On September 18 2018 Media houses were abuzz with the news that the then newly appointed Finance minister Mthuli Ncube was considering cryptocurrencies as an option for Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround programme.
The learned professor had clearly articulated the Switzerland central bank’s stance on cryptocurrencies and how they had helped turn around that country’s ailing economy
Ncube went on to challenge the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to “invest in and understand cryptocurrencies”.
This stance was well-received by all Zimbabweans who understand the current digital world.
A cryptocurrency is defined as a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank.
It has a capacity of multiplying through a process called mining.
Back to the Zimbabwean case, five months down the line Ncube has either developed cold feet on the issue of cryptocurrencies or was gagged and forced to abandon the idea by the old guard that is struggling to adjust to the present world of technology.
Five months later Zimbabwe’s foreign currency reserves have gone from bad to worse resulting in protests.
Accusations and counter accusations became the order of the day. Fuel prices skyrocketed.
Prices of basic commodities went up. The existing cross rate between the bond notes and the US$ that has continuously been denied by the government continued to rise rapidly, thereby eroding civil servants’ salaries and degrading the lives of ordinary Zimbabwe citizens.
Deaths increased in government hospitals due to the month-long strike by junior doctors.
Mortality rates increased in maternity wards due to lack of essential medicines caused by a massive shortage of foreign currency.
If Ncube had pursued the Switzerland central bank’s model on cryptocurrencies, Zimbabwe could have been singing sweet melodies of economic recovery by now.
The much talked about sanctions against Zimbabwe that the present government is always using as a scapegoat would have been tamed and bypassed by now.
The old guard may be forgiven for stopping Ncube on his tracks because of the following reasons:
l The learned professor is surrounded by academically challenged colleagues who still believe in Stone Age tactics of reviving the economy.
Currently the banking sector is down-sizing because of the popular self-service methods offered through internet banking and banking apps that make it easy and convenient to do transactions in the comfort of our homes.
In neighbouring countries like South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, Uber and taxify is fast overtaking the meter-taxi industry.
WhatsApp and Telegram have more or less replaced the Short Message Service (sms).
In light of all this it is, therefore, clear that the traditional methods of reviving the economy through conservative methods like borrowing money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not only outdated, but it is also naïve and myopic.
l Given our country’s history of corruption perpetrated by senior government officials and senior political party officials, there is a great possibility that Ncube was gagged and stopped on the issue of cryptocurrencies because the old guard realised that it is impossible to steal cryptocurrencies.
Therefore, why venture into a project that will kill the present cash cow system and cut short gallivanting and never ending shopping sprees that are enjoyed by close associates of government officials?
Going ahead with cryptocurrencies would have spelt doom for the current government that is yet to acquire assets at the expense of the majority citizens.
There is also a greater possibility that the minister’s wish was shot down because the old guard simply refused to unlearn their conservative methods of doing things.
This was evidenced by the way the RBZ vehemently fought Golix in court in 2017.
Golix is a company that was trading in bitcoin in Zimbabwe and had installed a Bitcoin ATM in their Batanai Gardens offices.
This Bitcoin ATM was dispensing US dollar hard currency.
The RBZ subsequently lost the court battle and resorted to banning banks from dealing with Golix.
The refusal to unlearn traditional methods and embrace technology left Zimbabwe’s economy in intensive care and waiting for the doctors to pull the plug.
This eventually happened on January 14, 2019 and the old guard did what they do best (blamed sanctions, the opposition and civil society).
Had the minister forged ahead with his brilliant idea of embracing cryptocurrencies and copying the stance taken by Switzerland and its central bank, Zimbabwe could have been on the travelling gear to economic recovery.
Switzerland imposed a registration process on cryptocurrency exchanges — which obtained a licence from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority in order to operate.
The country published a set of guidelines, which applied existing financial legislation to offerings across a range of areas — from banking to securities trading and collective investment schemes (depending on structure).
