Volume 19
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Issue 25
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MARCH 2020
A quarterly publication of the Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations
Contact-less Service encouraged in response to Pandemic
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ike much of the world, the Real E st at e B o ar d i s cur re nt l y experiencing significant changes and disruption in how it provides its regular services in light of the spread of the global pandemic, COVID-19. The Board was forced to modify its traditional fact-to-face operations on Wednesday, March 18, when the Prime Minister issued a directive that all workfrom-home possibilities be explored, especially for non-essential workers. This was extended subsequent to that announcement, as the number of COVID19 cases continued to grow. According to the Board’s CEO, Sandra Garrick, the organization had put the necessary mechanisms in place for contact-less operations prior to a formal announcement from the Prime Minister. “It is something we began exploring based on what we saw taking place and the statements coming from the Prime Minister
and the Minister of Health.” “These mechanisms included ensuring that the organization could be reached, via cell phone, during the normal business hours; encouraging email contact and encouraging online payment via the Scotiabank and NCB bill payment platforms. Bank transfers can also be done by third-party banks, to our account,” Mrs. Garrick explained. The website is also updated frequently to ensure that practitioners’ licensing status remain current. “We understood that during this period it would be difficult for them to get their physical licenses and as such an individual practitioner could direct his or her client to our website for verification,” Mrs. Garrick further explained. Key operations such as accounting is also accessible to the necessary members of staff, as well as documents relating to certain key
functions, while adhering to the strictest of security and confidentiality protocols for the protection of clients and the organization. Staff members throughout the organization remained accessible via email and to a great extent, via company cell phones. Video conferencing is also available as we have the requisite hardware and software to facilitate this kind of interaction at a very high standard. “Communication remains central throughout this process and prior to the shutdown we communicated these changes to our clients via mass email, print media and social media. This ensured that we would be able to remain in contact with our clients through this very difficult and uncertain process. Our PBX has been updated and should someone call the landline numbers, a recording will direct them to our cell numbers as well as our email address,” Mrs. Garrick concluded.
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
Local & International Real Estate News
CEO’s Message Timeshare Registration
Disciplinary Action Taken by the Board
CSC Alters Operations, Issues Directives Home showings and the Corona Virus
Entity Invests in High Density Filing System
Follow us on Instagram
HUMAN RESOURCES:
Tips for Working from Home
Training Institute offering Pre-Licensing Courses Remotely
REAL ESTATE Could be this funny!
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
list of the officers you may contact according to the required service area. We have also published a COVID19 ‘Protocol of Service’ which will indicate exactly how our services will be managed and handled during this period. If you turn to page 11 of the issue, you will also find our phone numbers and email address where we can be reached during normal business hours. Please call us if you feel your matters are not being addressed in a timely manner or if you have any questions we would be able to help you with. A dropbox has been provided at the office to collect correspondence which may be required for Board and Committee meetings. These meetings continue via video conferencing as we are aware that your business continues and so must ours. We have been providing and will continue to provide regular updates via email to those on our mailing list, as this situation evolves. Please take the time to read these updates as this is the quickest and most efficient means of communicating with you enmasse. As redundant as it may sound to some, I wish to
remind everyone to take the necessary safety precautions – mainly washing and sanitising your hands often and practicing social distancing. Also CEO’s MESSAGE follow and abide by the regulations issued by the government. These will ensure that we get through Sandra Garrick this period as quickly and safely as possible. Thanks for your kind cooperation and I look forward to the time when I can see you in the customer service area of our office and being write at a very uncertain and anxious time for our tended to by one of our diligent Inspectors in the organisation, our country and indeed the world. The not too distant future. In the meantime I wish good on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every health to you and your family.
