Contents 3
Message from the Chairman
33
Message from ICWI Alumni
5
Our Founder The Hon. Dennis Lalor, OJ
34
Icwi Group Foundation
10
History of ICWI 1969-2019
16
The Road Angel Policy
38
Message from ICWI Alumni
18
The Brand Evolution
38
ICWI Foundation
19
ICWI’s Technology Progression Over the Past 50 Years
39
Keeping our Promise
23
Message from ICWI Alumni
41
5Oth Anniversary Celebrations
24
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Standing the Test of Time
Howard Hall
30 Plus Years
24
»»
Ms. Barbara Mitchell
25
»»
Mrs. Monica Ayres
26
»»
Ms. Nichola Findlay
27
»»
Ms. Joy-Marie Hussey
28
»»
Mrs. Nortelle Thomas
29
»»
Mrs. Dawn Raynor-Walker
20
»»
Ms. Ivy Grizzle
31
»»
Mr. Chopie Brown
32
»»
Mrs. Moreen Marks
Christian Watt
“Meeting 21st Century Leadership Challenges”
Grace Burnett
Jeanne Robinson
Message From Our
Chairman
A
s we celebrate another
clients on the path back to normality.
milestone
After all that is the essence of our
in
the
rich history of The Insurance
business.
Company
of the West Indies, and as we make
It is our sincere belief that no company
exciting plans for the future of the
can operate for 50 years without
Company and the ICWI Group as a
being a significant contributor to
whole, it seems appropriate for us to reflect on the events of our past, the lessons learned and the history that has made us who we are today. In the highly competitive general insurance
industry
our
success
has always relied on service and discipline. Service has always been on the top of our list of core values and ICWI’s internal culture called the ICWI Way and our motto “Serving you is all we do” show our steadfast commitment as an organization. Our discipline has certainly borne fruit as evidenced by the stellar performance in dealing with the impact of natural disasters over the
Our Founder The Hon. Dennis Hugh Lalor, OJ
past five decades. An unwavering focus on having the finest talent, the processes to respond rapidly, and ensuring that our reinsurance programme is second to none have always allowed us to quickly focus on settling claims and putting our “Serving you...is all we do”
3
the communities in which they operate. In 1983 ICWI formalised its philanthropic efforts in the form of The ICWI Group Foundation and from the early days of Wizzy the Wise Old Owl through the Science Learning Centre, our Staff Education Fund and now the Lighthouse Basic School we have always been committed to
supporting
Early
Childhood
Education. We have made significant donations
to
many
worthwhile
causes at home and regionally. More recently, we have made a significant regional commitment to helping to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer. It is our plan that the hearts and hands of the ICWI team will make a significant difference in the lives of persons battling this disease, while also ensuring that we do our utmost best to promote the need for frequent checkups. Thus, in this our 50th year of service to the wider Caribbean, our core vision remains to be the most professional General Insurer in every market in which we do business. Our plan remains, as our name suggests, to continue our expansion in the region, always focused on remaining committed to our customers and our values. 4
Celebrating 50 years of service
“Service has always been on the top of our list of core values and ICWI’s internal culture called the ICWI Way and our motto “Serving you is all we do” show our steadfast commitment as an organization” - Dennis Hugh Lalor, OJ
Our Founder
The Hon. Dennis Lalor, OJ
B
orn in 1934, the Hon.
DH, as he is affectionately referred
Lalor’s drive for success might
Dennis
Lalor,
to, says his working life began “in
in part be explained by a rather
OJ, a proud Kingston
a state of confusion”, but the life
traumatic situation when he was a
College alumnus is one
of hard work which he went on
youngster when, almost overnight,
of Jamaica’s most treasured sons;
to fashion for himself has been
his world, rooted in a fairly well-
a
characterized
to-do middle class family with its
businessman,
Hugh
philanthropist
by
decisiveness,
and polo aficionado whose efforts
foresight,
have made him a business icon in
thorough research, and scrupulous
changed as a result of a bitter,
Jamaica and the insurance industry.
management of time.
family-wrenching divorce.
planning
based
on
offerings
of
financial
certainty,
“Serving you...is all we do”
5
Up until that time, all was well in the
Kingston Public Hospital where he was forced to go
Lalor household which consisted of
because of a broken hand, convinced the young,
seven children – five girls and two
would-be Dr. Lalor that fate had made its ruling, and
boys. They occupied a lovely home
medicine was definitely not in the cards.
on Retirement Road which had a tennis court to the front and horses
His first job after leaving school was in the Government
to the back. At three, young Dennis
Service. Bored after three months, his friend Danny
started learning to ride and was
Williams, who wanted to sell him a bigger life insurance
expected by his mother to become
policy than his meagre government wages allowed, told
a doctor in the family as his older
him that Lister Mair, who was later to become Danny’s
brother Gerald, now Prof. Gerald
father-in-law, was looking for someone to work in his
Lalor at the University of the West
general insurance agency. Lalor took up the challenge,
Indies, opted to do Chemistry. He
and to this day has the first policy Danny sold him.
went to Suthermere Prep School where he met his lifelong friend,
Mair
R. Danvers “Danny” Williams, OJ,
potential and sponsored
CD. His choice of Kingston College
him
(KC) was influenced by the fact that
Associateship
his father played the organ at St.
Chartered
George’s Church on East Street.
Institute.
quickly to
saw
pursue of
his the the
Insurance In
1958,
he
became one of the first Having taken his exams at KC, his
two West Indians to earn
parents’ divorce and his father’s
the highly regarded ACII
ultimate remarriage put a stop to
qualification.
any thought of staying at school to complete sixth form. “At that stage
When his mentor Lister
my father decided that he was in
Mair died in 1963, with
love and he never needed to work
a loan from Barclay’s
again, and things just fell apart both
Bank, he took over the
psychologically and financially.”
Mair Agency. The first major development was
The absence of financial support
the
from the family, combined with
Insurance Company of
the negative reaction to the sight
the West Indies Limited
of blood in the casualty ward at
in 1968, the first fully
6
Celebrating 50 years of service
formation
of
the
Jamaican owned general insurance company. At that
region, for which he garnered
time someone from the largest general insurance
numerous awards and accolades.
company in the Caribbean told him that he could not compete with them and he would soon fail - ten
In 1994, Lalor was conferred with
years later he bought that company. After a series of
the Order of Jamaica, an honour
acquisitions, he established ICWI Group Ltd. in 1984.
bestowed upon Jamaican citizens of outstanding distinction. Other
His sense of public and social responsibility has
notable awards which he has
always been strong, and expressed itself through the
received over the years include:
formation of the ICWI Group Foundation which “seeks
•
Jamaica
Gleaner
Certificate
to foster the leadership capacity of young Jamaicans”,
of
and to contribute to communities in which the ICWI
Contribution
Group of Companies currently operates. The direction
Administration and Financial
of his philanthropy towards the field of education
Development (1979)
is in no respect more laudable and more innovative
•
Merit
Prime
for
Outstanding to
Minister’s
Sports
Medal
for
than in his chairmanship of the UWI Development and
Contribution to Business and
Endowment Fund (1988 - present). It is his view that
Sports (1983)
“If the University fails, the region fails. If the region
•
succeeds, it is because the University has succeeded”.
Thoroughbred
Breeders’
Regency Award for Service to the Horseracing Industry, and
Lalor has held various other service posts including:
induction into Jamaica’s Hall of
•
Chairman of the Lister Mair-Gilby School for the
Fame of Thoroughbred Racing
Deaf (1978-1982)
(1989)
• •
Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Association for
The University of the West
Members of the Privy Council of Jamaica (1990 -
Indies (1993) •
Council of the University of the West Indies (19902015)
•
Honorary Doctor of Laws from
the Deaf (1978 - 1982) present) •
•
Gleaner
Special
Award
for
Public Service (1993) •
Vice-Chancellor’s
Award
for
Deputy Chair of the Audit Committee of the
Excellence from The University
University of the West Indies (1990 - present)
of the West Indies (2008) •
UWI Alumni Association Pelican
In 1993, in conjunction with the Caricom Heads of State,
Award for Contribution to the
he formed the US$50 million Caribbean Investment
Development of and Dedicated
Fund, designed to strengthen capital markets in the
Service to the University (2008) “Serving you...is all we do”
7
As president of the Private Sector
on Philanthropy & Civil Society (City University of New
Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)
York).
from 1990 to 1992, Lalor led at a time when the organisation played
Lalor still finds time for his passions – he is a lover
a critical role in collaborating with
of horses and an accomplished polo player; in polo
the Government on its programme
circles, he is known as “El Heffe” or “The Honourable”,
to liberalise the country’s economy.
and currently serves as President of the Jamaica Polo
For his service to the organisation,
Association and Kingston Polo Club.
he was inducted into the PSOJ Hall of Fame in 2007.
As former Chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission, he introduced a school for jockeys, and established
In 2007, Lalor was also recognized
minimum educational qualifications for all participants
by
Insurance
in horse racing. He also chaired the Betting, Gaming and
Society (IIS) for his distinguished
Lotteries Commission, where he introduced liquidity
service to the insurance industry
requirements for licensed bookmakers, strengthening
and was conferred with the title of
the industry’s capital base and protecting the betting
IIS Ambassador.
public and the Government’s revenues.
Lalor’s philanthropic reach stretches
In 2008, he was appointed to the Board of Air Jamaica
well beyond Jamaican shores – he
Limited and Chairman of the Privatisation Committee
has the distinction of being the
tasked with ensuring smooth divestment of the national
the
first
International
non-US
citizen
carrier. After the merger, he
elected to the board of
the
based
Council
Foundations profit
(a
Jamaica’s
on
making
of
Airlines. of
foundations
the
Chairman Casino
Gaming
Commission, and in 2014,
corporations),
to the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission and the Board
as Council Associate.
of Management of the GC
He is also a board
Foster College of Physical
member of the Centre Ladies Polo Tournament 1995
Celebrating 50 years of service
In 2010, he was
appointed
grant-
where he now serves
8
Representative
on the Board of Caribbean
non-
membership
association and
then served eight years as
Washington-
Education & Sports.
“The people who get on in this world are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, they make them.” - The Hon. Dennis Lalor
As Mr. Lalor has continued to live
capitalised on many opportunities,
a life of exemplary success in
allowing him to excel in all of the
business, philanthropy and sports,
areas he has been called to serve.
he was named the Who’s Who in Jamaica Business 2014-2015
Excerpts from:
Business Icon.
•
Who’s Who in Jamaica Business
Lalor once said, and has lived by
•
Chancellor, I Present…
the ethos “The people who get on
Outstanding Achievements &
in this world are the people who get
Excellence
up and look for the circumstances
•
Hon. Dennis Lalor – A Man
they want, and if they can’t find
With a Global Passion by Mark
them, they make them.”
Ricketts.
undoubtedly
recognised
He has and
“Serving you...is all we do”
9
HISTORY OF ICWI
1969-2019 The ICWI success story started
insurance entities failed to extend
with one man’s idea – albeit an
their skills, develop an expanded
idea which found common cause
domestic capital base and grasp the
in the hearts and minds of other
growing insurance opportunities,
Jamaican patriots, in the 1960s.
the outflow of premium income
The ambition which fuelled the
would increase. This would have a
Company’s establishment as well as
detrimental effect on the important
the business insight and dedication
early
which have powered it through 50
following national independence.
years
of
development
exciting years, are worthy of review. An insightful Dennis Lalor was one
1953
In 1953, Dennis Lalor, determined
who questioned the state of affairs
to seek his fortune in the insurance
as most of the older insurance
industry, went to work for Lister Mair
agency heads were conservative.
(Insurance) Ltd, agent for British
Lalor, a strong minded personality
Insurer, The Contingency Insurance
with a willingness to take calculated
Co. Ltd. Within three years he
risk, set about building a strong
was appointed the Manager and
base in the insurance industry.
Director. Between the years 1958
1962
to 1963, the economy of Jamaica
The opportunity arrived to build
underwent major changes. Jamaica
this base when mentor Lister Mair
achieved independence in 1962
died in 1963, and Dennis Lalor
which resulted in increased growth
acquired the Agency’s business to
possibilities in the service sector
form Dennis Lalor (Insurance) Ltd.
and general insurance industry.
with a staff of four. The company
At this time, a large number of
increased its portfolio within two
general insurance entities were
years by writing business on behalf
operating in Jamaica, mainly as
of three more British insurers.
agencies for British Insurers. This meant that most of the premium
Lalor recognized that relatively swift
income paid in Jamaica was being
growth could be achieved through
remitted to overseas head offices.
buying the assets of marginal
It became evident that if local
companies. This knowledge and
10
Celebrating 50 years of service
1963
experience
influenced
many
Dennis Lalor (Insurance) Ltd, whose
business decisions later. His mind
name was changed to Dennis Lalor
was set on a course of action to
Holdings Ltd.
establish a successful insurance company whose focus, ownership,
The new company’s Directors were
technical analysis and decision-
young men who were actively
making capabilities would reside
earning their place in the business
largely in Jamaica. Throughout the
world - Robert Lake, an attorney
years, Dennis had various meetings
and entrepreneur was Chairman of
and
the Board, Danny Williams, Jim Lim
discussions
with
shareholders
and
he
more
gathered
potential
reinsurers
as
information.
and John Marzouca were drafted as
Directors
along
with
Cecil
Although the aim was to retain as
Burke, George Brooks and Dr. Ivor
much of the premium income within
Campbell.
Jamaica, he knew it was important
1969
to do so without compromising the security of policyholders.
1968
In 1968, Lalor had made up his mind that it was time to start the new company. And as a result with little money but a lot of confidence based on experience in the field, The Insurance Company of the West Indies Ltd. was registered in November 1968. The ease with which the initial authorised
capital
was
raised
was a measure of the confidence Lalor enjoyed based on his early business record and his clear vision of what he wanted to achieve. His own majority shareholding in ICWI was financed from the value of
“Serving you...is all we do”
11
The official launching ceremony
Secretary, General Manager and
for The Insurance Company of
eventually Managing Director – the
the West Indies Ltd. took place
first Jamaican woman to reach this
at Mill Restaurant, Manor Park on
position in the general insurance
May 21, 1969, with guest speaker
industry.
