volume 1 issue 4 oct-dec 2008 out with the old, · tracy‐ann scott december 27 shaan ... shaan...
TRANSCRIPT
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
P A G E 8
Don’t dwell on the mistakes of the past, make a change today, that will impact positively on tomorrow.
Success is more attitude than aptitude
THOUGHTS
Happy Birthday to :
Khamoy Mills October 2 Jacqueline James October 21 Yvette Wright November 16 Joy Cooper November 19 Carmelita McDonald November 28 Juliet Patterson December 7 Carol Myrie December 12 Tracy‐Ann Scott December 27 Shaan Morrison December 30
One morning after the arrival of a P.S.R.A staff member, she heard a loud commotion in the lobby…..
Three security guards were in an argument about who should be first to have their interview. When asked by a senior staff what was the problem . .the first security guard insisted on explaining . . . He said, “ I have been waiting for a Sentry. I left Sovereign early this morning just to get here on time.”
The second guard said “In my Quest to reach promptly I got a ride on an Elephant Trunk and I have been waiting and watching the staff arriving, from a Bulls Eye view”
“‘Well”, the third guard said abruptly, “I have been sit‐ting, waiting for a Millennium with my friend Ranger who fell asleep. I was awakened by Kingalarm, fright‐ened, I ran off at the First Alert, then I realized I got here first, excited I began to scream Atlas! Atlas! Atlas! “
“I don’t care” said the first guard. “I am not a Normal Security guard, I am a trained Marksman and I special‐ize in Protection and Security”.
“Well I am pretty special myself” said the second guard. “I am Securipro, blessed with Hawkeyes therefore I have a Binoc Vision which I use Sitewatch to Conquer”.
The third security guard went Ballistic “there’s no Sword and Shield that can stop me from getting the criminals that broke Tomlock. I use Technology Plus to come up with Tactical Solutions, I’ve got Super Sword, Karate and Security to give the Ultra Protection”.
Said the senior staff to the first guard, “you are a Patriot” and to the second, “you are a Lawman. You are All‐Stars. No need to enCounterforce. That should be your Last Resort.
Guess who got interviewed first?
P.S.R.A is here to serve you. GET REGISTERED!
The PSRA wishes to congratulate Major. Richard Reese on his appointment as PS in the Ministry of National Security.
Mr. Reese replaces Mr. Gilbert Scott effec‐tive December 1, 2008.
Shana-Kay Earl
6 Floor,
Office Centre Building
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston Mall
Tel: 967‐2522‐6
Fax: 967‐2478
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.psra.gov.jm
Registered Companies
4
INSIDE T H I S I S S U E
Out with the old, in with the new
1,2
Editor’s Note 2
PSRA Statistics 2
An Act of Brav-ery
3
A Rose Among Thorns
4,5
PSRA Christmas Celebrations
6,7
Welcome to New PS
8
Birthdays Thoughts
8
Allegory 8
Cont. on page 2
SPOTLIGHT O C T - D E C 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 4
It’s December 31st, the day when we say “Out with the old, in with the new”. While it’s not always easy to make that transi‐tion, in this case it means bidding goodbye to the 15 year‐old out‐dated system of identification and welcoming its more modern counterpart.
The new pocket sized ID card is printed on plastic instead of paper; hence it is weather resistant and more durable. It boasts a professional lay‐out and has the details clearly outlined. On the new card the Security Officer’s position is colour coded and well defined, for exam‐ple Armed Company Director / Private Investigator / Security Trainer. The expiry date is deliberately coloured in RED so that it serves as a reminder and should not be missed.
After a successful pilot and the over‐whelming response from our customers, there was no stopping the new process. In the first phase of the pilot, we captured the photographs and signatures of Security
Personnel who came into our offices for annual renewals.
Those whose photographs and signatures were of the best quality for processing were scanned for new IDs. As the officers ʺbrandishedʺ their new “treasure”, word got out
and suddenly we were under pressure to supply the “hot” commodity. No one wanted the paper ID. Frankly, we shared in their excitement. To date approximately 1200 new cards have been issued.
