THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF BAHAMAS FIRST HOLDINGS LIMITED VOL 10 ISSUE 1 MARCH 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ♦ Marathon Bahamas

♦ No Complaining Rule

♦ Happy Valentines Day

♦ CCC Teambuilding session

♦ Corporate Values

♦ First 100 Days—new staff

♦ Motivational Quotes

♦ Staff News & New Staff

♦ Birthdays and Anniversaries

♦ Toastmasters Column

♦ Customer Service

♦Training Session with FINCO

♦ 3 L’s Session (Life-Long Learning)

♦ Gloria Thompson ‘s Retirement

♦ Cayman First

♦Jokes and Bits and Pieces

♦ Positive & Progressive Attitude

♦ Junior Achievement (JA)

♦ No Complaining Rule

♦ HR Tidbits

Bahamas First Group

CORPORATE VALUES

**Integrity

**Accountability

**Transparency

**Excellence

**Employee Development

**Financial Stability

**Good Corporate

Citizenship

NO COMPLAINING RULE

Nicole

Leary—all

by her lone-

some. Cool

as a cucum-

ber, striding,

sliding and

coming

first??

Also partici-

pating were

Tracy

Bonczek and

Chandrice

Ferguson.

Shakaria Hopkins-

Moxey won the appre-

ciation award for

“SOMEONE WHO IS

POSITIVE A GREAT

DEAL OF THE TIME

IN THE OFFICE,

COMPARED TO

OTHER COL-

LEAGUES.” We

would like to honour

her for her consistent

behaviour, attitude,

happy morning greet-

ings, smiling face, pos-

itive messages and

smiley faces through-

out the day.

Thank you all so very

much…..I am POSI-

TIVELY ELATED!

So I guess I should not

complain about the 49ers

not winning the Super

Bowl and just be grateful

that they made it there…

MARATHON BAHAMAS

CCC CO-ORDINATED EVENT: TEAM BUILDING SESSION

& GETTING TO KNOW OUR COLLEAGUES BETTER

Thanks to Neil Culmer, Jeffery Davis, Anthony Ingraham, Valya

Gray, Bebie Farrington and Desiree Coakley for introducing them-

selves and saying what their jobs entail. Great job everyone!!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Cherry Lee Pinder – CP

Training and Consulting

Services conducted a lively

and fun session on Team

building

CCC Chairman, Gina Sands, in

front, assisting our facilitator

Valarie Wilson

testing her

memory

FIRST INSIGHT 2

FIRST 100 DAYS

Theresa Culmer, CSR, NUA

Palmetto Point, Eleuthera

Has it really been 100 days already? I must say that I

am happy to be a part of the NUA family where I have

been warmly welcomed. As with any new venture the

uncertainty of not knowing what lives ahead brings

with it some degree of apprehension but as the plans to

open our new office unfolded the apprehension quickly

turned into excitement. There is a certain amount of

stress involved in any job but time management, set-

ting daily goals and prioritizing has made the job man-

ageable. I have the good favor of being able to have a

great team to work with; thanks to Jennymae Gaitor

and Yvette Stuart for making their invaluable contribu-

tion to the success of the past 100 days.

My expectations? I expect that there will be many op-

portunities presented that will enhance our overall

knowledge of our products and services that will enable

me and the staff at NUA Eleuthera to increase produc-

tivity by offering excellent quality service in a timely,

accurate, efficient and professional manner, to our cli-

ents, resulting in not only their continuous return to our

business but encourage others by sharing about their

unforgettable experience. I must say that I am thankful

to Mr. Stanford Charlton, Ms. Elizabeth Smith, Mrs.

Daphne Rolle, Mr. Mark Taylor, Portia Davis, Valya

Gray, Valarie Wilson and Wanda Smith for their con-

tinuous support.

How can things be improved? Focus on developing

what’s positive and using the negatives as a catalyst for

change.

Submitted by Randanette Moss-Valcin

Administrative Assistant, NUA

In joining a new company there are always going to be challenges. How-

ever, it’s not only about the challenges you may face but how you handle

them. It is a privilege to be a part of the NUA and Bahamas First team!

