chinese benevolent association july...

CBA NEWSCHINESE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION JULY 2011

Inside this issue:

From the Editor

Welcome Ambassador Zheng Qingdian

Presentation of Books

Official Opening Ceremony

CBA Dance Troupe Invited

Suey Mein Night

Farewell Ambassador Chen Jinghua

The Jewish Community in Jamaica

CBA Assists Business Community

Terms of Employment

Congratulations

CBA Education Outreach

Scenes from Gah San

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We are pleased and excited to announce

that come July we will welcome the

arrival of three instructors and one

official from the Overseas Chinese Affairs

Office. Mrs. Lei Junrong, Mr. Han Xiaoyong,

Miss Zhu Qianxin and the team leader, Mr. Xu

Shiqian who will be visiting Jamaica from July

15- August 8, 2011.

They will be teaching Lion Dance, Dragon

Dance, traditional Chinese Dance, Paper Cuts

and Chinese Knots. Classes are open to

members of the Chinese Community in

continuation of our efforts to maintain

aspects of our arts and culture.

Classes commence on Monday, July 18

through to Friday, August 5, 2011. There will

be classes during the morning and in the

evening. Should the need arise we will be

scheduling classes in the afternoon. While

registration is now closed, should you wish

to join us, please contact Miss Doreen Chin

at CBA Centre at 977-3059 or 977-6053.

There is a one-time registration fee of

J$1,000.00 per person which will allow you

to participate in as many areas as you wish.

This is a first for the CBA and we are grate-

ful for the assistance of the Chinese Embassy

and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office for

making this possible. Your participation will

be a tangible way of showing our appreciation

for this generous gesture! We look forward

to seeing you at CBA Centre this summer.

Summer ProgrammeJuly 18 - August 5, 2011

at CBA Centre

Meet & Greet in Montego Bay

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Independence Float Parade& Grand Gala

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Mandarin ClassesChildren Classes resume on Saturday, September 3, 2011Adult Classes will start on Monday, September 5, 2011

中国来访老师主持暑期活动

Visiting Instructors from Chinafor Summer Programme

HAN Xiaoyong

LEI Junrong

ZHU Qianxin

Upcoming Events:

CBA July 2011 Newsletter_Layout 1 7/14/2011 11:27 AM

CBA NEWS

CBA News extends a warm Jamaicanwelcome to Ambassador Zheng Qingdianand Madame Xu. As you can see, HisExcellency has already made his first visitto CBA Centre and we were proud toshow off our home for the Community.

Have you registered for the summerprogramme at CBA? We will be acceptinglate registrations to enable as many mem-bers of the Community to attend and sharein this first of its kind at CBA, so don’t missout on the action. Great way to spend thesummer – learning new skills and makingnew friends!

Our summer programme will certainly bekeeping us busy and preparation for theannual Jamaican Independence float paradeand grand gala on Saturday, August 6th willalso have us fully occupied.

CBA in its efforts to assist the merchant

community in streamlining their employ-ment practices has hosted meetings withtheir members and Ms. Faylene Foster fromthe Ministry of Labour and Social Security.The article on Terms of Employment isbased on frequently asked question on thesubject and Ms. Foster’s advice. We aregrateful to her for the generous gift of timeto meet with us.

Our CBA Dance Troupe has again made usproud as they were specially invited byCOMPLANT to perform at the openingceremony of the Montego Bay ConventionCentre. Thanks to Mr. Kevin Hendricksonwho assisted with concessionary rates atthe Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort whichenabled the group to enjoy somewell-earned fun during their weekend stay!

Montego Bay will also be the destinationfor the CBA Board on Sunday, July 24th asthey will visit the second city to meet with

members of the community to forge newties and reconnect with old friends.

Our website www.cbajamaica.com is inthe process of being updated. You areinvited to pay us a visit as we keep youinformed. There is much to be done, but, wehave taken the first steps and look forwardto your company on this journey.

