ON OUR LAST ISSUE The magazine is a good read. I was drawn to the article on saving and investment and even more to the Nets Jenner story because it inspires me to find innovative ways to increase my income. I’m a newly-wed so I really took to the tips in Loving and Thriving in COVID-19. It was interesting to find out that Kevin Downswell has a degree in Biochemistry. Victor Barracks, 37 I like how colourful it is. The articles are short, to the point, and look at important topics that give us pertinent information to help us through these COVID-19 times. Carlene Peters, 58 Engaging, educational and exciting. I found the information on investment, saving and developing an online business very helpful. The design is nice too. Joel Allen, 18
EDITORIAL GET IN THE ‘GAME’! Help Save our Children Perhaps more than any other sector or institution, our schools have been most affected by the uncertainties wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 14 months. Forced into a new environment in which students and teachers have been feeling their way through in their efforts to receive and impart information, many of our children have been left jarred and our teachers exasperated and stressed by the service disruptions, lack of contact and even the deep inequalities that have surfaced. While we debate the various roles others should play in the efforts to stem the learning loss, individually we must also recognise the crisis we are in; shun the spectator mentality and don an attitude of the ‘village raising the child’ and assist a child, where we can, in our communities. Let us take inspiration from young Kelvin Peart, who has been showcased in the media doing his part in his St Ann community, using his own resources to ensure younger children who have had little or no schooling for these past 14 months, are receiving an education. If he can do it, why can’t we? Education is not a spectator sport. Let’s help our children to regain lost ground. It will be in our best interest.
Tanya Pringle
Executive Corporate Communications The Jamaica National Group
Gareth Manning
Senior Communication Specialist Corporate Communications The Jamaica National Group
Karen Oliver
Communication Specialist Corporate Communications The Jamaica National Group
The JN Living Well magazine is a production of the Corporate Communications department of The Jamaica National Group. You may access this issue and past issues online at www.jngroup.com/living. Please send your feedback and suggestions to corporatecommunications@jngroup.com
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FEEDBACK
Living Well
Inspirational Thought: Finding Creative Solutions
In an Aesop Fable, the ‘Crow and the Pitcher’, the story is told of a thirsty crow that found a pitcher with a little water in it during a dry spell. The crow, however, faced a major challenge - the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck. No matter how the crow tried, it could not reach the water that was at the bottom of the pitcher. The crow was faced with two options: one - succumb to thirst and die, or two - think of a creative strategy to get the water that was needed to save its life. In its predicament, the crow was forced to contemplate what it must do to survive. Having thought long and hard, the crow finally came up with a brilliant idea. Picking up some small pebbles, the crow dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble, the water rose a little higher until at last it was high enough for the crow to drink. Like the crow, when faced with challenges, we have two options:
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Accept that there’s nothing we can do about our unfortunate situation and succumb to defeat, or
Come up with creative strategies to circumvent our unfortunate situations. This option will certainly help us to achieve success in whatever we undertake. Be creative, innovative and strategic about surviving your unfortunate circumstance. Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Be Creative FInd Solutions
Features
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of loans that applicants should consider when
BORROWING
Claudine Allen, Member Ombudsman The Jamaica National Group Are loans necessary? Of course! A loan may be somewhat of a financial security blanket, particularly during uncertain times. But how can we ensure we are making the best financial decisions when we borrow? What are the key conditions we should look out for? What type of loan is best? Here are five things to consider when applying for a loan:
