March 2024 Newsletter

COMMISSION HAPPENINGS

“Reggae

Month in Jamaica: Celebrating the Heartbeat of a Nation”

Every February, Jamaica pulses with the rhythm of reggae music as the island celebrates Reggae Month. This vibrant festival pays homage to Jamaica's musical heritage, honoring the genre that has become synonymous with the island's culture and identity

Reggae Month is more than just a series of events; it's a celebration of the heartbeat of Jamaica. Rooted in the streets of Kingston, reggae music emerged in the late 1960s, blending influences from ska, rocksteady, and rhythm and blues. From its humble beginnings, reggae has grown into a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts and souls of people around the world

Bob Marley- One Love Movie

On March 1st, the commission gathered for a special movie day at the Sunshine Palace Cinema in Portmore, St. Catherine. The anticipation was palpable as members eagerly awaited the screening of the highly anticipated film, "Bob Marley: One Love."

As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, the audience was transported into the captivating world of Bob Marley. From his humble beginnings in rural Jamaica to his meteoric rise to international fame, the film offered a glimpse into the life and legacy of the reggae legend.

Throughout the screening, emotions ran high as viewers were treated to a montage of Marley's greatest hits, each song serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring influence on music and culture. From the soulful strains of "No Woman, No Cry" to the anthemic chorus of "One Love," Marley's applause.

But "One Love" was more than just a concert film it was a deeply personal portrait of Marley as a man, a musician, and a visionary. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, viewers gained insight into Marley's spiritual journey, his commitment to social justice, and his unwavering belief in the power of music to unite and inspire.

As the credits rolled and the lights came up, the commission members exchanged smiles and nods of appreciation. "Bob Marley: One Love" had left an indelible mark on their hearts, reminding them of the timeless message of love, unity, and hope that Marley had championed throughout his life.

1. In the Caribbean, February is Reggae Month.

2. Nesta Robert Marley was Bob Marley’s name at birth, not Robert Nesta Marley as popularly believed.

3. Reggae developed after rocksteady, which in turn was born of ska. The chords are usually played on the off beat, AKA the skank. It’s played in 4/4 time with really simple chord progressions and loads of heavy bass.

4. The best ever selling reggae album is Bob Marley’s ‘Legend’

5. Roots Reggae is a spiritual subgenre of reggae, with lyrics often talking about ‘god’. Bob Marley’s music was mostly roots.

6. Bob Marley was shot in 1976, a few days before he was due to play a concert to promote peace between violent rival factions in Jamaica.

7. In 1994 Bob Marley was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

8. Like many reggae artists, Bob Marley believed cannabis was a healing herb and he was keen to support its legalization

9. At age 15, Bob was employed as an apprentice welder.

10. Tuff Gong was not just the name of the record label created by Bob Marley and the Wailers, it was also his childhood nickname.

ThaneshaReid Receptionist,BGLC

WHAT DATE DID YOU START AT THE COMMISSION?

December19,2022.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Iamaninspiredbyindividualswhoarealways workingtomakeadifferencewherevertheygo

WHAT IS YOUR MOST USED PRODUCTIVITY HACK?

Ifocusonwhatisimportantanddevelopa routineforwork

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS OR HOBBIES?

Ilovetobake.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMOUS OR INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE?

“Don’ttrytobeperfect Trytobebetterthan yesterday.”

E M P L O Y E E F E A T U R E

ShaneikaGreen-Scully DataEntryClerk,BGLC

WHAT DATE DID YOU START AT THE COMMISSION?

March18,2018

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

MyMotherismygreatestinspiration,shehas alwaysencouragedmetocompletetasksonce started,despitethechallengesImayface Shealso workedextremelyhardtoprovideformyselfandmy siblingandshenevercomplained,shecontributed positivelytomyaccomplishments.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST USED PRODUCTIVITY HACK?

Planningmydayahead,thisallowsmetofocuson thetargetsthatareofhighpriorityandthetime allottedtocompletethem

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS OR HOBBIES?

Isingverywell

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMOUS OR INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE?

“Lifeis10%ofwhathappenstomeand90%ofhowI reacttoit.”–JohnMaxwell

E M P L O Y E E F E A T U R E

AmTote Crash Shuts Down Caymanas Park

Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

ERTUGRUL (right), a 16-1 long shot ridden by Phillip Parchment, wins the eighth race over six furlongs, a four-year-old and upwards restricted allowance stakes, at Caymanas Park yesterday.

AMTOTE SNEEZED in the United States yesterday and Caymanas Park caught the virus as horse racing at racetracks served by “the leading technology and services provider to the North American pari-mutuel wagering market” hit the proverbial brick wall, leaving punters high and dry amid undeclared dividends and races abandoned late afternoon.

Enforcement – The Home of Grit Paragons

In Jamaica’s dynamic and complex gaming industry, the Enforcement team has answered the call to assist the Commission in regulating the industry. Consequently, the Enforcement team continues to demonstrate unparalleled commitment to the BGLC and its regulatory obligations. Therefore, the Division remains resolute in executing its primary functions to meet its objectives. These objectives encompass safeguarding the industry by deterring illegal operators and disrupting illegal operations This is achieved through the execution of planned surveillance operations, gaming machine seizure operations and illegal lottery operations across Jamaica. The Division also diligently ensures that all industry stakeholders occupy a legitimate position within the industry. This is attained through the conduct of detailed background checks formally referred to as Due Diligence Investigations. Enforcement operates in strict adherence to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act (BGLA) and is poised to protect the integrity of the industry. While conducting operations, the Enforcement team is frequently required to exercise professionalism and self-control amid threats to personal security, as persons who have been found in breach of the act often behave in an aggressive and sometimes threatening manner. However, this threat is mitigated with the assistance of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by providing tactical and legal support while on illegal operations.

Operational Experience

From left - Dave Noble - Investigator, Lashana Topey - Investigator, Audie Myers - Investigator, Tifanie GordonInvestigator, Noel Bacquie - Director of Enforcement, Alicia Campbell - Vetting Officer, Stephen FentonInvestigator, Shashawny Smith - Senior Investigator. (Not Pictured) Michelle Witter- Senior Secretary

Enforcement – The Home of Grit Paragons Cont’d

Key Stakeholders

Additionally, the successful completion of the Division’s tasks routinely commences with the support of the Compliance and Regulatory (C & R) and the Licensing and Registration (L & R) Divisions. The synergy among all three (3) operational Divisions assists Enforcement’s operational productivity Besides C & R and L & R as internal stakeholders, the Enforcement team has developed an excellent working relationship with the JCF as an external stakeholder. The relationship between the JCF and the BGLC continues to be strengthened by stakeholder engagements held to educate the law enforcement officers about the BGLA. The Enforcement team along with the Corporate Affairs and Communications (CAC) Unit, Legal Services Division and the other two operational divisions has conducted several stakeholder engagements across the length and breadth of Jamaica. The engagements also incorporated officers from other local jurisdictions

Performance Statistics

The Enforcement Division, to date during the Fiscal Year 2023-2024, has seized a total of 203 unlicensed gaming machines previously interspersed across Jamaica. The Division has also conducted a total of 364 Due Diligence investigations with an average turnaround time of 3 weeks by virtue of improved processes and technology. The Division’s stipulated turnaround time for completing investigations is 7 weeks. Therefore, the Enforcement team has demonstrated high levels of efficiency in completing Due Diligence reports 1 month prior to the end dates.

Leadership

The grit that forms the fabric of Enforcement is constantly woven by the Director, Mr Noel Bacquie and Senior Investigator, Mr Shashawny Smith. Under their leadership, the Enforcement team is driven by a profound sense of purpose to operate at the zenith of its potential and accentuate the strategic objectives of the BGLC. Mr Bacquie and Mr Smith epitomize the 5 core values of the Commission and demonstrate excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. These have earned them the confidence of the team that finds honour in seeking their tutelage. The Enforcement Division is motivated to serve with excellence by aiding the Commission in effectively regulating the industry.

Health Check HEART HEALTH

The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) is encouraging Jamaicans to maintain a heathy heart to improve their overall wellbeing. Embracing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart disease and lower one’s risk for a stroke or heart attack. Heart disease includes problems with your heart rhythm or pulse (arrhythmias), weakness or ineffective pumping of the heart muscle (heart failure, cardiomyopathy), narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart (Ischemic heart disease or heart attack), and defects of the heart walls and valves, among other conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the second leading cause of death, and about 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent. Therefore, members of the public are being urged to engage in healthy behaviours to reduce the incidence of severe heart conditions, including:

Preparing meals that are balanced in nutrients. Lower your intake of salt, sugar and fat in meals.

Know your numbers Get screened for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, Body Mass Index and other health screenings so that you can be aware of your health status and receive early treatment.

Quit smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol.

Know your history. Family history and genetics play a role in the development of heartrelated challenges. Do your research to find out if any of your older relatives from either side of the family have heart conditions.

Get moving. Being physically active is a sure way to care for your heart. Exercise lowers blood pressure, strengthens heart muscles, and prevents the development of heartrelated diseases.

Sleep. According to the CDC, getting enough sleep is critical for your heart health. Sleeping less than seven hours each night increases the risk of a heart attack or heart disease. Take your sleep time seriously.

The Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities continue to promote the Know Your Numbers initiative, which is aimed at helping Jamaicans know their health status in order for them to receive proper treatment and be less susceptible to critical illnesses such as heart attacks, hospitalisation, and in more severe cases, death. Heart Month is observed annually during the month of February to promote cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease Together, let’s make every heartbeat count

EDIBLE ANTIDOTE

LEMON

Lemons contain nutrients that may help support your cardiovascular health and protect against kidney stones and anemia, among other benefits

Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds

These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health.

SUPPORT HEART HEALTH

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C

One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI)

Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke

However, it’s not only the vitamin C that is thought to be good for your heart. The fiber and plant compounds in lemons could also significantly lower some risk factors for heart disease.

HELP CONTROL WEIGHT

Lemons are often promoted as a weight loss food, and there are a few theories as to why this is.

One common theory is that the soluble pectin fiber in them expands in your stomach, helping you feel full for longer. Because of it’s tart taste, not many people eat lemons whole, the juice is usually preferred. It must be noted however, that lemon juice contains no pectin, lemon juice drinks will not promote fullness in the same way.

PREVENT KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones are small lumps that form when waste products crystallize and build up in your kidneys.

Citric acid may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and increasing urine pH, creating a less favourable environment for kidney stone formation.

Just a 1/2-cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice per day may provide enough citric acid to help prevent stone formation in people who have already had them.