Teachers (Kingston, Jamaica) - The Queen's Preparatory School

The Board of Governors invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:

• Early Childhood Teacher - Up to and including Grade 3

• Upper school Teacher (Grades 4-6)

• Special Education Teacher

• Computer Education Teacher (full time)

Applications and contact information for 2 referees should be received by the school.

Qualifications:

Candidates are required to have an excellent working knowledge of the NSC and be able to create 5E Lesson Plans for all relevant subjects. MOE Performance Tasks training will be a distinct advantage.

Deadline: July 5, 2019

The Chairman of the Board

c/o The Principal

Email: qpsja@yahoo.com

Looking for a housekeeping, babysitting or nursing job or a gardener, handyman job? Go here and subscribe: https://876domesticworkerscaregivers.blogspot.com

Merchandisers (Montego Bay & Savanna-la-mar, Jamaica)

A Kingston based distribution company is seeking to fill merchandising positions in Savanna-la-mar and Montego Bay.

Duties will include:
Daily visits to carry out merchandising activities  such as:

• Maintaining store shelves, product quality checks
• Manage stock rotation
• Tag labeling among other duties

Candidates should possess:

• At least four (4) CXC passes including English
• Have experience in merchandising
• Excellent communication skills
• Be a team player
• Should be able to provide two (2) professional and one (1) personal references

Please send resumes and cover letters to: hr@everydayvaluejm.com no later than May 17, 2019. Telephone: (876) 631-1181

Looking for a housekeeping, babysitting or nursing job or a gardener, handyman job? Go here and subscribe: https://876domesticworkerscaregivers.blogspot.com

Ten 'Success-filled' habits Job Seekers MUST have for 2020 and beyond!

by S. Jeffery

Ah! A new year! New beginning! 2020 is here and picking up speed! Time is moving fast friends: many of us made vows to ourselves that this year would a better year for prosperity, and for some of us we hope that our circumstances will change and we'll finally be able to receive the job we've prayed for.
The reality is that we live in an extremely competitive job market and while we wish there were more jobs, the truth is that employment prospects are few compared to the number of qualified persons hunting for them. So now I'm sure you're asking me...what do you do? There must be something that can be done to give you the edge you need to stand out at an interview (or even get an interview in the first place). This blog post will seek to help you chart a more successful course for the new year! So read on...
The job market is highly competitive, which can be quite intimidating for job seekers especially when they didn’t graduate at the top of their class. However, according to former CEO of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Dennis Chung, “the most competent or brightest do not necessarily make the most productive employees”.
In fact, he claims that employers may often prefer someone who has a positive attitude: someone willing to learn, as opposed to someone who is a ‘know it all’.
Believe me, an attitude open to learning new skills and develop abilities will always make job seekers viable in the job market. With that said here are 10 habits job seekers should have to be successful in landing an interview or earn a place in the company of their choice.

Young graduates may think that after finishing university getting a job would be automatic, the sad truth is... it nuh guh suh!

1. Match your qualifications to the job you seek
First of all, you have to recognise that your qualifications must match the job that you are seeking. You may realise that the market requires more than what you have and that you may need to put in additional work to be on par with what the job market demands.

2. Attend workshops

Improving on yourself is a valuable tool. Workshops will broaden your scope and knowledge on a plethora of subjects and employers value having rounded people on their teams.

3. Volunteer/Network

If you are unemployed, the first thing that you want to consider is volunteering. It is the best way to get into the job market. It is also a very good way to meet people so that you can exchange numbers and build relationships. So, whenever you can offer a helping hand, do it, and you might find that another helping hand will be offered to you.

4. Make your resume specific

What you put on your résumé is what actually sells you. Remember, the person interviewing you has never met you before so you have to ensure that you have done a good job at compiling your résumé. Make sure that you are not giving them more than two pages. A resume with more pages often gets overlooked because job seekers include skills that are not relevant to the job they are seeking. Additionally, be clear about the job that you desire. Please don’t say that you wish to be hired into any available position. That shows desperation. Allow the employer to make that decision based on the company’s needs.

