A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 25 January to Sunday 31 January 2016.
Monday, 25 January 2016
Yearwood calls on residents to support APUA
Antigua and Barbuda – The minister with responsibility for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is calling for residents to rally behind the telecoms service provider… more
AG admits ‘kinks’ in e-services, says ‘fundamentally working’
Bahamas – Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who has Cabinet responsibility for the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), has admitted there have been some “technical glitches” connected to the launch of the new e-services platform, but insists that the launch is in no way premature… more
Digicel has fastest 4G network – study
Barbados – A survey by a US-based company has suggested that Digicel customers were benefiting from the fastest 4G network in Barbados, prompting officials of the mobile phone network provider to pledge continued investment to maintain improved service in the market… more
PM Stuart meets with Digicel officials
Barbados – TELECOMMUNICATIONS MATTERS FEATURED prominently when Prime Minister Freundel Stuart met recently at Ilaro Court with chairman of Digicel, Denis O’Brien… more
DMA considering moving towards e-marketing
Jamaica – The Dominica Manufacturers Association (DMA) is seeking to establish e-marketing so that more locally manufactured products could be purchased regionally and internationally… more
FLOW (Following LIME’s Old Ways)
Jamaica – In 1984, the telephone company made me wait eight years for the one and only line to my medical practice (near Half-Way Tree)… more
Digicel pays customers’ bill for one year
Regional – Digicel, in its continued effort to keeping families connected in the diaspora, has launched its latest best value promotion this tax season called, ‘Bills on Us’… more
Marketing Strategies Today: New tools to manage Facebook communication on your page
Regional – It used to be that Facebook business pages were rather static, what that meant was that people would post updates and people would like your page but not much else would happen there… more
St. Lucia Business Awards recipients win praise from Flow
Saint Lucia – Flow has congratulated the 2016 St Lucia St Lucia Business Awards winners, and commended the Chamber of Commerce for staging yet another spectacular presentation… more
Tuesday, 26 January 2016
Direction of global economics hinges on rapidly evolving technology
Cayman Islands – Global economics have changed from the big fishes eating the small fishes, now it is the faster fishes eating the slower fishes as innovation and technology continues to evolve… more
The country ranks 70% in e-government
Dominican Republic – Dominican Republic has advanced as high as 70% in e-government in recent years, according to Presidential Technology and Communication Information Office (OPTIC) director Armando Garcia… more
Guyana’s company registry to be available online
Guyana – Guyana’s company registry is expected to be among several others across the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market and Economy (CSME) that are set to go online this year… more
BPO sector to create 6,000 jobs, PM says
Jamaica – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that eight of the approximately 40 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies operating in Jamaica have five-year expansion plans that could create almost 6,000 additional jobs… more
BUSINESS BYTE: Digicel pays customers’ bills for one year
Regional – Digicel, in its continued effort to keeping families connected in the diaspora, has launched its latest best value promotion this tax season called, ‘Bills on Us’… more
CARIBBEAN: Cable and Wireless upgrades submarine cables in Caribbean
Regional – C&W Networks, part of Cable & Wireless Communications(CWC), one of the largest telecommunications service providers serving the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and United States with more than 48,000 miles of subsea fiber-optic network has selected Xtera Communications, Inc… more
It’s On Us: Digicel To Pay Customers’ Bills For A Whole Year
Regional – ONE OF the Caribbean’s most popular mobile networks, Digicel, is offering to pay all of your bills for a whole year… more
Opportunities Available to create lucrative Digital businesses in St Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis – InfoDev/World Bank Group under its Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC) with funding support from the Canadian Government has made available more opportunities for the citizens and residents in Federation and by extension the Eastern Caribbean… more
‘Making Digicel a one stop shop for service’
Trinidad and Tobago – DIGICEL Trinidad and Tobago’s chief executive officer Sacha Thompson had a huge task when she assumed leadership of the company in March last year – to roll out a product that was completely new to the mobile network and to do so within a matter of months despite experts saying it could not be done… more
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
BTC’s FLOW TV reaches Inagua
Bahamas – After launching in Bimini last year November, the roll-out of Bahamas Telecommunications newest product, FLOW TV is progressing steadily, with Inagua being the second island to launch the product. Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) packages became available to customers in Inagua on December 15th with Cat Island, Long Island and parts of Andros testing for their own approaching launches… more
Not so fast, says FLOW
Barbados – Two days ago, Irish phone company Digicel claimed that it had the fastest 4G network on island, based on a study, which it said was conducted by the US-based Brightcomms between January 5 and 12 this year… more
City’s IT Head dismissed
Guyana – Long-time City Hall employee Waynewright Orders on was on Monday dismissed from his post as head of the city’s Information Technology department… more
BPO sector, other Free Zone companies to enjoy zone benefits for another four years
Jamaica – Claude Duncan, vice-president of investment and promotions at JAMPRO – the island’s investment promotions agency, has confirmed that companies operating as Free Zone entities, including those engaged in business process outsourcing (BPO) activities, do not pay corporate income tax, and will continue to enjoy this benefit for another four years before benefits expire under the new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act which has effectively repealed the Jamaica Export Free Zones Act… more
BPO sector to create 6,000 additional jobs in 5 years
Jamaica – PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that eight of the approximately 40 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies operating in Jamaica have five-year expansion plans that could create almost 6,000 additional jobs… more
Sutherland Launches New Delivery Center in Mandeville, Jamaica
Jamaica – International BPO firm Sutherland Global has further expanded in Jamaica, launching a new delivery center in Mandeville. This is the company’s third office in the island nation, with the other two located in Kingston and on Mona campus of the University of the West Indies… more
Tech Entrepreneur To Speak At VC Conference In March
Jamaica – Tech entrepreneur and founder of HopStop.com Chinedu Echeruo is the keynote presenter at the Development Bank of Jamaica’s (DBJ) third Venture Capital Conference, scheduled for March 7-9, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew… more
ACCA re-launches microsite
Regional – The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has re-launched its Find an Accountant microsite to make it easier to locate a professionally qualified ACCA accountant or ACCA accountancy practice… more
C&W Networks selects Xtera for submarine cable upgrade
Regional – C&W Networks, part of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), one of the largest telecommunications service providers serving the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and United States with more than 48,000 miles of subsea fiber-optic network has selected Xtera Communications to upgrade its network… more
CWC inks deal to launch TNT Series on Flow TV
Regional – Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) has reached a deal with Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) to bring TNT Series to the lineup of its Flow TV unit in the Caribbean… more
Former Health Minister if New ECTEL Chairman
Regional – The Hon Minister for Information Kelver Darroux has commended former Health Minister Julius Timothy on his appointment as new chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL)… more
Let’s Talk Business: Is outsourcing the right move for your business?