CBA News looks forward to seeing youthis summer at our planned events. Ourgatherings are underpinned by the desireto bring the Community together and tobuild on the groundwork which was laid120 years ago by our founding fathers. Weshare with you an old Chinese proverb –Each generation will reap what theformer generation has sown. Let us con-tinue to plant the seed of community forthe next generation!

Marcia [email protected]

The Chinese Benevolent Association,

Chinese Cultural Association and Chee

Kung Tong welcomed newly arrived

Ambassador Zheng Qingdian and his wife,

Madame Xu to Jamaica at a dinner on

Thursday, July 2, 2011. On this occasion, we

also recognized the arrival of Counsellor

Xia and the departure of Counsellor Liu

Kan for his new posting in Australia.

From the Editor 编者的话

President Vincent J. Chang presents a gift toAmbassador Zheng, while Mr. Eaton Chunglooks on.

L-R Madame Xu, Ambassador Zheng &President Vincent J. Chang.

Counsellors Xia & Lui Kan with Damian Chin,Karen Hoo & Vincent J. Chang.

Messrs. Cherron Chung & Liu Kan.

Ruby Lee, Karen Hoo & Gregory Hugh Sam.

新任大使迎接晚宴Welcome to Ambassador Zheng

Ambassador Zheng with CBA members.

CBA July 2011 Newsletter_Layout 1 7/14/2011 11:27 AM Page 2

CBA NEWS

PRESENTATION OF BOOKS FOR THE CBA MANDARIN CLASSESHis Excellency Ambassador Zheng Qingdian made his first visit toCBA Centre on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, to present text booksfor the Mandarin classes. Mrs. Li Na Na, our Mandarin teacher, andstudents from the beginners’ class were on hand to receive theirnew books.

Prior to this,Ambassador Zheng, accompanied by Messrs. Xia andLu from the Embassy, was taken on a tour of the CBA Centre byPresident Vincent J. Chang.

Following the formalities, refreshments were served and theAmbassador and Counsellor Xia were introduced to their firsttaste of Jamaican patties!

Mrs. Li Na Na receiving books from Ambassador Zheng while a pleasedPresident Chang looks on.

Thank you for the books.

Me, Me, Me.

大使视察中华会馆中心VISIT OF AMBASSADOR

TO CBA CENTRE

Welcome to CBA Centre

Tracing our history.

First taste of Jamaican patties.

Ambassador Zheng with Mathew Auld.

Admiring objects in the museum.L-R: Mr. Lu Yuhui, Amb. Zheng, Vincent J. Chang& Counsellor Xia.


CBA NEWS

The Convention Centre is located on 23 acres of UDC land at

Rose Hall, Montego Bay, and was funded by the Chinese

Government through a loan agreement with its Export-Im-

port Bank of China. The completed facility will provide 50,000

square feet of exhibition space including 20,000 square feet for

dining and more than 11,000 square feet for meetings.

The Chinese investment company – China National Complete

Plant (COMPLANT) began construction in early 2009 using

Chinese and Jamaican labour.

COMPLANT is a major investor in Jamaica having built the

Trelawny stadium, and now the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

COMPLANT is authorized by the Chinese government to imple-

ment economic aid to foreign countries by undertaking turn-key

projects and offering technical assistance. It also plays an impor-

tant role in international civil engineering contracting and provid-

ing labour services.

蒙特哥贝会议中心开业典礼Official Opening of the Montego Bay

Convention Centre

National Anthem of China.Official handing over of the keys to the PrimeMinister.

National Anthem of Jamaica.

Li Zhimin - President of COMPLANT.

Su Zhong - Deputy Governor - Exim Bank of

China. Joy Douglas - General Manager, UDC.


CBA NEWS

The CBA Dance Troupe was invited to

participate at the official opening of the

Montego Bay Convention Centre on

Saturday, April 16, 2011. It was indeed an

honour for our young ladies to be called

upon to represent our Community at this

event and they did us proud! Special

thanks to Vice-President Karen Hoo who

was instrumental in bringing the group

together in 2010. She was ably assisted on

this occasion by Eva Young, Peter Hugh and

other parents who made the trip to

Montego Bay.

fCBA Dance Troupe Invited To Opening OfMontego Bay Convention Centre

Fan Dance.Yummy.

