The Millennial Marketer (June 2022)

JUNE 2022 ISSUE 112/ VOLUME 22

PROTECT YOUR DATA & MONEY!

BANKS TO SIGN ON TO NIDS PILOT BAMBOO PRODUCTS TO BUILD A NEW INDUSTRY

JAMAICA ECONOMY GROWS 6% IN Q1 2022

HOW TO SPOT SCAMS!

IT'S OUR ISSUE!

PM WELCOMES US$7M INVESTMENT IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC JAMAICA TRADE INFORMATION PORTAL TO BE UPDATED AND EXPANDED HISTORICAL SITES TO BE RENOVATED FOR ‘JAMAICA 60’

From the Editor It's our 1st Anniversary issue!

We appreciate all our Advertisers, readers and supporters.

We hope that we've been a fountain of valuable information to drive your consumer purchases, lifestyle selections and business decisions. We look forward to being your pulse in all things business and your continued support.

In this edition, we have great news to report! With more industries gradually returning to normalcy, we've seen higher levels of employment and increasing operating hours. Local business and demand are buzzing with activity! You will notice this in the Agriculture Sector's performance and the Wholesale & Retail Trade, Repair & Installation of Machinery.

In our country's continued drive to utilize cleaner energy and improve the technology of the government's agencies to meet the demand of the 21 century, the Minister of Transport and Mining has announced that Exhaust Emission Analysers will be incorporated into the operations of the Island Traffic Authority.

The systems are being deployed islandwide in the next few weeks.

In a recent spate of smishing and vishing attacks, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) customers have lost millions to scammers after clicking on links and divulging their personal banking details to fraudsters. While recourse to the victims is unknown, the bank has signalled the need for customers to be more vigilant and take greater personal responsibility. In this month's issue, we've compiled a list of ways to spot scams and crack into the newest ones.

As we enter the 2nd half of 2022, we hope you've seen the positive impact the relaxed measures are bringing!

Warm Regards, Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER

FIND YOUR NEAREST VACCINATION CENTRE -&GET THE JAB!

JAMAICA ECONOMY GROWS 6% IN Q1 2022 The Jamaica economy grew 6% in the first quarter of 2022 due to increased activity in the Services Sector, the Planning Institute of Jamaica reported on Wednesday, June 1.

Services grew 8.9%, while the Goods-Producing Industry expanded by 2.1% relative to March 2021.

"This quarter reflected the fourth consecutive quarter of growth," said Director-General of the PIOJ Dr. Wayne Henry during his quarterly economic briefing.

For the fiscal year ending March, which incorporates the previous four quarters, the PIOJ estimates the economy grew 8.1% relative to 2021.

A year ago, the economy suffered contractions due to the renewed imposition of COVID-19 public health and social measures to manage the spread of the virus.

Henry said that the outturn for January-March 2022 primarily reflected increased external demand, especially for Jamaica's Tourism product, facilitated by relaxing COVID-19 measures and lifting travel restrictions worldwide.

Local demand also increased with higher levels of employment and operating hours as more industries gradually returned to normalcy.

He said this was particularly evident in the Agriculture Sector's performance, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Repair & Installation of Machinery, and other Services.

The level of economic growth was tempered by various factors, including the emergence of the omicron variant of the virus. This led to a spike in COVID-19 cases in January, worsening supply chain disruptions, and a damper on the Mining Sector, which is still plagued by the closure of the Jamalco Alumina Plant following a fire last August.

PIOJ projects the economy will grow by 2-4% in the April-June quarter.

"It is based on the continuation of the recovery process relative to the low output levels recorded in the corresponding period of 2021," said Henry. "This projection is supported by the further relaxation of COVID-19 containment measures."

ECONOMY

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EXHAUST EMISSION ANALYSERS TO BE USED AT EXAMINATION DEPOTS Exhaust Emission Analysers will be incorporated into the operations of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

The commissioning of the devices was done on Wednesday, June 1, at the Harbour View Examination Depot in Kingston by the Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Audley Shaw.

They measure exhaust gases caused by combustion and give readings about their content.

Devices are to be dispatched to 9 Examination Depots across the island to begin the process of collecting data for analysis to inform policy. Mr. Shaw said the system is a critical step toward enhancing Jamaica's Road Safety Programme.

