Ministry Reassures Staff following Fire & Evacuation

The Official Newsletter of the Ministry of Justice

Issue #3 April 2014

Staff members listen intently during the ‘Treasure hunt,’ one of

the afternoon’s activities

T he atmosphere was charged with excitement and ani-

mated chatter filled the air at the Jamaica Conference

Centre, Downtown, Kingston as staff members gath-

ered on Tuesday April 8 for an Information and

Change Management Session. The get-together was planned to

restore staff morale following the fire on the NCB (South)

Tower.

The April 2 fire which started on the ninth floor,

caused some amount of displacement and despondence and it

was felt the session would provide respite and reassurance.

Added to this traumatic event was the March 27 evacuation and

subsequent closure of the second floor due to fumes which

caused dizziness and other health issues among staff.

Before the commencement of the session, staff enjoyed

a delectable lunch catered by the resident concessionaire, Jackie

Tyson. With full stomachs and satisfied appetites, staff members

were heralded into the conference room, where soothing, mellow

music filled the room and set the tone for the afternoon. Director

of HRM&A and the afternoons MC, Christine Gobern offered a

warm welcome, inviting each person to reflect on recent happen-

ings and prepare for an uplifting session.

Mrs. Carol Palmer, Permanent Secretary outlined plans

for relocation saying: “Our technical team is presently working

relentlessly to upgrade the facilities at 2 Hagley Park, our future

home. We have commenced the process to expedite procurement

of the necessary resources to ensure that we meet our objectives

of relocating in short order.” She also used

the opportunity to express gratitude to the

three members of staff who were instrumen-

tal in alerting staff of the fire. “We are thank-

ful that no lives were lost in the process and

we owe a debt of gratitude to God for His

protection,” the PS expressed.

Justice Minister, Senator Mark

Golding also offered words of support, ex-

pressing the need resilient in a time of dis-

tress. He also congratulated the team mem-

bers who played a role in securing the safety

of others.

Facilitator, Mr. Michael Aiken and

his team engaged attendees in a variety of

activities, allowing them to relax and while

offering timely words of hope and encour-

agement. The icebreaker included a treasure

hunt which sent persons scampering in

search of items such as socks, glasses and

bank cards. The highlight however was a

dance-off to Pharrell’s ‘Happy’ between

Minister Golding and Mr. Cecil Johnson.

With both men ‘strutting their stuff’ - this elicited squeals of

laughter and amazement as no one knew the Minister in particu-

lar was such a great dancer.

In his presentation, Mr Aiken reminded the staff that

Jamaicans are resilient people who have beaten the odds with

little or no resources. He also pointed to the idea of blessing each

person one comes in contact with, as one deed of kindness can

empower and motivate others. Each person was asked to share

what he or she is good at, allowing for moments of introspection

- solidifying the need for self-awareness especially in difficult

times.

Minister Golding addresses staff during the Information and Change Management Session,

April 8 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston

ISSUE #3

Q. Where did you grow up and how many brothers and sisters

do you have?

I grew up in Franklin Town in Kingston as the last of four chil-

dren. I have one brother and two sisters.

Q. Tell us about your educational background from elementary

school onwards?

I started at Alpha Infant School then I moved to Alpha Primary.

I was successful in my exams and was placed at Kingston Col-

lege. I went to university at the College of Arts, Science and

Technology (CAST) - now known as University of Technology,

where I studied Accounting part-time, while working at the

Banana Board.

Q. What were your career or professional aspirations growing

up?

I wanted to be an accountant.

Q. What adjectives would you say best describes you?

I am quiet and tolerant.

Q. Where else have you worked prior to joining the Ministry and

in what capacity?

I worked at the Banana Board as an Internal Auditor (1974-

1985), Caribbean Metal Products (CMP) from (1986-1991) and

I was also the Warehouse Manager at Ledermode Limited

(1992-2001).

Q. How long have you been with the Ministry of Justice and talk

to us about the positions you have held over the years (if any)?

I started at the Ministry in 2001 where I worked in the Office

Services Department as the Records Clerk, Administrator and

now Office Manager since 2011.

