Tobacco Bill Commences today April 1st in the TCI
Effective 1st April 2016, the Tobacco Control Law comes into force.
This new law is designed to protect the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands from the harmful effects of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and regulate the distribution, sale and manufacturing of tobacco products.
In order to comply with the law the public should be mindful of the following:
A. All persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing or
selling tobacco products must obtain a license within the first nine months of the law coming into force
B. Do not sell tobacco products (including toys and candy resembling tobacco products) to minors
C. Do not engage in tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship
D. Tobacco companies must disclose the contents of tobacco products and information about the health effects of their products
E. Do not display tobacco products in such a way that it is visible to the public
F. Do not use tobacco vending machines or sell tobacco in a way that a customer may handle the product without assistance of a clerk
G. Do not sell a smoked tobacco product as an individual unit, unless the product is individually labelled as required
H. Packaging and labelling of all tobacco products must have big, visible graphic health warnings
and no misleading descriptors (such as light or mild, etc.)
The bill also states that smoke will not be allowed in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace, or public conveyance, including places listed below:
1. Government buildings
2. Hospitals and medical facilities
3. Airports
4. Hotels, motels, inns (with the exception of areas for smoking, 15 to 25 ft. radius)
5. Reception rooms, lobbies or areas where the public have access
6. Public owned facilities rented out for events
7. Meetings and interview rooms
8. Corridors, toilet areas, stairways and elevators
9. Public lounges and canteen areas
10. Bars
11. Clubs
12. Restaurants
13. Pool halls
14. Schools
15. Government vehicles
16. Vehicles used for public transport
17. Areas designated for public transportation
18. Shops and shopping centres
19. Cinemas
20. Public parks
21. Sporting complexes such as stadiums, ballparks, basketball courts etc.
22. Workplace facilities
23. A public places where tables and chairs are provided for customers to consume food purchased from an on-site service
24. Any other facilities that are accessible to the public.
A manager, owner or lessee of a place listed above must post signs prominently on the premises or public conveyance, stating that smoking is not permitted in that place or public conveyance.
The laws will be enforced by Public and Environmental Health officers, Customs officers and Police officers who will have the power to enter any public place in which tobacco products are sold, manufactured, stored, transported, received, distributed or supplied and conduct inspections or investigations.
For further information about the Tobacco Control Ordinance contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department at: 338-3613 in Grand Turk, 338-4737 in Providenciales and 338-6301 in South Caicos or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD.
Business Email Fraud Reported
Financial Crime Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are warning the Business community of a new trend of a hacking method that mainly targets businesses by using email. Officers are investigating two reports by victims who have lost a substantial amount of money.
Since email has caused a significant decline in the use of fax machines, and even telephone for most companies, the ability to monitor the emails exchanged within a company makes it easier for hackers to become familiar with their financial procedures.
There modus operandi for carrying out this act can be done in two ways.
1. By company billing structure: Company A routinely does Business with Vendor B. Vendor B submits a bill to Company A through email, which is then approved by the CEO/CFO and forwarded to the accounting department. The Accounting Department pays the bill to Vendor B like usual. This seems like a pretty harmless and basic payment structure, but can be problematic if a hacker catches on to the system.
If Company A’s email system has been unknowingly compromised, the hacker could familiarize himself with their payment procedures and ongoing transactions. Next, the hacker would send a bill posing as Vendor B with new payment instructions. The CEO/CFO would recognize Vendor B as a vendor they routinely do business with and see the bill was for a legitimate transaction. The bill would get approved and forwarded to the accounting department. The accounting department would submit payment following the new instructions, which puts the money right into the pockets of the hacker. Company A would not discover the mistake until they receive a late payment notice from Vendor B.
The second method is the Fraudster posing as the CEO: In this method, the hacker sends an email to the accounting department posing as the CEO/CFO of the company. The email can request a wire transfer with provided account information and the pretense that the payment is for a new or current vendor. The hackers do this by setting up a forwarding system to receive all emails sent to a CEO/CFO of a company. Once he or she has monitored the company's exchanges and feels comfortable with the situation they make their move. This is done by sending a wire payment request using the CEO/CFO’s actual email account, or creating a spoof email that resembles the CEO/CFO’s email. The employee may not even notice the email has been altered. Example JohnDoe123@tciconstruction.com and JohnDoe123@tciconstruction101@
TIPS to protect your Company for email Fraud
Here are some steps to take in order to prevent email fraud from happening to your company.