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Compulsory saving features Depending on the type of loan, compulsory savings may be mandatory. This usually means you must save a percentage of the monthly payment or loan amount each month. This portion is put into a savings account and made available, at the end of the loan, or, on request, depending on the loan terms. It’s a little extra, but look at the bright side, at the end of your loan, you will have qualifications. Ensure that you shop around for a reasonable sum to look forward to. Think of it as the best rates. And, be sure to find out whether a reward after a period of dedicated repayment. the rate may change during the life of the loan. Insurance Early closure terms In the case of creditor life insurance, this is Believe it or not, some banks do not allow an important aspect of a loan as it affords you to pay lump sums to close out a loan peace of mind to not just the lender, but also the before it becomes due. Early closures can incur borrower, in the event of their untimely passing. penalties, and these are usually outlined at the The insurance payout would be used to cover any point of borrowing. So ensure you are clear remaining balance owed. As such, there will be on the closure procedures of your financial no burden left on family or the applicant’s estate. institution. Read the fine print! In some cases, insurance may also cover monthly payments in case of loss of income. Impact of moratorium or loan holidays A moratorium can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a financial bind. This gives you time to catch up or get a break to regroup from Your JN Member Ombudsman is the customer champion for The Jamaica National Group. She advocates for issues that preserve mutuality and an unforeseen financial circumstance. Interest unleash the potential of JN members. The Ombudsman promotes the does accrue during this time, however, you can adoption of business practices that ensure delightful service and adds choose to pay it off in a lump sum at the end of value to membership. The Ombudsman also facilitates dialogue with the holiday, or you may choose to have the sum JN members about matters that impact their relationship with member added to your loan. Your monthly payments companies of The Jamaica National Group and investigates complaints in could increase or you may choose to have the order to achieve impartial resolution. repayment period of your loan extended. Be Visit www.jngroup.com/member-ombudsman for more information sure to ask your loan officer about the terms of the moratorium.
Interest rates Financial institutions offer varying interest rates. For example, on a reducing balance, or compound. Rates are calculated based on your current financial circumstance and
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Advances being made in
Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
Leighton Williams, Communication Officer The Jamaica National Group
Forty years ago, approximately 20 per cent of children born in Jamaica with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) died before their 10th birthday. Currently in Africa, less than 50 per cent of babies born with SCA survive their fifth birthday. “Yet now in Jamaica, babies born with sickle cell disease (SCD), who are screened at birth and start on treatment within their first few months of life, are just as likely to survive to five years of age, as those born without SCD,” Dr Jennifer Knight-Madden, Director, Sickle Cell Unit (SCU) of The Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies, revealed. The prevalence of SCD in the Caribbean is second only to West Africa. SCD is an inherited blood disorder, that affects one in 150 children born in Jamaica. Approximately 10 percent of the Jamaican population (270,000 persons) carry the sickle cell trait and they are at risk of having a child with SCD. “The most important interventions in promoting survival are newborn screening and early childhood care. The Ministry of Health and Wellness leads a national programme, which covers all public and private hospitals across the country,” Dr Knight-Madden stated.
“Hydroxyurea causes an increase in the foetal haemoglobin. It works in other ways that are not clear and can decrease complications. Many persons living with SCD are better when on it and we are increasing its use in Jamaica. It is now available with a subsidy through the National Health Fund, which also subsidises other medications to decrease and treat complications of SCD,” she added. Morette Wright, Co-founder and Director of the Sickle Cell Support Club of Jamaica, said much has been done to assist over the years, especially now with the institution of the Sickle Cell Technical Working Group in the Ministry of Health and Wellness. “However, there are still a lot of patients with chronic cases who are suffering because of varying complications, including: problems with their hips and are in need of hip replacements, damaged organs e.g., kidney, and severe leg ulcers. These persons are unemployed and unable to cover the cost for their tests, as well as prescription items. We need to do more to assist those with chronic cases,” she said. Hugh Reid, General Manager of JN Life Insurance Company, stated that the insurance industry is looking at ways to make insurance more affordable for persons living with SCD. “Sickle Cell is one of the illnesses that unfortunately is not covered up to age 22 by some insurers. Thereafter, the policyholder is heavily rated, meaning, they are billed at standard rates plus a heavy extra premium. In terms of sickle cell trait, persons are generally covered at standard premium rates. However, the industry is constantly looking at new ways to assist persons living with sickle cell disease to ensure they can afford treatment so they can lead normal lives,” he informed.
