ICWI Coverage Q2. 2020

Table of Contents 3 6

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COVID-19 Hits the World Amid a pandemic, ICWI expands its branch network New I.T. platforms

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ICWI Masks Up

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Long Service Awardees

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HR Corner

Hurricane season is here again.

Are you prepared?

“Serving you... is all we do�

#TogetherApart

COVID-19 Hits the World On December 31, 2019, the World

a spillover of an animal coronavirus While the world has been

Health Organisation (WHO) China

which later adapted the ability of

scrambling to find a vaccine, by the

Country Office was informed of

human-to-human transmission.

end of June, the virus had infected

cases of pneumonia of unknown

Being highly contagious, the virus

close to 11 million and killed

cause detected in Wuhan City,

began to spread around the world

more than 500,000 people globally

China. By January 3, a total of 44

and by January 20th, the first

according to the Johns Hopkins

patients with pneumonia had been

confirmed cases outside mainland

University & Medicine Coronavirus

reported to WHO by the national

China occurred in Japan, South

Resource Center.

authorities. As cases continued

Korea and Thailand and on the very

to climb, on January 11, WHO

next day, in the US.

announced COVID-19 as the name

In response many countries closed their borders and instituted

of the disease - a Severe Acute

On March 10th, Jamaica was the

curfews and work from home

Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

first Caribbean country to confirm

and stay at home orders. “Social

(SARS-CoV-2); symptoms included

its first case of COVID-19, followed

Distancing” has become perhaps,

fever, malaise, dry cough, and

by Trinidad & Tobago the following

2020’s motto. COVID-19, the 5th

dyspnea. The virus is believed to be

day.

pandemic since the 1918 flu, is

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not only the defining global health crisis of

You can become infected more easily by coming into

our time, but has had significant economic

close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a

impacts as well. Across the world, many

person who has COVID-19.

businesses have been forced to close and

a shift in how business and schooling

WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure and transmission of COVID-19, and a range of other illnesses are:

are conducted, and even how events and

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the incomes of many people have been affected. In an attempt to minimize person to person contact, the virus has created

gatherings are kept, i.e. online.

Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;

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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,

nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away

certain people are at a higher risk if they

immediately and wash hands;

were to become infected with COVID-19

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including those over 85 and people with heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. Also

Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;

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If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek

concerning is that many people who have

medical care early and share previous travel history

the virus are asymptomatic and are unaware,

with your health care provider;

and may unknowingly spread it to others

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who may become more seriously affected.

When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in

Despite the seriousness of COVID-19, it is important to note that only 2% of cases

contact with animals; •

The consumption of raw or undercooked animal

are deemed serious or critical. It is also

products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or

important to keep informed, and institute

animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid

new daily habits to reduce the risk of

cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per

contracting or spreading the disease.

good food safety practices.

Remember, the disease is spread by:

Most people have been affected in some way by this

1. Respiratory droplets when an infected

pandemic and it helps when we remember that we

person coughs, sneezes, or talks 2. Touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

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are all in this together. Let us do our part by taking all precautions and by staying apart, together.

“Serving you...is all we do”

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AMID A PANDEMIC, ICWI EXPANDS ITS BRANCH NETWORK

“Serving you is all we do” has been the

Conveniently located in the new Super Valu Towne Centre

motto of this insurance giant for over

opposite Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) Constant

fifty years, and despite the impact of the

Spring offices, ICWI’s newest branch will facilitate

COVID-19 pandemic and the far reaching

residents and businesses in the densely populated areas of

economic effects it has had on business

Kingston 8 and 10, and provide a value-added service for

in Jamaica, The Insurance Company of

those conducting business with TAJ.

the West Indies (ICWI) has held true to this motto. In mid-March, just as the country

While boasting the largest branch network of any general insurer

began facing various COVID-19 safety

in Jamaica, ICWI President Paul Lalor acknowledged the need to

measures and closures, ICWI opened its

make it easy for the public to access insurance services across

sixteenth branch location, offering their

Jamaica. “Our goal has always been to be there when our

customers yet another outlet at which to do

customers need us most, not only at the time of a claim, but to

business with them.

ensure accessibility to transact business with us.”

