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NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

CSW/FHC CREDIT UNION 5K WALK/RUN SHOWS SUPPORT FOR JAMAICA’S WOMEN IN CRISIS!

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The Journey to the CSW/FHC Credit Union 5K finish line September 13, 2019 witnessed the official launch of the CSW/FHC 5K Walk/Run which was slated to take place on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Emancipation Park.

The journey to the finish line was embellished with related activities and saw Team FHC well represented. We’re taking you through highlights of the journey.

WOMAN INC ANNOUNCED AS BENEFICIARIES FROM CSW/ FHC CREDIT UNION 5K PROCEEDS Women recovering from abusive and violent relationships receiving support and assistance from Woman Inc, have benefitted from part proceeds received from the staging of the CSW/FHC Credit Union 5K Walk/Run. This year, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, has partnered with the Civil Service Week Steering Commitee to stage the event in order to realise teambuilding, health and wellness objectives for members of and stakeholders in the Civil Service, as well as participants in the now popular 5K race events.

First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union CEO, Roxann Linton (3rd left) is joined by (from left) Running Events Jamaica Race Director Alfred 'Frano' Francis; Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke and President of the Civil Service Association, O'Neil Grant at the Media Launch of the 2019 edition of the Civil Service Week/First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union 5K Walk/Run, held at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in Kingston.

FHC CEO, Roxann Linton indicated that the FHC was particularly pleased to continue to deepen its partnership with the Civil Servants while supporting the work of Women Inc. “Empowering women who have suffered abuse; strengthening the morale of our Civil Service and providing financial leadership while promoting health and wellness are important areas to FHC. This Road Race brings all of the main areas of FHC’s public focus together in one event, designed to make a difference in the lives of the nation’s women while improving the health and wellness of our nation’s public sector workers.”

Noted as the largest workforce grouping locally, a large segment of civil servants is made up of women; the ratio of males to females within that work force being 6:1.

Dr Nigel Clarke, who had joined the participants in last year’s inaugural race, lauded the focus of this year’s event in contributing to the absolutely vital work being done by Woman Inc. through their shelters, as well as building the ‘esprit de corps’ of the Civil Service, given the tremendous role of service the association plays across all segments of the society.

"We are very grateful to First Heritage for staging this very important event. The Public service plays a vital role in the functioning of our nation, and having a vibrant, motivated and healthy public service is in everyone's interest."

24 year old Ricondi Salkey (19:17) and seven year old Dai’anna Brown (27:27) placed third. Brown was one of 24 finishers under 19 years of age.

Commenting on her youthful exuberance, Race Director, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis of Running Events Jamaica said: “She [Dai’anna Brown] is a fascinating talent.

She is very passionate about road races and her father is a fitness instructor and manager who she constantly encourages to sign her up for races.

This is her ninth 5k and she outruns persons in her age category [under 12] and beyond. If nurtured correctly, she is someone to look forward to in the long distance categories. But I encourage parents to let the kids have fun and enjoy themselves… then they will keep at it.”

Deputy Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Wayne Jones and Roxann Linton, CEO of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (both seated) sign an MOU signifying their partnership in respect of Civil Service Week 2019, including the first renewal of the Civil Service Week/FHC Credit Union 5K Walk/Run, which was officially launched at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in Kingston. Witnessing the signing are Lorna Phillips (left), co-ordinator of the Civil Service Week Committee and Juven MontagueAnderson, assistant general manager, marketing, FHC. The race is scheduled for Saturday November 16, beginning in Emancipation Park.

YOUNGSTERS TOP CSW/FHC 5K 17 year old Noel-Jonathon Ellis and 16 year old Crystal Coke came out as the victors in the male and female run categories (respectively) of the 2019 Civil Service Week (CSW) / First Heritage Co-operative (FHC) Credit Union 5K Walk / Run road race. The second staging of the event took place in the New Kingston area with Emancipation Park as the start and finish points.

FHC CEO Roxann Linton commented on the achievements of the youngsters. “It is always heart-warming to see our youngsters excel and we are pleased to have provided a platform for not only civil servants, but also for entire families to participate in wellness regimes,” shared Ms Linton.

(Left) Triumphant seven-year-old third place Female/Run winner, Dia’anna Brown was joined by CEO of First Heritage Co-operative (FHC) Credit Union, Roxann Linton (right) during her medal presentation at the annual CSW/FHC 5K Walk/Run on Saturday November 16, 2019 held at Emancipation Park in Kingston. Proceeds raised from the road race will be donated to Woman Inc Crisis Centre.

