Kingston, Jamaica, November 15, 2024 – In a historic move to foster a culture of service excellence across Jamaica, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has formalized its longstanding partnership with the Jamaica Customer Service Association (JaCSA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This five-year agreement, effective October 11, 2024, combines the power of the arts and education to promote service excellence across the island. It utilizes community programmes and cultural initiatives to raise awareness and inspire positive service behaviours.
Mr. Lenford Salmon, Executive Director of the JCDC, highlighted the lasting significance of the partnership. "This collaboration is a natural synergy, as Jamaicans are inherently creative, and the arts are a powerful tool for conveying important messages, such as service excellence. What began in 2018 with the Jamaica Customer Service Song Competition has continued to evolve, even adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic… Through this partnership, we are using the creative arts to raise awareness about the importance of service excellence. We started with a song competition, moved to poetry, and I’m excited to explore other creative formats in the future."
As part of the MOU, the JCDC will continue to facilitate the development and planning of the annual Jamaica Customer Service Competition, along with other related events. The JCDC will also leverage its Jamaica Creative Writing Competition and Performing Arts Programmes to promote service excellence messages while supporting the planning of National Customer Service Week and the Customer Service Conference. Additionally, the JCDC’s nationwide network will be used to promote service excellence initiatives across the island. JaCSA will contribute by providing prizes, financial support, and service excellence training, further strengthening the partnership's impact.
Mr. Richard Rowe, Deputy Chairman of JaCSA, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, stating, “The Jamaica Customer Service Association is proud to collaborate with the JCDC on this important initiative. Together, we will ensure that service excellence becomes a shared value across Jamaica, benefiting businesses, communities, and individuals alike. This MOU signals our long-term commitment to transforming customer service in Jamaica and making service excellence a key pillar of national development.”
Ms. Elizabeth Smith, Director of Corporate Services at JCDC, emphasized that this MOU aligns with the JCDC’s strategic plan to engage more Jamaicans in showcasing the best of Brand Jamaica as well as promulgating standards of the Government of Jamaica’s Service Excellence Policy. “By partnering with JaCSA, we are not only helping to build a more service-oriented society, but we are also strengthening our commitment to supporting the development of the nation's talent and creating positive change through the arts.”
This collaboration comes at a critical time as Jamaica continues to grow as a global destination for tourism, business, and investment. By improving customer service standards and cultivating a national mindset of service excellence, the JCDC and JaCSA aim to contribute to Jamaica's economic growth and social cohesion.
