February 7, 2012 Issue 1, Volume 1

JAMAICA CULURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 1, VOLUME 1

INSIDE

From the Executive Director’s Desk

Audit Vibes

RDI Tripple Buzz

In the Field

Reflection Corner

Staff Feature

Personnel Unit

‘Earthstrong’

February 7, 2012 Issue 1, Volume 1

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK

This year, as a nation we proudly commemorate the 50th anniversary of our country’s

independence; a significant milestone which will be marked by many and varied

modes of celebration.

Notwithstanding any clear directives at this time with respect to the nature of the

Jamaica 50th Celebrations, there should be no doubt in our minds that our organization

will be central to the vital execution of these programmes. As such, I anticipate that

with our innovative, expertise, ingenuity (and) topped by our capacity for hard work,

our team will ensure that the impacts of these celebrations are felt throughout Jamaica

and worldwide.

On behalf of the Management Team, we extend New Year wishes; and implore you to

stay focused as we begin another journey of challenges, lessons, changes and victories

in 2012.

Noel Campbell,

Deputy Executive Director

Audit Vibes

What can I do to reduce audit queries?

A properly designed and implemented internal control system is the key to reduce risks

and audit queries.

Internal Auditors are not allowed to design and implement internal controls as they

would have to perform an audit of the same controls; this is to ensure that objectivity is

not compromised. The Auditors however, will be required to test and report on the

strength of the internal controls instituted by management. In other words there has to

be a legitimate system for checks and balances.

Before designing a system of internal control you “must” be aware of various regulations

affecting your operation such as Financial Account Act (FAA).

Implement the following controls:

• Segregation of duties,

• Proper authorization of transaction,

• Records adequate documents and to provide evidence that those Financial

Statements are accurate

• Ensure adequate record keeping is maintained.

Febraury 2012 Issue1, Volume 1

RDI TRIPPLE BUZZ

Happy New Year from the Research Documentation and Information Department!!! May you

have a great year that is filled with prosperity!!! Today, we will share simple tips on how to keep

your computer up and running daily for general efficiency with the organization.

Never turn off your computer before Windows has shut down. Doing so

could harm the hard drive or result in lost of data or windows files.

Stay away from suspicious-looking Web sites and do not click on

strange links in your e-mails.

Never plug your computer in an electrical outlet without a good surge

protector. The dangers of electrical surges are very real.

IN THE FIELD

• Thursday February 9, 2012 at10:00 a.m. will see the staging of Clarendon’s Bob

Marley Symposium, Exhibition & Banner Competition at the Halse Great House,

Halse District. This event is being spearheaded & sponsored by the JAMALCO

Bauxite Company. JCDC in partnership will be responsible for the Exhibition and

ensuring that schools & community groups are invited to the event.

• Jamaica Children’s Gospel Elimination Round 1 began on Tuesday February 7,

2012 at 9:00 am at the Anglican Church Hall, Mandeville. Entrants from the

Central & Eastern Regions, which consists of six (6) parishes competed.

• Thursday February 9, 2012 at 9:00 am kicks off the Round 2 of the Jamaica

Children’s Gospel Elimination at the St. John’s Church Hall, Ocho Rios. Entries

from the Western & Northern Regions in seven (7) parishes will compete in this

elimination

Please submit information

on all events for the

website, and cell phone

numbers for web text blast

to Marcia at

Seriously! Don’t mi swag

tun up? Tree blingin, hair

poppin, clothes

happenin, shoes

whitein…swagging

February 2012……Issue 1, Volume 1

REFLECTION CORNER!

STAFF FEATURE

Former Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen 1986 and 1st Runner up

at the National Finals, Marjorie, is now the Field Services Director

at the Commission. A Montegonian, she celebrated her 50th

birthday in the year of Jamaica’s 50th Independence Anniversary

Her journey at the Commission began as Cultural Organizer in

Westmoreland, then Regional Manager for Western Region and

Marketing & Public Relations Director in 2002.

Her life outside of the Commission entails her being a Justice of

the Peace, President of the Manning’s School PTA; member of

the School Board and an Assistant Personal Ministries Director,

Deaconess and choir member at the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Marjorie is married to Donald Vernon and has two children, Travis and Krystal. Prior to

her employment at the JCDC, she was a teacher for 10 years at Manning’s School and

a part-time Cabaret Singer between 1986-1992.

February 2012……Issue 1, volume 1

PERSONNEL UNIT

What exactly do personnel represent? Personnel administration is often used to

describe tasks related to human resources activity and management of staff

information. Since a new period of evaluation for the staff is coming to a close (April

2011 – March 2012), then the payment of Increments or Seniority is a topic that will be

highlighted. The payment of increment or seniority payment is to be based on fully

satisfactory performance and recommendation:

� One (1) increment within the relevant salary scale is payable to employee

� Increment or seniority is payable on the anniversary date of an employee’s

appointment {this maybe your first permanent appointment or subsequent

appointment to any other post(s)

� Employees who have served at the maximum of their salary scale for a period of

two (2) years are eligible for a seniority allowance (equals to one (1) increment)

based on satisfactory performance.

� Additional seniority allowances are payable every two years while an employee

remains at the maximum of the same salary scale based on satisfactory

performance.

� When an employee is in receipt of three (3) seniority allowances, then that

employee can be awarded a one-off payment in lump sum (equals to one (1)

increment) payable at two (2) years intervals after your third seniority allowance.

NB: In all cases the employee must have earned the seniority allowance in the

same grade or salary scale.

“EARTHSTRONG”

January February

Shyian Williams Marlene Pusey-Reid

Dawn Belto-Cameron Paula Munroe

Denise Morrison Byron Taylor

Arlene Lindo Melicia Davis

Marjorie Leydon Vernon

Mavlyn Graham

Noel Campbell

‘Nuff love and blessings for 2012 ’

(Happy Birthday)