I

Hon. Steadman Fuller

greet you all from my desk at 74 King

Street. In a few days we will culminate
celebrations marking the 50th anniversary
of our nation. I trust you will enjoy the
celebrations while at the same reflecting on
our achievements as a nation. I encourage
you further to consider it seriously in terms
of your own life to ensure that you live the
next 50 years well and are prepared, as best
you can, for what the period will bring.

Much of what follows in this note is to

reinforce critical points made at our last staff
meeting. Do not consider it repetitive but
rather the reiteration of important points
to ensure full understanding and facilitate
action.
We are marking this national milestone
(JA50) at a time when there are some
fundamental changes taking place
globally.
We cannot escape or treat
lightly the inevitable impact of these
changes at a national, corporate or
personal level. For us, the corporate and
personal are closely intertwined since KB
is where we earn our livelihood. What
are some of the stark realities that face us?
1. Unprecedented levels of taxation
to balance the national budget.
2. High levels of unemployment
generally and the increasing loss of jobs
3. Inability of many householders to

afford the basic necessities as costs rise

on basic items including school books
4. Decline in the companys income as
a consequence of items 1 & 2 above.
5. The need for the company to effect
increases inspite of the decline in income
6. The ever growing competition which
now includes varying e-products, e.g.
e-books, e-papers and e-zines.
7. The growing incidence of copyright
abuse indicated by the reproduction of
texts at all levels of the education system.
8.
Less
tangible,
but
no
less
impactful, is the sense of hopelessness we
experience as our national leaders fail to
fulfill their role in managing our affairs.
Overcoming KBs challenges

guarantee
well - needed savings
for the overall benefit of
everyone.
2. As it relates to competition, focus must
be placed on (a) our product and (b) our
service. I cannot stress enough the importance of
having items and books available for our valued
customers and ensuring the service offered
is of the highest standard. While we cannot
always offer a difference in product supply we are
well able to offer service that is over and above
our competitors. Excellent customer service is
particularly important at this time when
inevitably the cost of books has risen and
customers are facing this additional challenge. I
am confident you will do your very best to keep
the KB flag flying!.

Pulled together, the foregoing represents

serious challenges to KB and its viability
going forward. But we are not afraid of
challenges; in fact our strength to date has
been built on our ability to overcome
challenges. I reiterate some of the steps we
must follow to ensure the maintenance of
our place as #1 in the industry:

3. In light of (2) above inventory management

must be a top priority. Relevant personnel in
purchasing, the warehouses and in the stores
are required to know our product; supervisors
are to ensure that adequate stocks are available
and that relevant items are adequately displayed.
4. Honesty at the work place is a key to viability.
This does not only relate to theft of goods but also
theft of time. In this regard, may I remind staff
1. Management and staff must work members of the regulation regarding the use of
together to ensure maximum efficiency in all cell phones on the job. If you are unaware kindly
departments. This includes always check with your supervisor or the HR manager.
engaging best practices that will in turn
contd on page 6

Inside this issue

KB ESSA Awards Ceremony

THE WINNERS, standing proudly with their certificates are (from l): Mrs Yvonne Lee St Jago High; Mrs Audrae Frater Albert Town High; Mr Dexter Wright
Cross Keys High and Ms Barbara Allen Titchfield High School. With them are at 2nd row from left; KB Director; The Hon Steadman Fuller, Managing Director,
and Directors Mrs Shauna Fuller Clarke (IT & Special Projects), Mrs Sonia Fuller (Corporate Services) and Mr. Steadman Fuller Jnr. In the third row (from l) are: Mr
Damani Johnson KB Director, Mrs Sandra Swyer Watson, Mr Wentworth Gabbidon and Mr Ralph Nelson, principals for St Jago, Albert Town and Cross Keys High
School respectively. Mr Alfred Thompson, vice principal of Titchfield, Mr Garfield Dixon Sales & Marketing Manager for KB complete the group. (see story on pages 7 & 8)

THE DEPARTMENTS Speak

Human Resources
STAFF MOVEMENT

Welcome!

According to news coming out of the HR

Department a Hearty welcome is in
order for four persons who joined the staff
recently. They are: Shanique Bent and Rockotha
Campbell who join the Accounts department
as Junior accounts Payable Officer and
Accounts Receivables Officer, respectively;
Dahlia Anderson who goes to Boulevard as CSO/
Cashier and Rupert Mullings who goes to Springs
as Supervisor.
Best wishes to you all for a long and mutually
beneficial tenure here at KB.
Confirmations
Mr. Vivian Herridge from the Accounts
Department
has
been
confirmed
to
permanent staff. Congrats and please keep up the
good work..
Promotions
Congrats to Mr. Richard Dobney, Asst
Supervisor
at Liguanea who has been
promoted to the post of Supervisor. Mr Dobney
has served at other stores including The Script.
Goodbye
We said au revoir to six persons over the period
under review. They are: Odwayne Knight and
Devon Fray (Accounts); Garwin Boswell
(Springs); Johmoy Bruce (Liguanea); Ainsley
Cowell and Ramonm Lawrence (S & M)and
Qwayne Savage (IT).
We wish them all every success in their new
pursuits.
Retirement
Miss Fay Watson, Office Attendant at
Pavilion went on retirement as of April 1. We
wish her Gods blessings as she changes gears in
her retirement years
OTHER STAFF ACTIVITIES
Condolences
Sincere condolences
from the entire KB
family go to Miss Novelia Green who lost her
grandfather and Miss Novia Parke who lost her
mother. We wish you and the rest of the family
Gods comfort at this time.
Staff Meeting
The second general staff meeting for
2012 was held on June 24. The Managing
Director, in his presentation, highlighted the
challenges being experienced by the company
consequent on national and global economic

