About our
Musson Group is a diversified conglomerate with businesses across the globe in many sectors and countries. We take our responsibility in each of them seriously and offer our support to strengthen the countries and communities in which we work. This is of utmost importance to us. The Musson Foundation was founded in 2013 to promote and encourage the advancement of education, while supporting the relief of poverty among disenfranchised and inner-city children and young people. The Foundation also focuses on community strengthening through the implementation of various development programmes.
In addition, the Musson Foundation encourages capacity building and economic independence among young people by promoting skill acquisition and various entrepreneurship ventures. The Musson Foundation also supports equal rights and opportunities for all Jamaicans, with the aim of inspiring a safer and more equitable Jamaica for all.
The Musson Foundation carries out activities on behalf of the subsidiaries of the Musson Group of Companies including Facey Group, Interlinc, Productive Business Solutions, General Accident, T. Geddes Grant, and Musson Trading.
mission & vision
OUR CORE VALUES
We believe in growing the potential of our people through inspiring, encouraging and equipping them with the tools to carve out an economically sustainable future for themselves and their families. Ultimately, this should contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth and national development. We believe in sports, and the cultural and the creative industries as major drivers of economic growth. We encourage a focus in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, and we provide innovative learning experiences to
Youth Entrepreneurship and Skill Development
Sports, Culture and the Creative Industry Environment and Crisis Alleviation
children from an early age, ensuring that they have the exposure and the foundation upon which to build, as they progress through the education system, with a view towards choosing their careers, and starting their own businesses. We support the communities in which we operate, and assist when there is a need or crisis. We believe that we need to take care of our environment, and have made a commitment to do our part to protect it. We believe in a sustainable future for all.
Education and Technology Community Support
Health and Nutrition
ACHIEVING
THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
The Musson Foundation is committed to working toward the achievement of Vision 2030 for Jamaica, and the Sustainable Development Goals globally. The Musson Foundation joined the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance as a means to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs through partnerships. The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance is an open platform for collaboration among the corporate sector, foundations and other philanthropists to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2030) by the Caribbean, and for the Caribbean.
SOURCE: THE UNITED NATIONS
• The VISION is to create linkages that will foster development in the Caribbean by building on the tremendous assets of the region; addressing the developmental challenges facing the people to enable them to achieve their potential and to provide a base for a sustainable future.
• The MISSION is to develop partnerships and foster collaboration among Caribbean corporate leaders, foundations, individual philanthropists,and other philanthropic entities to better address the developmental challenges of the Caribbean region, and to create an environment for sustainable development via synergy, networking and specific initiatives.
• The CORE OBJECTIVE is to forge partnerships to harness financial and other resources required to accelerate achievements of the SDGs in the Caribbean to the year 2030. Pursuant to this objective, the CariPhil Alliance will collaborate and undertake activities to develop the required structures necessary to execute this objective.
The CariPhil Alliance has been recognized by the UN as one of the Accelerated Actions that will accelerate achievements of the SDGs in the Caribbean region. The commitment is posted on the UN website as SDG Action # 33855 which outlines the expected impact of the initiative to scale up existing activities, and undertake new activities that are aligned to the SDGs; and forge more regional and international collaboration and partnerships that can enhance the achievement of the SDGs. It is expected that the multistakeholder linkages created will enhance these outcomes as well as close existing gaps. This includes bringing greater awareness about the SDGs to the private and philanthropic sectors and fostering more public-private sector partnerships. This initiative heralds a milestone for the private sector in the Caribbean region.
2019 at a glance
KEY PROJECTS & PROGRAMMES
We are proud of the work we have done in 2019 to support the creative industry, our communities and the country, especially in times when the need has been significant. We continue to encourage and promote opportunities for young entrepreneurship for personal and professional development in our young people, and for Jamaica’s economic development. We did not hesitate to step in when we learned of a water shortage crisis at the Kingston Public Hospital and the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, and donated water tanks to enhance their water storage capacity. Furthermore, we continue to provide innovative educational experiences to our children, and to give nutritional support on an ongoing basis to schools in our communities. The Musson Foundation remains committed to growing the potential of people and our communities.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur
Own Your Future Conference
The Musson Foundation was pleased to support the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in its 3rd annual staging of the annual Young Entrepreneur Own Your Future Conference. Approximately 300 young people, mostly from HEART Trust NTA and tertiary institutions across the island attended and benefited from motivational, first hand experiences of select young entrepreneurs. The main speaker was Marvin Hall, the Founder of Halls of Learning, a tech enterprise that brings innovative learning experiences to children through coding and robotics classes. Other speakers included Tyrone Wilson, the founder of iCreate; TiaMoya Lyn, the founder of Miss Dutchie; and Racquel Brown, the founder of Irie Rock.
These young entrepreneurs shared how they achieved success after facing various challenges in starting their own businesses. Attendees learned of the various sources of the inspiration that encouraged the entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, while learning about the risks, and the challenges that they experienced along their journey. It was emphasized that failure is to be expected, but what is important is that one can learn from what went wrong, rework the approach, try again, and persevere. It was underscored by all the speakers that passion and determination are key attributes to ensure their business idea comes to fruition.
The Musson Foundation believes in the importance of encouraging young people to consider entrepreneurship as a way to positively contribute to Jamaica’s economic development.