The PSRA is delighted to have em‐barked on this brilliant venture. Based on feedback we have obtained from our customers the new ID is well re‐ceived. There is a sense of excitement echoed by Security Officers: “finally mi ID nah go get wet inna de rainʺ, a 15 years mi a wait fi thisʺ. The only concern expressed however by the officers is that this ʺmasterpieceʺ ex‐pires after only one year. However de‐
NEXT ISSUE
March
2009
PSRA
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Claudia Stewart
Dear reader,
The moving trucks have once again ar‐rived at the doorstep. Its time to decide what we will keep and what we will throw out. Most people stop and think really hard about their new year’s resolutions even if these will be dis‐carded like worn, straggly clothing before January ends. By popular demand the PSRAʹs new ID card is a metaphor of this quarterʹs theme ʺout with the old, in with the newʺ. The theme went down well with the Permanent Secretaries, who as I recall, were doing their share of swapping old for new as well. Still in the festive mood, the PSRA staff put on their dancing shoes at the annual Christmas function held at the Four Seasons Hotel. But the party started well before that when on the 14th of November, the PSRA staff were seen ʺkicking up a stormʺ at the Terra Nova Hotel in celebration of our Executive Directorʹs award by ASIS. I jest not, when I say, there have been over‐whelming request to upload this video on You Tube. As we close the calendar year, amidst all the excitement, we cannot forget to thank you all for your tremendous support. Your feedback helps us to improve the quality of our publica‐tion so keep the comments coming. We look forward to continu‐ing to serve you.
Happy New Year from the SPOTLIGHT team !!!!
P A G E 2
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
The Editorial Note
Claudia Stewart
Coordinator – Claudia Stewart
Reporters - Adriana Irons, Courtney Jones, Carmelita McDonald, Shaan Morrison.
spite the durability of the new IDs, we are governed by the PSRA Act under which an annual renewal is required.
Effective January 1, 2009 the PSRA will stop issuing the pa‐per ID cards. If you are in possession of one of these cards, it does not mean that it is invalid. Bear in mind that on De‐cember 31, 2009 Paper IDs cards will be completely phased out.
Presently our processing time is fourteen (14) days. For 2009, we aim to reduce the turnaround time by one half and
Out with the old, in with the new. Cont. from page 1
As usual, the PSRA welcomes the new compa‐nies that have registered during the period October— December 2008.
Welcome to :‐
♦ ADAMS' SECURITY MANAGEMENT UNIT
♦ AEGEAN HAULAGE COMPANY LIMITED
♦ BULLS EYE SECURITY SERVICES
♦ CRIME PLUS SECURITY & COMPANY
♦ DURO INVESTIGATION AGENCY
♦ GLADIATOR SECURITY COMPANY
♦ NARCOTIC CANINE SERVICES
♦ NAS PROTECTION
The statistics this quarter
New Companies 8
Companies Renewed 44
New Guards 652
Guards Renewed 3,007
Remember compliance is the law.
ultimately to offer a ʹsame dayʹ service. In order to realize these goals, the PSRA needs your co‐operation. We implore all companies and secu‐rity officers to ensure that they submit clean photographs taken against a white background (no ink spots, staple marks or seal). The signa‐ture should be clearly written on or above the dotted line on the application form.
Out with the old in with the new!!!
P A G E 7
S P O T L I G H T Jul–Sep 2008
Adriana Irons Celebrati ns
friendly tone with beaming smile.
The chairman Major Dwyer (cool and down to earth) greeted us with all good wishes and success for the season and beyond. He also reminded us to strive for excellence and continue to be productive in 2009.
Before dinner Claudia “Deaconess” Stewart (as she was dubbed), blessed the meal and prayed that every‐one would be free from acci‐dents and mishap. Her prayers really worked. I am here to tell the tale of the Authority’s most memorable event of 2008.
The awards ceremony and presentation gave us the opportunity to be recognized for our work but most
of all since it is Christmas to hug and kiss our board members and other distinguished guests who took the time to present the awardees with their plaques and gifts. The awardees were as follows: Most Out‐standing Employee Claudia Stewart,
Most Helpful Khamoy Mills and Most Improved Jamilia Stewart.
Human Resource/IR Manager Mrs. Marcia Hector thanked everyone for their contribution to the success of this unforgettable celebration.
Exchange of pixie gifts and birthday celebrations out of the way, the dance floor was opened by our own Executive Director who faced competi‐tion from her staff Rochelle McCollin and Elsie Clayton. This years Christmas function was simply the best.
The Chairman and PS caught on candid camera with Ms. McCollin
These two are “up to no good”
A pixie hug and KISS
Ashe caught in the act
The birthday celebrants
Tra la la la la la…...