realities.
He outlined some of the
strategies to be engaged in meeting these
challenges and called for the cooperation of
all staff members as we go forward (Please
read From the MDs Desk for further
information in this regard).
Presentations were also made by
Human Resources, Promotions and the
Purchasing Department.
Guest presenters for the meeting were
Mr. A McDonald of King Alarm who
offered some very useful Security
Advice and Mrs. Marlene Thomas,
who gave an enlightening presentation
on Team Building. Mrs Thomas is an
independent
consultant
providing
capacity building services. Her local
clientele includes Jamaica International
Insurance Company, NCB and Digicel.

This group seems very happy with themselves after sharing in

the team building exercise. They are (from l):Nardia Boswell,
Orlando Henry and Jason Hylton, warehouse manager.

With regard to Staff Welfare the meeting

was updated on the operations of the KB
Thrift Plan. The report is that members
of staff continue to enjoy the benefits of
the Plan and of particular significance is
the fact that several persons have accessed
loans for educational and other purposes.
With respect to the Pension Plan, the HRD
continues to encourage staff members
to increase their pension contributions
from 5% - 10 %. as this will ensure a
maximum in Pension savings and yield a
higher income in those critical later years.
Benefit Statement cards under the Health
Plan have been issued for the period April
2012 to May 2013. Persons who have not
received their cards should contact the
HRD.
Happy Birthday! If your big day falls

any day between the time you read this and our
Christmas publication your Ammars Birthday
Voucher, courtesy of KB is on its way to make the
occasion that much brighter!
Staff Rotation/ Transfers
In an effort to ensure the growth and
development of staff members while maintaining a
multi skilled and efficient, workforce, the following staff members were rotated/ transferred during
the period under review:
Staff Rotation sent Okeilo Dowding from 70b
to Boulevard; Kemar Woodley from Stationery
to 70b; Monique Wellington from Boulevard to
Spanish Town and Lavern OHara from Spanish
Town to Boulevard.
Transfers were effected for Jerome McKenzie
from Pavilion to Springs and Kymone Gordon
from 74 Store to Pavilion.
KB Newsletter extends best wishes for continued
success to these individuals.
Summer Workers Programme
KB is well - known for its summer
workers programme which employs over 200
high school and university students each year.
However, due to the prevailing economic
conditions that number has been reduced by
20% for this year. We heartily welcome the young
Jamaicans who have been engaged for this period
and trust you will make good use of this
tremendous opportunity for which you have been
chosen.
Work Experience Programme (WEP)
KB was pleased to participate in the WEP
organised by the Kingston Restoration
Company in collaboration with the Ministries of
National Security and Justice.
Under the
programme companies take on young
Jamaicans for a period of three weeks. KBs
student, Amanda Pryce was assigned to 70b July
2 to 27.
Sonia Smith
Manager

Employees of the Quarter to

Dine with Directors

Winners of the January to March and April

to June 2012 quarters of the Employee of the
Quarter Programme are to enjoy an additional
prize - dining with the directors for their success in
being top performers based on job knowledge
and competence, initiative and commitment,
teamwork and co-operation, company image,
interpersonal skills and work attitude,
communication, punctuality and attendance and

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

customer service.
This was announced at the general staff
meeting held on June 24. This most desirable
treat is in addition to the standard awards of:
a congratulatory letter signed by the Managing
Director,
a $5,000 cheque and
a plaque with the individual winners photograph
conspicuously placed in the relevant location.
KB Newsletter heartily congratulates all the
winners. They are, for January to March:
Rupert Morgan 70b; Connelia Barnes - 74
Store; Stewart Johnson - Pavilion; Ankara
Grant Springs; Shanae Henderson Blvd;

Shemiah Darling Liguanea; Joseph Small

Spanish Town; Steven Waugh Stationery
and Andre Thompson 74 Warehouse.
For April to June: Stacey Ann Daley 70b;
Odaine Kitson 74 Store; Shane Robinson Pavilion; Melisa Linton Springs;
Ricardo Davis Blvd; Kafier McLean
Liguanea; Dwight Murray Spanish
Town; Raynardo Bailey Stationery;
Michael Jones 74 Warehouse.

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

Dwight Murray

Melisa Linton

Ricardo Davis

Michael Jones

Kafier McLean

Odaine Kitson

Moving Ahead
T

he management at KB is always happy to hear

good news about employees and members of
their family. Thats why in this issue we extend
heartiest congratulations to Mr Frederick Grant,
educational representative in the EPU and
Mr Christopher Barrant, manager of the Spanish
Town Store.
Recently Mrs Claire Grant, wife of Mr Grant, was
appointed General Manager of TVJ a member of
the RJR group. We hereby ask Mr Grant to extend
our congratulations to Mrs Grant and to wish for
her Gods guidance as she engages in yet another
role in her chosen field.
Our own Mr Barrant was successful in
achieving the grade one level in CSEC English
and Accounts. We applaud the effort and the
consistency behind this achievement and wish
him continued success as he works towards
matriculation for pursuing a Bachelors degree.