“The babies identified at birth start to receive special treatment and parents also receive special training about SCD as early as six weeks in the life of their child. Vaccines, penicillin and parental training make all the difference to the child’s survival,” she added. Apart from screening, there have been other scientific breakthroughs, such as bone marrow transplant, while research is being done in gene therapy.
Dr Jennifer Knight-Madden, Director Sickle Cell Unit (SCU) of The Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies
“Bone marrow transplant is a cure; however, it is not available in Jamaica and it is expensive. Costs range between US$400,000 up to about US$600,000. A matched donor is also required. The conditioning prior to the transplant is rigorous. However, it is an accepted treatment, and many persons are cured using this method,” explained Dr Knight-Madden.
“Many persons living with SCD are better
In terms of medication, Hydroxyurea has been used to treat SCD for decades.
available with a subsidy through the
when on [Hydroxyurea] and we are increasing its use in Jamaica. It is now
National Health Fund...”
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WAYS TO START
INVESTING WITH LITTLE $ MONEY Athaliah Reynolds-Baker, Communication Officer The Jamaica National Group For many people, the word ‘investing’ conjures up images of men in suits, monitoring the exchange of millions of dollars on a stock ticker. But the truth is, you don’t need to be the “Wolf of Wall Street” or have millions of dollars in the bank to start investing. The key to building wealth is developing good habits - like regularly putting money away every month. Here are three ways you can start investing with just a few dollars today: TRY THE COOKIE JAR APPROACH Saving money and investing it are closely connected. To invest money, you first have to save. If you’ve never been a saver, you can start by putting away just $1,000 per week. That may not seem like a lot, but over the course of a year, it will add up to $52,000. Get yourself into the habit of living on a little bit less than you earn, and stash the savings away in a safe place. If you’re tempted to touch your small savings, you can opt to put away this money in a savings account or have a direct deposit arrangement with JN Bank, where the money is drawn from your account and placed in a separate account not connected to your debit card. When the stash is large enough, you can take it out and move it into some actual investment vehicles. INCREASE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS If you’re on a tight budget, even the simple step of increasing your group retirement contributions beyond the customary five per cent may seem beyond your reach. But this is a sacrifice that is worth making and one that will work out to your benefit in the long run. The law allows for you to make a maximum contribution of 20 per cent to your pension scheme. This is inclusive of the five per cent contribution from your employer. This means you are allowed to contribute up to 15 per cent of your salary to your pension plan. To make this bearable, you can start out by increasing to an additional five per cent for a few years. You probably won’t even miss a contribution that small, but what makes it even easier is that the tax deduction that you’ll get for doing so
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will make the contribution even smaller. Once you commit to a 10 percent contribution, you can increase it to the maximum 15 per cent in another few years. PUT YOUR MONEY IN LOWINITIAL-INVESTMENT MUTUAL FUNDS Mutual funds are investment securities that allow you to invest in a portfolio of stocks and bonds with a single transaction, making them perfect for new investors. You can open a mutual funds account at JN Fund Managers with just $10,000. Automatic investing is a common feature with most mutual funds accounts. An automatic investing arrangement is particularly convenient if you can do it through payroll savings. You can typically set up an automatic deposit through your payroll, in much the same way that you do with an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
The key to building wealth is developing good habits - like regularly putting money away every month.
Shasha Thorpe:
An Inspiration to many
Karen Oliver, Communication Specialist The Jamaica National Group
Shasha Thorpe is an active user of various social media platforms and, in the past, even had a YouTube channel. On the surface, there is nothing unusual about a young person using social media. However, these platforms provide visual stimuli, and Miss Thorpe is blind. Using apps such as Be my Eyes, Tap Tap C, Lazeria, and Nearby Explorers, Miss Thorpe enjoys connecting with loved ones on social media. She also uses Siri, a Voice Assistant, to read her messages and to advise her about her location. Miss Thorpe, who lives alone, functions so independently that she amazes just about anyone who knows her. “Having a disability doesn’t hinder me from doing anything. Where I live, persons don’t believe I can’t see. I live a normal life. I go to parties and enjoy myself,” she related. The 34-year-old Special Education Teacher is a fine example of someone who is determined not to allow her disability to limit her. She is ambitious, confident, has a positive outlook on life and succeeds at whatever she undertakes. Miss Thorpe was born with Glaucoma, a hereditary eye condition, which affected her primary education. The lack of intervention at that time, significantly set her back academically.
