Demerara Mutual has gone “green,” with the launch of new tech features designed to not only reduce the company’s environmental footprint, but also improve its customers’ experience.
The company, which is one of the oldest insurance providers in the country, made the announcement yesterday at a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.
Marketing Manager Clarence Perry, in offering an overview of the initiative, explained that with the launch of the revamped website, client portal and document management system, the company has embarked on a path to going green by applying ecofriendly business principles to the way it does business on a daily basis.
“This undoubtedly will reduce our environmental footprint as the company pursues a paperless environment; our contribution is to reduce the demand for paper, thus leading to the reduction of the cutting of trees for paper production, which obviously helps in retaining forest cover for the sustenance of life on the planet,” Perry added.
Elaborating more on the new features, the Marketing Manager explained that document management systems are an automated way of managing files that would allow entities to create, track, index, review, store, manage and share documents digitally while reducing the dependence on paper.
This, he said, would also enhance transaction time and the security of documents within the company. The new interactive website www.demeraramutual.com allows policyholders to download forms, either to make claims, or request policy loans, or for a change of beneficiary.
Stabroek News understands that persons would also be able to request quotes, and make their queries online as an alternative to visiting the company’s office.
Meanwhile, the web portal system would allow customers to receive instant notifications and paperless bill statements, check their payment history, as well as make payment requests for withdrawals, coverage, address changes or make queries.
“Together these three initiatives facilitate easy and faster transactions with the company through the provision of self-service options for policyholders. It also facilitates easier access for persons who wish to do business with the company for the first time, providing them with timely access to information and essential financial services that cater for the needs of individuals, families and corporate clients,” Perry said.
Whoopie Liverpool, who made a presentation on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lauded Demerara Mutual for taking the initiative to reduce its environmental footprint.
“The successful application of all the components of ICT through its unique blend of the internet-enabled sphere and associated technologies has brought monumental changes to economic development and the business world in this digital age. The EPA believes that Demerara Mutual has boldly sought out these benefits and we commend you on your willingness to be a part of such a revolutionising initiative in Guyana. We are especially happy to see that the goal of reducing your environmental footprint is one of the main basis of this venture to achieve the paperless environment and to reduce the use of motorised transportation by your clients,” she remarked.
Liverpool noted too that the EPA, in fulfilling its obligations under the Environmental Protection Act, continues to support capacity building in various groups across Guyana, including corporate society, for the adoption of sustainable attitudes and behaviours, for natural resource conservation.
“Demerara Mutual, however, without obligation, has chosen to embrace sustainable development and this must certainly be applauded. This should also be supported by an enabling environment to ensure that it is sustained and that it can be expanded,” she added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Telecommunica-tions Cathy Hughes underscored the company’s move to embrace and prepare for changes in technology.
“You are now again blazing the trail as the oldest member of Guyana’s oldest insurance industry, guaranteeing that your policyholders have easier and faster access to information in this digital world,” Hughes said.
She also reiterated Government’s commitment to not only create, but support the digital environment within which companies such as Demerara Mutual and other individuals operate.
“I am happy to say that through my Ministry of Public Telecommunica-tions, that has been our main focus. Our quest as a government has been to create a knowledge-based ICT proficient society that can truly transform Guyana. This means that as a country we must be flexible and willing to change, educate and we must possess the drive to explore and develop. Only then will we stand a chance of better retaining our most valuable assets right here in Guyana,” the Minister posited.
“These are exciting times and this morning I congratulate Demerara Mutual on their commitment to going green. The launch of this new website and the commitment to using less paper, developing more and more ways of better serving your precious policyholders, who, we must remember, are the backbone of this business. Demerara Mutual is going green and digital, my wish is that this paperless initiative serves as a trailblazer for the rest of the country and for all of us in Guyana,” she said.