5. Don’t change jobs frequently
It doesn’t have to be several years of service but your loyalty to an institution is important. If you seem ‘nomadic’ in your job pattern this can be a turn-off since companies are looking to train and invest in people for the long term.
6. Learn to sell yourself

...Especially when you have not worked anywhere else or you cannot say what you have done at work. Many employees are willing to listen about personal achievements because these could say a lot about your character and potentially the kind of employee that you could be. So, for example, if you play sports and you have been doing well, if you are involved and have been doing well in community work or a club, many employees will be willing to listen and consider you based on how you have presented yourself. Playing team sports suggests that you would have been exposed to working in a team, to respecting those whom you work with, and to conflict resolution, which are all important in business.

7. Don’t think of any job as too low for you
If a job is offered below your pay grade or what you may believe to be menial you may want to consider accepting it. These ‘menial jobs’ could present a gateway to a very big opportunity but employers are keen on testing whom they take onto their teams. Often, employers offer the job and note that there will be a possibility for promotion, so hang on to the opportunity.

8. Do your homework (research the company and their expectations)

It is easy to settle when you are overwhelmed by joblessness, but being happy with your job is very important to the contribution and the value that you add to your workplace. So, it is important to do your research and apply according to your findings. Do a complete a research on the organisation with which you desire to work, as well as who heads it, their values, interests, and whether they have ever commented on what they expect of employees. Knowing these could work in your favour at the interview.
9. Do not focus on academics alone
Employers also search for persons with soft skills. So even before you become job-seekers think about extracurricular activities. Employers find that these employees usually have a wealth of knowledge from their involvement in different groups to share.
10. Keep Up Appearances

Always keep a clean presentable suit, even if it is just one. You also always want to be well groomed.

Hope this was helpful to you guys. Remember to follow this blog for useful career tips like these.

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How and Where to get a Food Handler's Permit in Jamaica

by S. Jeffery

Are you thinking of taking your passion for preparing food to the next level? Persons who possess great culinary skills and want to start their own restaurant or cook shop or wish to find a job in a food establishment (bakery, restaurant, etc) must have a Food Handler's Permit.

Below is what you will need to take with you to apply for the permit and where to go and get it in each parish. This is the second article in the blog series "How to in Jamaica".

How and where to get a Food Handler's Permit in Jamaica:

New applicants should bring with them two (2) passport sized pictures which can be stamped and signed by a Justice of the Peace, Minister of Religion or a Superintendent of Police. You will be required to pay $500 Jamaican dollars for the cost of the permit and given an application form to fill out. You will also be required to attend a Food Handlers Clinic where you will be taught the rudiments of food safety.

After completing the classes you will be tested. If successful, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to receive your card, in the mean time you can request a letter to show that you have applied for the permit. Students involved in Food Preparation while doing the courses, are also required to apply for a Food Handler's Permit. The cost for them is $300 Jamaican dollars.

New Delopments
The Food Handlers' Permit project undertaken through funding from the National Health Fund, will modify the current system by replacing the paper cards with PVC 'ID Style" Cards. As some of the processes involved in delivering this service will be automated, the new system will offer benefits of greater efficiency, more durable card for clients, and reduced turnaround time.

How do I renew my Permit?

After the expiration of your permit (after a year), take the old permit along with you and complete the following steps:

• Complete Application Form
• Pay Application Fee ($500 Jamaican dollars)
• Attend Food Handler's Clinic
• Sit and pass Food Handler's Test (given at end of Clinic)


Yes, both new and renewal clients have to sit through the food handlers clinic which will be conducted by a public health Inspector, just think of it as a refresher course. Please keep in mind that it is possible that your card will not be returned immediately, so it imperative that you always have your receipt.

Jamaica Food Handlers Clinics Schedule

There are four regional health authorities that oversee the health and medical issues of the country. These are the:

SERHA - South Eastern Regional Health Authority

WRHA - Western Regional Health Authority

Southern Regional Health Authority

North Eastern Regional Health Authority

These authorities are directly in charge of the various parish departments and implement policy that is passed down from the Ministry of Health. Listed below is information of where and when you can go to do the foods handler's clinics so you can receive the permit. I was only able to find detailed information for some of the parishes. Also some of this information may be a bit outdated (unfortunately government websites aren't always updated regularly). However I have listed the phone numbers of each health department and centre so you can make contact to verify, and receive more information. All the best to you guys!

