Tag: Jamaica

Richie Spice donates to alma mater with help from Digicel Foundation

Loop Jamaica Friday, April 09, 2021

Entertainer Richie Spice (centre) hands over items to the Rock Hall Primary principal while Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, Community Development Manager at the Digicel Foundation, looks on.

The Richie Spice Foundation is giving back to the community of Rock Hall with a donation to the ‘Groovin My Girl’ singer’s alma mater – Rock Hall Primary.

In a handover on April 7, the singer presented eight tablets, one laptop and music equipment to the school’s principal. The donation was made possible through a partnership with the Digicel Foundation.

“I born and grow in Rock Hall, my siblings went to the Rock Hall All Age as it was them time,” explained Richie Spice. “I am the fruit and this is my root and Digicel Foundation help I man to set the Foundation once again with music and tablets for the youths.”

The Digicel Foundation has identified connectivity as a major issue for students in Jamaica, with a large push to provide devices to those in need. So far, the foundation has distributed over 1,500 SIM-enabled tablets to students.

“The Foundation continues to assist students with connectivity and devices,” said Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, Community Development Manager at the Digicel Foundation. “This partnership with the Richie Spice Foundation is one of technology and music, as we seek to positively engage our children and our communities. Indeed we are better together, together we stand.”

In March 2020, the Digicel Foundation launched their Operation SAFE Mode campaign to ‘Sanitise, Advocate, Feed and Enable Students’ during the pandemic. The Foundation intends to reinvigorate this drive in 2021 as they continue to assist persons during the pandemic.

NRSC ON THE ‘ROAD TO ZERO’ TRAFFIC DEATHS

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) has partnered with researchers from the Johns Hopkins Centre for Injury Research & Policy at the Bloomberg School of Health in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, towards a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach to prioritising road safety on a national level in Jamaica.

In partnership with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI, Mona, the Jamaica National (JN) Group, and Jamaica National General Insurance (JNGI), the NRSC staged an insightful public lecture entitled “Lessons from the Past, Looking to the Future: Making the Case for Road Safety to be a National Priority.” Research Professors Andrea Gielen, ScD, and Keshia Pollack, PhD, detailed the history of road safety in the United States and compared that country’s challenges with our own.

A Light Moment
(From Left) Vice-Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Dr. Lucien Jones, Professor Andrea Gielen, UWI Consultant Psychiatrist Winston De La Haye, Professor Keshia Pollack, and Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Dr. Tomlin Paul share a laugh following the public lecture “Lessons from the Past, Looking to the Future: Making the Case for Road Safety to be a National Priority,” put on by the NRSC on Thursday, May 3 at the University of the West Indies.

Although there has been a reduction in road fatalities through a combination of improvements in what the researchers termed the three E’s: Engineering, Enforcement, and Education, the numbers of fatalities islandwide are still too high. In recognition that no roadway deaths are acceptable, they spoke about “changing the safety culture” in Jamaica, pointing to what they called the ‘Safe Systems Approach’ which led to declines of greater than 50% in crash death rates in Sweden. The ‘Road to Zero’ campaign is a long-term goal that incorporates doubling-down on the measures that have so far proven successful, accelerating advanced technology in automobile and road design, and prioritizing safety initiatives that have been identified.

Presenting
Research Professors Keshia Pollack (left), and Andrea Gielen, from the Johns Hopkins Centre for Injury Research & Policy at the Bloomberg School of Health in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, respond to questions from the audience following their public lecture “Lessons from the Past, Looking to the Future: Making the Case for Road Safety to be a National Priority,” hosted by the National Road Safety Council on Thursday, May 3 at the University of the West Indies.

Hosted by the NRSC, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers were in the island this week for the lecture and to begin the process of producing a gap analysis (a comparison of actual performance with potential or desired performance) and provide recommendations for programming, policy, and/or research to reduce traffic related crashes, deaths, and injuries in Jamaica.