“It is of the utmost importance to prepare our youth from an early age to be innovators. They are Jamaica’s future leaders and builders, and they must be encouraged and motivated to think outside of the box. This conference provides an opportunity for them to learn from entrepreneurs who are, in many cases, very close to them in age.”
–MelanieSubratie,Chairperson,theMussonFoundation
Young entrepreneur panelists, TiaMoya Lyn (left), the founder of Miss Dutchie; and Racquel Brown, the founder of Irie Rock discuss the opportunities and challenges they have faced in their respective entrepreneurial ventures.
Marvin Hall, founder of Tech Enterprise, Halls of Learning, and main speaker for the event, shares his journey and lessons learned with the nearly 300 attendees.
Chairperson of the Musson Foundation, Melanie Subratie (right) talks about Musson Foundation’s commitment to entrepreneurship with Hitz 92FM.
Development Bank of Jamaica
The National Business Model Competition (NBMC) is aimed at providing technical assistance, financial support and leadership, to young people with promising business ideas and plans. The competition is part of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ’s) Venture Capital Programme (JVCP) to build and ensure a robust and vibrant entrepreneurial and early-stage ecosystem. The competition takes place from September to March, and covers major sensitization exercises, boot camps, training, workshops and an internal competition to decide each university’s top four winners. The Honourable Dr. Nigel Clarke was the guest speaker at this year’s staging and urged the young entrepreneurs to “stick to their task” and that “there is no better time to start a business in Jamaica” as the Government of Jamaica was laying the foundation to facilitate growth. The winners from each university subsequently compete over two days for national honours and cash prizes.
Five teams from four Jamaican universities entered the 2019 International Business Model Competition (IBMC) - 2019 NBMC winner, JA Bio Plastics from the University of the West Indies (UWI); and four other teams: Pree Labs from UWI; CCML and Xermosol from UTECH; and MarijTech from Northern Caribbean University applied through the highly competitive application process and were awarded entry to the IBMC Finals. The IBMC was held on the campus of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, USA in May 2019. 40 teams from 19 universities around the world participated in the IBMC Finals.
While the Jamaican teams did not advance in the IBMC, the overall comments from the judges on their presentations were exceptional and encouraging. Each of the teams remains focused on turning their ideas and plans into dynamic entrepreneurial ventures and garnering the necessary support locally.
Key stakeholders catch up at the launch of the 2019 National Business Model Competition.
Judges for the 2019 competition examine the conveted trophy that will be awarded to the winners of the competition.
Melanie Subratie, Chairperson of the Musson Foundation, Milverton Reynolds (right), Managing Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica, and Howard Mitchell (centre), President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica pose together after Musson Foundation signs on to be a sponsor of the 2019 staging of the competition.
SPORTS, CULTURE AND THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY
NATI O NALSWI MMING
The Musson Foundation continues to support our swimming superstar, Christanya Shirley, who qualified for two regional competitions this year - the CARIFTA Swimming Championships and the Central American and the Caribbean Swimming Federation Swimming Championships (CCCAN) - both of which were held in Barbados. At CARIFTA, Christanya was a part of the 4 X 50 metre freestyle relay team which won a silver medal, and part of the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay team that placed 4th overall. While at CCCAN, she placed an impressive 4th overall as a part of the 4 x 100 metre medley relay team and 6th overall in the 50 metre freestyle. We are so proud of Christanya!
The Denham Town Dance Academy was established by a former member of the Tivoli Dance Troupe – Kadia Redwood. It was formed in direct response to the Tivoli incursion which left several children traumatized, and families devastated. It has been a much needed creative outlet for the youth of the Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens communities. The Musson Foundation assisted the Denham Town Dance Academy with the cost of their costumes, as well as other in kind donations that were needed. We aim to encourage and promote creative expression as a way to build community, overcome obstacles, and ultimately to make a living.
Christanya poses poolside in Barbados repping Musson Foundation!
Young dancers, in their costumes sponsored by the Musson Foundation, line up to get ready for their big performance.
ENVIRONMENT AND CRISIS ALLEVIATION
WATER TANK PROJECT
Kingston Public Hospital & Victoria Jubilee Hospital
This project, the donation of thirty 2,000 gallon water tanks to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH), was conceived in light of the crippling water shortages experienced by the institutions earlier in the year. The operation of both institutions was upended as chronic water shortages in the corporate area led to the repeated cancellation of surgeries and the disruption of other routine activities. The Musson Foundation, in partnership with T.Geddes Grant and the Woman’s Club provided the hospitals with a much-needed upgrade with the official handing over of thirty 2,000 gallon water tanks to ensure that they had adequate water storage facilities to meet their needs throughout the year.
The impact of this donation is massive. With both the KPH and VJH provided with adequate water supply, it is expected that efficiency will be increased in the day-to-day running of the hospitals, and as a result, the patient experience will be enhanced in all areas. A consistent water supply will eliminate delays in surgeries and procedures due to water shortages, and will reduce the long waitlists for surgeries. Furthermore, it will ensure that proper hygiene is maintained for staff and patients and will facilitate general and specialized sanitation of the hospital on an ongoing basis. The hospital will no longer have to depend on water trucks to deliver water which are oftentimes delayed due to external circumstances.