"Testing our vehicles' emissions is important to protect us, our vehicles, and the environment. When testing is complete, we will know how much pollution our vehicles produce and, therefore, be better informed on how to treat their effect on our health and the air quality. Our vehicles will then be able to run cleaner and safer to the benefit of everyone," he added.

The Minister said these devices would further ensure analysis of motor vehicles and provide the data necessary to guide policy decisions. He noted that the Ministry and its agencies are increasing their efforts to incorporate the necessary mechanisms to create a safe environment on the nation's motorways.

"We are equipping our regulatory bodies with the tools needed to carry out their functions effectively and honourably," the Minister said.

Director of the ITA, Kenute Hare, said the devices are a critical step in furthering the Government's roadsafety agenda.

"We intend to use all available technologies to ensure that every motor vehicle that traverses the road network is safe. We will also work with our stakeholders – the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the National Works Agency (NWA) – to ensure that the road networks are safe for all road users," he said.

The devices were procured for testing motor-vehicle exhaust levels. They will test total hydrocarbon content, nonmethane hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

The ITA is the base for government motor-vehicle-inspection services. Other technologies used by the ITA include decibel meters, a measuring instrument used to assess sound levels from the vehicle exhaust by measuring sound pressure, and the black box, a device installed in vehicles. It is equipped with an airbag control module. It stores critical information such as vehicle speed, brake oil pressure, steering input, shift position, seat belt usage and odometer reading.

June is Road Safety Month. This year's celebration will be under the theme 'Choose Life… Be Safe on the Road'.

TRANSPORTATION

COVID-19 VACCINE COMPARISON

UP TO 90%

EFFICACY

AGAINST SEVERE illness, hospitalization & DEATH

2 DOSES

86%

95%

AGAINST SEVERE illness, hospitalization & DEATH

AGAINST SEVERE illness, hospitalization & DEATH

1 DOSE

2 DOSES

79%

AGAINST SEVERE illness, hospitalization & DEATH

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DOSAGE

UP TO 12 WEEKS APART + booster required

+ booster required

3 WEEKS APART + booster required

3–4 weeks apart

ELIGIBLE AGES

18 & OLDER

18 & OLDER

12 & OLDER

18 & OLDER

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JDDB LOOKS TO BOOST LOCAL MILK PRODUCTION The Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) aims to increase local milk supply by about 10% within the next 510 years.

The JDDB Acting Chief Executive Officer calls on large companies importing milk and milk products to consider starting dairy farms to revitalise the sector.

Currently, the local sector fulfils only around 15-20% of demand annually.

“Our farm-gate price is one of the highest in the region. So there is money to be made from Dairy Farming. We are only supplying about 15-20% of the demand. We need more companies to invest in the sector and the small farmers,” he said.

“We are running a deficit in fresh milk demand,” Acting Chief Executive Officer at the JDDB, Devon Sayers, reported.

“We really want to get production up to around 30% in the next 5-10 years, and then we grow the sector from there,” he noted —an ambitious goal.

As part of measures to boost the local milk supply, Mr. Sayers said that the focus is on attracting new farmers and strengthening existing programmes to stimulate the sector.

“This year, we have four new persons that have entered the sector, and we are just looking to promote and assist more farmers in the sector. We are also continuing our pasture bank development and fodder bank development programmes,” he said.

“We have doubled our efforts in these programmes regarding the number of pastures and fodder banks that we have rehabilitated. Since the beginning of this financial year, we are about 50% above what we were last year,” noting that milk production is increasing over last year.

“This financial year, the numbers are coming in very good. We are over a million litres in milk production that we were last time this year,” Mr. Sayers said.

AGRICULTURE

Wednesday, June 1, 2022, was observed as World Milk Day, and local activities centred on the Tulloch Primary School in Bog Walk, St. Catherine. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries typically selects a Primary or High School to promote increased milk consumption among youth for the annual observance.

This year a dairy poster competition, jingle competition and dairy poem competition are scheduled activities for the celebration. There will also be a display at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kingston.

Mr. Sayers said the focus on schools reflects the intent of the Board to attract more young people to Dairy Farming.

“Going to Tulloch Primary School is significant because Tulloch Estate was once one of the largest Dairy Farms in Jamaica, so we are bringing it back,” he said.