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facet of our life and business in a very significant way. It is noteworthy that this period of time is usually the busiest for the organisation, with the end/ beginning of financial years, and renewal fees being due for practitioners as well as the Annual Returns for Strata Corporations. As an organisation, I want to assure our clients, that we have done everything in our power to ensure that you are still able to access our services across the three administrative areas of the entity – The Real Estate Board, the Commission of Strata Corporations and the Timeshare Registry. This is against the backdrop of practicing social distancing as a means of protecting both our staff and clients. As such, we encourage you to do as many of the transactions that you are able to do with us remotely. We have published and placed on our website a
As an organisation, I want to assure our clients, that we have done everything in our power to ensure that you are still able to access our services across the three administrative areas of entity—The Real Estate Board, the Commission of Strata Corporations and the Timeshare Registry.
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
...own a small piece of paradise
JAMAICA
The Real Estate Board has responsibility for determining all applications for Timeshare licences in Jamaica. Contact us to be licenced today. info@reb.gov.jm | 876-926-9748/9 | http://timeshare.reb.gov.jm Becoming a Timeshare Agent A timeshare agent acts on behalf of the proprietor of a timeshare plan and offers timeshare contracts or provides public offering statements. These statements provide all the necessary documentary information on the rights and obligations of a purchaser in relation to the timeshare plan. Additionally, the timeshare agent also conducts tours of the timeshare plan and presentations relating to the timeshare accommodation being offered.
Requirements for application The applicant must satisfy the fit and proper criteria: ● Attained the age of at least 18 years ● Is not an undischarged bankrupt ● Has not been convicted of an offence: 1. Involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; or 2. Under any lay relating to real estate or tourism. ● Must complete an approved course of study in: 1. Timeshare Real Estate 2. General real estate ● Completed a one (1) year period of attachment at an approved Real Estate Dealer ● Pass written and oral examinations administered by Timeshare Registrar
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Strata Commission to alter operations, issues directives to Corporations
“I would assume that the corporations would be following in the direction of the government, in discouraging or banning temporarily, any kind of gathering in its public spaces and recreational areas...I would also suggest that the necessary sanitizing of these spaces be done frequently and thoroughly including places that are likely to be handled frequently such as doorknobs and staircase handrails”
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he Commission of Strata Corporations, like the Real Estate Board, saw adjustments to its traditional service delivery as the organization sought to protect its staff members, as well as members of the public amidst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission has also issued directives and suggestions to strata corporations for their own safety. The Commission for the protection of its Inspectors, has temporarily halted inspections to strata corporations. Secondly, the Commission will no longer facilitate physical attendance at Corporation meetings, Annual General meetings or otherwise, but will instead be available via video conferencing if requested. They are also suggesting that Corporations utilized this meeting platform as a way of practicing social distancing. The Commission’s CEO, Sandra Garrick, is very clear that all other administrative services are still being offered but without physical contact. We have published telephone numbers and a list of responsible officers so staff members can easily be reached. Also, Annual Returns guidance can also be given and submissions accepted, even during this period. The
Commission has also given some directives for the corporations’ proprietors. “I would assume that the corporations would be following in the direction of the government, in discouraging or banning temporarily, any kind of gathering in its public spaces and recreational areas,” noted Mrs. Garrick. “I would also suggest that the necessary sanitizing of these spaces be done frequently and thoroughly including places that are likely to be handled frequently such as doorknobs and staircase handrails,” Mrs. Garrick urged. Mrs. Garrick also shared that in some cases it would be a good idea to completely close some common areas such as pools and tennis courts in the best interest of proprietors. She also noted that based on the circumstances this would not be considered unreasonable or a violation of the terms of ownership. “Also I would suggest that where possible, sanitizing stations be strategically placed or where the property has a designated person at access points, those persons administer the necessary cleaning agents to visitors and proprietors as is being done at several businesses such as banks and supermarkets.”
