INSIDE THE SAGE

THE SAGEMarch 27, 2012 | Volume 31

President’s Message .................. 2

Know Your Benefits ................... 3

Health Matters ........................... 4

Know Your Departments ........... 5

Personality of the Month............ 6

SocIAl & lIfESTylE

SLJ Group Retirees Luncheon.. 11

Sage Fashions .......................... 12

Tech Tips .................................. 13

Lets Talk Green ........................ 14

In the Mix ................................. 15

Sports Rave .............................. 16

Team Birthdays ........................ 18

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

Welcome back to another issue of the Sage! The

Easter holidays will be here soon and for many

this period has a special meaning; for others it’s

another opportunity to spend additional time with

our family and friends, whatever the reason for

you, I wish you a safe season.

I am continually excited about the many ways in

which we excel, individually and as a team and

certainly this is reflected in our recently released

financials. I can boast openly that our strong team

spirit and ambition will always produce top-line

results even in the most challenging of times.

It is this spirit that allows us to deliver a much

higher level of customer service which propelled

our 11th consecutive year of growth. Congrats to

Team Sagicor.

Productivity Incentive Bonus

Based on our financial results of 2011, we have

declared the largest pool of funds from which to

pay productivity bonus. I am sure all eligible team

members will be pleased that we have been able

to make this payment in March’s salary. In order

to ensure that we keep on increasing the pool of

funds available to pay bonus we have to continue

to drive strong revenue flows while controlling

our expenses. Team, this may mean that some

expenses will not re-occur at the same level of

2011.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is the most important part of our

performance management system. When goals

are set SMART we are better able to measure,

monitor and reward performance. I congratulate

the team for completing this process on time.

SlJ Group Awards 2011

This year’s Corporate Awards was spectacular

and gave us the opportunity to reward excellence

within 2011. As Wayne did in 2011, Barry Groves

flies off to Barbados to attend the Group’s

Awards Ceremony on March 31 to compete for

the Sagicorian Award. We wish him the very best

and look forward to celebrating with him on his

return.

Public Service Board Directors

We applaud two team members who have been

called to serve on Boards for government funded

agencies. Our EVP, Mark Chisholm will serve

as a member of the Ports Security Board with

effect from March 12, 2012 to March 11, 2015

and our Runner Up Team Member of the Year,

Deniece Aiken has been appointed to the Board

of the Caribbean Maritime Institute for the same

period. Being appointed to a Board is a significant

achievement and indicates the trust of the highest

authority of the land in their ability to serve at this

level.

Training

Be reminded you of our training focus for 2012 –

This year the training goal has been adjusted to

include core courses which MUST be completed

and they include the Proceeds of Crime Act

(POCA) Course (accessed via Sagicor On-line),

the Compliance Policy Course and at least one

(1) Service First Course (either Empowerment or

Speed). I implore the Management team to make

the relevant arrangements to ensure that team

members are given the opportunities to register

and attend these important sessions.

March – April Events

Our newly appointed Group Vibes will stage

their first event of 2012 on Friday, March 30 –

COLOURS. This will signal the exciting relaunch

of team houses. I look forward to the healthy

competition, team spirit and general good fun

that this will foster. I hope to see you all out in

your colours for this special games evening event

to be held on the Roof at the PanCaribbean Car

Park.

Our NEW SLJ Group Choir will have their coming

out performance – a Cantata – on Wednesday,

April 4, 2012 in the SLJ Auditorium. I urge you all

to attend in support of your colleagues who have

worked hard to prepare what I’ve been told will be

a spirited performance.

I hope you enjoy this edition and have an enjoyable

and restful Holiday, see you next month!

A NoTE froM rIcHArD...

2

I AM coNTINuAlly ExcITED ABouT THE MANy wAyS IN wHIcH wE ExcEl, INDIvIDuAlly AND AS A TEAM AND cErTAINly THIS IS rEflEcTED IN our rEcENTly rElEASED fINANcIAlS.

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

EMPloyEE ASSISTANcE ProGrAM (EAP)

About 20% of the working population has issues that are serious enough that they interfere with workplace performance. Millions of workers struggle with challenges they don’t want to talk about at work: mental illness, substance abuse, stress. The Company in recognising this implemented the EAP program to help. wHAT ExAcTly IS EAP?

The EAP is designed to encourage all team members to take the initiative and obtain professional assistance in a private and absolutely confidential environment.

WHY ARE WE OFFERING THIS SERVICE?

Creating a balance between the demands of work and family is top priority for our employees and we value what is important to our staff. Our team members value benefits that assist them with this balance and increase their productivity and performance.

EAP is intended to enhance the well-being of team members by realizing the reality of human problems in the workplace and acknowledging that most difficulties including relationship issues, job stress, emotional and family problems are responsive to treatment.

wHAT ArE THE oBJEcTIvES of THE EAP?

To serve the employees and their families by providing professional • support that will address personal and work-related problems that may affect work performance. To provide confidential counselling service where team members • and their families can voice concerns, evaluate situations, organize their thoughts and assess their feelings before deciding on a course of action. To effectively, efficiently and professionally provide assessment, • referral and follow-up services for mental health, alcohol and other drug-related problems in the workforce.

wHy SHoulD I uSE THIS SErvIcE?

Even though this service has been offered for some time many team members fail to take full advantage of its services. This is a benefit to assist you maintaining your productivity. If you are currently struggling with any of the following problems you should may need to talk to our EAP counsellor:

You spend most of the day worrying about a particular problem.• You find yourself relying on drugs or alcohol to get them through • the day.You realize you have a problem, but do not know where to go for • help.

your job, health, or family life is affecting by a specific problem.

wHAT ArE THE SErvIcES ProvIDED uNDEr THE EAP?

SLJ’s EAP includes assessment, short-term counselling and referral • service designed to provide you and your family with assistance in managing everyday concerns. The EAP provides help addressing problems in the following areas:Stress and anxiety; Marital, family, and relationship issues; Grief • and depression; Substance abuse; Financial, credit and legal issues.

wHo ProvIDES THE SErvIcES?

Services are provided by a qualified counsellor of the Family Life Counselling Center of Jamaica (FCCJ). The program is however coordinated through the Group HR Department. This service is provided in Kingston, St. Ann and Montego Bay. For further information contact Leopold Barnes, Employee Relations Officer at 936-7943.

wHAT IS THE coST of THE EAP?

SLJ provides EAP to employees at no cost for up to 4 office visits per calendar year. If a referral is made for ongoing counselling, the extra charges will be the responsibility of the employee.

IS THE couNSElING SErvIcE coNfIDENTIAl?

YES, all information between the employee and the EAP Counsellor is held in strictest confidence. No information regarding an employee’s participation is released to the company or any other source unless the employee gives written authorization.

Simply CALL 972-1805 to arrange an initial 30 minute telephone interview with the counsellor. Appointments are generally scheduled within 48 hours. An office visit lasts up to 50 minutes.

3

KNow your BENEfITS

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors -- growths of the muscle and connective

tissue of the uterus. The collagen content of the tumor gives it a hard, fibrous texture,

thus the name fibroid. They usually grow slowly as a single tumor, or there can be

many inside the uterine cavity, within the uterine wall, or on the outside surface of the

uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit.They occur in

20% to 50% of women of reproductive age. For unknown reasons, fibroids are more

common in African-American women and can occur at an earlier age and are often

larger and more symptomatic. In some women fibroids do not cause symptoms and

do not require any treatment.

Where can fibroids grow?

Most fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. Doctors put them into three groups based

on where they grow:

Submucosal• (sub-

myoo-KOH-zuhl)

fibroids grow into

the uterine cavity.

Intramural• (ihn-

truh-MYOOR-uhl)

fibroids grow within

the wall of the

uterus.

Subserosal• (sub-

s u h - R O H - z u h l )

fibroids grow on

the outside of the

uterus.

Some fibroids grow on •

stalks that grow out from the surface of the uterus or into the cavity of the

uterus. They might look like mushrooms. These are called pedunculated

(pih-DUHN-kyoo-lay-ted) fibroids.

SIGNS AND SyMPToMS

Abnormal bleeding with usually heavy, prolonged periods, especially if the •

fibroid is within or next to the uterine cavity. Bleeding between menstrual

periods occurs in some women.

Fatigue caused by • anemia (low blood count) from excessive menstrual

blood loss.

Pelvic pressure when fibroid tumor growth causes an enlarged uterus. •

Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination,

or the rectum, causing rectal pressure.

Pain in the pelvic region due to worsening menstrual cramps or pressure •

from the fibroids on other internal organs.

Pain during sex.•

Infertility preventing pregnancy in some women; in others, miscarriage can •

occur.

What if I become pregnant and have fibroids?

Women who have fibroids are more likely to have problems during pregnancy and

delivery. This doesn’t mean there will be problems. Most women with fibroids have

normal pregnancies. The most common problems seen in women with fibroids are:

labour fails to progress resulting in the need for a cesarean section. • The

risk of needing a c-section is six times greater for women with fibroids.

Baby is breech.• The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery.

Placental abruption.• The placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus

before delivery. When this happens, the fetus does not get enough oxygen.

Preterm delivery.•

Talk to your obstetrician if you have fibroids and become pregnant. All obstetricians

have experience dealing with fibroids and pregnancy. Most women who have

fibroids and become pregnant do not need to see an OB who deals with high-risk

pregnancies.

TrEATMENT

Uterine fibroids that cause no symptoms do not require any treatment. Other

treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and number of tumors.

Treatment also depends on whether the woman wishes to maintain fertility.

for mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest taking medication. Over-•

the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for

mild pain. If you have heavy bleeding during your period, taking an iron

supplement can keep you from getting anemia or correct it if you already are

anemic. Several drugs commonly used for birth control can be prescribed

to help control symptoms of fibroids. Low-dose birth control pills do not

make fibroids grow and can help control heavy bleeding.

Myomectomy• is the surgical removal of fibroids that preserves the uterus

and allows the woman to maintain fertility.

uterine artery embolization (uAE) • is a nonsurgical procedure that blocks

the blood flow to the main artery supplying the uterus. This results

in shrinkage of fibroids and causes a reduction in the amount of blood

loss from menstrual bleeding. There is a chance that fertility will not be

maintained for some women.

A hormone-releasing • intrauterine device releases progesterone, one of

the female hormones, and can be placed inside the uterus to reduce the

amount of uterine bleeding in some women with small fibroids

Hysterectomy• is surgical removal of the uterus, ending menstrual periods

and causing infertility.

4

HEAlTH MATTErS

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

5

KNow your DEPArTMENTS

what is customer Service?

Each time that any of our customers interacts with a customer service representative there is a “moment of truth” where the customer can be won or lost by the quality of the service and personal contact received. The result of this interaction can either be positive, negative or indifferent as experienced by the customer. We, the team members of the Customer Service Department, seek to exceed the expectations of our customers.

Life insurance is an intangible product and it is the quality of service that we offer that will determine whether or not our customers maintain their relationship with Sagicor. Our customers have options in deciding which company they wish to do business with, and unless we at Sagicor can satisfy the expectations of these customers better than that of our competitors, then sales and profits will decrease. We have recognized the importance of putting at the top of our agenda, a programme for winning and retaining customers. Our aim, therefore, is to develop strong and enduring relationships with our customers.

what are some of the achievements of the Department?