Raynardo Bailey Stacey Ann Daley Shane Robinson

KB Stationery Centre

n high operation mode for BTS

The ever eventful and appreciated back to

school (BTS) season is here once again and the
Stationery Centre, as usual, is in high operation
mode for the 2012 episode. Thats the word
coming from manager Boris Palmer. He
continues: Keen attention has been given to the
procurement and receipt of our BTS stock, space
organization and allocation for these items as well
as the employment of strategies to increase the
efficiency in our overall operation in the Admin
and Warehouse departments
Mr Palmer highlighted some of the basic
strategies being employed; they include;
Improved back ordering system, frequent
telemarketing exercises, reallocation of needed
human resources, increased stocking of fastselling items elimination of factors which cause
lengthy order processing time, among other
things.

New Suppliers
The Centre took on a few new
suppliers last year including Shuter,
Centrum, Premier Plus and Datazone.
Their products were fairly successful and
we are anticipating the same level of success
or greater this year.
For this season, two new suppliers
Avery and Kayol Distributors have been
added to the list. From these new suppliers
as well as the existing ones, the Centre has
secured a fairly good slate of new items for our
product line and we are anticipating a good
level of take up for these and other items.
Additionally, the department has been
working and continues to work in tandem
with the Sales and Marketing department
on several sales initiatives including yard
sales and book fairs from which the

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

Centre has
received favourable mileage
with respect to the sale of selected items.
According to Mr Palmer this BTS season is
no different and the partnership will continue
through a combination of promotional
activities geared at stimulating our customers
and beatingout the competition.
The Stationery Centre is confident they are
charged to deliver another successful BTS
season.
Boris Palmer
Manager

THE DEPARTMENTS Speak

Educational Promotions Unit (EPU)

proactively re-adjusting
our strategies

Increased competition within the industry

continues to be of paramount concern to the
EPU so we remain on our Ps and Qs and are
proactively re-adjusting our strategies to stay
ahead of the game. This is the commitment from
EPU head, Norman Livingston.
The commitment and the desire for its
fulfillment come against the background of
increased competition and the threat to
increased sales in a trying period. Mr Livingston
went on to point out however that the department
was happy with the governments decision to
remove the tax on books as that would have
complicated things a bit more and made the

PURCHASING
Paying off with firsts

challenges even greater in this present

season.
In a reference to the summer period
which is the busiest for many of the other
departments at KB, Mr Livingston says it
is somewhat different for the EPU. The
school holidays provide us some time to
evaluate our promotional efforts (which
precede the holidays), to collate sales
figures, identify the number of titles that
were taken into the system and to finalise
figures related to the increase in sale
volumes.
The EPU report indicates
this past promotional season was hectic however , at the end of it manager
Livingston concludes: We can say for
the most part our objectives were met.
Preparation for Back-to-school
Back-to-School preparation began in
January and all research and inventory
reports were completed by the end of
March. We are now in the season and
every member of our team is ready
to do their part to ensure a successful
season. We are presently in the process
of visiting the various locations as part
of our effort to broaden our knowledge
of market conditions and to identify the
specific needs of each location. We have
been working assiduously to provide
up to date information on the status of
titles being requested by our customers.
As part of our effort to effect more
efficiencies for the season we made
orders
early
and
have
already
received a large portion of the books
we need from the publishers whom we
represent. This has eliminated the
usual logistic problems that we have
encountered in recent years and in the
process has given us more time for us
to concentrate on the minor publishers and
our respective service categories.

Ensuring that we are the first with new books in

the local market has been our primary focus over
the last six months. This is the declaration from
Purchasing Manager Denroy Mullings which, in
part, continues to keep KB in the forefront of the
retail segment of the book industry.
Expanding on this statement, Mr Mullings said
the strategy has made KB the first local bookshop to offer titles like The Hunger Game and
The Lucky One that made it to the silver screen
in 2012. In addition, he points out, KB was first
with bestselling titles like: Fifty Shades of Grey,
Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
All these books are in the general fiction novels
category and have done well internationally and
locally.
According to Mr Mullings the department tries
to be very meticulous with its ordering patterns
and we have added a new feature to ensure the
full participation of the stores who are our stakeholders. These developments come against the
background of an obvious downturn in sales of
general and fiction books given the prominence
of the E-readers and they seem to be work- Thanks!
ing!. The department is committed to engaging I would like to take this opportunity
strategies that will keep KB in the #1 spot!
to extend our sincere gratitude to the

THE DEPARTMENTS Speak

I want to say a big thank you to my team who

continue to work hard and together in order to
achieve our objectives. Thanks also to the other
members of the KB team who provide the support
and ensure that our Publishers material are
properly displayed in stores, and are readily
available to our customers.
I want to use this opportunity as well to
encourage the persons on the frontline to be
safe and a hope unuh nuh have han fi sell
book this Jamaicas 50th year. And last but
by no means least GO TEAM JAMAICA we
hope LONDON 2012 will be better than Beijing.