South Eastern Regional Heath Authority

Parish of Kingston and St. Andrew Health Centres

KSA (Kingston and St Andrew Health Department): Every day of the Month. For more information please call 876-926-1550. It's located at 1A Caledonia Crescent, Kingston 5.

Parish of St Catherine Health Centres

St. Catherine Health Services

Burke Road

Spanish Town:

1st Wednesday, 3rd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday in every month. NB: its three sessions per day 8:30 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tel. (876) 907 5483 (Not sure if this is still the case, please use the phone number to confirm)

Greater Portmore: 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.

Bogwalk: 2nd Tuesday in every month.

Linstead: 1st Monday in every month.

Sligoville: 2nd Tuesday in every quarter. For more information you can call the health centre at 876 602-3356.

Kitson Town: 2nd Wednesday in every two month.

Parish of St Thomas Health Centres

Morant Bay Health Department: Every Wednesday in the month for new person. NB: Persons who are renewing would attend the health centre in their area on Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information on the specific date in the specific areas please call (876) 982-1619, 703 6182 (not sure if these times still apply, please contact health Department to confirm).

You may contact the Regional Authority at: (876) 754 3439

Western Regional Health Authority

Parish of Westmoreland Health Centres

Darliston: 3rd Tuesdays of each month 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m.

Savanna-la-mar: 1st Wednesday of each month 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m.

Grange Hill: 1st Tuesday at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 2nd Tuesdays at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Negril: 4th Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 1st Thursdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

White House: 1st Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 3rd Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each month.

(Not sure if these times still apply, please contact Health Department to confirm)

For more details contact the Westmoreland Health Department at (876) 955 2308

Parish of Hanover Health Centres

Lucea: 1st Thursdays 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 3rd Tuesdays 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Itinerant vendors 2nd week of July annually.

Sandy Bay: 2nd Tuesday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm in every month.

Hopewell: 3rd Mondays 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Ramble: 1st Wednesdays 8:30 am to 12:00 pm in every Month.

Green Island: 1st Tuesday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 4th Wednesdays 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in every month.

For further details contact the Hanover Health Department at (876) 956 2731/2604

Parish of St James Health Centres

Mount Salem Health Centre: Every Tuesday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Maroon Town: 3rd Thursdays of every month 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Cambridge: 3rd Tuesdays of every month 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

For more info you can contact the St. James Health Dept. at (876) 979 7820-4

Parish of Trelawny Health Centres

Trelawny Health Department: Every Wednesday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Dewars Health Centre (Duncans) 2nd Thursdays 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, 4th Thursdays 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Albert Town: 1st Mondays of each month 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 2nd Mondays 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

For more info contact Trelawny Health Department at (876) 954 4904/3689

Southern Regional Health Authority

Parish of St Elizabeth Health Centres

Black River: 2nd Monday and 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Southfield: 3rd Monday in every month.

Junction: 2nd and 3rd Tuesday in every month, two sessions for the day 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. N: B all classes are done by appointment.

Newell: 4th Monday in every month, two sessions for the day 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Santa Cruz: 1st Wednesday of every month for renewal and 3rd Tuesday at 9:00 am for everyone.

Maggoty: 3rd Thursday of every month.

Balaclava: 1st Monday of every month.

(Not sure if these times still apply, please contact Health Department to confirm)

Please contact the St. Elizabeth Health Department at High Street, Black River at (876) 965 9174-5

Parish of Clarendon Health Centres

Milk River: 4th Thursday of every month

Race Course: every quarter in every month,

you will have to visit the health to get the exact

day in the quarter.

Raymond: 1st Wednesday of every month.

May Pen: Every Thursday in every month except

on 5th Thursday.

Chapelton: 3rd Wednesday in every month.

Kellits: 4th Thursday in every month.

Spalding: 2nd Wednesday in every month.

Crost-Hill: 2nd Wednesday of every month.

(Not sure if these times still apply, contact Health Department to confirm)

Contact Clarendon Health Dept. 1 Brooks Avenue, May Pen (876) 986 4548

Parish of Manchester Health Centres

BelleField: 1st Thursday in every month.
Porus: 1st Tuesday in every month.

(Please contact Regional Health Authority to confirm schedules, etc.)