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ICWI President Paul Lalor cuts the ribbon to officially open the Company’s sixteenth Jamaican branch located at the new Super Valu Towne Centre, 144 Constant Spring Road. From left to right, Samantha Samuda, VP Marketing, Distribution & HR, Paul Lalor, President; Kasian Burrell, Customer Service Representative and Nordia Dobbs, Branch Supervisor.

In this era of digital services, one may wonder

a 300% increase in online transactions by our customers in

why ICWI has decided to open another physical

April, once our branch offices were fully operational when

location. In response, Mr. Lalor noted that

curfews were extended, we saw a 10% decline in May; this is

although digital services seem to be on an

why we have worked very hard to ensure no one is forgotten,

upward trend, the Company recognises the

so we like to give our clients multiple options to choose

diverse market segments it serves. “We

how they wish to do business with us. We offer a full online

recognise that not all of our customers are

experience, or you can walk into our nearest branch office

ready to go digital and the last thing we want

and see the familiar faces you have become accustomed to

to do is to alienate anyone. Although we saw

over the years.”

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Nordia Dobbs, Branch Supervisor.

Mr. Lalor is anticipating a very positive response to the Company’s newest branch office which will also open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

ICWI is one of the region’s leading Motor and Property insurers, they take great pride in offering their customers several options to facilitate ease of business and endeavour to take the hassle out of insurance.

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Kasian Burrell, Customer Service Representative

New I.T. platforms Omari Bogle and Kenneth Marshall of the

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting people’s

MIS Department are the programming

movements, the impetus was greater than ever to further expand

aficionados behind the ICWI Group’s

ICWI’s digital offerings.

online platforms, and as ICWI continues to expand its footprint across the Caribbean,

As a result of Omari and Kenneth’s efforts over the past few

Omari and Kenneth’s ‘to-do’ lists also

weeks, Click & Go now has a new page that allows users to

continue to expand to meet the demands

request a number of different changes to their Motor policies,

of the operations in all nine territories.

including adding a vehicle, adding a driver and changing the sum insured. Clients can also use this page to have their household

In recent years, ICWI has made a big push

policies renewed without having to visit an ICWI office.

towards offering its clients, agents and brokers more options to do business online by way of Click & Go, kiosks and eBroker. Until recently though, the online

Turks & Caicos First will also be benefiting from

services were limited to Motor renewals,

"Team MIS's"

which represent the bulk of ICWI’s

hard work as

transactions.

they get ready to debut Click & Go in that market in July, complete with a fresh new company logo.

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Another exciting update to look out for in the coming months is new business on Click & Go!

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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE AGAIN are you prepared?

As we again enter the hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and continues until November 30 annually, we need to reiterate the importance of pre-disaster planning and general precautions which are vital to reducing the impact of hurricanes to which our region is prone.

AT THE START OF THE HURRICANE SEASON

and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a

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plastic bag or other waterproof material.

Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and

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•

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in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit

Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the

latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.

Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need

of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent

very little preparation. Electricity may be

important documents, paintings, equipment

off during a hurricane, leaving you without

and furniture from getting wet.

refrigeration.

Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood,

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Place emergency food supply in a

timber, etc. for battening down purposes.

waterproof container and store in a closed

Trim trees that touch power lines (with

box, cupboard or trunk.

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Make sure you have emergency equipment

over the house and other buildings.

in your home. These include water boots,

Make sure that emergency cooking facilities

raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable

such as coal stoves are in good working

radio, kerosene lamps and matches.

condition as these may be necessary.

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•

Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets

assistance of local power company) or hang

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Latch down securely all small buildings

repair where necessary.

roof of your house is properly fastened.

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Make sure you have a supply of kerosene

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Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.