Norman Livingston
Manager, EPU
other departments who have supported our
efforts; they include: Promotions, Accounts,
Warehouse and our Retail Stores. May I use the
opportunity as well to thank the very cohesive
team that make up the Purchasing Department;
together we pledge the highest level of service
to our customers, both internal and external.
Team Members:

Denroy Mullings, Manager

Leroy Treasure
Amoy Miller
Sherine Young
Nardia Boswell

Marla Francis
Orlando Henry
Clay Tabanor
Karim Harvey

Training
Department
Head Named Director

A
s indicated From the MDs Desk Mr
Ricardo Fuller, manager of the Training
Department has been named to the Board of
Directors of KB.
A training design and development professional,
he brings to board level meaningful experience
in training and development. He holds a BA in
Business Administration from the University of
Phoenix along with professional certification in
Human Resource Management and Management
Information Systems.

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

Training
D

uring the period under review, the Training

Department worked assiduously to ensure that
KB is consistent with the delivery of
superb service in all areas of its operations.
To this end the department has facilitated
training sessions that cover telephone skills,
customer service and sales and system
operations. With respect to telephone skills, so
far approximately 90% of the staff has been
consistent in how we greet customers on
the telephone (we would love to have the other
10% on board!) and our overall custome survey
feedback has been positive.
Our customer service training was not limited
to the retail locations but was opened up to our
warehouse and delivery personnel.During the
sessions, all levels of staff were encouraged to
offer exceptional external and internal customer
service and the need for team work and a healthy
work environment was also stressed. Special
mention must be made of the current revision
of the new hire and summer worker orientation
processes. This is being undertaken in order
to better prepare new recruits for employment
within the organisation and to ensure that they
are more in-tune with company expectations.
The department is aware of the challenges
that staff members sometimes face and
recognise that, at times, they work wonders with
very little. We do ask however that all staff
members be consistent and adhere to the policy
and procedures that have been outlined to you.
The Training Department wishes all KB staff a
happy Jamaica 50th.
Ricardo Fuller
Manager

Sales & Marketing

he department has been extremely busy during the period under review. We have been
very involved in a number of marketing related activities to ensure that KB is in its top of
the mind position.
A Reading Moment
This popular 5-minute production featuring children continues to draw
listeners on Nationwide and RJR. It gets even better as this time round there
is an interactive aspect to it involving facebook. Children are encouraged to
answer the questions placed on facebook and right answers win valuable
back-to-school prizes. This has been going very well. If you missed hearing the
series on NNN or RJR 94 keep an ear out for the broadcasts on LOVE FM; you will be advised.
Back-to-school promotion
KB will make eight persons happy in a few days time when we draw for
prizes in our Back-to-school give-away promotion. These very fortunate
persons will win for themselves $25,000 towards their back-to-school expenses.
Garfield Dixon
Manager

IT & Special Projects

W

ith the back to school season

quickly approaching, we have found
ourselves
quite
busy
(as
usual)
finalizing projects and ensuring that
all systems are up and running for
our busy period. This, of course,
happening while we tend to our users
everyday needs.
Some big projects worth mentioning are:

KB Help Desk
We have been working on implementing an
online helpdesk for all locations. This will
certainly assist in reducing any downtime
experienced and will aid us in identifying
problems before they become critical. Whats
really exciting is that for every issue tackled,
a knowledge base will be built for all to refer
to if a similar problem arises.
The IT Team hard at work as they transfer
the servers from the 74 location to its new abode
contd on page 12 at 80 King Street. From left are ONiel Lynch,
Phillip Powe, Qwayne Savage and Shari Thompson

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

GETTING READY

FOR JA50 and Beyond

Jamaica is 50 years old this year and the nation is in a celebratory mode. As

always, KB never misses an opportunity to show itself as the ideal corporate

citizen so the national colours are creatively and beautifully dominating all the
stores. Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Sonia Fuller is spearheading the activity.
The corporate building at 74 King Street has come in for extra attention as,
in addition to the colourful formation on the building, the National Flag now
flies proudly there. Special thanks to Brigadier Rocky Meade and WO1 E
McKenzie for their invaluable contribution in making this a reality. Here is that
story in pictures:

The flag, at 74 King Street,

hoisted under the direction of
JDF/ PTE R Campbell. He shares
the know how with staff
members Omar Lindo (l) and
Andrew Graham.

FROM THE MDS DESK

contd from cover page

The foregoing has focused primarily on general

cooperation and effort as we go forward. I indicate below
some of the measures to be undertaken at the Board level
to ensure a minimum fall-out in our operations:
1. There is a 20% reduction in holiday employment. This
has implications for the back-to-school season but, as
indicated at the staff meeting, we expect our regular staff
to serve as good mentors and in the process maintain the
KB difference.
2. Added security will be put in stores to minimize
theft; we are asking staff members to be vigilant as well.
KB was pleased to be part of the negotiating team that
helped to influence the change in policy regarding
the GCT on books. While not achieving our full goal
we are satisfied that useful adjustments were made.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of
Mr Ricardo Fuller as a member of the Board of
KB. We heartily welcome him. (more on page 4).
Mention must be made of our newest programme
KB ESSA
(KB Education Support Staff Awards)
highlighting non-teaching staff in secondary schools.
The inaugural awards presentation function was held
during Education Week (more on pages 8-9)
Happy reading and a rich celebratory season.

number of factors come together to keep

KB at the top of the game. At the head of the
list is the companys acknowledgement of Gods
continued blessing on the organisation. Among
the others is the commitment to keep abreast of
what is happening in the industry and one way
of doing this is by attending international book
fairs on a regular basis. Recently, a team led
by CEO the Hon Steadman Fuller went to the
London Book Fair. In a comment to KB
Newsletter Mr Fuller said these events introduce
us to new trends and technologies and afford us
opportunities to meet dealers and associates on
location. This, he said, is critical to us in these
changing, challenging and competitive times.

