Local News
Public Service Empowers Permanent Secretaries with Service Commissions Portal Training
In a bid to enhance efficiency and streamline human resources (HR) processes, Permanent Secretaries across the Public Service have successfully completed training on the use of the Service Commissions Portal. This initiative, facilitated by Human Resources Manager Colleen Hazel, aims to empower key personnel with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the portal effectively.
The comprehensive training covered a range of features and functionalities of the Service Commissions Portal, which is utilized by all four commissions to manage HR matters. By providing access to Ministerial HR Managers, Permanent Secretaries, and the Financial Secretary, the portal ensures seamless coordination and communication in HR processes across the Public Service.
The Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, is actively working towards more efficient handling of HR matters in line with the Public Service Transformation plan. As part of this concerted effort, a new recruitment management system is currently in its final stages of testing.
The implementation of the Service Commissions Portal and the upcoming recruitment management system are crucial components of the Public Service Transformation plan. These advancements aim to revolutionize HR processes, making them more streamlined, transparent, and user-friendly.
By leveraging technology and digital solutions, the Public Service envisions a future where the HR processes are more efficient and responsive to the needs of both employees and employers. The Service Commissions Portal is set to be a game-changer, enabling real-time updates, easy access to information, and seamless communication between various stakeholders.
The Department of Human Resources, along with its partners, remains committed to embracing digital transformation and leveraging technology to improve service delivery within the Public Service.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
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.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
-
Crime/Police1 week agoLarge Quantity of Drugs Seized At Port Purcell
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory
-
Crime/Police1 week agoMultiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
-
Education4 days agoFormer Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
-
Local News4 days ago
RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media
-
Crime/Police1 week agoRVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
-
Business4 days agoBVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations