Subject: 💙 Celebrating Global Smurf Day: Tiny blue legends with big smiles! 💙

Helloooooo thereeee People!


Every 28th June, the world turns a little bluer in the best way possible - it is Global Smurf Day, a joyful celebration of the small but mighty blue characters who have enchanted generations since their creation in 1958. At first glance, they may seem like just another cartoon, but the Smurfs - also known as Les Stroumphs in French - have left a lasting mark on pop culture and childhood memories across the globe. From comics to TV shows and blockbuster films, these cheerful little creatures remind us all of the power of unity, kindness, and fun. 💖


Global Smurf Day is more than just a tribute to a cartoon - it is about embracing what the Smurfs stand for: community spirit, creativity, and helping one another. Whether it is Brainy with his big ideas, Hefty with his strength, or Smurfette with her courage, each character has something unique to offer. Much like our own teams at Imperium, the Smurfs show that everyone plays a role, no matter how small, and together, great things happen. 💙


So this week, let us take a moment to smile a little more, lend a helping hand, and maybe even hum the iconic Smurf tune as we work. After all, if the Smurfs can make mushroom villages magical, surely we can bring a little of that magic into our workplace too! 🎶🍄

TECHNICAL NEWS

Filing of returns/statements and payment of tax


Please refer to the attached communiqué 👆 from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) regarding the filing of returns/statements and the payment of tax. Kindly review the document for important details and deadlines.


FATF publishes new Guidance on Financial Inclusion and Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Measures


The FATF has updated its Guidance on Financial Inclusion and Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Measures to support countries and the private sector in bringing more people into the formal financial sector through proportionate, risk-based approaches to tackling illicit finance.


The Guidance follows the strengthening of Recommendation 1 of the FATF Standards earlier this year to reinforce the expectation that Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) controls must be implemented through a proportionate and risk-based approach, and to encourage countries to promote financial inclusion. The new guidance can be accessed on: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/fatf-gafi/en/publications/Financialinclusionandnpoissues/guidance-financial-inclusion-aml-tf-measures.html


FATF urges stronger global action to address Illicit Finance Risks in Virtual Assets


In its sixth targeted update on the global implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures to virtual assets (VA) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), published today, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) highlights where stronger action is needed to safeguard the integrity of the international financial system.


The report assesses jurisdictions’ compliance with the FATF’s Recommendation 15 and its Interpretative Note (R.15/INR.15), which was updated in 2019 to apply AML/CFT measures to VAs and VASPs. It finds that overall, jurisdictions - including those with materially important VASP activity - have made progress since 2024 towards developing or implementing AML/CFT regulation and taking supervisory and enforcement actions. The report can be accessed on: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/fatf-gafi/en/publications/Fatfrecommendations/targeted-update-virtual-assets-vasps-2025.html

ANNOUNCEMENT

Pedostop Workshop on child protection


As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, the ITL Foundation invites you to a Pedostop Workshop in partnership with Pedostop, a local organisation combatting child sexual abuse.


What to expect:

• Understand the impact of child sexual abuse

• Learn how to recognise signs and respond

• Discover ways we can help create a safer community


📅 Thursday, 3 July 2025

🕥 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

📍 Training Room, Level 2


We encourage all staff to attend this important session. 🙏

🧹 Level 1 & 2 deep cleaning - Saturday 28th June 2025


A general office cleaning is scheduled on Saturday 28th June from 8:30 a.m. on Level 1 and 2.


To help the team carry out a thorough clean (carpet shampooing, floor and desk cleaning, screens, windows, etc.), please:


👉 Clear and tidy your desk

👉 Remove all documents and boxes from under/around your workspace

👉 Remove any fragile items from your table


Your cooperation is greatly appreciated! 🙏

IN THE NEWS

🌱 A Green Taxonomy for a greener future


This week’s edition of Business Files in Business Magazine puts the spotlight on the urgent need for a national green taxonomy in Mauritius - and features insights from two of our Group companies leading the way in sustainable finance.


💡 From Accresco


Accresco's Chief Investment Officer, Oliver Müller, shares the company's perspective on the strategic role finance can play in the green transition. To succeed, Mauritius needs the right foundations: robust regulation, tax incentives, innovation support, and a green taxonomy.





🌿 From ESG Intellis Solutions

ESG Intellis Solutions' General Manager, Harsheenee Aujayeb, emphasises the importance of a clear, locally relevant green taxonomy to build investor trust and prevent greenwashing. A shared classification framework – aligned with global standards but grounded in our local context – is essential for advancing the sustainable finance agenda.


HAPPENINGS

World Environment Day 2025 prize giving ceremony! 🏆🌍


The ESG Intellis organised a prize giving ceremony as part of their World Environment Day 2025 initiative under the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution', following the conclusion of their three-day quiz challenge 🎉


As previously announced, Pramod Mangatha emerged as the overall winner, achieving full marks across all three quizzes and completing the final round in record time ⚡ His performance was truly outstanding throughout the challenge.


