General Secretary’s Overview

For the past two years, our society and economy has faced upheaval due to what we now know as one of the worst pandemics in history. Over time we have seen the world making a comeback, we have seen our country, Jamaica, pressing forward, re-engaging with the international community, fighting back in our response to the crisis by ramping up our social and economic support. While there is still much to be done, we have seen the effort of our government to recover from the damage caused by Covid-19. In more recent times, we’ve felt the effects of the Russian invasion on Ukraine and the impact that it is likely to have on Public Sector Workers. The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) has navigated itself through troubled waters and will continue to face challenges headon as they are presented.

Our members have been deeply challenged, personally as well as professionally, as we emerge from the pandemic that has affected our country, region, and local entities and as we grapple with the unprecedented emergencies caused by crime and violence, pollution, and the emerging decent work agenda issues. As an Association, we have redoubled our commitment to Advocacy, Leadership, and Professional Growth and Development. We continued to focus on our strategic objectives for the past administrative year. The primary focus has been to add new benefits to the menu and to commence and complete projects that will seek to revive and revitalize our members and to improve their lives.

JCSA STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2025 OVERVIEW

The strategic direction of the organization has continued to operate as planned for the period 2020-2025. The strategic overview is as follows:

No. Priori es Objec ves

1. Service Delivery To Improve the opera onal effec veness and efficiency, governance, and human and organiza onal capabili es of the JCSA The Programme supports the general admin‐istra on, planning and overall management of the JCSA. It is primarily concerned with the formu‐la on, ini a on, review and evalua on of policies for the effec ve management of the JCSA’s programmes and projects; the prepara on of plans and budgets for implemen ng the policies of the JCSA, supervision of the implementa on of approved programmes by the various units, the exercise of budgetary control over the funds collected by the JCSA for its use; and the provision of services, such as financial management, accoun ng, personnel and other administra ve services required to support the JCSA opera ons.

Descrip on & Context

No. Priori es Objec ves Descrip on & Context

2. Human Capital Development To improved People and Performance Management for Results This priority stresses the need for con nuous training and renewed orienta on, recruitment, and reten on strategies. Performance management is a priority as well as the provision of the tools to facilitate and surpass the targets.

3. Opera on Efficiency To improved Opera onal Efficiency and Service Delivery

4. Revenue Enhancement To op mize Financial Performance The JCSA will con nue to improve the way it does business to u lize the most efficient processes, people and technologies over the planning period. This is aimed at reducing members wai ng me, while deligh ng them with world class customer service. Ease and convenience are the buzz words under this priority as they form the basis for much of the reforms that will take place over the next 5 years.

This is also hinged on the JCSA remaining equipped to sa sfy our members’ needs over the next 5 years. This priority stresses the need for the Associa on to improve the mechanisms that drive its financial wellbeing. A major focus under this priority is the maintaining of a healthy financial posi on through increased inflows, loss preven on and cost management.

Industrial Relations

As we know Industrial Relations is one of our core functions. As such, we continue to strenghten our Industrial Relations Unit by not only bringing on staff with the necessary skillsets but also by training our own Departmental Representatives, Chapter Executive and Staff to be better equipped to serve our membership in this area.

New Benefits

For our 102nd Anniversary last year, we saw the implementation of two (2) additional benefits. The Motor Vehicle Helpdesk and our Fitness and Wellness Centre. Since they have been brought on board, we have seen how much these benefits have grown and have been doing well, serving their intended purpose. Members have been utilizing the gym and we continue to promote these benefits to raise awareness amongst our members and hence more members will benefit. Albion Heights, St. Thomas

As it relates to our land in Albion Heights, Yallahs St. Thomas, we are moving ahead to reclaim our land for its intended purpose – to provide housing solutions for the Members of the JCSA.

Braco

Plans are in place to build a property in Braco, Trelawny for members to vacation. Works on the Braco property are underway. The land has been surveyed. The Parish Council has been engaged and the concept drawing submitted and are being reviewed by the Parish Council. (More details are included on page 39)