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Training Institute delivering Pre-Licensing Courses remotely
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mid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has forced business and organisations to change how they interact with the public and conduct business, the Real Estate Training Institute is administering some of its pre-licensing courses online. Both its Pre-Licensing Salesmen and Dealers’ Course are now being facilitated via the Zoom platform. “It’s something we have been looking into [on-line classes] with a view to introducing at some time in the future for both our pre-licensing and CPD Courses. However we were still researching the various options”, admitted Board CEO, Sandra Garrick. “Prior to the announcement by the government of the limiting of physical contact, we attempted to fasttrack an alternative solution through one of our IT-based government agencies and a popular private education delivery provider. However the closure notice did not give us sufficient time to see either option through to fruition, and as such we settled on this method of delivery,” Mrs Garrick explained. Zoom has become the communication app/ website of choice for many persons. The videoconferencing software company has been seeing people flock to its service to keep up with friends, hold meetings, have worship, and teach. Its main selling point is that it can accommodate up to 100 attendees without a subscription, is generally considered easy to use, and
the interface is relatively intuitive. At the time the government gave the directive, starting March 18, for a limiting of social gatherings of a significant number of persons, the Training Institute was in the midst of its first cohort of both the pre-licensing course for salesmen and for dealers, for the current calendar year. “We did not want to completely disrupt the students and as such all sessions that were underway continued, Mrs Garrick explained. “We are also exploring this medium for the delivery of our continuing professional development courses.” As a facilitator for both courses and participating in the online courses, the CEO said that she is pleased with the level of buy-in and engagement of participants thus far. “For many persons this is the new normal and as such I believe people have adjusted quickly to this way of learning.” Systems Administrator/Analyst at the Real Estate Board, Kenrick Picknight, who also helps to manage the sessions, noted that the platform provides a number of settings that can be configured to provide the desired level of control for each online session. These include a finite list of participants, authenticated user-access to meetings, in-meeting polls and attendance reports. “This makes Zoom quite a flexible and robust platform for online course delivery.”
package, and would be putting forward some ideas in their letter. According to James, basically, what has been happening with the emergence of COVID-19 is that some customers have been watching the market, and their assumption is that as the situation is now, maybe in another three to six months they will not be able to meet their loan payments. He said that if that happens, a number of properties would be going up for auction, and will be going on the private treaties list. “So there are those persons who say they will wait and see. Persons who may even have put down a deposit are now saying, 'Hold on, hold on, I don't want to go any further until I know what is happening, because chances are I might not have a chance to pay down the loan,' and so on,” he stated. “So, as far as the realtors are concerned, they are in an awkward situation right now: Realtors are only paid by commissions,” he added. However, a more optimistic immediate past president, Howard Johnson Jr, told the Observerrelated The Edge 105 radio station Wednesday morning that the good thing about the current situation is that construction is still active, realtors are advertising their development and getting good responses to date. However, he admitted that there were a few cases where individuals have been holding back to wait and see what will happen. “If you followed the trend from last year, you would note that developers are pretty much just completing units that have already been sold. So we are really just looking forward to the delivery of these units, as opposed to marketing for sale,” Johnson explained. He pointed to new developments that have been prepared and have been approved, and the contractors are still building them out because the demand is still there, at this point. “We don't know if we will see a reduction in Realtors’ Association of Jamaica President, demand, but we do not anticipate that in the near Andrew James future,” he said. Asked by the Observer if he thinks the Jamaican HE Realtors’ Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has, market will be able to withstand the ravages of COVIDfor the time being, been holding up to the COVID19, James admitted that the local market has a history 19 invasion, but there are fears among the of being resilient, in terms of disasters, and gave as an leadership that things could get really bad soon. example the bounce in the market which followed the “We are sending off a letter to the Government with some points that we would like to have dealt with for our 2008/9 meltdown. James did not see much of a bounce in the members,” the President, Andrew James, told market from the improved interest rates for National the Jamaica Observer. Housing Trust (NHT) contributors, which were James said that some realtors are not earning at announced by the minister of finance and the public this time, because they do not get a salary but a service recently, because prices have not gone down commission from their sales, which has left them in a commensurately. bad situation. He said that the RAJ is most concerned about its Except from the Jamaica Observer members earning under $1.5 million per annum, to see Published April 2, 2020 how they can benefit from the Government's stimulus The R e al Es t at e Jo ur n al