Q. What are your other areas of interest or hobbies outside of

your work at the MOJ?

I enjoy driving to the country, playing dominoes and watching a

good play.

Q. Explain the nature of your job and what the average work day

is like?

My job is to ensure that employees’ working environment is

acceptable and also to assist with the procurement of goods and

services. It involves a lot of running-up and down, to ensure

that everyone receives what he or she needs to do the tasks as-

signed .

Q. What principles or philosophy do you use to guide your life?

Respect and kindness.

Q. What has been your most memorable/rewarding professional

and personal achievement to date?

In my professional life, my promotion to Production/Warehouse

Manager, as there were other persons that I thought would have

been more likely to fill the position so it was somewhat of a

surprise. And, in my personal life, seeing the maturity of my

two daughters, ages 29 and 26.

Michael Henlin…

Office Manager of the

Ministry of Justice

“My job is to ensure that

employees’ working en-

vironment is acceptable

and also to assist with

the procurement of

goods and services”

Justice News for us, by us

JUST-Us News is a quarterly publication of

the Ministry of Justice

If you are interested in submitting material to JUST-Us News

please send us an email. We invite your comments,

suggestions and feedback. Special thanks to those who

have contributed to this Issue & we look forward to your

continued support

Editorial Committee: Damian Wilson, Jodi-Ann Smith, Maureen

Appleton, Sharon Duffus-Grant

Contact:

906-4923-31 (ext: 5677, 5679, 5547)

Produced by the Justice Education Unit

JUST-US NEWS

Stacks of boxes along with other office supplies and furniture have been removed

from the second floor and relocated to 2 Hagley Park Road.

This JDF truck is loaded as it prepares to make one of several trips from

the NCB Towers to Hagley Park Road

The Criminal and Civil Justice Division (CCJ) have relocated to the ground floor of the Air Jamaica building, 72 Harbour Street, Kingston which also houses the

Legal Aid Council

Thirty-three new JPs for

Clarendon

C ustos of Clarendon, William 'Billy'

Shagoury, commissioned 33 jus-

tices of the peace (JPs) to enhance

the dispensation of justice in the parish in

an installation ceremony at the St

Gabriel's Anglican Church in May Pen on

March 25.

The new cohort of justices, which

included notable Clarendonians from the

business, educational, medical, and civic

community, was given their welcoming

charge by Carol Palmer, Permanent Secre-

tary in the Ministry of Justice, who, in an

impassioned plea, reminded the newly

commissioned JPs that the office of JP is a

voluntary one and there must not be any

charge or reward for services rendered.

“In recent times, there have been

disturbing media reports of justices of the

peace who are collecting money in return

for signing documents. Never forget that

this office is voluntary service, therefore,

the collection of money, and/or rewards is

strictly forbidden,” said Mrs Palmer.

She pointed out that, within the

current era of corruption, it is imperative

that JPs discharge their duties with fair-

ness and good judgement, noting that cor-

ruption has led to the destruction of the

moral fabric of the society. “Corruption has destroyed the na-

tion's moral fabric; therefore, as JPs, it is im-

perative that you discharge your duties with

fairness and sound judgement to drive the res-

toration of our society,” she implored in her

keynote address.

The new appointees also received a

welcoming charge from the President of Clar-

endon’s Lay Magistrates Association, Clover-

lin Smith-Morris, who entreated them to dis-

charge their duties with the highest level of

professionalism and uphold the integrity of the

office of justice of the peace.

“As we welcome you to the fraternity

of justices of the peace, ensure that your duties

are discharged with the highest level of profes-

sionalism and the office of justice of the peace

is upheld at all times," the head of the Claren-

don Lay Magistrates Association challenged.

Fire investigators cite electrical

problem as possible cause for

NCB South Tower blaze

T he Jamaica Fire Brigade says pre-

liminary information suggests that

the Wednesday April 2 fire on the

ninth floor of the NCB South Tower on

Oxford Road in St. Andrew may have

been caused by electrical problems.

.

Several private sector businesses

and government agencies including offices

of the Justice Ministry are housed in the

building. The fire brigade’s Public Rela-

tions Officer, Emeleo Ebanks, says evi-

dence-gathering has been completed and

permission has been given for the building

to be reoccupied. .

