Tropica

[imperialpearl]

The government's digital transformation agenda has entered a new phase. With much of the effort behind digitising and digitalising government processes nearing completion, the agenda must shift to a new front: the digital economy. The advent of e-payments and e-commerce solutions is driving many financial transactions to place online, hence increasing the opportunities for businesses to expand both in terms of market share and also in terms of their general reach into new and emerging markets. As with the benefits seen amidst the digital transformation of government and public administration, the digitisation of the economy holds numerous benefits in terms of ease of access, simplicity in transactions and general business development. Tools such as the government's e-commerce and automation tax credit have pushed businesses to begin the process of transforming the way in which they interact with other businesses and the customer. The emergence of a digital economy within Tropica, coupled with its strong digital government, creates the foundation for generation leaps in terms of national economic development. Whilst the benefits of the digital economy surely outweigh its downsides, it is still important to acknowledge said downsides and work to mitigate their overall impact on the development process. As was evident during the initial phases of the digital transformation of government and public administration, there remains a sect of the population either resistant to their new near mandatory digital-only interaction with government agencies and departments largely due to personal reasons. Individuals with learning disabilities, speech impediments and other related ailments, have expressed optimism about the government's plans to become more inclusive in its digital transformation agenda. It can be stated that these individuals are acutely aware of the benefits technology can bring to enhancing their ease of access to government services and virtually reducing the impact their respective ailments have on their interaction with the wider population. From mandatory content screen readers for all new websites (be in private or public) to digital screen magnifiers, refreshable braille displays and easier access to cochlear implants, the blind and hearing impaired have welcomed the Digital Tropica agenda with open arms. What concerns numerous policy-makers remain the handful of individuals who are resistant to technology and the digital transformation agenda out of pure arrogance. Calling technology "a front to the nation's traditionalist values", these individuals although having expressed their views on the government's agenda, remain a major concern as the government believes that should it continue to advance its agenda it could potentially leave people behind.

After discussing its integration into public administration, e-payments and e-commerce remain relatively undeveloped within Tropica. Although business-to-government (B2G) and customer/citizen-to-government (C2G) payments have now been digitised via e-payment solutions, their deployment within the larger population is yet to materialise. With the majority of the nation's financial transactions occurring outside B2G and C2G, the realisation of a digital economy for Tropica cannot be realised if e-payments and e-commerce solutions are not accepted and utilised within the wider economy. Such a transformation would require the nation's numerous commercial banks (regardless of their size) to wholly commit to developing and deploying e-payments solutions across the nation. The effect of a well-planned, seamlessly deployed e-payments system can be visualised in its impact on the informal economy. The informal economy is comprised of businesses and financial transactions which operate outside of government oversight and regulation. According to the Reserve Bank of Tropica, the informal economy accounts for around 10% of economic activity and 3-7% of employment. One of the main features of the informal economy is that much of the financial transactions occurring within it each day are usually done via cash, with little to no alternatives. With large amounts of money moving throughout the informal economy remaining untaxed, this has been historically viewed by successive governments as a major hindrance to the nation's economic development as the government loses out on much-needed revenue. The deployment of e-payments systems within the informal economy allows for the government to shift its focus away from enforcing uneven taxation laws and move to encourage persons within the informal economy to utilise e-payments as a means of transitioning back to the formal economy and back into compliance with the laws of the land. E-commerce solutions have a similar effect wherein they provide for those within the informal to transition to and participate in the wider formal economy. Online marketplaces for agricultural produce or retail are among some of the government's plans for the future digital economy of Tropica, with many of these solutions being deployed on the municipal and national levels. Already the process has begun as municipal governments begin feasibility studies into the utilisation of online farmer's markets to either supplement or replace the physical spaces altogether. The ability to make financial transactions or purchase products from the comfort of one's phone, computer or tablet is expected to transform the way in which people interact with the wider national economy.