Please contact the regional health authority for the details:

Southern Regional Health Authority,

3 Brumalia Road, Mandeville, Manchester

Tel: 1-876-625-2110 | 618-1714-5

Fax: 1-876-962-8233

Email: pr@srha.gov.jm

        North Eastern Regional Health Authority

Parish of St Mary Health Centres

Highgate: 1st Thursday of every month, call (876) 992 - 2882

Annotto Bay: 3rd Thursday of every month, call (876) 996 2034

Oracabessa: 2nd Mondays in every month, (876) 726 1625

Port Maria: 4th Wednesday in every month, (876) 994-2330

Gayle: (876) 975 8054

Parish of Portland Health Centres

Buff Bay Community Hospital: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month and for every quarter restaurant and catering. (876) 996-1478

Hope Bay: 1st Thursday of every month (876) 913 0678

Portland Health Department: 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

Manchioneal Health Centre: 4th Tuesday of every month (876) 993 6323

Fair Prospect: 2nd Thursday of every month, (876) 913-1427

Parish of St Ann Health Centres

Ocho Rios: 1st and 3rd Monday and Tuesday of every month.

St Anns Bay: 2nd and 4th Monday and Tuesday of every month. Moneague: 3rd Wednesday of every month. First timer at 9:00 am and persons renewing at 1:00 pm.
Alexanderia: 3rd Wednesday of every month. First timer at 9:00 am and persons renewing at 1:00 pm.
Browns Town: 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. N.B. all classes are done by appointment, classes begin at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Unfortunately guys this is all the information I could find. I recommend you call these health centres or make contact with NERHA (North Eastern Regional Health Authority to get more details, Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Ocho Rios, (876) 795 3107

Finding a job via Social Media: Watch what you post (Introduction)

Social media..social media, developed for the purpose of connecting family, friends and even long lost relatives, has become such an important part of our lives we can't imagine life without it. For those of us in our teens and twenties, we never knew what it was like before it existed, and for those of us in our thirties, forties and older we can't remember what we did that was ever this amusing! Indeed, through social media we have seen the rise and demise of many talented and influential people: celebrities, religious leaders, politicians and even business moguls. 

It can be an unforgiving space...share something and you may get more than you bargained for in the form of not so nice comments. One thing we can't deny though, social media platforms have evolved to be more than just a click, like and comment experience. And...beyond finding and making friends, we can find other just as important things on the internet via social media sites such as Facebook.

As social networks evolved and added more features they have gained more attention from businesses who want to cash in on the ever growing audience they are able to pull in. Almost every aspiring business has a Facebook page, a LinkedIn account and will definitely have an Instagram page. They seek to engage with existing customers and gain new customers, who not only become consumers of their products but fans.

Because it provides convenience in readily reaching an engaged audience (it's a much cheaper marketing tool than traditional media), social media has therefore become an important component in many businesses' recruiting process.

You see, companies have realised that with the increasing popularity of social networks it's much more convenient and cheaper to reach YOU! And in recent years, some businesses have decided to do their recruiting online using these sites as the vehicle to find suitable candidates.

Image is Everything

Depending on who you talk to folks will say social media is harmful for you, or they will say it's just for fun. It's no big deal: you upload your pictures, share videos, memes and chat with family and friends. Most people never take a second thought about what they are sharing, what they comment and how that impacts on others and what impression others may have of them. A recent study done by University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany), indicates that "...exposure to online negativity makes our own thinking negative – reading uncivil comments can immediately increase readers’ own hostile cognitions. Reading other people’s opinions can influence our perceptions, thinking and even behaviors (Social Media Psychology)." This simply means how we view a person or topic may be influenced greatly by the opinion of others. Now, we are not saying that you should not comment on posts via social media, what we are saying is if you wish to impress an employer to hire you, you have to be more careful about how you comment. It is a real possibility that right now someone just out of curiosity after reading what you commented on a post, is scrolling through your Facebook, SnapChat or Instagram profile! An employer wanting to find out more about you will do no less. 

In fact, according to a recent study on recruiting on social media, 94% of the advertising and marketing executives surveyed in the U.S. by The Creative Group, marketing company, revealed that they use social media platforms to recruit and hire new talent (Social Media Coming into it's Own as tool for Recruiting Employees).