“I just woke up one morning and couldn’t see anything at all. I knew that my sight was going slowly, then it was gone altogether,” she disclosed. Her sudden loss of sight made it difficult to pursue her studies, however, she was determined to press on, which resulted in her spending an additional two years to complete her studies. Being uncertain about how her disability would affect her dream of becoming a teacher, Miss Thorpe went on to pursue an international diploma in massage therapy, in preparation of becoming self-employed. Her desire to further improve her academic qualifications led her to the Mico University College, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in primary education. Miss Thorpe pointed out that her biggest accomplishment so far, is owning her home, which was made possible by JN Bank in 2019. “It’s a big achievement, and it’s a nice feeling. I wanted a brand-new house. I didn’t want a house with crosses [problems],” she stressed, adding that she made many personal sacrifices to achieve her dream. “Sometimes, I would eat crackers and sardine for dinner. Even now, I still do that because I am now paying my mortgage.” Come the end of September, she plans to open her massage parlor, to supplement her income. “Teaching alone can’t give me what I want. I have to have something else going,” she said, adding that she also sells cosmetic products. She pointed out that these business ventures are to help to prepare her financially to pursue her longterm dream to become a Member of Parliament, so that she can provide more practical solutions to help people. “I am giving myself 15 to 20 years to go into politics. I’m a people person. With my personality, I can get anywhere I want to go,” she asserted.
“I couldn’t see the blackboard, therefore, the teacher put me to the back of the class and gave me a doll to play with every day.” At 10 years old, still unable to read and write, she started attending the Salvation Army School for the Blind. Her accomplishments there resulted in her being placed at Dunoon Technical High. She was later successful in five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. In pursuit of higher education, she immediately proceeded to St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. It was during her second year there that she completely lost her sight.
“I couldn’t see the blackboard, therefore, the teacher put me to the back of the class and gave me a doll to play with every day.”
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Wins Commonwealth
Literary Prize
Karen Oliver, Communication Specialist The Jamaica National Group Emerging as the 2021 regional winner of the Commonwealth Writers prize, being shortlisted for the same prize in 2017 and being awarded the Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica for contribution to Literature in 2018 is no ordinary feat. Meet Roland Watson-Grant, an accomplished author, Chief Creative Specialist at The Creative Unit - a member of The Jamaica National Group, and a Kingston College Old Boy, who has had several impressive achievements in the literary arts. He is the author of two novels: Sketcher and Skid, published in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2013 and 2014 respectively, Sketcher was also translated and published in Turkish and Spanish in 2015. His other achievements include being shortlisted for the Lightship International Literary Prize in Hull, UK, in 2011 and being nominated for an Amazon Rising Stars Award in 2013. He has also authored a nonfiction Jamaica Journal article, I Know I Owe the Obeahman, archived by the Smithsonian Libraries in 2019. For his most recent accomplishment as the regional winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize, Mr Watson-Grant topped entrants from Jamaica and other countries in the region, including Barbados and Trinidad, to claim the coveted prize and a cash reward of £2,500. The competition, which is in its 10th year, is open to writers of unpublished short fiction of 2,000 to 5,000 words from Commonwealth countries. This year’s competition saw a record of 6,423 entries from 50 Commonwealth countries in five regions: Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The JN Living Well Magazine sought to uncover more about this talented author. Tell us how did it make you feel when you learned that you were regional winner of the Commonwealth Writers short story prize? While I have never doubted my ability, it’s exciting to have emerged among the top five writers. The odds are many among 6,423 entries for the prize. To represent Jamaica and the region in the world’s most global literary prize is an honour. What is your winning story about? It’s called The Disappearance of Mumma Dell. It’s about a community matriarch’s body going missing at a funeral in a rural Jamaican district that is also in danger of vanishing off the map. It speaks of land ownership, the legacy of the Maroons and Tainos, and the deeper issues faced by some rural folk in Jamaica. What has been the response to your win? I’ve been a published writer with nominations and wins, but this one is particularly satisfying in a year that calls for
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us to have hope. The groundswell around it on social media and in mass media has been amazing. People from all over the world, and especially here in Jamaica, continue to read and share the links to the story and to one of my non-fiction articles that deals with some ancestral practices. My colleagues at The Jamaica National Group have responded very positively to the win. They have made contact and communicated their kudos. I am thankful to my team at The Creative Unit, who has been very supportive from the beginning. I believe this win represents what our organisation is about: home-grown with a global mindset, but always with a heart for people. What makes a good story?
