COMMISSION HAPPENINGS
WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE:
Emancipendence
Emancipation Race Day
TEG Award Ceremony
GMIS
Corporate Compliance
JRC Donates
Industry News
Edible Antidote
JAMAICA 61 PROUD AND STRONG
Jamaica recently observed it’s 61st year of independence. On August 6, 1962 Jamaica became an independent nation, marking the end of it’s status as a British Colony. For many, Jamaica’s liberation from colonial rule is closely linked to Emancipation Day, observed on August 1, a significate date celebrated throughout much of the former British West Indies These two pivotal moments in History have given rise to the term “Emancipendence,” symbolizing the Celebration of both occasions.
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2023
EMANCIPENDENCE
At lunch time they were treated to a luncheon on the lawns, where they savoured traditional Jamaican meals such as fried fish, curried goat, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, manish water, sweet potato pudding, and coconut treats.
An energetic dance competition was arranged, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed participants and the most talented dancers in the group received gift baskets as tokens of appreciation.
In commemoration of the Emancipation and Independence celebrations, the Commissions undertook various activities and initiatives from August 2 - 4, 2023.
On August 2, 2023, team members received an invitation to enjoy the Jamaican Film "Class of '73" in the Training Room, where they shared hearty laughter and indulged in popcorn.
Jamaican trivia questions were distributed among team members on August 3, 2023, with an invitation for them to provide the correct answers. Individuals who responded correctly were awarded a prize.
On August 4, the final day of our Emancipendence celebrations, team members from all three Commissions were encouraged to wear either bandana patterns or the national colours.
As a welcoming gesture staff were served saltfish fritters (stamp-and-go) and chocolate tea for breakfast.
BGLC EMANCIPATION RACE DAY
"Power, Speed and Victory Unleashed"
The 19th edition of the BGLC trophy race, held at Caymanas Park on August 1st, embraced the theme “Power, Speed, and Victory Unleashed.”
TERTIARY EDUCATION GRANT AWARD CEREMONY
On September 1st, the TEG Award Ceremony took place at the Pegasus Hotel. The event hosted approximately 100 grant recipients out of the 325 overall awardees The ceremony commenced with Wendy Robertson, the Manager of Corporate Affairs and Communication, providing the welcome address and introductions, followed by greetings from Mr Evans The guest speaker, Carlyle Grant, delivered a thought-provoking discourse on Artificial Intelligence and the potential impact on the future of work. Mr. Metcalfe gave a congratulatory speech and presented gift packages to the top 10 awardees The event concluded with music by DJ Rio, photo opportunities, and cocktails to celebrate the occasion.
Gaming Management Information System
Dwayne Walters, ICT Project Manager
1. What is the purpose of implementing the Gaming Management Information System at BGLC?
The purpose is to streamline and enhance the regulation, monitoring, and management of betting, gaming, and lottery activities within Jamaica. The system will help ensure compliance with regulations, improve transparency, and efficiently handle licensing, reporting, and enforcement.
2. What key features will the GMIS have?
The system will include features such as:
Licence management: Process applications, renewals, and modifications for gaming licenses and facilitate e-commerce.
Monitoring and reporting: Near real-time monitoring of gaming activities, Licensee connectivity, ease of inspection tracking, and generating reports for regulatory oversight Compliance tracking: Ensure operators adhere to regulations and handle violations and penalties.
Financial Management: Track revenue and taxation.
Data security: Ensure sensitive information is securely stored and transmitted.
Integration: The system will integrate with relevant stakeholders' systems, like e-Gov, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)and the internal Financial system (MDSL).
3. Who will be the primary users of the GMIS?
The primary users of this system will include BGLC staff, licensees, the general public, and eventually the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) and Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC).
4. How do you ensure data security and privacy?
Implement robust security measures, including encryption for data at rest and in transit, user authentication and authorization controls, regular security audits, and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
5. What is the timeline for implementation?
Based on what is known, we have an expected implementation date of May 2024.
Corporate Compliance
1. What is a Corporate Compliance Programme?
A Corporate Compliance programme refers to the system of internal controls implemented by a company to ensure that they are compliant with laws, rules, and regulations that apply to the business. Companies therefore have an obligation to ensure that they have adequate up-to-date documented policies and procedures, effective record-keeping systems and relevant audit trails.
2. Why does Corporate Compliance Matter?
Implementing a Corporate Compliance programme has several benefits:
It mitigates or lowers the risk of fines, penalties, and lawsuits.
Compliance with safety and security measures helps prevent injuries or other incidences that may result in downtime.
Compliance with legal requirements helps to build trust among customers and protect the company’s reputation.
Employee retention may increase when they know they are in a safe and compliant environment.
3. Will a Corporate Compliance program be implemented at BGLC?
Yes
4. How will the program be implemented?
We will examine the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the operations of the BGLC. We will also review policies, procedures, standards, and rules, and hold discussions with employees. We will compile these requirements, create a compliance program, implement it throughout the Commission, and enforce adherence to the program.
5. Is there more to talk about?
Yes. In the next issue, we will talk about the elements of the corporate compliance program and examples of the primary laws that BGLC must comply with.
Evelyn Neil, Enterprise Risk and Compliance Manager
MAJ A I CA RACING COMMISSIONDON A T SE
The JRC is the key administrator for the industry stakeholders Group Insurance. This covers several of the key groupings in the industry inclusive of Trainers, Jockeys, Grooms, Agents. Notably, grooms who make up the most economically disadvantaged group within the industry, receive salaries that often fall below the minimum wage. While this is unfortunate the JRC remains committed to improving and assisting the living conditions of this group which has penury wages.
Recently, the groom shown in the image experienced a devastating fire in his single-room home, leading to significant hardships. Among his most pressing needs was a stove to cook his food. The commission took action by donating one.
General Manager Richard Longmore highlighted “the JRC has long been the protector of the Grooms in an industry that has faced several uphill battles. The JRC has assisted over 100 Grooms since the inception of the Racing Industry Health Scheme, which ensures that all licensed groups can afford basic healthcare services at reasonable pricing. It is really sad when these groups reach retirement age and have no pension to look towards. This is of grave concern to the Commission, and we will be seeking to have this issue fixed through the development of a designated fund geared towards their pension.”
Industry News Click article for more information
EDIBLE ANTIDOTE
“Papaya Leaf”
Tea made from papaya leaves can be really beneficial for both internal and external health. Here are some benefits of adding papaya leaves to your diet.
TREAT DENGUE FEVER
Treat symptoms related to dengue fever
One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaf is its potential to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever While there’s currently no cure for dengue, several treatments are available for managing its symptoms one of which is papaya leaf
REDUCE PAIN
They help reduce period pain
You can drink papaya leaf juice several times a day to relieve cramps and period pains. That’s because the leaves have analgesic properties. If you have hormonal or uterine fibroid problems, your menstrual periods are likely to be painful. In this case, try papaya leaf tea as it may make your periods more bearable.
HELP WITH GLUTEN INTOLERANCE
They help with gluten intolerance
Papaya is a great fruit for people suffering from celiac disease, according to certain studies like this one conducted by Columbia University (USA). If your doctor has told you that you’re gluten intolerant, we recommend drinking tea made with papaya leaves and visiting a nutritionist to make the necessary changes in your diet.
ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES
They have anti-aging properties
Thanks to their numerous anti-oxidants, papaya leaves can be beneficial for your skin. You can make your own skin cream with them or drink the tea.