I was pretty nervous my first day; however, after meeting the entire

NUA and Bahamas First staff I felt comfortable and right at home. Eve-

ryone seems quite friendly and polite.

Over the past 100 days I’ve gotten an opportunity to learn so much, par-

ticularly from the Customer Service Workshop which I thought was very

informative. It is always great to be reminded of good work ethics and

improvements you may need to make either personally or in order to be a

good team player.

As mentioned numerous of times, team work is very important; there-

fore, I am so grateful for the persons who have taken the time to assist

me with my queries. Although I am still getting into the swing of things,

I can honestly say I really enjoy my job. I believe once I continue to

remain focused and be a great team player, I will be able to accomplish

my future goals and move forward in the company.

Submitted by Neil Culmer, Business

Analyst/Database Administrator, IT

I started working at Bahamas First on Dec 3, 2012.

I came with an open mind and was eager to use my

skills and learn new ones to help the company grow

from strength to strength. The first 100 days have

been great. roles. The culture here seems to be that

of a tight knit family. Everyone seems to have an

open door policy and no person is too busy to enter-

tain a question from the new guy. From the CEO

downwards, everyone is very helpful. The HR de-

partment keeps us well informed as employees with

regards to different workshops and information ses-

sions that occur throughout the year.

I have gone through numerous training sessions in

my short time here. This is very important in em-

ployee development. I am grateful to be a part of

the Bahamas First team, as we continue to grow and

maintain our stake as market leader in general insur-

ance.

Jeffrey Davis, P.E. Asst. Risk Surveyor, Underwriting My orientation included a very informative and helpful meeting with the Gp.

HR & Training Manager and documentation by the HR Officer, who took me

on a tour and to meet all the management and staff. My initial impression

was that there seemed a real collegial, although professional environment. As

a new employee, I was pleased with the reception and the job in general of

HR getting us settled in and acclimated. My work station, however, was a

bit ‘open ‘ and not particularly conducive to report writing but one of the

benefits becoming more familiar with the other employees as they traversed

by. This facilitated a better rapport and accessibility to feedback and ex-

change of information. I expected a bit more formal preparation, and stand-

ardization of job orientation but this was a minor issue that I quickly adapted

to. There was also an adjustment in terms of office administration:- coming

from a management background, to experience the bureaucracy involved with

a request for a stapler or set of folders. I realized with every new opportunity

there is a need to adjust, and the insurance culture is no different.

I was pleased to find out that BF endeavored to foster a positive and healthy

culture with programs like walking, Insanity™, bowling, Zumba and the

tremendous support towards Junior Achievement and was serious about pro-

fessional and personal development through training. After a session on In-

surance Terms and Policies I was pleasantly surprised to find out how inter-

esting the insurance field itself was and I was intrigued to learn about subro-

gation, the statutory limits of Insurance claims, and particularly the concept of

averages for under-insured risks. I was also very pleased with the work of the

U/W Dept. My past work experience provided a good backdrop to the work

in Risk Surveying, as I was able to see and assess the risk from multiple per-

spectives. Along with mitigating avoidable claims and potential accidents,

this makes the work perpetually interesting and rewarding.

The transition was made smoother by the thoughtful persons U/W Depart-

ment, particularly Shakaria Moxey, who went beyond to assist me with an-

swering questions about POINT IN to understanding the culture. BFG has a

lot of good going for it, but I would suggest a point for improvement which

may be tied to the already in-progress ERM:-The need for written standardi-

zation of all pertinent policies and procedures (including job orientation) in an

accessible location. My first 100 days has been a positive one overall.

STAFF MOTIVATIONAL

FIRST INSIGHT 3

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within

May you trust God that you are exactly where you

are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born

of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and

pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your

soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Lit-

tle Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses.

"Life is short, forgive sooner and always keep smiling.”

Submitted by

Kezia Saunders

NUA

Submitted by Dennis Lockhart, Risk Surveyor, Underwriting

I make choices that help me grow as a spiritual being.

Spiritual growth is an ongoing process and a very personal one. I open myself to insights every

day and my lessons come in many ways. From the moment I wake to the time I go to sleep, I

have opportunities to learn and grow.