The digital economy can never be realised without the infrastructure to back it. It is one thing to talk of the creation of a digital economy, it is another to prepare the national economy for such a transformation. In recognition of the scale of the government's plans for the digital economy, the need for 5G infrastructure becomes increasingly profound. With government processes and financial transactions set to converge on the numerous digital platforms to be offered both by the government and private sector entities, low-band network connectivity and Tropica's continued reliance on its as the foundation of its telecommunication network cannot be allowed to persist. Minister of Public Administration and Digital Transformation Marama Herangi, as the chief architect of the government's digital economy agenda, believes that the adoption of 5G connectivity, aside from its obvious benefits of increased speeds, would allow for increased capacity wherein more transactions be they financial or information/data-centric would occur at both a greater speed and scale. The restructuring of TTC and subsequent liberalisation of Tropica's telecommunications market allows for increased opportunity and participation among private sector companies. Although he has not given a timeline, Minister Herangi stated that the government intends on beginning the process "soon". Nevertheless, it is evident that the digital economy as envisioned by the government is a clear demonstration of long-term strategic planning, beyond the 5-year electoral cycle.

[imperialpearl]

The question of the feasibility of high-speed railway service within Tropica is one that has challenged the minds of numerous political administrations of the previous century. As the national economy continues to grow, the need for major infrastructure development programmes aimed at keeping up with national demand is becoming increasingly pressing. Although the National Highway System has swallowed much of this demand, with Tropica's march towards becoming the world’s first truly digital society, demand for alternative transportation methods is on the rise once more and expansions to the National Highway System via new highways simply will not cut it. The new economy demands faster and more convenient travel, thus the idea of adding additional lanes to existing highways or viewing the construction of highways as a one-off solution becomes less viable/practical. A high-speed railway has been often held up as one of the most important infrastructure investments any government could make, owing to the numerous benefits coming of out the rapid movement of people and goods throughout a nation. On the heels of a multi-billion dollar loan financing agreement from the Dovani Pact Development Bank and the Eastern Development Organisation, a joint committee of the cabinet, comprising Federal Treasurer Dr Arya Dasgupta, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Kaimalie Makaiau and Minister of Economic Development, Industry and Trade Kenika Keliikoa announced that Tropica will be venturing into the world of high-speed rail with the construction of a national high-speed rail system. The proposed plan, according to officials from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, will be the first time railroads are to be built within Tropica, noting that since the nation’s independence from the Luthorian Empire, much of its transportation infrastructure has been hinged to roadworks. The proposed network would see high-speed railway lines being run through rural towns and dense cities as the project is hoping to connect both the urban and rural economies, owing to the government’s moves to spur economic growth in rural communities. Minister Makaiau notes that the development of a functioning, high-speed railways system could contribute to economic growth as he explained that as capital moves around the nation with relative ease and speed, so will goods and services.

Speaking to the specifics of the project, the Chairman of the recently established Tropican Railroad Corporation, Riana Kawhena stated that the Tropican Government has contracted numerous firms to aid in the development of the project. She explained that the project will take numerous lessons from existing high-speed railway systems functioning worldwide. Technical assistance is being drawn from nations such as Keymon and Yingdala noting that the experience of the aforementioned nations in the construction of high-speed railway networks allows for the company to garner crucial datasets related to construction and operationalisation. Due to Tropica's mixed terrain, much of the railway lines are expected to move either on the contour of the various mountain ranges or through the mountains themselves. Although the nation has experienced this in the form of the national highway system which had to utilise unique techniques in the construction of tunnels through mountains, Ms Kawhena notes that as it pertains to high-speed rail, more attention is needed in terms of stability and safety as trains will be moving through said mountain passes at more than 300+ km/h. According to the Association of Professional Engineers, the Tropican Government should establish standards for constructing high-speed railway lines, borrowing from examples throughout the world. President of the Association, Hamonga Paora explains that without quality standards, the government would be virtually constructing death traps. Construction is expected to begin within sort order following an environmental impact assessment and a second study into future railway infrastructure plans. The Office of Fiscal Policy Research estimates that apart from the 10 billion LOD loan from the aforementioned lending agencies, the programme from start to completion could cost around 25 billion LOD as more complex infrastructure techniques are to be used and also as ICT infrastructure is expected to be integrated with the construction of this high-speed railway network, in line with the government’s digital transformation agenda.