We have been very proactive and have so far instituted the following:

The Implementation of a Complaints • Management System: All front line customer service representatives across the island have been trained in the handling and logging of customers’ complaints. The rebranding of Customer Service Centers • to achieve a renewed fresh “look” and new customer service experience. Introduction of an Electronic Customer • Relationship Information System, which offers a single comprehensive viewing of all of the customer’s data so as to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services offered

The use of the Scanning , Archival and Workflow • Application (G360) to manage the flow of all correspondence into the departmentThe introduction of Senior Management • monitoring mechanisms, through the Weekly tracking and reporting of KPI’s. Delivery of Cross Training of Sagicor Products to • all customer service representatives in service centres across the island, including Pension Administration representatives located in the head office service hall. The products include all the company’s product lines – health, pension, group, life, investment, and mortgage and property services.

units of the department and the team leaders

Customer Support & Intervention (CSI) Supervisor - Jassetta Jones This unit implements proactive strategies that preserve the promises to our clients by preventing the fall-off of policies from the books or by reinstating terminated policies. The unit is also primarily responsible for responding to all correspondence from our regulators, statutory and legal bodies. Correspondence directed to the President’s office are also handled by the unit. They work closely with the Group Marketing Department to deal with complaints received via the print media. Other responsibilities include the handling of sensitive investigations, processing requests for integrity/ auditor’s statements, responding to client complaints.

Front Line Team Leader – Roxanne Hamilton & Back Office Team Leader – Janet Davis-Hall

These key sections provide quality customer care to the Company’s policyholders by giving prompt and accurate information; process financial transactions and policy changes speedily and accurately

Supervisor – Sophia NeitaHas the responsibility to maintain the balance between

the front and back office work loads, in ensuring quality customer service to the Company’s policyholders thus resulting in the achievement of the department’s key performance indicators.

Assistant Manager – Ava DixonAssists the Customer Service Manager with the day-to-day operations of the Department by helping to develop, document and enforce service standards and procedures.

Manager – Elizabeth Douglas

Overall responsibility for the coordination and smooth running of Customer Service for all Service Centres across the island as well as the Sagicor Cayman office.

What are some of the future plans for further improving customer service?

Additional strategies to further reduce the wait • and transaction times across the islandFurther expansion of the Electronic Services • that our clients can use

- Increase additional electronic channels for disbursement of policy benefits- Encashment from policies to be done via website directly to client’s back account. This will not only save time for the customer but also promote the divisions “Go Green” project.

“Go Green” - Use SMS/Email to send all notices. • This will reduce the use of paper, and postal charges thus resulting in cost savings.In responding to our clients feedback, of • them sometimes not understanding some of the products features, we will be producing a simplified one page summary “Policy at a Glance” flyer which will placed with each policy contract issued, that simplifies products to ensure that our clients do understand what they have bought.

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

This month we sat down with the newest VP on the block - Nicola Leo-Rhynie. Many of you may think “how did this young woman rise to the top so fast?” - Well you would be surprised to know that Nicki has been a resident of LOJ/Sagicor for the last 15 years. She started out in the Finance Department where she held various positions from officer to AVP then quickly transitioned into Employee Benefits – Pensions Marketing a few years later. It was from here that she moved along the EBD corporate ladder under the guidance of her mentor – Gloria Goss, former VP EB Marketing.

In our quest to learn a bit more about Nicki the Sage Team decided to ask a few “personal” question:

SAGE: Do you have a nick name? Nlr: haha no big secret… Nicki

SAGE: Who has had the greatest influence on your life? Nlr: Well I would HAVE to say definitely my parents and husband. SAGE: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Nlr: Oh gosh I wanted to be many things but the one thing that stood out was a classical pianist… haha

SAGE: What one word would use to describe you?Nlr: Probably reserved

SAGE: How would your friends/co-workers describe you? Nlr: Easy going

SAGE: What are you most proud of? Nlr: My children’s accomplishments *blushing*

SAGE: Have you committed to giving anything up about Lent? Nlr: I actually have… sodas

SAGE: What is your favourite food?

Nlr: Hands down – Gloria’s Curried Lobster!

SAGE: Birthday? Nlr: November 13

SAGE: Last exciting thing you did? Nlr: Most people may not know but I’m a carnival fanatic so you know I was in Trinidad for Carnival

SAGE: What did you like most about your job? NLR: The team I work with.

Thank you for taking the time out to share with us Nicki and we wish you all the best in your new role.

PErSoNAlITy of THE MoNTH

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31lIvING THE vAluESHow To lIvE By our ScrIPT

7

Events Listing

MArcH 28, 2012The Art Of Living Free Yoga Session | Spanish Court Hotel | 7:00pm - 9:00pm

MArcH 29, 2012Ribs, Roast & Rum | 7 Upper Musgrave Avenue | Adm: $2000 | 6:00pm

APrIl 1, 2012Soaking Wet ‘Soca Edition’ | UDC Parking Lot New Kingston | $1000 Pre-Sold, $1500 @ the Gate

APrIl 4, 2012Let Us Exhalt Him Our King | SLJ Choir Cantata | SLJ Auditorium | 5:00pm

APrIl 6, 2012GooD frIDAy

APrIl 8, 2012Daydreams Easter Weekend Edition | Dream Beach St. Ann | Adm: Early Bird Tickets $2500.00

Baycrest KAMPAI - Toast to the nape! | Dunns River Falls Park, Ocho Rios | $6000 | 8:00pm