Trainers from Sweet Energy Fitness lead the warm-up session ahead of the race.

The CSW / FHC 5K Walk / Run was held under the patronage of Dr the Honourable Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service and Health and Wellness Minister, Dr the Honourable Christopher Tufton, and is supported under that Ministry’s “Jamaica Moves” initiative aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

To note, the Ministry of Health and Wellness were acknowledged as the Champion Team while First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union was awarded Largest Team.

The 2019 edition of the 5K Walk / Run was an opportunity for the FHC Credit Union to deepen and solidify its relationship; and strengthen the overall morale of Civil Servants. Proceeds from the road race will go towards effecting repairs to one of the Woman Inc shelters in Kingston. Woman Inc aims to assist and support women to leave abusive and violent relationships.

Jamila Falak graced the stage during the entertainment segment, sharing her hit single ‘LA-AAA DY’ with the audience after the race.

Patrons seen completing the route which was widely described as a fun, yet challenging route.

FHC CEO, Ms. Roxann Linton, receives trophy for largest participating team.

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Civil Servants Feeling the Joy of FHC Awards Programme revamp First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC), in being the newly appointed Executors of the prestigious Civil Servant of the Year Awards, launched the newly revamped Programme on August 14, 2019 in association with the Civil Service Week Steering Committee.

This year, FHC upped the ante for the programme to honour three civil servants versus one, which has been the case in the awards’ more than two-decade long history.

According to Roxann Linton, CEO of FHC, three categories of public servants will be awarded cash prizes for excellence in performance and service. The awards to be presented are the FHC Civil Servant of the Year Award for Management, Middle Management and Technical Services.

The new groupings were designed to spur inclusiveness in the nominations and to offer the opportunity for recognition to a broader cohort of Government workers.

FHC has not only broadened the number of civil servants to be honoured but has significantly increased the incentive for the award.

Each of the three honourees will receive $200,000. As part of the Credit Union’s continued commitment to community and national development, the award winners will receive another $150,000 which will go toward a joint community venture of their choice.

Head of the Civil Service Association O’Neil Grant spoke to the long shared history between the Civil Service and the credit union movement and with FHC in particular.

“Together we exemplify the best values of the sector, of people helping people and also helping to secure a better future for the hard-working professionals in the public service.”

(l-r) President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Oneil Grant; CEO of First Heritage Cooperative (FHC) Credit Union, Roxann Linton; Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance & Public Service, Wayne Jones and Minister in the Ministry of Energy Science and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams at the launch of FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards on August 14 at the office of the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League in Kingston.

Speaking at the opening of the nomination process, Minister in the Ministry of Energy Science and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, said that civil servants comprised one of the hardest-working, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals in the work force and continued to make an inestimable contribution to the building of the nation.

"It is your hard work which turns the wheels of productivity in our ministries, departments and agencies," she said, adding that Government is committed, while recognizing the importance of the personnel in the sector, to enhance the service delivery through the use of appropriate technology.

THE FHC CIVIL SERVANTS OF THE YEAR AWARD CEREMONY PLEASING RESULTS On November 15, 2019, the FHC Civil Servants of the Year Award Ceremony was staged at the Jamaica Pegasus and saw eight short-listed Nominees in attendance.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr the Honourable Nigel Clarke, the Minister with oversight for civil servants, in his remarks to civil servants outlined their role and his commitment to aiding effectiveness in delivery.

“Your actions can lead to how people see government as an entity… your role is the most important role… without it we don’t have a State.”

He continued: “We are marching towards having the strongest public administration that we can imagine.

With people who are technically proficient, who are sharp - because that is what it takes if we want Jamaica to achieve higher and higher levels of greatness. To get this requires action on the part of civil servants but it also requires action on the part of policy and Government and one of the things that I want to support is investing in our civil service so that we can continuously improve in the effectiveness of our delivery.” (l-r) Chairman- Board of Directors at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited, Balvin Vanriel; Coordinator of the Civil Service Week (CSW) Steering Committee Lorna Phillips; Minister of Finance and Public Service, Dr The Honourable Nigel Clarke; Chief Executive Officer of First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union Limited, Roxann Linton and President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, O'Neil Grant are pictured here during the 2019 Civil Servant of the Year Award Ceremony held on Friday, November 15 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Three distinguished government workers have been honoured as Civil Servants of the Year for the period 2019 to 2020 by First Heritage Co-operative (FHC) Credit Union in association with the Civil Service Week Steering Committee. The presentations were made during the annual Civil Servants of the Year Award Ceremony on Friday, November 15 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel to Candice Henry of the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard; Sophia Levy of the Administrator General’s Department and Celia Lindsay of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