[imperialpearl]

Having been in service in the Tropican Defence Force for more than a hundred years and having undergone numerous enhancement programmes, the TDF has announced its intention to replace its current service rifle with something more modern. In a press release, the Department of National Defence stated that as part of its work to reform the TDF, feedback from servicemen and women became an important aspect of determining the effectiveness of its reforms. In a survey conducted by the DoND, it was found that servicemen and women expressed increased dissatisfaction with the current equipment being fielded by infantry, with many noting that whilst the TDF has seen a noticeable upgrade in its vehicular equipment, infantry equipment has lagged behind. "We've been using these rifles for what feels like centuries. Whilst we've grown accustomed to them, there are numerous challenges we continue to jostle with and this in itself could affect our future combat effectiveness." one soldier commented, wanting to remain anonymous. The TDF currently uses the LRT-22 (Light Rifle Tropica) a modified version of the Hulstrian-made Brenner AUG, one of the few bullpup rifles in existence. Personnel complained that since the face is closer to the rifle's action, it has caused numerous instances of hearing issues and irritation of the eye due to exhaust gas. Also, spent cartridge cases are often ejected into the face of left-handed shooters. Whilst some fixes to these problems have been raised, notably, the use of shades to protect the eye from gas exhaust, the fix to spent shells ejecting into the face of left-handed shooters involves changing the ejection side, which cannot be done quickly. As part of its reaffirmed efforts to transform the TDF, the DoND announced that it had contracted Precision International, the people behind the Tundra series of sniper rifles, to procure its PI-AR-3 to be designated the 'LRT-24'. Alongside this, the DoND intends to procure a new designated rifle from the company, the DMR-2 to be designated the 'DMRT-24'.

[imperialpearl]

Following numerous losses and a corruption scandal which has brought down the company's previous CEO and Chairman, Fairisles has appointed its commercial banking boss Elizabeth Zimmerman as the company's new CEO and Chair. Zimmerman's appointment, as aforementioned, comes following the corruption scandal against the bank's previous CEO and Chairman Paki-Iwi Wirihana, who became the focus of an investigation by the Tropican Financial Crimes Agency (TFCA) into suspicious financial transactions between the former CEO/Chairman and numerous third-party entities. Amidst the investigation, the company's board of directors terminated Wirihana's contract and rescinded his appointment as chairman. With the company "reconsidering its future steps", Zimmerman's appointment as CEO and Chairman has been viewed by many within the financial world as a textbook glass cliff, which refers to a situation in which women are promoted to higher positions during times of crisis or duress, or during a recession when the chance of failure is more likely. Zimmerman has been with the bank for more than 20 years, the most recent being the head of the company's commercial banking section. Although not an aggressive businessman like her predecessor, she is considered an expert administrator and a capable restructuring expert, as many of her ideas and decisions led to the revival of the company's commercial banking arm following a series of missteps which almost lead to the entire section's collapse. As a by-product of the investigation and Wirihana's subsequent firing, the bank observed a 20% drop in its shares. Following Zimmerman's appointment forever, the bank's share recovered albeit in a minor way. The bank reported an 800 million TRD loss during the previous quarter, a stark contrast from the 1 billion TRD earned by the bank the quarter prior. In a statement, the bank chalked much of the previous quarter's losses to failed business ventures, particularly Wirihana's attempts to expand the bank's investment banking business into Temania, Vascania and Noumonde. "Our losses from the previous quarter are regrettable and disappointing and represent an old style of doing business, which is no longer practised by this firm and its subsidiaries. It is evident that as a result of these losses, there must be a dramatic improvement in the way in which we go about doing business within Tropica, the Temanian subcontinent and the wider Dovanian region. As part of an attempt to turn around the firm, Zimmerman has expressed her intention to overhaul/reform all sectors of the firm; from its commercial banking business to asset management. With the approval of the board of directors she now chairs, Zimmerman formally initiated the bank's restructuring by appointing a new Chief of Commercial Banking in Kitiona Autagavaia, who had been Zimmerman's deputy during her tenure in commercial banking.