World Milk Day will also give attention to the Climate Change crisis and how the Dairy Industry can lessen the impact on the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management.

Millennial Media Management and The Millennial Marketer supports Jamaica's effort to vaccinate our population from the COVID-19 virus.

It is the responsibility of all Jamaicans to play our part in ensuring that our nation recovers better and stronger!

Here are the facts to combat the myths surrounding the COVID-19. vaccines. #GetVaccinated #GetBackToLife

JAMAICA TRADE INFORMATION PORTAL TO BE UPDATED AND EXPANDED Plans are in place to update and expand the scope and reach of the Jamaica Trade Information Portal (JTIP), says the Trade Board Limited (TBL).

"The dynamic trade environment in which we operate requires us to be innovative and strategic in harvesting, interpreting and disseminating trade-related information and data.

JTIP needs to be a well-organised and efficient source of current and relevant information that is expansive and easily accessible," Trade Administrator and TBL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Hugh Blake noted in a recent interview.

To this end, he said the TBL "is pleased to inform that plans are afoot to update and expand the scope and reach of the portal through the presentation of its content in English, French and Spanish."

The JTIP is an informational portal and the only one in the English-speaking Caribbean that provides exporters and importers with data on the regulatory requirements to conduct trade transactions.

The facility was launched in May 2019 by TBL in partnership with the World Bank and several other government entities that are custodians of the information shared on the portal.

"The establishment of the JTIP signifies Jamaica's fulfilment of its commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, under Article I, which speaks to making information available through the internet to all traders, domestic and foreign," Dr. Blake said.

Additionally, JTIP is critical to improving Jamaica's competitiveness through its ranking on the Global Competitive Index and is, therefore, a means of stimulating social and economic growth.

Dr. Blake shared that in addition to expanding the scope and reach of the portal, it is essential to include trade-in services (TIS) and trade-in goods.

COMMERCE

JAMAICA TRADE INFORMATION PORTAL TO BE UPDATED AND EXPANDED... [CONT'D] "Increasingly, all sectors of the economy recognise TIS as an area of trade with huge potential for recovery and further growth in the Jamaican economy. With TIS already accounting for approximately one-third of the country's GDP, it is an important area of focus in Jamaica's bilateral, regional, and international trade agreements. Therefore, its inclusion in JTIP will be significant in our economic recovery and future growth," he explained.

In his report during his 2022/23 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on May 17, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn said JTIP had become one of the primary tools to disseminate transparent and predictable trade information.

"Since its launch in 2019, visitors to the website have grown to over 13,000 per year. As of April 2022, 34,500 users from 179 countries have visited the site," reported Dr. Dunn.

Meanwhile, Dr. Blake noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the economic progress of most, if not all, countries around the world.

"Jamaica, like many other countries, is grappling with its share of the social and economic setbacks. Our GDP, heavily reliant on Tourism, declined by approximately 9.9% in 2020 compared with a recorded growth of 0.9% in 2019. This is undoubtedly one of the largest economic setbacks in Jamaica's history," he said.

"Valuable lessons are being learnt. As a result of the pandemic, we are experiencing changes in trading that have led to the accelerated digitisation of how we trade. We also look at the demand for the types of goods and services traded," the CEO added.

Dr. Blake explained that in this new context, exporters and importers are finding that trade data, information related to market intelligence, market access, and trade agreements, are vital to future success.

"The Trade Board Limited is committed to the best possible trade facilitation in export and import by providing vital information to traders and achieving the necessary changes in the way we do business without any major disruption in the services we provide," he noted.

COMMERCE

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‘LET’S CONNECT’ SERIES WELL RECEIVED BY DIASPORA The monthly town hall series, ‘Let’s Connect with Ambassador Marks’, has been well received by the Jamaican Diaspora.

This is according to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks.

The online programme offers members of the Diaspora the opportunity to speak with the Ambassador about issues of interest and be updated on the Government’s policies and programmes and the Embassy’s activities.

The Ambassador will, on occasions, be joined by various guests, including Government Ministers, US Government officials, key players in various local and international agencies, and outstanding members of the Diaspora.

“So far, it has been very well received. We usually have quite a turnout of persons, and they participate quite actively in asking their questions or giving suggestions,” Ambassador Marks noted.