Realtors Concerned about the Housing Market
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Balford Henry
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Manhattan real estate sales grind to a halt in March. Prices could plunge next
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anhattan real estate sales ground to a halt at the end of March, and some industry experts say prices could fall 30% or more once activity resumes. Total sales volume actually increased 14% for the first three months of 2020, boosted by a strong January and February. But the average sale price for a Manhattan apartment fell 11% in the quarter, to $1,887,740. The last two weeks of March, when the coronavirus began to really hit the New York area, showed a market suddenly in shock. According to Olshan Realty’s market report, there were only two contracts over $4 million signed in the last week of March — the worst week since August 2009, when the financial crisis rocked markets. The biggest sign of trouble is listings. The number of new listings in the last week of March plunged 85% compared with the same period a year ago. Sellers also pulled existing listings off the market, since buyers either can’t or don’t want to view apartments amid the outbreak. The number of listings coming off the market jumped by 68% on a year-overyear basis, according to UrbanDigs. The big question is what prices will look like when the market starts to recover — either in summer or fall. Manhattan real estate sales and prices were
already in the midst of a two-year slide before the coronavirus pandemic, with an oversupply of condos, tax changes and lack of foreign buyers all hurting sales. Pandemic and stock market declines are likely to cause another drop. Jonathan Miller, CEO of Miller Samuel, said median prices during the financial crisis and the 9/11 terrorist attacks fell anywhere between 25% and 30% for a short period, from market highs to market lows. New developments could be hit particularly hard, especially the large new condo towers that have sprouted up across Manhattan and were counting on the spring selling season to move units and pay down construction and inventory loans. According to Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel, prices for new development in the first quarter fell by 49%. There’s now a 17-month supply of new development. What’s more, the coronavirus could lead New Yorkers to reassess the costs and benefits of living in New York City and look for homes in more rural or suburban communities, perhaps in other states. An untold number of New Yorkers have fled the city for the Hamptons, Hudson Valley and other locales, and are now adapting to working remotely. CNBC Robert Frank PUBLISHED APR 2, 2020
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Salesman, Dealers’ Licences Revoked or suspended in Disciplinary Action by the Board
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he Real Estate Board recently ruled in three separate cases involving disciplinary action against real estate professionals, to cancel the dealer’s licence of one real estate company and its qualifying director, while the licence of another company along with its qualifying director, and another salesman had theirs suspended. The details are as follows Declan Real Estate Company Limited with Qualifying Director, Cleveland Cato A disciplinary hearing was held at the Real Estate Board on November 14, 2019, where the Board found real estate dealer, Declan Real Estate Company Limited, with Qualifying Director Mr Cleveland Cato, guilty of various offences under the Real Estate Dealers and Developers Act. These include: breaches of Section 44 (1) (c) and 38 – dealing the failure to produce records requested by the Board and the right of the Board to request documents, respectively. Violations of Sections 24 and 25 were also found, which require clients’ money to be held in trust, and not used or any other purpose than that directed by the client (S. 24) and a general requirement to operate such an account (S.25). Related to the violation of the previous two sections, were violations of sections 15 and 16 of the Regulations which requires real estate dealers to keep proper accounting records of clients’ monies. Section 7 (1) of the Code of Ethics (Regulations), for which he was found in breach, further required the company/Qualifying Director to “account to his client for all monies in hand…whenever reasonably required to do so.” Finally, a breach was upheld in relation to the
Code of Ethics (Regulations) Section 6 (1) where the company/individual failed to undertake duties and responsibilities as are within his competence and for which he is properly registered or licensed under the Act.” These led to the immediate cancellation of the licence of Declan Real Estate Company Limited. Three separate complaints were received against Declan Real Estate Company Limited, between May 2019 and August 2019. In one complaint, Declan entered into an agreement to collect rent and lodge same to the account of the owner who was overseas. The Board did not receive proof that was done, and the complainant advised that several dishonoured cheques were presented to her and/or her representative, after several unsuccessful attempts the recover the sums owed. In another complaint, a purchaser alleged that $1,500,000 was paid over to Declan as down payment on the purchase of a property, with the understanding that it would be paid over to the vendor’s Attorney. She advised that when the company eventually presented a cheque for the amount to the Attorney, it was dishonoured. Due to the client’s frustration with the inability to recover the monies on time, the purchaser asked that the transaction be cancelled. In the third case, Declan was contracted to sell a property, and received a deposit of $421,500 toward the sale, again to be paid over to the vendor’s attorney. Again, it was alleged that the company presented dishonoured cheques to the vendor’s Attorney, leading the prospective purchaser, in frustration, to ask that the transaction be cancelled and the money returned.
