ABENG

April 24, 2012 Issue 5/Volume 1

JAMAICA CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 5, VOLUME 1

INSIDE

Message from Delroy Gordon JP

Executive Director (Acting)

Administrators Profiles

Remarks from Senior Managers

April 24 Issue 5/ Volume 1

Salute to Secretaries and Administrators

From Delroy A. Gordon JP

Executive Director (Acting)

William Arthur Ward once said: "Feeling gratitude

and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and

not giving it." It is against this background that I

embrace the opportunity offered through the

celebration of ‘Secretaries/Administrators’ Day to

express profound gratitude to all our secretaries

and administrators for their tremendous and

outstanding contribution to the Commission.

As the old proverbs says: “The horse does the work

and the coachman is tipped." This is often true in

your case as you are the wind beneath your

supervisors’ wings. You are the little hands which

play a big role in the success of the Commission, but are seldom appreciated

and recognized. Today as you celebrate ‘your day’ I just wish to advise you and

reaffirm the fact that your contribution is greatly appreciated. I know we do not

say it as often as we should but be assured that we certainly do. You are indeed

a very important and indispensible part of this organization.

Secretaries and administrators in the JCDC more often than not go far beyond

the call of duty in the performance of your work. The multiple tasks that you

execute almost effortlessly, the long and late hours, the innovation employed

with limited and sometimes lack of the basic resources have made you into

heroes and heroines in your own right.

So today on this Administrative Professional Day, on behalf of the Board of

Commissioners, Management and the rest of the staff, I salute you and thank

you for your invaluable contribution and implore you to continue giving of your

best as you play your part in nation building through cultural development.

Hats off to all our secretaries and administrators and do have a wonderful day!

April 24 Issue 5/Volume 1

ADMINISTRATORS

Miss Shiyan Williams BSc, Asc. Cps, - Hanover Parish

Office

Shiyan joined the JCDC family in May 1999 as a Secretary after

completing six months as a National Youth Service Participant.

Her enthusiasm, coupled with efficiency and effective working

attitude earned her the promotion to the post of Parish

Administrator in 2004 when the organization was re-structured.

Shiyan has acted as Cultural Organizer twice in 2010 and 2011

and is currently lending her assistance with bank reconciliation

statements in the following parishes – Westmoreland, St. James,

St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. The Staff of the Hanover Office commends Shiyan for helping to

uphold the commission’s mandate.

Stacey Ann Robinson – Events Unit

Stacey is the personification of youth, dedication and motivation,

with her motivation coming from her Mom. She started working at

JCDC on October 3, 2006 as one of the youngest members of staff

and has worked in various departments namely Programme

Management, Accounts, Field Services and since 2009 the Events

Unit. With strong determination and the will to succeed, she is

currently pursuing the BSc. in Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism

Management at the Excelsior Community College, majoring in

Tourism Management. The love for her job and the fulfillment of

planning and executing an event successfully are few of the

driving forces that compel her to excel in her areas of work. Stacey

was recently promoted to the position of Senior Secretary.

Kathleen Douglas-Murray – Portland Parish Office

Kathleen is the epitome of excellence and dedication to the

organization, and more often so without formal recognition.

She has brought her vast experience to the Miss Portland

Festival Queen Competition, as well as to other JCDC

activities in that parish. The successful staging of these

events is a testimony to her organizational prowess. In this her

thirteenth year of steadfast commitment and dedication to

the JCDC, the staff of JCDC Portland rises to officially

recognize and congratulate Mrs. Kathleen Douglas-Murray,

wife and mother of two, for her sterling contribution to the development of culture within the

parish of Portland and the wider Northern Region. Her efforts have helped to make the JCDC

office a very visible and important agency within the parish.


ADMINISTRATORS

Melicia Davis – Accounts Department

Mel, a graduate of the distinguished Ardenne High School, and

one of the youngest members of staff was employed on

October 2, 2006. One of the valuable members of the Accounts

Department who has familiarized herself with tasks other than

that of the Secretary’s responsibilities, thereby showcasing her

resilience as a well rounded individual. Mel, as we all know her, is

the mother of the handsome 9 months old ‘Justin’. She is

currently pursuing the Bsc. in Accounting & Financial

Management at the University College of the Caribbean. On

Administrators Professionals Day the Accounts Department

salutes Melicia and all other administrators in the Commission.