This guaranteed the road to full economic turnaround. Uganda through its central bank legalised and regulated cryptocurrencies.
Instead of fighting amenities like Golix the government should have regulated their operations and secured tax returns.
The government can take notes from Cryptogem Global, an exchange platform pioneered by a young Zimbabwean lady, establish its own crypto exchange and expand it into an international crypto trading platform.
Investment in crypto currencies involves, among other things, the process of actual mining of the cryptocurrencies.
This guarantees accumulation of the said currency without begging superior countries and acquiring unnecessary debts.
Cryptocurrency exchanges can be regulated like in the neighbouring South Africa where Luno and altcoin traders pay tax to the South African Revenue Service.
Zimbabweans that have mastered the art of mining cryptocurrencies and online forex trading are paying taxes on externally registered exchange platforms of which the government is missing out.
Cryptocurrencies can be used to substitute foreign currency in importing necessary raw materials.
Car dealers can import and pay Be Forward using Bitcoin, which is part of cryptocurrencies.
Travellers can also make their travel arrangements and pay at www.btctrip.com using Bitcoin.
Ncube should reconsider his stance on cryptocurrencies.
Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom are making thousands of pounds by investing in Leocoin, which is part of the cryptocurrency family.
The government can no longer continue to rely on income tax levied on the working class as only 10% of Zimbabweans are formally employed.
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Term vs Whole Life Insurance: Compare Costs and Coverage
Life insurance can protect a family from financial hardship if a wage earner, caregiver, or business owner passes away. The challenge is choosing the right type of policy. Two of the most common options are term life insurance and whole life insurance. Both can provide a death benefit, but they work differently, cost differently, and fit different planning goals.
Term life insurance is designed to last for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person dies during the term and the policy is active, the beneficiary receives the death benefit. If the term ends and the policy is not renewed or converted, coverage ends. Because term life does not usually build cash value, it is often more affordable than permanent life insurance for the same death benefit.
Term life can make sense when the main need is temporary protection. Parents may choose a term that lasts until children are grown, a mortgage is paid down, or college costs are no longer a concern. Business partners may use term life to support a buy-sell agreement during key growth years. A family with a tight budget may choose term insurance because it can provide a larger death benefit for a lower premium.
Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance. It is designed to last for the insured person's lifetime as long as required premiums are paid. Whole life policies can build cash value over time. The cash value may be borrowed against or accessed under certain conditions, but loans and withdrawals can reduce the death benefit and may have tax consequences. Whole life premiums are usually much higher than term life premiums for the same initial death benefit.
Whole life can make sense for people who want lifetime coverage, predictable premiums, estate planning support, or a policy that includes cash value. It may also appeal to people who have already built a strong emergency fund, retirement savings, and basic protection, and who want another long-term planning tool. However, it is not automatically better simply because it lasts longer.
The right choice depends on the purpose of the coverage. If the goal is replacing income while children are young, covering a mortgage, or protecting a spouse during working years, term life may be enough. If the goal is lifetime estate liquidity, legacy planning, or long-term coverage that does not expire, whole life may be worth comparing.
Premiums should be reviewed carefully. A policy is only useful if you can keep it active. Buying an expensive permanent policy and later canceling it can be costly. Before choosing whole life, compare how the same dollars could be used for term coverage, retirement contributions, debt payoff, emergency savings, or other goals. This is not an either-or decision for everyone; some people use term life for large temporary needs and a smaller permanent policy for lifelong needs.
Underwriting is another factor. Insurers may review age, health history, medication, family history, lifestyle, driving record, occupation, hobbies, and sometimes medical exam results. Younger and healthier applicants often qualify for lower premiums, but each company evaluates risk differently. If you have a medical condition, an independent broker may help compare multiple insurers.
When comparing quotes, look beyond the premium. Ask whether the policy is level term or renewable term, whether it can be converted to permanent coverage, how long the premium is guaranteed, whether riders are included, and what happens if payments are missed. For whole life, ask for an in-force illustration, guaranteed values, non-guaranteed assumptions, surrender charges, loan interest, and how dividends are handled if applicable.
