The HR Newsletter - A Year In Review

THE HR DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE NO 7 NEWSLETTER YEAR IN REVIEW

IN THIS ISSUE happy holidays from hrm&d, p3-4 BANDANA DAY, p5 HR OPEN DAY 2019, p6 MEGJC HIGH ACHIEVERS, p7 ORIENTATION 2019, p8 CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING, p8 EASTER REFLECTION SERVICE, p9 OFFICE ATTENDANT and driver RETREAT, p9 PUBLIC SECTOR DEBATE, p10

IN THIS ISSUE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, p10 HOLIDAY TRIP ADVISER, p11-12 CIVIL SERVICE WALK/RUN, p13 RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINAR, p14 CSW MDA QUIZ COMPETITION, p14 SAGICOR EDUCATION SESSIONS, p15 VISIT to ptsu REGIONAL OFFICEs, p16 EASY HOLIDAY RECIPES, p17-18

As the Holiday season approaches and we bid farewell to another great year, the Human Resource Management and Development Branch would like to re-emphasize its commitment to you, as we endeavor to provide the highest level of support and human development for the year ahead. We thank you for your continued support over the period that ensured our many activities were successes. Going forward, we seek your partnership in providing even better experiences and improved customer service. May 2020 bring joy and happiness to your families and may peace and warmth fill your new homes for many years to come. Mrs. Barbara Cadogan, Senior Director, HRM&D P|3

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROMBRTHAENCHHRM&D

BANDANA DAY In October 2019, the Branch invited MEGJC Units/Branches and Divisions to compete in a 'MEGJC Bandana Day' in celebration of National Heroes day. 5|P

HRM&D OPEN DAY MEGJC staff members were invited to visit the Branch and speak with HR team members, to learn more about HR Functions, Policies & Procedures,Staff Benefits as well as Training and Career Development opportunities available to them. 6|P

1. 2. Mrs. Kayla 1. Ms. Marva 3. Rochester-Clarke Hinds Ms. Mickesha 2. 4 . Ms. Joanne Felix Williams 3. 4. Mr. Garnett 5. Clarke 5. 6. 6 . Mr. Tariq King 7|P CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MEGJC HIGH ACHIEVERS! The HRM&D Branch extends hearty congratulations to these MEGJC officers who have made significant educational achievements in 2019.

ORIENTATION 8|P SEMINAR In October 2019, the HRD Unit hosted its Orientation Seminar for all new staff who joined the MEGJC team between March 2018 to October 2019. CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING At the Customer Service Training held in October 2019 employees were reminded that Customer Service Training is an important step in their personal and professional development.

9|P EASTER REFLECTION SERVICE The Ministry hosted its annual Easter Reflection Service in April 2019. OFFICE ATTENDANT & DRIVER RETREAT The Office of the Prime Minister and MEGJC came together to celebrate our Drivers and Office Attendants at The Turtle River Falls & Gardens.

PUBLIC 01 | P SECTOR DEBATE Team MEGJC participated in the 2019 Public Sector Debate Competition where they made it to the quarter final round. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH On PINK DAY, colleagues were encouraged to make a donation to the Jamaica Cancer Society and wear something pink to show their support.

HOLIDAY P | 11 TRIP ADVISER Unsure about how to spend the holidays? See more of home! There are many places in our beautiful island that will be excellent for you, for your friends or the whole family to explore and enjoy. WINNIFRED BEACH Public beach in Portland. Food and Craft Vendors on site Cost: Free, but contributions to the upkeep of the beach are welcome. REACH FALLS Beautiful falls located in Port Antonio. Local guides can assist on the climb. Take climbing shoes to access the best part of the falls - The Mandingo Cave. Cost: JMD $500 for entry

P | 12 APPLETON ESTATE TOUR Complementary welcome cocktails An interactive, guided tour through the history of the Estate and their cane-to- cup rum making process A guided tasting led by professionally trained rum experts Cost: USD $30 NATIONAL GALLERY OF JAMAICA A gallery specializing in Jamaican art from the 1920s to the present. Cost: JMD $400, or for guided tours JMD $3,000 (appointment only) Admission, tours and children’s activities are free on Last Sundays FORT CHARLES Built in 1650, this port holds a wealth of Jamaican history and lore. Visit the \"Giddy House\" for a fun, unforgettable experience. Cost: 1. Local Adults $600.00 2. Local Children $300.00

CIVIL SERVICE WALK/ RUN Over 50 MEGJC employees participated in the event. 31 | P

VISIT TO PTSU REGIONAL OFFICES The Human Resource Management and Development Branch hosted a special intervention, for the staff of the Projects and Technical Services Unit (Regional Offices), which was held on March 21, 2019 at the Montego Bay Regional Office, Albion St. James. 41 | P

RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINAR The HRM&D Branch hosted the event in November 2019 in an effort to assist employees by providing meaningful options for proper financial management, retirement planning and promoting a healthy lifestyle. 51 | P

SAGICOR 61 | P EDUCATION SESSION Two sessions were held in April 2019 and in October 2019 where a team from Sagicor made presentations on the GEASO Health Insurance Scheme and its Supplemental and voluntary benefits CSW MDA QUIZ COMPETITION The MEGJC Quiz Team participated in the 2019 CSW MDA Quiz Competition and emerged the victors.

EASY HOLIDAY P | 17 RECIPES SORREL DRINK This Jamaican classic is easy to make and a holiday staple. 2 pound(s) sorrel1 ounce(s) ginger 1 piece(s) dried orange peel 6 whole cloves1 2 cup(s) boiling water 2 cup(s) sugar 1/4 cup(s) white rum (optional) 1 cup(s) red wine (optional) A few grains of rice 1. Wash sorrel. 2. Crush or grate ginger. 3. Place sorrel, ginger, orange peel and cloves in a stainless steel container. 4. Pour on boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 24 hours. 5. Strain, add sugar, rum and red wine and mix well. 6. Pour into bottles adding a few grains of rice to each bottle. RECIPE FROM GRACE FOODS

P | 18 CHOCOLATE-DIPPED CANDY CANES This recipe will be a hit with the kids. Simple enough to have them join in, the snack doubles as afternoon fun. 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 12 candy canes (6 inches each) 3 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped Optional toppings: assorted colored sugars  or  sprinkles and crushed candies 1. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. 2. Dip curved ends of candy canes in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper. 3. In a microwave, melt white baking chocolate; stir until smooth. 4. Drizzle over chocolate. 5. Decorate with toppings if desired. Let stand until set. 6. Use to stir servings of hot cocoa.

MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION PREPARED BY THE HRM&D BRANCH ISSUE NUMBER 7, PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2019