An important part of my spiritual development is learning to make wise choices. I can choose to

have a positive attitude or a negative one. I can choose to make healthy or unhealthy decisions

for my mind and body. I can choose to enhance my relationships, treating others in kind and re-

spectful ways.

Spiritual lessons are always available. I embrace them and rise to a higher level of understand-

ing each day. Choose this day whom you will serve … but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.—Joshua

24:15

Romans 12:1 KJV

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye pre-

sent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is

your reasonable service." Joy comes from thanksgiving.

Submitted by Charles Wallace, Retiree

Submitted by Nicole Leary

“A noteworthy occurrence was

the unexpected passing of my

father in December in my first

100 days. Although very chal-

lenging for me (especially with

the new work environment), it

provided an example of the posi-

tive atmosphere at BF as so many

persons showed me tremendous

support in a difficult time. I was

and remain grateful.” Jeffrey Da-

STAFF NEWS

FIRST INSIGHT

Bahamas First Holdings Ltd.

Bahamas First Centre

32 Collins Avenue

P. O. Box SS-6238

Nassau, Bahamas

4

FIRST INSIGHT

I am daughter of Joshua E Culmer, JP a

long time sub-agent of NUA whom I had

the pleasure of working with for about

thirty years.

Married: Husband, Gregory Stuart and

mother of two girls Delicia (21) and Tabi-

tha (19). I reside in the settlement of Low-

er Bogue, North Eleuthera.

Fav. Food: Rack of lamb.

Fav. Music: Gospel and R & B ballads

Fav. Colors: Anything bright.

Fav. Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby.

Religion: Methodist. I enjoy meeting peo-

ple and playing the organ.

The winner of Producer of Quarter for Q4 was

Simone Henfield! The results for the top three

positions are as follows: Simone Henfield, Ka-

ren Curtis & Kiesha Davis. Honorable Mention

for also doing well goes out to Blythe Bailey, Caron

Moss and Tanya Miller Mortimer.

The winner gets their photo placed on the plaque at

Head Office, lunch with Managing Director & Senior

Manager and parking for a month in southern parking

lot at Head Office for Collins Avenue staff. Persons

not located at Head Office get a half day off. All of

the winners for 2012 will also be featured in a newspa-

per advertisement during Q1 of this year.

NUA PRODUCER OF THE QUARTER Carifta 2013 Sponsorship.

Warren Rolle, Managing Director,

NUA, Basil Christie and Elizabeth

Smith, Office Manager

NEW STAFF

Submitted by Gina Sands, Personal Lines Manager

After a two week long competition for staff to develop a

winning customer service theme, on Dec. 17th, 2012, NUA

officially launched it’s customer service program under

the theme, P.R.I.D.E. with Valya Gray and Shanria

Cooper winning the theme competition.

PRIDE, an acronym which stands for Personal Re-

sponsibility In Delivering Excellence is the customer

service creed that all staff, including managers, aims to

work by every day. In addition to the umbrella theme, the

customer service program incorporates service delivery

benchmarks that hinge on our customer’s expectations. In

other words, our customer service program was developed

with the client’s needs as the primary perspective.

To date, we have conducted customer service training

workshops for all staff, in addition to ongoing secret shop-

per evaluations which allow the opportunity for staff to

receive instant feedback.

Our internal and external customers are excited, and have

expressed that there is indeed a noticeable difference in

the customer service landscape of NUA.

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!!!

Ida Yvette Culmer-

Stuart, part-time

CSR prefers to be

called Yvette.

FIRST INSIGHT

S T A F F N E W S

5

ANNIVERSARIES Valerie Wilson 2yrs Jan 1st

Valerie Clarke 6yrs Jan 8th

Paula Adderley 2yrs Jan10th

Nikez McDonald 12yrs Jan26th

Bebie Farrington 25yrs Feb 1st

Annette McSweeney 15 yrs Feb 2nd

Edith Bethel 24yrs Mar 1st

Patrick Ward 29yrs Mar 1st

Latia Miller 2yrs Mar 1st

Stanford Charlton 3yrs Mar 1st

Patrenella Storr 6yrs Mar 5th

Gregory Williams 36yrs Mar14th

Nicole Leary 3yrs Mar 15th

Karen Curtis 39yrs Mar 26th

Elizabeth Smith 18yrs Mar 27th

TOASTMASTERS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Toastmasters is not only about Pub-

lic Speaking but about Listen-

ing—an important aspect and

much needed skill.

