JCDC to Host Customer Appreciation Day

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) plans to host a Customer Appreciation Day to recognise stakeholders partnering with the entity to stage the festivities commemorating the country’s 55th Independence anniversary.

This was disclosed by Acting Executive Director, Orville Hill, who said following the successful staging of festival events, culminating with the Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Independence Day, Sunday, August 6, “it is only appropriate to recognise (our partners) and show appreciation”.

Mr. Hill further advised that the JCDC, which he said was invited to participate in this year’s National Customer Service Week activities, has established a committee that has commenced work to develop and institute plans to improve service delivery to the agency’s internal and external clients.

He was speaking at Tuesday’s (September 5) launch of activities marking National Customer Service Week 2017 by the Jamaica Customer Service Association (JaCSA), from October 1 to 6, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, where he represented Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange.

Mr. Hill said the Ministry and its agencies, inclusive of the JCDC, fully endorse this year’s ninth staging of customer service week by the JaCSA.

This, he noted, “signals our strong commitment to service excellence and alignment with the Jamaica Customer Service Association’s quest to raise customer service standards nationally”.
Deputy Chairman of JaCSA, Richard Rowe, said the JCDC’s special involvement is in recognition of its role as the nation’s purveyor of culture.

“Culture plays a very important role in the development of customer-service skills. We (JaCSA) believe that it is through that cultural experience that persons are able to deliver the best customer service. We believe that the JCDC plays a critical role in shaping the mind as it regards our culture,” Mr. Rowe indicated.

President of JaCSA, Gina Tomlinson-Williams, acknowledged that while there are indications that customer service has improved, there is still room for further improvement.

“We are trying to bring light to improving customer service. We need to hold persons accountable for it,” she said.

Mrs. Tomlinson-Williams urged more companies to acknowledge internal clients who work to serve external customers.

More than 10 entities are expected to participate in the week-long celebratory activities.

Among the others who will join the JCDC are the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), HEART Trust/NTA, Urban Development Corporation (UDC), Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), Island Car Rentals and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Other organisations are being encouraged by the JaCSA to participate, in a bid to aid in further developing and improving customer service.

During the media launch, presentations were made to the 2017 National Customer Service Week Ambassadors – DHL Jamaica Limited and the Jamaica Public Service Company. Both entities have placed emphasis on developing internal customers and services.

The week of activities, which is being held under the theme ‘Service Comes Alive… Jamaica 55’, will include a church service at Webster Memorial United Church on Half-Way Tree Road; a two-day Service Excellence Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel; JaCSA Annual General Meeting; and a Service Excellence School Tour, among other activities.

The Jamaica Information Service has committed to featuring individuals providing stellar customer service during the week.