In the aftermath of the fire, the

public relations officer had reported that

there were no immediate links to the ven-

tilation issues that forced Justice Ministry

employees to evacuate the second floor in

March. .

At the time, the Justice Ministry

revealed that the ventilation problems

have been longstanding and had been re-

ported to the Michael Lee Chin-run AIC

Group that owns the South Tower and the

nearby North Tower.

Changes coming to Court

Management Services

T HE Government has approved a

number of proposed changes for

implementation over the next

two years which are expected to

reform the present Court Management

Services (CMS), the entity set up in 2010

to provide efficient and effective adminis-

trative services to the courts of Jamaica.

Making the disclosure during last

Friday’s (March 14) sitting of the Senate

Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding

said the important proposed changes which

were approved by Cabinet “are intended to

solve the problems which have impeded

the ability of the CMS to carry out its man-

date effectively”.

Explaining the rationale for the

reforms, the Justice Minister said with the

CMS having become fully operational

since 2011, several weaknesses have been

identified in its operational structure which

are inhibiting the fulfilment of its role.

“A major weakness which be-

came apparent soon after its creation was a

lack of certainty as to the parameters

within which the entity was expected to

operate. This has been exacerbated by the

absence of a strategic framework establish-

ing the lines of accountability and respon-

sibility within which the CMS is to operate

and the scope of its authority in executing

its mandate,” Golding told the Senate.

Following a review of the various

models of court administration governance

existing in Canada, United Kingdom,

ISSUE #3

A review of stories that

made headlines

over the past quarter

Newly installed JPs take the oath of office

Article and photo courtesy of the Gleaner,

Published Saturday April 19, 2014

Fire trucks outside the NCB South Tower

Article and photo courtesy of the Gleaner,

Published Friday April 4, 2014

Continued...

The following pieces of Legislation were passed during the 2013/14 Financial Year

JUST-US NEWS

Criminal Justice (Suppression of Crimi-

nal Organisations) Bill Popularly called the ‘Anti-gang’ legislation,

was passed in the House of Representatives on

February 18 with 22 amendments. The Bill

makes provision for the disruption and suppres-

sion of criminal organisations and outlines of-

fences, in order to restore a sense of security in

the Jamaican society and strengthen the capac-

ity of law enforcement agencies to deal with

crime effectively.

The Committal Proceedings Act, 2013 To abolish the existing procedure of preliminary examinations in cases of indict-

able offences and seeks to put in its place a new committal proceedings regime in

the Resident Magistrates Court.

The Commissions of Enquiry

(Amendment) Act, 2013 To amend the Commissions of En-

quiry Act pursuant to recommenda-

tions made in the report of the West

Kingston Commission of Enquiry to

explain and modernise its provisions

for offences, increase the applicable

penalties, and to make better provi-

sion for the process of remuneration

of Commissioners.

The Crown Property (Vesting) Act, 2013 This Act seeks to ensure that Government-owned lands are disposed of fairly,

transparently, and equitably, in order to widen the base of land ownership in Ja-

maica. The Crown Property (Vesting) Act empowers the Commissioner of Lands

to acquire, hold and dispose of land and other property of whatever kind. How-

ever, this power cannot be exercised without general or special authority in writ-

ing from the Minister.

The Caribbean Community

(Free Movement of Skilled Per-

sons) Act, 2013: This law broadens

the categories of skilled nationals able

to access jobs in regional countries;

makes provision for the introduction

of a single certificate system whereby

CARICOM member states recognise

valid qualifying certificates issued by

other CARICOM members.

Trinidad and Tobago, New Zealand,

Australia and the Republic of Ireland by

a Canadian team of experts and consul-

tations with local justice sector stake-

holders, the model adopted in Ireland

was seen as the most suitable for consid-

eration by Jamaica. Senator Golding said

a model was developed based on that

structure to suit Jamaica’s context.