Listening to a speaker’s words,

content, meaning, story and history

can benefit toastmasters and in-

crease club comraderie and friend-

ship.

So listen carefully and actively

when people speak. If someone

were to test you after listening to a

story, would you get 100 % of the

facts correct, and would you have

the main parts of the story accu-

rate? If not, you might have been

distracted, not paying attention,

multi-taking, or interrupting with

questions of your own.

So next time someone says,

“Listen...get your mind and body

ready to receive the words by active

listening. No story is “not interest-

ing.”

Listening is an Act of Love!

In handling my problem, Criselle was warm, friendly and in-

formative. I am a manager and I work in customer service, I

expect nothing but the best out of people that work in service

as well. Criselle turned a frown into a smile.

Satisfied customer

Just a note for you to encourage the staff in the Claims De-

partment, as I have received some very good feedback

from clients who were very impressed with professional ser-

vices received from the Claims Department, especially the

First Response Team. Great Work.. Satisfied customer

Carolyn Rolle Jan 1st

Queen Rolle-Stubbs Jan 5th

Chandrice Ferguson Jan 8th

Linda Thompson Jan 13th

Shevia Ferguson-Kemp Jan 20th

Patrick Ward Jan 22nd

Adrian Glinton Jan 23rd

Kezia Saunders Jan 26th

Latia Miller Jan 26th

Renee Gibson Feb 3rd

Rashad Storr Feb 4th

Bonnie Nguyen Feb 4th

Mark Taylor Feb 11th

Shanya Miller Feb 12th

Keith Rolle Feb 14th

Shantell Wilson Feb 14th

Margarita Newbold Feb 24th

Delores Joseph Feb 28th

Shekera Sears Feb 29th

Neil Culmer Mar 1st

Marvin Bain Mar 11th

Drew Bartlett Mar 12th

Theresa Culmer Mar 14th

Travis Donald Mar 15th

Harvey Braithwaite Mar 21st

Gloria Thompson Mar 25th

BIRTHDAYS

3 L’s Session:

Life-Long

Learning on

Feb. 21

Mrs. Cyprianna Bethel

conducted a session on

Choices, Decisions &

Actions and Developing

a Positive and Progres-

sive Attitude. Tips are

shared on page 9.

Bonnie Nguyen, Group

HR & Training Manag-

er coordinated the sec-

ond in a series of ses-

sions for 19 employees,

continuing with En-

gagement, 20 Ways to

Beat Stress & Life –

Long Learning

Marvin Bain

with FINCO

Insurance Agen-

cy training

group– “Home

Insurance

Claims” on

March 20

FIRST INSIGHT

6

STAFF NEWS

Gloria Thompson’s RETIREMENT after 46 years at the end of March interview with Bonnie Nguyen , Group HR & Training Manager

Did you always want to work in insurance? What was it like back in 1967 when

you joined? This was my first job after I completed Western Senior. My neighbor, who worked at NUA, called and asked if I would be

interested in a messenger position. The office was located on Bay St. overhead the Pipe of Peace with a smaller office

through Parliament St. It was Solomon Brothers, Western Assurance and Commercial Union. The ladies who worked there

were educated and very nice - Octavia Johnson, Dolly Edgecombe, Cynthia Duncombe, Joyce Johnson and Rosie Stubbs.The

company was managed by Peter Jeal and Ken Brieley. They hired me immediately at $35.00 a week. In my free time I used to

sit in the courts and listen to the cases. Mr. John Dunkley joined one week later. Mr. Anthony Walker joined while we were

on Bay Street. In 1966 N.U.A. was formed. As the business expanded, we moved to Dowdeswell St. Mr. Quentin Chisnall

came on a cross training course. Annette Woods joined to work with Mr. Dunkley and we also hired an Office Manager, Mr.