The Team: Team leader Mr. Steadman Fuller (2nd right) with (from left) Mr.
Leroy Treasure, Mrs Sonia Fuller, Mr Kevin Fullerton and Mr Damani Johnson

Steadman A R Fuller
Managing Director

The team leader, CEO Steadman Fuller (right foreground) seems very pleased with the
book he is looking at. Other members (from l): Kevin Fullerlton, Leroy Treasure, Sonia
Fuller, Damani Johnson and an associate are intent on making some decisions

And here is where it all began: KBs Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Sonia
Fuller displays the Rules and regulations for the proper treatment of the Flag (more
details in next issue), one of the important emblems of our sovereignty. The document
was presented by JDF Officer WO1 Martin Spalding. Those sharing in the presentation
are (2nd from l) KB CEO, the Hon Steadman Fuller, JDF/PTE R Campbell, directors
Damani Johnson and Steadman Fuller Jr and JDF PTE P Robinson. Omar Lindo is in
the foreground.
A small group witnesses the hoisting of the flag (from left): Directors Damani Johnson and Steadman Fuller Jr, Rohan
Chambers, Custos of Kingston & CEO of KB, the Hon Steadman Fuller and Ms Fuller, Okeilo Dowding and Ricardo Barrett

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

Test
Yourself!

1. Why do birds fly south for the winter?

2. What always comes at the end of Christmas Day?
3. What could you find at the North Pole that has teeth
but can not chew?
4. What does Santa give a 600 lb. gorilla for Christmas?
5. Can you spell hard water only using three letters?
6. In which month does Santa Claus eat the least?
7. What should you do if a reindeer eats your pencil?
8. At the North Pole you cannot take a picture of an elf
with a red shirt. Why not?
9. What do you call a blind reindeer?
10. What kind of water never freezes?
11. What do you call a reindeer with three eyes?
12. What do reindeer have that no other animals on
earth have?
Hint: Some are sillier than others.
Answers on back cover
Contributed by Jermaine Simms
Asst Manager (Operations)
KB Stationery Centre

A contemplative Sonia Fuller, figuring it out in the interest of KB. Other team members
(from left) Kevin Fullerton, Leroy Treasure, Damani Johnson and KB CEO Steadman Fuller

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

Ibring
n this issue, KB Newsletter is proud to
you highlights of the inaugural awards

presentation
of
the
KB
Education
Support Staff Achievement Award (KB ESSA)
programme held on May 11 2012 at the Terra
Nova Hotel.
KBs newest programme for the education
sector has been hailed as a programme that
is redressing an important imbalance in
the society. That is the view of Minister of
Education, the Hon Ronald Thwaites. Further,
the Minister hopes that the programme will be
highly infectious, not only to the education
system but to the society as a whole. Minister
Thwaites was the keynote speaker at the event.

Rural Schools Top the Competition

National winner is Mrs Yvonne Lee, bursar
at St Jago High (Zone 3); other zone winners
were Mrs Audrae Frater, senior secretary from
Albert Town High (Zone 1), Mr Dexter Wright,
caretaker at Cross Keys High (Zone 2) and Ms.
Barbara Allen, Home Economics Helper from
Titchfield High (Zone 4).
Minister Thwaites congratulated KB on
the initiative to pay special tribute to
persons who are usually forgotten in the
system. He also had high praise for the winners
and expressed particular delight that they were
all from schools outside of the Corporate Area.
Custos Fuller extended a very warm
welcome to all present and especially to
the winners. This event will go down in

1. Miss Barbara Allen, Home Economics helper at Titchfield (left) receives a warm hand shake from
Minister Ronald Thwaites on his arrival at the function. Custos, the Hon Steadman Fuller & Mrs
Fuller look on.
2. Mrs Sonia Fuller, KBs Director of Corporate Services (standing) has a word of welcome for Zone 3
winner Mrs Yvonne Lee bursar at St Jago. Also in the picture are (behind Mrs Fuller): KB CEO, the
Hon Steadman Fuller (and (foreground) Zone 2 winner, Mr Dexter Wright, caretaker at Cross Keys
High
3. Its woman talk as Sonia Fuller engages Yvonne Lee (centre) and Audrae Frater in conversation.
4. CEO, the Hon Steadman Fuller warmly welcomed guests to the inaugural function.
5. Mrs Fuller (l) and the Hon Steadman Fuller (right) face the camera with zone winners (from l): Mrs
Yvonne Lee, Mrs Audrae Frater, Mr Dexter Wright and Ms Barbara Allen.
6. A delighted Dexter Wright accepts his certificate, signed by the Minister of Education and KB CEO,
the Hon Steadman Fuller from Mrs Fuller.
7. One of the judges for the competition, Mr Al Solan, hands over the cannister with her letter of
recommendation to Mrs Frater.
8. Mr Wright listens intently as Mrs Angela Porter, one of the judges, reads his letter of recommendation.
9. National winner Yvonne Lee accepts the canister with her letter of recommendation from one of
the judges, Mrs Claudette Cope.
10. Mrs Lee proudly accepts her certificate signed by the Minister of Education, the Rev Hon Ronald
Thwaites (left) and the KB CEO, the Hon Steadman Fuller.
11. A weekend for two at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort thats the word in that envelope being handed
to Mrs Lee by KBs Sales & Marketing manager Garfield Dixon.

