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Sagicor hosts High Flyers Awards

Published:Thursday | October 16, 2014 | 1:05 PMKeisha Hill
Contributed Photo Krishna Turner and Everett Smith do the celebrity pose at the Sagicor High Flyers Luncheon.

Sagicor Life Jamaica recently recognised 41 financial advisers for outstanding sales results within the first, second and third quarters of 2014 at its annual High Flyers luncheon held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

The High Flyers Club incentive was introduced in 2009 in an effort to encourage advisers to qualify for membership in the industry's most prestigious organisation, the Million Dollar Round Table. Each year, the company's outstanding financial advisers are recognised for their efforts through media recognition and the Sagicor 'Wing' to denote their High Flyer membership status. There were nine first-time awardees of the club and they were each awarded a pin of recognition and other incentives. They were: Nneka Alveranga, Angelleta Aquart, Latoya Bariffe, Glenroy Castle, Sandra Clarke-Francis, Donovan Pagon, Everett Smith, Krishna Turner and Shelly Wilson.

First-time qualifier Smith, a former teacher at the Trench Town High School, felt his career in teaching had become dormant and sought a different avenue to add a little more fire to his spark.

"I had a friend who thought I would be good at sales," he said. "I wanted a change and I didn't see myself growing in that sphere of my profession. I have a passion for helping people, and insurance is a tool of doing so, especially when they are in need." Smith said most of his clients are teachers.

first time

"My centres of influence are persons who make recommendation and referrals that help me to help others to achieve their goals," Smith added. Turner also qualified for the High Flyers Club for the first time. She began a career in insurance after her insurance adviser coerced her into starting what has turned out to be a memorable career.

"Initially, I turned down the offer, but after I was reintroduced to the prospects and realised how much money I could make, I decided to become involved," she said. "After joining, I realised it was more than just the money, but that I could contribute in a meaningful way in people's lives. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice, and I have had to be strategic in terms of selecting the clients that I do business with."

Keynote speaker, Dr Henley Morgan, in a comedic overture, encouraged the high achievers to continue on a path of excellence and fulfilling their mandate of uplifting the lives of Jamaicans.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com