This looks a bit challenging.

Memorable Moment.

Ribbon Dance.

Carole Guntley-Brady & Aubyn Hill with the Group.Peter Hugh looking quite dapper. Sleeping on the job.


CBA NEWS

Suey Mein Night 水面之夜

Keith Lowe, Tommy Lyew, Ray Chen & Carl Chang.

Mr. Empty Chair - Keith Lyn.

Johnny Chuck at the controls. Pondering how to make it stretch. Sylbert Lee flanked by wife Ruby & Sis Grace Yap.

Willie Chong - Soup Chef.

Happily waiting in line.

The Apprentice. Thomas Chin striking a pose.

Careful Mommy, it's hot.

The President gives his seal of approval.

Carl Chang well guarded by Security MinisterDwight Nelson.


CBA NEWS

On Sunday, April 3, 2011, members of the Chinese Benevolent

Association, Chinese Cultural Association and Chee Kung

Tong led by their Presidents gathered to bid farewell to

Ambassador Chen Jinghua.

Ambassador Chen who arrived in Jamaica in 2007 has worked

tirelessly to cement China’s presence and goodwill in Jamaica.

Under his watch, we have seen the acquisition of sugar interests,

the completion of the Montego Bay Convention Centre, road

rehabilitation, railway restoration, equipment to the security

forces, scholarships for study in China, agricultural equipment and

the donation of the Oriental Garden to the Hope Botanical

Gardens which is expected to be completed in 2012.

We wish His Excellency a happy and healthy retirement!

陈金华大使欢送晚宴Farewell Dinner for Ambassador Chen Jinghua

Best Wishes Mr. Ambassador.

L-R: Mr. Lu, VP Karen Hoo, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Look Kin.

Ambassador says Thanks.

L-R: Kai Meng Lui, Ambassador Chen Jinghua, Vincent J. Chang and

Eaton & Pollyanna Chung

So that you will remember us.


CBA NEWS

The early Jewish settlers arrived in Jamaica over 350 years ago

coming mainly from Spain and Portugal. They found this new

land under English rule to be more liberal towards other

religions and enabled them to freely worship as Jews. Thus Jamaica

became a haven for those seeking to escape the terror of the

Inquisition and later the concentration camps of Europe.

The Jamaican Jewish Heritage Centre, which was opened in 2006,

takes the visitor on this journey and pays tribute to those

pioneers, who made Jamaica their home. The Centre is located at

92 Duke Street in downtown Kingston adjoining the Sha’are

Shalom Synagogue.

At the Centre, there is a permanent exhibition which traces the

Jamaican Jewish history, the artifacts and symbols of worship and

the Archives which house the reference and research material

gleaned over the years.

A small group of CBA members on the invitation of Dr. Keith

Lowe, co-convenor of the Hakka Conference visited the Centre

on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Our host, Mr. Ainsley Henriques, the

acknowledged expert on Jewish history, took us on a tour of the

Centre, Synagogue and grounds.

To say it was educational, interesting and awe-inspiring would be

an understatement. There is a strong belief that we may have

overstayed our welcome! We were reluctant to leave – Mr.

Henriques brought to life the journey of his People which has

spanned these many years. His passion for the subject shone

through and his skill as a story-teller is unparalleled.

Mr. Henriques is also Israel’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica.

The Centre is opened for tours and is visited extensively by

school groups. Should you be interested, you may contact their

office at 876-922-5931.

在牙的犹太团体THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN JAMAICA

Jewish Synagogue

Ainsley Henriques explains the Archives to David Chang.

Anthony Chen, Melissa Lowe, Vincent J. Chang & Marcia Harford

listen attentively to Anisley Henriques.