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton turns on the tap, alongside Managing Director of T.Geddes Grant, Michael Subratie, Ms. Peju Wilson, Member of the Woman’s Club and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kingston Public Hospital, Kathleen Cooper-Brown (right).
Aerial view of 12 of the donated water tanks in the basement of the Kingston Public Hospital.
Aerial view of 13 water tanks near to the Victoria Jubliee Hospital.
Aerial view of the five remaining water tanks donated by the Musson Foundation.
EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
SCRATCH Jr. WORKSHOPS
The Musson Foundation, in collaboration with our partner, Halls of Learning, conducted 10 Scratch Jr. workshops across five primary schools. Scratch Jr., a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, is a free, downloadable online platform that teaches primary school children the concept of coding by allowing them to program their own
Uncle PJ of Halls of Learning calls on one of the excited students at Seaward Primary School to share what they discovered after
Eager and excited students of St. Peter Claver Primary school raise their hands to indicate that they love to create stories.
Partners help each other to figure out the Scratch Jr. challenge they were assigned.
Halls Of Learning Outreach Day
Two students show their ‘passport’ with stickers on all the stations they visited and completed the activity.
Chairperson of the Musson Foundation, Melanie Subratie, looks on as Halls of Learning’s founder, Marvin Hall, demonstrates the Robot ‘Robotis’ to interested students.
Halls of Learning Volunteer, Yutara Fruta high fives an exicted student who successfully completed his activity station.
Senior Brand Manager of Musson Trading, Jacqueline Daley helps young students complete the challenge at the Blu Bots station.
The Musson Foundation was happy to host the Halls of Learning Outreach Day. Since its inception, Halls of Learning has been giving back through outreach across communities in Jamaica, and thousands of students across various socio-economic groups have benefited positively from Outreach Day activities, where they have been introduced to a number of skills critical for professional development in an increasingly technological world.
Outreach Day is a hallmark of Halls of Learning and is held during the summertime, where children from all over Jamaica are invited to attend and interact with various dynamic coding and robotics stations. Using a wide variety of materials, the participants are engaged in activities using LEGO Mindstorms, Mini Drones with Tynker, Robotics Mini, Motion Blocks, LEGO WeDo, Kubo, Blu-Bots, and Codey Rockey. They are given ‘passports’ and on completion of an activity at the station, they get a sticker on their passport. The children try to move through all the stations, complete all the activities successfully and get all the stickers.
This year had a great turn out of over 250 children, who all had a blast. Events like this are extremely important as the children are able to do activities that reinforce their critical thinking and problem solving skills, all while having fun. These skills are important for their success during the Primary Exit Profile, and in higher education. The Musson Foundation believes that all Jamaican children need to be exposed to technology and be digitally literate to be successful in our rapidly enhanced tech-driven landscape.
BACK TO SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAMME
In furtherance of our commitment to education, the Musson Foundation continues to fund the purchase of school books during the back to school preparation period. The Musson Foundation believes that all children need to be properly equipped with the tools and materials needed to succeed at school.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Restoration of the Rose Window at St. Andrew Parish Church
The Musson Foundation funded the restoration of the historic Rose Window at St. Andrew Parish Church in memory of the Honourable Desmond Blades, the founder and chairman of the Musson Group, and his wife, Mrs. Blades.
The Musson Foundation congratulates RISE Life Management Services, one of our valued partners, for 30 years of outstanding service to Jamaica. During this time, RISE has influenced the lives of thousands of individuals through its services, programmes and interventions. This year alone, RISE has impacted over 107,012 individuals, with many receiving training in life management skills, employability, entrepreneurial training, human rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and sexual abuse prevention. RISE has also provided capacity building training for Civil Society Organizations. Other services provided by RISE include the prevention and treatment of addictive disorders including gambling, an island wide telephone counselling service; drug testing; individual and group counselling; and training for teachers, guidance counsellors and personnel from gambling houses.
We were happy to have sponsored RISE’s attendance at the Business Processing Outsourcing Expo that was held in Montego Bay in April. RISE also operates an Employee Assistance Programme Service (EAPs) whereby they offer support to companies by taking care of the needs of their employees. The Business Processing Outsourcing Expo was a great opportunity for RISE to network with various BPOs, to understand their needs, and to present them with information of the EAP that would benefit their employees.
Senior Brand Manager of Musson Trading, Jacqueline Daley (right), presents the RISE Life Management team - Jan Lopez, Sonita Abrahams and Shawn McGregor - with Musson Foundation’s annual donation.
Impact by the numbers - 2019
FINDING MY VOICE: PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN
• 54,082 people directly impacted
• 162,246 people indirectly impacted
NATIONAL TELEPHONE LIFELINE
• 252 calls recorded, including counselling, assessments and referrals
WASTE INNOVATION THROUGH SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (WISE)
• 100 youth trained
OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION PROGRAMME
• 85 youth involved
• 147 tertiary students and practitioners trained
• 785 drug tests administered
RESPONSIBLE GAMING PROGRAMME
• 28,213 people directly impacted
• 112,852 people indirectly impacted
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES
• 6 companies
• Over 740 counselling sessions conducted
CIVIL SOCIETY BOOST INITIATIVE
• 26 civil society organizations working in violence prevention participated
STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS
• 14 organizations completed the programme
• 26 people directly impacted
• 85 people indirectly impacted
SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS RESPONSE JAMAICA
• Focuses on HIV prevention, education, HIV testing, and condom distribution to vulnerable groups
• 2,337 people impacted
Barbados Independence CELEBRATION
With a nod to the history of the Musson Group, the Musson Foundation was thrilled to support the Barbados Independence celebrations held in Jamaica in November.
