GenAc TT launches Today

General Accident Insurance Trinidad and Tobago (GenAc TT) will officially launch its operations today Monday, November 2, 2020.

Natasha Pettier, CEO of General Accident Insurance Trinidad and Tobago (GenAc TT)

The rebrand is part of the insurer’s entry into the twin-island republic with the acquisition of Motor One Insurance (Motor One) last October. This is General Accident’s first step into regional expansion and represents its first venture outside of Jamaica.

“The rebrand as GenAc TT’ benefits customers and stakeholders.  In the last year, we have proven to the customers of Motor One that we are committed to service, fairness and performance,” said Natasha Pettier, CEO of GenAc TT. “We have ensured that customers receive value, fast processing and claim payments and the assurance of stability.”

Pettier took over the operations of the legacy company on March 1, 2020 and was appointed as a director on the management board of GenAc TT.

She outlined that the diverse and proven team is already offering new and improved services, ease of doing business and a trusted partnership to Trinidad and Tobago.

“Along with what we are known for, we will be bringing new services and features such as concierge and roadside assistance to the market,” Pettier explained. “GenAc Trinidad has strong local roots and is looking to collaborate with our community associations.”

“All valid claims must be paid, people trust us with their money, their prized possessions, the sweat of their brows and we must never betray that trust,” Pettier declared.

Building On Strength 

GenAc TT is bolstered through its parent-company General Accident Jamaica Limited’s near 100-year history in the insurance sector. GenAc (Jamaica), which is a member of the Musson Group, owns 65 per cent of GenAc TT. 

Motor One had over 20,000 direct motor insurance policies and a large branch network.

With a strong balance sheet, excellent leadership and positive prospects, the company stands ready to serve Trinidad and the wider regional insurance market.

GenAc Jamaica’s Managing Director Sharon Donaldson said, “As we expand our Caribbean footprint, our values remain at the heart of how we do business. We strive for service that exceeds customer expectations and contribute to Caribbean development through robust and long-term financially strong decisions that are for the benefit of our customers, society, the environment and each other.”

GenAc ‘futureproofs’ Maisie Green

General Accident continued its support of the Maisie Green Learning Centre with some crucial donations for the 2020 academic year.

The early childhood development centre on Grants Pen Road was visited by General Accident Insurance Company’s Colesha Mahoney and Kerry-Ann Spencer on October 1, 2020.

The GenAc team toured the facilities and inspected previous renovations including the painted classrooms, the kitchen facilities, and the newly introduced isolation room as the school seeks to comply with Ministry of Education, Youth and Information COVID-19 Safety protocols.

“We are happy to see all the development and work that has taken place in preparation for the school year. General Accident is very pleased to make a donation of a few items that we know will be put to good use,” said Spencer.

Among the items donated, ahead of the start of this school year, were hand sanitiser and refillable dispenser, thermometer, masks and reusable cups, cutlery, and flatware among other items.

“We know that you really needed a computer, so we are elated that we were able to provide it,” said Mahoney. “This advanced desktop computer is an all-in-one unit with a built-in CPU and camera that will make it easier to conduct classes via Zoom.”

The principal Charmaine Bennett could hardly contain her excitement and said the donation of the computer which she noted would greatly assist the teaching and learning experience for the educators and students. General Accident previously donated appliances such as a microwave to the school. 

Maisie Green Learning Centre Principal Charmaine Bennett gratefully holds the advanced desktop computer donated General Accident Insurance Company on October 1, 2020.

“I just want to say thanks to General Accident for this generous donation, especially during this COVID period, we are overwhelmed. This computer was well needed, we were struggling to develop an action plan for online learning,” said Bennett. “The kids can now explore the world wide web as soon as they get back here. I am sure the teachers will appreciate this as well.”

LASCO Money first to bring ‘Boss Revolution’ to Jamaica

Remittance customers in Jamaica can soon receive Boss Revolution Money Transfer (IDT) from LASCO Money.

The latest offering allows friends and family in the diaspora another option to send money to their loved ones in Jamaica and LASCO Financial Services Ltd is elated to be the first remittance agency to bring Boss Revolution to remitters in Jamaica.

According to Ramon Davis, payment services manager at LASCO Financial Services Limited (LFSL) financial inclusion is a big company focus. 

“No one likes to feel excluded or that there are no options that suit them. Research shows that over 100,000 Jamaicans in the United States use Boss Revolution each month to send call credit to loved ones back home,” Davis said. “LASCO Money is always intent on discovering new ways to meet the demands of the market and provide simple and convenient services for our customers. By introducing Boss Revolution into our remittance network throughout Jamaica, we are creating more options for persons who rely on remittance to fund their day-to-day lives. We have identified a need and are meeting that need by adding this money transfer option to our catalogue.”

Payment Services Manager at LASCO Financial Services Limited (LFSL), Ramon Davis

IDT Corporation is a global provider of communications and payment services and launched Boss Revolution Money app in 2017. The service is available to send money from the US to Jamaica and 48 other countries worldwide, directly from an Android device or iPhone, any time of day.

