Cornerstone - First Quarter 2024

Jamaica Civil Service Association

Head of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Techa Clarke-Griffiths

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e hallmark of leadership

– Clarke-Griffiths

Subsequent to a courtesy call on Cabinet Secretary Audrey Sewell at her office in February where she spoke on the many challenges impacting public sector workers, the nonchalant attitude and the non-responsiveness of the gatekeepers, outlining the impact of the compensation restructuring, especially for persons employed on contract, it is clear that President Clarke-Griffiths has a passion for people and representation of workers' rights

Headstrong and adventurous

Mrs Clarke-Griffiths started her life’s journey, a headstrong and adventurous child who was born in the parish of Manchester (Spaulding hospital) as the second of six children However, she spent her formative years in the quiet district of Allsides, Trelawny Knowing that she wanted a different kind of life and to be exposed to a more thriving environment, at the age of 8, she wrote to her aunt in Trench Town, requesting to spend the summer holiday with her She never went back She completed her primary and high school education in Kingston s il 918 ers e ns p g hen e ant er and l ed self d s

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Always elegant and stylish, her hair perfectly coiffed and her warm smile join

The Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) executive committee meeting was held March 7-8 in Kingston, Jamaica. The regional trade union leaders were hosted by the Jamaica Civil Service Association and the Jamaica Association of Local Governments Officers. The meeting was organized to discuss matters impacting public servants in the Caribbean as well as to discussplansforhostingofCPSAconference2024.

April Events

April 30 - Presidential Debates

May Events

May 6 - Birthday Bash

May 5 - 11 - JCSA Week

May 30 & 31 - Opening and Business Session for Annual General Meeting

June Events

June 12 - 14 -General Council Retreat

MissionStatement

The Jamaica Civil Service Association seeks to uphold the highest qualities of professional service to the nation, through the guarantee of a highly trained workforce of competent and committed persons whose legitimate interests are safeguarded and affirmed through membership in the organization.

TrevaughnReid Account Clerk

KrystolDavis Office Attendant

SheldonDavis Groundsman JACISERAPark

DevonteEdwards DataProcessingOfficer (Temporary)

to Kadia Green-Blair who gave birth to her daughter in the month of December 2023 Both mother

Congratulations to Bro.Shamyea Mckenzie, who was nominated Employee of the 1st Quarter by members of staff for the period January – March 2024.His hard work, dedication, and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed

Congratulations Bro Mckenzie! You are an essential member of our team, and your contributions are highly valued

Bro McKenzie has gone above and beyond the call of duties Thank you, Shamyea, for your continued efforts and for setting such a high standard of excellence

Congratulations once again from the President, Officers, Management and Staff on this well-deserved recognition!

ON YOUR APPOINTMENTS

Debrett Brown Executive Assistant to the President

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Natasha Wright Rankine Regional Administrator successfully completed her bachelor’s degree in human resource management

Crystal Lee-Brown Manager - Accounts successfully completed her Master of Business Administration in Accounting.

Michael Dixon Project Manager successfully completed the Preparing Cabinet Submissions Course

Denisha Smith, Marilyn Hines, Dellaceta Drummond, Natasha Wright Rankine, Joy Tucker Harriot, Alecia Pusey and Helen Hutchinson-Mason, all who successfully completed training course in Public Speaking

Our team members have been outstanding in the performance of their duties, and we take this opportunity to say a big thank you for your hard work and dedication as you continue to serve this noble organization effectively and efficiently.

Mikhalia Mullings Administrative Assistant Khandra Blake-Williams Administrative Assistant

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After graduating high school ClarkeGriffiths gained employment at the Ministry of Local Government, now named the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, where she worked as a Clerical Officer in the registry Having gotten pregnant with her first child, a son who is now an attorney-at-law, she had to put a temporary hold on attending the University of the West Indies, where she had successfully matriculated

Injustice

It was circumstances at work that forced her to stand up for herself, and subsequently vigorously defend staff against injustice in the workplace. In what was deemed as a punitive measure for her outspokenness, she was transferred to work in a new entity which gave rise to the historic Portmore Municipality. However, the move proved to be a life-changing experience as there she met the love of her life, Andre On the recommendation of her coworker Wayne Robertson, she became the staff representative and served in the position for 17 years