Did You Know?
Musson (Jamaica) Ltd. is the successor to SP Musson Son and Company Limited which was established in 1820 and has been trading in the Caribbean ever since. It was one of the original six companies that went on to form Barbados Shipping and Trading Limited. The Jamaican arm was bought out by senior management, led by Desmond Blades, and resulted in the setting up of Musson (Jamaica) Ltd itself in 1963.
St. Jude’s Church
The Musson Foundation was happy to support the community outreach and development programmes of St. Jude’s Church by contributing to their fundraising initiative. They plan to build multipurpose courts to facilitate basketball, netball and other recreational activities for the youth of the community.
SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMMES HEALTH AND NUTRITION
The Alpha Institute provides a two-year trade programme which includes academic and trade training, life skills training, leadership training and communication training. Alpha also assists students identified as at risk of dropping out of high school. They attend Alpha on a short term placement where they benefit from an individual education plan, and guidance and counselling to help address underlying issues that prevented them from progressing in the mainstream school system. The Musson Foundation has assisted the Alpha Institute through ongoing monthly donations of rice, flour and cooking oil. These products are used to provide healthy breakfasts and lunches for the students. On holidays, the product is distributed to the students to take home.
Additionally, the Musson Foundation has continued to make regular food donations to Maxfield Park Primary School. The school uses these donations toward a breakfast programme. Every morning, children are able to get breakfast before school begins. Breakfast programmes are crucial, as many children come to school hungry and are not able to focus on their academics. Ensuring that all children and their families have access to regular meals is an important goal of the Musson Foundation.
The Musson Foundation also offers support to the Paul Bogle Youth Club - a community based youth group that provides various social activities for young people. We assist with a feeding programme for their summer school in July, and their Pre-Christmas Treat in December.
ALPHA INSTITUTE
Barbering is one of the skills that the Alpha Institute teaches their young men. Through nutritional support, it is ensured that the students are energized and ready to hone their skills as they prepare to enter the workforce.
MAXFIELD PARK PRIMARY
The Alpha Music Programme offers performance and technology training with an emphasis on reading music. Music students learn to read and perform music individually as well as work as a member of a performance group.
Students at the Alpha Institute enjoy their breakfast made with products donated by the Musson Foundation.
Students at Maxfield park Primary line up for breakfast before school starts.
The canteen staff are busy preparing the breakfast and tea ahead of the students’ arrival.
Students are handed their breakfast by the school’s guidance counselor who oversees the breakfast programme.
SEPROD FOUNDATION
Seprod Foundation has been providing scholarships for over 30 years and more recently began to play a role in bringing innovative experiences to children in Jamaica. Major projects include the World Robot Olympiad, the Hour of Code, Jamaican Girls Coding, Scratch Day as well as professional development opportunities for teachers in technology. We have supported social interventions such as the National Youth Orchestra and Freedom Skatepark, providing opportunities for young people to engage with sport and music. We believe these investments in the human capital of Jamaica will not only inspire more careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, but also equip our country for a more rewarding future.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
PEP Scholars
The 2019 Seprod Foundation Scholarship Awards – the Champions of Tomorrowsaw 39 new scholarships and 68 continuing scholarships awarded to Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students. The Granville Marsh Award was awarded to high performing students in St. Thomas for the second year in a row. The student recipients were Kyle Mignott who is now attending Campion College and Yemisi Rose who is now attending Seaforth High School. This very special award was presented to the students by the family of the late Granville Marsh, Mrs. Claudette Marsh and Ms. Kerry Marsh. Campion College student Jamia Williamson copped the Byron Thompson Award for Academic Achievement.
The 2019 PEP scholars proudly pose with the Seprod and Seprod Foundation’s Management team, and guest speaker and Serge Brand Ambassador, Shani Shirley (far right).
The Granville Marsh Scholarship Award recipients, top performing students from St. Thomas, Kyle Mignott (left) and Yemisi Rowe pause for a photo with Mr. Marsh’s wife Claudette Marsh and Daughter, Kerry Marsh.
Director of Seprod Foundation, Byron Thompson presents top performing student from the 2018 scholarship cohort, Jamia Williamson, with the coveted Byron Thompson Award for Academic Achievement.
Happy scholars pose with their parents after receiving their gift baskets.
Guest Speaker, Shani McGraham-Shirley, Founder of Yah Suh Fitbox, and Serge Brand Ambassador, motivated the students with a riveting talk about the value of hard work and owning their uniqueness, and successes.
“Do not let anyone limit you, and definitely do not limit yourself… you are destined for greatness” –
Shani McGraham-Shirley, Speaker
Agricultural Scholars
At the tertiary level, five deserving students from the College of Agricultural Science and Education (CASE) were awarded scholarships to cover tuition for one year. Seprod Foundation continues to support and encourage careers in the agricultural sector. In addition to the scholarship, these students are given the opportunity to intern with Seprod at Serge Island Dairy Farms, getting handson experience in Jamaica’s growing agribusiness industry.