….On the next page
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...Licences Revoked or suspended Real Estate Salesman, Una May Powell Another disciplinary hearing was held on November 14, 2019; this time involving real estate salesman, Una May Powell. Ms. Powell was held to breach of Sections 24 and 25, which require clients’ money to be held in trust, and further prohibited the use of the funds for any other purpose than that directed by the client (S. 24) and a general requirement to operate such an account (S.25). Additionally Ms. Powell was also found guilty of violations under section 10, which permits salesmen from operating “in the capacity of a real estate dealer unless he is the holder of a valid licence…authorizing him so to do.” The Board thereby suspended Ms. Powell’s license for six (6) months with an order that during this period a course in ethics be undertaken. She was ordered to cease practicing as at the date of the hearing. Details of the complaint are that Ms. Powell entered into an agreement in June 2018, outside of the knowledge of her dealer, to manage, supervise and collect rent for an apartment complex; actions outside the ambit of her licence. As a result, she collected monies (rent) from the tenants on five occasions but failed to put the money into a client’s account, as is required under the Act, and to properly account for the sums collected. The complainant further alleges that Ms. Powell further collected $US3000 from her, with a promise to assist in settling an outstanding debt and initiate reconnection by the NWC. Ms Powell was charged by the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation with Fraudulent Conversion under the Larceny Act in relation to the $US 3000. Grange Real Estate Limited with Qualifying Director, Dwight Grange A third disciplinary hearing held was held on January 16, 2020 against Grange Real Estate Limited with Qualifying Director, Dwight Grange. In that matter the dealership was found to be in violation of Section 44 (1) (c) of the Act – dealing with the failure to produce records requested by the Board; and the (Code of Ethics) Regulations Section 6 (1) (b) – to undertake duties within his competence and for which he was properly registered. The Board also found Grange Real Estate Ltd to be in breach of Section 5(1)(a–c), which speaks to improper and unprofessional practice and the obligation to maintain the dignity and integrity of the profession at all times. The licence of Grange Real Estate Limited was thereby suspended for two years, effective January 16, 2020. He was duly notified, having been absent for the hearing. This hearing arose from a report that was made to the Board by another dealer concerning the sharing of commission from the sale of an apartment building, with the complainant claiming entitlement of 1.5% or $1,390,000.00.
Please be assured that ALL administrative functions and services provided by the Real Estate Board, The Commission of Strata Corporations and The Timeshare Registry remain open to you, our valued customers. For smooth and efficient service please call or email us ahead and provide all the necessary details about how we may assist you.