CBA NEWS

中华会馆帮助华商CBA ASSISTS BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Recent press reports have indicated some shortcomings in labour

practices within the merchant community. With this in mind,

representatives of CBA led by President Vincent J. Chang had

discussions with members of the downtown merchant community

to ascertain the issues. Based on the concerns expressed, the

Ministry of Labour was asked to assist in sensitizing the commu-

nity on the Labour Laws that govern the industry.

In this issue of the CBA Newsletter you will find a summary of the

Terms of Employment. We ask that you take careful note of the

points mentioned and use them to guide your employment prac-

tices. Further details and more in-depth information may be

sought from the Ministry of Labour.

Another meeting with representatives from the Ministry of

Labour and members of the business community was convened at

CBA Centre on Sunday, June 26, 2011. This was deemed neces-

sary to continue the discussions to assist employers in updating

their knowledge and to ensure that their operations are within

the stated guidelines.

Conditions of employment should be agreed when the em-ployee is hired, including, job title, salary, work hours, vacation,sick and maternity leave entitlements. Lunch break should alsobe established.

Wages: Minimum - $4,500.00 per week (40 hour work week / 8hours per day)• Overtime: For each additional hour, the rate is 1½ times of

the regular hourly rate. If the employee works on the 6th daythe rate is 1½ times regular rate and if employee also workson the 7th day, public holidays or on the employee’s day off he/she should be paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.

• Lunch Time: A minimum of 45 minutes• Vacation Leave: 2 weeks per year up 9 years

3 weeks per year from the 10th year of service

Qualification: Employee must work a minimum of 110 daysin each qualifying year; In this case for every 22 days worked– 1 day vacation is earned. However if the employee works220 days any qualifying year that employee would be entitledto two normal working weeks vacation leave.

Probationary Period: 90 days – Employer can dismiss with-out giving notice as well as the employee can leave with giv-ing notice during this period. After 90 days – notice must be given by either party.It must be noted if a probationary period was not establishedand the employer has to dismiss an employee after four weeksof being employed the appropriate notice of two weeks mustbe given.

• Sick Days: In the first year an employee earns sick leave withpay after working 110 days. At the start of the second year,the employee is entitled to 2 weeks paid sick leave per year.In the event the employee exceeds two (2) weeks sick leavein any one year the employer can grant further sick leave with-out pay.

• A doctor’s certificate should be submitted to the employerwhen an employee is absent from work as a result of beingsick in excess of 3 days.

(If the worker returns to work on the fourth day, a doctor’scertificate is necessary.)

Absence from Work: An employee should inform theemployer of his/her absence from work but in some cases theonus is also on the employer to try and find out why theemployee is absent.

• Maternity Leave: The employee is entitled to 12 weeksmaternity leave: 8 weeks with pay and 4 weeks without pay.In the event mother or child is sick; an additional 14 weeks canbe granted without pay.

Qualification: Employee must be at least 18 years old.The employee must work with her employer at least 52weeks up to the date she will be proceeding on leave.She should advise the employer 13 weeks before the due dateof her delivery. The employee is only allowed 3 periods ofmaternity leave with one employee.

• Time Records: A record should be kept of employees’attendance to verify hours of worked and by extension thehours to be paid. The use of a sign in/sign out book would beuseful. Employer should allow employees to sign for wagesreceived.

Payslips should be given to employees showing the breakdownof their wages.

• Seating: 2 seats for every 3 employee should be provided.

• Minimum Period of Notice: (Please copy as per Employ-ment, Termination and Redundancy Payments brochure)2 weeks notice pay for less than 5 years; 4 weeks notice payover 5 years.

THE EMPLOYER SHOULD PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES:• Sanitary conveniences.• Proper ventilation.• Protective gear – dust masks, gloves and ear muffs.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION


CBA NEWS

CongratulationsSIMMONE MARCH

In January this year, Simmone March was

recognized by the Chemistry Department,

University of the West Indies for her

outstanding work in the manufacturing

industry. This award was the latest of

many bestowed on her, as in 2008 she

received the Jamaica Observer Award and

also won the Jamaica Manufacturers

Association’s Breakthrough Product of the

Year 2008 for Cran Wata for the Wisynco

Group. She also developed Boom Energy

Drink for the same company where she

currently holds the position of Product

Development Manager, Beverage Division.