P A G E 6
Christmas is the season which generally brings people together. This year brought the PSRA staff together with the Honorable Minister of National Security, Colo‐nel Trevor McMillian, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary Major Richard Reese (congratulations on your appointment), the chairman, Major Winston
Dwyer and other mem‐bers of the Board of Di‐rectors.
We also had distin‐guished guests from the Ministry of National Security namely, Miss Merline Sterling, Miss. Sonia Segree and Miss. Jennifer McDonald from PICA (Passport Immigra‐
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
PSRA Christ as
Most outstanding award presented to Claudia Stewart
by Major Winston Dwyer (Chairman)
Lots of catching up
tion And Citizenship Agency also joined us .
All of this culminated at The Hotel Four Seasons on December 12th, 2008 where we had dinner in a festive and harmo‐nious setting. The dé‐cor was that of a place of warmth and togeth‐erness. Soothing en‐tertainment from five members of the me‐lodic Ashe group who serenaded us and had every one agreeing rhythmically.
Mr. Courtney Jones ( Senior Inspector), or should I say, Mr. Jovial Emcee surprised most of us. We did not know that he had it in him. He had us cracking up for most part. Though he cau‐tioned that there is usually a “slip between the cup and the lip” when one is an MC. In
his opening remarks he addressed the Board Mem‐bers as his “fellow Board members” — oops! Luckily we were warned.
Our Executive Director Ms. Rosalyn Campbell wel‐comed the distinguished guests and staff in her usual
Most helpful award presented to Khamoy Mills by Mr. George
Soutar (Board member)
Most improved award presented to Jamelia Stewart by Major. Richard Reese (PS
MNS)
The Executive Director greets Ms. Dianne
McIntosh (CTD MNS)
The Minister Col. Trevor McMillan and members of the Board
P A G E 3
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
In our last issue we broke the story of Sammy, our very own PSRA ‘kung fu hero’. Sammy’s story should have just stood as a single story about an act of bravery but this time it revealed itself in another very similar story.
I was at a banquet and awards ceremony where I met a remarkable gentleman named Howard Griffiths. An em‐ployee of G4S Security Ltd, Mr. Griffiths was one of the five (5) recipients but his citation stood out most as it de‐scribed a great act of bravery. I decided, as I had done when I heard Sammy’s story that this extraordinary story needed to be told.
It was just another quiet and ordinary day a few days after the passing of Hurricane Dean. Mr. Griffiths was hanging out with his family at home trying to do some cleaning up. Their home is located in the vicinity of the Kingston Ice Factory in downtown Kingston. Their quiet and seemingly uneventful day was disrupted by a loud explosion and screams and shouts of “Help!’ and ‘Fire!.” Everyone from his household along with the entire neighborhood rushed towards the direction of the explosion.
On arrival at the scene they saw an Oil Tanker on its side. It had apparently hit a utility pole breaking it and had caught fire with the oil running out into the street. As the curious onlookers got closer Mr. Griffiths said he could see the driver. He was trapped and laid unconscious in‐side the truck. Mr. Griffiths and five (5) other men imme‐diately started forging a rescue.
The police arrived on the scene shortly after and secured the area, without knowing that the driver was trapped inside the truck. The police then called for assistance as the blaze was now uncontrollable. They tried to order the would‐be rescuers off the truck as in the Police’s estima‐tion the situation was becoming too dangerous. The men however would not be deterred as there was a life to be saved.
Amazed by Mr. Griffiths’ and the rescuers lack of concern for their own safety, I asked him “why the fear of a mas‐sive explosion from the oil spill did not stop them. Mr.
Courtney Jones An act of Bravery 2 Griffiths explained that he had some knowledge and train‐ing from a previous job and he knew that as long as the gas was burning there would be no explosion. He said that his only concern was that the wind initially was blowing the fire in their direction. But as they worked to save this life, God was pleased and smiled on their efforts by shift‐ing the wind in the opposite direction. The would‐be rescuers were however scared at one point when they heard a loud explosion. But they returned when they found out that the explosion was caused by an air hose releasing pressure.
Finally, after many attempts to get the driver from the truck with all the implements that were available to them
failed, the rescuers resorted to using the broken light pole. When the driver was removed from the truck he was still unconscious. He however received a Jamaican first aid technique in the form of ‘a healthy Jamaican box’ in the face. This worked and awakened him.