Dawn Belto-Cameron, BSc, Cps. – St. Catherine Parish

Office

Dawn joined the Commission (Head Office) in 1998 as a

temporary Secretary; she has worked in both Westmoreland and

St. Catherine (“The Republic”) Offices as a Secretary. The post of

Secretary was later reclassified to that of Administrator in 2004.

Dawn aka “Belto” is celebrating her 2nd marriage, which recently

produced a brand new baby girl ‘Princess Camoya’; she also has

two sons from her previous marriage ‘Jordane’ and ‘Rushawn’.

Dawn is not only a Christian but an active member in the

Assembly of God.

Her philosophy in life is "to whom much is given, much is expected".

Michelle Edwards – St. Ann Parish Office

Michelle received the prestigious name ‘Greater Portmore’ from

the ’walking encyclopedia’ Fitz Weir. She started at the

Commission in 1995 as a Typist and was quickly promoted to the

post of Secretary. Her sparkling personality coupled with her zeal

for knowledge had her working with almost all the Subject

Specialists including the dynamic and knowledgeable D. Joyce

Campbell. Michelle, in 2005 was again promoted to the position of

Administrator for the parish of St. Ann. She comes from a family of

four and is the only “rose” among the boys. She is the proud mother

of the handsome 6 years old ‘Jayden’. The staff of St. Ann salutes

Michelle for her fortitude and strength on Administrative Professionals’ Day.


ADMINISTRATORS

Althea Tyndale – Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Office

Althea has been employed at the Commission for many years. She

is of a humble disposition and has God as her guide. She is a

creative, passionate, committed and an unrelenting patriot as

shown in her years of service. During her years at the Commission

she worked in the Production, Traditional Folk Forms, and Speech &

Drama Units. She is presently the Administrator at the KSA Parish

Office where she does not only attend to the administrative matters

but also assists with other duties. Her exposure in the positions she

served has provided her with “hands on” experiences; “the areas of

Protocol and proper procedures are and continue to be an integral

part of my training” Althea stated. Her philosophy is:” I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me”.

Paulette Sutherland – Marketing & Public Relations

Paulette joined the Commission in April 2007 as Secretary for

the Human Resource & Administration Department. She was

later transferred to the Marketing & Public Relations

Department. Paulette has also acted as the Administrator for

the Marketing & Public Relations Department and as the

Executive Secretary. During her tenure at the JCDC, she has

assisted with the development and production of the Bob

Marley Debate Competition in 2010; the development and

launch of the JCDC’s revamped website and the sponsorship

of over $1.4M for the JCDC Jamaica 50 Magazine. Paulette has done previous studies in Human

Resource Management and is now perusing the BSc. in Business Studies with a major in

Marketing at the Excelsior Community College.

Pamella Rodney – St. Thomas Parish Office

Pamella has been employed to the commission for the past

17 years and has given of her best to the Commission in the

various activities she has undertaken. Pamella continues to

work assiduously in maintaining a high standard of work with

her fervent work ethics and dedication being the guiding

forces for this quiet Parish Administrator. She is also a member

of the Kiwanis club of St. Thomas and is the proud mother of

two wonderful kids ‘Shanese’ and ‘Javed’.


ADMINISTRATORS

Claudette Blackburn – Dance & Traditional Folk Forms Unit

Claudette is an extremely efficient, organized, dedicated and reliable

team player who makes every effort to get the work done in a timely

and professional manner. Even though she has been employed to the

Commission for only six years, her contribution seems much longer than

the actual period and she continues to contribute in a significant way

to the work of the Commission. Her versatility, accuracy, knowledge,

competency and smooth transition into the Traditional Folk Forms and

Dance Units or any subject area that she is assigned, make her a

valuable asset to the Commission.