MICO MATH SUMMIT
The Mico Math Summit provided information to teachers and enhanced their learning in light of the recent change under the Ministry of Education to an increased focus on critical thinking in the new, refined programme, the Primary Exit Profile (PEP). Over the three-day summit, 87 primary schools, 72 secondary schools, and eight other institutions explored different methods of teaching Mathematics. High level presenters from Japan, Finland, New Zealand and all over the world came to share various methods of teaching with Jamaica. Participants were coached on effective teaching and learning of Math; teaching strategies for diverse learners; the role of critical thinking in Math problem solving; integrating Math with visual and performing arts; and national policies for system wide support for Math teaching and innovation. The Seprod Foundation was proud to have been able to support this worthwhile initiative in facilitating the presence of many of the lecturers.
The proud CASE scholars pose for the photographers after being awarded their scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Excited teachers participate in an innovative teaching activity, giving them new ideas for future Math lessons.
Seprod Foundation’s Melissa Davies, and Seprod Group's Human Resource Manager, Dr. Patrick Sterling present the sponsorship check of JMD 1,000,000 to the Mico University College Team.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Seprod Foundation supported Youths For Excellence, an organization that tutors primary school children, and also provides them with free healthcare, school supplies and food items. The organization was founded by Jenine Shepherd, a promising, young college student. Seprod Foundation happily sponsored their Back to School Initiative by providing students of Cockburn Primary School with a goodie bag filled with food items and kid friendly treats to kick start the school year.
WORLD ROBOT OLYMPIAD
Seprod Foundation was the presenting sponsor for this exciting event for the second year. It was an honour to partner with Halls of Learning to make this event possible once again. WRO Jamaica is key in developing and strengthening the coding and robotics educational ecosystem in Jamaica. This year’s staging saw 22 participating schools across the Elementary Section and the Junior Section. All the schools keep their robotics kit allowing them to continue to practice, to strengthen their skills and to re-enter the competition year on year. St. Hugh’s Preparatory School, the runners up in the elementary section, traveled to Gyor, Hungary to represent Jamaica in Robotics at the International World Robot Olympiad, facing off against other countries. They definitely made us proud!
Minister of Science, Technology and Energy, The Hon. Fayval Williams, Founder of Youths for Excellence, Jenine Shepherd and Executive Director of the Seprod Foundation, Lisa D’Oyen pose with students of Cockburn Primary after the institution was presented with three months worth of food supplies.
A member of the Jamaican contingency from St. Hugh’s Prep School gets a word of advice from one of the coaches, as her team tackles the challenges at the international competition in Hungary.
Melanie Subratie (centre) and Melissa Davies (right) of Seprod Foundation pose with the principal of North Street Primary, Ms. Smythe and her team who placed 2nd in the elementary section!
Our fierce competitors from Alpha High School take a moment to pose while tackling their challenge, in an effort to win the coveted Junior Section Championship.
HOUR OF CODE
Continuing our commitment to enhancing digital learning experiences within primary schools in Jamaica, Seprod Foundation in association with our partners, Halls of Learning, and the C.B. Facey Foundation executed 12 coding workshops in six Primary Schools across the corporate area during Computer Science Education Week in December. Jamaican students joined students, across 180 countries doing one hour of code. Through these workshops, close to 500 primary school students learned how much fun coding can be, while 10 teachers learned about the platform so that they can continue to engage the students in coding. The children all enjoyed this innovative learning experience, and were left with an enhanced interest in technology and coding!
“Computer science, and specifically coding, is changing every industry globally. Introducing children to coding at the primary school level is important in sparking their interest, and laying the foundation for building on their STEM skills. We encourage the schools to continue to promote these coding activities, ultimately preparing our students to compete in the modern world.” –
Melanie Subratie, Chairperson, Seprod Foundation
Students at North Street Primary concentrate on putting in the right code to get the character to do what they want him to.
A student at Boys Town Primary celebrates as he successfully completes a level, and moves on the to the next! Meanwhile, Halls of Learning coach, Candi, gives his partner some guidance.
Excited students start off their Hour of Code exploring the application
Member of Parliament, Julian Robinson, learns the basics of coding from students at Clan Carthy Primary School, who are knee deep in their hour of code activity.
SEAFORTH HIGH SCHOOL
The Seprod Foundation presented the Seaforth High School Visual Arts Department with six (6) 25” fans. The donation was much needed and much appreciated after a fire destroyed the Visual Arts Department, inevitably destroying much of the students’ art pieces done in preparation for their CSEC exams. As a result, the students will need to re-do many of their pieces. The school constructed an interim area for the students to work over the summer, while plans for the renovation of the department are underway. Principal Thomas expressed an immediate need for fans to cool the interim area. The fans would be transferred to the newly renovated department when complete.
Principal Thomas expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the department and the school – “These fans will make a huge difference to the students as they work to get their pieces complete over the summer. We are so grateful to the Seprod Foundation for their continued support and communication since the fire. It means a lot to all of us.”