Here is what one top level executive had to say: 

“Social media is a necessary component for recruitment today,” said Matt Doyle, director of talent acquisition for North America at Sitel. “We will continue to heavily invest in social media recruitment from both an employment branding perspective and career opportunity perspective.” (Social Media Coming into it's Own as tool for Recruiting Employees)

The researchers at Sterling Talent Solutions, recruiting/background screening company, also found that:

"...it is common for employers to informally review the social accounts of candidates and recommended that those applying for new jobs or gearing up to move into the workforce carefully consider how they are portrayed via social media." (Social Media Coming into it's Own as tool for Recruiting Employees)

So what can you do to ensure that you won't be a casualty of irresponsible social media posting or commenting? Do a social media audit! Here's how....

1. Clean up your friend's list.

We know you love your friends but if they are not able to assist you in finding employment and all the content they tag you in is questionable, it's time to consider unfriending them. Ya'll know that some of the things they post on your timeline ain't good for public consumption anyway. Pictures of people with gun shot wounds, brains blown out, chop up, pictures of people fighting and cursing each other out, no sah, not good. If you are honest with yourself you know that he or she always bring drama, and because of that you hardly ever talk to them anyway. Unfriend them and if they realise, just tell them that you're trying to look about a job and you want to make sure everything on your profile is A-okay.  By the way Facebook doesn't notify your friends you unfriended them. (Facebook Help Center: Unfriending...) You can always send them a request once you find a job and you're comfortable. If dem nuh understand and catch an attitude them luddy. It's about bettering your circumstances. 

ANYBODY THAT'S POSTING NEGATIVE STUFF AND TAGGING YOU IN IT SHOULD BE KEPT AT ARMS LENGTH. CUT BACK YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH THEM.

2. Clean up your timeline: Watch what you post

Facebook

Scroll through your posts for up to two to three months ago and take a detailed look through of your profile and start deleting any posts you're not comfortable with, this includes posts that friends and family have tagged to your timeline and posts you have shared. Remove any questionable pictures you have and replace them with more wholesome pictures of yourself: wearing a nice blouse and skirt/pants for the ladies. Nice shirt and pants (tailored) for the men. If you do have pictures in a pair of jeans make sure it's full length, covering your ankles and your shoes are clean. For both sexes your hair should be properly groomed and you look pleasant, smiling in all your pictures.

Instagram 
Ditto the recommendations from the point above (meaning do the same we recommended for Facebook). Go through any of your photos, your vids and remove anything that makes you a little uncomfortable. 

What about Instagram Stories? This is what the network says about these:

Keep in mind that your story disappears from Feed and your profile after 24 hours unless you add it as a highlight. After that, photos and videos from a person's story will no longer be visible in conversations. Any text that was included with a message will still be visible after the photo or video disappears.*

So what that quote from Instagram is saying: That though your Insta story disappears there will be a trail. Any comment that was made while your story was up will be still be visible on your profile and can be found. Bear in mind also if your profile is public anyone can view what you've posted, anyone. A Jamaican employer once confessed that before they directly ask a candidate for their Instagram or Facebook handle they go fishing with what little they know and see if they can find them. Here's is what Instagram says: 

No, someone cannot see if you have viewed their Instagram profile. ... Simply browsing through won't make you visible to any Instagram User.**

Therefore, an employer can simply go looking for you or use the information you've given them to find you and you wouldn't even know that they were on your page. Here's what you do: Ask for a second and third opinion, ask an older person to take a look at your profile and give advice. Okay, so you're wondering: why an older person? It depends, usually someone over 40 or 50 years old, who is employed or has a business, may have a different cultural perspective about what is acceptable and what is not.  Most of the hiring managers are over forty (40) years old, and may have a different view on what is acceptable culture and professional practice. Think about it. Yes, we know that there are younger HR officers who interview as well as assist the HR Manager in formulating the questions and assessing the candidates, but who ultimately does the hiring? Who ultimately signs off on which candidate gets the job? The HR Manager, most of whom have been in the field for many years and grew up in a different era from you (if you are in your twenties), some things are not funny to them and not cute. 

