Business

Four women recognised for “longstanding contribution” to VI ICT

Published

2 years ago

March 9, 2023

Editor

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor

(JTV News) — Four women have been recognised by the Office of Gender Affairs for their longstanding contribution to the Virgin Islands in the field of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in observance of International Women’s Day under the theme DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.

The women are Director of the Department of Information Technology Annabelle Skelton-Malone; Senior Database Administrator at the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Karen Liburd-Anselm; Information Technology (IT) Manager at Roadtown Wholesale Trading, Limited (RTW) Irma Harrigan; and Biomedical Engineer Manager at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Candia Rabsatt-Thompson.

According to a government release, Skelton-Malone manages and directs the department’s operation, ensuring that efficient and effective technological services are provided throughout the Government.

Skelton-Malone started the department in 1989, under the stewardship of the then Financial Secretary Robert Mathavious, with two officers including herself, the release said.

“Under her leadership, the department implemented several technologies that have enhanced Government’s operations. Mrs. Skelton-Malone has overseen the implementation and upgrades of the Government Accounting System, the rebranding of the Government’s Websites to a central website, the expansion of network connectivity to government entities located throughout Tortola and the major sister islands along with the digitation of School Administration for all public schools through the implementation of SASI, which has since been migrated to PowerSchool,” the release said.

Liburd-Anselm has worked at the commission since 2003 and is celebrating 20 years as one of the few women in her field, according to the release.

“She is responsible for ensuring that the FSC has a reliable, robust and secure database infrastructure, environment all year round,” the release said.

“As a Database Administrator, this leading lady in technology is accountable for a complex, multi-platform database environment which includes Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL utilised in mission-critical enterprise applications such as VIRRGIN, AML/CFT Returns and MFAR Systems. She is also one of the persons responsible for providing technical support for the VIRRGIN application which is the system that makes it easy for Registered Agents to register companies, pay annual fees and make changes following the BVIBC Act,” the release added.

Harrigan joined RTW in 1983 as a Trainee Programmer and was promoted to Senior Analyst/Programmer after graduating from Salisbury State University with a Computer Information Systems degree. In 1993, Harrigan attained the IT Manager position she currently holds.

“Irma Harrigan is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the IT team, ensuring the availability and reliability of systems and networks, managing technology vendors, and implementing new technologies and processes to improve the efficiency and productivity of the company,” the release stated.

At a young age, Rabsatt-Thompson displayed an interest in electronics and technology. After graduating high school, she enrolled at DeVry University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and a certificate in Biomedical Equipment Technology, according to the release.

At the BVIHSA, Rabsatt-Thompson, according to the release, is “responsible for Healthcare Technology Management as it relates to the installation, calibrations, corrective maintenance and preventative maintenance of medical equipment. The medical equipment must maintain the manufactures standard of a high level of accuracy, reliability, and durability as it relates to patient care and diagnoses. The equipment must also be safe for both clinical staff and patients”.

Business

Some Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment

Published

7 days ago

January 3, 2025

Editor

Several businesses in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are continuing to flout regulations that prohibit minimum spending requirements for credit card payments.

On January 2, Jahphixtelevision.com visited a gas station and a food establishment in Tortola, both of which were still enforcing a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions. This comes despite a clear warning from the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) in a December 18 advisory, which stated that such practices violate merchant agreements with financial institutions.

The BVIBA highlighted that imposing minimum spending thresholds or charging additional fees for credit card payments contravenes not only local merchant contracts but also the policies of major payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

“We urge all merchants to immediately cease these practices to ensure full compliance with established regulations,” read the BVIBA’s statement issued last month.

This ongoing issue follows rising concerns over the transparency and fairness of payment systems, with both cardholders and industry stakeholders calling for more stringent enforcement of existing regulations.

Business

BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations

Published

3 weeks ago

December 18, 2024

Editor

As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.

The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.

The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.

For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.

Business

BVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes

Published

2 months ago

October 31, 2024

Editor

The Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has recently strengthened ties with the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 25 October. The agreement formalises a cooperative framework for consultation and information-sharing between the two regulatory bodies, enhancing their oversight in financial regulation.

The MoU signals a shared commitment by the BVI and Jersey to uphold rigorous financial standards and combat financial crimes. By sharing essential intelligence, the FIA and JFSC aim to bolster efforts to detect, prevent, and investigate crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Errol George, Director of the FIA BVI, expressed the importance of the partnership, stating, “The signing of this MoU establishes a framework for information exchange between the FIA BVI and JFSC, supporting compliance with the laws, regulations, and rules relating to the functions of our Authorities. I am indeed pleased with the progress we are making in the Territory to tackle financial crime.”

Through this agreement, both agencies will, upon request, provide critical information that strengthens regulatory practices across the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP) sector. Shared data will include details on corporate structures, management standards, and organisational quality, all essential for effective supervision.