Marcia Harris – St. Elizabeth Parish Office

With 30 years of service with the Commission to her credit,

Marcia has served in the fields of Steno Typist, Parish &

Regional Secretary, and Acting Parish Manager and is

currently the Parish Administrator. Her personal

achievements include attaining a certificate in the field of a

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), Certificate in Project

Management and a Diploma in Administrative

Management. She has also successfully coordinated

numerous activities in the parish namely the Festival Prince &

Princess Pageant, Performing Arts Zone Auditions/Parish

Honours, Festival Queen Pageant and has been able to

solicit sponsorships over the years to assist with offsetting these programmes. Marcia, an ardent

Christian, worships at the Santa Cruz Church of God and serves on numerous committees in the

parish.

Christine Levy-Prince – Programmes Department

Her name in part is Prince…..But at her desk she is my

hardworking Princess. Her dedication to her duties leaves me

to think she’s been like that from ever since….She is calm,

hardworking and displays efficiency with no excess.

Responsibilities she takes quite seriously, nonetheless she is

always a good sport…..Her tasks are always in the now not

for later. She is my right hand she gives me good support.

Call her what you may she is my Administrator. (Noel

Campbell).


ADMINISTRATORS

Prudence Smith-Kidd Cps. – Maketing & Public Relations

Affectionately called ‘Pru’, Prudence joined the staff of the JCDC in

1994 as the secretary for the Accounts Department. Her knowledge

of the JCDC has grown tremendously over the years having worked

in other departments. After a number of years as a secretary she

was promoted to the post of Administrator in the Marketing and

Public Relations Department. She has made significant contributions

to the development of the Commission and has shown her creativity

in various ways and this can be seen in the publication of the

“ABENG”. Prudence, enthusiastic and motivated sees the sky as her

limit; she is currently pursuing the BSc. in Business Administration at the

University College of the Caribbean. She is the proud mother of two

‘handsome Kidds’, Khaleel (10) and Matthew (7), the joy of her life.

Leola Bailey – Speech, Drama and Literary Arts

Leola known for her winning and captivating smile hails from

the ‘cool cool’ hills of Manchester. She joined the staff of the

JCDC in 2006 as the Secretary of the Music Department. A

well-rounded individual whose knowledge of the functions and

operations of JCDC, makes her one of the commission’s key

members. She has worked in other Units of the Programme

Department such as Dance, Culinary Arts, Gospel and now the

Speech, Drama & Literary Arts Unit. A people person who

believes that each person deserves his/her fair share in life and

that hard work, dedication and motivation lead to success.

She is pursuing the Bachelor Degree in Marketing at the

University College of the Caribbean. She is the eldest child

among her siblings, and a lover of children. Leola is blessed with a daughter "Jhauna", whom

she considers her world.

Denise Henry Cps, Cap – Field Services Department

Denise has been with the Commission since 1995 and because of

her resourcefulness she has worked in almost all the departments in

the Commission. This has made her the excellent fit for the Field

Services Office. She links the Field Staff and keeps the Commission

informed through the Field Diary. Jovial, driven and self -motivated

she has extended her versatility and resourcefulness to the Jamaica

Civil Service Association (JCSA) since 2005. At JCSA she has held

positions such as Executive Member, Assistant Honorary Secretary,

Chairman of the Young Workers Committee from, and Chairman of

Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) Young Worker

Committee, Assistant Secretary to the JCSA Executive Committee.

A woman with a mission and a goal to succeed, she is now pursuing

the BSc. in Public Sector Management at the UWI and being trained in Industrial Relations at

MIND as a Grievance Officer. The training is sponsored by the JCSA. She is also the exceptionally proud mother of the lovely 11 year old ‘Mikayla’.


ADMINISTRATORS

Maria Simpson – St. Mary Parish Office

Maria joined the JCDC in 1990 as a typist in the St. Mary Parish

Office and was later promoted to Northern Regional Secretary. In

March 1998 she was transferred with a promotion to the Head

Office as Senior Secretary in the Field Services Department. Being

the dedicated, hardworking professional that she is, she was

named Employee of the Month in June 1998 and later that year,

copped the Most Prestigious Award of the Most Reliable

Employee of the Year. Dedication and Perseverance are two

words that aptly describe the attitude to her job, and life in

general. She is married with 2 children La-Shawn (16) and La-Shae (8). She continues to prove

her dedication and commitment to the Organization as she goes the extra mile to facilitate our

stakeholders in her capacity as Parish Administrator for the Parish of St. Mary.

