Sagicor colours World Cup

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

IF YOU thought that the colourful sporting spectacle that is the World Cup football finals had reached fever pitch in South Africa, then you need to check Sagicor's offices in Jamaica. The insurance company is putting on a grand World Cup show of its own that is intended to put the sparkle in South Africa to shame.

A spirited competition dubbed 'Colour Splash' climaxed yesterday when staff members showcased their decorative skills.

The competition is one of many being waged by Sagicor during the month-long World Cup competition.

Branches, departments and even floors are vying for the big prize by showcasing the colours of one of the 32 World Cup teams in the competition.

The twelfth floor at Sagicor's New Kingston head office is decorating its offices in the colours of the famed Brazilian team, while the human resource department will adorn its environment in the colour of CONCACAF giant, Mexico.

Spirit of camaraderie

All are working feverishly to steal the spotlight even as they blocked their colleagues-turned-friendly rivals from seeing their handiwork in the lead-up to yesterday's showdown.

And in a grand spirit of camaraderie, Sagicor workers - males and females alike - are pulling out all the stops to score big with the eight judges - all senior managers of the company.

"It will be a sight to behold," declared one staff member.

Karl Williams, vice-president, human resources at Sagicor, said the idea emerged from a group he chairs dubbed VIBES Champion.

"These are people drawn from different areas of the company, none of whom is a member of the management team, but they are leaders in their own right," said Williams.

VIBES is the acronym for Vibrant Individual Building Enthusiastic Staff.

"Our mandate is to create team spirit to motivate, inspire and create a good atmosphere on the job," Williams told The Gleaner. "We find that team members are more productive in such an atmosphere," he added.

SAGICUP

Williams said the VIBES Champion came up with an idea called SAGICUP.

He disclosed that Colour Splash was just one of the many competitions that would be waged for the prestigious SAGICUP.

"We came up with the idea called SAGICUP, which included a lot of ideas surrounding the World Cup that will inspire team members," Williams explained.

He said departments were handed countries by way of a draw.

"When they pull a team they must decorate their area in the colours of the team using teamwork and creativity," Williams said. "No outside assistance is permitted in the competition."

The company provides each competitive entity with a stipend, but enthusiastic staff members are going the extra mile, forking out additional sums to enhance their presentation.

"This is intended to replicate the culture of the country and its heritage," Williams said.

The judges include the Sagicor's president, Richard Byles; Jackie Donaldson, assistant vice-president, Sagicor Property Service; Mark Chisholm, vice-president, individual line sales and Karl Williams among others.