Olive Senior was the Jamaican writer who inspired me. She’s my literary mother now. What do you do when you’re not writing? Haha. I’m still writing, that is, writing campaigns for The Creative Unit, along with my team. It’s a full creative life. I’m currently the ONE JN Ambassador for The Creative Unit and this ethos, envisioned by our CEO, Earl Jarrett, is how we will shine at home and abroad. Apart from that, I’m always working on a novel or short stories. It’s a habit. To read the winning regional Commonwealth short story, The Disappearance of Mumma Dell, visit https://granta. com/the-disappearance-of-mumma-dell/
Apart from characters and the conflict between them which forms the plot, it’s important for the fictional story to speak life into reality as we know it, to offer perspectives and perhaps suggest solutions for positive change. The Disappearance of Mumma Dell is fun to read but is about serious issues as well. Ideas for stories come from living through these issues of national importance or from personal experience. When did you first realise you could write creatively? My family is full of creatives, including writers. I’m just the one who got published because I pursued it. I have always read widely. My mother insisted that my three brothers and me read The Gleaner as soon as we could read, and she bought books as gifts. However, it was not until I read Olive Senior’s Summer Lightning in third form at Kingston College, that I knew I could write. I had read James Joyce and Shakespeare and William Golding et al, but at 13 years old,
Roland Watson-Grant
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Making Your Smartphone Work For You Roel Forbes, Snr. Cybersecurity Analyst and Alex Pearson, Intern The Jamaica National Group
Have you ever stopped to consider just how much your smartphone can do? Let’s explore how powerful this small gadget can be in the palm of your hand.
Text Manipulation Both Android and iOS devices have a text-to-speech feature, which allows smartphones to read aloud texts, emails, and web content. This is a great feature, as it allows you to give your eyes a break from the screen, while still receiving your information. Here’s how: For Android devices: •Go to Settings •Navigate to Accessibility menu option •Tap Text-to-Speech output •Configure the output for the desired reading speed and pitch of your choice •Go back to Settings and tap Select to speak •Swipe screen up with two fingers to read something aloud For iOS devices: •Go to Settings •Choose the Accessibility option •Select Spoken Content •Select Speak Screen to read everything on screen aloud or Speak Selection to read only sections which have been highlighted on screen You can turn your smartphone camera into a magnifying glass to enlarge text on documents, labels and forms to make it more readable. Here’s how:
Your smartphone can track or log your exercise activities. There are health apps that make this possible and have been found to be accurate. Some of these apps include: Samsung Health on Google Play Store, Fitbit Coach on the Apple Store and Google Play Store, and Strava on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Auto Using your smartphone while driving increases your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Your smartphone has built-in features that can detect when you are driving and automatically respond to incoming calls and texts. Here’s how to activate this feature: For Android devices, swipe down and select the option Do Not Disturb For iOS devices, go to Settings and select Do Not Disturb
Privacy and Security To prevent unauthorised persons from accessing your smartphone, you can use biometric features such as facial or finger recognition. Here’s how: On Android devices, go to Settings, then navigate to Biometric and Security. From there it will advise you how to setup these features. In iOS, go to Settings, then navigate to Touch ID & Passcode. From there you will be advised how to setup your biometric security features. If your phone gets stolen or goes missing, many smartphones give you the ability to erase your data remotely. Here’s how: On Android devices, go to Settings, then navigate to Biometric and Security. Look for the option called “Find My Phone” and turn on. You will be guided how to set up remote controlling of your phone. On iOS devices, go to Settings, then navigate to Find My iPhone. Turn on that setting and you will be guided on setting up this feature. You can remotely lock down your phone while still securing your data. The versatility of a smartphone is more than what meets the eye. When used responsibly, smartphones can prove most beneficial in leading more efficient and secure lives in this rapidly growing world of technology.