As part of the overall restructuring of the bank, there is expected to be a complete transformation of Fairisle's mode of doing business in commercial banking. Presently, the bank has fallen behind the international standard on digital/online banking, with work on the numerous applications vaunted by Zimmerman during her time in the section being halted by Wirihana. Autagavaia has stated that once the UI and back-end upgrades to the apps have been completed, the company will roll out its digital/online banking system in full. Compared to other firms, the company has sought to bring cybersecurity in-house instead of lying on third-party contractors. Eric Hariwana, a former senior analyst in the Tropican Communication Establishment has been appointed as the bank's new Chief of Information Security. Zimmerman justified the appointment by stating that the nature of financial transactions, particularly those which occur digitally, was extremely vulnerable to malicious attack. "By creating an entire section solely dedicated to ensuring our digital systems are safe, we are setting ourselves apart from competitors." one information security analyst said, speaking under a condition of anonymity. Zimmerman has expressed her intention to expand the bank's operations into Vascania, Noumonde, Temania, New Englia and Bianjie stating that although the company's future is firmly planted in becoming a global financial institution, much of its base will remain in Dovani. Zimmerman stated that the bank will expand its business in Tropica, with the hopes of servicing the outer island territories.

[imperialpearl]

A joint committee comprised of members of the Department of Foreign and Dovanian Affairs and the Department of National Defence have compiled a report on the potential avenues from which Tropica can work a new approach to diplomacy within the Dovanian continent. Coined the Kekahuna-Lotomau report, it opines that the Tropican Government, through the Tropican Agency for International Development (TRAID) should consider the creation of a hospital ship to bolster the nation's regional and international development obligations. According to the report, the Tropican Government has only recently opened a budgetary line item for international aid under the Department of Foreign and Dovanian Affairs and thus the allocation's impact would be considerably smaller compared to alternative methods. Hospital ships are by no means a new invention, despite them not receiving the attention they so justly deserve. Large military ships from aircraft carriers and landing helicopter docks can be and have been converted into hospital ships of some varying sort in previous centuries, as part of their peacetime operations. Through those the services those vessels provided to the most vulnerable throughout the world, many have benefited from life-saving surgeries and have been given access to higher standards/qualities of medical care than what was available at the time in their own nations. It is through the lens of providing immediate and much-needed medical care to those nations with weak/vulnerable healthcare systems that the Kekahuna-Lotomau report was made. At a joint press conference at the cabinet offices in Nikutabi, Minister of Foreign and Dovanian Affairs Andrea Kidman and Minister of National Defence Charles Cameron stated that the federal cabinet had made a decision to materialise many of the recommendations of the report, most notably the proposal to construct a hospital ship for the purposes of roaming throughout the Dovanian continent (the Third World), providing free medical services to at-risk persons and communities. Minister Cameron explained that the vessel, to be named the TAS Wawata (Luthorian: Hope), would most likely be a decommissioned ferry once operated by the Inter-Island Ferry Service. The ship's refit is expected to be financed via a loan from numerous international lending institutions including the Eastern Development Organisation and the IDSB and is estimated to cost around 2.1 billion to include operating rooms, radiological equipment, dentistry suites and more. The ship will be a joint asset of the Tropican Agency for International Development and the Royal Tropican Navy Auxillary Fleet as it is expected to be captained and crewed by both reserve personnel of the Tropican Defence Force and contract employees of TRAID.