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

history as a first for KB and at the national

level, Mr Fuller asserted. Continuing, he said:
While some may consider this recognition of
support staff in the schools lightly, I see it as
important and believe it is significant that this
inaugural awards ceremony is taking place
during our year of Jubilee (JA50). After all,
attempts like these to correct imbalances in our
society are what Jubilee is all about.
The gathering heard remarks from JTA
Secretary General Dr Adolph Cameron, Managing Director for Manpower Ltd,
Mrs Audrey Hinchcliffe and Acting Chief
Education Officer Mr Clement Radcliffe.
National winner, Mrs Yvonne Lee gave a
vote of thanks on behalf of the winners. She

expressed sincere thanks to KB for the

initiative and she is hoping others may join
the company in paying attention to those
workers who support the frontline staff.
MC for the occasion was Ms Fae Ellington.
Entertainment was provided by Floyd Foulkes
and students of the Calabar Primary & Junior
High School.

We present some highlights from the

occasion:

12. Mrs Frater happily accepts the letter confirming KBs support for the school library. Presenter is KB
Director Steadman Fuller, Jr.
13. Ms Allen, with her vice principal Mr Alfred Thompson at her side, displays two of her awards
14. Mrs Lee delivering her acceptance speech.
15. Mrs Fuller Clarke introducing keynote speaker, the Rev Hon Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education.
16. Keynote speaker, Minister Ronald Thwaites
17. Thank you Minister from Mrs Fuller as she hands over a token of appreciation.

About the Competition

he objective To bring to national attention the fact that each individual in the education system has a job to do.
And if done well, it will ensure that the system is kept effective and productive.
Zone winners (1- 4) Prizes
National Prize: School - Support for school library up to $500,000 in value
National Individual - Certificate signed by the Minister of Education & the KB Chairman & Managing Director Investment Certificate for $100,000 - Week-end for two courtesy of Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort
4 Regional Prizes: School - Books for the library up to $100,000 in value Individual - Investment Certificate for $50,000
- Certificate signed by the Minister of Education & the KB CEO
Judges were:
Mrs Claudette Cope Principal, Excelsior Kinder-Prep
Mrs Angela Porter Senior Teacher, Calabar Primary & Junior High

*Ms Elizabth Ramesar representing the Jamaica Observer

Mr Al Solan Principal, Swallowfield Primary School
*Ms Ramesar was unavoidably absent from the function.

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

eachers in Central Jamaica had a particularly warm welcome for the KB team led by CEO, the Hon Steadman Fuller when KB had
them out to lunch on Monday May 7. It was an auspicious start to education week for KB followed up, as it was, by the Kingston luncheon on
Tuesday May 8 and on Friday, May 11, the inaugural awards presentation for the KB ESSA Awards Programme (see pages 8-9 for more on this)
KB Newsletter is pleased to present pictorial highlights from the two luncheons:
MANDEVILLE
1. Happy honouress (from 2nd l) Ms. Jean Porter, Principal Denbigh High; Mr. Paul Bailey, Principal Holmwood Technical High and Mrs
Yvonne Clarke, Principal Bethlehem Moravian College are flanked by (from l): the Hon Steadman Fuller, CEO KB; Mr Steadman Fuller, Jr,
director KB and Mr Clayton Hall, President Elect JTA and keynote speaker for the occasion.
2. Mr Hall gets a hearty welcome shake from Ms Sonia Smith, HR manager at KB and chair for the planning committee for the 2012 luncheons.
3. Mr Hall (left) has the attention of Ms Porter and Custos Fuller in what looks like a light moment before the start of the function.
4. Chairman Norman Livingston gets things started. KB NEWSLETTER understands the versatile Head of the Educational Production Unit
stepped in at the last minute and admirably played the role of chairman for the occasion.
5. Vintage CEO: One can almost feel the warmth of the welcome being extended by the head of KB, the Hon Steadman Fuller. After an absence
of three years Mr Fuller was really happy to be once again hosting teachers in central Jamaica.
Presentation Time
6. Citations having been read its time for presentations to the honourees. Here, KB Director Steadman Fuller, Jr presents a plaque to Ms Jean
Porter
7. CEO Steadman Fuller hands over a special envelope to Mr Paul Bailey
8. Director Damani Johnson delivers the citation to Mrs Yvonne Clarke.
9. Joint response: Honourees Yvonne Clarke and Jean Porter shared in the response.
10. Keynote speaker, Mr Clayton Hall stresses an important point for the gathering. The young and dynamic JTA President Elect used the
platform to give an insight into what to expect from his tenure.
11. Thank you for sharing: Mr Hall (right) is delighted with his gift. Presenter is Mr Shawn OxfordBanton.
12. Teachers representative of the large gathering at the Golf View Hotel.