“We love to partner with people who want to focus on injury prevention,” said Professor Pollack. “[The NRSC is comprised of] great people with great passion and energy working on what we care so much about, that it’s going to be very useful to reduce motor vehicle crash deaths on the island.”

The study will include a further review of existing data sources and reports provided by the NRSC over a twelve (12) month period. They will identify and summarize the types of crashes, mechanisms of injury, and populations affected; determine priority traffic issues to be addressed; review relevant policies and programmes provided by the NRSC to determine alignment with priorities identified; conduct a literature review on traffic safety evidence relevant to the priority traffic issues, policies, and programmes identified; and ultimately provide a summary report with recommendations for existing and future surveillance, policy, programmes, research and evaluation.

In acknowledging Jamaica’s challenges with corruption and indiscipline on our roads, Professor Pollack posited that, “maybe we should be thinking about positive rewards as much as negative consequences.” Professor Gielen added, “In the workplace we know that positive rewards are more likely to influence the right behaviour than the penalties, but [the rewards] have to be what people value.”

Professor Gielen was hopeful about the short and long-term goals of the research: “It would be great if we could not only increase knowledge and awareness of safe systems and strategies, but also really walk away with some actionable recommendations to give to all the stakeholders here.”

She reiterated, “Zero is possible. One loss of life is too much, and we hope that people will come around to that [concept] on all levels.”

PSOJ Endorses JamaicaEye: The National CCTV System

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Howard Mitchell, PSOJ President; Endorsing the Launch of the JamaicaEye: The National CCTV System held at the National Indoor Sports Complex on March 14, 2018.

President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Howard Mitchell says there can be no progress nor prosperity unless the country develops our knowledge-based competence. Mitchell was speaking at the launch of the Ministry of National Security new initiative JamaicaEye.

“We live in a knowledge-based world, increasingly data gathering and the sharing of knowledge are critical to knowledge-based activities. We will not see progress nor prosperity unless we develop our knowledge-based competence. Communication is an integral part of knowledge-based activities,” said Mitchell.

President Mitchell went further to remind those in attendance that the PSOJ takes its responsibility as the premier based umbrella organization for the private sector very seriously. “We strive to be balanced and fair in our criticisms and we strive to be objective in our praise. It is no secret that we have been critical of the security management and strategy over the years that has been practicing in this country. And therefore, it is important that when we see a strategy worth action, that is comprehensively effective and that would make an impact that we endorse it; we give full praise to its originators.”
JamaicaEye is a three-phased implementation of a national closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance programme geared at a disaster response and public safety, which includes combating crime. Phase one of the project is the collaboration among key stakeholders and the MNS to establish a collective approach to CCTV surveillance.
Mitchell said that this programme is valuable, not only because of the impact it will have on crime, but is valuable because it serves as a template to show what participative democracy can do for the nation.

“I want to congratulate the Minister personally because I know of his commitment to participative democracy. He has never been shy to include all in his planning and in his deliberations and that alone makes this programme effective and it must serve as a template for all our activities in government and in civil society”, said Mitchell.
He further stated, “The PSOJ will be endorsing the system to our members individually and we will be supporting the Minister and this Ministry and all those involved in their promotion efforts.”

A call for Private Sector Support for Persons with Disabilities in Sports and Culture

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Jennifer McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, PSOJ; presenting at The UWI Mona Regional Disabilities Studies Conference on March 12, 2018.

 

The UWI Centre for Disability Studies (UWICDS) held its Regional Disability Studies Conference on Wednesday March
7, 2018. The theme for this conference is “Enhancing the Disability Agenda through
Sports and Culture in the Caribbean.” The CEO of the PSOJ, Ms. Jennifer
McDonald, made a presentation at the Centre for Disability Studies regional
conference: “The importance of public-private partnership in the advocacy,
implementation and advancement of the lives of persons with disabilities in sports
and culture.”