Minister Robert Lightbourne (Trade &
Industry).
the
In an effort to build the Company’s net
Company’s advent as “a milestone
worth, Mr Lalor convinced his fellow
in
history,
shareholders to allow the Company
for the objective is not only to
to retain all profits for at least the
serve Jamaicans at home but also
first 10 years of operation – a period
abroad.”
which was subsequently extended.
Jamaican
He
described
insurance
This allowed all profits to be used to facilitate planned acquisitions in the coming years. After 21 years, Dennis Lalor explained his reason for growth by acquisition: “Remember when Jamaica had nearly 80 general insurance companies operating,
the
competition
was
fierce. It seemed a logical way to go ICWI first office on Duke Street, Down Town.
for growth, rather than engage in rate
The first office of ICWI was at 51 Duke
cutting, we amassed enough surplus
Street in downtown Kingston with a
to acquire marginal operations.”
staff complement of 9. Dennis Lalor
1970
12
targeted increasing the Company’s
In 1975, after six year of consolidation,
gross annual premium to ten times
the now greatly enhanced ICWI
what was written it its first year of
moved from Duke Street to the then
operation by 1975.
newly completed ICWI Building in New Kingston.
In 1970, Conran Pyne joined as General Manager and Jennifer Cox
During the 1970s when Jamaica
as Underwriter. Cox grew from
began to suffer national economic
strength to strength as Company
setbacks,
Celebrating 50 years of service
political
and
social
1975
pressures causing
were
also
businesses
building to
fold,
ICWI had accumulated total assets of more than J$14 million, and
massive migration and a significant
the
capital flight. Despite all that was
premiums represented some 11.8%
happening in the country, Dennis
of
Lalor was determined that his
industry.
Company’s Jamaica’s
gross
general
annual insurance
commitment to Jamaica remained intact, and was the rationale for
In 1979, ICWI acquired controlling
staying the course. As such, he,
interest in MOM along with a regional
Jennifer Cox, Marion Excel, Pauline
presence as a result of MOM’s
Ward and Lucille Grange were
operations in the Bahamas. With
among those who remained and
the acquisition of MOM, ICWI also
threw their energies into building
acquired interest in non-insurance
the Company, taking advantage
companies, which was part of its
of the opportunities which always
diversification plan. The decision was
flourish side by side with great
taken to develop these independent
problems.
entities,
while
MOM’s
1979
general
insurance portfolio was incorporated Lalor later set his sights on two
into ICWI.
major insurance companies: The Insurance Company of Jamaica (ICJ)
ICWI’s next major objective was the
and Motor Owners Mutuals (MOM).
acquisition of Life of Jamaica. Dennis
In the late 1970s, both ICJ and MOM
Lalor was an original shareholder
had a significant percentage of their
from 1970, and became a member of
shares held overseas: 35% and 44%
the board in mid-1970 while steadily
respectively. With the Jamaican
acquiring additional shares.
dollar sliding, and unfavourable press
overseas,
the
foreign
shareholders were in the mood to cash in their investments. ICWI took this opportunity to acquire the overseas shareholding in ICJ and later, successfully made a public offering for the remainder. Thus, within 10 years of its establishment,
Danny Williams, Jim Lim, Lady Bustamante, Dennis Lalor, Eric Bell, Leslie Ashneim, Harry Milner & Robert Lightbourne.
“Serving you...is all we do”
13
1983
In 1983, ICWI Group was created
establishing a branch or companies
out of Dennis Lalor (Holdings) Ltd.
within these islands.
and it began to function actively as
1986
1987
the Corporate Head Office for all
These included:
companies within the Group.
1991
company in
agency
Cayman
was
In 1986, ICWI Investment Limited
converted to a full service branch.
was
formed
2007 - Acquired majority shares
with
Danny
after
discussions
Williams,
a
major
in Turks & Caicos First Insurance
shareholder in LOJ, and Mayer
Company Limited.
Matalon,
company,
Acquired majority shares in the
Commodity Trading Group, had
Cayman Insurance Centre Limited,
the largest single shareholding in
a leading insurance broker in the
LOJ. ICWI Investment subsequently
Cayman islands.
acquired the LOJ shareholdings of
Opened doors in St. Maarten
ICWI, Williams and Matalon, and the
2010 - ICWI officially opened its
stage was set for the takeover.
office in St. Kitts & Nevis through an
whose
Agency relationship. In 1987 ICWI further expanded it
2012 - ICWI formed a partnership
financial
network
by
acquiring
with Alphonso Warner Insurance
shareholding
in
Crawfurd
Agency with an aim to gain access
Fletcher Insurance Brokers. Further
to the British Virgin Islands market.
strength was achieved in 1988 with
2013 - ICWI acquired Great Northern
the acquisition of The Insurance
Insurance
Brokers of Jamaica and a 90%
Trinidadian
share in Prudential Stockbrokers
company, which is now a subsidiary
Ltd, thereby becoming the first
of the ICWI Group of Companies
organization in Jamaica and the Caribbean to offer a complete range of financial services. During the 1990’s to 2010, ICWI opened offices in other Caribbean island initially through the aid of 14
The
operations
97%
1990
-
agency
or
Celebrating 50 years of service
brokers,
before
Company general
Limited,
a
insurance
1991 2007
2010 2012 2013
Present
Current day: The ICWI Group includes the following operating subsidiaries Jamaica:
Turks and Caicos Islands:
•
•
The Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited »»
Fourteen Local Branches
Turks and Caicos First Insurance Company Limited
•
and Thirty-four Agents
Inter-Island Insurance Brokers Limited
The Cayman Islands:
St. Maarten:
•
•
•
The Insurance Company of the West Indies (Cayman) Limited
West Indies (St. Maarten) B.V.
The Cayman Insurance Centre
»»
Limited Bahamas: •
Three active agents
St. Kitts and Nevis: •
The Insurance Company of the
The Insurance Company of the
West Indies (Cayman) Limited
West Indies Limited - Bahamas
»»
Branch Trinidad and Tobago: •
The Insurance Company of the
The Insurance Company of the
Two active agents
British Virgin Islands: •
The Insurance Company of the West Indies (Cayman) Limited
West Indies Limited - Trinidad Branch •
Twelve branches and 8 agents
“Serving you...is all we do”
15
The Road Angel Policy Standing the Test of Time
P
icture this – Post
been given to the statistics
Independence
around
Jamaica - 1968, in the
in
driving
Jamaica.
records
It
became
height of entrepreneurship
obvious to Mr. Lalor, that
and
a
female motorists deserved
commerce
to be recognised. With
was dominated by England,
the introduction of the
one man’s dream of creating
Road Angel Policy, the
a wholly owned Jamaican
Company’s growth took off,
Insurance
came
beating all expectations.
true. ICWI was formed, and
That very same year, the
began operating one year
Road Angel Competition
later. Although in the local
was born. The competition
business
was run on the basis of a
opportunity,
country
idea
where
in
company
community
was
outrageous,
thought and
to
that
the be the
questionnaire
circulated
to all ICWI Road Angels;
Company would fail, 50 years
it
was
geared
towards
later ICWI is standing strong,
testing the knowledge of
not only in Jamaica, but the
the participants on the
wider Caribbean.
road code, car care, what to do in an emergency
Just two years later the Road
and motor insurance. The
Angel policy was launched.
winner would receive a
The brainchild of the Hon.
new car and one year’s
Dennis Lalor, this one of a kind
free
motor policy was introduced
competition
in 1970 to recognize the
for decades and became a
safety
conscious
large part of the company’s
driver.