APrIl 9, 2012EASTER MONDAY

IGLOO - Bikini Wet Rave (A Ochi Nice) | Pearly Beach Ocho Rios | Adm: $500 for ladies before 6:00pm $1000

APrIl 14, 2012The Official & Original Water Party ‘Carnival Edition’ | LIME Golf Academy | GENERAL ADM - $1,000 PRESOLD $1,500 GATE, LADIES 3-4-1 BEFORE 12AM, 2-4-1 AFTER (3 LADIES ENTER ON ONE TICKET BEFORE 12AM)VIP ADM - $2,000 PRESOLD $2,500 GATE

Dear Sharon, I just want take time to express my gratitude regarding your assistance given Re: Sagicor Convention 2012. Historically, my experience with the Human Resource Department over the years have been very interesting. From my perspective, you certainly make a difference, bearing in mind that “People Buy a Difference Not Similarity”. Have a great day! Regards, Walter Grant

Good morning Tamark:

This serves to express my deepest appreciation to you for assisting with the claim form for Errol Terrelonge that was submitted and returned for additional information. Although this was not your direct responsibility, you did not hesitate to offer assistance.

I recently received a reimbursement cheque for Mr. Terrelonge.

You have always been helpful, reliable and courteous; someone who has never said “I can’t”.

The dedication shown by you, in my opinion, should easily qualify you as “Employee of the Quarter/Year”.

We at Carib Cement believe that employees who display such work attitude, is certainly an asset to any organization.

Thanks again

Sonia ThomasHR Administrator – Carib Cement

SHAroN DuNcAN frASErGroup Human Resources

Dear Sue-Ann,

I’m very grateful for you providing the form and information as well. It is really appreciated.

Thank you for the great customer service and tremendous patience you exercised with me.

Regards,Robert HowellCIBC FirstCaribbean

TAMArK DouGlASEBD - OSRD

SuE-ANN THoMPSoNCorporate Contact Centre

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

All ABouT... curry

Jamaican curry powder is different than Indian curry powder but was inspired by it. Curry was introduced to Jamaica by the influx of Indians who came as indentured servants after the slaves were freed in Jamaica in the 1830s.

Curry powder is a mixture of spices of widely varying composition first developed by the British during their colonial rule of India.

The word “Curry”, which was derived from the Indian word “Khari” came from Southern India and refers to a sauce of any kind. Since that introduction in India, curry has almost been synonymous with Indian food.

But before that, the British took the idea back home and the concept spread quickly across the western world. That version however had a different and standardized taste since it did not utilize the fresh spices used in India.

So yes, curry was in this hemisphere for a while but we (Jamaica) were not truly introduced to curry until the Indian indentured servants came here back in the 1830s to work on the sugar plantations.

Since then the curried concept has deeply penetrated our food & culture.So what makes Jamaican curry different? It is all in the pimento (allspice). Grace, the top food brand in Jamaica, had a recipe that showed they used turmeric, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, anise, star-anise, pepper, garlic and of course Pimento.

Today we have scores of curried dishes, and we even have curried food festivals. Westmoreland Curry Festival is staging its 11th annual festival which is a major fund-raiser for the Manning’s School Development Fund and charities in Westmoreland such as Westmoreland Association for Street People (WASP), School of Hope, Savanna La Mar Infirmary and Women’s Centre. The festival, a family event, is set for Sunday, April 24 at the school in Westmoreland at 9:00am.

Westmoreland Curry Festival is regarded as the biggest leading yearly curry food show in the Caribbean. Over 15,000 patrons attend the event annually. There a gamut of cultural culinary influences carried over from the history of the Amerindians, West Africa, and Spanish. French, East Indians. Portuguese, Dutch, English. Lebanese and East Indians are normally displayed. These unique blends are usually underscored by the distinct flavour of Jamaica’s own spices. Curry is one of these spices and has a rich history in the parish of Westmoreland.

At the festival chefs from across the island showcase curry dishes. They

range from the usual traditional dishes such as curried goat, chicken, shrimp etc. and more adventurous in taste such as curried octopus curried conch in sorrel, curried breadfruit rum pudding with coconut rum anglaise sauce. The event is sealed with performances from local reggae and gospel artistes.

This year it is expected to be bigger and better as year’s event boasted dishes ranging from curried jackfruit to curried rabbit.

Here’s a simple recipe for curried chicken:

8

rEcIPEcurry cHIcKEN

IngredientsServing Size: 6

3.5 pounds chicken1. 0.25 cup Grace White Vinegar2. 3 stalks escallion, chopped3. 1 medium onion, chopped4. 4 cloves garlic, chopped5. 1 teaspoon black pepper6. 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, chopped7. 4 tablespoons curry powder8. 3 tablespoons Grace Vegetable Oil9. 1 teaspoon ginger, grated10. 3.5 cups water11. 2 teaspoons cornstarch12.

DirectionsCut chicken into bite-size pieces and wash in a mixture 1. of Grace White Vinegar and water.Season chicken with chopped escallion, onion, garlic, 2. black pepper, chopped scotch bonnet pepper and 2 Tbsps. curry powder. Cover and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or overnight.Heat Grace Vegetable Oil in a heavy skillet, add 3. remaining curry powder and the grated ginger and allow to “burn” for about 2 minutes.Add the seasoned chicken and cook stirring for about 4. 5-10 minutes.Pour in 3 cups hot water or chicken stock, stir then 5. cover and allow to cook for about 40 minutes.Dissolve cornstarch in remaining half cup water and 6. add to the curried chicken and stir well. Simmer for a further 5 minutes.

TO SERVE: Serve with steamed rice.