Mr. Griffiths described how he felt knowing that he had saved a life. He flashed a beaming smile. “Words can‐not express”, he said. When asked if he would do it again knowing his life was at risk. Without skipping a beat “Yes I
would”.
Mr. Griffiths’ act of bravery is not being reported for the first time as he was featured in the Observer newspaper. Knowing that he was a hero, a celebrity of sorts, as well as being honoured by ASIS for his bravery, Mr. Griffiths said: “I feel Extremely great. Happy”. He smiled, break‐ing out into a laugh.
Mr. Griffiths never saw the gentleman whose life he had saved. He has heard that the lucky driver has visited the community a number of times to thank him for saving his life however.
The Bible says “what greater love is there, than for a man to lay down His life for a friend”. Mr. Griffiths risked his life, not for a friend but a stranger. This Act of Bravery is also a demonstration of how love transcends all things. It shows us the true nature of the human soul. To the truck driver we say give love and thanks to everyone you meet to Mr. Griffiths, we say well done.
P A G E 4
It was that time of year again and the Jamaica Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) pulled out all the stops for its Annual Awards Banquet which was held on Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Terra Nova Hotel. The function commenced at 7:00 p.m. with the serv‐ing of cocktails, and guests took the opportunity to mingle and greet each other. The PSRA ladies were decked out in their fineries and the “who’s who” of the private security industry were in attendance. What an evening it was !!
The Master of Ceremonies, Capt. John Richards did an excellent job and had the audience in stitches. The Invocation was led by the affable Commander Rainford Harding and Capt. Be‐wry gave the Welcome and Opening Remarks. Soothing entertain‐ment was provided by yeKengale. The Commissioner of Police, RearAdmiral Hardley Lewin was introduced by Mr. Radcliff Barrett asthe key note speaker. He spoke about the correlation between culture, corruption and crime fighting. He also outlined the strategies of the JCF to reduce the collective
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
R S
‐‐r s
P A G E 5
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
E among thorns All the awardees except Mr. Howard Griffiths were awarded for their contribution to the private security indus‐try. Mr. Griffiths received his for “an act of bravery”. The Chairman’s award was pre‐sented to Mr. Deryck Dwyer for his contribution to ASIS.
The evening finally came to a close after the drawing of the Gate Prize by Mrs. Tessa Lewin, Vote of Thanks was done by Andrew Wynter and Closing Remarks by Capt. John Richards. Some persons seemed to have been in the mood for a party afterwards as they could be seen getting down to the sound of calypso music . ASIS we are looking forward to next year’s event.
fear of all Jamaicans.
The Terrra Nova as usual lived up to its repu‐tation of provid‐ing scrumptious
meals and one and all seemed to thoroughly enjoyed the delicious fare.
The crowning moment was the pres‐entation to the awardees. The first award was presented to our Execu‐tive Director, Rosalyn Campbell, dubbed the rose among the gentle thorns– oops men. This was a proud moment for the PSRA family and she received a standing ovation from her staff as she walked to the podium to collect her award. Big up Miss C, continue the good work. The other awardees were: Capt. John A. Ulett, Managing Director of Security Ad‐ministrators Limited; Fitzroy R. Blake, Standards & Assessment Officer, National Council on Techni‐cal and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET); Ralston O. Pes‐soa, Managing Director of Atlas Pro‐tection, Howard Griffiths, Commu‐nication Duty Officer at Group 4 Securicor Limited.
Carmelita McDonald
P A G E 6
Christmas is the season which generally brings people together. This year brought the PSRA staff together with the Honorable Minister of National Security, Colo‐nel Trevor McMillian, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary Major Richard Reese (congratulations on your appointment), the chairman, Major Winston
Dwyer and other mem‐bers of the Board of Di‐rectors.
We also had distin‐guished guests from the Ministry of National Security namely, Miss Merline Sterling, Miss. Sonia Segree and Miss. Jennifer McDonald from PICA (Passport Immigra‐
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
PSRA Christ as
Most outstanding award presented to Claudia Stewart
by Major Winston Dwyer (Chairman)
Lots of catching up
tion And Citizenship Agency also joined us .
All of this culminated at The Hotel Four Seasons on December 12th, 2008 where we had dinner in a festive and harmo‐nious setting. The dé‐cor was that of a place of warmth and togeth‐erness. Soothing en‐tertainment from five members of the me‐lodic Ashe group who serenaded us and had every one agreeing rhythmically.
