HR Newsletter - Employee Benefits: Grants and More

THE HR NEWSLETTER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: GRANTS AND MORE ISSUE NO. 4

THE HR NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE MISS NATALYA FERGUSON DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2-3    8    Health Insurance Highlights: SERP Function   9     4     'Tis the Season: Holiday Tips Funeral Grants 5-6     10-11     Tertiary Grants Holiday Recipes 7     12     Health and Wellness Fair  Happy Holidays from HR

HEALTH INSURANCE: •GEASO• AFFORDABLE PLANS FOR •GPASO• GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES •MEDIGAP• \"The Government of Jamaica, in collaboration with Sagicor has put in place a health insurance scheme to provide healthcare benefits for its employees and pensioners. \"  These plans are:  Government Employees’ Administrative Services Only (GEASO)  Government Pensioners’ Administrative Services Only (GPASO) MEDIGAP & MEDIGAP Plus The GEASO plan provides coverage for Civil Servants who are employed on a full-time basis in Central and Local Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Approved Statutory Bodies.  Under this health scheme there are two available enrollments: Family         - $1,611.40 per month individual  - $547.40 per month THE HR NEWSLETTER |   2

The GPASO plan provides health coverage for government pensioners who will be in receipt of a pension from Central and Local Government Agencies   Under this health scheme there are two available enrollments: Family         - $340.00 per month Individual  - $190.00 per month \"Sagicor MEDIGAP is a suite of voluntary benefit products that will supplement your existing Government Health Schemes.\"  The benefits include:  Voluntary Health Supplemental Health Supplemental Life Parental Life Dependent Life Critical Illness The additional cost for MEDIGAP with the MEDIGAP Plus health scheme is as follows: Family         - $945.98 per month Individual  - $407.75 per month The additional cost for MEDIGAP with the GPASO health scheme is as follows: Family         - $2,000 per month Individual  - $1,000 per month THE HR NEWSLETTER |   3

FUNERAL GRANTS In the event of the death of an Officer in the service, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service states: A funeral grant of JMD 300,000 is payable to assist in defraying funeral expenses. Where death is attributable to his or her duties, an amount of JMD 400,000 is payable. A JMD 300,000 grant is payable A JMD 120,000 grant is payable to assist defraying funeral to assist defraying funeral expenses of an employee who expenses of an employee with a serves for five (5) days per minimum of three (3) continous week for three (3) continuous years of service and a minimum years and who qualify under the of 156 days a year and who Governemnt Emplyees would have qualified for benefits (Compassionate Gratuities) under the Governemnt Emplyees Resolution. (Compassionate Gratuities) Resolution. THE HR NEWSLETTER |  4

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Educational Grant Subject to the availability of funds the Ministry may provide financial assistance to employees up to  a maximum of JMD 100,000 to undertake approved courses of study.  Requirements: Officer must have been permanently appointed in the Central Ministry for at least one (1) year. Officer must be accepted to pursue/already pursuing an accredited course or pursuing CSEC/GCE in order to qualify for appointment. Applicants should not be recipients of any other GOJ scholarships or general study leave for the same course. The original letter of acceptance or transcript, the original statement of fee structure for the academic year/invoice must accompany each application. Conditions: Employees can only benefit from the Grant once every three (3) years. The amount granted is dependent on the availability of funds. Funds granted will be paid directly to the respective training institution.  Officers who are awarded the Grant may be required to repay the amount received if the officer, without reasonable cause, fails to successfully complete the course of study. THE HR NEWSLETTER |   5

Tertiary Grants Available for Children of Public-Sector Workers The Tertiary Grant for Children of Public Sector Workers was introduced on January 7, 2014 via a Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Circular.    The grant was provided to assist with the payment of tuition fees for children of public sector workers who have not benefited from similar assistance within the public service. The grant covers 80% of tuition up to $150,000 and is accessible once per academic year. The following guidelines should be noted: The grant is applicable to children of: Permanent and Temporary employees with at least 2  years service. Contract workers with at least 2 years service under any type of contract. Children should: Be pursuing tertiary studies or have been accepted to pursue studies at a tertiary institution accredited by the University Council of Jamaica Not be older than 25 years old Be unemployed  Have a GPA of 3.0 (for continuing students) Mandatory submission of the following documents:  Employment Letter (parent) Copy of Appointment letter (parent) Acceptance Letter or Transcript/Progress Report  Copy of the child's birth certificate, certified by the HR Department.  Invoice/Statement of Account from Tertiary Institution NOTE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THE HR NEWSLETTER |  6 BY JULY 31ST EACH YEAR THROUGH THE MINISTRY'S HR DEPARTMENT 

THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR The Staff Social Welfare Committee hosted a Health and Wellness Fair and Symposium on November 29, 2018 under the theme “Take Positive Steps: Keep your Health in Check”. The purpose of the Fair was to improve employees’ awareness of illnesses, treatments and preventative measures and to provide them with strategies for improving their lifestyles and maintaining good health. Over 100 staff members participated in the day’s activities, which included: Free & Reduced Cost Health Tests/Screenings  Health and Wellness Vendors– Free Samples Exhibitions –Healthy Products/Services/Lifestyle Informational sessions – The Voice of Mental Health, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nutrition, Fitness & Healthy Lifestyle, Occupational Health & Safety, Family Planning and HIV/STI Prevention, National Health Fund, Financial Management etc. Talks with medical representatives about illnesses, treatments and preventative measures  RADA’s Farmer’s Market Free Give-aways Entertainment/Music was provided by Our MC, Jerry Benswick and DJ Ali Patch Main Exhibitors/participants were: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Sagicor Life Insurance, National Health Fund, The Jamaica Psychological Society, National Family Planning Board, National Housing Trust, First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union, Life Span (Spring Water) Company, TrainFit Fitness Club, Ministry of Labour and Social Security. THE HR NEWSLETTER |  7

THE SERP PARTICIPANTS FAREWELL FUNCTION THE HR NEWSLETTER | 8

'Tis the season: Holiday Tips SAFETY FIRST While shopping, stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. Try to shop during the day. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and pay with a card where possible. Ensure that doors and windows are locked when you leave the house - a bit of double checking can't hurt. While celebrating, drink responsibly. If you are out for the evening, ensure there is a designated driver or a taxi to take you home. GIFT IDEAS Homemade Coupons Board Games Gift Certificates Plants Movie tickets Wine Play tickets Jewelry Concert tickets Personalized baskets Matching couple items Books Video Games Paintings Cellphones Personalized novelty items Clothing Food FOR YOUR HEALTH... It is easy to forget healthy habits while you celebrate during the holidays. Here are a few simple tips to keep your health in check. Substitute unhealthy Try smaller portions.  ingredients with more Try fruit for a snack. healthy options. Stay hydrated. Try to maintain an Limit alcohol intake easy exercise routine. Take some alone Make time for time every day. activities family and Sleep in, you've friends. earned it. DURING THE HOLIDAYS, LEND A HAND WHERE YOU CAN. THERE ARE MANY GREAT CAUSES THAT COULD USE THE SUPPORT. GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. REMEMBER: EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. THE HR NEWSLETTER | 9

HOLIDAY TREATS Easy to make recipes to try during the holidays this year GOOEY TOFFEE PUDDINGS By Justine Pattinson Ingredients Method bowl with a wooden spoon or electric whisk until pale and 140g softened butter, 1. Lightly grease 8 mini metal thick. Spoon the mixture into plus extra for greasing pudding basins that each hold the pudding basins and place 200g light muscovado around 200ml. Place a small them in a small roasting tin. sugar (brown sugar) disc of baking parchment in 4. Add cold water to the 3 large eggs, beaten the base of each one. roasting tin until it rises just 175g self-raising flour 2. To make the sauce, put the 1cm up the sides of the basins. cream or ice cream, to sugars and butter in a small Place the tin in the oven and serve  saucepan and cook over a low bake for about 25 mins or until heat until the butter melts and well risen and a skewer inserted For the sauce the sauce is glossy, stirring comes out clean. regularly. Add the cream and 5. Take the tin out of the oven 75g light muscovado sugar bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 and, one at a time and holding 75g dark muscovado sugar min, stirring constantly. firmly with a dry tea towel, (dark brown sugar) Remove from the heat and loosen the sides of each 75g butter divide between the pudding pudding with a round-bladed 150ml double cream basins. Leave to cool for 30 knife. Turn out onto 8 warmed mins. dessert plates, or arrange on a 3. Heat oven to 200C/180C platter. Serve hot with cream or fan/gas 6. Beat the butter, ice cream, if you like. sugar, eggs and flour together in a large  THE HR NEWSLETTER | 10

BEST HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE by Joanne Ozug  2  While the milk is heating place the chopped Ingredients chocolate in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. Take the chocolate out and stir it. Return 2 cups whole milk to microwave and heat for another thirty seconds, 2 tbsp sugar  remove and stir. Continue to heat and stir the 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped  chocolate in 30 second intervals until just melted. splash of vanilla extract (optional)      whipped cream (optional) marshmallows (optional)  3  When the milk reaches the scalding point (180 Method degrees F, with bubbles on the side), turn off the heat and add the melted chocolate, whisking to  1  Combine milk and sugar in a small combine. Add the vanilla extract now, if desired. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if using, saucepan and place on the stovetop over and enjoy! medium heat.          TAKE  A TRIP TO  Ingredients The North Pole Method 4 ounces vodka In a cocktail shaker combine the vodka, 2 ounces Kahlúa or more to taste Kahlúa, chocolate syrup, vanilla, molasses, and 4 tablespoons chocolate syrup ginger. Shake until well combined.  1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add ice and shake again.  3 teaspoons molasses Strain into 4 glasses.  1/8 teaspoon ginger Top off each glass with heavy cream. Dollop 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk with whipped cream and garnish as desired.  whipped cream candy canes and DRINK! gingerbread cookies, for serving (optional) *Kahlua can be substituted with Baileys rum cream or another coffee liquor     recipe by half baked harvest

Happy Holidays from the HRM&D Branch!