NOTE: Diced carrots and Irish potatoes may be added following the 3 cups hot water or chicken stock.

Chicken stock: may be made by boiling 1 packet Grace Cock Soup Mix with 4 cups water. Strain and use as desired.

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

99

ADvISorHIGHlIGHTS

we are pleased to announce the Top Three Agents for the month of february:

Jennifer Richards - Holborn Branch Vernon O’Sullivan - EBD Marketing

Shelly-ann Morgan - Corporate Circle

Branch

EBD AGENTS rANKING

MAVIS FERGUSONOCHO RIOS

PATRICK SINCLAIRMONTEGO BAY

MICHAEL LAWELIGUANEA

HUGH MEREDITHTHE DyNAMIc DuKES

DARLA BROWNTroJANS

NORMAN HOLTEAGlES

WALTER GRANTTHE lEGEND

RAMOTH WATSONDouBlE IMPAcT

AARON GREAVESTHE SuPrEME TEAM

PrESIDENT’S TroPHy STANDINGS

AGENcy MANAGErS’S TroPHy STANDINGS

uNIT MANAGErS’S TroPHy STANDINGS

ouTSTANDING ADvISorS for THE MoNTH of fEBruAry

fycAlbert Lyon - Senators

casesGifton Brown - Ocho Rios

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

The Sagicor Jamaica Group Corporate Awards held on March 14, 2012 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and proved to be a night of fun, laughter and camaraderie, as the commendable efforts of our team members for the 2011 business year were duly rewarded. We share some highlights of the winners below.

10

&SocIAl lIfESTylESlJ corPorATE AwArDS

2012

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

11

SlJ GrouP rETIrEES luNcHEoN PHoTo rEcAP

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

12

SAGE fASHIoNSBest Dressed of Corporate Awards 2012

The Annual Sagicor Jamaica Group Corporate Awards always brings out a bevy of stylishly-clad males and females. This years’ event was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and the Sage was there to capture those employees who stood out, not only as performers, but also as fashionistas.

Other best dressed included Rookie of the Year Romalee Wright in a nude sequin dress and Marketing Manager Ingrid Card, in a red

stylish gown completed with gold accessories.

Group Marketing’s courtney-rae watson looked great in her black and gold printed flare dress with box pleats. She perfectly complemented her outfit with a pair of

matching shoes and bag. The Sage gives her two thumbs up!

Executive Club member, Marcia richards from the Half Way Tree Branch looks classy in her purple form fitting knee length dress complemented with grey accessories.

Montego Bay Branch Manager Patrick Sinclair, sported a smooth black suit with a red vest that made him nothing less than notice-

able. He was irresistible to the women all night!

Recently appointed Executive Vice President, Mark chisholm sure knows how to ‘get his swag on’. Dressed in a tailored three piece suit, with a hint of red, he’s sure to look good beside any belle.

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

13

TEcH TIPS8 MIcroSofT worD SHorTcuTS you’vE ProBABly NEvEr lEArNED

Microsoft Word: Love it or hate it, practically everyone uses it. we’ve been using it so long, we thought we knew everything about it. But during our research to find tech tips worth sharing with you our already tech saavy readers we stumbled across some super helpful shortcuts — hidden tricks and timesavers that make Microsoft Word easier and faster.

One caveat for these tips: different versions of Word may have different commands, so some of these may not work in your version. That said, here are our top eight shortcuts:

1. Double click And Drag

If you’re like most people, when you want to move a section of text from one place to another, you use Control-C to copy and Control-V to paste. That’s fine. It works. But there’s a faster way: Double click or highlight what you want to move, then simply drag what you’ve highlighted to where you want it to land.

2. Double underline

You know you can affect text by hitting Control-B to make it bold or Control-U to underline. But if one line of underlining just isn’t emphatic enough, Control-Shift-D will double underline. (On a Mac, use Command-Shift-D.)

If that doesn’t make your point, you may have to go to ALL CAPS, and we’ve got a shortcut for that too…

3. change case change case button

Instead of retyping everything to change from lower case to Title Case or to UPPERCASE, just highlight the text you want to change, click the case button, and then choose which case you want.

4. Adding Buttons to your Toolbar

Suppose you just tried using shortcut #3, but the case button isn’t on your toolbar, no worries; you can add it (and almost any other command). Go to View, Toolbars, Customize Toolbars, Commands, then scroll to find the command you want — and drag it to where on the toolbar you want it.

5. Add the Date

How many times a day do you type the date? If you do it even once, that’s too much. Next time, just hit Alt-Shift-D (or Control-Shift -D on a Mac) to add the date automatically.

6. Quick Parts

This next tip builds on what the Autotext function did in older versions of Word: If you have a certain paragraph of text you regularly need to add to a document — like a boilerplate disclaimer, or maybe directions to your office

— turn it into a Quick Part. Here’s how: Quick PartsHighlight the text you regularly use1. Click the insert tab2. Hit Quick Parts, and choose “Save Selection To The Quick Part 3. Gallery”

Now any time you want to insert that chunk of text into a document, either a new one or and old one you’re editing, just hit that Quick Parts button. Just one more click will select which saved Quick Part to insert. This trick will even work as a shortcut for adding a logo or letterhead.

7. conform fonts

This one used to drive me crazy: I’d copy and paste some bit of text from another document or from the Web, and then I’d have to click all over the place to get the font size and style to match the surrounding text of my existing document. No longer. Here’s all you need to do: Highlight the non-conforming text, then hit Control-Spacebar. Done.