[imperialpearl]

At a joint press conference alongside the Ministers of the Interior and National Defence, Prime Minister Victoria Hamilton announced the appointment of Jamie MacDonald-West as the next Director of National Assessments, effectively commencing the once-promised shakeup of the nation's intelligence community. MacDonald is expected to replace Malie Faaeteete who retired last month after serving more than 20 years in the agency in numerous positions. Having promised to commence a radical transformation of the nation's intelligence community, MacDonald-West's appointment as the head of the intelligence community and the quasi-national security adviser to the Tropican Government is as timely as it is coincidental. "Having promised to look into improving the work of the tropican intelligence community, by appointing a new director of national assessments and a component one at that, the Prime Minister has signalled that she is committed to keeping her word," said Uniki Paraone, a national security commentator. MacDonald-West, who has an undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Tropica and a postgraduate degree in international relations from the University of Dunblane, is considered a veteran within the tropican intelligence community, having served in numerous positions including as a Senior Analyst at the Tropican Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, a Special Coordinator for Cyber Security at the Department of National Defence and most recently as Deputy Director-General of the Tropican Communications Establishment. His tenure at the TCE was viewed as a major turning point for the organisation, as it saw a wave of investment being poured into both personnel and infrastructure. It was under MacDonald-West's tenure that the TCE introduced its hacker tournament whereby it encouraged upcoming ICT/computer science graduates to attempt to breach the agency's cyber security infrastructure. "Mr MacDonald-West brings with him knowledge of the intelligence community and the inherent threats faced by the nation on a daily basis. His leadership in the TCE was instrumental in the agency's transformation into one of Tropica's most capable intelligence agencies," proclaimed Minister of the Interior Iokina Kanekalau whilst fielding questions from the media. MacDonald-West enters the position at a time of convergence for the Tropican intelligence community; amidst the resurgence of violent crime fueled by drugs and firearms from Temanian gangs to the ever-looming threat of terror from the numerous transnational terror organisations listed on the Gath Defence Collective-developed Terran Criminal and Terrorism List. MacDonald-West is expected to guide Prime Minister Hamilton in orchestrating a "changing of the guard" in the intelligence community, appointing new Directors-General to the Tropican Communications Establishment (TCE), the Tropican Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (TGIO), the Tropican Security Intelligence Organisation (TSIO) and the TDF Directorate of Defence Intelligence (TDF-DDI).

[jamescfm]

Details finalised ahead of inaugural T20 Cricket World Cup in Luthori

[Hogak25]

New chapter: Tropica has a new government
The February 5359 elections resulted in the newly formed Tropica First Party (TFP) securing an outright majority, and with the added ability to govern alone.
More from Tropica Village:
- Royal Tropican Navy rescues missing Tapoa fishermen off the coast of Kukunui after days of search efforts.


Introducing our Prime Minister elect Tane Tawhiri (age 43). Picture: Supplied.

Nikutabi, Tropica - The streets of Nikutabi was filled with cheers, fireworks and jubilation last night, particularly outside Tropica First Party (TFP) headquarters after the country voted for a new government, effectively ending the Socialist Party's long-standing rule. The center-left party led by Tane Tawhiri (pictured) won the general election in a landslide by securing 289 out of 450 seats in the National Assembly.

This means that Tane Twahiri's new government can do whatever it wants for the next five years as it has the power to pass legislation on its own. Speaking to the media this morning, the Prime Minister elect said she received a congratulatory call from the Kaitiaki (Monarch) and was told to form government.

I received a call from Te Ariki this morning congratulating me on my election victory. I will be meeting with him later in the afternoon and confirming that I will be able to form government. We have the mandate to govern alone and I will personally ensure that my party assign ministerial roles to those with experience and talent. Let's get things done.

About Tane Tawhiri
Tane Tawhiri was born and raised in the largest city New Kosmos. Her parents then moved to Tropica City when she was just five where she spent most of her childhood and teenage years. Tawhiri attended the University of Tropica where she got her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science. She also has a Master's in Public Administration.