Belcher. By that time Mr. Jeal, Mr. Brieley and Mr. Belcher left, Mr. Chisnall was asked by Mr. Fane Solomon to stay on as

the manager. After about 2 – 3 years, I was asked if I could work in filing when the filing clerk went on sick leave. Later a

job became vacant in the typing area but I didn’t get it because I did not know how to type. So I took some typing courses and

later went into the Claims Department for half-day and in the filing department for half-day but as Claims expanded I went in

Claims full time. I worked under Agnes Glinton. I then moved to the IT Department what was a part of the accounts depart-

ment. Later Shelia Guy was hired to be in charge of the IT Department, she never got tired of explaining things and answer-

ing questions about the job. Here I learnt the AS400 – the batch system. Nobody wanted the job but I perfected it and not to

boast but I became a subject matter expert. Mrs. Guy became ill and died while we were at Star Plaza Mackey Street. Debo-

rah McKinney replaced her. Ms. McKinney’s biggest lesson – “always leave a paper trail.” Marisa Ahwai was hired as IT

Consultant. Octavia Johnson left before we moved from Dowdeswell St. to Star Plaza. Karen Curtis, Blythe Bailey and Bar-

bara Sawyer joined when we were at Star Plaza. Bahamas First opened up and moved to Collins Avenue. Barbara Sawyer and

Sherry Cox were chosen to go with Ms. McKinney and Sylvia Rolle and I stayed at NUA.

Who were some of your mentors/supervisors? Kevin Hudson is my biggest mentor/teacher. He knows insurance, he’s nice, knowledgeable, takes the time to explain, and has

never turned me down; Richard Darville was another mentor who always said, “Do what you were hired to do. If your man-

ager has to do your job, you might as well not be here.” I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for Mr. Patrick Ward

who has always shown me respect. He may appear not to be listening or doesn’t know what is happening in the office but he

is aware of everything. Pauline Ward is very caring and wants the best for all staff but she is a no-nonsense woman; John

Dunkley was a blessing when he suggested I move from NUA to BFG. I thought I was coming to go in IT but I was put in

Underwriting. I didn’t know anything about policies except how to produce documents or do endorsements, but now I have a

better understanding of the different types of policies.

Most of my supervisors were women: Agnes Glinton, Sheila Guy, Deborah McKinney, Marisa Ahwai and Pauline Ward. I

have a lot to thank God for putting these ladies in my life.

If you had to do one thing over, what would it be?

Since the emphasis is on paper qualifications, I would have gotten some.

My advice to the new generation:

Anything your Company asks you to do, do it with a smile; it will be to your advantage. I have no regrets and have led a full

life. I love to work and it was a pleasure to come to work. There is some good in every person working at Bahamas First/

NUA.

FIRST INSIGHT 7

CAYMAN FIRST

In July 2012, I got sick from fish poison. I was hospitalized on July 27,

2012. After a few days the circulation in my right foot began to fail. On

August 13th doctors decided that there was no longer any blood going

to my foot and on August 15th my foot was amputated. As you can im-

agine I was overwhelmed by so many concerns and emotions. This was

my second amputation and at first I thought that I would have so many

challenges ahead of me - the raising of my two teenage children, the

loss of my job, the loss of my home and the list goes on. As the days

passed my co-workers and management were constantly checking on

me to find out how I was doing and if I needed any assistance for me or

my kids. After talking to Elisa Brown (HR) and Mr. Gordon Philip

(CFO) and expressing my concern about me having a job to return to,

they assured me that my job would be there. Mrs. Brown told me to fo-

cus on getting better. This made every difference to me as I was now

put at “peace of mind”, and was able to focus on a speedy recovery. I

returned to my job on January 2, 2013. I am so very grateful for all of

Cayman First Insurance for being there for me and my family during

my illness.

Darlene

Darlene Manzanares, Customer Care

Representative

Informative Broker breakfast on Feb. 20th.

Michael Gayle, General Manager standing at front.

John Grey High School Career Fair (year 11 kids)

which we took part in on Feb 19th. It was a great

experience and we really enjoyed talking to the kids.

