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Contents VOL #5 ISSUE#3, JANUARY 2024

FHC Foundation and FHC Credit Union award 20 high achievers with scholarship

Data Protection Act

Three take top spot in FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards

FHCIL Fireside Chat highlights Jamaica’s Financial Resilience

Transforming your space: Budget Friendly Home Renovation Ideas

Go Digital with FHC Credit Union

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The FHC Foundation and First Heritage Co-Operative Credit Union Limited (FHC), continue their thrust to empower aspiring students and entrepreneurs to achieve success through the provision of scholarships in the areas of Education, Sports and Entrepreneurship. On Wednesday, October 4 the credit union celebrated the extraordinary progress and achievements of twenty academic superstars during an official Awards Ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Under the prestigious Renald Mason Scholarship, three remarkable individuals have been recognized for their unwavering commitment to achieving their dreams. Rasheed Jacobs, a dedicated Applied Psychology major at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Kian O’Connor, an aspiring Computer Science major at the University of Technology, Jamaica and Regina Thompson, who is pursuing a degree in Medicine/Surgery at the University of the West Indies, Mona, have been chosen as the outstanding recipients. These students have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated their leadership skills through active participation in community projects, clubs, associations, and other civic institutions. In a separate accolade, Christopher Beason, a determined Management Studies major at the University of the West Indies, Mona, has been awarded the Oswald Thorbourne Scholarship. The FHC Foundation and FHC Credit Union extends its support to Terrick Smith, a promising student at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sport, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Education. Terrick’s passion for sports and education aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders within the sporting arena. As one of the largest Credit Unions in Jamaica serving in approximately 200,000 members islandOur Place Magazine

Our Place Magazine wide FHC is committed to its philosophy of helping people to succeed financially, and become their best selves by putting them on the right financial path. “First Heritage Co-Operative Credit Union and by extension, the FHC Foundation are driven by a passion to brighten the path to tomorrow for our nation’s youth. Each of our recipients have not only excelled academically but have also shown their dedication to making a positive impact on their communities — a true reflection of our values,“ stated FHC CEO Roxann Linton. She continued, “Our PEP, tertiary and sports education scholarships, along with our entrepreneurship awards represent our belief in the power of education, sports, and entrepreneurship to drive positive change in our society. We extend hearty congratulations to all the awardees,” noted FHC CEO Roxann Linton. With great pleasure, FHC Credit Union also revealed that the young entrepreneurs who won the prize of five hundred thousand dollars also received the chance to further develop their businesses through an incubator session. This will help them stay focused on building and maintaining a profitable business. At the heart of FHC’s operations is the ethos of people helping people. The company’s member centric focus continues to evolve.

Roxann Linton, CEO of FHC Credit Union (left), and Leodis Douglas, Chairman of FHC Credit Union Board of Direction (right), radiate smiles alongside the talented young entrepreneurs at the official handover ceremony held at Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. In this captured moment, Jason Ferguson, Manager of the Micro and Small Business Loan Unit (back row left), and Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Member Experience (back row right), stand in unity, symbolizing a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the community.

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Roxann Linton, CEO of FHC Credit Union (right), and Leodis Douglas, Chairman of FHC Credit Union Board of Direction (left), share joyous smiles with the accomplished Primary Exit Profile awardees during the official handover ceremony at Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Standing proudly in the back row are FHC Executives, capturing a moment of celebration and recognition for academic excellence and achievement.

Roxann Linton, CEO of FHC Credit Union (right), and Leodis Douglas, Chairman of FHC Credit Union Board of Direction (left), exchange smiles of pride and achievement with the distinguished tertiary awardees, surrounded by FHC Executives, during the official handover ceremony at Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. This captivating moment captures the essence of success and collaboration in recognizing academic excellence within the community.

FHC SPORTS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

We’re excited to announce Terrick Smith as the first recipient of the FHC Foundation Sports Education Scholarship. Newly introduced, the FHC Foundation has chosen to position its Youth, Education, and Sports (Y.E.S.) pillars in such a way that sports will be the lead pillar; this will in turn be anchored by the Youth and Education thematic areas. This sees the FHC Foundation focusing on sports education among the youth population. Students in their first through fourth year of study are allowed to apply, and a set of criteria is used to choose and grant the award to one lucky student.