1.) Verify a change in payment with the vendor over the phone with a previously established phone number (not one that was provided in the email)
2.) Keep a hard copy of vendor contacts who are authorized to approve changes in payments
3.) Use a dual-approval system for any wire transfer requests that meet specified requirements
4.) Send a PIN number via text or require verbal communication before submitting payment
Police are urging anyone with information or who may noticed suspicions activities in their company to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 3385901.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.
The Stallions & Kings emerges victorious in the PABA
The Kings defeated the Sonics in an 82-55 bout while the Stallions galloped over the Spartans in a 100-84 victory in the PABA Wednesday night games.
Reco Forbes returned from an injury to dish out 31 points, 7 Rebounds and 4 steals for the Spartans along with 17 points from Devon Williams. Clifton Jean led the way for the Stallions with 26 points, 8 Rebounds and 3 steals supported by the return of Tamilaurri Lightbourne with 16 points, 4 Rebounds and 6 assists.
Fedlor Semora scored 19 points, and Randy Rigby added 17 points, 5 Rebounds 5 assists 4 steals for the Kings while Darly Francois led the way for the Sonics with 16 points, 7 Rebounds, 4 steals supported by Galvin Hall with 14 points.
Games will continue tonight as the Kings battle the Predators and the Badgers take on the Hustlerz as the race to the playoffs continue.
Oseta Jolly wins the 2016 Primary School Classics
The 2016-16 Track & Field Primary Championships has concluded in the Turks & Caicos Islands and congratulations are being extended to the individual Class Champs:
Class 4 (7 and under Girls) –Krysann Williams from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 4 (7 and under Boys) –Sheen Augustine from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 3 (9 and under Girls) –Ashley Gardiner from Ianthe Pratt Primary
Class 3 (9 and under Boys) –Jenaldo Joachim from Oseta Jolly Primary
Class 2 (11 and under Girls) –Sayannah Escoe from Richmond Hill Preparatory
Class 2 (11 and under Boys) –Hayder Williams from Wesley Methodist
Class 1 (11 to 13 years Girls) –Queen Forbes from Iris Stubbs Primary
Class 1 (11 to 13 years Boys) –Wiky Jeanty from Ona Glinton Primary
RTC Sports understands that the overall Champion Boy and Girl for 2016 Primary School Track & Field Classic were:
Male - Wiky Jeanty from Ona Glinton Primary
Female - Sayannah Escoe from Richmond Hill Preparatory
Taking up the coveted trophy was Oseta Jolly emerging victorious. The Following are the placements of the schools.
1 Oseta Jolly Primary School
2 Enid Capron Primary
3 Ianthe Pratt Primary
4 Ona Glinton Primary
5 Iris Stubbs
6 Richmond Hill Primary
7 Eliza Simons Primary
8 Charles Hubert James Primary
9 B.E.S.T Institute
10 Alpha Charistian Academy
11 Adelaide Oemler Academy
12 Community Christian Academy
13 Wesley Methodist
14 International
15 Doris Robinson
16 Holy Family (did not show)
The Department of Sports in partnership with the Education Department told RTC sports that they are in the planning stages now and would like to host these Classics next year so a team can be taken to the all age competition in Bahamas.
Thanks were also extended to the Officials, Coaches, Parents and teachers for preparing the athletes.
The Acting Director also extended her gratitude and thanks to the following:
TCIG Ministry of Education, Youth Sports & Library Services
Department of Sports Staff Education Officers
TCI Amateur Athletic Association DDME
Mr. Calvin Williams Mr. Chad Stubbs
Mr. Gevellin Owens Mr. Phenel and crew
TCIG Public Works Department Ms Francis Rigby
Mrs. Racheal Taylor Caribbean Cruising
Mr. Godfrey Been Environment Health
TCI Customs Department Mr. Kerim Fulford
TCI Taxi Association Ms. Lorna O'Gilivie
TCIG GSServices Fortis Tci
Caicos Express Mrs Verneice Selver
Mrs. Lynn Smith Lime
PERDUE FOODS RECALL CHICKEN NUGGETS DUE TO CONTAMINATION
The Animal Health Service Division of the Department of Agriculture informed RTC News today that they are issuing an immediate recall for chicken nuggets (Applegate Farms brand only) imported by Graceway Trading.
