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Local Author Pens Third Book

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Empowering Children’s Book Teaches Kids About Financial Literacy

 

[May 10, 2023] Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Renowned local author Rachel Gregoire is making waves by releasing her highly anticipated illustrated children’s book, which aims to teach youngsters about money.

The book, which is titled Gracie and Aero’s Wallet, is a financial literacy story that is told through the eyes of two enthusiastic kids and follows their exciting adventures as they work and learn clever budgeting and savings tips.

“I am so excited about this book as it touches on a topic, I am passionate about,” Rachel Gregoire said.  Gracie and Aero’s Wallet aim to help parents and guardians teach kids about money, budgeting, and savings while highlighting the importance of teaching these basic skills,” she said.

Gregoire, who writes under the moniker Rachel Gregory and has already penned two bestselling books, said in a statement that her books are inspired by her passion and her deep desire to help others. “My first children’s book, The Great, is focused on helping kids deal with grief and loss, while the second book, Cry or Boss Up, is an adult inspirational novel that provides a blueprint to help people navigate their hardships and to turn their adversities into a bold purpose.”

While these two first books are vastly different in genre, Gregoire returned to her roots for this third publication, and she is back to telling children’s stories and teaching important life skills through illustrations.

Gracie and Aero’s Wallet will be the first of a three-book series for her and will focus on savings, entrepreneurial spirit, business, and investment. The story is told through the eyes of two spirited children, Gracie and Aero, who, with the encouragement of their parents, began their quest to save enough money each month to buy a telescope. On their journey, they learned the importance of hard work, budgeting, and how to make decisions about saving and purchasing.

Gregoire, who is a mother, a financial professional, and a hotelier, said that the book was a personal project for her, one that allowed her to use her background to educate youngsters about financial literacy.  She said that it is her hope that families appreciate such literature, which will allow them to introduce the topic of money in their homes in the most kid-friendly and engaging way.

“There is a big disparity in our community when it comes to teaching financial literacy at an early age,” she said. “My goal is not only to provide a fun and interactive avenue for children to learn about money but also to teach basic life fundamentals and to use that tool as a blueprint for creating good financial habits.”

She gives credit to her long-time illustrator, Jack Foster, for encouraging her as the story gradually took shape and the characters came to life. When asked what her inspiration was behind the book, she said she wanted to tell a fun story with a purpose and also use it as a tool to teach her 4-year-old daughter.

In addition to the colorful illustrations, Gracie and Aero’s Wallet also features a fun and interactive budget chart and ideas for kids to earn money, which is included in the back of the book.

Gracie and Aero’s Wallet first made its debut at the Christmas fair held on December 17th, with an official book launch being held on April 22nd at the Grace Bay Market. Gregoire extends profound and special thanks to her sponsors: Grace Bay Market, Beaches TCI, Global Capital, Let’s Get Personalized, Cardinal Points International, Rent-an-Event, Bowtie, and Been’s Global LTD.

Gregoire also shared the book at Barnes and Noble Fort Lauderdale on April 15th, where she carried out a successful book signing and reading.

Gracie and Aero’s Wallet is now available on Amazon.com and BarnsandNoble.com, Unicorn Bookstore, or by contacting them via Instagram @rachelgregwrites_

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Finance

(SENIOR CITIZENS) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (FAP) – UPDATE – 12 NOVEMBER 2024

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 12 November 2024: The Financial Assistance Programme has approved over $1.292 million in payments to 342 persons over the age of 70 years.

The Government is pleased to report that this intervention will ensure that the aged of the Turks and Caicos Islands, have a monthly FAP benefit of up to $1,000 per month. The programme was designed so that those with other sources of pensions which total less than $1,000 per month will be “topped up” to $1,000 per month and those without an alternate source will receive $1,000.00 per month.

The Honourable C. Washington Misick, Premier, in speaking about this programme said that the FAP is an investment in the well-being of the older folk of the TCI.  This monthly contribution makes pension benefits more relevant to the current cost of living and assures a certain level of financial independence and a better quality of life for pensioners.

The provision of liveable pensions is a social obligation that the Government has not taken lightly; and a key component of several initiatives implemented during the past four (4) years that are intended to strengthen social programs to promote economic stability during the entire span of a person’s life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The FAP portal is currently closed for submissions but will reopen on Monday, November 18, 2024.  To qualify you must:

  • Be receiving a pension that is below $1,000.00 per month from one or multiple sources or is receiving no pension at all.
  • Be a Turks and Caicos Islander or a British Overseas Territory Citizen.
  • Have attained the age of seventy (70) years old.
  • Be ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the last 5 (five) years.

Persons who are “wards of the state” (e.g. residing in TCIG wellness centres, aged-care centres, etc.) and “wards of the court.” (e.g. in prison etc.) will not qualify for the FAP.

Apply at: seniorcitizensfap.gov.tc

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Crime

Public Advisory: Warning of Ongoing Zoom Scam Calls  

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Turks and Caicos, November 12th, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is alerting the public to be cautious of a new swindle involving unsolicited Zoom meeting requests.

Scammers are contacting individuals, falsely claiming they are initiating a Zoom call and then sending a malicious link.

Superintendent of Division A, Willet Harvey, advises: “Do not click on any suspicious links sent to you by unknown callers.  These scams are designed to trick you into compromising your devices and obtaining sensitive information stored on devices.  Protect yourself by being cautious and reporting any suspicious interactions.  These incidents are engaging the attention of the Force’s Forensic Digital Unit. ”

Key Online Safety Tips:

  • Never Accept Links from Strangers: Clicking on unfamiliar or unsolicited links can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and the compromise of your personal information.
  • Verify Before You Click: If someone sends you a meeting link or a file unexpectedly, verify its authenticity before opening it, even if it appears to be from a known contact.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a call or message asking you to click on a link, report it immediately to the police and do not engage further.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal information.

For more information or to report a scam, contact your nearest police station, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information on the identity of fraudsters.

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Bahamas News

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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