“Serving you...is all we do”

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RESPONSE TO HURRICANE

AFTER THE HURRICANE

WARNING

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•

Listen keenly to official announcements and heed

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•

Seek medical aid of

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Be careful with cooking flames and

injured persons.

candles/lamps which could cause

Stay clear of dangling

accidental fires.

the evacuation orders of the

wires and trees or

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Check food for possible spoilage.

authorities.

objects in contact with

•

Drive cautiously and beware of

Persons who live in flood-

power lines.

weakened roads, bridges, fallen trees

Boil all water before

and other debris.

prone areas, near coastlines or in home which do not offer

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drinking.

adequate protection must plan to move.

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Do a double check of your emergency equipment and supplies.

DURING THE HURRICANE •

Remain indoors at all costs, even if the calm of the eye is passing through – unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary.

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Do not try to reach home if you are not there when the hurricane strikes.

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Seek protection under a table or in a door frame if the house shows signs of collapsing.

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Stay away from glass windows.

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Continue to listen to announcements.

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Be calm!

How you fare in a hurricane can be dependent to a large extent on the level of attention paid to early preparations and general precautionary measures.

Remember, plans for tomorrow must be made today!

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ICWI Masks Up ICWI Masks Up ICWI Masks Up

The year 2020 has so far shaped up to be quite

take for granted… have all been put on hold as COVID-19 has

an eventful year. Despite all that has been

caused us to ‘mask up’ as we navigate these uncertain times.

happening, no one can deny that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken the world by

Although the narrative regarding the ways in which the

storm and has pretty much ‘interrupted’ and

coronavirus can spread continues to evolve, the World

‘disrupted’ our normal way of doing things.

Health Organization (WHO) and other health officials have

A friendly hug, a handshake, a meet –and –

agreed that the wearing of masks in public spaces can

greet… simple things that we would normally

help to reduce the spread of the virus. In keeping with this

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guideline, governments in several countries

branded masks for our staff in all of the territories in which

have made it mandatory for their citizens to

we operate, as the wearing of masks has become the ‘new

wear masks in public and in other areas where

normal’. No one is sure when this pandemic will be over,

social distancing is not possible.

but we will continue to do whatever we can to ensure the safety of our staff and clients. Here are a few snapshots of

As a company, ICWI is committed to doing

our ICWI teams across the region donning their branded

whatever we can to keep our staff and

masks.

customers safe. To this end, we procured

TRINIDAD

DOMINICA

ST. KITTS

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Jamaica

“Serving you...is all we do”

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Does Wearing a Mask Pose Any Health Risk?

Generally speaking, wearing a mask does not

According to Davidson Hamer, infectious

pose any health risks for most people. Besides

disease expert at Boston University, there

babies and toddlers who stand a chance at

is no evidence to suggest that the use of

being suffocated, health officials agree that it is

masks causes fungal or bacterial infections.

quite safe for others to wear a mask. For those

Disposable face masks are meant to be used

of us who have been wearing masks, we can all

once, and then disposed of safely. With

agree that it can be uncomfortable to breathe,

cloth masks, they should be washed after

especially when it is humid outside. However,

each wear, preferable in warm soapy

the experts agree that masks do not decrease the

water. All things considered, the benefits of

level of oxygen in the body in any meaningful way;

wearing a mask far outweigh the risks.

hence, it is quite safe to wear them.

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Long Service Awardees 2020

Terry-Ann Reid

Petisha Cooper-Dunbar

Kaydian Thomas-Bowen

Janique Smith

Sherika Ellison

Maurine Samuels-Watson

Latoya Wright

Sophia Coote-Smith

Candice Richardson

- Loraine Thorpe

Karma Haye

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- Kayla Lewis-Thomas

Mellisa Jowrey

Neville Warner

Alana Phillips

Suzette Radlein

Rema Steele

Hanika Stultz

Long Service Awardees 2020

Melrose Ellis

Garnett Medley

Marcia Jarrett

Paul Simpson

Samantha Samuda

Elaine Watson

Marcia Hewitt

Dwight Cunningham

Donna McField

Nascine Millwood

“Serving you...is all we do�

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HR Corner February -June

Welcome Aboard A warm welcome is extended to the following employees who joined the ICWI family during the period February to June 2020.