👏👏 Congratulations to Pramod !🏆🏆

Team Amethyst says goodbye to Yajyakriti! 💜


Team Amethyst got together this week for a lovely team lunch to say farewell to Yajyakriti 👋 We are wishing her absolutely all the best for whatever comes next in life! 🌟

It was brilliant to have this little gathering, especially with all the mad deadlines and chaos we have got on at the moment 😅 Sometimes you have just got to make time for the important stuff, have you not? 🍽️✨


Hope Yajyakriti smashes it in her next adventure! 🚀💜

Team Amethyst celebrates May birthdays! 🎂💜


Team Amethyst came together to celebrate May birthday babies ! Chandrika, Manmohini (who actually has an April birthday but joined our celebration), Sharma, Nandita, Rabiah, and our dear Naeema 🎉


We organised a lovely gathering with cake and decorations to mark these special occasions 🍰 It was wonderful to see everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate together as a team ✨Each birthday person received warm wishes from the group, and we enjoyed sharing stories and laughter during the celebration 🎈 These moments remind us how much we value having such lovely people as part of our Team Amethyst family 💫


Wishing all our birthday celebrants a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness and success!

JOB SECTION

🎯 The following job openings are currently available at ITL. If you would like to apply or refer someone, please email hr@intercontinentaltrust.com.

  • Assistant Corporate Administrator

  • Senior Corporate Administrator

  • Registry Officer

  • Supervisor fund Administration

DID YOU KNOW? 🧐

🔹The Smurfs were created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre “Peyo” Culliford in 1958. Their original name in French is Les Schtroumpfs.


🔹The Smurfs were born from a funny slip of the tongue. While dining, “Peyo” forgot the word for salt and asked his friend to pass the schtroumpf. His friend played along, and the playful exchange sparked the idea for Les Schtroumpfs. 💡💙


🔹Global Smurf Day started in 2011 as a way to celebrate the beloved blue characters and their creator, Peyo. Over time, the tiny creatures gained fans worldwide through cartoons, toys, and later, full-length films. Sony Pictures Animation launched the day to mark the release of “The Smurfs” movie and to honor Peyo’s birthday, June 25.


🔹 There are over 100 different Smurfs, each with their own personality. From Jokey to Lazy, every Smurf adds something special to the village.


🔹 Some Smurfs from the original comics never made it to the cartoon screen. These include quirky characters like Alchemist Smurf, Timid Smurf, Enamored Smurf, Finance Smurf (yes, really!), Mango Smurf, Lumberjack Smurf, Pastrycook Smurf, Submariner Smurf, and Navigator Smurf. Now that would have been quite a village! 😄💼🍰🪵


🔹 The Smurfs are exactly the height of three apples stacked on top of each other. 🍎🍎🍎


🔹 The Smurf village runs on teamwork, laughter, and plenty of “smurfberries.” No wonder they are so happy all the time! 😄


🔹 The world record for most people dressed as Smurfs was set in 2009 in Swansea, Wales, where over 2,500 people in full blue-and-white costumes packed a nightclub - no visible skin allowed! The previous record was 1,253 Smurfs in Ireland the year before. 💙🎉


🔹 The Smurfs hit the big screen with several film adaptations, including: The Smurfs (2011 – live-action/CGI), The Smurfs 2 (2013) and the Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017 – fully animated reboot). Do not miss the upcoming reboot of the 'Smurf's'. The film will premiere in Brussels on June 28 2025, and is scheduled for release in the United States by Paramount Pictures in the United States on July 18.

BIRTHDAYS/NEWCOMERS/LEAVERS

Happiest birthday to you! 🎉

   • Sandeep Jealal

• Ridhee Fokeerchand

• Aurelie Kong

Welcomeeeeee! 👋

• Chitra Ancharaz

Goodbyeeeeee! 🥲

• Tesikha Emrith

• Gaysheenee Canden

• Vaanavi Moonesamy

• Himanshu Baboolall

KI BON PLAN

Intersections; The Prophecy & DJ LP

  • Tamarina Golf & Spa Boutique Hotel

  • Friday 27th June

  • As from 06:00 PM


Friday Play Day

  • Strike City, Bagatelle

  • Friday 27th June

  • As from 06:30 PM

Art & Craft Fair

  • Maison de l’Étoile, Eureka

  • Friday 27th June

  • 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM

The art of rattan festival

  • Mahogany Shopping Promenade

  • Thursday 26th June to Monday 30th June

  • 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Le Marché de So’flo

  • So’flo, Floréal

  • Saturday 28th June & Sunday 29th June

  • Refer to schedule on Facebook Page

Flacq Food Folies

  • Coeur de Ville Flacq

  • Friday 27th June to Sunday 29th June

  • Refer to schedule on Facebook Page

As we mark Global Smurf Day, let us channel our inner blue heroes - work hard, support one another, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. 💫


May your week be as cheerful as a Smurf song and as productive as Papa Smurf’s workshop. Keep smiling, keep “smurfing,” and let the blue vibes brighten your week! 💙✨


Hasta La Vista People ! 🙋‍♀️



Crazily Yours,


The Gazette Committee