Go to your phone’s camera. Use your index and thumb fingers to zoom in or out by spreading or converging fingers on the screen. You can set a custom vibration on your phone to alert you when specific persons are calling or texting you. This feature is only available on iPhone. However, Android users may download a third party app, such as MacroDroid and Textra SMS to use this feature.
Health and Wellness
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Acts of kindness
to share with the ones you love
Kadeem Rodgers (@thestyleredeemer) Fashion Stylist, Journalist
Many of us have not been feeling the love lately, and this is partly due to the multiple degrees of separation between humans, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. So many people have been forced to be alone – no random interactions, no compliments from strangers – stuck in quarantine and stuck with our thoughts. This extends to those around you or the people you interact with on a daily basis, too – the garbage truck attendant, the person who holds the door as you struggle to get in with your bags, even the cashier who was just rude to you. In no particular order, here are 15 love notes, gestures and sweet nothings you can share with those around you to show just how much you appreciate them.
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Appreciation is the name of this game. This means going the extra mile or putting in a bit more effort makes all the difference. Smile like you mean it! If you want to send the sweetest non-verbal message to the love of your life, you’ll need eye contact and a smile. Listen attentively. It’s very important to listen to all the people you communicate with. You’ve got to be reliable. This should extend to all the people who you interact with.
Send a surprise gift. Make it very random, it could be flowers, a favourite chocolate/candy bar, and, for a few more dollars, you can also go all out and wrap the item to add a bit of pizzazz.
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Show you care. If your partner or loved one has been complaining about a medical issue, schedule a visit to see the doctor, take him/her in, after all, it’s the thought that counts.
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Just say hi. People are so into themselves and their gadgets nowadays that they simply are unaware of their surroundings and the myriad opportunities to interact with others.
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Say ‘thank you’. This is really the least one could do after a favour or courtesy is extended to you. Drop a note. Not literally, but leaving notes with special messages show just about anyone in your space that you care enough to put pen to paper – especially in the digital world we live in – and write something down, no matter what.
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Hugs! We’re still advised to remain socially distant, so this act only applies to those in your circle. Hug them more!
Make small sacrifices – like a mother who doesn’t eat pork yet makes it for her children because she knows they love it. Speaking of moms. Commit to doing more to help around the house and if you are not living in the same home, call her more.
Warm welcome! We all love a good greeting, say ‘hello, how are you?’ like you mean it and with a warm, pleasant smile.
So many people have been forced to be alone – no random interactions, no compliments from strangers – stuck in quarantine and stuck with our thoughts.
Lindy Jones Finds
Solace
in Photography Sabriena Simpson, Communication Officer The Jamaica National Group
Photography is a career for many people, but for academic, Lindy Jones, delving into the world of photography became a means of escaping the rigours and stresses of study, while he was pursuing his PhD 11 years ago. “I engage in photography as a means to have fun. However, I found myself drawn to nature photography. There is a certain resonance that I have with nature, a connection which vibrates awe, peace and harmony within,” the Student Services Development Manager at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona pointed out.
