Volume 17
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Issue 21
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DEC 2018
A quarterly publication of the Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations
Real Estate Board recognises 14 for long service
Awardees from the Real Estate Board are all aglow after receiving their awards for faithful and dedicated service in excess of 10 years.
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ears of hard work and dedication to one organization was justly rewarded when the Real Estate Board recognized and celebrated the achievements of 14 members of staff, serving between 10 and 30 years at the Board. “It is certainly an honour and a privilege to be recognised in such a special and very public way. For many of us, especially those who have served in excess of 20 years, we have spent the better part of our professional lives here, and for that reason the Real Estate Board is family
in the truest sense of the word.” This is how Inspectorate Manager, Mrs. Sonia Graham, who was herself awarded for 29 years of service, summed up the occasion. The members of staff were recognised at a glitzy 30th Anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony held at the Spanish Court Hotel on Saturday October 6, 2018. Also receiving awards were former Board Chairman, Mrs. Elise Wright-Goffe – for outstanding stewardship as Board Chairman, and Mr. Karl Vendryes for longest tenured Board Member. Each awardee received plaque engraved
with their name and years of service. Four persons were recognised for having served the organization in various capacities from ten to fifteen years, two persons between fifteen and twenty years, four persons between twenty and twenty five years and four in excess of 25 years. “Twenty-five years as in my case, is a very long time at a single entity. Having been a part of the organisation from partially its inception, I am very proud to be a part of its achievements and growth. This being my last year, it is quite a memorable event” beamed Accounting Officer, Ms. Lorna Hunter. “I’m especially grateful that I was able to share it with others who have also been with the Board for a very long time, helping to mould the organisation from its early years, while forming lifelong friendships,” she added. “It is certainly a testament to the organization, which by any standard is not a large one, that we have eight persons, out of a compliment of forty-eight staff members who have served over 20 years” Board CEO Sandra Garrick proudly asserted. There is no award that we could have given to these persons that would, to my mind, adequately express the kind of gratitude and appreciation that I have for each and every one of these individuals. The Board that exists now, only exists based on the hard work and sacrifice of these persons who have consistently gone above and beyond what was required of them as employees,” she concluded.
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
CEO’s Message
Real Estate Board/ Commission of Strata Corporations 2019 Desk Calendar
Timeshare Jamaica The Real Estate Training Institute Real Estate Advertisement
Lorna Hunter rides off into retirement
The Real Estate Training Institute Important Reminders Local & International Real Estate News
HUMAN RESOURCES: Working through the Holidays
REAL ESTATE Could be this funny!
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
CEO’s MESSAGE Sandra Garrick
On behalf of the Management and staff of the Real Estate Board and the Commission of Strata Corporations, I would like to use to this medium to thank all our clients, specifically our dealers, developers and salesmen, for your support and cooperation during the year. We also wish you and your family good health, and prosperity in your practice/profession. The previous year was a truly memorable one, as the Board celebrated 30 years of existence. We thank everyone who joined with us in marking the occasion in various forms and we pledge to remind committed to hard work and excellence as an organization. We look forward to your continued to support as we work together in supporting the real estate sector. Earlier this year, we launched two of continuing professional development courses for which the take-up was very positive. We intend to roll out additional courses early this year and trust that our professionals will continue to work with us as we implement this policy. I am also pleased with the response to the requirement for submission of Terrorism Prevention Reports to the Financial Investigations Division. While we understand the sometimes tedious process of reporting and data collection, we can assure you that these are all international requirements and best practices which ultimately benefit the reputation of the country as a desirable place to do business, and it is therefore beneficial to all practitioners.
We remind persons that we are the Registrar of Timeshare and all persons who operate such should register with the Board. We will also be launching TV and radio commercials as well as engaging in other public education initiatives to educate the public about this portfolio area. I would also like to use this medium to congratulate Mr. Andrew James, one of our Board members, who assumed Presidency of the Realtors Association of Jamaica for the year 2019. We look forward to continuing to work with the Association and its administration in maintaining the professionalism and integrity of the profession, while balancing the rights and interest of all stakeholders. On a personal note, I add my best wishes to two of our team members who became first-time parents this past quarter, Mr. Randell Bailey and Ms. Marsh. Best wishes and thanks once again to Ms. Lorna Hunter who will be riding off into the sunset of retirement, after 25 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Board. As has become my custom at the start of the year, we invite your feedback on any issue or suggestions as to how we may better serve you, as we seek to remain a client-centred organisation.