Careful study had
16
female
history.
Celebrating 50 years of service
insurance.
The
progressed
Road Angel official launch 1971
Fast forward nearly five decades later where the Road Angel policy has become a household name and touted within the insurance industry as the first of its kind. Mimicked by many, but not quite the same, the Road Angel policy is now available in seven islands across the Caribbean where ICWI operates, and is still recognised as a pioneering policy way ahead of its time.
Road Angel 1976
Road Angel 1976 Feature
In 2018, in recognition of
the
Company’s
50th
Anniversary,
it
was
announced
in
furtherance commitment
to
its
toward
the fight against breast cancer, it would donate funds from every new Road
Angel
Policy
written for one year. ICWI Road Angels and Breast Cancer Survivors celebrate the first donation of $678,000 on may 5th 2019.
“Serving you...is all we do”
17
The Brand Evolution
1968
1979
2001
2019
In today’s world the principles of
would be regional, to serve the
conceived with an eye focused on
developing a brand are as true as
people of the Caribbean with
‘regional’. Throughout the years,
they were over 50 years ago when
superb products and services
the logo of ICWI has progressed,
The Insurance Company of the
delivered
trained
but the regional look and feel has
West Indies Limited was formed.
insurance professionals. This is
remained a constant. This has
why the Company name “The
been done to ensure our target
business
Insurance Company of the West
client group could identify with
inception,
Indies” speaks to a regional focus.
a truly Caribbean Company, and
In
considering
strategy
the
before
by
well
identify with the message and
the Company name was given significant thought. Our Founder
In terms of identity, the brand
tagline - “Serving you is all we
and Chairman knew from the
mark or logo, as it is called was
do.’’
onset that his insurance company
18
Celebrating 50 years of service
ICWI’s Technology Progression Over the Past 50 Years
T
o say that information
Cash Register). At that time ICWI
technology
made
did not have an IT department, not
quantum leaps over the
even a computer. ICWI would send
past half of a century is
over insurance-related documents
a gross understatement. In fact, the
to NCR for processing. Data from
world as we know it today is vastly
these documents would be entered
different than that which existed
into NCR’s system and the relevant
fifty years ago. It’s like night versus
reports would be generated and
day. In today’s world, information
returned to ICWI. Punch cards, one
…. and lots of it …. is readily
medium through which data was
available at your fingertips. This
input to the computer, were the
makes doing business much more
rage at the time.
has
competitive and companies have to exhibit great agility to survive in this fast-paced environment. This fact makes it absolutely critical that companies embrace emerging technologies so that they can remain relevant. ICWI has more or less kept abreast with these technologies over its fifty years in business and as such has remained one of the leading insurance companies in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. It all started in the mid to
late
1970s
processing
of
when ICWI’s
batch business
would be outsourced to the data centre of a company called
NCR
(National “Serving you...is all we do”
19
Punch Card Punch Card Machine
ICWI eventually decided that it was time it started
the coding was done by HiTek
doing its own processing. In 1980, ICWI bought its first
and
computer from NCR for that purpose. It is said that the
collaboration resulted in the birth
first IT staff member, the late Errol Urquhart, “came
of the Integrated General Insurance
with the computer from NCR”. That was the genesis of
System
ICWI’s IT department. The department subsequently
INGRES relational database on a
grew along with the acquisition of additional NCR
UNIX operating system.
ICWI.
In
(IGIS),
June
1992,
running
on
the
an
machines for use by the various departments. A COBOL application (fondly called the “COBOL System”) was
IGIS started life on IBM’s 990 RISC
created by IT to process insurance and reinsurance
mainframe machine (the size of
transactions. The “COBOL System” ran on these NCR
a refrigerator) and employed the
machines for most of the 1980s.
use of what were called “dumb
In the early 1990s the ICWI IT department collaborated
NCR machines in ICWI’s Computer Room in the 1980s
with HiTek Software Engineers Limited, a software company in the ICWI Group, with the sole purpose
terminals”.
of building an insurance system. This new software
machines (comprising a monitor
necessitated the need for computers with more
and a keyboard) that were all
processing power. Hence, ICWI upgraded its computer
connected to the 990 mainframe
system from NCR machines to more powerful IBM
and
RS/6000 servers. The software’s design was done by
processing IGIS.
an external consultancy, Price Waterhouse, while
20
Celebrating 50 years of service
could
These
only
were
be
merely
used
for
The IBM mainframe underwent
using these Windows machines
started
several upgrades over the years,
(send/receive emails, process IGIS,
software in January 2012. With the
with
getting
desktop publishing, etc.), instead
advent of Underwriter also came
progressively smaller with improved
of just processing IGIS. Productivity
the need to focus more on client
processing power: from the 990 to
was significantly enhanced, to say
satisfaction. Subsequently, several
the F80 (the size of a night table),
the least.
Windows applications were created
its
physical
size
then to the P615 and finally the P52a (which was housed on a rack).
IBM 3151 Terminal
In the early 2000s ICWI embraced
using
the
Underwriter
to supplement Underwriter and to ICWI saw the need to enhance its
provide improved services to our
competitiveness in a very dynamic
clients. The main objective of these
business environment. Hence, over
applications is to allow for quicker
the ensuing years several attempts
and speedier processing time for
were made at upgrading the IGIS
our clients. Hence, kiosks have
system, as it had clearly become
been installed in several branches,
obsolete. An insurance package
local and overseas, and have been
was needed that would facilitate
warmly received by our clients.
improved communication with our
Our marketing agents have also
clients, more timely generation of
been outfitted with apps to assist
our financials, facilitate strategic
them in managing their portfolios
planning and which would keep us
more efficiently and effectively.
current technologically.
Our clients can now make premium
Windows and internet technology
payments
and the dumb terminals were finally
In 2011, ICWI bought a Windows-
replaced with Windows computers.
based
Staff was now able to multitask
insurance software package called
Jamaican-made
online
anytime,
anywhere, at their convenience.
general
Underwriter and commenced the arduous task of converting the data from IGIS. ICWI subsequently
IBM P615
IBM P52a
IBM F80
“Serving you...is all we do�
21
Communication via social media (Facebook,
Twitter,
webchat,
etc.) is one of the ways in which ICWI interacts with its clients. SMS messaging and emails are also widely used as a means of connecting with active and prospective clients. The telephony infrastructure has also kept pace with
current
developments
as
ICWI has now embraced CICSO technology: a telephone line in St Maarten, or London, for example, is now a mere extension on our network. This has contributed to substantial cost savings to ICWI. In this very competitive business environment, ICWI has committed to
remain
customer-centric
by
ensuring that the client has an exceptional
experience.