“More than anything else, nature photography fills me with a profound sense of gratitude. Therefore, whether it’s a shot of two birds sitting on a wire, or of a gorgeous fleeting sunset, I always feel as if nature is constantly presenting me with these time sensitive gift packages. This awareness grounds me and envelops me with a deep sense of peace. The entire experience is also fun, because photography is also about adventure, and I love a good adventure!” Dr Jones exclaimed. He showcases his photography on his personal Facebook and Instagram pages.
“I was also fascinated with National Geographic - both the cable channel and the magazine, which feature some of the most beautiful scenes captured in nature,” he explained. Dr Jones is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Modern Languages Literatures, at UWI, since 2010. His main area of focus in academia is Afro-Cuban Latin American Literatures. An adventurer, Dr Jones says that he curates experiences, which take him into nature at least once or twice per month, depending on the time of year and what’s happening. “However, my process is never to rush taking a photo when I am in nature. My focus is usually to enjoy and take in the moment, being present and connecting with nature, as well as the Creator of all that beauty. Therefore, having absorbed the scene, I then use my camera to capture it. However, I find that, on many occasions, I do not capture photos of some of the most beautiful scenes I have observed. At the end of the day, I guess a photo just does not do justice to the awesomeness of a moment, which is assimilated by the totality of one’s senses,” he declared. His photography equipment of choice are a Canon EOS 6D Mark II and an iPhone 12 Pro.
A glimpse of Jamaica through the lens of amateur photographer, Lindy Jones. For more, visit his Instagram and Facebook pages.
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Partnerships
Forms
Come in many Dr Karen Carpenter PhD, CST, PGCHE Psychologist/Clinical Sexologist/Research Consultant It is often said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Is it so different for men than it is for women? I have been looking around, especially at older couples and asking myself this question ever since COVID-19 took over our lives. Research tells us that women live longer than their male partners, enjoy better interpersonal relationships with their children and their friends and generally enjoy better health than men. But have we ever stopped to wonder how it is that women do more work, have pregnancies and still manage to be living longer and healthier than men? I think the secret lies in the fact that women do more for others physically and emotionally than most men. Use It, or Lose It This time I actually mean our minds and bodies. If you sit around waiting for someone to fetch things for you, serve you a meal, make you a cup of tea and generally wait hand and foot on you, they will be doing all the exercise and staying healthier. Women are bending, stretching, stooping, climbing the stairs, planning, and thinking more than the men in their lives while the men limit their activities. Women are doing the gardening, taking care of grandchildren, shopping, even taking exercise classes, while many men just seem to live from meal to meal. So, what’s the solution? Clearly, we have to consider what post-retirement looks like for men and encourage them to develop new interests before they actually leave the workplace.
chores. Make it easy for your partner to find all the items needed for the task by setting them on a tray before bed at night, in the morning there will be no excuse for him not to do it. And when he does make the tea/coffee be sure to use words of affirmation. Say thank you and tell him what it means to you, after all, encouragement sweetens labour. Keep up the affirmations and before you know it he’ll be doing the laundry too and keeping healthier. Another great motivator is to pay attention to the things he likes to do and commit to doing at least one thing per week. Give him a reason to say thank you too. Grown Ups Can Have Fun Too What if you were never the stay-at-home couple and now the pandemic or retirement has you house-bound and bored? Here is an idea that seems to me to be a big gap in the marketplace…where are the fun spots for people over fifty? Many commercial activities are geared towards younger people. If you are an enterprising older person, especially if you were involved in business before retirement, consider starting an enterprise geared to older persons. And if you have some innovative ideas about how the neglected fiftyplus generation can re-invigorate their lives when they retire, add it to the list and get started. This could be your next big success to share with your partner. Imagine how that could revive your home life.
