NHF EXCELS AT PUBLIC BODIES’ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AWARDS

­­­­­­­­Kingston, Jamaica: Monday, December 9, 2024

The National Health Fund (NHF) excelled at the Corporate Governance Awards copping several awards across different categories including the prestigious Greta Bogues Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance during the Public Bodies’ Corporate Governance Awards held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The Finance Minister’s Award for Board Composition, Functions and Structure was copped by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) which also emerged as the first runner up for the Greta Bogues Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance followed by the National Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of Jamaica.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS) in collaboration with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), recognised public bodies that have established and maintained high standards of corporate governance across different areas. It was held under the theme, ‘Fuelling Change for Global Impact.’

Hon. Zavia Mayne, MP, State Minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service in his remarks underscored the importance of good corporate governance in upholding efficiency and integrity in any organisation.

“Corporate Governance is the bedrock upon which integrity and efficiency of any organisation is built. It involves the system of policies, procedures and frameworks that ensure accountability and transparency within the organisation. When corporate governance is practiced diligently it empowers individuals to understand their roles and responsibilities and equips them with the necessary tools to perform effectively. Good governance is not just an internal organisation matter, it is a critical factor in our national development,” said Minister Mayne.

Meanwhile, Sacha Vacianna Riley, Executive Director at the PSOJ, emphasised the importance of corporate governance in strengthening Jamaica’s institutional framework.

“This year’s theme challenges us to recognise that excellence in governance is not just about national progress. It is about positioning Jamaica as a beacon of best practices on the global stage. Over these 6 years, our awards program has emerged as a driving force for progress and integrity. We have witnessed public bodies not only embrace higher standards but actively pursue excellence in their governance practices,” highlighted Vacianna Riley.

A total number of three (3) awards were presented across each category in the areas of Special Awards and Dedicated Awards.

Hon. Zavia Mayne (right), MP, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service presents the Finance Minister’s Award for Board Composition, Functions and Structures to the ecstatic team at the Factories Corporation of Jamaica Limited during the Public Bodies’ Corporate Governance Awards held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Everton Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at the NHF said the team is elated to have won the Greta Bogues Award noting that the recognition reflects the NHF’s hard work in enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness in upholding good corporate governance practices.

“For us at the NHF, winning the Greta Bogues Award symbolises a profound acknowledgement of the team’s hard work. At the NHF, promoting good corporate governance practices begins with strong leadership from our board and management team, which sets the tone for the entire organisation. We emphasise active engagement, provide clear guidance, utilise monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure adherence to high standards,” noted Anderson.

Notably, the NHF emerged the winner of the Carlene O’Connor Award in Corporate Governance Policies, Procedures and Practices, the Financial Secretary’s Award for Risk Measurement and Internal Controls and the award for Best Website. NHF also took the second-place spot for Best Annual Report and third place for the Ann Marie Rhoden Award for Compliance and Disclosure of Information.

In the category of Risk Measurement and Internal Controls, the Port Authority of Jamaica and the Factories Corporation of Jamaica Ltd. copped the second and third place titles, respectively.

With respect to the category of Board Composition, Functions and Structure, the second and third place winners of the Finance Minister’s Award were the National Solid Waste Management Authority and Petrojam Limited, respectively.

Also, under the dedicated awards category, walking away with the second and third place spots for the Carlene O’Connor Award for Corporate Governance Policies, Procedures and Practices were the Jamaica Bauxite Mining and the National Solid Waste Management Authority, respectively.

The Ann Marie Rhoden Award for Compliance and Disclosure of Information saw the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica and the National Solid Waste Management Authority copping the first and second place spots, respectively.

The title of Most Outstanding Chairman was awarded to Lyttleton Shirley of FCJ.

The first place spot for Best Annual Report went to the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica and Petrojam Limited took third place. Runner’s up for Best Website were the National Housing Trust and Petrojam in second and third place, respectively.

Most Improved Public Body saw the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Port Authority of Jamaica copping the first, second and third place spots in this category, respectively.

The Public Bodies’ Corporate Governance Awards is applicable to those Public Bodies which are governed by the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act and the Corporate Governance Framework for Public Bodies.

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For further information contact: 

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  Shakiel.Rochester-Shorter@mof.gov.jm; Suzell.Wray@mof.gov.jm

Contact: Shakiel Rochester Shorter/Suzell Wray