliance
Javene Hickling CSR, Ocho Rios
Jodian Griffiths CSR, Broker Underwriting
Tena Campbell CSR, Customer Care Centre
Tena Wilson- Davis Financial Accountant Finance
Anna-Kaye Green HR Assistant Human Resources
Transfers Janique Smith Transferred from Human Resources to the Finance Department.
Secondments Nathina Rampersad Administrative/Filing Clerk - Trinidad
Gayattree Mohanlal CSR, Broker Underwriting - Trinidad
Flor Lynch Business Development Executive - St. Kitts
Kayon Dallas returned from her secondment in Dominica and is now the Business Development Officer at the Spanish Town Branch Nordia Dobbs returned from her secondment in St. Kitts and is now the Branch Supervisor at the Constant Spring Sub-Branch.
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DEPARTURES It is with regret that we bid
•
Yanique Jones:
goodbye to the following persons
•
Tamara Anglin: Customer Service Rep. – Customer Care Centre
and wish them prosperity in their
•
Deon Cummings: Branch Coordinator -
future undertakings:
•
Jade Biggs: Customer Service Rep. – Old Harbour Branch
•
Sanjah Brevett:
•
Shadrian Rolle: Bahamas
Customer Service Rep. – Customer Care Centre
Savanna-la-Mar Branch
Customer Service Rep. – Claims Department
RETIREES We wish Bernadette, Venceta and Chopie a happy retirement. We were blessed to have worked with three dedicated, hardworking and loyal co-workers for a combined 90 years. We will miss them, and we wish them a wonderful retirement with lots of joyous time with friends and family.
Their new job now is to ensure that they enjoy their retirement. The hours are flexible, and they have complete (L-R) Chopie Brown, Venceta Morrison & Bernadette Pierre
autonomy.
Chopie Brown - Jamaica During his years of service at
projects are in
ICWI, Chopie earned tremendous
progress and even
respect both at the work place
to burying departed
and in the wider society through
society members and
his involvement in the August
relatives. Chopie
Town Mutual Relief Association,
is well known for
which he chairs, as well as three
his soup of many
other similar organizations in the
ingredients – too many
Kingston region through which he
and varied to mention.
gained great experience in matters
Chopie Brown, a.k.a. “Worthy Chair” has served the ICWI Group for 41 stellar years (1979-2020) - a record that is worthy of note and hard to beat.
as far ranging as construction
A great team player,
of the association’s meeting hall
he always has a kind
to cooking while their building
word and helpful hand “Serving you...is all we do”
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for all and can be depended on to go the extra mile even under the most challenging situations. Chopie could be seen many evenings on the ICWI back porch enjoying a friendly game of dominoes with his colleagues.
Chopie you are one of the hardest workers we have ever known. You deserve a great retirement, but we know you will still keep yourself busy.
Bernadette Pierre - Jamaica She displayed a high level of professionalism and
our Jamaican culture
confidentiality while performing her duties.
although she hails from the spice island
Her love for order, protocol and courtesy was
of Grenada.
admired by all. Although she has a good memory, she believes that “the palest ink is better than
Bernie, thanks for
the most retentive memory” hence her reason for
your years of hard
writing everything down. She was the memory
work and dedication.
bank for many co-workers.
Congratulations on your retirement.
Bernadette Pierre, a.k.a.
“Bernie” as she is fondly known, is a devoted
“Bernie” has worked with the
church person and believes strongly in family life.
ICWI Group for 33 years as
Just mention her grandchildren and her face lights
Assistant to the Chairman.
up. She is passionate about cricket, carnival and
Venceta Morrison - Jamaica Venceta Morrison worked at ICWI
Christmas treat for the children at
for 16 years as an Office Attendant.
the basic school and the children’s
During her tenure, she was like a
home.
mother to many co-workers and was even addressed as “Mom” by
Venceta, the staff of ICWI miss
some staff. An active member of her
your kind, helpful and friendly
church, Venceta loves children and
disposition and we all wish you
during the Christmas season she takes
good health, happiness and
pleasure in going downtown to get
prosperity in your retirement.
toys and other items for ICWI’s annual
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Monica Ayres - Jamaica Department and later in the
Many long standing customers
Customer Service Centre where she
still remember her and often
was regarded by many customers
inquire of her whereabouts, whilst
as the face of ICWI.
acknowledging the quality and exceptional service she delivered at
Her warm smile greeted everyone
the front desk.
who entered the Customer Service
Monica, you have done a super
lobby and her calm and humble
job at ICWI. Thank you for
Monica or 'Mons' as she is
disposition created such a peaceful
your dedication, loyalty and
affectionately called, came to
atmosphere that customers felt
commitment.
ICWI over 37 years ago. With her
confident that they were being
gentle and unassuming nature
taken care of, and that they were
We all wish you a happy, enjoyable
she faithfully served in the Motor
indeed in good hands at ICWI.
and peaceful retirement.
Sushilla Gooljar-Hardyal – Trinidad & Tobago Sushilla Gooljar-Hardyal, affectionately called Sheila, has provided The Great Northern/ICWI with 39 years (1981-2020) of steadfast service.
Sheila has demonstrated good work ethics and is known for her hard work and dedication. She has been empathetic and caring in her role as a customer service representative. Sheila has treasured the friendships that she has formed through the years. Congratulations on your retirement.
Ena Mulchan – Trinidad & Tobago Ena worked with The Great Northern/
Ena has endeavoured to listen to each
ICWI family for 33 years (1987-2020).
customer and has provided quality
Over the years she has worked with
service. She has remained focused and
a total of 5 branches and has made a
hard-working and has demonstrated
valuable contribution to their growth
that forgiveness is the best form of love.
and development. She embodies hard
Happy Retirement.
work, optimism and dedication.
“Serving you...is all we do”
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Lucille Jones – Turks & Caicos First Insurance She is the proud mother of two daughters, who are the apples of her eyes. Aside from her girls, she is TCFIC’s resident ‘office mother’ AND longstanding face associated with the company. She is a vivacious, energetic, ‘busy-body’ who loves life, fashion, socializing and last, but not least, some good fried chicken from “Sweet T’s”. Lucille is very involved, and takes her role as a deaconess, in church very seriously. She is a loyal team member – Lucille Jones retired on 31 March
willing, dedicated, not stingy with her time, and always has the company’s
2020 after service as Accounts
best interests at heart. We wish Lucille all the best in her retirement and we
Executive at the Turks and Caicos
know that retirement will surely offer her many new opportunities, which we
First Insurance for over seventeen
know she will embrace wholeheartedly. However, this is not the bon voyage,
years.
as Lucille has agreed to remain with us on contract.
Hatches Congratulations to the following members of staff who welcomed new born babies to their family.
Khamron, son of Jodi-Ann TaylorWilson, Finance
Amir, son of Sasha Kelson, Lucea Branch
Nathaniel, son of Kenneth Marshall, MIS
Jazmin, daughter of Chantelle Trail, Legal
Amaya, daughter of Zorina Codrington, Trinidad
Condolences Our deepest sympathies to the following members of staff on the passing of their loved ones: Sashana Beckford, Ocho Rios – Mother
Paula Phillips, Cross Roads – Sister
Vaughn Thompson, MIS – Father
Valrie Tomlinson, Mandeville – Husband
Donna McField, Cayman – Father
Jessica Pacquette, Dominica - Grandfather
Patrick Lyons, Montego Bay– Mother When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a wonderful treasure to always hold in your heart.
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Corporate Head Office 2 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 926-9040-7 876.545.ICWI direct@icwi.com www.icwi.com @icwi_jamaica
“Serving you...is all we do”