Dr. Bellamy reiterated the commitment of the Seprod Foundation to the Seaforth High School and the Seaforth community “Seaforth High School is a part of our community. We have seen the passion and commitment displayed by the students after losing most of their work and we are so pleased we were able to step in and assist in filling this need.”
SEAFORTH HIGH SCHOOL ST. THOMAS BEACH CLEAN UP
The Foundation coordinated a beach clean up at the Rudolph Elder Park as part of the global efforts during the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup Day. ICC Day is recognised as the largest one-day volunteer event in the world and aims to reduce the impact of oceanic waste while raising awareness about the dangers of improper waste management. St. Thomas holds so much potential for growth and the Seprod Foundation is committed to doing our part to bring that to the forefront. The Seprod Foundation looks forward to continuing to work with individuals, schools and communities in the parish on various educational and community driven initiatives.
Visual Arts students who lost some of their artwork in the fire that destroyed the Visual Arts Department, showcase their art portfolios and share their plans for recreating their pieces.
The Visual Art teacher and students check out the donated fans, after helping to get them assembled for their temporary work area.
General Manager for Serge Island Dairy Farms in St. Thomas, Dr. Gavin Bellamy (centre) presents the cheque to Principal Thomas and the Visual Arts students of Seaforth High School.
Our Seprod volunteers get to work picking up trash at the Rudolph Elder Beach Park.
One of our volunteers poses with all the bags of trash collected by the team. Everyone had a great time, while helping our environment.
RISE LIFE MANAGEMENT
Seprod Foundation continues to support the very important work of RISE Life Management Services. RISE delivers community-based interventions in inner-city communities, with an emphasis on life management skills, employability and entrepreneurial training, human rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, sexual abuse prevention, and governance and capacity-building for civil society organisations islandwide. The organisation also offers employee assistance programmes, support for State wards in juvenile detention centres, sexual abuse prevention programmes for youth, as well as youth leadership training. Their programmes have cumulatively impacted over 160,000 adults and youths.
“We appreciate the commitment they have made to help us achieve our mission. In our field of work, it is important to have partners like the Seprod Foundation, which has remained consistent over the years and who can be counted on to provide help when it is needed.” -Sonita Abrahams, Executive Director, RISE Life Management Services
JAMAICA NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOME
The Seprod Foundation came to the aid of the nation’s children dislocated by a fire at the Jamaica National Children’s Home. Seprod Foundation along with the Seprod, ISL and Facey teams quickly mobilized to get a significant donation of food items and personal products together to assist the children and staff members in the immediate aftermath of the fire. The fire affected approximately 50 youngsters, and left behind massive damage. The children have been temporarily rehoused while the facility is being rebuilt. Seprod Foundation met with the staff of the facility to handover the donation and ensured that they felt supported in order to get through this difficult period.
Melissa Davies (left), Social Media Analyst, and Roger Drinkall (second left), Director of the Seprod Foundation present Shawn McGregor and Sonita Abrahams of RISE with our annual donation that facilitates the critical work RISE does in Downtown communities.
Lisa D’Oyen (left) of the Seprod Foundation presents the team at the Jamaica National Children’s Home with essential food and personal care items for the children who were relocated after the fire.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
EL SALVADOR
PBS El Salvador promotes responsible consumption helping the companies they serve to be more sustainable, from the pre-consumption to postconsumption of plastic, paper, toner and electronic equipment. The aim is to reduce the negative impact on the environment generated by the consumption of different types of paper through measurement and positive action. PBS measures the environmental impact of paper production and consumption through a PERIODIC REPORT of each Company, taking into account the total life cycle of the paper. We then take positive action through reforestation globally. We have reforested over 1,800 trees in response to the consumption levels.
PBS also prides itself on helping to raise awareness about more responsible use of materials for the single-use advertising industry. We distribute a wide range of papers that have environmental certifications, with which you can help reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and guarantees the protection and care of the environment. We help our customers correctly dispose of waste generated by the consumption of our products, which we know are difficult to dispose of and recycle.
POSITIVE PAPER
JAMAICA
CHRISTMAS TREAT: MAXFIELD PARK CHILDREN’S HOME
HONDURAS
In 2018, PBS Honduras employees built the first park in PREPACE (Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Programme) adapted for children with disabilities. In 2019, the enrolment in the programme increased by 15%, and recreation within this specialized space has been integrated into the educational curriculum for use 2-3 times per week, per child. The team visits the park monthly to assess the needs, ensuring that the park is being properly maintained. The team refers to this project as a ‘miracle of love’ and has given them a sense of pride, and the motivation to ensure that it will stand the test of time and be available to children for generations to come.
This year, the main project was the installation of an Interactive Multisensorial Room in PREPACE. Sensory stimulation aims to activate the senses and promote the entry of information into the brain. Receiving the information activates other brain areas for analysis, and general and specific learning. This multisensory room does not only help children with disabilities, but helps all children with varying levels of development.
The room features a variety of sensory facilities and activities including a fiber optic cascade, an interactive LED projector, and interactive bubble tube, light games for visual interaction, a spreader of aromas, and wooden games that were constructed by PBS team members from pallets. The team plans on raising further funds to add an interactive pool and interactive floor to further enhance the children’s experience in the centre.