Women Motivate Your Men I know, just when you thought your job was over, here I am telling you that you need to do one more thing. Actually, I’m not. There are so many ways to motivate your male partner and they don’t all include being a cheerleader. Think about the “WHY ME” principle, “What’s in it for me?” If the man is not seeing a benefit in doing something, why should he bother? The “Why Me” principle dictates that you look for the hidden benefits in your partner doing more around the house for instance. Let’s take the example of simple things like making the tea or coffee, setting the table or other simple
Dr Karen Carpenter is a Florida board-certified Clinical Sexologist and licensed Psychologist, based in Jamaica. She is author of ‘Love & Sex: The Basics’ available on amazon.com. Email Dr Carpenter at: loveandsexja@gmail.com or send questions at www.drkarencarpenter.com
Join Dr Carpenter for ‘The Sexual Revolution Continues’ Tuesdays at 9 pm
on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/LoveandSexJamaica
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JN LIFE AIDE AND JN LIFE FAMILY AIDE The JN Life Aide and JN Life Family Aide are critical illness plans that have been developed to cater to the needs of persons searching for affordable and convenient critical illness plans, with coverage of up to $6 million. JN Family Aide covers 13 illnesses and includes coverage for children. The family plan covers up to six persons with eligibility ages being between 0-60 years old; while the individual plan covers persons starting from age 18. The current plan allows for parents and in-laws to be covered up to the age of 75 years-old or on the 20th policy anniversary date, whichever is later. A key feature of both critical illness products is the eligibility of clients to continue receiving coverage for the sum they were originally insured for after receiving payments for a diagnosis. This is known as the reoccurrence benefit. For more information visit www.jnlifeinsurance.com.
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START YOUR INVESTMENT WITH A MUTUAL FUND No matter the day of the week, The Jamaica Automobile Association’s (JAA) Driving Academy has a class available for you. That’s right, the JAA offers driving lessons seven days per week, right throughout the year (except public holidays). Purchase a package deal or access single lessons at $2,500 per session. The JAA Driving Academy has three programmes: Driver Assessment, Driver Improvement Programme and our Learner Driver Programme which is our most subscribed in the Driving Academy. The Learner Driver Programme is aimed at beginner drivers and provides lessons using either an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. Lessons are conducted on our range and on the road. Learn The JAA Driving Academy service is only offered in the Corporate Area at present. Learn Website: https://www.calljaa.com/
A mutual fund is an investment scheme consisting of a pool of funds collected from many investors. This pool of funds is invested in various assets including stocks, bonds and money market securities. The performance of the fund is shared by all investors. Why Choose A Mutual Fund? Diversifications: A mutual fund allows you to invest in a balanced portfolio of a broad range of investments without having to build a portfolio of individual assets on your own. Expertise: The funds are managed by a team of experienced professionals whose priority is to earn optimum returns on your investment. Reduced Costs: Mutual fund investments prove less expensive than paying an investment professional to manage your individual portfolio. Our Financial Advisors will be happy to address all your queries. Learn Tel: 876-929-7159 Email: info@jnfunds.com Website: www.jnfunds.com
WATER SAVING TIPS
HOME AND CONTENT INSURANCE ONLINE JNGI home and content insurance is now fully online! Get a quote, buy or renew your home and content insurance anywhere and at any time. It’s a first in the Caribbean! Enjoy the convenience of submitting your documents completely online. With the purchase of a home and content insurance policy, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your JNGI motor vehicle insurance policy. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be very active. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your assets are protected. Get a free non-commitment quote at www.jngijamaica.com. Conditions Apply – offer not applicable to buildings that are mortgaged to JN Bank
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The JN Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, has implemented the Water Project Jamaica to encourage the efficient use of water. Here are a few water saving tips: About 70 to 80 per cent of water used in the average household is from the bathroom. •Look out for efficiency-rated and labelled water fixtures as guided by the flow rates gallons per minute (GPM), or Gallons Per Flush (GPF) stated below: - Showerheads should use less than 2.00 GPM - Toilets should use less than or equal to 1.28 GPF • Check all toilets for leaks. To do this, use a colour dye in your toilet tank. If the colour is visible in the bowl, you have a leak and should make the necessary repairs. Learn more about the project at www.waterproject.ja.com
2-4 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica www.jngroup.com corporatecommunications@jngroup.com 876-926-1344-9
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