“This model has been approved

by Cabinet for implementation. The ad-

ministrative aspects are slated to be in-

troduced in the 2014/15 fiscal year, as-

suming the required budgetary alloca-

tions are made and the legislative as-

pects are to be drafted. I therefore expect

that these reforms will be introduced

over a two-year period,” he told the Sen-

ate.

As it stands the existing CMS

is to be restyled and repurposed as the

Court Administration Division within

the Office of the Chief Justice and will

be the administrative arm of the Jamai-

can judiciary while the Court Admini-

stration Division will be independent of

the Executive and will take directions

from the Chief Justice.

An advisory board of the Court

Administration Division will be created

to advise the Chief Justice on matters

relating to the management and opera-

tion of the court system. Members of the

judiciary will comprise the majority of

the Advisory Board and the other mem-

bers will be comprised of representatives

of the Bar Associations, a representative

of court users and an expert in the field

of commerce, finance or administration.

In addition, Senator Golding

said the new arrangements will see the

creation of three new legal posts, Execu-

tive Legal Officer to the Chief Justice,

Chief Resident Magistrate and Executive

Legal Officer to the Chief Resident

Magistrate.

“The proposed changes will

add significant value to the work and

effectiveness of the judiciary, will rein-

force judicial independence which is a

fundamental underpinning of our system

of democratic governance under the rule

of law and will enhance the quality of

justice being administered to the Jamai-

can people,” the justice minister pointed

out.

Article courtesy of the Jamaica Observer,

Published March 19, 2014

Changes to CMS (cont’d)

ISSUE #3

Restorative Justice Week

2014

Restorative Justice Week, celebrated in February has become a highly anticipated week on the Ministry's calendar. This year’s observance was expanded to a full month of activities. RJ Week is intended to offer the opportunity for the Ministry to deepen understanding of the different applications of Restorative Justice in Jamaica, with particular focus on healing and transformation. The main goals of the Restorative Justice events were to raise public awareness and build support for the Restorative Justice Programme as well as to invite national participation and collaboration with the government in imple-menting this effective Model of Justice. The Theme for Restorative Justice Week 2014 was “Restorative Justice as a catalyst for unity, healing and transformation”. Here are some highlight of events over the period:

To launch the week, a

Church Service was

held to give thanks and

seek divine guidance

for Programme. The

service was held at the

Emmanuel Apostolic

Church, 12 Slipe

Road, Sunday Febru-

ary 9, 2014.

Attending were Minister

of Justice, Senator the

Hon. Mark Golding,

Permanent Secretary

Mrs. Carol Palmer and

several members of the

legal fraternity, judiciary,

members of government,

MoJ Staff and RJ Facili-

tators.

A Restorative Justice Facilitators’ Reception was held on Wednesday

February 19, at the Altamont Court Hotel, to appreciate the contribution of

Facilitators and award those who had successfully completed the Training

Programme.

The Restorative Justice International Conference was held on

Friday February 21. The Conference examined the use of Restora-

tive Justice in Jamaica as a vehicle for bringing people together for

healing and transformation. The Hon. Minister Peter Bunting who

participated in the Conference, said that “restorative justice is an

important tool in our suite of approaches and interventions in ad-

dressing crime and violence, as it employs a more holistic approach

to the traditional law enforcement measures.”

During February 26-29, 2014 & March 3 and 4, 2014, through part-

nership with the Ministry of Education, the International Institute of

Restorative Practices visited Jamaica and equipped 30 persons as

Trainers in Restorative Practices to be implemented in schools.

From left to right:

Ms. Ruth Carey,

Director of the

Restorative Justice

Unit, Justice Minis-

ter, Senator the

Hon. Mark Golding

and Permanent

Secretary, Mrs.