Eventually, she started her formal studies at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus where she attained a BSc in Public Sector Management and Sociology and later on in May 2022, the University of East London where she achieved a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) where she focused on Industrial Relations Practices in the Public Sector

she completed courses in strategic planning and she is now a trained Strategic Planner with twenty-seven (27) years of experience in the public sector Presently, as the Association conducts its departmental meeting across the various ministries, departments and agencies she continues to share her journey to becoming the head of the largest public sector union in the English-speaking Caribbean This is where one is able to view where her passion meets its purpose as she highlights that “Success begins with the second letter U Consistency, hard work and dedication is the hallmark of success”

Mentorship

She is a proud women's advocate, representing the JCSA at the Public Service International (PSI) and Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) on matters affecting women in the Public Sector. She believes in mentorship, advocacy and empowerment of women as she explains that “For any female to reach this level it is a significant milestone, and it opens many doors for other female aspirants It is not easy but can be done because the expert at anything was once a beginner”

She notes that the heads of most trade unions in Jamaica and the Caribbean are men, and “as females, we have to demonstrate that we are capable of leading” She indicates that sometimes “it's very difficult to manage” however she is grateful for her team who she involves in the day-today activities of the union, assigning specific roles

Always one to look for professional development opportunities, @www.jacisera.org

The JCSA has a Housing Company, and we are looking to transition the company to offer mortgages and housing solutions to our members to fill the need that we currently have

based on the “strengths of each team member”

While she continues to make significant strides, as she now serves as the only female vice president of six vice presidents at the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Union (JCTU), board member of the JCS Housing Company and JCSA Limited since 2019, she notes that there are certain noteworthy attributes and characteristics one must possess, such as service above self, the ability to demonstrate the spirit of love, volunteerism, empathy, patience, resilience, tenacity, dedication and long hours of work. All these embodies the motto of the Association which is ‘Duro de Cortice Fructus Quam Dulcis' (How sweet the fruit the hard rind yields).

Bully pulpit

Clarke-Griffiths intends to use her presidency as a bully pulpit to acquire the best salaries and working conditions, among other things for public sector workers She shared that so many are unable to afford the cost to purchase their home however, 'The JCSA has a Housing Company, and we are looking to transition the company to offer mortgages and housing solutions to our members to fill the need that we currently have Currently, the relevant legislation (primarily the Building Societies Act) to support this project has been identified and is being reviewed

As she continues to champion the cause of civil servants, she reflects on the years of her life and she stated that she is filled with hope and appreciates that she now has the platform to make a meaningful difference for the lives of public sector workers She is also grateful for the love and support of her husband Andre and her two sons

Techa Clarke-Griffiths President

One on One with: One on One with: Santa Cruz Chapter Chair Santa Cruz Chapter Chair

TheChapterChairfortheSantaCruzChapterisStephanieLewis Brown.Sheisthe ResearchCoordinatorattheSocialDevelopment Commission Shehasbeenapartofthe Chaptersince2014 She sharesthathervisionfortheChapteristocreateaninclusive environmentwheremembersfeelapartof,represented,benefitand identifywiththeunion “Wewillachievethisthroughseveralinitiatives gearedatsupportingthedifferentfacetsofourmembers’lives”. Membersareprovidedwithup-to–dateinformationtoinformtheir industrialmatters,benefitsandwell-being Theirmainfocusisonthe holisticwell-beingofourmembers.

Under-served community based school

TheSantaCruzChapterhasadoptedtheDORJANprepschoolandwill begiftingtheasumof$17,00000toassistwithelectricityinstallation attheschoolaspartoftheirongoingsupportforthisunder-served communitybasedschool.TheypreviouslyassistedwithaChristmas treat,provideda650gallonwatertankfordroughtalleviation They haveproposedtoprovideongoingassistancetothisschool,however, thereisanotherunder-servedschoolwhichcatersfordisabledchildren inSantaCruzandthewillbeexploringthefeasibilityofproviding assistancetothatentity.

Cope with their work life balance

TheChapterproposedtostartanongoingonlineforumtitledWORK, LIFE,BALANCEtoprovideaforumfordiscussion/informationsharing formemberstoassistthemtocopewiththeirworklifebalance This wasspurredbydiscussionsonchallengeswithcopingwithchild rearing,sickrelatives,balancingworkwithotheraspectsoflife

Stephanie Lewis Brown, Chapter Chair for the Santa Cruz Chapter

Santa Cruz Chapter members with students from DORJAN prep school.