McDonald informed the audience that addressing matters related to Disabilities is
one of PSOJ’s 4 core focus for 2018, which falls under Vulnerable Groups and
Gender Affairs. Other areas for advocacy includes: Innovation and Technology;
Climate Change; Crime and Public Safety.

“Jamaica possesses a strong platform with demonstrated excellence in Sports and
Culture locally, regionally and internationally” said Ms. McDonald. She reiterated
that “Our annual Boys and Girls Championships and the Jamaican festival
movement which have honed the skills of our athletes and artiste over the years.”
The actualisation of programmes and initiatives built through partnerships are
precedence of how public-private partnerships can work to improve these areas for
the advancement of Persons with Disabilities.

During her presentation McDonald quoted Sydney Thorpe, keyboard player of the
renowned Fab 5 – “People were fascinated because they had never seen a visually
challenged person playing three keyboards at a time, much less sitting on a revolving
stool, spinning and playing the keyboards … I didn’t have anything to prove to
anybody because I was in a band that was a top band,” he said.

Ms. McDonald, stated that, “the advancement of PWDs in sports and culture can
facilitate professional integration through the development of income generating
activities. These activities will also: promote increased participation of PWDs in
community life; increase the level of education of PWD through training; Educateand inform the wider public about PWDs and increase their chances of access to
basic social services.”

She further stated that, “members of the private sector can assist with the
advancement of PWDs in the areas of Sports and Culture by: having members of
their staff volunteer to work with institutions or organisations that provide services
to PWDs; making strategic decisions to support a particular sport, art form or
individual already engaging in either areas of discipline; making donations to
existing programmes or projects that will advance the exposure and improve on the
skills of PWDs in these areas.”

The UWI Centre for Disabilities Studies biennial conference is geared at bringing
together, the academic community, the public and private sector, civil society and
members from the community of persons with disabilities; in an academic
environment to articulate topics of critical importance to one of our most vulnerable
groups.

Rising Star Winner Akeem “Short Boss” Smith partners with Digicel Foundation to renovate basic school in Portmore

The Reliance Basic School in Braeton, St Catherine is in for a major upgrade, thanks to a partnership between 2017 Digicel Rising Star winner Akeem “Short Boss” Smith and Digicel Foundation. Akeem has chosen the school as his charity of choice to benefit from the Foundation’s donation of J$1.5 million that’s part of his overall winnings in the talent show.

 

“The world is nothing without education,” said Akeem, whose daughter is in her second year at the early childhood institution. “The school is where we start to prepare our young ones to go out into the world. It is so important, not only for our community of Phase Three, Braeton – Portmore, but also for children from outside the area to come here and learn. It means everything to me.”

 

The funds will go towards renovation and expansion of classrooms, building a resource area, setting up a multipurpose room and erecting a perimeter fence. Akeem is elated that he is able to make such a great impact. He shared, “I want the kids from the community to have a more comfortable environment – a ‘home away from home.’ This will really encourage them to learn more.”

 

The school has been serving the community since 1988 and currently has forty-eight pupils on roll. Principal, Judith Royal Gardner welcomed the partnership and commented, “The Reliance Basic School is most grateful for the assistance.” She is especially delighted that the school will have a fence that will provide a safer environment for students. Principal Royal Gardner is hopeful that the planned improvements will help Reliance Basic to obtain certification from the Early Childhood Commission – a goal the administration is working hard to achieve.

Cheque Handover

CEO of the Digicel Foundation, Dane Richardson, said the Foundation is delighted to be partnering with another Rising Star winner this year. “We congratulate Akeem on his win,” Richardson shared. “We are happy to be working with him on this project. Clearly, he is a man with a strong community spirit, and this will be a welcome contribution.”

 

Principal Royal Gardner is optimistic about the future: “This is where everything starts. This is the foundation. We are looking forward to providing much more for our students, thanks to Akeem and the Digicel Foundation.”