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
JAMAICA ...own a small piece of paradise
The Real Estate Board has responsibility for determining all applications for Timeshare licences in Jamaica. Contact us to register your property today.
info@reb.gov.jm | 876-926-9748/9 http://timeshare.reb.gov.jm
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
ATTENTION ALL REAL ESTATE DEALERS, DEVELOPERS & SALESMEN
Real Estate Advertisement Real estate practitioners are reminded that ANY real estate advertisement, including those on social media, websites and other electronic platforms, referencing a dealer or salesman, must include a current licence number for the dealer. Additionally, Section 27 (1-2) of the Real Estate (Dealer and Developers) Act states that all advertisements for the sale of land or building in a development scheme should include: a) b) c) d)
From whom and when the relevant approvals were obtained; When and where the relevant plans, drawing and specifications may be inspected; An accurate description of the land and its physical features; and Any other information which may be prescribed.
This also applies to all forms of advertising, including those on social media, websites and other electronic platforms.
The Real Estate Board, 24 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10 Tel: 876-926-9748/9, 920-2950, 920-9287, fax: 876-926-0010 email: info@reb.gov.jm | website: www.reb.gov.jm | facebook/realestateboardja
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
On November 29, the Real Estate Board Family hosted a Retirement dinner at the Real Estate Training Institute for Accounting Officer, Lorna Hunter, who would be entering retirement after a quarter century at the Real Estate Board. Well wishes flowed and memories replayed as Ms Hunter was feted in fine style. Below is a citation presented at the event.
CITATION PRESENTED TO
Lorna Hunter
L ▲Corporate Affairs Manager, Elaine Gordon (left) and Inspectorate Manager, Sonia Graham (right) present Ms. Hunter with tokens of appreciation on behalf of the Board and Staff. ▼Below Ms. Hunter receives a citation from Board CEO, Sandra Garrick.
For 25 years of loyal and faithful service to the Real Estate Board
orna Hunter began her tenure at the Real Estate Board in November 1993 when she came in as a temporary member of staff. Quickly, her attention to detail and accounting skills became evident, and she was offered permanent employment. On January 3, 1994, Lorna was permanently appointed as the Telephone Operator/Receptionist, and also performed acting duties as Accounting Clerk. Her Managers at the time described Lorna as a conscientious and responsible worker who could be relied upon. As soon as a post became available, she was appointed as Accounting Clerk on August 1, 1996. Throughout her tenure, Lorna demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Real Estate Board. Her passion for her job, meticulous and detail oriented nature made her a Gatekeeper for the Company’s financial resources. At all times, Lorna held a high standard to ensure that not one penny of the Board’s funds was wasted. No matter what, she adhered to standards and procedures – and was not afraid to defend the right way to do things. She acted as the Accountant/Office Manager on three occasions in 1999, 2000 and 2002 – and she performed creditably well in this capacity. Lorna was always willing to assist the team. Even beyond the professional sphere, Lorna was a member of the Real Estate Board Family, who bonded with her coworkers. Many times for staff events, Lorna would treat her colleagues to scrumptious dishes she prepared with her wonderful culinary skills. When Lorna came to the Real Estate Board, the company was in its infancy, and she is considered one of the founding staff members of the organization; whose hard work and dedication built the Real Estate Board to be what it is presently. Lorna retired officially on July 31, 2018, but true to her faithful nature, she continued to assist the Board to give the entity as much time as possible to fill her shoes, which we know will be a monumental task. She was awarded, on October 6, 2018, in recognition of 25 years of dedicated service to the Real Estate Board. Lorna can never be replaced. The Real Estate Board salutes Lorna Hunter for 25 years’ service, dedicated to the success of the entity; we hereby express our appreciation to you for all your effort and unwavering commitment. Presented on the 29th day of November, 2018
Pre-licensing Course for: Dealers, Salesmen & Property Management
1 Surbiton Road, Kingston 10 (876) 350-6761, 633-1292
Visit the Courses section of our website for course dates, times and deadlines www.reb.gov.jm
IMPORTANT REMINDERS If you do not intend to practice for the period ending March 31, 2020 you should apply for DORMANCY. Dormancy must be applied for by APRIL 30, 2019 LICENCES FEES are due April 1 for Dealers & Salesmen. It can be paid in two instalments: April 1-30 (1st half) and Sept 1-30 (2nd half). A penalty of 50% for late payment is applicable thereafter. You are entitled to a pocket licence after full and on-time payment. A fee of $1000 is otherwise required There are now five payment methods available including ONLINE PAYMENT via Scotiabank and NCB Online Twenty hours of CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Courses are required every two years All Real Estate practitioners are required to do anti-money laundering training
The R e al Es t at e Jo ur n al
Shaw urges real estate practitioners to support anti-money laundering efforts
colleague associations have checks and balances in place, but urged them “to be relentless in this regard and take a zero tolerance approach to any inklings that run counter to the law”. “Our culture of informality may incite some amount of resistance to these regimes, especially AML, but I urge you, as regulator and practitioners, to stand your ground in support of nation building,” the minister said. He commended the REB for its requirement that all dealers and salesmen take AML courses and make the necessary reports to the REB and the Financial Investigative Division and urged the Board to keep up and strengthen its enforcement and training initiatives, where necessary. “We cannot sit by and allow unscrupulous individuals to poke holes in the mechanisms designed to ensure a healthy financial service sector or our economy,” stated Shaw.