Common riders include waiver of premium, accelerated death benefit, child term rider, and guaranteed insurability. Riders can add flexibility, but they can also increase cost. Only add riders that solve a clear need.
Life insurance is not just a product; it is a financial safety plan. Start by estimating how much money your family would need for housing, debt, childcare, education, final expenses, and income replacement. Then compare policy types around that need. A licensed insurance professional or financial planner can help you evaluate options based on your state, budget, tax situation, and family goals.
Navy Mesothelioma Lawyer: Asbestos Claims for Veterans
Navy mesothelioma lawyer, veterans mesothelioma lawyer, Navy asbestos exposure, asbestos claims for veterans, mesothelioma veterans benefits, shipyard asbestos lawyer
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Navy Mesothelioma Lawyer: Asbestos Claims for Veterans
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Many veterans, especially Navy veterans, were exposed to asbestos during military service. Ships, shipyards, engine rooms, boiler rooms, insulation, pipes, gaskets, valves, pumps, and other equipment commonly involved asbestos-containing materials.
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A Navy mesothelioma lawyer helps veterans and families investigate asbestos exposure and pursue compensation options.
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These claims may involve lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers, asbestos trust funds, and possible veterans benefits.
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Why Navy Veterans Faced Asbestos Exposure
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Navy ships historically used asbestos because it resisted heat and fire.
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Asbestos may have been found in:
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Boiler insulation
rnPipe insulation
rnEngine rooms
rnTurbines
rnPumps
rnValves
rnGaskets
rnElectrical equipment
rnFireproofing materials
rnDeck materials
rnShipyard repair areas
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Veterans may have inhaled fibers during repair, maintenance, overhaul, or demolition work.
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Military Exposure and Civilian Companies
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Veterans usually do not sue the military for asbestos exposure. Instead, claims often focus on private companies that manufactured, supplied, or sold asbestos-containing products used by the military.
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A mesothelioma lawyer can help identify those companies.
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Veterans and Mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. A veteran exposed in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s may not be diagnosed until many years later.
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ATSDR notes that asbestos-related diseases usually appear many years after first exposure.
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What Compensation Options May Exist?
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Veterans may have several possible options:
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Asbestos lawsuit
rnAsbestos trust fund claims
rnVA disability benefits
rnDependency and indemnity compensation for survivors
rnMedical care benefits
rnWrongful death claims
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The right path depends on diagnosis, service history, exposure evidence, and family situation.
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What Evidence Helps a Navy Asbestos Claim?
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Useful evidence may include:
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DD-214
rnShip assignments
rnRate or job title
rnService records
rnShip repair records
rnShipyard employment records
rnCoworker statements
rnProduct identification
rnMedical diagnosis
rnPathology reports
rnVA records
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A lawyer experienced in Navy asbestos cases may already know which ships and equipment were associated with asbestos products.
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Common Navy Jobs With Exposure Risk
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Potentially exposed Navy roles may include:
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Machinist mates
rnBoiler technicians
rnPipefitters
rnElectricians
rnFiremen
rnEngine room workers
rnShipyard workers
rnHull technicians
rnMechanics
rnMaintenance crews
rnInsulators
rnSeabees
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Exposure may also have occurred during ship repair or overhaul.
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Can Family Members File Claims?
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If a veteran died from mesothelioma, surviving family members may be able to file wrongful death claims or trust fund claims, depending on state law and deadlines.
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Families should gather medical records, death certificate, service records, and work history.
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Final Thoughts
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Navy veterans with mesothelioma may have legal and benefit options connected to asbestos exposure.
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A Navy mesothelioma lawyer can help investigate shipboard exposure, identify asbestos products, file trust claims, and pursue compensation from responsible companies.
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Veterans served their country. They deserve clear answers when asbestos exposure leads to serious disease.
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