The initial recall was issued by Perdue Foods LLC., a Gainesville, GA., establishment, for approximately 4,530 pounds of chicken nugget products (produced for Applegate Farms) that maybe contaminated with extraneous plastic materials.
The United States Department of Agriculture in a release say they have learnt that some of the recalled product was exported to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Animal Health Service Division is informing residents that if they have bought any of these products, not consume it but rather return it.
The Agriculture Department has ensured that all remaining product is removed from the shelves.
NIB Providenciales takes non-contributors to the Magistrate's court
The National Insurance Board pursue delinquent contributors in the courts.
1. On March 16th 2016, Kerlin Smith of Central Security Services were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for sentencing after pleading guilty to complaints for failing to pay nis contributions and additional charges as an employer in the amount of $10,064.46. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
2. Wayne Hall of Ocean Vibes were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to a complaint filed by the NIB for obstructing an NIB compliance officer in the lawful execution of her duty. Mr. Hall failed to appear and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
3. Also, Romeo “Ron” Higgs were scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $1,700.00 and a writ of execution also filed by the NIB for the levying of $4,100.00. Both matters were adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
4. On March 16th 2016, Lofton Morley appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $400.00. Mr. Morley was ordered to pay to the NIB $400.00 by April 15th 2016. Morley also appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $2,400.00. Mr. Morley was ordered to pay to the NIB $2,400.00 by June 15th 2016.
6. Hartwell Smith was scheduled to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court for to answer to an application for judgment summons filed by the NIB for the levying of $13,684.66. The matter was adjourned for Friday April 8th 2016.
Beaches & Sandals Takes Aim at Engineering Graduates
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) remains committed to human resource development and has launched its latest drive to unearth bright young stars through its Management Trainee Programme (MTP).
This time around however, the Luxury-Included® resort chain is specifically seeking to exclusively identify Engineering and Facilities Management graduates from across the Caribbean.
Ideal candidates for the programme must have a first degree in Engineering and/or Facilities Management or other related discipline, from a recognized tertiary institution. In addition, shortlisted candidates must be over 21 years old, possess strong communication and organizational skills and have a clear interest for growth in the hospitality industry.
The successful candidates will experience an intensive, accelerated and practical two-year learning and development programme including exposure to all areas and departments of hotel operations with a targeted specialization of engineering and facilities management. Each Management Trainee will also be expected to contribute to the resort’s performance and service excellence.
Submissions should be made by email to mtp2016@grp.sandals.com no later than May 1, 2016. Following submissions, there will be an intense selection process including a series of extensive interviews to identify the most suitable candidates.
The Management Trainee Programme is the centerpiece of SRI’s Management Succession Planning Strategy and was originally introduced in the mid 1980’s. Other training initiatives include the Hospitality Training Programme which provides unattached youths with an introduction to various departments in the resorts. Continuous on the job training sessions, scholarship opportunities, workshops and seminars for team members are also offered through the Sandals Corporate University.
Snorkel Clinic will open up a whole new world for students
School students will have an opportunity to discover a whole new world at a snorkel clinic next week.
The clinic, slated for Wednesday 23 March, is a School for Field Studies initiative and will be held in collaboration with AMANYARA, the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center, and the Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs (DEMA).
"On South Caicos, the School for Field Studies provides opportunities for young community members to discover and explore our natural resources through swimming lessons and the SFS Snorkel Club. The School for Field Studies is excited to work in collaboration with AMANYARA, the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center, and DEMA to extend our community engagement efforts to Providenciales and introduce local youth to the underwater world. Our students are excited to share what they have learned on South Caicos about coral reefs and their value, and hope to encourage greater stewardship and understanding of this very important natural resource." Said Heidi Hertler, Center Director, School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Management
Registered school students, between the ages of 8 and 15 with at least a moderate swimming ability, will join the SFS college students for a 1:1 (student: instructor) 'learn to snorkel' clinic where participants will get to explore the underwater coral reefs of Providenciales, while learning to use and care for their snorkel equipment. The morning will include an introduction to snorkelling, educational and fun marine conservation games and in-water snorkel training.