We cannot sit by and allow unscrupulous individuals to poke holes in the mechanisms designed to ensure a healthy financial service sector or our economy
M
inister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, has urged stakeholders in the real estate industry to continue their drive to support the AntiMoney Laundering (AML) legislation and enforcement initiatives of the Government. Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the 30th Anniversary Banquet & Awards Ceremony of the Real Estate Board (REB), held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Saturday, Shaw noted that real estate is a one of the areas that readily comes into contact with individuals who may be seeking to circumvent the law. He acknowledged that the Board and its
Minister Shaw greets Michael Lake, President of the Developers Association of Jamaica. At centre is Karl Vendryes, Board member and representative of the Developers' Association. In the background is Senior Partner at the law firm DunnCox and former Board member, John Leiba. Published October 10, 2018 The Jamaica Observer
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Builders bruised by Dubai's real estate market woes
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nown for its glittering skyscrapers and luxury villas, the Dubai property market is oversupplied, especially in the residential sector where prices have fallen steadily from a peak in mid-2014. Many towers stand half-empty, and some construction sites have been left dormant. “We stopped expansion,” said Samer El Achkar, chief executive of Al Qabdah, which built the Kempinski Hotel on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island. Al Qabdah culled 10 percent of its roughly 7,400 workforce in June. “We are trying not to reduce our employees but when we complete or deliver a project we let go of some employees if we don’t need them in other projects,” El Achkar said. A diplomatic row with former ally Qatar and sanctions against Iran, a major trading partner, have curbed foreign demand for property, while a new valueadded tax has dragged on the domestic economy. A Reuters analysis of data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) showed a 76 percent jump in the number of delayed developments and sales of villas and flats between 2016 and 2018. The DLD told Reuters that 865 developers were registered with the department in 2018 but that only one in four had projects currently active. BNC, which provides news and data on the construction industry, estimates the value of delayed projects at $126.3 billion in 2018, up from $107.6 billion in 2017 and equivalent to about 16 percent of all projects this year.
Projects are often dogged by stalled payments from developers, long a headache for builders in the region but one that has become worse as banks have become reluctant to extend more credit to the sector. Real estate and construction together accounted for 13.3 percent of Dubai’s gross domestic product in 2017, according to the Dubai Statistics Center. Slumping property companies and contractors have helped make Dubai’s stock market the worstperforming in the Middle East this year, down about 24 percent. “The construction sector has traditionally been a key source of growth for the wider economy, so any pressure on the industry would inevitably have an impact on both the rate of headline GDP growth and on other sectors that benefit indirectly from strong construction activity,” said Jean-Paul Pigat, head of research at Lighthouse Research in Dubai. The current situation is not comparable to the crash of a decade ago, which saw property prices fall more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2010 as the global financial crisis unfolded. But the outlook is grim. After falling 5-10 percent in 2017, real estate prices could decline by 1015 percent over the next two years, S&P Global Ratings said earlier this year. Adapted from article of the same name Tuqa Khalid, December 18, 2018 Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-dubairealestate-contractors/builders-bruised-by-dubais-real-estatemarket-woes-idUSKBN1OI0AO
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
In this edition of Shutterbug we take you behind the lens of some of the images in the 2019 issue of our Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations desk Calendar
This image featured in the month of February under the Caption “Built Environment,” includes inspectors Horace Morna and Claudia Allen. The ‘write-up’ for the month reminds real estate developers that developments with five or more units should be registered with the Real Estate Board.