876-391-9937 876-312-8971 email: info@reb.gov.jm Thanks for your kind co-operation and patience during this period
The R e al Es t at e Jo ur n al
humble beginnings even more for this. Do you have or have you ever had a nickname and how did you come by it? I never really had a nickname growing up. There had been attempts to give me a nickname but due to my unusual surname, none of those managed to stick. My surname and derivatives of it became my moniker over the years. Pick, Picky, Nite or Picky-nite became the most common ones. What was your first job? It was interesting how I got my first real job. I was playing for Seba United in the National Premier League while I was a student at Herbert Morrison Technical High. After I left highschool Mr. Anthony “Terminator” Dennis asked me what I was doing. I told him I wanted to save up some funds to go to University. He said to meet him at the Post Office in the morning at 7am. “Dress presentable”, he warned. The next morning I was at the Port Office on Megre Bay Road, where I saw hotel workers boarding their buses to the various hotels. I rode the bus to a hotel with Terminator and he brought me straight to HR where I filled out an application form. I joined the Wyndham Rose Hall team as a Bar Porter that same day. It was a good experience working in a hotel as big and prestigious at the Wyndham which allowed me to continue my interaction with tourists from far and wide. To this day I am grateful to Terminator as I was able to keep out of trouble while playing in the hotel leagues. KENRICK PICKNIGHT SYSTEMS ANALYST /ADMINISTRATOR What did you want to become when you were growing up? When I was very young I wanted to be a soldier or a policeman as I saw the respect the uniform garnered and I liked that. My parents taught me to respect those in authority so I aspired to join the ranks of the revered. Then as an adolescent, I had a stint as a member of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force which really gave me a glimpse into aspects of that life. I deviated from that path when my sporting prowess started to grow and I wanted to stay on that path as long as I could. I still remember fondly the parades and routines we performed at Sam Sharpe Square and Up Park Camp. Those were good days, disciplined days.
If money was no object, what would your ideal job be? I would be a pilot. I was always fascinated about the world, geography and culture and I wanted to visit all those distant lands. In high school my favourite subject was Geography as it brought the images in my Atlas to life. I enjoyed learning about the Glaciers of Scandinavia and the parched deserts of the Sahara, the great cities of Europe and North America. Being a pilot I believe would provide a literal vehicle to those distant lands that I had read and heard about.
What’s your favorite movie or tv show and why? I’m a Treki. I love Star Trek and other Sci-Fi movies about space travel and exploration. I love them because they show humanity at its cooperative best where survival demands putting silly human prejudices aside to focus on the persons skills and contribution instead of their ethnicity, religion or any Where did you grow up and what was it like? other meaningless difference. Maybe I subconsciously hope I I grew up in Montego Bay. It was a good childhood. I feel like I can warp away on a starship “To boldly go where no man has went to the beach everyday. Swimming with my friends, gone before!” playing football and cricket, eating sea grapes and interacting with tourists from far and wide really gave me a worldview at an early age. Initially my parents would give me a solid What is your typical workday like? beating but the next day I would be there again playing A typical workday at REB begins with a visit to the break room. football on the beach. Being in a tourist town also presented Miss Bev, our office attendant, always accommodates me me with the opportunity to interact with people from all parts with a cup of coffee before I head to my desk to clear my of the world which highlighted some of the similarities and the inbox. Then I begin actioning each task which may be long disparities that exist in the world. I learned to appreciate my term tasks assigned by my manager or impromptu tasks that
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arise from my fellow co-workers. As System Analyst/Administrator, I provide technical support for my fellow staff and customers. What I like about working at REB is the family atmosphere that exists there. We are a small team and I feel comfortable and welcome. My children even love to visit me in office after school. What hobbies do you currently have and which do you hope to take up in the future? My current hobbies are football and tennis. I love keeping fit and I am competitive so these sports allow me healthy competition while helping me maintain an overall good physique. In the future, I may transition into coaching. I currently help coach the youth programs at Real Mona and as goal keeper coach at Mona Preparatory School. What motivates you to work hard? My parents are my greatest inspiration which has led me to realize that family is my greatest motivation. I am a family man and it is important for my children to see me succeed academically, professionally and even in the sports arena. My parents had set such a good example of just being industrious and driven. My father worked at various locations in and around Montego bay such as the Civic Center, Bay West and LOJ Shopping Centers. I like to think about my father making his contribution to Montego Bay’s infrastructure. My mother did a long stint at the City Spirit foundation that catered to the homeless in Montego Bay. I respect that kind of work. Today she continues to be busy working to provide the things she needs. I admire her drive. I don’t think I have ever seen her sick (knock on wood). I am motivated to match their industry and contribution.