GUATEMALA
CHRISTMAS TREAT
“We brought gifts of love, joy and food” - Team members from PBS in Guatemala visited a nursing home and celebrated Christmas with the residents.
PBS participated in an event oriented to empower girls from rural areas through training in technology and communications. Girls were able to interact with various technology stations.
SCHOOL AGREEMENT
PBS Guatemala signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education to provide 48,672 licenses for the management and monitoring of computers as learning devices in schools.
TECHNOLOGY FAIRS
NICARAGUA
PANAMA
LOS PIPITOS BLOOD DRIVE
PBS Nicaragua collaborated with “Los Pipitos,” a programme dedicated to providing much needed attention to kids and youth with disabilities. Los Pipitos is a voluntary association of family and friends of children and youth with disabilities, with the main mission to promote their human rights by implementing policies, programs, community strategies and specialized care services to enhance their development and quality of life. PBS donated recycling materials to the “5ta Edicion de Nicaragua Sí Recicla” in support of their work, allowing them to generate an income for themselves.
PBS Panamá has an active group of team members interested in helping to improve the quality of life of people that really need it. PBS’s employees carry out activities to contribute to the development of permanent assistance programmes in sensitive areas that are important to society.
CHILD AND YOUTH CENTRE
The purpose of this centre is to respond to the needs of the community in the following areas:
• Reducing and avoiding child malnutrition
• Reducing child and juvenile delinquency
• Keeping children away from substance use and abuse
PBS Nicaragua participated in the first annual Blood Drive put on by the National Bank of Blood and the Red Cross. PBS team members and volunteers came out to save lives. The goal was accomplished and each team member was registered as an active donor. This was the 17th time PBS participated in this Blood Drive initiative. PBS was pleased to have been joined by 350 other companies in the country.
• Reducing school dropout rates due to malnutrition or financial need
• Preventing children from having to work in the streets to get food.
PBS’s employees organized a Christmas Party for all the children and youth the centre serves. The team was really delighted that as many as 63 children were able to join the party. During the party the volunteers of Yaso Foundation played and entertained the children, and PBS employees donated gifts for each child. “From the smile on some of the children’s faces, it was evident that they were having a good time, enjoying their meals and sharing with their friends and parents.”
CENTRO INFANTIL Y JUVENIL ELOHIM (ELOHIM CHILD AND YOUTH CENTRE) BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
COSTA RICA
PBS Costa Rica undertook several community service activities during the year, including Breast and Prostate Cancer awareness campaigns, Children’s Day recognition, Tree planting and a school “Sonrisas” (Smile) programme.
TREE PLANTING
INITIATIVE
“SONRISAS” PROGRAMME
BARBADOS
Members of the PBS Barbados team participated in the annual Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme ”Walk for the Cure: National Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness,” a 5K run and walk event. This event is staged annually to promote cancer awareness and raise funds for cancer support programmes.
WALK FOR THE CURE
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
General Accident has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), understanding that our operations affect not only our clients, shareholders and employees, but the wider society. Our CSR projects and programmes are focused on reducing our impact on the environment and sports & community development.
Here are the highlights:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
EARTH DAY CHALLENGE
For the Earth Day Challenge 2019, General Accident’s staff were asked to apply environmentally sustainable practices in the office as part of its Go-Green Initiative.
They minimised waste, limited the use of the printer, utilised reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastics, and avoided the use of Styrofoam containers. General Accident saved over $3 million on paper and printer ink expenditure as a result and reduced the amount of waste being sent to Kingston’s waste disposal site.
Staff members also planted trees at our headquarters at 58 Half Way Tree Road. We are hopeful that by participating in General Accident’s Go-Green initiative, our employees will replicate some of the activities in their daily lives.
General Accident’s 28-year-old partnership with the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) also helps to educate staff and their families on the negative impact of pollution and the importance of each person playing their part in bringing about change. In observance of Earth Day, General Accident handed over a cheque, valued at $500,000 to JET, toward helping the non-profit organisation with its projects.
WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING
General Accident issued reusable shopping bags to staff and clients on Friday, August 23, 2019, at the Half-WayTree Road office.
Over 1,500 bags were distributed to support the national movement to reduce single-use plastics entering Jamaica’s waste stream. Our head office also has separate bins for recyclable plastics and coordinates with JET and its “Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica” campaign to ensure these items are recycled.
INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY
The General Accident team joined over 10,000 concerned Jamaicans to clean beaches and coastlines on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Recognised as International Coastal Clean-Up Day worldwide, our volunteers joined the cleanup coordinated by the JET at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track, one of over 180 participating sites islandwide.
COMMUNITY AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT
LABOUR DAY
Labour Day activities were carried out in two schools by the staff of General Accident and AutoSmart under the theme, “Our Children’s Safety is Everybody’s Business”. The schools involved were the Maisie Green Early Childhood Development Centre located in Grants Pen, and Drews Avenue Primary and Infant School located in the Bay Farm area.
Both schools were greeted with freshly painted classrooms, pruned trees and a newly planted garden when they returned from the term break.
READ ACROSS JAMAICA DAY
The joys of reading were celebrated on Read Across Jamaica Day on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Members of General Accident’s staff read to children of the Maisie Green Early Childhood Development Centre and Drews Avenue Primary and Infant School throughout the day.