10

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

6
11

10

Other participants in the function included the Director for the Region (Ministry of Education) - Mrs Nadine Leachman; and Mr Garfield
Dixon- Sales & Marketing Director, Mr Kevin Fuller, Educational Promotions Rep, and Mr Ramonm Lawwrence Marketing Officer all from
KB. Entertainment was by Mr Lascelles Small.
KINGSTON
13. Happy honourees share lens with the keynote speaker and members of the KB Board. Pictured above are (from l): The Hon Steadman Fuller,
Chairman & CEO of KB; Honouree Mrs Carlene Francis, principal Kensington Primary School; Mrs Sonia Fuller, Director of Corporate Services,
KB; the Hon Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth & Culture and keynote speaker at the function; Honouree Mr Garth Gayle, Principal Angels Primary
and Honouree Mr Richard Derby, Senior Teacher Manchioneal All Age; KB Directors Mrs Shauna Fuller Clarke (IT & Special Projects); Mr
Ricardo Fuller & Mr Steadman Fuller, Jr.
14. Signing in: Mr Ruel Reid, principal of Jamaica College signs the guest book with assistance from Miss Novelia Reid, Admin Assistant in the
Educational Promotions Department (EPU) at KB .
15. Mrs Fuller carefully pins a boutonniere on the lapel of honouree Garth Gayle on his arrival
16. Honouree Carlene Francis listens intently to the complimentary words conveyed through the citation read by KBs Training Department
manager, Ricardo Fuller.
Presentation Time
17. The reading of citations marks the beginning of presentations. Here, Mrs Fuller Clarke hands over a framed copy of his citation to Richard
Derby.
18. Minister Hanna is assisted with seating by Mr Banton and Custos Fuller
19. Ms Fae Ellington, chair for the occasion, enjoying a light moment with the guests.
20. Custos Fuller presents a plaque and a special envelope to honouree Mrs Carlene Francis.
21. Mrs Francis takes time out to say Thanks on behalf of all the honourees.
22-23. Sashell Nelson of Cockburn Gardens Primary & Jnr High School (l) entertained with a highly motivational piece. At right, she gets a hug
from the Minister.
24-25. The Minister makes an important point in her address focusing on the need to harness technology. Her presentation was punctuated
by relevant humour as indicated by guests at left. Front row (from l): KB Directors Milton Daley and Damani Johnson and Chief Education
Officer Clement Radcliffe.
26. Mrs Fuller is saying thank you with a gift for Minister Hanna.
27. Kevin Fullerton thrills the audience with a rendition of Bridge over troubled water and later moved the Vote of thanks.
Guests were heartily welcomed by KB CEO, the Hon Steadman Fuller and remarks were made by Mr Clement Radcliffe, Chief Education
Officer. Prayer was offered by Ms Novelia Green and entertainment was by Floyd Flolkes.

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KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

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11

THE DEPARTMENTS Speak

IT & Special Projects
contd from page 5
We had a promotion to Name our Helpdesk,
and we received a number of entries from across
the organization. The lucky winner was Nardia
Boswell, and the name you will see is SYS AID.

The KB Online Store

For a number of years, we have received
numerous pleas to get our website up and
running with current information. We have been
working in a core committee to get this up, and
we are very excited about this project! It is cur-

rently being tested, and we hope to share it

with you very soon. Stay tuned for details!
On another note one of our team
members Qwayne Savage, resigned.
We will surely miss him but we wish
him all the very best in his endeavours.
I recently shared a quote with my team, and
I take the opportunity to share it with you:
We are going to relentlessly chase
PERFECTION, knowing full well we will
not catch it, because nothing is perfect.
But we are going to RELENTLESSLY chase
it, because in the process we will catch
EXCELLENCE. We are NOT remotely

interested in just being GOOD. - VL

S
R
U
O
L
r
u
O
o
Wear Y C

Day

Great words to live by.

To all the retail, warehouse, wholesale
and administrative staff - Have a GREAT
back-to-school season!
Bless
Shauna Fuller Clarke
Director of I.T. & Special Projects

sure
embers ckwise :
m
m
a
e
KB t
are clo
e
e happy lours day. Thedyo Henry, Sherlietnha
s
e
h
t
,
a
c
n
mai
m, Ta
ur co
, Orla
rating Jaurs on wear yilol, Marla Franncisd, Andrew Graha
b
e
l
e
c
n
H
I
la
lo
their co lack, Nikllit,aAnnette Suther
did rock Roberta B
ewe

IT HAPPENINGS

icole S
e Bent,
ShaniquJudith Whyte, NBrown.
Young, and Primrose
Wilson

OXFORD DAY AT KB
The Stationery, HR and Accounts team came out to wish
Qwayne farewell at his surprise send-off party

everywhere! Why?
Its Oxford Friday!

At the Boulevard however,

JA50 is not to be outdone as
staffers (clockwise): Tishana
Walker, Ricardo Davis, Lavern
OHara, Donniel Dunk, and
Shanae Henderson decked
out in their Oxford shirts
complement the Jamaica
colours.