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What is your favourite sport to watch and/or play? Sports is in my blood. Football and tennis are my favourite sports to watch and play. I do enjoy watching basketball, track and field, the NFL and most sports. You can imagine the angst my family feels when the TV stays on sports all day, everyday. I am an official member of Liverpool Supporters Club so I enjoy attending watch parties with fellow LFC Supporters in Jamaica and abroad. How would your friends describe you? I guess most would describe me as a family man. I have dedicated my life to my family and their wellbeing. They would also describe me as being a free spirit. I love life and enjoy doing new things. Whenever there is a hiking trip, a social event I am usually on the list of invitees as I am always looking to have that new experience. Who is your hero? My parents are my heroes. I love them immensely. The reason I choose my parents is because of Exodus 20:12 which I believe is a direct order from God. Parent literally sacrifice their own ambitions for their children. It is a shame if we do not recognize the sacrifice made by them. I will not make that mistake. I recall how my parents would ensure we had something to eat everyday even during the 80’s when goods were scarce. Despite that, we never went hungry, even if it was unsweetened cornmeal porridge to “ketch up our stomach” before bed.
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Entity Invests in High Density Filing System “Files can now fit in one space and are not temporarily housed on top of the cabinets or on open temporary shelving. It is easier to search for files. You do not have to open and close drawers and they are not packed so tight that you cannot see what is at the back of the cabinet” Records Officer, John Brooks searches for a file among the organisation’s records
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he Real Estate Board and the Commission of Strata Corporations have invested in a new high density filing system, providing for a more efficient and effective management of the organisation’s vast physical file stock. A high-density mobile storage system is where shelving or cabinets are placed onto a carriage or rail system, eliminating fixed aisles to compact storage space. The concept enables users to significantly increase their storage capacity or store the same number of items in half the space as it removes the needed for individual aisles, thereby limiting the physical footprint of the unit. The system was acquired in October 2019 at a cost of just over $JA2 million. It boasts five, two-sided bays, each with seven rows of shelving. MIS Coordinator, with responsibly for the registry, Ashleigh Britto, noted that the organisation had simply run out of space to hold its current files. It is further anticipated that along with the current mandate, the addition of Timeshare and the expected Gated Communities, there would an increase in the file count. The registry currently holds approximately 11, 576 files for dealers, salesmen, developers and strata corporations. In coming to a decision to install such a system, the registry team did some research on the local market to determine what storage solutions were available, particularly ones that would not increase the physical footprint of the registry. “We identified that there was a lot of lost space above the cabinets and thought about shelving that could extend just shy of the minimum
clearance required by the fire code.” Mrs. Britto explained. “We set up meetings with two local entities who owned similar units, the University of the West Indies and the Office of Utilities Regulation to see the units in person and get their feedback on their procurement, as well as obtained their recommendations and then we went through our procurement. Both entities were very forthcoming and helpful with the information provided,” Mrs Britto added. The organisation is still undergoing updates to the registry to include colour-coded indexing, to be completed after it successfully goes through its Records Information Management (RIM) implementation process with the help of the Jamaica Achieves and Records Department (JARD). “Files can now fit in one space and are not temporarily housed on top of the cabinets or on open temporary shelving. It is easier to search for files. You do not have to open and close drawers and they are not packed so tight that you cannot see what is at the back of the cabinet,” is how Mrs. Britto assesses life with the new system. “The system also comes with a locking mechanism that allows for an additional level of security when the registry is closed at the end of the day. So even if a workman or cleaner has to be given been access to the room, the unit is locked so there is no access to the files. There is now space to accommodate the expected increase. Overall it provides a better flow to the room and the filing section,” she concluded.