Tawhiri (far right) with supporters during the election campaign. Picture: Supplied.

Tawhiri worked as a reporter for six years and then joined the University of Tropica as an assistant professor in the Journalism Programme. She then joined the Socialist Party for three years until last year where the party underwent internal struggles and instabilities which ultimately forced her and many others to leave and found a new party also known as Tropica First.

What to expect from a Tawhiri government?
Tane Tawhiri told Tropica Village about her party's plan for its first 100 days in office. Tawhiri handed a pamphlet to our correspondent which her party had used on the campaign trail and said "We are planning to fulfill all this but with a few changes. We'll announce the changes in due course." The pamphlet talked about reducing inflation and the cost of living as well as significant investments in health and education. Others include policy changes to improve the economy and address poverty especially in outer islands. The federal government is expected to work with the semi-automonous region of Tapoa and Coromaru through its respective governments.

[Hogak25]

Thousands attend University of Nikutabi open day
The University of Nikutabi held its first open day where thousands of secondary and high school students were showcased various academic programmes available they wish to pursue when they attend university in the future.
More from Tropica Village:
- Tropican Meteorological Service issues heavy rain alert for the city of New Kosmos, residents urged to prepare just in case.
- Department of Sports and Recreation pumps additional funds into the Tropican Rugby Union (TRU).


Crowds at the University of Nikutabi main campus grounds. Picture: Supplied.

Nikutabi, Tropica - More than ten thousand students from the greater Nikutabi area went to attend the University of Nikutabi's first Open Day which was held yesterday. The one day event allowed high school students to seek advice and counselling from Academics on their future career pathway and goals. Vice Chancellor Taneiroa Ngārangi said this is the first open day to be organized by the University adding that they are excited to welcome all students, teachers and even school administrators to the University of Nikutabi. Ngārangi hopes that this event would enhance the student's learning experiences so that they are prepared when they enter tertiary life.

The main programme began at 9:00 am where distinguished guests as well students and the public gathered at the University's main campus grounds. Many make shifts tents were set up which allowed everyone to be shaded from the scorching sun. The Chief Guest of the event was the Minister for Education, Research and Innovation Ms. Leani Tofiga. Minister Tofiga whilst opening the event said:

I hope you [students] will learn a lot from this open day in terms of deciding your career pathway. Take advantage of this significant event and engage with the friendly staff of this university. Do not be afraid to ask questions or advice. Keep pursuing your dreams and start at an early age. And for the Year 13s who would be sitting their final exams at the end of this year, do your best and good luck. Let me reassure you that the Tropica First government will continue to invest in your future.

After the formal opening ceremony, students and the public began their tours by visiting the different schools within the main campus of the university. The University of Nikutabi has many schools which specializes in different fields of education. For instance, if a student wish to pursue engineering, that would fall under the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP). STEMP is one of the biggest schools in the University due to the previous government's investment in the digital infrastructure of the country. The other top schools are the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE) and the School of Business and Management (SBM), among others.

Cultural entertainment
After the tour of the whole campus and the subsequent lunch break, the students and the crowds were diverted back to the University main campus grounds where around 4:00 pm, a cultural entertainment was presented by the University's Student Association Body. This gave the students and visitors the opportunity to witness the diverse cultures of the Universities. The Mātou Students Association began the afternoon programme with a traditional Haka dance. The Mātou were then followed by the Tenoan, Kanakan and other Tropican Student Association bodies. To view all the cultural dances, click here.


Mātou Students Association (top left), Tenoan Students Association (top right) and the Kanakan Students Association (bottom).

The event concluded around 6:00 pm and after some brief interviews with students, most of the common comments were that they cannot wait for the next Open Day. Many of those who were interviewed by Tropica Village urged the Department of Education, Research and Innovation to engage with and/or encourage other universities to have similar annual open days so that such events are not only limited to Nikutabi but the whole country so that every student benefit from it.

[Polites]

Zardic reparations for colonial rule