This
is called “The ICWI Way”. In so doing, the company is relentlessly continuing its use of technology in a big way to stay true to its motto of “Serving you …. is all we do”.
22
Celebrating 50 years of service
In this very competitive business environment, ICWI has committed to remain customer-centric by ensuring that the client has an exceptional experience. This is called “The ICWI Way”.
Message from ICWI Alumni
Howard Hall Group Vice President and Executive Chairman Financial Services Business Unit, Massy Group
accident. I am personally indebted to Hon. Dennis Lalor for his belief in the continuous development of people. This philosophy permeates the organization and resulted in ICWI being fondly referred to as The Insurance College of the West Indies. It is no wonder that the ICWI Alumni continue to make substantial contributions to the brief
insurance
50th
and overseas, whilst the Company
Anniversary magazine is a privilege.
continues to grow from strength to
Being
asked
contribution
to to
make
a
ICWI’s
industry
in
Jamaica
strength throughout the Caribbean. I consider myself one of the “ICWI babies” having spent much of my
The shared experiences with the
early career as a Manager within
members of the Executive Team,
the ICWI Group. I also have the
Board Members, the employees at
distinction of being included as a
ICWI, and members of the Alumni
member of the “returning residents”
have created lasting relationships
that is, persons who have left the
and a bond with the organization
organization and returned, having
that I will always treasure.
done so three times over the course I also wish Hon. Dennis Lalor a
of eighteen years.
Happy 85th Birthday. His vision, ICWI
significantly
impacted
my
leadership
and
courage
have
career. Each stint with the Company
impacted many lives and made this
provided
all possible.
exposure
to
new
opportunities and new challenges, that led to considerable personal growth experiences. This was not by
“Serving you...is all we do”
23
0 Plus YL 30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICW
30 Plus Years
Ms. Barbara Mitchell
On July 1, 1982 Barbara Mitchell
started her first day with ICWI
as a Data Entry Clerk in the MIS Department. She had just
completed her fifth year in high school and was employed through
a work experience program. The company was so impressed with her performance that she was offered a full-time contract. Over the years, Barabra became qualified in insurance and filled various
Charmain Lalor (Left) & Barbara (Right) - 2018 Annual Awards
positions in Underwriting. Now a Supervisor in the Customer Service Department at Head Office, Barbara (aka “Barbs”) is revered by her staff as being a stern, but empathetic
in our clients’ minds and hearts”. She
What do you wish ICWI for
and encouraging team leader.
expressed appreciation for the guidance
its 50th year and beyond?
and support given to her by former
“I
Are you proud to be an ICWI
supervisors such as Lee Martin and Errol
continued success. I hope we
employee?
Carter, who fostered her development as
all continue to fly the ICWI
Barbara explained that she is proud
a leader. According to her, “it was always
flag high, continue to love our
to be an ICWI Pro because of the
good that the company included our
clients and staff, and to always
company’s integrity and its genuine
families in staff fun days, and the birthday
give help. ICWI is a household
concern for staff. “The company
cakes we get show that the company
name, and will always be a
has felt like a family,’’ she said,
really cares. I have never felt that my
household name once we
“despite comments from naysayers,
job is threatened, and I can always plan
work together to move this
the quality of the ICWI brand, our
financially to achieve my goals. ICWI is a
company forward.”
staff, and offices, as well as our
great company.”
commitment to service keeps us
24
Celebrating 50 years of service
wish
the
company
Years Long Se Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
WI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Mrs. Monica Ayres
Chairman Lalor(Left) & Monica (Right) - 2018 Annual Awards
Monica (Second from Left) 1988 Annual Awards
Monica Ayres joined the ICWI family
initial jitters, but shared that the nervousness was
in September 1982 as a Typist in
eventually replaced with a sense of “comfort”, due to
the
Today,
the welcoming atmosphere in the office. In her view,
as a Registry Clerk at the Head
the work environment is still relaxed today and she
Office, she is responsible for the
continues to feel “supported”, rather than pressured,
dispatching of policy documents to
which gives her the peace of mind to remain motivated
Brokers, as well as the assignment
to do her job. Monica cited a few other reasons for
of broker slips to internal Broker
remaining with ICWI for 36 years and counting as the
Marketing staff.
She is perceived
annual Christmas parties, staff awards, salary bonuses,
as being a reserved individual, who
and other staff recognition programs which show
is very meticulous and a reliable
the company’s appreciation for the contribution and
source of information.
dedication of its workers.
Why have you stayed employed
What do you wish ICWI for its 50th year and beyond?
to ICWI?
“I wish the company more success in its future
Broker
Monica
Department.
recalls
her
first
days
expansion and plans for growth. I hope the company
working with ICWI. Being new to
continues to get feedback from the staff before making
insurance, she remembers having
decisions concerning the way forward”.
“Serving you...is all we do”
25
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICW
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICW
erving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Ms. Nichola Findlay
start your journey in the working
individual you see in a company.
world”. She explained that financial
Listen, remain open-minded and
independence starts from day one
learn to think critically. Avoid being
on the job, and a new employee
misguided by negative views and
must have a plan for success
gossip.”
from the start. In her view, to do
Nichola - Cayman Branch (1991)
Nichola Findlay has been with ICWI for 35 successful years. She is the longest serving member of the Finance Department, and having mastered various areas such as payroll, reinsurance, investments, payables
and
presently
receivables,
holds
the
post
she of
Accounting Operations Manager. Nichola
is
a
firm
believer
in
employee development and enjoys
well, the person must develop an
What do you wish ICWI for its
active interest in learning about
50th year and beyond?
the company, irrespective of their
“I wish that the legacy of the
position.
informed
company will remain. Irrespective
developments
of what critics may say, not many
industry
and
companies can successfully provide
business,
financial support and service to
Nichola believes that a new recruit
a society for 50 years. I encourage
“would be in a better position
the junior staff to build on the
to
different
company’s legacy so that their
opportunities that exist to grow and
future children will inherit ICWI as
explore the business at ICWI”. She
a leading insurance company in
further added that she would tell
Jamaica and the Caribbean.”
about in
the
By
the
staying
latest
insurance
understanding
make
the
use
of
the
the new staff, “Don’t discredit any
working with people. She also has a very good relationship with her staff. If you were to mentor a new employee, what advice would you give them on their first day at ICWI? With a pleasant smile on her face, Nichola responded that she would tell a new hire at ICWI, “You
Nichola (Left) & Chairman Lalor (Right) - 2019 Annual Awards
Long Serving
have come to the right place to
ving ICWI Pro’s 26
Celebrating 50 years of service
Long Serving ICWI Pro
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
WI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
WI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Ms. Joy-Marie Hussey
Chairman Lalor (Left) & Joy (Right) - 2017 Annual Awards
Joy (Left) & VP Samantha Samuda (Right) - 2019 Annual Awards
When ICWI merged with Motor Owners Mutual (MOM)
If you were to mentor a new
over 30 years ago, Joy-Marie Hussey started working as a
employee, what advice would you
Customer Service Representative, processing Property
give them on their first day at ICWI?
insurance at Head Office. Presently, she is a Motor
“My advice to a new employee would
and Property Supervisor in the Broker Underwriting
be to make use of the training and
Department, and is well-known for being very punctual
learning opportunities available.
and a jovial individual who is approachable and
ICWI is well-known for promoting
knowledgeable about insurance, thus making her a
educational development and our
first point of contact when her fellow employees have
employees are well sought after in
queries.
the job market”.