Santa Cruz Chapter members gifted the DORJAN prep school a 650 gallon water tank.

SANTA CRUZ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE: From left: Opal Robinson, Asst Secretary, Claudine Mitchell PRO, Middle in glasses Yanique Ennis Deputy Chapter, Michael Ebanks Asst Treasurer, Chapter Chair Stephanie Lewis Brown, Karene Williamson,Treasurer, in front Feona Wright, Secretary.

PresidentClarke-Griffithsembracesout-goingdepartmental representative,SisKeishaJamesasreturningelected departmentalrepresentativefortheKPH,SisterSandra Mendez-Williamsandnewlyelecteddepartmental representative,Bro.RicardoAndersonjoininthemoment

Departmental Representatives Departmental Representatives

Meet some of the new departmental representatives who were elected for the next 2 years - June 2024 to May 2026

President,TechaClarke-Griffithsposeswiththenewly electeddepartmentalrepresentativefortheMinistryof Agriculture,FisheriesandMining(MOAFM), Sis GeorgiaMarks-Doman.

SistersCamilleBufordandGeorgiaTaylorwereelectedand willserveastheDepartmentalRepresentativesforthe RegistrarGeneral'sDepartment(RGD) HerebothladiesposealongsidePresidentTechaClarke-Griffiths

DepartmentalRepresentativefortheMinistryofCulture,Gender Entertainment,andSportisSis TahjanaRichards.Here,thenew departmentalrepresentativeisflankedbyPresidentTecha Clarke-Griffiths(right)andFirstVicePresidentClarenceFrater

sNewlyelecteddepartmentalrepresentativeBro.TroyMcKetty mtandsalongsidePresidentClarke-Griffithsatthedepartmental eetingfortheMinistryofEducationandYouth(Caenwood)

PresidentClarke-Griffithsisflankedbythenewest departmentalrepresentativeBro TyroneSavage(left)andreelecteddepartmentalrepresentativeBro OkieveKerrfromthe ForestryDepartment.

Sis SteffaniKing-HalstedwhohasbeenreturnedasDepartmental RepresentativefortheMNSandnewlyelecteddepartmental representativeSis ShaunaScottposealongside PresidentTechaClarke-Griffiths.

PresidentClarke-Griffithstakesaphotowiththe newlyelecteddepartmentalrepresentativeforthe NationalLibraryofJamaica,Bro.JasonSmith

PresidentClarke-Griffithsstandsalongside,newlyelected departmentalrepresentativeBro JaminWedderburn(left)and re-electeddepartmentalrepresentative, Bro XavierHutchinson

Sis GoldaClarkehasbeenre-electedasDepartmental representativefortheAuditorGeneral'sDepartmentalongwith newlyelecteddepartmentalrepresentative,Bro ShawnMcCallum

Member Service Corner - the Benefits of Membership

THE JACISERA HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE

It is said that “our health is our wealth” health and well-being are essential aspects of our lives that contribute to our happiness and quality of life. Good health allow us to live our lives to the fullest, participate in activities that we enjoy and be there for the people we care about.

The JACISERA Health and Wellness Centre located at our JACISERA Park property is a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate your workout experience to new heights. With top-notch equipment, experienced instructors, and a range of activities tailored to your needs, we are committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

State of the art equipment:

Our gym is equipped with the latest equipment, ensuring that you have access to the tools you need for a dynamic and effective workout

Expert Instructors :

Our Team of certified instructors is dedicated to guiding you on your fitness journey providing personalized support and motivation, whether you are a beginner or an expert This service is available at no additional cost

Variety of Activities: From invigorating yoga sessions to high energy Aerobic and Spin classes we offer a diverse range of classes to suit every preference and fitness level.

Join us on Wednesday evenings for a Yoga session that will leave you feeling centered and refreshed

Convenient hours: We are open flexible and convenient hours to accommodate the busy lifestyle of our members, from Monday to Friday 6:00 am-

Boot camp is on Saturday mornings

Yoga on Wednesdays.