Carol Palmer

A section of the audience in attendance during the Restorative

Justice Facilitators’ Reception

JUST-US NE WS

MoJ Makes debut in F otball Competition

(Front row, left to right) Craig Hurde, Demesha Ellis, Clyde Shaw,

Stephan James, Colin Archer

(2nd row, left to right) Delano Ross, Wayne Robinson, Hugh Faulk-

ner, Shane Scott, George Kerr, Andre Austin, Marlon Johnson, and

Phillip (part-time coach)

The team stretches during a training session at Jasecera Park, site of

tournament matches

T he Ministry of Justice made its debut in the Jamaica Civil

Service Football League as one of twelve government enti-

ties. The competition including other entities such as The

Court Management Services, National Land Agency, Registrar Gen-

eral’s Department and the Jamaica Deference Force. Despite being

new to the competition, the team advanced all the way to the quarter

finals. The idea to form a team and enter the competition came

together in a very organic way as the team, supported by the MoJ

staff pooled their time, talent and resources to make this a reality.

This involved an immensely successful cake sale, which allowed the

team to procure kits, refreshments and provide for other related

expenses.

In their first match against the National Irrigation Com-

mission on January 20, the team went down four goals to one (4-1).

A week later on January 27, the team was trounced by the Jamaica

Defence Force 10 goals to nil (10-0) owning in part to the fact that

the team could only field 8 players. In something of a turnaround

from its early misfortunes, the team drew, when they spilt two goals

with the Accountant General’s Department on February 3. In a

February 14 do-or-die match for them to advance, the team showed

tremendous heart in defeating Tax Administration of Jamaica 3-2.

The team met the Jamaica Customs Department on March

12, in their quarterfinal matchup, but went down four goals to nil (4-

0).

The competition ran from December through to March in

a two-zone set-up. All matches were placed at the Jasecera Park off

Molynes Road.

Demesha Ellis

A side from the introduction into a sporting

competition for the first time, there was

something about the MoJ Football squad

that made that truly unique - a female team mem-

ber.

Demesha Ellis strapped on her shin

guards and laced up her football boots as a mem-

ber of the Justice Squad. The football enthusiast

says she has always had an interest in sports and

was a member of the Wolmer’s Girls’ Track team which included Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser.

However her mother shunned the idea of her join-

ing the football team there.

“The team welcomed me” she said of

her team members. “They were very protective,

not too rough,” alluding to the fact that they

might have been concerned over her getting in-

jured.

What started as initial surprise and un-

ease about her participation by the organizers, led

to her sitting out after three games, two of which

she played for most of the game. “The organizers

ruled that I was ineligible due to concerns over

my safety as they have never had to deal with this

issue before.” Demesha said that she also ob-

served a conversation where a member of a team

wondered aloud if her participation was legiti-

mate or an effort to distract the opposition. The ruling ultimately led to her assuming coaching

and managing duties of the team.

Of her experience she said it was good,

on and off the field. As for next season she says

she is very much interested in participating again

and hopefully the organizers will make accommo-

dation for a female on the team.

ISSUE #3

33 Participate in Orientation Exercise

O rientation exercises are essential in all corporate organizations and the Min-

istry of Justice supports this professional ethos through the hosting of its

annual orientation exercise. Orientation was aimed at ensuring that new

employees are aware of what is expected of them while at work, affirming

to their value to the Ministry, and introducing staff to the various arms of the Ministry

of Justice and concurrently - its overarching vision, mission, roles and functions. It also

provided a unique opportunity for the expectations of these new staff to be ascertained

and addressed while integrating them into the MOJ family.

Thirty-three (33) members of staff attended the exercise which was held in the

Large Conference Room on the 11nd Floor of the South Tower over two and a half (2

½) days between February 26 and 28, 2014.

Presentations were made from the various divisions and entities under the

umbrella of the Ministry of Justice. These presentations informed staff of the responsi-

bilities and functions of these entities and how they all contribute and dovetail to

achieve the Ministry’s overarching mandate. In total, there were twenty-eight (28) sub-

stantive presentations over the course of the orientation exercise, with most concluding

with a question and answer segment.

Through the presentations, participants were also exposed to external entities

that have a stake in their professional duties, welfare and public service benefits includ-

ing the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, the Jamaica Civil Service Association,

Court Management Services, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the

Office of the Services Commissions. There was also a presentation by the Senior Di-

rector, Human Resource Management and Administration on the Ministry’s HIV/AIDS

Workplace Policy; reiterating the Ministry’s advocacy for staff rights and welfare.

