HR Newsletter - Training and Development

THE HR NEWSLETTER TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT issue no. 8

MRS. MICHELLE BERRY-MASON director, human resource development

INSIDE THIS ISSUE training and development 1-2 spotlight: the rent services 3-4 unit alert not anxious: COVID-19 5-6 megjc high achiever: mrs. rose 7 perrin greenwood highlight: general staff 8-9 meeting 2020 highlight: staff Christmas 10 function

training & development Some of the facilities through which employees training and development are accommodated are Study Leave, Day Release and Time-off For School. Study Leave Study Leave as, defined by the Staff Orders 2004, is a period of absence granted to public employees to pursue courses of study which may fall into any of the following categories: Government Mandated, Job Related, Future Advancement, or, Personal Interest. Requirements: A minimum of three (3) years permanent service Must be a full time course (Study Leave will not be granted to pursue online courses) Please note: Approval for study leave is not normally granted to pursue courses study overseas where similar courses are offered locally; or to study on a full-time basis, if the course is available on a part-time basis. 1.

Day Release Time-off for Study Day release can be granted for Time-off for Study is also study for 1 or 2 days per week available. Officers must receive and, where necessary on full- written permission from the time, for 2 to 4 weeks during the HRM&D Branch for courses that summer. involve time-off. Requirements: Please Note: one (1) year’s continuous ´The applicable time-table employment. and evidence of registration with the institution stamp/seal Please Note: must be submitted with Officer must attend classes supervisor's endorsement for on the days approve for your the requested for time-off. day release. Any unjustifiable Staff granted permission will absence is a breach and may be required to compensate lead to disciplinary action for the time-off taken. being instituted. 2.

spotlight: rent services unit In 1944 Rent Assessment Boards Area and has been providing were established to provide a service across the entire sphere of framework for the business of Jamaica. The Ministry of Economic renting properties, and to resolve Growth and Job Creation’s offices the constant disputes that arose in St. James, Westmoreland, St. between landlords and tenants. Ann and Clarendon have been instrumental in disseminating The Board is quasi-judicial in its general information and assisting proceedings, and as such has the Board to conduct hearings similar powers to that of a Parish at their offices. Court. Any person aggrieved by an order made by the Rent Assessment Board, may appeal to the Court of Appeal. Presently, only one Rent Assessment Board is in existence in the Corporate 3.

The Rent Services Unit is the secretariat of the Rent Assessment Board; it is also a department in this Ministry. The Unit provides a suite of services to landlords and tenants. Landlords and tenants can initiate legal proceedings for arrears in rent, security deposits and illegal increase in rent. Owners of commercial properties can apply for exemption for their commercial premises, from the provisions of the Rent Restriction Act. The unit conducts inspections, grants the standard rent and increases in rent above 7½% for residential properties. Mediation is also done for landlords and tenants who are having rental disputes. Landlords and tenants who require information may call, email or visit the office for assistance. The complaints and queries received by the unit are regarding illegal increase in rent, harassment, arrears in rent, security deposits, increase in rent and notices. The unit assisted 10,342 clients in 2019. Visit the Unit: The Towers, 3rd Floor, 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5. 4.

alert not anxious: covid-19 Coronavirus has been the word on everyone's lips since the discovery of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China in December 2019. As the number of cases rise throughout the world, and within our own borders, so has unease and panic as a result of fear coupled with the spread of misinformation. In this issue's Health corner, we urge you to be Alert not Anxious, arm yourself with the facts, and prepare for the worst while remaining optimistic and realistic. First, what is the 'coronavirus'? Contrary to the widespread notion, Coronaviruses are not a new phenomena. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness including the common cold. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. How does COVID-19 spread? The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. What should I do if I think i contracted COVID-19? Persons who have made contact with a suspected infected person must isolate themselves (self-quarantine) and contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness Covid-19 hotlines. The MOHW will then advise further action. 5.

What precautionary measures should you take? Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately. Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Stay home if you feel unwell. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 from reputable sources such as the WHO and the Ministry of Health. Be wary of sensationalized coverage. Lastly, DO NOT PANIC. Take the necessary precautions and remember to stay Alert, not Anxious. The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-19: Smoking Taking traditional herbal remedies Wearing multiple masks Taking self-medication such as antibiotics Updates and information can be found at www.who.int and the Ministry of Health website www.moh.gov.jm 6.

megjc high achiever: mrs. rose perrin-greenwood Mrs. Rose Perrin- Greenwood, [post], was awarded the Leadership Success Award, the “highest achievement award\" from the prestigious Dale Carnegie Training Institute. What were the circumstances under which you were awarded? The award was based on the votes of my fellow participants who selected me as the highest achiever in the group. I was able to demonstrate that I was an inspiring team player with honesty and integrity, problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively in crisis. During the training I also won a prize for my intervention in sharing how I would deal with the circumstances outlined by the Master Trainer. What does this award mean to you? Receiving the [award] means that I have within me the right attitude and qualities to perform effectively in my Organization. I also see that I can achieve more by maximizing my performance as well as others and in turn contribute more effectively to the Ministry’s vision. How has receiving it affected you? It has confirmed how much I have grown over the past years, notwithstanding the obstacles I have faced and that I continue to impact people positively. The experience has also been transformative and has made me more confident and enthusiastic in getting things done. It serves to make me a stronger leader who is fully cognizant of and willing to address my own shortcomings while simultaneously trying to help to develop others working with me. It has enhanced my ability to deal with challenging interpersonal situations more effectively and to seek innovative measures to address certain professional issues. 7.

highliggehntesr: tahlest2a0f2f0maenentuinagl 8.

highlights: the 2020 annual general staff meeting 9.

highlights: megjc pcahrrtiyst2m0a19s 10.

MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION PREPARED BY THE HRM&D BRANCH ISSUE NUMBER 8, PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2019