The Ambassador pointed out that the event is often used when “there is a void in information flow.”

She said Jamaicans abroad remain very connected to Jamaica and tend to be involved in the lives of their fellow citizens on the island.

“They want to know what is happening and contribute to the country, and this programme facilitates that,” she noted.

Commenting on the 9th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, being held from June 14-16, the Ambassador said it would help promote the continued work between the Government of Jamaica and the Diaspora.

In June, she pointed out that the ‘Let’s Connect’ session will focus on the 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Ambassador Marks added that the Jamaica 60 theme: ‘Jamaica 60 – Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’, is very appropriate.

“We usually do not realise how much progress we have made as a nation.

So, this is an opportunity to sit back and reflect that we have made tremendous progress and use it as a platform to move forward,” she said.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & POLICY

HISTORICAL SITES TO BE RENOVATED FOR ‘JAMAICA 60’ Several sites of historical importance in Municipalities islandwide will be refurbished as legacy projects for Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie announced during his 2022/23 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives.

He said the Government would also implement a unique project to clean the landscape during the Jamaica 60 celebrations.

Mr. McKenzie informed that a special Inter-Ministerial Committee, which he chairs, has been convened and is advancing work to roll out the initiative.

“Development anywhere is not only about economic matters. Civic pride and the symbols of civic pride are also important,” he said.

Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence will be celebrated under the theme: ‘Reigniting A Nation for Greatness’.

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ALLUREINTIMATEJA

BANKS TO SIGN ON TO NIDS PILOT In another two weeks, the Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with financial institutions to participate in the national pilot of the National Identification System (NIDS).

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Floyd Green. He updated the NIDS project during his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 24.

“Already, all 10 members of the Jamaica Bankers Association have expressed an intent to sign the MOU to participate in the NIDS pilot,” he said.

He noted that the inclusion of banks would ensure a simplified process when opening bank accounts using the national identification system.

“We are ensuring that we make the lives of Jamaicans easier and more hassle-free.

We know that without a holistic database for verification, it is challenging for persons doing business or opening accounts with commercial entities, like the banks,” he said.

He noted that through NIDS, the Government is helping the unbanked handle their banking needs better.

The Minister said that the system would provide a safe, convenient, and reliable means for people to prove their identity.

“It will reduce bureaucracy, encourage efficiency, but more importantly, make the lives of our citizens easier,” he said.

The first NIDS pilot enrollment site will be established in Kingston and St. Andrew by August 2022.

Implementing the Office of the Prime Minister, NIDS will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to collect and store identity information.

The voluntary system will also facilitate the electronic signing of documents and allow persons to securely access a range of government services online.

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CRIMINAL RECORDS NOW BEING DIGITISED Criminal records are now integrated into the national security systems to more effectively execute searches that will aid in the process of an investigation.

This follows the upgrading of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System, now known as the Multi-Biometric Identification System.

The new system was implemented in February, which law enforcers can also use in the field to collect biometric data with handheld devices. It will replace the reliance on paper-based inputs of criminal records.

The details were shared during a visit to the JCF Criminal Records Office on Duke Street in Kingston by the Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang observed the new system on Thursday, June 9.

According to Dr. Chang, the US$5-million upgrade is critical and significant because “the demand for these records has increased exponentially.”

He pointed out that while the JCF requires criminal records for investigation purposes, many citizens apply to secure employment opportunities.

“We can see this just from the crowds outside the fingerprinting centres that individuals come from 4 AM or 5 AM for access,” he further noted.

Against that backdrop, Minister Chang emphasised that more work would be done to improve and replace manual procedures.

“There are still a lot of manual procedures here, and I don’t think we have enough building space to file all the paper files. They will all have to be digitised,” he said.

The Ministry will support amendments to the legislation, should it be required for this transition, under the advice of his legal team.

The previous Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System was first implemented in October 2006. It was primarily used to aid in investigations by the JCF.

TECHNOLOGY

PM WELCOMES US$7M INVESTMENT IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC Entrepreneurs must be encouraged to do well and grow their businesses, is the word from Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness as he called for increased support for local companies to become successful and contribute to the continued growth of the country's economy.

"There is nothing wrong with doing well in business; there's nothing wrong in making a profit. We must not despise entrepreneurs. We must build them, appreciate them, and encourage them. We want more entrepreneurs because Jamaica will only grow when our businesses grow," he said.