8:30 pm and on Saturdays from 6:00 am-12:00 pm, we make it easy for you to prioritize your health and wellness

Comfortable Facilities:

Our gym boasts comfortable bathroom facilities, complete with showers so that you freshen up after your work out

Cost:

For just $2,500 per month (members)/ $5,000 ( spouse or child of a member who is not a civil servant) you gain access to all the amenities

Location:

Conveniently located at 31 Molynes Road ( just minutes from Half Way Tree) the Wellness Centre is easily accessible.0

At The JACISERA Health and Wellness Centre, we believe that fitness is not a destination but a journey Come and access this member benefit as we inspire and support each other to reach new heights of health and wellness

Coming soon our Juice Bar !!!

Charting Change: Charting Change: Charting Change:

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CSAChapterElections2024

In the dynamic landscape of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), the year 2024 marked a unique chapter in its history, as President Techa Clarke-Griffiths and her dedicated team embarked on a journey that transcended th bureaucratic confines

The 2024 Chapter Meetings, an annual constitutional ritual, unfolded with a vibrant twis as the association traversed the 14 parishes, injecting energy and enthusiasm into the election process in the various chapter of the JCSA

Growth of the association

Constitutionally bound to convene every year, th JCSA Chapter Meetings are a crucial platform for members to engage in discourse, share ideas, an contribute to the growth of the association. However, it's the biennial elections that add an extra layer of significance, shaping the leadershi for the next two years In 2024, the proceedings were elevated to new heights, transforming routine gatherings into a cross-parish adventure President Clarke-Griffiths, recognized for her unwavering commitment to transparency and inclusivity, decided to take the elections directly the members The JCSA team crisscrossed the island, ensuring that every parish had the opportunity to actively participate in the selection of their Chapter Chairperson and executives for the 2024-2026 term

The elections were a colorful display of diverse voices, reflecting civil servants from various backgrounds and roles. Against Jamaica's rich cultural backdrop, the democratic process highlighted the association's dedication to promoting leadership that mirrors its diverse membership

Women's Action Committee Health Fair

On International Women's Day, which was celebrated on March 8, we are reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world

The JCSA Women’s Action Committee, in collaboration with the HEART NSTA, conducted the Skills Training & Upliftment Workshop, an initiative that strives to empower and celebrate women During the workshop, participants learnt the importance of self-promotion and self-care There were live demonstrations of makeup artistry, hair braiding, and hair care Ladies were also being treated to massages President Clarke-Griffiths welcomed and greeted participants at the Skills Training & Upliftment Workshop, which was held

Honourary Treasurer and Monitoring Officer for WAC Melaini Mullings-Arnold delivered an uplifting and inspiring talk

She discussed her career with the participants and many aspects of business, including record keeping, and registering a business She also spoke about mental health

One participant said: “The workshop has really inspired me to consider offering makeup services - I thought that the talk was aspirational, raw, emotive and centered around experiences ”

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Did You Know: The Ministry of Culture, Gender Entertainment, and Sport has two (2) permanent secretaries and both are members of the JCSA Here, they pose alongside

PSIlaunchedanewcampaign: Ifcareisforall,itispublic

Theworldisexperiencingaprofoundcrisis, andatthecenterofitarecareandwomen.A crisisthathasalsoexacerbatedviolence againstwomen,againsttheirbodies,against theirlives.Acrisisthatmustbestoppednow!

Let's act now! When decent work and unionization increase in key social care sectors such as care for the elderly, people with disabilities, early childhood care, and people in vulnerable situations, the quality of care services also increases through adequate public provision.

Let's make it happen!

President Clarke-Griffiths and First Vice President Clarence Frater (right), DeanRoy Bernard (left), and Denzil Thorpe.

THE

DID YOU KNOW - that the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) emerged from a scenario which presented itself immediately following the First World War?

In 1918, there was a meeting of prominent public officers on the island to address concerns regarding poor salaries and unacceptable working conditions

At this meeting it was decided that a select group be entrusted with the responsibility of preparing and taking the petition to the government.

RECOMMENDATION

This group included persons from the various departments of central government and was referred to as the “Public Officers Memorial Committee”. It was this Committee that made a recommendation for an association to be formed. Hence, on May 6, 1919 the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) was formed with full governmental approval

The unit interfaces with members and non-members who visit the secretariat or make telephone contact.

The unit conducts elections of Departmental Representatives every two (2) years as per the JCSA Constitution.

Attend Orientation/Induction sessions at MDAs.