Think Culture
Jamaican society is for the most part a contradiction of norms and values. Yes, we nah back down from weh we just seh. While the younger generation embraces the Dancehall culture, let us hasten to say not all young people, the older folks for the most part want nothing to do with it and consider it vulgar. Yet, it is considered popular culture because the images from that arena are so pervasive in the society. Also, consider where certain worldviews are concerned, we (Jamaicans) are very conservative. We can think of one lifestyle practice that the majority of Jamaicans are against and how recently, certain images lit up social media, and caused strong reactions from Jamaican people who "bun out dem things dere". Certain things we don't condone and are not willing to endorse, and just the impression or mis-impression of a picture sparked a whole lot of controversy....but we digress. What we're trying to say is one has to be careful of the things we post, and if we are job hunting, we MUST consider the corporate culture and the persons who are at the helm of it. 

In the business world there are certain standards that must be upheld and expectations that must be met...And reputations to be protected. On social media you post a picture, that image is up for all to see: to be liked and scrutinized.  In the job world image is everything, that is why there is a prescribed way of dressing (and speaking), even the recruiting process is conducted according to a particular format. Yuh neva thought about it, don't it? Check this:

• Step 1: Job is advertised by the employer;
• Step 2: If you are qualified you - send a resume' and cover letter;
• Step 3: You do your research and try to cover all your bases; 
• Step 4: You are called to an interview and they ask you a bunch of questions, you may also do tests to determine your competence;
• Step 5: Some interviewers ask for another interview, drug test, etc;
• Step 6: If successful you are offered the job and you start training/working, if not you begin the process all over again.

Some employers require a blood test to find out if you have drugs in your system. Have you seen the article the Gleaner published on Sunday, December 2, 2018? Go read it. Many employers (almost all) are asking for police records now, and quite a few ask job seekers to supply them with their social media account names, both Facebook and Instagram. Many of you reading this know what we're talking about. This is all to protect the company's brand and the reputation it has built over several years. Remember what happened at a certain hotel with the infamous worker? That is an employer's nightmare. Nah seh nuttin more. So again, we implore you to ask a friend, an older, hopefully wiser person to thoroughly go through your accounts to see if there is anything you may have missed in cleaning up your profiles.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. We hope this was insightful. Please start putting into practice the suggestions we have made and come back next week to read the rest of the pointers in fixing your social media profiles to present a clean and suitable image for your prospective employer. Your profile should be an effective marketing tool, we will show you how so stay tuned!



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1. Social Media Psychology -https://socialmediapsychology.eu/2016/10/05/onlineandsocialmediacomments/

2. FierceCEO - https://www.fierceceo.com/growth-innovation/social-media-coming-into-its-own-as-tool-for-recruiting-employees

3. Facebook Help Center: Unfriending or Blocking Someone -https://m.facebook.com/help/1000976436606344?helpref=hc_global_nav

4. *Instagram Help Center - https://help.instagram.com/1660923094227526

5. **Quora.com. Can someone tell if I am viewing their Instagram profile? https://www.quora.com/Can-someone-tell-if-I-am-looking-at-their-Instagram


6. Pictures:

• Employer staring at computer screen with magnifying glass (www.ibtimes.co.uk)
• Social-Media-Job-Search.png
• Inforgraphic - "Where do hiring Managers and Recruiters look." (www.il.evanced.info)
• Employer viewing Job Candidate's Facebook Profile (www.agent-x.com.au)

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How and Where to get a Tax Registration Number (TRN) in Jamaica

This article is a continuation of the How to in Jamaica article series. Today we'll be looking at the TRN, its importance and how to acquire one. The Tax Registration Number is a nine (9) digit number used as a form of identification issued to each individual tax payer. It was implemented in 1996 and was integral to the success of the government's integrated approach to a more computerized, modern tax system (ICTAS)*. How it works is that since an entity (individual or company) is assigned a specific number it makes it easier for the tax payer and the government to transact business with one another as it relates to registering a business, paying taxes, doing business with government agencies, etc. It also eliminates duplication of ID numbers and data stored by the various agencies on your behalf. Before 1996 these were the numbers used by the government:

1. Business Enterprise Number (became the Tax Registration Number)
2. Income Tax Reference Number
3. Driver's License Number (effective since 2011)
4. Personal Identification Number (formerly used as the driver's license number)

Importance of the TRN:

Because the TRN is so effective as a unique identifier for each person registered (think finger print), it has become an integral part of our daily lives. Its use is pervasive:

• Paying taxes (obviously)
• It is now a requirement for employment
• Buying a house
• Buying a vehicle
• Registering a business
• Conducting business with any company (goods and services) or government agency (passport applications, etc)
• Opening a bank account
• Remittances (Send to or collect money from abroad)
• And much more...