What are some of your fondest memories as an
What do you wish ICWI for its
employee at ICWI?
50th year and beyond?
Joy took a trip down memory lane, recalling the sense
“All the best in its growth, and for
of community among the employees which resulted in
it to remain the best insurance
the involvement of all branches in the various company
company
activities such as talent shows, fun days, craft shows,
Caribbean”.
in
Jamaica
and
the
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
sports days, Christmas parties and luncheons. g ICWI Pro’s
o’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
“Serving you...is all we do”
27
30 PlusL Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Long Serving
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Mrs. Nortelle Thomas
Nortelle (Left) & Chairman Lalor (Right) - 2019 Annual Awards
“I love what I do, I like serving, and this is why I enjoy working at ICWI...”
- Nortelle Thomas
Nortelle Thomas joined the ICWI family as a result of the
continuously learn. ICWI has always
company’s merger with MOM in 1989, and was placed
been a household name - there are
in the position of Junior Clerk in the Underwriting
certain standards in the insurance
Department. Presently, she works as a Branch
industry that we are known for, and
Supervisor at the Lucea office. Those who work closely
as employees we wear our uniform
with her described Nortelle as being loving, jovial, and
proudly.”
keen on promoting teamwork. She often treats her staff and is considered to be a calm individual, who is very
What do you wish ICWI for its
knowledgeable and also has a charm when dealing
50th year and beyond?
with difficult clients.
“I wish ICWI continued growth and success”.
Why have you stayed employed to ICWI? When speaking about her job, Nortelle stated, “I love what I do, I like serving, and this is why I enjoy working at ICWI. At its core, ICWI has always been about providing an exceptional customer experience.
Long Serving IC
There has also been room for growth and the ability to
ving ICWI Pro’s 28
Celebrating 50 years of service
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
s Years Long Se 30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Mrs. Dawn Raynor-Walker
What makes you proud of ICWI?
do, be kind to your customers and
“I am proud because ICWI has
show empathy. Also, avoid taking
spent a lot on my professional and
criticism personally because it can
personal development, as well as
lead you to make wrong decisions
that of other staff. The Company
and act incorrectly. ICWI is a
has
to
service-driven company, so live by
improve our work processes, and it
the motto - Serving you is all we
is dedicated to serving our clients
do.”
embraced
technology
and society. Over the years, it has
Dawn - Mandeville
Dawn Walker is the Assistant Branch Manager at the Mandeville Branch. She joined ICWI after its merger with MOM in 1989, and through its support she became an Associate of
the
Chartered
Insurance
Institute (ACII). Despite the daily
also managed to expand into many
What do you wish ICWI for its
other Caribbean countries where it
50th year and beyond?
is performing successfully.”
“I wish that we continue doing our best to serve our clients, remain
If you were to mentor a new
profitable, and give back to society,
employee, what advice would you
as we strive to achieve our Mission
give them on their first day at ICWI?
to be the leading general insurance
“I would tell the new ICWI employee
company
the same thing that I usually say to
Caribbean.”
in
Jamaica
and
the
my staff now. Try to love what you
job challenges, Dawn enjoys her work and is proud to be an ICWI employee. She expressed gratitude for the Company’s commitment to
academic
excellence,
and
highlighted that her own children have benefitted over the years through the ICWI Staff Education Fund, by receiving the Jennifer
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Cox Scholarship for their high achievements.
CWI Pro’s Dawn (Left) & Chairman Lalor (Right) - 2019 Annual Awards
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
“Serving you...is all we do”
29
Long Se Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Y
30 Plus Years
30 Plu
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Ms. Ivy Grizzle
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
If you were to mentor a new employee, what advice would
you give them on their first day at ICWI? “I
would
tell
new
employees
to always be honest with the
customers, because clients love honesty.
They
should
remain
trustworthy and always give their best to succeed at ICWI.” What do you wish ICWI for its 50th year and Beyond? “I wish ICWI all the best! I hope that the company continues to remain at the top in Jamaica and the Caribbean”. Ivy (Third from Left) - Staff event ICWI Mobay
Ivy Grizzle came to ICWI straight out of the classroom. After graduating from the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, on May 6, 1986 she accepted the offer to work as a Customer Service Representative in the Underwriting Department at the Montego Bay Branch. The company sponsored her studies in insurance, and as a result she was later promoted to Branch Supervisor at the Montego Bay office. Ivy attributes her success to hard work and the support she received from supervisors and managers like Mrs. Marks, who pushed her and other employees to learn. What is your fondest Memory at ICWI? In a spirited voice, Ivy reminisced on the lovely staff luncheons held in Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, where employees from all branches would meet to party. After the party, they would stay overnight, then have breakfast together the next morning. 30
Celebrating 50 years of service
Ivy (First from Right at back) & Staff - Sav- Branch
Long Serving ICWI Pro
erving I
Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
us Years
30 Plus Years
Mr. Chopie Brown
“once you
are honest
and commit yourself by working
hard you will succeed at ICWI..” - Chopie Brown
Chopie Brown has approximately
If you were to mentor a new
including Chairman Lalor invest in
49 years of driving experience, and
employee, what advice would
the staff and encourage us to learn
for 40 of those years he has been a
you give them on their first day
and aim high.”
Driver at ICWI. When describing how
at ICWI?
he feels about his job, he stated
Chopie admitted that everyday
What do you wish ICWI for its
that it has been very rewarding,
brings new challenges. With that in
50th year and beyond?
and on a daily basis he takes great
mind, he relayed that he would tell a
“I wish ICWI continued success, and
satisfaction showing up and doing
new employee “once you are honest
I look forward to its opening of new
his job well. He is reliable, punctual,
and commit yourself by working
branches locally and overseas.”
and boasts a sunny disposition
hard you will succeed at ICWI.” A
which tends to rub off on those
part of the Company’s culture is
around him.
“continued growth”, and “managers
o’s
Long Serving ICWI Pr
“Serving you...is all we do”
30 Plus Years
31
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
30 Plus Years
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
30 Plus Years
Serving ICWI Pro’s
Long Serving ICWI Pro’s
Mrs. Moreen Marks Marks is a devout Christian, who
success, and as a result, she would
is passionate about family and
encourage a new hire to do the
career. She often wears the cap of
same. She emphasized that it is also
‘educator’, and though perceived
very important for the individual to
to be the disciplinarian in the
be able to work with people.
Company, she is also known to be What do you wish ICWI for its
kind and motherly.