October’s feature image for “Regulation that Works” examines the value of a regulated Timeshare sector, protecting the rights of both the provider and the client. The image includes Gail Dandy-Newell, Elaine Gordon and Sonia Graham
“Strength in Numbers,” featured in the month of May underscore the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee of a Strata Corporation—duties with include maintaining and Managing the Common areas, insuring the property, budgeting and preparing accounts, among others. In this simulated image CSC Senior Inspector, Mercede Scott chairs a meeting of the Executive Committee.
“Knowledge is Power” - July’s featured image and blurb promotes the Continuing Professional Development for real estate practitioners. The programme is intended to sharpen their skills while exposing them to new areas of the industry. In this image Board CEO, Sandra Garrick, plays the role of facilitator
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Get your copy of the brand new Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations 2019 Desk Calendar
Featuring:
26 pages of original high gloss images
Useful information & tips on Timeshare, Executive Committees, The Real Estate Training Institute etc.
Special dates and deadlines for payment of fees highlighted
Contact information on month pages, including social media links
Available now at the front desk and security post
www.facebook.com/realestateboardja/ Multiple posts daily Local & International Real Estate News from the Jamaica Gleaner, Observer etc Photo updates of Real Estate Board activities & events
Real Estate Tips and Quotes Information for practitioners Shared posts from HGTV, House Logic and the NAR Radio & TV PSAs Videos ...and much more
The R e al Es t at e Jo ur n al
What three words best describe you? Shy, diplomatic, observant What do you get every time you go grocery shopping? I have a thing for cinnamon water crackers. Can’t leave out my cereal & almond milk either. Cereal is my religion. What is your favourite food? Give me all the horrible carbs and cheese, so almost anything Italian, even though I’m trying to cut out dairy one item at a time. But, Indian food has been closing in on that first place title. How much do you plan for the future? To be honest, even though I like to be organized, certain things one would think are no-brainers in detailed organisation I just take them day by day. For now, I have an idea of what I want my future to look like but the planning is… coming along. Do you care about fashion? What style of clothes do you usually wear? HA! Of course I care. I’m the daughter of a former fashion model and the grand-daughter of a dressmaker. The fit of clothes is very important. I believe one should dress for their bodies and not only wear what’s “in style”. I love classic cuts and a looser fit. I hate wearing outfits that are tight from top to bottom. I generally stay away from neon colours. What is a fashion trend you are really glad went away? There’s a tie between shoulder pads and extremely lowrise jeans for me. But since shoulders pads were actually before my (adult) time, I guess I should say I’m glad that trend died while I was a child. What was the best invention of the last 50 years? I think we can all agree that this was the internet.
Ashleigh Whittaker Management Support Officer
Are you very active or do you prefer to just relax in your free time? Ashleigh: The Defender of Nap Time. That’s my identifier. I love to do nothing during my free time, but lately I’ve been quite the pseudo socialite. It’s exhausting. I just need Netflix and my bed. What were you really into when you were a child? I was really into gymnastics. I used to spend hours perfecting my cart-wheel and even to this day I can still do one in a perfectly straight line. Once I heard I was probably going to be too tall to excel at it (Have you noticed gymnasts are usually petit?) I gave up on [ cont’d on next page]
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l [ cont’d from previous page]
seeking out training and continued exploring with the basic stuff on my own. If you opened a business, what kind of business would it be? I’d probably open an antique furniture/jewellery store. At least that’s what I thought 5 years ago. Now I’m not so sure. Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My aunt. She has been around me since birth as my mother’s more fun, cool, younger sister. She continued to raise me when my mother went to pursue her modelling career, then further supported me when my mother passed away in 2010. She’s the person who knows me best and has encouraged me through every stage of my life. What is the most annoying habit someone can have? When someone does that sinus drawing sound to clear the passage. You know the one. It drives me crazy!
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If you had to change your name, what would your new name be? I actually wish one of my middle names was my first name. Either Victoria or Stephanie. Probably Victoria. Why my mother stuck me with the most common name in my generation is beyond me. What is your personal ethos? Treat others the way you want to be treated. So many people only ever think about themselves and how they can benefit from a situation, never stopping to consider how another person may be affected by their words or actions. What role do you play when you hang out with friends? I’m the one who calms down everyone in the midst of potential conflict, allowing them to see reason, plus the one who keeps everyone on track when we need to stick to a plan, but I’m also the grandma of the group. What is the silliest fear you have? Currently there’s trypophobia, which I’ve recently discovered has a name. It is the fear of small holes. I had a dream once where hundreds of dead leaves blew around me and all my pores widened, giving me this itchy feeling. Now I can’t even cut breadfruit comfortably. As a child, I was terrified of the moon all because one morning I was being picked up for school while it was still dark and the moon was abnormally large. Even now I get a little frightened if I’m caught off guard by the moon at its usual size.