Mr. Courtney Jones ( Senior Inspector), or should I say, Mr. Jovial Emcee surprised most of us. We did not know that he had it in him. He had us cracking up for most part. Though he cau‐tioned that there is usually a “slip between the cup and the lip” when one is an MC. In
his opening remarks he addressed the Board Mem‐bers as his “fellow Board members” — oops! Luckily we were warned.
Our Executive Director Ms. Rosalyn Campbell wel‐comed the distinguished guests and staff in her usual
Most helpful award presented to Khamoy Mills by Mr. George
Soutar (Board member)
Most improved award presented to Jamelia Stewart by Major. Richard Reese (PS
MNS)
The Executive Director greets Ms. Dianne
McIntosh (CTD MNS)
The Minister Col. Trevor McMillan and members of the Board
P A G E 3
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
In our last issue we broke the story of Sammy, our very own PSRA ‘kung fu hero’. Sammy’s story should have just stood as a single story about an act of bravery but this time it revealed itself in another very similar story.
I was at a banquet and awards ceremony where I met a remarkable gentleman named Howard Griffiths. An em‐ployee of G4S Security Ltd, Mr. Griffiths was one of the five (5) recipients but his citation stood out most as it de‐scribed a great act of bravery. I decided, as I had done when I heard Sammy’s story that this extraordinary story needed to be told.
It was just another quiet and ordinary day a few days after the passing of Hurricane Dean. Mr. Griffiths was hanging out with his family at home trying to do some cleaning up. Their home is located in the vicinity of the Kingston Ice Factory in downtown Kingston. Their quiet and seemingly uneventful day was disrupted by a loud explosion and screams and shouts of “Help!’ and ‘Fire!.” Everyone from his household along with the entire neighborhood rushed towards the direction of the explosion.
On arrival at the scene they saw an Oil Tanker on its side. It had apparently hit a utility pole breaking it and had caught fire with the oil running out into the street. As the curious onlookers got closer Mr. Griffiths said he could see the driver. He was trapped and laid unconscious in‐side the truck. Mr. Griffiths and five (5) other men imme‐diately started forging a rescue.
The police arrived on the scene shortly after and secured the area, without knowing that the driver was trapped inside the truck. The police then called for assistance as the blaze was now uncontrollable. They tried to order the would‐be rescuers off the truck as in the Police’s estima‐tion the situation was becoming too dangerous. The men however would not be deterred as there was a life to be saved.
Amazed by Mr. Griffiths’ and the rescuers lack of concern for their own safety, I asked him “why the fear of a mas‐sive explosion from the oil spill did not stop them. Mr.
Courtney Jones An act of Bravery 2 Griffiths explained that he had some knowledge and train‐ing from a previous job and he knew that as long as the gas was burning there would be no explosion. He said that his only concern was that the wind initially was blowing the fire in their direction. But as they worked to save this life, God was pleased and smiled on their efforts by shift‐ing the wind in the opposite direction. The would‐be rescuers were however scared at one point when they heard a loud explosion. But they returned when they found out that the explosion was caused by an air hose releasing pressure.
Finally, after many attempts to get the driver from the truck with all the implements that were available to them
failed, the rescuers resorted to using the broken light pole. When the driver was removed from the truck he was still unconscious. He however received a Jamaican first aid technique in the form of ‘a healthy Jamaican box’ in the face. This worked and awakened him.
Mr. Griffiths described how he felt knowing that he had saved a life. He flashed a beaming smile. “Words can‐not express”, he said. When asked if he would do it again knowing his life was at risk. Without skipping a beat “Yes I
would”.
Mr. Griffiths’ act of bravery is not being reported for the first time as he was featured in the Observer newspaper. Knowing that he was a hero, a celebrity of sorts, as well as being honoured by ASIS for his bravery, Mr. Griffiths said: “I feel Extremely great. Happy”. He smiled, break‐ing out into a laugh.
Mr. Griffiths never saw the gentleman whose life he had saved. He has heard that the lucky driver has visited the community a number of times to thank him for saving his life however.
The Bible says “what greater love is there, than for a man to lay down His life for a friend”. Mr. Griffiths risked his life, not for a friend but a stranger. This Act of Bravery is also a demonstration of how love transcends all things. It shows us the true nature of the human soul. To the truck driver we say give love and thanks to everyone you meet to Mr. Griffiths, we say well done.