BEST CARE FOUNDATION
General Accident made a donation to the Best Care Foundation to support lunch programmes at its schools in Kingston. The Best Care Foundation Special Schools programme, which was started in 1984, provides education to persons with special needs.
GRENNELL ROAD SAFETY EXPO
As a leading motor vehicle insurance company in Jamaica, General Accident participated in the 11th annual Grennell’s Jamaica Driver and Traffic Safety Expo in June 2019. The Expo was held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and showcased driver and traffic safety behaviour, including a Jamaica Fire Brigade crashvictim extraction demonstration, and defensive driving techniques.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
General Accident rang in the yuletide season with its inaugural Outdoor Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, providing season’s cheer to children from the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, who were treated with gifts, treats, cake and ice cream.
A White-Cedar Christmas tree was specially ordered through Jamaica’s Forestry Department from Litchfield Farms in Trelawny and decorated by General Accident staffers, topped by a one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments.
OTHER INITIATIVES
General Accident also continues to provide support to the following organisations and activities:
• Sigma Corporate Run
• Diana & Richard Stewart Foundation (Colour Me Happy Run)
• National Child Month Committee
• Friends of Mona Rehabilitation Centre
• Missionaries of the Poor
• Jamaica Cancer Society
• Rotary Clubs
• Sunset Optimist Clubs
• Gibson Relays Sponsorship
• Americas Federation of Netball Association
• Jamaica Netball Association
• Tennis Jamaica
• Jamaica Chess Federation
LOOKING AHEAD
The Musson Group Tree Planting movement aims to mobilize all companies and subsidiaries in the group to SUSTAINABLY plant at least 1,300 trees across the Musson Group of Companies REGIONALLY and INTERNATIONALLY in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and each country’s national agenda.
We are encouraging each company/subsidiary to aim to SUSTAINABLY plant at least 25 trees in and around their community to contribute toward this effort
The project will address the following SDGs:
• POVERTY
• ZERO HUNGER
• CLIMATE ACTION
• LIFE ON LAND
• PARTNERSHIP OBJECTIVES:
• Foster youth leadership and support youth mobilization through grassroots involvement in the Tree Planting Project
• Mobilize support for planting and maintaining fruit, timber, mangroves and ornamental trees in line with climate smart agriculture, while raising awareness around climate actions, food security and economic well being
• Increase public awareness, support and action on tree planting and general climate resiliency
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
• Notify your staff about this initiative, get staff interested and engaged.
• Contact your Forestry Department or Plant Store/
Vendor to ascertain willingness to donate and partner on the project. Also get prices for mature trees for budgeting purposes.
• Identify land for tree planting, whether this is at your office location or through community contacts and groups.
• Identify 5-10 clubs/organizations/social groups/ service groups within your community or surrounding communities and associated contact persons. - OPTIONAL
• Get pledges from each community contact on the amount of trees per community group. - OPTIONAL
• RECOMMENDED – 5-10 trees pledged per group/ contact person. This limit of trees is recommended so that the trees, once planted, can be maintained to ensure survival.
• Pledges must consist of the number of trees to be planted, the types of trees to be planted, where these trees will be planted and the plan for maintenance, monitoring and sustainability.
• Plan a team building day planting trees whether this is Labour Day, or another designated community outreach day. Involve your staff!
• Share your tree planting activities and experiences with the Musson Group Foundation: @mussonfoundation.
Follow us and pay attention to tree planting and maintenance tips and tricks!
Corporate Social Responsibility is important to us!
Let
us be your CSR consultants!
Corporate Social Reponsibility (CSR) is the responsibility of companies to give back and take care of the communities in which they work, and the environment within which they operate. Profits are no longer the only measure of success for a business. The TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE needs to be considered, which includes PROFITS (financial well being), PEOPLE (fair labour practices), and the PLANET (sustainable environmental practices). Each company’s CSR strategy needs to be ALIGNED to the specific industry, community and environment within which the company operates.
We handle the following:
Strategic CSR Planning • Budget Management • Project Implementation and Execution • Communication and Collaboration • Monitoring and Evaluation • Content Creation • Public Relations • Reporting
BENEFITS TO COMPANIES
BENEFITS TO COMMUNITIES
Development of human capital (training, mentorship, internship and employment opportunities) within the community resulting in increased levels of employability
Reliable support for community driven initiatives such as youth development programmes, enhanced early childhood experiences, infrastructural improvements for social services/communal spaces, and environmental initiatives
Support for organization and mobilization to give back to their own communities in a structured and measured way, so their goals for their own communities are more readily achieved
Assistance in emergencies and natural disasters
Forging of mutually beneficial relationships
An intentional CSR strategy helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its various stakeholders and the public
Boosts its brand and goodwill in communities in which they work
Boosts employee morale when CSR initiatives incorporate their feedback and involve volunteerism around causes they care about
Forges and strengthens the bond between employees and the company
Helps employers and employees feel more connected to their communities and the world around them
Community support more likely in the event of an accident or natural disaster. Community members will look out for the company to ensure sustainability. The company is viewed as part of the community.
Adopting environmentally sustainable practices can help the business financially, i.e. reducing packaging and using less energy can reduce production costs