Mehalia Harris CSR, Spanish Town

Kristoff Whyte CSR, Customer Care Centre

Adaisa Carruthers CSR, Broker Underwriting

Alecia Campbell Admin. Assistant Finance

Crystal Anderson Accounts Assistant Corporate & Compliance

Javene Hickling CSR, Ocho Rios

Jodian Griffiths CSR, Broker Underwriting

Tena Campbell CSR, Customer Care Centre

Tena Wilson- Davis Financial Accountant Finance

Anna-Kaye Green HR Assistant Human Resources

Transfers Janique Smith Transferred from Human Resources to the Finance Department.

Secondments Nathina Rampersad Administrative/Filing Clerk - Trinidad

Gayattree Mohanlal CSR, Broker Underwriting - Trinidad

Flor Lynch Business Development Executive - St. Kitts

Kayon Dallas returned from her secondment in Dominica and is now the Business Development Officer at the Spanish Town Branch Nordia Dobbs returned from her secondment in St. Kitts and is now the Branch Supervisor at the Constant Spring Sub-Branch.

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DEPARTURES It is with regret that we bid

•

Yanique Jones:

goodbye to the following persons

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Tamara Anglin: Customer Service Rep. – Customer Care Centre

and wish them prosperity in their

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Deon Cummings: Branch Coordinator -

future undertakings:

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Jade Biggs: Customer Service Rep. – Old Harbour Branch

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Sanjah Brevett:

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Shadrian Rolle: Bahamas

Customer Service Rep. – Customer Care Centre

Savanna-la-Mar Branch

Customer Service Rep. – Claims Department

RETIREES We wish Bernadette, Venceta and Chopie a happy retirement. We were blessed to have worked with three dedicated, hardworking and loyal co-workers for a combined 90 years. We will miss them, and we wish them a wonderful retirement with lots of joyous time with friends and family.

Their new job now is to ensure that they enjoy their retirement. The hours are flexible, and they have complete (L-R) Chopie Brown, Venceta Morrison & Bernadette Pierre

autonomy.

Chopie Brown - Jamaica During his years of service at

projects are in

ICWI, Chopie earned tremendous

progress and even

respect both at the work place

to burying departed

and in the wider society through

society members and

his involvement in the August

relatives. Chopie

Town Mutual Relief Association,

is well known for

which he chairs, as well as three

his soup of many

other similar organizations in the

ingredients – too many

Kingston region through which he

and varied to mention.

gained great experience in matters

Chopie Brown, a.k.a. “Worthy Chair” has served the ICWI Group for 41 stellar years (1979-2020) - a record that is worthy of note and hard to beat.

as far ranging as construction

A great team player,

of the association’s meeting hall

he always has a kind

to cooking while their building

word and helpful hand “Serving you...is all we do”

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for all and can be depended on to go the extra mile even under the most challenging situations. Chopie could be seen many evenings on the ICWI back porch enjoying a friendly game of dominoes with his colleagues.

Chopie you are one of the hardest workers we have ever known. You deserve a great retirement, but we know you will still keep yourself busy.

Bernadette Pierre - Jamaica She displayed a high level of professionalism and

our Jamaican culture

confidentiality while performing her duties.

although she hails from the spice island

Her love for order, protocol and courtesy was

of Grenada.

admired by all. Although she has a good memory, she believes that “the palest ink is better than

Bernie, thanks for

the most retentive memory” hence her reason for

your years of hard

writing everything down. She was the memory

work and dedication.

bank for many co-workers.

Congratulations on your retirement.

Bernadette Pierre, a.k.a.

“Bernie” as she is fondly known, is a devoted

“Bernie” has worked with the

church person and believes strongly in family life.