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TERRICK SMITH FHC SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE 2023 4

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Christene Rowe, Ruth McGrowder and Opal Bryan are the 2023 FHC Civil Servants of the Year in the Technical Support, Mid Managerial and Managerial categories. The esteemed government employees copped the top spot from a competitive field beating nine other nominees who have been highlighted for their outstanding contributions to the public service. First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service proudly announced the winners of the 19th annual FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards, on Friday, November 17, 2023, at a ceremony held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston. The Award is a prestigious recognition that honours outstanding contributions to public service. Each winner received a ceremonial plaque, a citation highlighting their achievements, and a cash prize of $200,000. Additionally, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union has pledged $150,000 towards a community project of choice by each of the three awardees, demonstrating a dedication to social responsibility and the betterment of local communities.

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Our Place Magazine The 2023 awardees have demonstrated resilience and courage in their professional and social lives. Christene Rowe, a secretary in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs was selected in the Technical Support Category. Her journey in the civil service spans two decades and is a testament to her resilience. Having entered the civil service twenty years ago as an Office Attendant and quickly ascended through various positions, including Messenger, Receptionist and Records Officer, her journey is proof of her versatility. She is a certified Restorative Justice Facilitator, and, even in the face of personal adversity, including a surgery that left her physically challenged, Ms. Rowe continues to serve with distinction and remains unshaken in her resolve to serve her country. Ruth McGrowder, a Senior Case Officer at the Administrator General’s Department (AGD) was selected as the winner in the Mid-Managerial Category. She is the consummate professional as her consistent drive for personal and professional growth is evident in her proactive approach to continuous learning. Her recent attainment of the Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School highlights her determination. This effort not only benefits her own advancement but also significantly augments her invaluable contribution to the AGD. At the forefront of community outreach and charitable activities, Mrs. McGrowder vividly demonstrates a profound sense of social responsibility. Opal Bryan, of the Administrator General’s Department, is the winner in the Managerial Category. She started her service as a temporary Secretary. She navigated her career path with unwavering determination, ultimately ascending to her current role as a Corporate Planner at the Administrator General’s Department (AGD). Beyond her notable professional accomplishments, Opal Bryan is an invaluable contributor to the AGD’s social and team-building programmes. She is a devoted public servant who also serves as a Justice of the Peace, actively contributes to the Trailblazers Toastmasters Club, and is a source of humour and positivity in her workplace and community. Since its inception in 2004, the FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards has become a beacon of excellence, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of individuals across various levels of the professional spectrum. Roxann Linton, CEO of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, understands the value of Civil Servants and is committed to acknowledging their contributions. “The FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards not only serves as a testament to the exceptional work within the public service but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who contribute not only to their professional roles but also to the broader social fabric through charitable engagements. FHC remains a financial life partner for Civil Servants as these individuals are a very important part of our membership and so we are always exploring ways to add value and improve their experiences and by extension fortify public servants who are the engine of our country.”

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Christene Rowe, honoured as the Civil Servant of the Year 2023 in the Technical category, receives a momentous $200,000.00 cheque from FHC Credit Union CEO Roxann Linton during the prestigious awards ceremony held at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Ruth McGrowder, honoured as the Civil Servant of the Year 2023 in the Middle Management category, is beaming with pride as FHC Credit Union CEO Roxann Linton presents her with a $200,000.00 cheque during the prestigious awards ceremony held at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Opal Bryan, honoured as the Civil Servant of the Year 2023 in the Management category, receives a $200,000.00 cheque from FHC Credit Union CEO Roxann Linton with grace and appreciation. The prestigious awards ceremony, held at the Terra Nova Hotel, showcased Opal Bryan’s outstanding contributions, acknowledging her dedication and excellence in the field of public service.

Cherished moments captured as the Civil Servant of the Year 2023 nominees share smiles and camaraderie with esteemed judges, FHC Credit Union executives, and the President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Techa Clarke-Griffiths (back row 2nd right).