50th year and beyond? In
your
view,
management
how
changed
has during
“I
wish
the
prosperous
Company and
remains maintains
your tenure at ICWI?
excellence in customer service. We
“The general management style of
are highly technologically-driven,
the Company is now less formal
so I believe this will benefit the
than in the past’’ said Mrs. Marks.
Company and in turn our staff.”
She
explained
that
when
she
joined ICWI, Managers were seen as individuals far removed from the staff, but in order to be effective Supervisors and Managers today, they need to be more involved and
Mrs. Marks (Right) (1985)
find interactive ways to engage As Vice President of Insurance
all workers. The Company’s open
Operations,
has
door culture and less formal way
oversight of all insurance related
of communication, among other
matters for the ICWI Group. She
things, has promoted this change
began her career with the Company
in style.
Moreen
Marks
as a Management Trainee in 1981, and because of her hard work, and
If you were to mentor a new
keen technical expertise, she holds
employee, what advice would you
an exemplary reputation in the
give them on their first day at ICWI?
general insurance and reinsurance
Mrs.
markets, both locally and overseas.
open minded, ready to learn, and
Decisive
willing to work hard has lead to her
32
and
inspiring,
Mrs.
Celebrating 50 years of service
Marks
shared
that
being
Chairman Lalor (Left) & Mrs. Marks (Right) - 2018 Annual Awards
Message from ICWI Alumni
Christian Watt General Manager - Marketing and Production IronRock Insurance Company Limited
“...it was an experience filled with loads of fun, a myriad of different challenges, and lots of learning.” - Christian Watt
I spent just shy of 6 years of my
was that they treated me like family.
career at The Insurance Company
ICWI provided me with countless
of the West Indies, and it was an
development
and
training
experience filled with loads of fun, a
opportunities,
and
ultimately
myriad of different challenges, and
equipped me with the skills to meet
lots of learning. LOTS OF LEARNING!
any challenge head-on. .
I joined the ICWI family in May 2011
I will be forever grateful to the
in the Broker Marketing Department
Lalors and the entire ICWI family for
and within my first week I knew I
the experience and development
made a great decision. ICWI has
I gained during my time with the
been able to successfully manage
Company.
the
.
structure
and
organization
of a multinational Company, but
Happy 50th, ICWI. I wish for you
maintain the feel and atmosphere
another
of a family business. I guess that’s
prosperity and good fortune!
50
years
of
success,
because, at its heart, ICWI is still a family business and my experience
“Serving you...is all we do”
33
ICWI Group Foundation “Meeting 21st Century Leadership Challenges”
T
he official launch of the
the
ICWI Group Foundation
volunteerism among staff within
took place in November
the Group.
youth,
and
to
encourage
1988 at King’s House. It
was formed as a private, non-profit
With these objectives in mind, the
organization with both a grant-
ICWI Group Foundation established
making and operating programme,
the Science Learning Centre on the
and was funded by companies
Mona Campus of UWI in 1989, with
within the ICWI Group which seeded
a discovery room, exhibit gallery
the Foundation with $1.7 million to
and a computer room. Some very
start the programmes.
successful programmes were the GSAT
Science
and
Math
Club,
The Foundation aimed to develop
Drama in Science, SMILE – Science
the leadership capacity of young
Matters in Life Everyday, and MIME
Jamaicans for the advancement of
– Man’s Impact on the Marine
the economic and social well-being
Environment. Working very closely
of the Country.
The ICWI Group
with the Ministry of Education in the
believes that human beings are a
development of the current Primary
country’s most valuable resource,
Science Curriculum, it was the first
and the Foundation is therefore
to introduce Environmental Science
dedicated to the development of
at the primary level through its
that resource.
Environmental Action Now and MIME
Programmes.
Leadership development through
After twelve years of
education and technology, with
successful operation, it
a special emphasis on science,
was gifted to the Mico
was the main objective of the
University College.
Foundation. The goal was to help enhance the overall development
In 1989, Wizzie the Wise
of communities through a carefully
Old Owl took flight.
planned contributions programme,
creation
which would place special emphasis
Group
on leadership development among
Team, Wizzie was used
34
Celebrating 50 years of service
of
the
A
ICWI
Foundation
to teach primary school children
The
ICWI
Group
across Jamaica about Road Safety.
Foundation continues to
ICWI took very seriously its role
be the charitable arm of
in early childhood education, by
the Company that works
supporting a School Safety Week
to administer, develop
for high schools through the 1990s,
and manage the Group’s
and to this day, still supports
social
the National Road Safety Unit of
not
the Ministry of Transportation in
but
Jamaica.
region. The Foundation
responsibility
only
in
Jamaica
throughout
the
provides an organized approach “giving”
to
ICWI’s
which
currently
is
focused
on early childhood education, development, supporting affected
youth and women
by
breast
cancer.
Other Significant Programmes of ICWI Group Foundation Staff Education Fund “In Pursuit Of Excellence” The ICWI Staff Education Fund was launched in January 1991 by the ICWI Group of Companies as part of an on-going effort to expand the range of benefits available to employees of member companies. The Fund provides support for children of permanent employees who have demonstrated excellence through academic achievement. The awards are given annually, and since inception, an average of fifteen awards are given each year.
“Serving you...is all we do”
35
Lighthouse Basic School In August 2012, ICWI Group Foundation adopted the Lighthouse Basic School. Continuing its mission to play a part in the community in which it operates, the Company took steps to not only adopt the school that was on the verge of being closed by the Ministry of Education, but decided to
demolish the existing structure and completely rebuild a new school for the children. The
Foundation
continues
its
support of the children by providing a hot lunch each day for them, as well as hosting Christmas treats each year.
Brown’s Town Essay Competition Early
in
2016,
Brown’s
Town
senior members of the ICWI team.
branch staff, led by their Manager
Scholarships for the CSEC exams
Sandra Touzalin-Butler, decided to
are granted to the 1st , 2nd and
introduce an Essay Competition for
3rd place winners from each of the
the high schools in Brown’s Town
participating schools, with each
to promote reading, writing and
student receiving a scholarship for
creative thinking.
6 subjects, 4 subjects and 3 subjects respectively.