Dear reader,
The moving trucks have once again ar‐rived at the doorstep. Its time to decide what we will keep and what we will throw out. Most people stop and think really hard about their new year’s resolutions even if these will be dis‐carded like worn, straggly clothing before January ends. By popular demand the PSRAʹs new ID card is a metaphor of this quarterʹs theme ʺout with the old, in with the newʺ. The theme went down well with the Permanent Secretaries, who as I recall, were doing their share of swapping old for new as well. Still in the festive mood, the PSRA staff put on their dancing shoes at the annual Christmas function held at the Four Seasons Hotel. But the party started well before that when on the 14th of November, the PSRA staff were seen ʺkicking up a stormʺ at the Terra Nova Hotel in celebration of our Executive Directorʹs award by ASIS. I jest not, when I say, there have been over‐whelming request to upload this video on You Tube. As we close the calendar year, amidst all the excitement, we cannot forget to thank you all for your tremendous support. Your feedback helps us to improve the quality of our publica‐tion so keep the comments coming. We look forward to continu‐ing to serve you.
Happy New Year from the SPOTLIGHT team !!!!
P A G E 2
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
The Editorial Note
Claudia Stewart
Coordinator – Claudia Stewart
Reporters - Adriana Irons, Courtney Jones, Carmelita McDonald, Shaan Morrison.
spite the durability of the new IDs, we are governed by the PSRA Act under which an annual renewal is required.
Effective January 1, 2009 the PSRA will stop issuing the pa‐per ID cards. If you are in possession of one of these cards, it does not mean that it is invalid. Bear in mind that on De‐cember 31, 2009 Paper IDs cards will be completely phased out.
Presently our processing time is fourteen (14) days. For 2009, we aim to reduce the turnaround time by one half and
Out with the old, in with the new. Cont. from page 1
As usual, the PSRA welcomes the new compa‐nies that have registered during the period October— December 2008.
Welcome to :‐
♦ ADAMS' SECURITY MANAGEMENT UNIT
♦ AEGEAN HAULAGE COMPANY LIMITED
♦ BULLS EYE SECURITY SERVICES
♦ CRIME PLUS SECURITY & COMPANY
♦ DURO INVESTIGATION AGENCY
♦ GLADIATOR SECURITY COMPANY
♦ NARCOTIC CANINE SERVICES
♦ NAS PROTECTION
The statistics this quarter
New Companies 8
Companies Renewed 44
New Guards 652
Guards Renewed 3,007
Remember compliance is the law.
ultimately to offer a ʹsame dayʹ service. In order to realize these goals, the PSRA needs your co‐operation. We implore all companies and secu‐rity officers to ensure that they submit clean photographs taken against a white background (no ink spots, staple marks or seal). The signa‐ture should be clearly written on or above the dotted line on the application form.
Out with the old in with the new!!!
P A G E 7
S P O T L I G H T Jul–Sep 2008
Adriana Irons Celebrati ns
friendly tone with beaming smile.
The chairman Major Dwyer (cool and down to earth) greeted us with all good wishes and success for the season and beyond. He also reminded us to strive for excellence and continue to be productive in 2009.
Before dinner Claudia “Deaconess” Stewart (as she was dubbed), blessed the meal and prayed that every‐one would be free from acci‐dents and mishap. Her prayers really worked. I am here to tell the tale of the Authority’s most memorable event of 2008.
The awards ceremony and presentation gave us the opportunity to be recognized for our work but most
of all since it is Christmas to hug and kiss our board members and other distinguished guests who took the time to present the awardees with their plaques and gifts. The awardees were as follows: Most Out‐standing Employee Claudia Stewart,
Most Helpful Khamoy Mills and Most Improved Jamilia Stewart.
Human Resource/IR Manager Mrs. Marcia Hector thanked everyone for their contribution to the success of this unforgettable celebration.
Exchange of pixie gifts and birthday celebrations out of the way, the dance floor was opened by our own Executive Director who faced competi‐tion from her staff Rochelle McCollin and Elsie Clayton. This years Christmas function was simply the best.
The Chairman and PS caught on candid camera with Ms. McCollin
These two are “up to no good”
A pixie hug and KISS
Ashe caught in the act
The birthday celebrants
Tra la la la la la…...