Michael

Gayle

standing.

Kahlil Stra-

chan, Busi-

ness Dev.

Manager

and Elisa

Brown, HR

Office &

Admin Of-

ficer sitting

Kahlil

Strachan

explains

insurance

to students

FIRST INSIGHT

8

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wis-

dom

and they haven 't taken it, don 't be hard on yourself.

If God had trouble raising children (Adam and Eve) what makes

you think it would be a piece of cake for you ?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT !

1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to

walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit

down and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God 's reward for not killing your own chil-

dren.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat

word for word what you shouldn't have said.

5. The main purpose of holding children 's parties is to remind

yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Be nice to your kids..

They will choose your nursing home one day!

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A

HEADACHE, DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOT-

TLE:

'TAKE TWO ASPIRIN ' AND 'KEEP AWAY FROM CHIL-

DREN!

Lawyer to Polish man:

Why do you want this di-

vorce?

My wife is going to kill me.

What makes you think that?

I got proof.

What kind of proof?

She going to poison me.

She buy a bottle at drugstore

and put on shelf in bathroom.

I can read English pretty

good, and it say:

JOKES

Editor’s note:

Submitted by (someone whose name

I won’t put)...and they don’t even have

to deal with children– ANY EXCUSE,

ANY TIME OF THE DAY

D

E

M

E

N

T

I

A

Submitted by

Shakaria Moxey,

Underwriting

BITS AND PIECES

FIRST INSIGHT 9

Editor’s Notes

It is said that if you want to be happy, develop relationships with

your coworkers. Do you believe this? Write and let me know.

Staff said….

“Yes, I agree—we spend the majority of our time at work. “

“Yes, we spend so much time with coworkers.”

“Yes but to a certain extent. It is important to be peaceable with

others. One can have a great working relationship with co workers;

however, it shouldn’t be too personal, considering the fact that

persons may seem to be trustworthy but turn out to be the opposite.

We shouldn’t seclude ourselves from our co workers, but we

should be very careful who we discuss our business with. We

spend a great deal of our time at work, so developing great work-

ing relationships will bring some happiness to our lives.”

“I agree that if you want to be happy “on the job” you should de-

velop “healthy” relationships with your co-workers. The truth of

the matter is that most people would say that this is true, but may

be too selfish (or proud) to respond affirmatively! Or maybe, they

were just ‘thrown off” by the term “relationships”

Be kind when-ever possible. It is always possible.

Dalai Lama

Submitted by Barbara Sawyer, IT

Life is like a camera...

Focus on what's important

Capture the good times

Develop from the negatives.

And if things don't work out, Just take another shot!

Developing a Positive and Progressive Attitude by Cyprianna Bethel

1. Resilience—ability to bounce back from failure or setbacks

2. Creativity—come with new ideas on making improvements

3. Optimism—success, longevity and happiness are by-products

4. Conflict resolution skills—seeing how other people think and feel

5. Emotional Intelligence—manage and express your emotions and understand others

6. Attitude of Achievement—ability to set challenging goals, take calculated risks and im-

prove performance

7. Self-motivation—an optimistic attitude creates a culture of innovation

8. Confidence—belief in your ability and your ability to impact your environment

9. Focus—stay committed to the tasks, take responsibilityand align your goals to company

goals

10. Maturity—Stephen Covey defined maturity as “the ability to express one’s own feelings

and convictions balanced with consideration for the thoughts and feelings of others.”

FIRST INSIGHT

10

Submitted by Andre Moncur, FRL

Why? Because they don’t get the training they need

to:

Deal with people

Manage other people’s work

Mediate conflict

Be good at project management

Juggle deadlines

Hire and fire

Deal with HR issues

Communicate goals and expectations clearly

(leaving everyone floundering)

The skills that win the promotion—usually expert

technical know-how, a good work ethic, and a good

attitude—won’t help prepare for all the unexpected

challenges managers face. Management and leader-

ship skills may not always come naturally, they

can—and must—be developed.

It’s no wonder that 40% of new managers fail

within the first 18 months of promoting them.