(From left) Celia Lindsay (Jamaica Information Service), Rosalee Marshal Fraser (Jamaica Information Service), Phillippa Grant Smith (Ministry of Education, Youth and Information), Aayon Cruickshank (Ministry of Finance), Candice Henry (JDF Coast Guard), Analia Wallace (Ministry of Education, Youth and Information), Sofia Levy (Administrator General's Department) and Cheveta Rose (Ministry of Education, Youth and Information).

The three civil servants were acknowledged for outstanding performance in the areas of Technical Support, Middle Management and Management, respectively. In addition to plaques and citations, the awardees received individual cash incentives of $200,000 courtesy of FHC Credit Union. FHC’s renewed partnership with the annual Civil Service Week (CSW) initiatives, comes after last year’s hiatus of the Civil Servants of the Year Award.

FHC CEO Ms Roxann Linton, spoke to the Credit Union’s relationship with the CSW and the significance of the acknowledgement of the nation’s civil servants.

“We have partnered with Civil Service Week initiative for the last 15 years. This year we have sponsored both the Award Ceremony and the charity 5K road race. We [FHC] saw it fit to increase our involvement this year because of the important role civil servants play in the development of our nation. In fact, civil servants make up a large portion of our member base at FHC. We salute them all and think it imperative that we acknowledge outstanding efforts in three areas [Technical Support, Middle Management and Management] which we consider to be prudent to society,” shared Ms Linton.

Singer, Nikeeta Steer, shares renditions of select motivational songs, which added to the celebratory tone of the event.

The Awards Ceremony marked the commencement of the 2019 Civil Service Week of festivities and will be followed by the Civil Service Week / First Heritage Cooperative (FHC) Credit Union 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, November 16 in New Kingston.

The 5K road race in aid of Woman Inc, was then followed by the annual national church service on the 17th and a school tour on November 19. A Long Service Award was held thereafter on November 20 at King’s House.

The Jamaica Civil Service School Competition presentations to several participating primary and secondary schools then took place on November 21.

CEO of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, Roxann Linton (left) and Chairman of the Civil Service Week (CSW) Steering Committee Lorna Phillips (right) share lens time with the 2019-2020 Civil Servants of the Year: (l-r) Management - Celia Lindsay; Technical Support Candice Henry and Middle Management - Sofia Levy.

The occasion also featured Ministries/Departments InHouse Competition before the week culminated with the Finals of the MDA Quiz and After Work Lyme on Friday, November 22.

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GROW IT Rewards Winners enjoy FHC Christmas Show 2019 filled the rewards of saving! with warmth and laughter On a yearly basis, we host a Carol Service that is enriched by Carols, the reading of scriptures, as well as warm fellowship. This year, we decided to build on that sense of togetherness and package a special treat for all those in attendance as the Christmas season continues. Members and Team Members were able to share in fun and fellowship for the night’s proceedings.

In reminding ourselves to walk in love and to reflect to see how we can best define the New Year ahead we reflected on a quote from the chapter “Return to Love” from the book, “Welcome to Greatness” and was written by Alex Ihama who is the founder of the International School of Greatness which reads: Our CEO, Ms. Roxann Linton and one of our Senior Marketing Officers, Mrs. Charmian-Marie Beedle proudly awarded our second batch of Grow It Rewards winners recently!

We had one consolation prize winner for our Hand to Hand Partner Plan (Ms. Latoya King) and another for our Golden Harvest Savings Plan (Ms. Crystal Phillips) and then our very FIRST Grand Prize winner of $300,000 (Mrs. Angella Whyte!!

Have you entered the competition yet? Visit one of our branches to open your own Hand to Hand Partner Plan or Golden Harvest Savings Plan to get your chance to win.

The next draw will be in February 2020!

"The highest calling in life is neither to rule a kingdom nor preside over a nation, but rather to perform daily acts of love even if in the smallest form possible."

We believe that practising love on a daily basis helps us to build our love muscle and to immune ourselves from hate, envy, and fear. I believe that, in following Christ’s example of living in love and humility, we would be empowered to be our best selves and to radiate this light to others so that they too may be inspired to do the same. We are convinced that our lives, our families and our nation would be better for it.

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