Digicel expands loyalty programme – Partnership with Magna gives customers enhanced value and benefits

Contact:

Elon Parkinson ||Head of Public Relations

Digicel Jamaica ||+1876 990 2432

elon.parkinson@digicelgroup.com

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, April 05, 2017: Digicel, in a new partnership with Magna Rewards, announced it is expanding its loyalty programme, making it easier for customers to earn additional benefits and redeem them in more locations across Jamaica.

Now, Digicel prepaid and postpaid customers who earn loyalty points when they spend from main credit balances, pay bills or purchase a new device, will be able to use accumulated points at select Digicel stores and over 50 Magna Rewards partners islandwide.

Magna Card

“As customers’ expectations continue to evolve, we are focused on delivering benefits that are important to them, said David Butler, CEO of Digicel Jamaica. “Our customers have always looked forward to converting their loyalty points towards cool phones and bill payments. However, many of them wished they could have used these points towards other purchases, and now we have delivered on their expectations.”

Digicel customers can now redeem loyalty points at hardware stores, travel agencies, pharmacies, supermarkets and service stations that are part of the Magna Rewards network. This progression-based programme is part of a broader approach to deliver even more value to prepaid and postpaid subscribers.

Customers who signed up to keep loyalty points under the previous programme are now free to use them at the expanded locations. Those who missed this March 31 deadline, may complete an application form at their nearest Digicel store or visit go.magnarewards/Digicel.

-END–

About Digicel Group

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 15 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Digicel Foundation Gives Freetown Primary School Smart TV, Projector

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Krystal Tomlinson, communications and engagement manager at Digicel Foundation, shares a word of encouragement with grade-five student Joseph Beckford as his classmate Danique Fogah and teacher Mark Blair look on.

Teacher at the Freetown Primary School, Mark Blair, shares with Communications and Engagement Manager at Digicel Foundation Krystal Tomlinson on how he’ll be using the audiovisual equipment to enrich the delivery of mathematics in his grade 5 classes. As part of the school’s numeracy intervention programme, Blair applied to Digicel Foundation for a ‘Mek A Muckle Grant’ to purchase a smart TV, projector and DVD player. His aim is to make math classes more interactive for students who were underperforming in the subject.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170215/digicel-foundation-gives-freetown-primary-school-smart-tv-projector

Honesty, Integrity, Trust – For 95 Years And Beyond

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The following is an edited version of remarks delivered by Don Wehby, group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, at the company’s 95th anniversary church service held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston on Sunday:

Not too long ago, as a youngster in khakis, I visited this church every first Friday for worship. In those days, it was mandatory. As I look back on my life, I’m thankful that it was. Those hours of prayer shaped my early spiritual identity and prepared me for a path which I could never have imagined would have led me to standing here before you as CEO of GraceKennedy. It just shows how important it is to dream big, work hard, and give God thanks.

I have also seen – both in my personal and business life – that it is God who makes all things possible, and He can take people, institutions and countries further than they or others could ever imagine. So today, we have come to this house to reflect and give thanks, fully aware that 95 years would not have been possible solely on human strength.

I salute each founder, director, and employee of GraceKennedy from the beginning to now, for the strength, commitment, passion and faith to have laboured in love to make this company what it is today. We honour our founders Dr John Grace, Fred Kennedy and James Moss-Solomon Sr and former CEOs Carlton Alexander, Rafael Diaz and Douglas Orane. And there are many other unsung heroes. I acknowledge members of the founding families who are with us today. We thank God for using them as vessels to build a company that shows love to our people and to our country.

IN PRAISE OF TEAM MEMBERS

We talk about this all the time and it is still worth mentioning: In 1925, we offered employees the right to purchase shares in the company at par. Also, in 1951, GraceKennedy became the first Jamaican company to establish free health, and superannuation schemes, and life insurance for staff. Today, we continue to look for every opportunity to ensure that our staff are well taken care of and can provide for their families.