DIGICEL AND BROADSOFT EXPAND UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS COLLABORATION
Digicel Group has announced that it is expanding its Broadsoft BroadWorks® platform and UC One® Unified Communications portfolio of services, which will see customers across the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific region benefiting from world-class products and services.
Digicel’s Cloud Telephony portfolio delivers an innovative IP and Cloud-based communications service offerings in multiple markets, including cloud PBX, unified communications and SIP trunking.
BroadSoft’s extensive unified communication and collaboration technologies will enable Digicel to expand the scale of its offerings and provide complete solutions starting with Fixed Mobile Substitution, Fixed Mobile Convergence and Unified Communications that target both small and medium businesses (SMBs) and large corporations. These include hosted PBX and SIP trunking services, presence and instant messaging, video collaboration, and desktop/file sharing. With hundreds of leading SP customers around the world, including 26 of the top 30 by revenue, BroadSoft is able to provide Digicel with extensive business and technical expertise in successful IP-based Communications Services deployments.
“We believe that Digicel has a very powerful and clear vision of what is possible with the right approach to the Unified Communications market. Combining Digicel’s vision, technical and customer support strength, with BroadSoft’s proven BroadWorks and UC One platforms, will help customers mobilize their workforce, drive productivity and lower communications costs,” said Jonathan Reid, Managing Director, Emerging Markets BroadSoft.
Digicel’s Cloud Telephony product portfolio meets customers’ every communication need regardless of the type, size or location of their business. Mobile only and fixed mobile convergence services offer users a single “find me anywhere” solution by combining the IP and mobile environment into a single service suitable for multiple user profiles. The integration of premise-based solutions enable the delivery of cost-effective products, enhancing legacy voice calling infrastructure and offering business continuity capabilities.
“We are very excited about the expansion of our relationship with BroadSoft which dramatically increases our Cloud Telephony and Unified Communications services to existing and new Digicel customers. With the ever changing and highly mobile workforces we serve today, a world-class Unified Communications platform is essential to deliver cost effective, flexible, and reliable communications services across any device and regardless of the physical location. We believe that BroadSoft has the right solutions and technical expertise to be the ideal partner for us as we significantly expand the Unified Communications service offerings in our target markets” said Martin Carroll, Group COO of Digicel Business.
TCIG HR Manager Receives Human Resource Management Certificate
The Office of the Deputy Governor would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Human Resource Manager, Keisha Taylor on the obtainment of her Human Resource Management Certification.
In January 2015, funding was approved from the United Kingdom Jubilee Fund for the registration and purchase of learning material for four Human Resource Officers to pursue a certification in Human Resource Management through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) was founded in 1948 and is the world's largest HR membership organization devoted to Human Resource Management. Representing more than 275,000 members in over 160 countries, the Society is the leading provider of resources to serve the needs of HR professionals and advance the professional practice of Human Resource Management. SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates. Committed to developing the HR profession globally, SHRM provides resources, global best practices and a network of nearly 10,000 members in over 160 countries and territories outside the U.S.
The SHRM credentials, SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®), address the role HR professionals have in leading organizational success, are relevant worldwide and test behavioral competencies as well as the application of HR technical knowledge.
Commenting on her achievement Ms. Taylor said: "I was elated to receive the official results that I had successfully completed my SHRM-CP certification exam. I am also grateful for the opportunity granted through both the United Kingdom Jubilee Fund and the TCIG Public Service Professional Development Fund. My effort and success on this initiative is an ideal and critical demonstration of the commitment to my continuous professional development and my desire to effectively assist the team in the advancement of HR Best Practices in the TCIG Public Service."
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams said; "I am very proud of our Human Resource Management team most especially Ms. Taylor on the recent accomplishment of her Human Resource Management Certification. This certification will provide both her and the other HR Officers with a specialist qualification that is up to date and is relevant to the work they do. This will in turn help to provide a better service to the government and to improve the overall performance of the Human Resource Management Directorate.
"As a part of our intention to fully utilize the Professional Development Fund to assist in professionalizing all staff across government, it is our intention to have all HR Officers complete this certification program by April 2017. I certainly wish all others much success in their upcoming studies and exams and encourage all other staff across government to pursue similar opportunities in their individual professions. Once again congratulations!"