The feedback from the participants and presenters was overwhelmingly posi-

tive. Presenters expressed appreciation for the opportunity to address staff and share

with their colleagues, information about their departments or units and the way they

can access their services for cross departmental assistance when needed.

Participants, some of whom have been with the Ministry since last July, were

grateful for the added insight into the Ministry and particularly information related to

their individual positions and welfare benefits was considered most useful. Participants

also used the opportunity to network with each other, the HRD team and presenters as

they continue their journey as the newest additions to the MoJ family.

Records must pass an Integrity test

After creation a record should not be easily altered.

The status of a record changes as the fre-quency of use changes

A record is inactive if referenced less than 10 times in a year.

Only 5% of all records created are of perma-nent or archival value

You should use this month to get rid of ex-pired and unnecessary documents in your per-sonal space

April is celebrated as International

Records Management

Month

Here is some brief information about records:

Did you know that if you are acting in a vacant post (not appointed in the Service) and proceed on vacation leave your acting ceases? However if you are acting in a post that is not vacant, you can take up to 10 days vacation leave and the acting will not be affected. If you resume duties in your acting position, in addi-tion to your letter of resump-tion your supervisor should also send a written request for the resumption of acting to the HR Unit. If this is not submitted then HR will not be able to seek approval from the Office of the services Commis-sions for the resumption of your acting assignment.

The law could be

this funny

Strange Laws, Dumb Criminals

& Frivolous Lawsuits

Dumb Laws

It’s forbidden for a female to appear

unshaven in public. – New Mexico.

In Samoa, it’s a crime to forget your

own wife’s birthday.

In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to

sing loudly after sunset.

In the US State of Florida, one-armed

piano players must perform for free.

In Victoria, Australia, you need a li-

censed electrician to change a light

bulb.

In Michigan, USA, a woman isn’t al-

lowed to cut her own hair without her

husband’s permission.

Dumb Criminals

Man Googles himself, finds he’s

among ‘Most Wanted,’ and

promptly surrenders

Christopher Viatafa, googled his name,

found a picture of himself on a “Most

Wanted” website — and promptly surren-

dered to San Leandro police in connection

with a shooting, authorities said. Viatafa

told police he had looked himself up

online and found his mug on the

“Northern California Most Wanted” web-

site, maintained by the Northern Califor-

nia Regional Intelligence Center, a group

of local, state and federal law enforcement

agencies.

Gun “Selfie” Leads To Robbery

Suspect

A Michigan man was arrested after post-

ing a Facebook "selfie" showing him with

a sub-machine gun used in a bank rob-

bery, according to video from geobeats.

Jules Bahler, 21, is accused of

robbing three banks, but he used the gun

in only one heist on March 5, the same

day he posted the selfie, police said.

Once they deemed him a suspect,

police pulled over Bahler and found the

gun in his vehicle, geobeats says. He re-

portedly confessed to all three robberies.

Frivolous Lawsuits

No Job, No Problem

Bronx, New York native Trina Thompson,

blamed her unemployment on the school

she attended. In 2009, the 27-year-old

sued her alma mater, Monroe College, for

$72,000 when she was unable to find a job

three months after graduating with a

bachelor's degree in information technol-

ogy.

Thompson specifically blamed

the school's Office of Career Advance-

ment for not working hard enough to

place her in a job after graduation, despite

her solid attendance record and 2.7 grade

point average. According to the lawsuit

filed in Bronx Supreme Court, Thompson

sought to recoup the $70,000 she had

spent in tuition, plus $2,000 for the stress

of her job search.

Rescuers Sued by Man They Pulled

From Floodwaters

A Colorado man is suing the rescuers that

pulled him from his car during a flood last

September, saying that he spent two hours

in an upside-down car before officials

knew he was there. He claims officials

ignored pleas from his wife and brother to

help. He had jumped into the back seat of

his 2003 Poniac in an attempt to keep

himself alive. Two hours later, help fi-

nally reached him. His legal papers claim

the washed-out road should have been

closed, or at least marked during the rains.

This could have prevented the accident

from happening. Two others were also

rescued at the scene.