The
competition
requires
participating students to write an essay about a specific topic that is chosen by ICWI, and judged by
36
Celebrating 50 years of service
ICWI Takes a stand against Breast Cancer regionally
“...the funds raised at these past events have First ICWI Pink Run
Since 2015, ICWI has been deeply involved in the fight
been critical to saving the lives of so many.”
against breast cancer, becoming the title sponsor of
- Paul Lalor
the ICWI Pink Run in Jamaica, and the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Walk in St. Kitts & Nevis. Both events have grown significantly over the years, and have become one of the leading running events in each island. Funds that have been raised through these events are donated the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Essence of Hope Foundation to assist women diagnosed with
breast cancer receive the treatment they need in order to survive. Paul Lalor has been a champion for the cause, and has stated that “the funds raised at these past
events
have
been
critical to saving the lives of so many.” He also noted that a large percentage of the Company’s staff members are women; “We are well aware that a startling 1 in 21 women in Jamaica is
affected
by
breast
cancer, therefore, it was important that we show our support in a big way.” Our largest donation of $5.4 Million
“Serving you...is all we do”
37
Message from ICWI Alumni
Grace Burnett CEO, Group Insurance Segment, GKFG & Managing Director, GKIC
being challenged with exciting multi-
significant achievement in my life, I
dimensional assignments that truly
can still expect a handwritten note.
stretched me. I am also convinced that having women as my first two
A truly selfless leader who perfected
heads of companies, removed any
the art of growing people. Amazingly,
angst I could have had about how
my story is not unique. I congratulate
far I could go in my career, and any
ICWI as they celebrate 50 years of
perception of gender limitation. To
success and even more importantly,
cap it all, there was Dennis Lalor,
50 years of impacting lives positively.
an amazing leader, who unfazed by I attribute much of the successes in
my relative inexperience, pushed
my life to the wonderful foundation
me beyond what I thought I was
I received at ICWI. I joined the ICWI
capable of. He remains a mentor and
Group straight out of Law school and
one of those persons who has never
in a very short time found myself
stopped cheering me on, for every
ICWI Foundation
Jeanne Robinson
J
She shared her considerable talents and
eanne Robinson, affectionately
referred
enormous energy, not only at the ICWI
was
Group, but in the ranks of all those she
Executive Director of the
motivated, mentored and inspired. She
ICWI Group Foundation for over
had a passion for helping young people
thirty years. She was an invaluable
achieve their potential which molded the
contributor to the creation and
culture within the Company that exists to
continued success of the ICWI
this day. Generations of staff at ICWI are
Group Foundation. Her education,
in her debt.
to
as
Mrs.
Rob,
international experience and selfreliance served her in good stead. 38
Celebrating 50 years of service
Jeanne passed away on February 9, 2017.
Keeping our Promise
I
nsurance, in its simplest sense, is a promise made by an insurance company to an insured to pay a specific sum of money if a particular event occurs, in exchange for a small premium. Therefore, when selecting an insurance company, you want to be sure that the
company you choose will be able to keep that promise, and weather any storm with you – so to speak. In ICWI’s fifty years, it has weathered many a literal storm, and is still standing strong. In the past thirty years alone, ICWI has paid over US$154 million in hurricane claims as a result of twenty one named storms in seven islands.
1988
1999
2008
2001
2008
2002
2008
2004
2010
2004
2010
2004
2011
2005
2012
2005
2014
2007
2016
2017
2017
Hurricane Gilbert, which tore through Jamaica from its eastern tip to its western end in September 1988, is considered by many Jamaicans to be the most catastrophic event in recent times to affect the island. It caused billions of dollars in damage and was ICWI’s first real test from a major storm. ICWI staff from all departments, despite having their own losses to deal with, showed up to work and began taking customers’ claims as soon “Serving you...is all we do”
39
ICWI Staff taking customer claims in the lobby of the ICWI Building as their offices were destroyed during Hurricane Gilbert.
The first Hurricane Gilbert claim payment being made on September 23, 1988. The damage sustained by the ICWI Building during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
as the storm passed. All of ICWI’s Hurricane Gilbert
Most recently in September 2017, Hurricane Irma,
claims were eventually settled for US$43.4 million.
another massive and record setting storm, impacted ICWI clients in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, the British Virgin
Hurricane Ivan, a record setting storm in many ways,
Islands, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas.
While
was the costliest storm that ICWI has faced to date. In
many people and businesses in these countries are
September 2004, with the eye of the storm passing just
still working towards a full recovery from this storm,
south of Jamaica, Ivan caused US$3 million in damage
ICWI customers in all four countries have been paid,
to 580 of ICWI’s clients on the island. In Cayman, with
receiving a total of US$36.7 million to get them back
over 860 claims totalling US$50 million, ICWI was one
on their feet.
of the few insurance companies that did not have to recapitalise following Ivan, due to the very robust reinsurance programme that it had in place.
Damages from Hurricane Irma
Fifty years ago, ICWI made a promise to its customers - “Serving you is all we do.” The service that ICWI has provided to its customers following these storms, and during their more routine interactions, is a testament to how deeply engrained this motto is within the culture of ICWI. So, here’s to ICWI continuing to keep Hurricane Ivan
40
Celebrating 50 years of service
this promise for another fifty years and beyond!
5O Anniversary Celebrations th
Church Service Fifty
years
and
sustainability
achievement.
of
service, It
is was
success no
easy
therefore
with much pride and gratitude that members of the company’s executive,
staff
and
family
members, specially invited guests and well-wishers gathered at the UWI Chapel for the Company’s 50th Anniversary service of thanksgiving on Saturday, May 11. Musical items were impressively and professionally performed by our own ICWI Chorale, as well as the renowned Kingston College Chapel Choir.
“Serving you...is all we do”
41
50th Anniversary church service choir
President Paul Lalor in his message expressed gratitude to the quality of the ICWI Team that the Company has been able to recruit and retain over the years, “The loyalty of our team and the ease of our transition through the generations has allowed us to develop and sustain a close knit culture of excellence we all fondly call The ICWI Way.”
The Right Reverend Dr. Robert Thompson delivered the homily which encouraged all present to be grateful for what they have and have accomplished over the years.
42
Celebrating 50 years of service
“The loyalty of our team and the ease of our transition through the generations has allowed us to develop and sustain a close knit culture of excellence we all fondly call The ICWI Way.” - Paul Lalor
Long Service Awards
“ Sir, words cannot express our gratitude to you for making your dream our reality.� - Dawn Walker
43
Michelle Brown wins Most Improved Agent of the Year 2018
ICWI’s 50th Long Service Awards ceremony was held
and expressed her gratitude to the
on April 10, 2019 at the Alhambra Inn Restaurant. The
founder of ICWI the Hon Dennis
event took the form of a luncheon where thirty-five (35)
Lalor. “ Sir, words cannot express
staff members were recognized for service ranging from
our gratitude to you for making
5 to 35 years.
your dream our reality.”
The
atmosphere
was
filled with cheer and much laughter as the anecdotal
profiles
of
the awardees were read by
Alrea
Washington
in her usual inimitable style. Dawn
Walker
Mandeville
of
the
Branch
delivered a passionate vote of thanks on behalf of her fellow awardees,
44
Celebrating 50 years of service
Odette Moonah wins Agent of the Year 2018
50th Anniversary Celebration ICWI officially celebrated its 50th Anniversary on June 15, 2019 at Devon House, East Lawns, Kingston Jamaica.
The blue carpet soiree
hosted over 500 guests - business leaders, members of government, numerous ICWI Pros’ from every region
in
which
the
company
operates along with friends and well wishers. DJ Kurt Riley provided the tunes, in between performances by
Trinidadian
electric
violinist
Shiva Chaitoo and, and guest
the
surprise
artist,
reggae
sensation Taurus Riley who had the crowd on their feet. “Serving you...is all we do”
45
2 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 926-9040-7 Fax: (876) 960-6918 direct@icwi.com www.icwi.com
“Serving you...is all we do”
@icwi_jamaica