Tribute to two Wonderful Persons

Janet & Tenese

Whoever said ‘no one is indispensible’ has never sat in my chair and has

the privilege of having Janet Lamonth and Tenese Gibbs as their support

staff. I consider myself to be truly blessed and privileged to have two of

the finest professionals as my administrative assistants. Despite the daily

challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable, in their own unique

way they are able to find a solution. Like everyone else they too have

their occasional bad days, but are able to so skillfully manage it that no

one would know as it does not impact their contribution to the smooth

operation of the Executive Office.

Just one day in the office without these

professionals, makes me realize that they are

indeed indispensible to the efficient and

effective functioning of the office. They are truly the real oil for the

smooth running of the office. I am truly grateful for their dedicated

support and assistance.

"No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens

the burden of another.” (Author Unknown) I can concur with this

unknown author. Therefore on this Administrative Professional Day, I

grasp this opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to Mrs. Lamonth and Miss Gibbs

for being the proverbial ‘wind beneath my wings’. Ladies I thank you

and salute you for your tremendous support. Have yourselves a

wonderful day and may God continue to bless you real good!


A

ADMINISTRATOR

Jacqueline Thompson – St. James Parish Office

Jacqueline Thompson joined the Commission in 1993 and has been giving

19 years of diligent, meticulous and committed service to the Western

Region. She started her journey in Trelawny as Clerk Typist and progressed

quickly to the position of secretary. In 1999 she was awarded the

prestigious title of Employee of the Month. In 2001 she served as Acting

Cultural Organizer for the Parish of St. James before being confirmed as

Parish Administrator for St. James in 2004. Jacqueline is a go getter and

works assiduously to meet objectives and goals. A true stalwart, we salute

you on this “Administrative Professional Day!”

Tiffany Royal – Clarendon Parish Office

Tiffany Royal came to the Commission in 2004 as the Records Officer,

Clarendon fresh out of the Knox Community College with an Associate

Degree in Office Administration. Her charming personality, beautiful smile,

dedication to excellent service and assiduous attention to details earned

her a promotion in 2008 as the Parish Administrator. Tiffany continues to be

aspirant and is presently completing a Diploma in Teaching at the College

of Agriculture, Science and Education, Old Habour Campus. We salute

Tiffany on this Administrative Professional Day 2012

THE END


BEST WISHES

To my very supportive Administrative Professionals in the Programme Department, you have been a tower of strength. Have a wonderful day. Noel Campbell, Deputy Director

To an extremely hardworking and dedicated team of Administrative Professionals in the

Field Services Department. I salute you and wish for you a happy Administrative Professional Day.

Marjorie Leyden–Vernon JP, Director, Field Services Department

Next to excellence is the appreciation of it.” William Makepeace. Keep working towards excellence Melicia. Have a great Secretary’s Day!

Tracey-Anne Thomas, Director of Finance (Actg.)

To Stacey: I wish for you success and future happiness in all you do. Thanks for your support. Have a wonderful Day.

Hopeton Murray, Events & Production Coordinator

Thank you Miss Davis for the immense support you provide to the department on a daily

basis. You continue to play a critical role in fulfilling the Commission’s mandate. You are highly appreciated. Happy Administrator’s Day from the RDI Team. Elizabeth Smith,

Research Officer I would like to wish the two hardworking ladies in the Marketing & Public Relations

Department, Prudence Kidd and Paulette Sutherland a happy Administrative Professional Day. Ladies you continue to go the extra mile for the department and the

Commission. Your commitment to the job continues to shine through. Thanks for the support and I salute you both. Have a great day. Dorrett Thaxter, Director Marketing & Public Relations

ABENG

Documents

Transcript of ABENG