JUST-US NEWS

Cecil Johnson - 2nd

Saudia Thompson - 3rd

Delroy Brown - 8th

Michelle Lyons - 10th

Sharon Duffus-Grant - 11th

Cheryl Davis-Ivey - 15th

Kaydian Beckford - 17th

Taejsha Ray Reid - 17th

Toni-Ann Smith - 23rd

ISSUE #3

The JUST-Us News would like to acknowledge those who celebrated a birthday between the months of January to March.

* W

e ap

olo

giz

e fo

r any

om

issi

on

s to

th

is l

ist

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

Kadeem Morris - 3rd

Alecea Bailey- Bryan - 4th

Desmond Henry - 8th

Michelle Robinson - 8th

Charnelle Thompson - 8th

Handel Jones - 17th

Christene Shackleford - 19th

Elena Moholland - 27th

Simonea Denton - 7th

Nicholas Marshall - 11th

Jerome Powell - 13th

Nicholas McKenzie 22th

Sylvia Duncan - 24th

Tanesha Adams - 24th

Phyllis Buchanan - 25th

Shereese Richards - 29th

T wo members of the Ministry of Justice who are also members of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP), were a part of a four-member Ja-maican delegation in the final of a series of Counter-trafficking workshops put on by

the International Organization of Migration (IOM) held April 9 and 10 in Port-of-Spain, Trini-dad. The two-day workshop sought to assist stakeholders in strengthening their outreach

strategy by improving their message, content and skill-set to raise awareness about human trafficking. The workshop was the last regional activity for IOM’s three-year capacity building project to counter human trafficking.

Each country – Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, made a 25-minute presentation on the public education efforts, campaigns, funding referral process and other related matters in their respec-tive country. Participants also learnt how to incorporate music and drama as communication tools with presentations from experts in the these areas. Another key component of the workshop was an activity which involved the critical assessment of communication tools—posters, video etc. Each country group was also asked to do a presentation on developing and improving their outreach content based on the information shared, using the factors: target, audience, message, impression and measurement. “The sessions were extremely useful to us and all partici-pants I would imagine,” explained Senior PRO of the Ministry, Damian Wilson. It was beneficial to see and learn from what other countries are doing. Jamaica is doing extremely well legisla-tively with the amended law and with a robust public education campaign, despite our resource limitations,” he added.

(L-R) Marva Ximinnies of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

(Jamaica); Chissey Mueller of IOM, Port-of-Spain; Rukiya Brown of IOM, Kingston; Cassetta Green of the Office of the Children's Registry, Damian Wil-

son and Beverley Little of the Ministry of Justice

Anti-trafficking Task Force Participates in

Regional Workshop

Birthdays are nature’s way

of telling us to eat more

cake. –

Edward Morykwas

JUST-US NEWS

A happy, healthy and comfort-able work environment is im-portant for staff and this can

be achieved without spending a for-tune. It boosts productivity and mo-rale while acknowledging the time spent in an office. There are several things a leader/manager can do to make the work environment a positive one and to facilitate a feeling of coop-eration, teamwork and joy among staff. Some of these are:

1. Build Trust. Trust is the basic ten-ant for all relationships, so building an environment of trust is one of the most important things you can do to create a positive work environment. It's a philosophy that must be demon-strated in everything you and your staff does. 2. A happy employee is a produc-tive employee. People who enjoy their jobs are likely to engage more thoroughly with their work. It is in your interest to keep staff happy; other-wise, resentment could start to impact on the quality of their work or they may even consider leaving. 3. Communicate positively and openly. In order to create a positive work environment each employee needs to feel valued. This is best ac-complished through listening to each person and honouring each one for what he or she has to say. By doing

this you will show that you value and respect every individual. 4. Set out a clear and fair staff pol-icy. This should apply to all employ-ees – regardless of their seniority. If a manager consistently misses dead-lines you should take it as seriously as you would with a junior employee, or you could find that individuals be-come resentful. If your policy changes, ensure everyone knows about it. 5. Create Team Spirit. One of our basic human needs is to feel we be-long to something bigger than our-selves, and for many people that need is met by being part of a suppor-tive work group. This unity will help your team members feel valued and that they belong. As a result they will want to be at work, tardiness and ab-senteeism will be minimal, your team will function smoothly and your unit will be better able to carry out the missions and goals of your organiza-tion. 6. Give Recognition and Apprecia-tion. Whenever you can, 'catch peo-ple being good' and make sure they and others know about it. Give recog-nition and appreciation to everyone at every opportunity. Recognizing excel-lent job performance and attitude, and showing appreciation for these things will go a long way towards making your staff members feel that they are a valued and respected part of the

team.