S P O T L I G H T Oct–Dec 2008
P A G E 8
Don’t dwell on the mistakes of the past, make a change today, that will impact positively on tomorrow.
Success is more attitude than aptitude
THOUGHTS
Happy Birthday to :
Khamoy Mills October 2 Jacqueline James October 21 Yvette Wright November 16 Joy Cooper November 19 Carmelita McDonald November 28 Juliet Patterson December 7 Carol Myrie December 12 Tracy‐Ann Scott December 27 Shaan Morrison December 30
One morning after the arrival of a P.S.R.A staff member, she heard a loud commotion in the lobby…..
Three security guards were in an argument about who should be first to have their interview. When asked by a senior staff what was the problem . .the first security guard insisted on explaining . . . He said, “ I have been waiting for a Sentry. I left Sovereign early this morning just to get here on time.”
The second guard said “In my Quest to reach promptly I got a ride on an Elephant Trunk and I have been waiting and watching the staff arriving, from a Bulls Eye view”
“‘Well”, the third guard said abruptly, “I have been sit‐ting, waiting for a Millennium with my friend Ranger who fell asleep. I was awakened by Kingalarm, fright‐ened, I ran off at the First Alert, then I realized I got here first, excited I began to scream Atlas! Atlas! Atlas! “
“I don’t care” said the first guard. “I am not a Normal Security guard, I am a trained Marksman and I special‐ize in Protection and Security”.
“Well I am pretty special myself” said the second guard. “I am Securipro, blessed with Hawkeyes therefore I have a Binoc Vision which I use Sitewatch to Conquer”.
The third security guard went Ballistic “there’s no Sword and Shield that can stop me from getting the criminals that broke Tomlock. I use Technology Plus to come up with Tactical Solutions, I’ve got Super Sword, Karate and Security to give the Ultra Protection”.
Said the senior staff to the first guard, “you are a Patriot” and to the second, “you are a Lawman. You are All‐Stars. No need to enCounterforce. That should be your Last Resort.
Guess who got interviewed first?
P.S.R.A is here to serve you. GET REGISTERED!
The PSRA wishes to congratulate Major. Richard Reese on his appointment as PS in the Ministry of National Security.
Mr. Reese replaces Mr. Gilbert Scott effec‐tive December 1, 2008.
Shana-Kay Earl
6 Floor,
Office Centre Building
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston Mall
Tel: 967‐2522‐6
Fax: 967‐2478
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.psra.gov.jm
Registered Companies
4
INSIDE T H I S I S S U E
Out with the old, in with the new
1,2
Editor’s Note 2
PSRA Statistics 2
An Act of Brav-ery
3
A Rose Among Thorns
4,5
PSRA Christmas Celebrations
6,7
Welcome to New PS
8
Birthdays Thoughts
8
Allegory 8
Cont. on page 2
SPOTLIGHT O C T - D E C 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 4
It’s December 31st, the day when we say “Out with the old, in with the new”. While it’s not always easy to make that transi‐tion, in this case it means bidding goodbye to the 15 year‐old out‐dated system of identification and welcoming its more modern counterpart.
The new pocket sized ID card is printed on plastic instead of paper; hence it is weather resistant and more durable. It boasts a professional lay‐out and has the details clearly outlined. On the new card the Security Officer’s position is colour coded and well defined, for exam‐ple Armed Company Director / Private Investigator / Security Trainer. The expiry date is deliberately coloured in RED so that it serves as a reminder and should not be missed.
After a successful pilot and the over‐whelming response from our customers, there was no stopping the new process. In the first phase of the pilot, we captured the photographs and signatures of Security
Personnel who came into our offices for annual renewals.
Those whose photographs and signatures were of the best quality for processing were scanned for new IDs. As the officers ʺbrandishedʺ their new “treasure”, word got out
and suddenly we were under pressure to supply the “hot” commodity. No one wanted the paper ID. Frankly, we shared in their excitement. To date approximately 1200 new cards have been issued.
The PSRA is delighted to have em‐barked on this brilliant venture. Based on feedback we have obtained from our customers the new ID is well re‐ceived. There is a sense of excitement echoed by Security Officers: “finally mi ID nah go get wet inna de rainʺ, a 15 years mi a wait fi thisʺ. The only concern expressed however by the officers is that this ʺmasterpieceʺ ex‐pires after only one year. However de‐
NEXT ISSUE
March
2009
PSRA
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Claudia Stewart