8. customize Quick Access Toolbar

There is one way to get your most commonly used commands in the same place- that’s to customize the Quick Access Toolbar. It’s like the center drawer in your desk that has all the stuff you use most in one easy-to-access place. No organization, just (as the name implies) quick access. So take the things you like most and add them to the Quick Access toolbar. Click the little down arrow tab to get to the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop down menu:

Hit “more commands” and add whatever you use most. You can also position this toolbar below the ribbon if you prefer it to be closer to your document text.

There you have it! Eight new shortcuts to add to your arsenal, making the easy-to-use Word application even easier!

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

14

EArTH DAy

Each year, Earth Day -- April 22 -- marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair; and recruited Denis Hayes as national coordinator. Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land.

As a result, on the 22nd of April, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups

that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.

On April 22, 2012, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012 and help Mobilize the Earth. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Together we will stand united for a sustainable future and call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part.This year, 2012, is the International Year of “Sustainable Energy for All”.

The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day!

Join in the earth Day campaign and help mobilize the earth!

lET’S TAlK GrEEN

THIS TIME IN 1962MArcH 1962

After hosting a competition for the words for the National Anthem and receiving nearly one hundred entries it was announced that the competition would close on the 31st.

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

15

lET’S EAT IN STylE

Balancing work, family and study in these harsh economic times can be a challenge. So many things demand our time and attention that we tend to brush aside some of the finer things of life, like good dining etiquette. We seldom use the dining table, let alone sit down as a family. Let‘s go back to doing a little of this, this year. Did you know that even the simplest of meal can be enhanced with a nice ‘place setting ‘. My dear readers I encourage you to eat in style this year. In other words make dinnertime a special occasion. It can be done on a budget and you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant. Do it in the comfort of your own home and with the active participation of your family. So without further ado, I am laying out a few tips for you.

we start with:

Deciding how many courses will be served

laying the Table cloth: Open out table cloth to centre of table and lay on table, check that the drop around the table is even (if properly laundered the middle crease should run down the centre of the table)

Basic cover for a two course meal (a soup and an entrée)

When we want a more formal setting here is a layout for a four course dinner

Key to Diagram1. Napkin2. Salad fork3. Dinner fork4. Dessert fork5. Bread-and-butter plate, with spreader6. Dinner plate (at centre of place setting a napkin may be used instead of the dinner or charger plate)7. Dinner knife8. Teaspoon9. Teaspoon10. Soup spoon11. Cocktail fork12. Water glass13. Red-wine glass14. White-wine glass15. Coffee cup and saucer*

Here are a few more tips on setting your table:-

Cover: the term used to indicate the place set at the table for each person

Cutlery: all spoons, forks and knives are to be placed from the outside in towards the plate in the order which they are to be used.

Forks: to the left of the place setting, tips of prong pointing upward

Spoons: to the right of the place setting with bowls at right of knives

Knives: to the right of place setting knife blades always face the plate

Side plates: on the left of forks

Dessert spoons & forks: above place setting or at upper side of plates

Glasses: right hand corner above the tip of knives

Wine glass: if more than one type of wine is to be served, place the glasses in the order in which they will be served, going from right to left

The bread and butter plate: should at least an inch above the fork prong or the butter knife is to be laid across the top of bread and butter plate parallel to the table’s edge

Water goblet: at tip of joint knife

Serving tips Food which include soup is served from left of the guest or diner • Drinks are served from the right of the guest or diner • Table is cleared from the right of the guest or diner.•

IN THE MIx MIXOLOGY TIPS

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

16

English Premier league

Tottenham took a crucial step towards beating Chelsea to a top-four finish in the Premier League with a more-than-deserved 0-0 draw in the London derby at Stamford Bridge. Spurs produced arguably their most disciplined away performance of the season to stay five points clear of the fifth-placed Blues, who now face an uphill battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The draw extended Spurs’ winless run to five matches but this may prove their most crucial point of the campaign on a ground where they have not tasted victory for more than 22 years.

Arsenal strengthened their grip on third place in the Barclays Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners made it seven straight league wins to make the most of Tottenham’s goalless draw at Chelsea with first-half goals from Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott.

Bolton paid tribute to Fabrice Muamba in the best way possible by claiming a victory over Blackburn that lifted them out of the Premier League’s bottom three. Two first-half headers from centre-half David Wheater, the first brace of his career, were enough to repel Blackburn’s rally after Steven Nzonzi had pulled one back after half-time. Securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season was a fitting conclusion to an emotional week at the Reebok Stadium, following the cardiac arrest suffered by Muamba in an FA Cup tie at Tottenham a few days ago.

Wigan’s survival hopes received an unexpected boost as they recorded their first victory at Anfield to beat a flailing - and rapidly failing - Liverpool. Much like last season, when they escaped relegation on the final day of the season, Roberto Martinez’s side appear to be hitting form at exactly the right time. They have lost just once in their last seven matches and a first win at Anfield ensured they remain well in the battle to stay up as they are only a point from safety. The statistics for Liverpool are damning; five defeats in the last six Premier League matches - 10 losses for the season - and only two wins in 2012 do not make happy reading for manager Kenny Dalglish.

Wolves slipped further into the relegation mire on Saturday as captain Grant Holt netted twice before being sent off as Norwich came from behind to secure three points at Carrow Road with a 2-1 triumph. The Black Country side languish bottom of the Premier League as the season edges towards a close, having lost four games on the bounce. Terry Connor’s embattled side have now won just once in 16 league matches following today’s tough match, which had began well for the visitors.

Djibril Cisse was sent off for the second time in his brief QPR career as his side self-destructed at Sunderland, slumping to a 3-1 loss. The visitors were trailing to Nicklas Bendtner’s 41st-minute header when the Frenchman launched himself into a two-footed tackle

on Fraizer Campbell and was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Jones. He will receive a four-match ban to add to the three he served following his dismissal against Wolves after what proved to be a costly fifth appearance for the club.