7. Be Approachable. Always present an attitude of approachability to your staff and customers. Indicate by your manner that you are available and happy to speak with people from all levels and positions. Also, always be prepared to listen to whatever they want to share with you, and validate what you've heard. If they have con-cerns, tell them you will look into it and get back to them by a certain time. Then be sure you do!

8. Provide A Positive Physical En-vironment. If at all possible ensure that the physical environment in your workplace is clean, bright, attractive and cheerful. Make sure it has as much natural light as possible, and that each staff member has room for their own personal space.

9. Make Staff Evaluations a Posi-tive Experience. One of the impor-tant duties of a boss is to give staff evaluations. This should be a positive experience for your staff members, and is a great opportunity for you to praise them for their cooperative spirit and all their efforts in doing an excel-lent job. It's also a good time to thank them for participating by bringing their special characteristics and talents to the unit. Even if you need to discuss some areas in which the employee may need improvement, you can still make it a positive meeting by focus-ing on the good and all that they are doing right. 10. Get healthy. Particularly if your environment is office-based, your em-ployees may lead a sedentary life-style which could lead to long-term illness. Whether it’s offering reduced membership to a local gym or signing up for the 5Ks etc—encourage your staff to get active. Sources: http://www.insidejobscoach.com/

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Health and Wellness: 10 WAYS TO CREATE A POSITIVE WORK

ENVIRONMENT

ISSUE #3

Civil Service News By year-end, an initial batch of 120,000 public sector workers will benefit from a discount and rewards programme being offered by several local companies. Dubbed: ‘Team Jamaica Valucard’, the programme, which was conceptualised by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), was officially launched on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. The initiative is another show of appreciation to civil ser-vants, who agreed to a three-year wage freeze, as part of Ja-maica’s economic recovery programme. Distribution of the cards will begin on Wednesday, March 26, through various ministries, departments and agencies. Since last year, the PSOJ has been working with repre-sentatives from various sectors, including utilities, retail, and edu-cation, to put together the rewards programme, designed specifi-cally for public servants. Participating companies include: the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), Appliance Traders Limited (ATL), ATL Automotive, Gas Pro, Alternative Power Sources, Mona Geoin-fomatics, IGL, Altamont Court Hotel, Singer, and Michi Supermar-ket, among others.

For further queries or clarifica-

tion, please contact JCSA Repre-

sentatives, Mrs. Sharolee Harvey

-Anderson (ext. 5531) or Ms.

Annmarie Tulloch (ext. )

Courtroom

Movie Review

Erin Brockovich (2002)

Starring: Julia Roberts

Synopsis: Julia Roberts stars in this legal drama based on the true story of a woman who helped win the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit. Erin Brockovich (Roberts) is a single mother of three who, after losing a per-sonal injury lawsuit, asks her lawyer, Ed Masry (Albert Finney), if he can help her find a job. Ed gives her work as a file clerk in his office, and she runs across some information on a little-known case filed against Pacific Gas and Elec-tric. Erin begins digging into the particulars of the case, convinced that the facts simply don't add up, and persuades Ed to allow her to do fur-ther research; in time, she discovers a systematic cover-up of the industrial poisoning of a city's water supply, which threatens the health of the entire community

Additional info: Erin Brockovich was directed by Steven Soderbergh; Julia Roberts earned a $20 million payday for her work on the film, the highest salary paid to a female film star up to that time.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon.

Horace Dalley (left) accepts his ‘Team Jamaica Valucard’ from Director,

Epayment Group Limited, Khary Robinson during the official launch of the

initiative. Looking on is Vice President, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Un-

ions, Helene Davis-Whyte.