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Our Place Magazine In a gathering of financial minds at Kingston’s R Hotel, FHC Investments Limited (FHCIL) recently hosted the second staging of its Fireside Chat event series, bringing together a panel of distinguished experts to discuss the critical topic of “Navigating Volatile Financial Markets.” The evening was moderated by the FHC Investments’ Brand Ambassador Dr. Sara Lawrence Lewis, whose masterly guidance made it a night filled with profound insights and discussions. In her opening remarks, FHC Credit Union’s CEO, Roxann Linton reiterated FHC’s belief in ongoing engagement to empower its members with market knowledge and strategies to sustain their financial decisions, especially during periods of uncertainty and instability. “With the support of our industry partner, Jefferies, together, we aim to illuminate time-tested financial principles to guide your decisions and ensure a brighter financial future,” she declared. The panel featured an impressive lineup of financial experts. Greg Fisher, Managing Director, Head of Emerging Markets Fixed Income, Wealth Management at Jefferies, a renowned global investment bank, shared his wisdom alongside Karlene Mullings, the General Manager of FHCIL, a dominant force in Jamaica’s financial services landscape. Completing the trio was Georgia Trieb, an Investment Analyst at FHCIL and a specialist in the local equity and fixed income markets. A highlight of the evening was Greg Fisher’s captivating statement, where he praised Jamaica’s exceptional journey. He remarked, “The greatest opportunity is the ongoing fiscal stewardship of this country…from when I started coming [to Jamaica] in the 90’s, from an emerging country to the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean.” Fisher’s words underscored Jamaica’s remarkable progress and resilience, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to sound fiscal policies, economic stability, and access to external financial support. Karlene Mullings, the General Manager of FHCIL, reaffirmed the need for investors to build resilient portfolios, amidst the reminder that Black Swan events can occur. She gave insights on using defensive assets, such as bonds and gold, to provide stability during market downturns. “These assets tend to act as hedges against volatility, helping to preserve capital when riskier investments such as stocks, may underperform.” Mullings asserted the Company’s dedication to delivering excellence and value to its clients. She highlighted the comprehensive range of financial products and services offered by FHCIL, all designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of their clients coupled with the personalized service offered by the boutique firm. Georgia Trieb, Investment Analyst, shared valuable insights into the Jamaican equity market’s performance in 2023. She noted the market’s resurgence from pandemic-induced lows and highlighted promising investment prospects, particularly in technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and utilities. The event offered a wealth of key takeaways, with Mullings providing several investment recommendations on how investors should consider positioning their portfolios, given the high interest rate environment. Fisher identified potential sectors ripe for investment, including energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and consumer staples. He also advised investors to consider fixed income bonds, given the proximity of interest rates to their peak, an opportunity before rates potentially decrease on a global scale.

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Our Place Magazine Jefferies is an industry partner to FHC Investments. The companies have a 15 plus year relationship. Fisher described his FHC colleagues as “seasoned professionals” and expressed his enthusiasm to join them at the forum. The Fireside Chat event attracted a diverse audience, including FHCIL clients, FHC Credit Union members, and selective members of the public via a social media engagement. One of the lucky attendees, Joddian Howard, expressed her excitement at gaining new knowledge and inspiration from the event. Certified Public Accountant Serika Sterling praised the seminar for its positive impact on investor confidence, acknowledging the valuable insights shared by the expert panel. The FHC Investments Limited’s Fireside Chat series continues this year with dates yet to be announced.

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We all dream of the perfect home, but the reality of tight budgets can sometimes feel like a roadblock to achieving our renovation goals. The good news is that with a little creativity and careful planning, you can give your space a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Let us explore some budgetfriendly home renovation ideas that will help you transform your space on a budget. 1. Plan Your Renovation Wisely Start by creating a detailed plan of the changes you want to make. Prioritize the most important aspects of your renovation, such as updating the kitchen or revamping the bathroom. By setting clear goals, you can allocate your budget to what matters most and avoid unnecessary expenses. 2. DIY Projects Embracing the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach can save you a significant amount of money. There are countless online resources, tutorials, and videos that can guide you through various renovation projects. Whether it’s painting, tiling, or installing new fixtures, many tasks can be accomplished with a little time and effort.

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Our Place Magazine 3. Repurpose Don’t underestimate the potential of your existing furniture and decor. Repurposing items can give your home a fresh look without spending a dime. Consider giving old furniture a new coat of paint, reupholstering, or rearranging your current decor to create a different ambiance. 4. Shop Smart When it comes to purchasing materials and furnishings, be a savvy shopper. Look for sales, discounts, and clearance items at local home improvement stores or online marketplaces. 5. Focus on High-Impact Changes Sometimes, minor changes can make a major difference. Upgrading lighting fixtures, replacing cabinet hardware, or adding a fresh coat of paint can instantly modernize a space without a hefty price tag. 6. Budget and Contingency Setting a strict budget is essential. Ensure you allocate funds for unexpected costs and unforeseen issues that may arise during your renovation. A contingency fund will prevent you from going over budget and encountering financial stress.

7. Take Your Time Renovations don’t have to be rushed. Taking your time to plan, save, and complete projects gradually can help you stay within your budget and avoid financial strain.

Remember, home renovation on a budget is all about creativity, resourcefulness, and careful planning. By implementing these ideas and strategies, you can make your dream home a reality without breaking the bank. Don’t be discouraged by financial limitations; instead, see them as an opportunity to showcase your creativity. We hope these budget-friendly renovation tips inspire you to begin your home transformation journey. With a little patience and persistence, you can achieve the home of your dreams without the stress of overspending.

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