I would like to salute our retirees. Many of them are here today or would have wanted to be. We hold them dear because of all they have given and how they continue to hold us in their hearts. They give us strength to continue every day. And they are very special to me.

We have a great executive team, which is committed to living the core values and continuing the tradition of leadership and service. We are thankful for their passion and commitment to GK.

JUST THE BEGINNING

Ninety-five years for some businesses is more than a lifetime. But for us, in some ways, it is just the beginning. The best is yet to come. From our humble early days, we have grown from strength to strength, and today, we are fixed on the goal of being a global world-class consumer group. GraceKennedy’s journey to the world is in full flight, with offices in Jamaica, the Caribbean, North America, UK and Europe, and Africa.

As we continue to grow and give the world a taste of who we are, we are more committed than ever to serving our Jamaican market with quality products and to keep GraceKennedy’s brands as household names. We are also encouraged to contribute to the growth of Jamaica and the communities in which we do business wherever we are in the world.

I believe wholeheartedly that even from birth, we have been a company ahead of its time, constantly looking beyond and thinking ahead. We know that greater things lie ahead. History has proven that when a solid foundation is put down, you can build with peace of mind. We have set our foundation, and we are building! And as I tell my team, I know there will be challenges, but if we fall down nine times, we are to get up 10!

Honesty, integrity, trust, humility and commitment are cherished core values which are our compass as we move forward with hope and optimism for the future. These are the same values that I learnt from my parents in this church over 30 years.

May God bless each of you, and our country, Jamaica. I pray for peace and love in this great country.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner | Honesty, integrity, trust – for 95 years and beyond

GraceKennedy At 95 – A Shining Example Of Corporate Success

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This year marks 95 years since the GraceKennedy Group was founded. Starting life as Grace, Kennedy and Company Limited in Kingston, Jamaica, in February 1922, the company has survived many challenges over the period to become a name which Jamaicans – at home and abroad – can truly be proud of.

Founded by Dr John J. Grace and Fred William Kennedy, who both worked for Grace Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of W.R. Grace & Company of New York, GraceKennedy in its early days was involved in the sugar industry, and the importation of products, chief among which were salt fish and fertiliser.

This was at a time when other companies and the government of the day were looking to the mother country – England – for economic solutions. The company broke with tradition and pursued business opportunities in new exciting frontiers such as in the United States of America and Canada.

Establishing the philosophy ‘Take what is good for Jamaica and make it good for GraceKennedy’, throughout the years, the company has sought to make itself a partner in Jamaica’s development – with government, its shareholders, employees and with the wider community.

 

NATIONAL PRIDE

The company’s emergence coincided with the global recovery from the devastating World War I a few years earlier. Bouyed by a combination of entrepreneurial spirit and national pride, GraceKennedy pursued interests in importing, exporting and insurance, and steadily established its distribution network throughout rural Jamaica.

During this time also, the company developed a tradition of rewarding hard work and loyalty of the ‘small man’ – becoming perhaps the first company to offer shares to its employees in 1924. The adoption of accounting practices of the highest international standards has served GraceKennedy well.

Throughout the many decades of its existence, GraceKennedy has been involved in most aspects of Jamaica’s economy, such as the manufacture and distribution of a range of foods and soap products, salt, and motorcycles; shipping; contract farming; banking; insurance; investments; and money services, among other enterprises. By earning from multiple sources, the company has been able to survive and do well even during difficult times..

 

Committed To Jamaica

In 2012, GraceKennedy, through its more than 60 subsidiaries in more than 60 countries worldwide, recorded before-tax revenues of more than $60 billion. It is considered one of the blue-chip companies on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and the most successful local business entity in Jamaican history.

