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

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

Published

7 days 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.

Business

Virgin Islands Secures $100 Million Loan to Drive Infrastructure and Community Development

Published

7 days ago

October 31, 2024

Editor

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced a major financial commitment toward infrastructure and community advancement through a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley described the agreement as a transformative step, stating, “Today, the Government of the Virgin Islands is signing on to a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited. The proceeds of this loan will fund a diverse number of projects that will be of immense benefit to the Virgin Islands’ economy and people.”

This substantial funding will enable a series of high-priority projects across education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing. The initiatives are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance public services, and address critical community needs in the Territory.

A central feature of the development plan includes constructing a new building at Elmore Stoutt High School for the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. This facility will provide vocational training in high-demand fields, including mechanics, woodworking, and culinary arts, to equip students with practical skills aligned with the Territory’s workforce needs.

In public safety, the government will establish a National Detention Centre that meets international standards for the management of illegal immigrants and individuals denied entry. This facility will help reduce the Territory’s housing costs and will also include a dedicated training area for law enforcement, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining security and professional training standards.

Healthcare enhancements are planned through extensive refurbishments and expansions at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. These improvements are intended to increase capacity, improve patient care, and provide upgraded facilities for healthcare professionals, responding to the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services in the Virgin Islands.

Significant infrastructure projects are also slated, including comprehensive road improvements across the Territory. This work will encompass upgrades to drains, pavements, and traffic management systems, aimed at improving road safety and easing transportation flow. Additionally, key sewerage projects are set for completion in Cane Garden Bay, East End-Long Look, and Paraquita Bay, addressing longstanding public health and environmental concerns.

To further enhance public utilities, the government will expand the water distribution network throughout the Territory, ensuring more residents have access to reliable water sources. Renovations are also planned for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, aimed at reducing dependency on rented facilities and providing improved working conditions for government employees.

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport will see various upgrades to better accommodate increased passenger traffic, supporting tourism growth and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.

In response to pressing social needs, the government will also construct a three-storey social apartment building, designed to provide temporary shelter for the homeless and victims of domestic violence, addressing a critical gap in community support.

Dr. Wheatley emphasized that the initiatives funded by this loan facility will generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity while addressing core community needs. “This funding supports projects with far-reaching and lasting impacts for the Virgin Islands, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable development across the Territory,” he said.

Business

FirstBank Customers Accounts Show Zero or Negative Balances Electronically

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Editor

– Persons Accessing Cash In Bank

This morning account holders at 1FirstBank awoke to discover that their online account balances had disappeared. A widespread issue, affecting both personal and business accounts, has left customers unable to access their funds, with many reporting negative or zero balances on the bank’s digital platform.

The issue was discovered early Tuesday morning when users attempting to log in to their accounts were met with unsettling balances, with some even seeing their accounts marked as overdrawn despite no recent transactions. Several customers described seeing a balance of zero on their account’s home screen despite previously having substantial savings.

“I thought it was just me, but when I called a friend who banks with FirstBank, they had the same problem,” said the account holder. “It’s incredibly stressful, especially since there’s been no word from the bank yet.”

The problem, which seems to have affected customers across the territory, has prompted many to visit local branches in person. Several individuals reported being able to access their accounts once they arrived at the bank. However, the disruption has rendered ATM services and card transactions nonfunctional, leaving customers unable to withdraw cash or make payments.

JTV News reached out to 1FirstBank, where a representative confirmed that the electronic banking system is currently down and the matter is being addressed at the international level. Customers were advised that, for the time being, they would need to visit a branch to resolve any issues, as card swipes and ATM withdrawals were temporarily disabled.

While FirstBank has yet to release an official statement on the cause of the outage, customers are growing increasingly concerned about the safety of their funds. The nature of the problem—whether it is a technical glitch or something more serious like a security breach—remains unclear.

At this stage, it is unknown when the issue will be resolved or if all accounts will be restored to their proper balances.

The financial uncertainty has left both personal and business account holders on edge, with some businesses reporting disruptions in their daily operations due to the inability to access company funds.

JTV News will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.