Second-half goals from Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic saw Everton leapfrog Swansea in the Premier League table and become just the third away side to win at the Liberty Stadium this season. Baines dusted himself down after being fouled by Ashley Williams to curl a lovely free-kick beyond Michel Vorm just before the hour and Jelavic sealed the 2-0 win by tapping in his second goal for the Toffees with 14 minutes remaining.

Yaya Toure struck a fine equaliser as Manchester City regained top spot but dropped two valuable Premier League points at Stoke City. Toure cancelled out a stunning long-range volley from Peter Crouch with his own powerful strike but the frustrated visitors could not find a winner in a hard-fought encounter. City might argue Stoke could have had a man sent off when Dean Whitehead caught David Silva with his arm but they had a let-off when Pablo Zabaleta cleared off the line. The result was enough to take City back above Manchester United on goal difference but their rivals could now move further clear when they play their game in hand against Fulham on Monday. City have not won at Stoke since the Potters were promoted back to the top flight in 2008 and the arena, at its most atmospheric and intimidating, again proved their undoing.

Newcastle stepped up their claims for a European spot after an inspired first-half display from Hatem Ben Arfa helped seal a 3-1 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns. Ben Arfa scored once himself and set up two more goals for Papiss Cisse during an opening 45 minutes dominated by Alan Pardew’s side. Albion could only manage a solitary second-half reply from substitute Shane Long as Newcastle moved level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and gained revenge for the 3-2 home defeat to Albion earlier in the season.

English fA cup

Spanish Primera Division

uEfA champions league

Chelsea’s old guard rescued their Champions League season and the reputation of English football as they produced one of the great European comebacks to reach the quarter-finals. Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard - the men the sacked Andre Villas-Boas seemed so determined to discard - proved just how difficult they would be to replace with a goal apiece in a thrilling extra-time win.

Real Madrid secured their passage to the Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable win over CSKA Moscow. Seydou Doumbia missed a glorious chance to give the visitors the lead inside 10 minutes as he fired over when clean through, but Real slowly started to take

control of the game and deservedly took the lead as Gonzalo Higuain slotted home from Kaka’s pull-back. A howler from Sergei Chepchugov allowed the hosts to double their advantage as he spilled Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range shot into his own net 10 minutes after half-time and Karim Benzema slotted home the third at the second attempt with 20 minutes remaining.

Mario Gomez hit four goals as Bayern Munich swiftly eliminated the threat of a Champions League exit before humiliating Basle. The German club, whose Allianz

Sports Rave The Bulletin Board

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

Arena will stage the European final in May, had been embarrassed by a 1-0 loss to Basle three weeks ago at St Jakob Park. But they warmed up for tonight with a 7-1 victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday, a match in which Gomez hit three, and the Germany striker went one better against the Swiss league leaders, profiting from the superb promptings of team-mates Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, an attacking midfield trident the envy of most coaches in this competition.

A wild finish at the San Siro saw Marseille knock Inter Milan out of the Champions League to reach the quarter-finals and pile even more pressure on the beleaguered Claudio Ranieri. Inter spurned glorious early chances but Diego Milito’s scrappy 75th-minute goal appeared enough to force extra-time at least. But Brandao then scored a goal from nothing in the second minute of stoppage time, and even though there was a further twist when Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda fouled Giampaolo Pazzini, earning a second yellow card and allowing the Italy international to give Inter victory on the night, boss Ranieri’s side went out on the away-goals rule.

Dionissis Chiotis was the hero as he saved twice in a penalty shootout to send APOEL into the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Lyon. With the score level at 3-3 in the shootout, Chiotis saved successive penalties from Alexandre Lacazette and Michel Bastos to secure his side a place in the last eight on their first appearance in the knockout stages.

Lionel Messi scored five goals as Champions League holders Barcelona destroyed unfortunate Bayer Leverkusen to confirm their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Barca had been understated but superior in the first leg in Germany, winning 3-1, and were expected to ease through in tonight’s return match. However, they played with trademark hunger under Pep Guardiola as Messi became the first player to score five in a single Champions League game while substitute Cristian Tello added two in a performance of startling brilliance.

Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League after a spirited 3-0 second-leg victory over AC Milan saw them fall just short of a remarkable comeback. Trailing 4-0 after a nightmare performance at the San Siro a fortnight ago, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger knew his side faced a tall order to rewrite history and become the first team to recover from such a deficit in the competition. For an hour or so at Emirates Stadium it appeared as the record books would be torn up, as the Gunners reduced the deficit with first-half goals from Laurent Koscielny,

the impressive Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie’s penalty. However, the second-half onslaught never came as Milan - who had somehow managed to go out to Deportivo La Coruna in the 2003-04 quarter-finals, losing the second leg in Spain 4-0 having won 4-1 at home - regrouped and were not really troubled during the closing stages.