Mr. Holness was speaking at the official opening of Itel's new U$7million stateof-the-art business process outsourcing (BPO) facility during a ceremony at Chalmers Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday, May 25.

He implored Jamaicans to "stop seeing the private sector as being an exploiter," stressing that Jamaica cannot grow without its business class growing.

"Until we realise that the growth of the private sector will drive the country's growth and give the revenues that we can deal with all the social issues that we have, then we, as a people, will never overcome them," he said.

The Prime Minister made the point as he welcomed this latest investment, particularly during a pandemic, demonstrating that "there is a message getting through to our business class, to our private sector. Now is the time to invest."

He said the Government is doing what is necessary to make the risk in doing business "calculable, manageable and predictable. So you can feel safe in converting your wealth from dollars into tangible assets. It is happening across Jamaica, and people from other countries see it. They will decide, "I'm going to take a risk with my capital in Jamaica."

In his remarks, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator, the Hon. Aubyn Hill praised Itel on the "tremendous strides" the entity has made since it established its first facility in Montego Bay in 2012.

BUSINESS

PM WELCOMES US$7M INVESTMENT IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC... (CONT'D) "Over the past decade, Jamaica has become a recognised and attractive location for outsourcing services. Business investors and competitors worldwide recognise Jamaica as an ambitious and high-quality player in the outsourcing space and the ever-increasing capabilities that we're building and growing. Itel is helping to burnish that wonderful image," he said.

He said that with the construction of this new best-in-class BPO campus, Itel would be contributing an estimated additional US$60 million to the local economy per annum and employing more than 1,500 persons.

Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Itel, Yoni Epstein, thanked clients, partners and the Government for their continued support over the 10 years since the company started operations with 500 employees.

"After 10 years in business, we are very proud to be the largest BPO born out of Jamaica. We are operating in 9 different countries today, 4 of those are in the 15 CARICOM nations, and we have our sights on a 5th that we will mention soon and a few others after that," he said.

"With over 6,000 team members today, we are profoundly proud that we have built and continue to build across the region a truly international-CaribbeanJamaican-born company competing against the world's biggest and best outsourcing firms, and we continue to win," he added.

The 9,000 square ft. facility is the entity's second contact centre location in Kingston. It features a cafeteria, gym and relaxation space for employees' comfort, training rooms, and special services offices to meet their administrative needs.

In their remarks, President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Diane Edwards; and Vice President, BPO and Logistics (Montego Bay Free Zone), Port Authority of Jamaica, Gloria Henry, also endorsed the new investment.

Itel (formerly known as Itelbpo) is an international customer-experience partner with operations across the Caribbean, Latin America, the USA, and Canada.

BUSINESS

BAMBOO PRODUCTS TO BUILD A NEW INDUSTRY The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is working toward establishing a Bamboo Industrial Demonstration Facility.

Funding for the project is to be provided through a bilateral partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Jamaica.

State Minister in the Ministry, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn said it is expected that full project approval will be granted by August.

He said the ministry would focus on developing bamboo as a versatile, environmentally friendly commodity with considerable global growth potential.

“The facility will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. As we work to increase support to the bamboo industry, we have engaged the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to recognise bamboo as an industrial crop under the Agricultural Produce Act,” he informed.

“This will allow for technical support and extension services for this critical new industrial crop,” Dr. Dunn added.

Jamaica has developed bamboo charcoal and charcoal products, furniture, straws, souvenirs and utensils.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) and the National Housing Trust (NHT) are partnering on a project to utilise bamboo to construct affordable housing.

In 2012, Jamaica became the 38th member of the International Organization for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), with 48 member states.

The BSJ is the local focal point for INBAR, an inter-governmental development organisation that promotes environmentally sustainable development using bamboo and rattan.

INBAR works with countries to focus on using bamboo and rattan as strategic resources that support sustainable development and their green economy action plans.

BUSINESS

JAMAICA CAN BE A TECHNOLOGY HUB Jamaica is to be positioned as the technology and innovation hub of the Caribbean, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

“We are known for our athletes, music and culture; now we must become known for being innovators and creators in Science and Technology,” he said.

He was making his contribution to the 2022/23 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 17.

Prime Minister Holness noted that one of the “systemic transformations of the education system” involves addressing the need for quality education and alignment with future job markets.

Against this backdrop, he said investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) is vital to producing new ideas and technologies that will “expand and increase the efficiency of our traditional industries”.

“We must also create and invest in the future industries to diversify our industrial and productive base,” he added.

He also noted the Government would continue to pursue its objective of building six new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) schools and one performing arts school.

“Work has continued apace to identify lands, and we will be launching an Architectural Design Competition for the designs of these new schools,” he disclosed.

Additionally, he said the Coding in Schools Programme, which seeks to educate students from grade One to 13 on basic numeracy, language, and problem-solving skills, is another strategic implementation that will position Jamaica as the “Silicon Valley of the region”.

“In our 60th year of Independence, as we look to the future, Jamaica cannot rely solely on the industries that have sustained us for the last 60 years,” he said.

“We are now firmly in the midst of a global technological revolution transforming the way we access information, communicate, learn, and even play,” he further pointed out.

TECHNOLOGY

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Internet scams are different methodologies of Fraud facilitated by cybercriminals on the Internet. Scams can happen in many ways via phishing emails, social media, SMS messages, fake tech support phone calls, scareware and more. The primary purpose of these types of scams can range from credit card theft, capturing user login and password credentials and even identity theft.

HOW TO SPOT SCAMS

WHAT IS PHISHING? Ever get an email that looks like it's from your bank warning you that it will freeze your checking account unless you verify your personal information? The email might have contained a link. And if you clicked? You might have landed on a website that asked you to fill in such personal information as your TRN and bank account numbers.

The problem? These emails never come from your actual bank.

Instead, they're a part of a scamming tool called phishing wielded by cybercriminals and a threat to your cybersecurity

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WHAT IS VISHING? Vishing, a combination of 'voice' and 'phishing,' is a phone scam.

During a vishing phone call, a scammer uses social engineering to get you to share personal information and financial details, such as account numbers and passwords. The scammer might say your account has been compromised, claim to represent your bank or law enforcement, or offer to help you install their software, probably malware.

Similar to phishing scams, the goal is to steal someone's identity or money.

WHAT IS SMISHING? As the definition of smishing suggests, the term combines "SMS" (short message services, better known as texting) and "phishing."

HOW TO SPOT A SCAM! Too good to be true offers. These may try to hook you with what appears to be incredibly cheap offers for things like smartphones or vacations. The offers may look irresistible but resist them. They're likely phishing emails.

A bank — sometimes not your own—asks for your account information or other personal financial information. Your bank, or any financial institution, will never ask for your TRN, bank account number, or PIN by email.

Spelling and grammatical mistakes. There was a time when you could easily spot phishing emails because they were littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. Scammers have gotten better at avoiding these errors, but if you receive an email with typos and weird language, that email might be sent from someone phishing.

The generic greeting. Phishing emails might not be explicitly addressed to you. Instead, the email might start with a generic greeting such as "Dear Sir or Madam" or "Dear Account Holder."

A call for immediate action. Scammers want you to act quickly, without thinking. Many will email you to immediately click on a link or send account information to avoid having your bank account or credit card suspended.

Senders you don't recognize. If you don't recognize the sender of an email, consider deleting it. If you decide to read it, be careful not to click on links or download files.

Senders you think you recognize. You might get a phishing email from a name you recognize. But here's the catch: That email may have come from the compromised email account of someone you know. If the email requests personal information or money, it's likely a phishing email.

Hyperlinks. If you receive an email that requests you click on an unknown hyperlink, hovering over the option might show that the link will take you to a fake, misspelt domain. This link is created to look legitimate but is likely a scam.

Attachments. The sender included attachments that don't make sense or appear spammy.

"Compromised" bank or credit card account. Whether it's a person or a prerecorded message on the other end, you'll be told there's an issue with your account or payment you made. You may be asked for your login credentials to fix the problem or make a new payment.

Unsolicited loan or investment offers. Scammers will call with offers that are too good to be true. They'll say, for example, that you can earn millions of dollars on a tiny investment, pay off all your debt with one quick fix, or get all your student loans forgiven in one fell swoop. Typically, you must "act now" and will need to pay a small fee.