Human Resources
Essential Tips for Working From Home During the Pandemic
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n the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic, many companies are implementing voluntary or mandatory work-from-home policies. That means a lot of us are dealing with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time, full-time. Even if you’ve done it before, working from home because of coronavirus might feel like a whole new world: It’s probably sudden. It might be for an extended period of time rather than a day here and there (and you’re not at all sure how long it will last). Your whole company is involved and you can’t necessarily socialize in person outside of work. These tips will help you make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being: GET DRESSED It might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one. You don’t need to dress as formally as you might for work, but the simple act of changing clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done. Don’t underestimate the power of putting on clothes suitable for public viewing. It makes you feel human and confident and helps draw the line between being at work and being at home. Getting dressed also applies to other appearance-based tasks: Take a shower, brush your hair, even put on makeup if that’s what you’d usually do. You don’t need to go as all out as you would for the office if you don’t want to, but waking up and taking care of your appearance can go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re taking care of yourself. DESIGNATE A WORKSPACE OR HOME OFFICE One of the big challenges when it comes to working remotely is keeping your work and home lives separate. If you’re used to going into an office each day, the separation between work and home is physical, and you want to try to recreate that as much as possible with a designated physical workspace at home. Your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room, but it should feel as separate from the rest of your home as possible. Try to make your workspace comfortable with a
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chair you can sit in for eight hours a day and with good natural lighting if possible. Entering your workspace will help you turn “on” at the beginning of the day and get down to work. On the flipside, leaving your workspace will also help you turn “off” at the end of the day and fully disengage. KEEP CLEARLY DEFINED WORK HOURS Just as you designate and separate your physical workspace, you should be clear about when you’re working and when you’re not. You’ll get your best work done and be most ready to transition back to the office if you stick with your regular hours. Plus, if your role is collaborative, being on the same schedule as your co-workers makes everything much easier. If you live with other people, this separation is even more critical. Communicate with the people you live with to establish boundaries so you can cut down on distractions during the workday - and then disconnect and give the people you care about your full attention. Having a separate time and space to work will allow you to be more present in your home life. DON’T GET TOO SUCKED IN BY THE NEWS—OR ANYTHING ELSE Distraction is one of the big challenges facing people who work from home, especially people who aren’t used to it. Right now, one of the biggest distractions is the news. And if you’re working remotely because of the coronavirus, checking in on COVID-19 updates is going to be at the front of your mind. It’s good to stay informed of course, but it’s also easy to scroll yourself into an anxious mess. I suggest setting timers for any breaks you take. You don’t want to get too immersed and forget that you’re at work altogether. If you’re someone who’s susceptible to getting distracted every time you get a news alert, turn your notifications off during the workday too. The news will still be there after 5:00 pm. [Continued on the next page]
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
Working From Home Tips [Continued from previous page]
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COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE If you don’t usually work from home, chances are there will be some bumps in the road if you have to suddenly go fully remote. The key to steering through these bumps is communication—especially with your manager and direct reports. Either before you make the switch or as soon as you know it’s happening, come up with a plan that lays out expectations for how often you should check in and how you’ll convey any changes or new assignments to one another. Do the same with anyone you usually work collaboratively with throughout the day. This plan is likely to change as you go. And that’s OK. This is a new situation for everyone. So make sure to circle back and change the plan if problems come up. You’ll also encounter unique challenges as you try to do your job remotely, which can vary greatly depending on the type of work you do. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the same people you would usually turn to for help—even if you’re not in the same building as them.
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DON’T FORGET TO SOCIALIZE . When the whole office suddenly starts working from home, you’re cutting off a lot of the casual social interactions you’re used to having throughout the day that help you feel less lonely and break up the monotony of work. People forget they need to be around others because it’s the small talk that keep your days feeling unique and prevent that hamsterwheel feeling. Combat this by talking with your coworkers throughout the day through calls, text, Zoom, or however your company communicates. If you usually ask your co-workers about their weekends, keep that up. If you’d usually comment to them about a specific topic, reach out. These little interactions go a long way. You can also schedule morning video call kickoffs with your whole team so you make space for that first-getting-into-work small talk, or carve out time for other check-ins throughout the day. While you’re at it, don’t just check in with co-workers about this project or that TV show you both like—really check in.