ICWI Group for 33 years as

Just mention her grandchildren and her face lights

Assistant to the Chairman.

up. She is passionate about cricket, carnival and

Venceta Morrison - Jamaica Venceta Morrison worked at ICWI

Christmas treat for the children at

for 16 years as an Office Attendant.

the basic school and the children’s

During her tenure, she was like a

home.

mother to many co-workers and was even addressed as “Mom” by

Venceta, the staff of ICWI miss

some staff. An active member of her

your kind, helpful and friendly

church, Venceta loves children and

disposition and we all wish you

during the Christmas season she takes

good health, happiness and

pleasure in going downtown to get

prosperity in your retirement.

toys and other items for ICWI’s annual

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Monica Ayres - Jamaica Department and later in the

Many long standing customers

Customer Service Centre where she

still remember her and often

was regarded by many customers

inquire of her whereabouts, whilst

as the face of ICWI.

acknowledging the quality and exceptional service she delivered at

Her warm smile greeted everyone

the front desk.

who entered the Customer Service

Monica, you have done a super

lobby and her calm and humble

job at ICWI. Thank you for

Monica or 'Mons' as she is

disposition created such a peaceful

your dedication, loyalty and

affectionately called, came to

atmosphere that customers felt

commitment.

ICWI over 37 years ago. With her

confident that they were being

gentle and unassuming nature

taken care of, and that they were

We all wish you a happy, enjoyable

she faithfully served in the Motor

indeed in good hands at ICWI.

and peaceful retirement.

Sushilla Gooljar-Hardyal – Trinidad & Tobago Sushilla Gooljar-Hardyal, affectionately called Sheila, has provided The Great Northern/ICWI with 39 years (1981-2020) of steadfast service.

Sheila has demonstrated good work ethics and is known for her hard work and dedication. She has been empathetic and caring in her role as a customer service representative. Sheila has treasured the friendships that she has formed through the years. Congratulations on your retirement.

Ena Mulchan – Trinidad & Tobago Ena worked with The Great Northern/

Ena has endeavoured to listen to each

ICWI family for 33 years (1987-2020).

customer and has provided quality

Over the years she has worked with

service. She has remained focused and

a total of 5 branches and has made a

hard-working and has demonstrated

valuable contribution to their growth

that forgiveness is the best form of love.

and development. She embodies hard

Happy Retirement.

work, optimism and dedication.

“Serving you...is all we do”

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Lucille Jones – Turks & Caicos First Insurance She is the proud mother of two daughters, who are the apples of her eyes.

Aside from her girls, she is TCFIC’s resident ‘office mother’ AND longstanding face associated with the company. She is a vivacious, energetic, ‘busy-body’ who loves life, fashion, socializing and last, but not least, some good fried chicken from “Sweet T’s”. Lucille is very involved, and takes her role as a deaconess, in church very seriously. She is a loyal team member – Lucille Jones retired on 31 March

willing, dedicated, not stingy with her time, and always has the company’s

2020 after service as Accounts

best interests at heart. We wish Lucille all the best in her retirement and we

Executive at the Turks and Caicos

know that retirement will surely offer her many new opportunities, which we

First Insurance for over seventeen

know she will embrace wholeheartedly. However, this is not the bon voyage,

years.

as Lucille has agreed to remain with us on contract.

Hatches Congratulations to the following members of staff who welcomed new born babies to their family.

Khamron, son of Jodi-Ann TaylorWilson, Finance

Amir, son of Sasha Kelson, Lucea Branch

Nathaniel, son of Kenneth Marshall, MIS

Jazmin, daughter of Chantelle Trail, Legal

Amaya, daughter of Zorina Codrington, Trinidad

Condolences Our deepest sympathies to the following members of staff on the passing of their loved ones: Sashana Beckford, Ocho Rios – Mother

Paula Phillips, Cross Roads – Sister

Vaughn Thompson, MIS – Father

Valrie Tomlinson, Mandeville – Husband

Donna McField, Cayman – Father

Jessica Pacquette, Dominica - Grandfather

Patrick Lyons, Montego Bay– Mother When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a wonderful treasure to always hold in your heart.

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Corporate Head Office 2 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 926-9040-7 876.545.ICWI direct@icwi.com www.icwi.com @icwi_jamaica

“Serving you...is all we do”