Simmone has also worked at UWI, J. Wray

& Nephew Limited and GraceKennedy.

She is the daughter of Vincent and Ivy

Chin Sue and grew up in Port Antonio,

moving to Kingston after high school. She

attended Tichfield High, UTech and UWI.

Simmone is married to Patrick and they

are parents to Jeremy and Nathan. She is a

very private person and enjoys baking,

going to the movies and hanging out at the

beach. Family for her is paramount to

everything.

We congratulate Simmone on her achieve-

ments and look forward to enjoying the

new products that we are certain she isworking on. We wish for her every

success!

Simmone March at work.

Congratulations to Peter Wong, Michael Chin,

Craig Chin, Jenny Wang and Joey Chai who

are celebrating their graduation from high

school this summer. Well done!

L-R: Joey Chai with her parents Peter & Anna

& sister Christina.


CBA NEWS

The CBA Education Programme is one of the ongoing outreach

projects undertaken by our Association to provide assistance to

students. It was instituted to assist students in paying CSEC

examination fees and the selection of beneficiaries in each school

is based on merit and need.

The schools that have been recipients under this programme are:

Buff Bay High

Seaforth High

Holy Trinity High

St. Catherine High

Jamaica College

This year’s recipients from Holy Trinity High are Alberto Singh,

Abner Leslie and Relayne Campbell.

中华会馆资助教育CBA EDUCATION OUTREACH

SCENES FROM GAH SAN 2011

L-R: Alberto Singh & Abner Leslie.


CHINESE BENEVOLENT

ASSOCIATION

176 Old Hope Road

Kingston 6, Jamaica, W.I.

Phone: (876) 977-3059, 977-6053

Fax: (876) 977-4364

E-mail:

[email protected]

Website:

www.cbajamaica.com

Visit us on facebook@

chinese benevolent association of jamaica

CBA NEWS

中华会馆会长蒙特哥贝会见华人

MEET & GREET IN

MONTEGO BAY

The CBA will be travelling to

Montego Bay to meet with the

Chinese Community in western

Jamaica and its environs. This will

take place on Sunday, July 24, 2011

and Willie Chong and Sandy Chung

are busy making the necessary

arrangements.

CBA Board Members will be

journeying to Montego Bay to

update the Community on the

latest happenings generally and

within our organization and also

listen to their concerns. However,

it will not be all serious business as

we will also use the occasion to

share lunch and libations with the

folks in the West.

We look forward to seeing every-

one and having a great time in the

second city.

过渡时期TRANSITIONS

The CBA regrets the passing of

Li Man-Wah who died on May 12,

2011, leaving son Andy, 2 brothers,

and sister Pollyanna, brother in-law,

nephew, nieces, other relatives and

friends. Thanksgiving Service was

held on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the

Swallowfield Chapel.

He was the brother-in-law of Eaton

Chung, President of Chee Kung Tong.

We extend our deepest sympathy to

Eaton and Pollyanna and the rest of

the family.

May his soul rest in peace.

SUMMER JOB AT CBA

There is one summer job available at

CBA office. The person will be required

to create a database of the members'

e-mail addresses to enable mass mailing

of notices etc. The individual should be

able to type accurately and be com-

puter literate and willing to assist in

other areas as necessary.

Interested person may contact

Marcia Harford at

[email protected].

BI-LINGUAL VOLUNTEERS

REQUIRED

Can you speak Mandarin and English?

Are you available for a few hours in the

mornings and / or evenings from July 18

– August 5, 2011? We would like you to

assist us with translations at our

summer programme classes.

Please contact Marcia Harford at

[email protected].

CBA July 2011 Newsletter_Layout 1 7/14/2011 11:27 AM

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