Qwayne Savage, ONeil Lynch and

Phillip Powe are assisted by Andrew Graham
as they carefully transport the server rack along
the sidewalk to 80 King Street

The IT Team bid farewell to Qwayne

Savage at his surprise send-off L-R: Shari
Thompson, Shauna Fuller Clarke, Qwayne
Savage, Phillip Powe and ONeil Lynch

12

The red T-shirts are

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

13

KB Celebrating

Our Children

CHILD MONTH

hat did KB stores, Saturdays and celebrity readers have in common during Child Month? Did you get it? Just in case you didnt, here goes: Every
Saturday during Child Month celebrity readers visited a KB store to read to the children gathered there. The schedule included Cliff Hughes (NNN);
Mrs Donna Duncan Scott (JMMB); Mrs Simone Clarke Cooper (Smile Jamaica TVJ); Christopher Johnny Daley (NNN) and Ms Susan Simes
(Kids Say and The Susa Show). But activities were not confined to Saturdays. During the week young students visited the stores and, in addition to
shopping, were engaged in some other fun activities.

Kids enj
oyed col
activitie
s at the B ouring
lvd (l) an
the Spri
d
ngs (bel
ow)

A wonderful Shopping experience

the little ones pose proudly with their
purchases in their KB bags. Their teacher Monique Wellington
and KB customer rep Juanetta Wright are Reads to young guests
UNITY IN COMMUNITY is what is represented here as KB, Purity
with the children.

Bakery and Island Grill joined forces to give children in the Boulevard
community a grand day of fun, food, learning and excitement..

Kymone Gordon (Supervisor) with St. Theresa Prep

at the Pavilion, Class teacher looks on

KB Newsletter
Editorial Team
Editor
Lois Gayle

ws off
es sho friend
m
i
S
tle
Susan
of a lit
k
r
o
w
t
the ar

Editorial Assistance
Sonia Fuller
Damani Johnson

Its food time for the little ones

and they are serious about it

These students are proud of their certificates

proof of their participation in the Reading days at KB.

14

I did some shopping at KB. It was fun. This happy little shopper
is waiting patiently for his friends to make their purchases. They are
assisted by Juanetta Wright and a teacherthe future looks bright for KB!

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

STORYTELLER: Stores coordinator and manager

of the Blvd store, Tashana Johnson, gets almost 100%
attention from the children who visited at the store
recently. Is a new career in the offing, Miss J?

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012

Departmental Representatives:
74 & 95 Warehouse Jason Hylton
Accounts Roberta Black
EPU Novelia Green
Human Resource - Latoya Swaby
IT & Special Projects - Phillip Powe
Purchasing Clay Tabanor
Sales & Marketing Garfield Dixon
Stationery Jermaine Simms
Sports Richard Parchment
Graphics
Phillip Powe

15

...Sports...

KB Football Ready For The Top Division

THE

TEAM WITH NEW UNIFORM:

Captain Kemar Woodley, (last years MVP)
and Vice Captain Kishawn White are
placement; manager Steadman Fuller Jr is at
extreme right.

As newcomers in the Business House

5-a-side Football Competition, KBs
debut season proved a great success.
They took the competition by storm
and amassed an impressive six game

staff at KB are fully engaged in a period we lovingly call Back to School. During this time the
stores are extra busy and with help from our holiday workers we ensure that stocks are in place
and that customers are satisfied enough to come
again!
This is a particularly important time for us
because income from this period represents
a significant part of the companys income.
As a result, we place a lot of emphasis on
ensuring that we get the best out of the
period.
There is however another side to Back to
School. This has to do with students, all
levels, returning to school, college or
university
after
the
long
summer
holidays. We hope we have fulfilled our role in
providing all the books and stationery
required for a successful school year.
The management of KB wishes Gods
blessing on children of staff members as well as
staff members who are pursuing higher education who will be returning to school in another
few weeks; have a productive year!

KB intends to build on last seasons success

and gain promotion to the top division but
is faced with a nail-biting finish in their
current Zone and must win their remaining
three games to guarantee entry into the
final stages of qualification. The
management, coaching staff and players are
however in buoyant mood and confident
that KB can go one step further in their
second season in the Business House 5-aside Football Competition.
Submitted by
Steadman Fuller Jr

The KB Football Team

The Other Side of

Back to School
Between mid-July and September each year the

winning streak. Their efforts were

rewarded as they were eventual Zone
3 winners receiving a trophy as well as
qualification for the second round of games.

Heath Tip

Answers to
Test Yourself

Valuable Information!
Correct timing to drink water will
maximize its effectiveness on the
Human body.
Two (02) glasses of water - After
waking up - Helps activate internal
organs
One (01) glass of water - 30 minutes
before meal - Helps digestion
One (01) glass of water - Before
taking a bath - Helps lower blood
pressure
One (01) glass of water - Before sleep
- To avoid stroke or heart attack.
Submitted by Novelia Green , EPU

1. It is too far to walk.

2. The letter Y.
3. A comb.
4. Whatever it asks for!
5. Ice.
6. February: because its the shortest
month.
7. Use a pen.
8. Because you cant take a picture with
a red shirt. You can only take
a picture with a camera.
9. No idea (no eyed deer).
10. Hot water.
11. A reiiindeer.
12. Baby reindeer.

KINGSTON BOOKSHOP NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2012