·Review Policy documents in collaboration with MDAs, MOFPS and the OSC.

Recently, the IR team has been a part of the radio programme

“How Sweet the Fruit” aired on Radio Jamaica on Mondays at 10:15 a,m through to 10:30 a m where various industrial relations issues are discussed by the team to disseminate information and update the members and the general public service on key industrial relations issues and how to treat with these matters.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TEAM: From left, O’Dane Finlayson, Joy Tucker-Harriot, Junior Latibeaudiere, Rosalind McKenzie, George Thorpe (IR Manager) and Alecia Pusey.

THE

During that year, the Public Officers Memorial Committee worked alongside the newly formed JCSA and obtained the salary improvement which the public officers were seeking From its inception, the JCSA realized that its membership is deserving of more than just a salary and so the establishment of the “Whitely Council to treat with grievances became a reality.

UPHILL TASK

Up to the commencement of the 1940’s, the JCSA, though trying to secure the best working conditions for its membership, faced an “uphill task” in which women, who interestingly today, constitute a greater portion of the labour force in the civil service/public service were known to encounter harsh victimization in the service as they were not allowed to occupy

Desoree Powell Chapter Chair

St. James Chapter

any clerical or administrative posts regardless of their qualification They were seen simply as secretaries This became a main concern of the JCSA This “glass ceiling” was eventually shattered when during the (mid 50’s) three women were allowed to do administrative work They were termed “Administrative Cadets” however, this did not deter Gloria Knight, Carmen Paris and Pat Levy (now Lady Golding) as they made their historic mark

ACHIEVEMENT

Prior to this, the JCSA would have already made its achievement regarding the treatment of women, owing to the fact that in the 1950’s the Association had its first female elected officer, Edna CollymoreWoodstock who is also named among the first set of female Resident Magistrates in Jamaica.

THE IR UNIT

The Industrial Relations (IR) Unit at the Secretariat consists of a manager, two (2) Senior Industrial Relations Officers and three (3) Industrial Relations Officers

ROLE AND FUNCTION:

·The unit treats with grievance and disciplinary matters referred to the secretariat by members for intervention and assistance This involves engaging with management in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Office of the Services Commissions (OSC), Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS), Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) by way of telephone discussions, correspondences, meetings and disciplinary hearings.

Sister Desoree Powell is the new Chapter Chair for the St James Sis Powell is the Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Cornwall Regional Hospital Below she shares her vision and mission for the Chapter VISION: To see a vibrant involvement and participation of the members of the JCSA, to facilitate cohesiveness across all chapters

To increase membership enrollment, forward thinking leadership and support from members in various capacities within the JCSA

MISSION: It is her intention as Chapter Chair for the St. James Region to introduce different ways in which to serve our members, effectively and selflessly. This position is a TEAM position and not an I or ME office We're here to offer our service and to be of service

Desoree Powell

JCSA Sports Competition 2024

The JCSA Sports Competition 2024 officially began on Monday, March 25,at JACISERA Park with the Opening Ceremony held on Friday, March 22 at the O’Neil W Grant Auditorium

The JCSA Sports Competition 2024 will showcase participants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

TEAMS

The Competition runs until March 2, with members competing in three different discipline: domino, football and netball. Domino teams: KSA Health Dept., Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, National Land Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica Library Service, Water Resources Authority, Ministry of Education & Youth, Kingston & St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, Ministry of National Security, Post & Telecoms Dept., Accountant General's Dept ,

Child Protection & Family Services, Agency, Registrar General's Dept Football teams: Kingston Public Hospital, KSA Health Dept , Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Bustamante Children's Hospital, Judiciary of Jamaica, National Land Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica Library Service, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Education & Youth, Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Tax Administration

Jamaica, Ministry of National Security, Post & Telecoms Dept , Accountant General's Dept , Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica Constabulary Force (Civilian Support), Registrar General's Dept , Netball teams: KSA Health Dept , Bustamante Children's Hospital, Judiciary of Jamaica, Jamaica Defence Force (B), National Land Agency, Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Bellevue Hospital, Ministry of Education & Youth, Ministry of National Security, Jamaica Defence Force (A), Jamaica Constabulary Force (COP), Registrar General's Dept., Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Presentation of teams for the Football Competition.

Presentation of teams for Dominoes.

Presentation of teams for Netball.