In the beginning only adults needed to get a TRN number, now children can be issued a number with parental consent.

The TRN is issued by the Tax Administration Jamaica and can be obtained either at its TaxPayer Registration Centre in Kingston or branch offices across the island:

Kingston; St. Andrew; Morant Bay; Port Morant; Port Antonio; Buff Bay; Port Maria; Annotto Bay; Savanna-La-Mar; St. Ann’s Bay; Brown’s Town; Moneague; Falmouth; Jackson Town; Montego Bay; Lucea; Darliston; Black River; Santa Cruz; Mandeville Christiana; May Pen; Chapleton; Lionel Town; Spanish Town; Linstead; Old Harbour; Portmore.

What do you need to get a TRN?

• Valid identification - national ID, passport, driver's license) 
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• A passport sized photo signed by J.P., Minister of Religion/Marriage Officer, judge/resident magistrate, Attorney at Law, MP, Parish Councillor, School Principal, or Police Officer at the rank of Inspector and above
• Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll (if you wish to update TRN with new name)

*For children a school ID along with birth certificate can also be used as identification.

Individuals seeking to acquire a TRN would bring this information to the TAJ offices and fill out a form called "Application for Taxpayer Registration Number". Applications can be made by both individuals or companies. Upon completing the form and presenting your relevant documents you would be issued a TRN card with the unique number assigned to you.

If you wanted to get a TRN for your small business you would present the above information as well as submit Business Name Registration Certificate (sole trader or partnership), your NIS Card and NIS verification letter, and your personal TRN number or numbers of each partner in the business.

For persons under 18 years old, the application will need to be completed and signed and/or co-signed by either a parent or guardian.

Applications signed by a parent should be submitted with the following:

• Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. The birth certicate must show the name of the parent who signed the application.
• Certified photograph or picture identification for child
• Identification and TRN of the parent

Applications signed by a guardian should be submitted with the following:

• Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Certified photograph or picture identification for child
• Identification and TRN of the guardian
• Court Order or Voluntary Declaration for guardian
• Voluntary Declaration for attestant (if applicable) 

When you complete the application, you will be provided with your TRN on a slip of paper. You will need to return to the Tax Office in about a month's time in order to collect the TRN Card. Note that you do NOT need to pay a fee in order to obtain a TRN. 

NB. Certified Photographs for adults must be accompanied by a Declaration from the Certifying Official. Blank declarations can be collected from your local Tax Office or be printed from Tax Administration Jamaica’s website: www.jamaicatax.gov.jm

Requirements for Incapacitated Adults (Persons Who Are Unable To Sign / Make A Mark)
Application signed by Caretaker should be submitted with the following: 

1. An appropriate ID for the applicant:

1. 1. Passport OR Driver’s Licence OR
   2. National ID/Voter’s ID, Work ID, School ID, professionally produced, certified passport size photograph or any other photographic ID MUSTbe used with Birth Certificate (and Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll if applicable)
2. Identification and TRN of the Caretaker

    a.  Power of Attorney OR

    b.  Medical Certificate, Voluntary Declaration from the Caretaker AND Voluntary Declaration from an Attestor (A person who knows of the Caretaker/Incapacitated Adult relationship)

NB. Photographs must be certified by anyone of the following: Justice of the Peace, Minister of Religion/ Marriage Officer, Judge/ Resident Magistrate, Attorney-at-Law, Member of Parliament, Parish Councillor, Medical Doctor, School Principal, Civil Servant (SEG3 or above) or Police officer at the rank of Inspector or above.Photographs must also be certified within the past six months to be acceptable.Certification should include the following: “certified to be a true photograph of…………....,” name and title of Certifying Officer, Signature of Certifying Officer, date of certification, Official Stamp of certifying officer (not required for JPs). JPs should quote their assigned JP number

1. A copy of applicant’s Passport OR Drivers Licence (notarized by a Notary Public). Passport or Driver’s License must include the applicant’s name (full last and first name), date of birth, photograph and signature.


