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LEAKED, CONFIRMED:  Bahamas & TCI CIBC FirstCaribbean branches eliminating in-bank services; “No Longer Necessary”

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

December 2, 2022 – In about a month CIBC FirstCaribbean customers will find their banking services significantly altered as the company moves towards a more streamlined digital experience. The bank confirmed to Magnetic Media is a statement on Thursday that the contents of a leaked internal memo circulating on social media were true.

The memo claimed that come January 3rd, 2023 branches in The Bahamas and TCI would no longer process over-the-counter transactions which can be performed via digital banking channels including Instant Teller/Smart ABM, Night Depository, Online Banking and their Mobile App. The maneuver by CIBC FirstCaribbean eliminates twelve essential services from the over the counter cache of services; the reason cited as ‘simply no longer necessary’ to come in bank for them.

The decision results in the island of Grand Turk being completely without any banks offering over the counter transactions or business; ScotiaBank, in a move to “consolidate” its services in the TCI, shut its banks in Grand Turk and Grace Bay in summer 2018.

Now, CIBC FirstCaribbean informs thousands of clients that they will no longer enter the bank for: Cash and cheque deposits; cheque cashing; corporate and small business deposits; withdrawals under the daily ABM Limit; credit card payments; bill payments; domestic and international transfers; transfers between CIBC FirstCaribbean accounts; transfers to other CIBC FirstCaribbean clients; 3rd party transfers and opening personal & sole proprietorship deposit accounts openings.

The memo raised concern for residents about the elderly and less tech savvy as well as potential layoffs at the bank. CIBC gave no indication it was closing down, only confirming the switch up, which they say they had been preparing for since the height of the pandemic, in an effort to free up frontline teams and likely reduce the often extremely long queues.

Lines the Turks and Caicos became atrocious during the Covid-19 pandemic with customers queuing in the hot sun and at times putting each other at risk for infection as they waited for service. It also left customers exposed to crime.

Other banks in the country and across the Caribbean Including RBC have taken this sort of approach before resulting in shorter wait times and more convenience as customers do business at their leisure.

It is still growing on many people however, as banking becomes increasingly impersonal.

Addressing the leak as “unfortunate” CIBC said there would be on hand support to ease customers into the new experience.

“We encourage our clients who need additional support to perform transactions on our digital platforms, to reach out to our branch teams, who are there to provide that assistance. Our Digital Banking Officers will be on hand to show clients how to use the ABM to make deposits, transfers or to get cash during the transition.  Additionally, our website cibcfcib.com has video tutorials to walk clients through the processes.”

The bank says since the advent of its online banking, significantly less customers are coming in person to make payments anyway.

Bahamas News

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

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Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.

Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.

Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.

Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”

Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.

Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.

“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.

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Bahamas News

Tired of Taking Notes? The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Will Transcribe and Summarize Your Voice Notes In A Snap! 

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Faster, smarter and more convenient than ever before, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 will revolutionize your productivity with its new Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist features. In the continuous pursuit of delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and user experience, Samsung Electronics is proud to introduce two groundbreaking features: Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist.

The Transcript Assist feature, powered by Galaxy’s advanced artificial intelligence, takes note-taking to a whole new level by enabling users to easily convert voice notes and conversations into useful and accessible notes. Whether in a business meeting, conference, or casual conversation, the Galaxy S24’s Transcript Assist makes capturing information easier than ever.

By utilizing Transcript Assist, users can effortlessly record any conversation with multiple speakers and transform it into a clear and concise transcript with just a few taps. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to keep a detailed record of discussions and decisions made during important meetings or collaborative work sessions.

“With Transcript Assist, we’re redefining the way people take notes and record information,” said Gianmarco Leri, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics. “No longer do you have to worry about missing important details during a conversation. With the Galaxy S24, you can capture every word and turn it into a useful reference that you can easily review and share.”

In addition to generating accurate transcripts, the Transcript Assist feature also offers the ability to generate quick summaries of conversations, as well as the option to translate the entire transcript into different languages, facilitating communication and collaboration among people from different regions and cultures.

On the other hand, the Browsing Assist feature allows users to navigate more efficiently and conveniently on their Galaxy S24 devices by providing intelligent and contextual suggestions during web browsing and online content exploration.

The Galaxy S24, equipped with Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist, marks the beginning of a new era of productivity and convenience in mobile devices. These innovative features demonstrate Samsung Electronics’ continued commitment to providing advanced tools that help people achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently in everyday life.

So, get ready! The new Samsung Galaxy S24 will be coming soon to tech stores in The Bahamas soon.

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Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Weather#Cuba#TheBahamas, March 25th, 2024 – Serious weather struck The Bahamas and Cuba over the weekend, both nations receiving warnings from their meteorological entities. The Bahamas was affected by severe thunderstorms.  In fact, an area of the Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship, which was 20 miles off Eleuthera, Bahamas, caught fire and reports say it was possibly due to a lightning strike.  Fortunately no lives were reported lost.

Meanwhile, Cuba had intense rainfall and hailstorms, resulting in damage to surrounding areas, thousands left without electricity amid fallen trees and Flash Floods.

 

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