FIRST INSIGHT 11

Information

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Dear Woman of God, Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awe-someness. God is able to do the impossible and is always near. He loves us unconditionally. Submitted by Shakaria Moxey, Underwriting

Get out ahead of life If you feel burdened by having too much to do, choose to do even

more. Make it your choice, your genuine intention, and it will no

longer be your burden.

When life asks much of you, get out ahead of life and give even

more. Put yourself in control by putting yourself into action.

Don’t complain about how bad you have it. Let your actions ex-

press how very good you can be.

Commit to an authentic, meaningful purpose and then follow that

purpose with joyful persistence. Know specifically where you’re

going and you won’t be easily misled.

Take action and you won’t have to live with doubt. Make a differ-

ence and you won’t be forced to make excuses.

Opportunity is everywhere, especially when it doesn’t seem to be.

Live like you mean it by putting your highest hopes, visions and

values into action.

— Ralph Marston

Submitted by Bebie Farrington, Accounts

JA F.L.I.G.H.T.S. ON THE MOVE—JA Advisors and Achievers hit Bay Street by storm—selling

cupcakes, cake, tarts and their valentine baskets and jewelry.

Lamar holding the sign.

JA Talent Night - Advisors—Shakaria, Criselle

and Shevia enjoy the talent and jokes! Some advisors are appreciated by students

Bake Sale and Valentine Products Sale on Bay Street and Long Wharf—what a fun time!

Annual Bahama Health Session

FIRST INSIGHT

Bahamas First Holdings Ltd.

Bahamas First Centre

32 Collins Avenue

P. O. Box SS-6238

Submit articles to:

bonnien@bahamasfirst.com Bonnie Nguyen—Editor/Producer

Annette McSweeney, CPS, BSc.—Co-producer

FIRST INSIGHT 12

CONTRIBUTORS: Nicole Leary, Bonnie Nguyen, Gina Sands, Kezia

Saunders, Jeffrey Davis, Neil Culmer, Theresa Culmer and Randanette Valcin,

Shakaria Hopkins-Moxey, Charles Wallace, and the Cayman team—Elisa

Brown, Khalil Strachan and Darlene Manzanares.

Editor’s Message Bonnie Nguyen Group HR/Training Manager

Happy Valentines Day and Happy Easter

It’s already the end of March….a quarter

of the year—GONE! and life goes on..

Let’s try to be more mindful and conscious

of others around us. Let’s become more

aware of ourselves. Reflect more on who

and what we are. Think about the affect

you have on others. Constantly strive to

be a better person and let others see the

“NEW and IMPROVED YOU!

Annual Pension Session

HR TIDBITS—DID YOU KNOW….

(Employee Handbook pages 14—15)

Attendance & Punctuality

Absence from work for any period without notify-

ing our manager/supervisor is unacceptable and is

subject to disciplinary action.

Absence from work for three (3) consecutive days

without notifying your Manager or the HR Depart-

ment will be considered a voluntary resignation.

Excessive Absenteeism or Lateness

In general, five absences in a 90-day period, or a

consistent pattern of absence, will be considered

excessive and the reasons for the absences may

come under question. Tardiness or leaving early is

as detrimental to Bahamas First as an absence.

Three (3) such incidents in a 90-day period will be

considered a "tardiness pattern" and will carry the

same weight as an absence. Other factors, like the

degree of lateness, may be considered.

Be aware that excessive absenteeism, lateness or

leaving early may lead to disciplinary action, in-

cluding possible dismissal.

The NO COMPLAINING RULE:

by Jon Gordon

Over the quarter, we have looked at curtailing

negative habits such as sucking your teeth and

gossiping and instituting a healthier atmosphere,

having fun at work and being happier and more

positive.

Shakaria Moxey was appreciated for being the

most positive by her colleagues who responded

and should be an encouragement to all.

Alana Ingraham, Sr. Manager, Group Sales at Family

Guardian speaks to an interested crowd on 26th March.

Larry Gibson & Desiree Parker, Colonial Pension

Fund Administrators and Shantell Saunders, Pension

Consultant visited on 12th February. As usual they

stressed the importance of long term investments and

talked about the new Pension legislation.