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HOW TO PREVENT FALLING VICTIM! NCB's Fraud Prevention Unit encourages customers to take all precautions against scammers and shared the following tips: • Unless you call the bank for help with resetting your account password/PIN/user name/RSA token, never share any information relating to your account. Please note you should never share your account password and PIN with anyone.

• Never click on links received in emails or text messages, especially regarding your bank account, credit or debit cards. We recommend that you contact the bank directly to verify if something is indeed wrong with your account or visit the nearest branch for assistance.

• Be careful where you shop online with your credit card. Ensure that the website you are using is secure before entering your card information. Check for the small padlock icon in the address bar, and look for websites whose URLs or addresses start with 'HTTPS'.

• Don't enter online sweepstakes asking for personal information. Also, if you've never entered a competition and get an email or text message saying you've won a competition, it's a scam.

• Avoid 'account-loaders' on social media at all costs — or it will cost you. Account loaders typically prey on account holders on social media, asking them to share their account information for payment. These scammers want access to your account to help them with money laundering when they steal from others. What's worse, once they have access to your account — they'll steal from you.

• If you have already clicked a suspicious link, and shared your private banking information, we urge you to immediately report it to the bank's customer care team so that your cards and accounts can be blocked.

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PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT IS CRITICAL, SAYS SENATOR Government Senator Kavan Gayle is encouraging citizens to adequately plan for their retirement, which may be a prolonged period due to improved life expectancy.

"During our working life, we must prepare for retirement. Planning must be an essential part of life. Whether you retire at 60 or 65, life expectancy has increased because the gains in health and social development have contributed to the increasing years after retirement," he said.

Senator Gayle was participating in the debate in the Senate on Friday, May 20, on a motion moved by Opposition Senator Dr. Floyd Morris regarding the establishment of specific legislation for the care and protection of senior citizens.

He advised that preparing for retirement is more than having enough money, noting that persons will also need to consider how they will occupy their time.

"It is often said that retirement is a time of relaxation, but the reality is that that's a myth for some. Many continue to contribute to Jamaica and its development. A great percentage of our senior citizens are very well and able to function, so retirement from a particular job does not mean and should not mean retirement for life; there is life after retirement," he said.

Senator Gayle stressed that seniors should not be disregarded and cast aside as invaluable after retirement, arguing that with their wealth of knowledge and experience, the elderly can continue to contribute to the country's development actively.

"It is important that as a nation, we always identify ways to support and encourage the continued contribution of citizens in all aspects of life. They still can produce, and it must not be seen as "bwoy your time come, yuh reach retirement age, yuh must sit down now and hold yuh corner."

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PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT IS CRITICAL, SAYS SENATORS... [CONT'D] Senator Gayle noted that many persons had reached retirement age who still want to contribute to society and should be allowed to do so through the provision of opportunities that will enable seniors to have "meaningful choices regarding labour force participation and retirement."

"I believe retirement doesn't prohibit you from participating in labour. You have years of institutional knowledge that you can impart to others, so opportunities to facilitate and promote employment through retraining programmes are essential," he said.

In the meantime, Senator Gayle informed that the government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), has been helping to support seniors' continued productivity, including training opportunities.

"Seventy-eight (78) Entrepreneurial and Skills Training Workshops were held with 4,629 seniors from 2020-2021. The workshops included Container Gardening, Seedling Care and strategies to boost farm yield. The Skills Workshops covered Culinary Arts, Garment Construction, mask and shopping bag making, Beekeeping, Baking, soap making, and castor oil production. This was held with the support of both the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and the 4-H Club," he said.

Senator Gayle pointed out that the NCSC collaborates with both international and local organisations to promote programmes that enhance senior citizens' well-being.

Part of those programmes helps shape national policies for seniors.

Government Senator Don Wehby, Opposition Senators Damion Crawford and Sophia Frazer-Binns also contributed to the debate until it was suspended.

CAREER

Healthy Life Tips REDUCE YOUR SUGAR & SALT INTAKE EAT MORE CARBOHYDRATE-RICH FOODS EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EXERCISE/WALK DAILY DRINK PLENTY WATER MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT EAT REGULARLY AND REDUCE YOUR PORTION SIZE REPLACE SATURATED FATS WITH UNSATURATED FATS http://wrha.gov.jm/ @wrhagovjm

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