Your Credit Card Security, The Cashier And Other Customers Close To You

RFID Card Reader

Wireless credit card reader.

I received a customs department receipt, which shows that the person paid JAD 2,672.46. The person actually paid JAD 6,000. He didn't discover the discrepancy until he had left the customs office. Always check your receipt before leaving the cashier. 

You can have a similar challenge at the gas station pump where you ask for JAD 4,000 worth of gas, but only JAD3,000 was put in your tank. The same thing can happen with any cashier.

Note that when the cashier is checking your goods at the supermarket, do not allow anyone to stand close to you. They can record your PIN and your card number with small cameras.

Note also that a specialized reader or a phone with NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities can, if placed very close to your card (usually 4 centimetres or less), read the cardholder's name, account number, and expiration date.

Under no condition should you give your credit card to the cashier. Let the cashier hand you the machine. You can tap the machine with your card or insert the card into the slot on the machine and enter your PIN. Banks now put your credit card number on the back of your credit card, so do not allow anyone to take the card from you and flip it over to see the credit card number

To prevent people from accessing your credit card using near field communication, put your credit card in a card sleeve that blocks RFID/NFC signals.

Finally, ensure that the bank sends you an email notification when funds are added to or leave your accounts.

Please share this blog with as many people as possible.

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Join the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North as we proudly honour our Vocation Awardees—outstanding leaders who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service in their professions. 

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NEEDED

1. A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
2. Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
3. Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Black is Evil, White is Good and Pure

I noticed the European leaders are using the word ‘blackmail’ to describe the action of President Trump's proposed action to increase tariffs against allies who do not support the US takeover of Greenland.

You will note that the word 'black' is used to mean bad things generally. You have the phrase 'black sheep in the family,' 'blackmail,' 'blackout,' 'black mark,' 'black market,' and, to top it off, you have 'black people.'

You will note that we use 'white' to describe some other people. This is backed by the religious belief that white is pure and black is evil. When someone dies, we wear black clothing, and we also fly black flags when someone dies. Our concept of the devil is that he is black and angels are white. Our language and the use of certain words create a narrative and a cultural tradition that have guided our thoughts over the years. Probably that is why some black people bleach their skin so they can become whiter than snow and be pure!

Let’s support the campaign to stop using the word 'black' to describe people who are mainly of African descent and 'white' to describe others. I must admit that I have never seen a white person in my life.

Do you have any suggestions? Please add your comments to the blog.

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Join the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North as we proudly honour our Vocation Awardees—outstanding leaders who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service in their professions. 

____________________

NEEDED

1. A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
2. Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
3. Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Third Word Band's Stephen 'Cat' Coore Has Died!

Stephen 'Cat Coore

Co-founder of the internationally known reggae band the ‘Third World Band, ’ Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore has died. His father, David Coore, was a Minister of Finance in Jamaica, and his mother was a musician. 

He has been experiencing health issues in recent times.

Please add your comments at the bottom of the blog.

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Who Would You Choose As A Partner

Here are some more results of the Bark Di Trute Supporters giving their reasons for entering into long-term relationships.

Admiring the person what they stand for scored heavily here. Most people gave it 5 points. 

You probably did not participate in the poll, but I still would like to know what you think. Remember to add your comments to the blog. Information added in comments is sometimes used in future blogs.

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Another Winner!

NEEDED

1. A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
2. Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
3. Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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Jamaica the US and That Immigration List!

There are strong cultural ties between Jamaica and the US.  It is one of our major trading partners, and many Jamaicans live in the USA. The USA also gave significant assistance to Jamaica post-Hurricane Melissa.

Notwithstanding that, the US has the right to decide who can visit its country and also who can become citizens. Jamaica and other countries have the same right.

I posted a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister recently about a telephone conversation between our PM and the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Many Jamaicans who are being filed for are very anxious about the present hold on the processing of immigrant visas. Some people have said to me that PM Holness should have discussed the matter with the US Secretary of State, and that should be in the press release.

First, more than likely the press release did not have all the issues discussed between both leaders. It might not be wise to mention certain things also in a press release, which could prejudice further discussions. More than likely, there were some disagreements between the two countries, but it is not wise to make such disagreements known at this time. Quiet diplomacy can be far more effective than loud-mouthed, undiplomatic outbursts.

The Prime Minister cannot make any, and should not make any demands about who is accepted into the US as visitors or as migrants. The PM might have mentioned it in the discussion, but this is such a delicate matter that to mention it publicly would be foolhardy.