Through a seamless process, customers will be able to receive money immediately at over 100 LASCO Money agent locations island-wide, using a valid government-issued ID accompanied by a Tax Registration Number, or its equivalent for foreign nationals.

“We’re especially happy to announce this new partnership with Boss Revolution in time when Jamaicans are embracing change and are looking for solutions that will suit their immediate needs.  Family members living in 50 states in America will be able to send their loved ones money through Boss Revolution Money Transfer and receivers can collect from LASCO Money, by picking up in location or receiving funds on their LASCO PAY Prepaid MasterCard or bank accounts with LASCO Money’s “Skip Di Line” feature” said LFSL marketing manager Danielle Harris-Drysdale.

Skip Di Line

Social distancing is made much easier with LASCO Money’s Skip Di Line service. Customers are invited to trade the long lines of the physical stores, for the convenience of a direct deposit to their LASCO PAY Prepaid Mastercard, or a bank account. Registration is quick and easy and can also be completed at https://www.lascojamaica.com/financial/skipdiline/.  

LASCO Financial Services Limited, which operates LASCO Money, has offered swift and revolutionary services to the Jamaican population for over a decade and is the leading provider of retail financial services.

Sean Paul Foundation donates rainwater harvesting system to three farmers

Romaine Hall from Jeffery Town, St Mary will have an easier time cultivating his crops this season. In fact, the 25-year-old farmer’s water woes have ended with the official handover of a rainwater harvesting system from Sean Paul Foundation (SPF) and Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica on Friday, September 11, 2020.

Hall is among farmers from each county, who received a system for their quarter acre farm, sponsored by the SPF and facilitated by FFP Jamaica. The other recipients are Livingston and Wangel Warner of Albion Mountain in St. Thomas and Maxine Gordon of Fern District in St. James. Each system, valued at $315,000, includes a rainwater harvesting shed, a 1,000-gallon storage tank with a 55 gallon drum for the application of fertiliser and a gravity feed drip-irrigation system.

Hall’s system is already reaping the benefits. After three days of rain, the tank is already three-quarters full of the life-sustaining element.

For Sean Paul, working with FFP gave him a sense of security.

“I decided to work with FFP Jamaica, because their programmes are geared towards the upliftment of our people and building our country. That’s the same thing I am on,” he said. “They are doing amazing, transparent work. People can see the high standard of help that they have given over the years. I just wanted to partner with someone who knew what they were doing.”

Significant Impact

Hall, the soft spoken former Tacky High School student, has already been using his system.

“I have a quarter acre of tomatoes here. But I have corn, yam and have plans to plant string peas,” said Hall. “I am very thankful to the Sean Paul Foundation and Food For The Poor for what they have done for me. I am a Godly person, so I will plant and God will do the rest.”

Romaine Hall stands in his quarter-acre tomato patch after the handover of his rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation system donated by Sean Paul Foundation and Food For The Poor Jamaica.

Maxwell Roberts, president of the Rising Youth Small Farmer Association of which Hall is a member, looked on with pride at the handover.

“Mi proud fi see what’s happening for Romaine, because before this project, it [the farm] was nothing. Romaine lost crops of tomatoes, sweet peppers and string peas to drought,” Roberts shared. “With this project, Romaine can farm right through the year. Before it would just be six months — the three last months of the year and three first months of the next. The water tank and the drip system will go a long way. This system is his first achievement. It can push him forward.”

FFP Jamaica’s Executive Director Kivette Silvera affirmed that the reach of the project is far-ranging.

“I can categorically say these rainwater harvesting systems will have a significant impact on small farmers. When you think about it, every year you hear about drought in Jamaica and farmers saying that they have suffered losses. If it is not raining, how can they water the farm?,” asked Silvera.

She continued: “So, the rainwater harvesting with drip irrigation system that Sean Paul has donated to farmers across the island will have a great impact. They will now be able to, not only catch water when it rains, but store it. Even when there is no rain, they can continue to water their farm and now have the capability to purchase water.”

Also at the handover was Glemond Grant, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) extension officer for Carron Hall, St Mary. Grant was on hand to share his technical support and knowledge on pest and disease management, and land husbandry. RADA shared the water harvesting system with drip irrigation prototype that FFP will now include in their list of projects to assist more farmers affected by the harsh drought conditions.

For Sean Paul, though the drought forecasted this year has not materialised, there is definite need for the project.

“Farming is the backbone of the country, and small farmers have been doing their part. This year was projected to be a drought year, we have been blessed with rain, but I am glad that we did it,” he said. “This project will go a long way. To be self-sufficient is an important thing. We will try to do more for other small farmers across the island.”

ABOUT SEAN PAUL FOUNDATION

The Sean Paul Foundation was formed five years ago by international dancehall superstar Sean Paul Henriques CD and his family. The Foundation concentrates on projects which will create income-generating connections to its recipients.  The SFP is also committed to making a positive and lasting impact on individuals and communities on our beloved island home.