With all its success, GraceKennedy has not abandoned its roots in downtown Kingston and continues to maintain its headquarters there. As a demonstration of its commitment to Kingston, it is in the process of expanding its presence with the development of new corporate offices scheduled to be completed in late 2018. GraceKennedy thrives from the opportunities presented from its proximity downtown to transportation – by sea, air and land; as well as legal, accounting and telecommunications services. Also, by operating downtown, GraceKennedy, is among the companies which have signalled long-term commitment to the city’s renewal.

GraceKennedy has established two charitable foundations through which it channels lasting contributions to nation building. The Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, a partnership between the company’s management and staff, was established in 1979 in response to the poor social and economic conditions existing in the inner-city communities surrounding the company’s headquarters. Chief among the Grace and Staff Foundation’s activities is the GraceKennedy Education Run held annually in July.

 

EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP

The GraceKennedy Foundation focuses mostly on education for the long-term benefit of Jamaica, offering a range of scholarships and grants at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Central to GraceKennedy’s success has been the visionary leadership brought by Luis Fred Kennedy, the legendary Carlton Alexander, A. Rafael Diaz, Douglas Orane and the present Chief Executive Officer, Don Wehby. The combination of principled leadership, loyal staff and data-driven decision-making have developed a diversified business that today includes banking and financial services, remittances, insurance, manufacturing, retail and distribution.

The company has adjusted its focus from being a Jamaican food company to being an international food and financial services conglomerate serving Jamaicans across the globe, as well as people from other countries who share in the delight of the high-quality products and world-class services for which the company is known. GraceKennedy’s presence is not only felt in the Caribbean, Europe and North America, but is growing rapidly in Africa, the ancestral home of most Jamaicans.

Without doubt, GraceKennedy will continue to impact positively on the lives of Jamaicans as it closes in on an illustrious century.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170214/gracekennedy-95-shining-example-corporate-success

 

 

RJRGLEANER Employee Wins $10M In ‘Q Is The Key To Cash 4 Life’

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When Mark Brown, an employee of The RJRGleaner Communi-cations Group, bought Qs of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum to assist his sister with adding flavour to her Christmas cakes, little did he know there was a blessing of $10 million in return for him.

Brown is now one of two grand prize winners in the recently concluded J. Wray & Nephew ‘Q is the Key to Cash 4 Life’ competition.

Brown saved every Q he bought to help his sister, and entered the codes via text as instructed for the competition, and on January 29 he was told of his life-changing win.

“I feel elated, excited, nervous, blessed and favoured. This is something I have been praying for – a financial blessing. I think God has actually blessed me today,” said Brown, who was just returning home from church when the team from J.Wray & Nephew Limited announced his victory to him.

“The only thing I can do is give God thanks and praise for it. This is my breakthrough. I have prayed for it and a lot of people have prayed for it to happen for me too, and I am just giving thanks for it,” added Brown, before calling his mother to tell her the good news.

HOW HE WILL SPEND IT

When asked how he plans to spend the money, the first thing he could think of doing were acts of kindness.

“I have some family members who I want to help and my children overseas. I can now put towards their college fund. Last month, I borrowed a major loan to take care of some things, but if I knew this was going to happen I wouldn’t have done that,” said Brown.

Howard Cover, a resident of Portland, is the other grand prize winner of the ‘Q is the Key to Cash 4 Life’ competition. Like Brown, he intends to use his winnings to give to those in need, especially his family members.

“I have three grandchildren whom I want to help with the money. I want to see to it that they get a good education. They are 16, 10 and eight. I am also going to buy some property with the money, invest some otherwise, mostly in farming, which is what I know about,” said Cover.

According to Pietro Gramegna, marketing manager, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, the company is elated that it could have enriched the lives of two deserving Jamaicans.

“We at J. Wray & Nephew Limited are always envisioning ways to enrich the lives of our consumers. With the ‘Q is the Key to Cash 4 Life’ promotion, two flasks of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum allowed two loyal consumers to become real millionaires,” said Gramegna.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170205/rjrgleaner-employee-wins-10m-q-key-cash-4-life