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n Saturday October6, 2018, the Real Estate Board recognised 14 members of staff who had served the organisation over ten years. Below we ask a few of those awarded - As you reflect on your time at the Real Estate Board, what does it mean to you to be acknowledged for your years of service with the organisation? John Brooks [Data Processing Search Officer] I was extremely honoured to be recognized for my 24 years to the Board. I have faced a number of challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me and made me the person I am today. There is nothing more gratifying than recognition for a job well done
Michelle Roberts [Executive Secretary] As I reflect on my years of service to the Real Estate Board, I am really happy and grateful to have served the organization. I am very delighted and pleased to have been awarded for thirteen (13) years of dedicated service. I was honoured to join my fellow recipients who I have long admired and respected. Thanks to the Management team and the Board of Directors for my recognition.
Cresfroid Brown [Senior Inspector] I feel truly honoured and humbled by the fact that I was recognized by my colleagues and management for my 12 years with the Board. My sincere gratitude to the staff and by extension the Board of Directors for this token and the special occasion surrounding it.
E. Elaine Gordon [Corporate Service Manager] I am honoured to have been recognized for 16 years of long service. However, I want to give credit to the Board, for creating an environment which provided myself and others with an opportunity to contribute for so many years in a meaningful way. I started with the Board in 1988 - 1992, and returned in 2006, to find that the people remained warm and the organization continued to be a great place to work.
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Ways to Stay Focused at Work Through the Holidays
e’re in the midst of the holiday season, and as you try to juggle parties, shopping, hosting, planning, traveling, and work, there's a good chance you'll lose focus and momentum in the office. Cramming these different activities into an already-full schedule can cause some amount of stress. However this time can be an opportunity to get caught up on your important, but not urgent, tasks. You'll also feel better about yourself if you’re able to start the new year running, instead of crawling. Here are a few tips to stay focused and maintain high productivity during the chaotic holiday season.
Don’t over-commit. With all the office parties, client events, and secret Santa exchanges it can be tough to keep your eye on the ball. Be sure to prioritize and balance your holiday activities with your work obligations. Keeping focused and maintaining a good work -life balance sometimes means saying no.
HUMAN RESOURCE
Gail Dandy-Newell Human Resource Officer
Take a few days off. If you have a few vacation days left at the end of the year, take time to do a little shopping or enjoy a day with your loved ones. Start working on year-end projects and personal tasks early. The holidays don't creep up on us; we're just too in the busy to see them coming. Start your holiday shopping earlier than you have in the past, and get a head start on any upcoming projects at work. This way, when you’re busy with office parties and planning family gatherings later this month, you’ll have fewer to-do items on your plate.
This time can be an opportunity to get caught t up on your important, bu not urgent, tasks
Watch out for distractions. While at the office, don't give yourself the assignment to cram in shopping at lunch or buy gifts online. At work, focus on work. You can take on the holiday chores during your spare time. It will also free you up from trying to do too many things at once. Create your to-do list and prioritize tasks. Get your tasks and projects, both personal and professional, into a digital or paper system and out of your head. Once you see all your commitments and want-to-do's, decide which to drop and which could wait until the new year. Move the latter onto the back burner. The psychological relief of clearing your mental clutter and then removing some burdens is immense. It makes your holidays more joyful and energizes you to accomplish your front burner tasks. Remind yourself to stay focused at work. The trick is to forget about "seasons" and focus on "today." Is today a holiday? If not, behave as you would in September. Follow that procedure every day you work. On actual holidays or vacation days, forget about work and have fun. It's that simple.”
14 Ways to Stay Focused at Work Through the Holidays. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/12/05/14ways-to-stay-focused-at-work-through-theholidays/#66bce3cb5319. Jacquelyn Smith. Forbes Staff Posted: December 5, 2012
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
REAL ESTATE
Could be this funny!
Q: How do real estate agents greet each other? A: “House it going?”
Congratulations to Data Processing Officer, Demesha Marsh and her husband Clayon Marsh as they welcomed Cezannia Marsh on September 13, 2018.
A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said “Rest in Peace.” The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said, “Sir, I’m really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, Congratulations on your new home.”
Corporate Planning Analyst, Randell Bailey and his wife Raecine Bailey welcomed their bundle of joy Rae’el Bailey on October 25, 2018