2. If someone is being authorized to collect the TRN card an authorization letter from the applicant should be attached, stating the name of the person authorized to collect the card. 
If your TRN Card is lost, stolen or destroyed, you are required to write a letter requesting a new card. Clearly state your full name and date of birth if you don’t know your TRN. Submit the letter to the nearest Tax Office with an ID.

NB. Certified Photographs must be accompanied with a Declaration from the Certifying Official. A blank declaration can be collected from your local Tax Office or be printed from Tax Administration Jamaica’s website.

Requirements for Individuals submitting applications from overseas:
Applications completed and signed should be submitted along with: 

1. A copy of applicant’s Passport OR Drivers Licence (notarized by a Notary Public). Passport or Driver’s License must include the applicant’s name (full last and first name), date of birth, photograph and signature.
2. If someone is being authorized to collect the TRN card an authorization letter from the applicant should be attached, stating the name of the person authorized to collect the card. 

NB. TRN Cards for applicants who submitted their forms via mail from overseas will then be mailed to applicant’s address as stated on application. If the Identification or supporting documents are not in English, an official translated version is also required. The signature on the application form must match that on the Identification presented.

Requirements for Companies (Jamaican)
The completed Organization Form signed by a Director or the Company Secretary must accompany the: 

1. Certificate of Incorporation
2. Companies that were registered before February 1, 2005.

• • Articles of Association (if the Directors are not named in the Articles of Association, either the Form 12, Form 13 or Form 23 will be needed).

Companies registered as of February 1, 2005.

• • Articles of Incorporation (if the Directors are not named in the Articles of Incorporation a form 23 will be needed).
  • If application form is signed by Company Secretary the Form 20 will be needed.

3. Verification of NIS registration (NIS Verification/Clearance Letter or Payment Card)
4. TRN for each Director
5. ID for Signatory Officer

Requirements for Overseas Companies (Has No Established Place of Business in Jamaica)
The completed Organization form signed by a Director must accompany the: 

1. Registration and/or Charter Documents (issued in country of origin)
2. ID for Signatory Officer
3. Letter from company indicating that it is not operating nor has a established business place in Jamaica 

NB. Only original or notarized copies of the Registration or Charter Documents are accepted. If the Identification or supporting documents are not in English, an official translated version is also required.

Requirements for Overseas Companies (Operating or Has Established Place of Business in Jamaica)

The completed Organization form signed by a Director or the Local Representative must accompany the: 

1. Letter of Registration (issued by the Companies Office of Jamaica)
2. Verification of NIS registration (NIS Verification/Clearance Letter or Payment Card)
3. Form 19 or 31 (issued by Companies Office of Jamaica) stating Local Representative and Directors
4. TRN for the Local Representative or at least one Director
5. ID for Signatory Officer 

NB. A TRN is required for the Signatory Director or Local Representative. Other overseas directors are not required to provide a TRN. 

Requirements for Industrial & Provident Societies
The completed Organization form signed by a Responsible Officer must accompany the: 

1. Certificate of Registration (issued by the Companies Office of Jamaica)
2. Verification of NIS registration (NIS Verification/Clearance Letter or Payment Card)
3. TRN for each Responsible Officer
4. ID for Signatory Officer 

Application forms can be downloaded from: www.jamaicatax.gov.jm

We hope that the information we shared today was useful to you! For additional details regarding a TRN, you can visit or call: 1- 888 TAX - HELP (829-4357) or 1-888-GO-JA-TAX (1-888-46-52-829), Taxpayer Registration Center, 12 Ocean Boulevard, Office Centre Building, Kingston, Tel: (876) 922-7429/3913 or 3052 or Fax: (876) 922-1748Email: taxhelp@tasd.gov.jm / Website: www.Jamaicatax.gov.jm 

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References: 

Integrated Computerised Tax Administration System (ICTAS) implemented in 1996

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110720/cleisure/cleisure4.html

http://infokat.net/index.php/members/add-a-question/what-is-the-importance-of-being-issued-with-a-taxpayer-registration-number-trn

https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm/trn1#Requirementsforminors