As Jamaicans, we have to respect the US government's decisions and make sure that we are in good standing with the law, and we do not do anything which can jeopardize our opportunity for becoming citizens in the future. Those who have had their green card for years and did not apply for citizenship can only blame themselves.

Member dis, wen yu a cross riba pan plank a wood, yu have fi keep yu focus on reaching di odder side, because if you don't, and yu fall off eena di ribba, crocodile will have a wonderful supper.

Other Reading

Press release regarding conversation between PM Holness USA Secretary of State.

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Click here to apply for a job or make a complaint, for example.

NEEDED

1. A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
2. Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
3. A place is needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 
4. Do you need a live-in caregiver? 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now. 

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

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KSAMC PROPOSES DECENTRALISATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

 

JIS Press Release, January 14, 2026:

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has proposed that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) focus exclusively on regulating Jamaica’s waste management programme.

Under the proposal, responsibility for daily waste management activities would be decentralised and assigned to local authorities, in keeping with provisions of the NSWMA Act, 2001, according to Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby.

He was speaking during KSAMC’s monthly meeting at the Corporation’s office in downtown Kingston on Tuesday (January 13).

Councillor Swaby noted that the legislation, “clearly envisaged the Authority primarily as a regulator, not as the main operator”.

“The Act assigned the NSWMA responsibility for formulating standards, guidelines and codes of practice for solid waste management, as well as monitoring and enforcing compliance. This is a regulatory function focused on oversight, accountability and enforcement, not routine service delivery,” he said.

Councillor Swaby pointed out that the agency is currently tasked with both regulating the waste management system and carrying out daily garbage collection.

He contended that the entity should return to its “proper role as regulator”, while responsibility for day‑to‑day collection is decentralised and placed under the local authorities.

“The local authority will then be empowered to contract private operators to deliver the service. The NSWMA would focus on ensuring standards are met, regulations are enforced and that the system operates efficiently,” the Mayor added.

Councillor Swaby further stated that the Act already provides the flexibility to make this shift, as it empowers the Authority to delegate certain functions to local authorities and agents.

He proposed a phased implementation, beginning with a pilot project to be conducted in Kingston and St. Andrew.

“Such a pilot would allow the Government to test the model, refine contract arrangements and address operational challenges before considering national expansion.

What is being proposed is not the removal of public oversight but the strengthening of the regulator, the operators and local authorities empowered to act,” Councillor Swaby stated.

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JPS Warns Public of Fraudulent Investment Scam Circulating Online

JPSCo Press Release January 17, 2026 

 

(January 17, 2026 Kingston, Jamaica)  JPS is alerting the public to a fraudulent “news article” and video currently circulating, which falsely claim that the Company has launched an investment programme for Jamaicans and asking persons to invest Forty Thousand Dollars.

JPS is advising that this information is completely false and is part of a SCAM. The Company further emphasizes that it is not requesting money from anyone for an investment programme.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to click on any links associated with the fake article or video, not to fill out forms or share personal or financial information, and not to send money to anyone claiming to represent JPS in this way. 

JPS urges customers and the wider public to remain vigilant and to verify information before taking action. The company is encouraging everyone to always check its official channels, its website - jpsco.com and social media platforms @myjpsonline for legitimate information.

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Prime Minister Holness’ Call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

 Office of the Prime Minister Press Release - January 18, 2026

Prime Minister Holness’ Call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness today held a productive telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed ongoing cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, including U.S. assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and broader regional economic and security priorities.

Secretary Rubio commended the Government of Jamaica’s management of the hurricane relief and recovery efforts and recognized the rapid restoration of critical services across affected communities after a Category 5 impact.

Prime Minister Holness expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the United States for their continued support throughout the relief and early recovery phase.

They also discussed the magnitude and complexity of the reconstruction effort ahead, including the need to build more robust infrastructure to support economic activity. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ willingness to support Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts through continued cooperation and partnership, including private sector participation.

Prime Minister Holness also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to once more upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, noting that this positive development reflects the country’s sustained improvements in public safety and security. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of this upgrade for tourism, investor confidence, and people-to-people exchanges between both nations.

The discussion also focused on Jamaica’s significant reduction in crime in 2025, with Prime Minister Holness outlining the Government’s comprehensive security strategy. Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating drug and firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime, and emerging regional security threats.

Jamaica’s participation in the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti was highlighted, and Prime Minister Holness reiterated Jamaica’s role as a strong and reliable regional partner and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the United States on security, energy and economic development, and immigration matters.

Both Prime Minister Holness and Secretary Rubio agreed to maintain close engagement as Jamaica and the United States continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership in pursuit of shared democratic values and mutual prosperity.

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