Benfica produced a dynamic performance to overturn a first-leg deficit against Zenit St Petersburg and earn a place in the last eight of the Champions League following a 2-0 win. The Portuguese team trailed 3-2 from the first match, which was played in freezing conditions at the Stadion Petrovskiy, with Roman Shirokov scoring his second goal of the night to win the game after Oscar Cardozo had levelled late on.

cricket

West Indies v Australia

1st oDI: west Indies v Australia at Kingstown - Mar 16, 2012Australia 204/8 (50 ov); West Indies 140 (32.2 ov)Australia won by 64 runs

2nd oDI: west Indies v Australia at Kingstown - Mar 18, 2012Australia 154/9 (40/40 ov); West Indies 163/5 (38.2/40 ov)West Indies won by 5 wickets (with 10 balls remaining) (D/L method)

3rd oDI: west Indies v Australia at Kingstown - Mar 20, 2012Australia 220 (49.5 ov); West Indies 220 (49.4 ov)Match tied

4th oDI: west Indies v Australia at Gros Islet - Mar 23, 2012West Indies 294/7 (50 ov); Australia 252 (46.3 ov)

West Indies won by 42 runs

5th oDI: west Indies v Australia at Gros Islet - Mar 25, 2012Australia 281/9 (50 ov); West Indies 251 (47.2 ov)Australia won by 30 runs

Result: Drawn 2-2 (5)

ISSA Boys and Girls champs 2012The 102nd staging of the Boys and Girls Athletic Championship will be held at the national stadium between March 28 – 31.Ticket prices are as follows: Season tickets: Premium - $5000, Regular - $4000Wed & Thurs: Grandstand - $300 adult, $100 children

Friday: Grandstand - $1800 , Bleachers $500Saturday: Grandstand - $2500, Bleachers $1000

Tickets should be available at the stadium ticket booth (outside the national stadium) starting March 28.Here is a recap of the points standing at the end of last year’s event, where Jamaica College and Holmwood Technical were winners.

IDfl

After three weeks the points standings are as shown above with EBD slayers on top with seven points and Winchester United below them on six points with a game in hand.

Even though it is still early days in the competition, SSIT has shown much improvement as they sit in third place with two draws and a win under their belt. Individual line and Barsenal have four points after three games each. SPS, FYCS, Re-AL Traders and FMD Global all need to gain some points if they are aspiring to progress to the next round.

Sports Rave The Bulletin Board

wANT To JoIN oNE of our SPorTS TEAMS?? contact any of the Managers/ Team Members listed below!

Sagicor Netball - Suzanne Brown | Sagicor Football - Gregory Christie | Sagicor Cricket - Eddie BaileySagicor Basketball - Barrington Groves

17

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31Birthday ListingAPRIL 1

Curdel Clarke Wilson Belmont DukesDean Miller Montego BayDwayne Lewis Spanish Town

APRIL 2

Romalee Wright Belmont DukesLillian Vernon Mandeville

APRIL 3

Christopher Givans IL Sales

APRIL 4

Neville Absalom Sagicor PropertyMarjorie Nugent EBD Claims C/SerDalton Morris Knutsford

APRIL 5

Blondel Hibbert-Brown EBD Claims C/SerVivienne Jones Insurance Op.Calvin Raynor Half Way TreeOmar Palmer New Kingston

APRIL 7

Nadine Campbell-Sutherland Knutsford

APRIL 8

Nicole Urquhart-Edwards Paramedic UnitFaith Vincent Investments

APRIL 9

Knox Tulloch Liguanea

APRIL 10

James Gordon MandevilleCamillo Witter Sagicor PropertyKerry-Ann Morgan EBD - SIU

APRIL 12

Marvin McLean Customer ServiceStacey-Ann Poyser Montego BayDawnet Coke New KingstonOmar Johnson MandevilleSuzanne Brown EBD - Underwriting

APRIL 13

Marcia Woolery Half Way TreeTracey Smith Brooks EBD - MarketingMichelle Wignall Belmont Dukes

APRIL 14

Trudy-Ann Merchant Spanish Town

APRIL 15

Nickeisha Graham Mgmt, Acctg & Reg.

APRIL 16

John Tulloch Knutsford

APRIL 17

Odine DaCosta Half Way TreeMark Edwards New Business

APRIL 18

Christopher King Corp. ActuarialMartin Clarke Corporate Circle

APRIL 20

Kirk Morris IT Local SupportGoffe Spencer Banking, Inv. & Sub.Suzanne James LiguaneaGary Mendez Knutsford

APRIL 21

Floyd Blair EBD - UnderwritingOral Bingham Shared Services ITCharla-Ann Francis Sagicor Ins. BrokersJermaine Burton LiguaneaMarlon Brown EBA Pension

APRIL 22

Beverley Fitzgerald EBD - Group Ins.Lincoln Williams Belmont DukesCheryl Burton New BusinessAlexia Watson Customer ServiceSophia Heywood EBD Claims P/U

APRIL 23

Victor Porter IL SalesCourtney Williams HolbornUda Martin Sagicor Cayman

APRIL 24

Morais Muir LiguaneaRosemarie Parkes Spanish Town

APRIL 25

Pauline Channer MandevilleDelma Roberts Ocho Rios

APRIL 26

Ilanzo Christie Half Way TreeJacqueline Somers-King Banking, Inv. & Sub.Andre Grant Senators

APRIL 28

Maureen Parker Clarke Spanish TownDahlia Campbell Reid Montego BayRobert Henry IT Local SupportAndrea Shand-McPherson Senators

APRIL 29

Nadine Dale Senators

APRIL 30

Ena Pantry Underwriting

18

March 27, 2012 | Volume 31

Want to contribute to the Sage?

The Sage is always looking for poems, short stories, photos or other forms of art to feature in our Sage Corner. Submit your best work to sage@sagicor.com.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Submit your advertising to be featured in the Sage Classifieds. Contact Ext# 7583 for more details.

How to contact us:

Send your comments, views and suggestions to sage@sagicor.com.

SUDOKU QUIZEach Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must everycolumn, as must every 3x3 square.

loNG SErvIcE rEcoGNITIoN

The Sage proudly recognises Marcia McKoy and Ava-Dawn McGregor Jones who reached the 20 year milestone this month here at Sagicor.

MArcIA McKoycorP. & INS. AccTG.

AvA-DAwN McGrEGor-JoNESuNDErwrITING