Regional – Outsourcing is certainly becoming more popular and honestly a great option especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)… more
ON THE LEFT: Significant source for public funds
Regional – IMPROVING AFFORDABILITY could unlock digital inclusion and sustain the growth of mobile broadband, especially in emerging economies where sector specific taxation is creating barriers to access… more
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Bimini Celebrates BTC FLOW TV – Other Islands Soon to Follow
Bahamas – In a celebratory occasion at Resorts World Bimini, The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) marked an important milestone offering FLOW TV packages to residents and business partners in addition to Internet, Voice and Mobile, becoming the country’s first telecom quad-player… more
1Click Games Launches New Gaming Site for Bahamian Lottery Giant
Bahamas – 1Click Games, an international supplier of premium iGaming solutions, has announced the launch of new online gaming site for FML Group of Companies (hereinafter referred to as FML), leading gaming operator in the Bahamas since 1999… more
Bridging the gap between law and technology
Belize – A new attorney has been called to the Bar in Belize… more
B.T.L. Explains Network Difficulties
Belize – And this news, if you have been experiencing problems with the B.T.L. service, the company confirmed today that its prepaid short code system is facing significant issues… more
Telecoms Bill likely in first half of 2016
Guyana – After several setbacks coupled with the creation of a new Telecommunications Ministry, the long awaited Telecommunications Bill may make its way to the National Assembly during the first half of 2016… more
Recipients of the Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Haiti – Tuesday, January 26, at a ceremony attended by nearly 600 guests from government and the private sector, Digicel proceeded with the presentation of the awards of the 6th Edition of Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year… more
Cabinet to approve third cell phone company
Jamaica – An application is now before Cabinet for the granting of a new cellular licence for the provision of mobile telecommunications services in Jamaica… more
Cable & Wireless & WhatsApp Sign Partnership
Regional – Cable & Wireless (C&W) and WhatsApp have entered into a strategic marketing partnership… more
Company registries going online
Regional – Company registries within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) are set to go online this year… more
Free ICT training and certification for unemployed youth in the south
Saint Lucia – The Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme will commence FREE training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the south of the island from February 01, 2016… more
Gov’t to open more ICT centres
Saint Lucia – Saint Lucia is not being left out of the fast developing Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, says Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, who revealed several plans for this sector in 2016… more
Friday, 29 January 2016
BTC officially launches FLOW TV in Bimini – other islands to follow
Bahamas – In a celebratory occasion at Resorts World Bimini on Thursday, The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) marked an important milestone offering FLOW TV packages to residents and business partners in addition to Internet, Voice and Mobile, becoming the country’s first telecom quad-player… more
Web Shop Boss Launches Entrepreneuship Scheme
Bahamas – ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian yesterday announced the launch of his company’s second annual OWN Bahamas entrepreneurship programme, a self-starter grant funding initiative focused on offering entrepreneurial opportunities to Bahamians… more
Web Shop Foundation To Benefit 12 Entrepreneurs
Bahamas – The Island Luck Cares Foundation yesterday unveiled the second edition of its OWN Bahamas entrepreneurship initiative, the web shop chain’s chief executive revealing that 12 successful applicants will receive grant funding… more
BARBADOS EMPLOYERS’ CONFEDERATION: HR and social media
Barbados – OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS the use of social media has exploded with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest now a part of the daily routine of many persons… more
Digicel Lowers Text Rates as System Experiences Significant Issues
Belize – Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL), advises its customers that on Sunday, January 24, the systems which allow its DigiCell customers to check their PrePaid balances and purchase PrePaid services – known as the PrePaid Short Codes – began experiencing service degradation due to issues with both the system’s primary and backup servers… more
Altice to invest USD 138 mln in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic – Altice, which owns telecoms operators Orange and Tricom in the Dominican Republic, has pledged to invest DOP 6.2 billion (USD 138 million) in network upgrades throughout the country in 2016, reports Dominican Today, citing Altice COO Michel Combes… more
$3.1B for ICT; Information Technology Center to be established
Guyana – Finance Minister Winston Jordan has revealed that the government has plans to increase its investments in the Information Technology Sector with over $3B budgeted for works in the sector… more
‘BPO is not lotto scamming’
Jamaica – Sutherland Global Services business process outsourcing (BPO) centre, which recently expanded operations to this south-central town, and local community leaders are taking no chances… more
Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) Earns “Equal Weight” Rating from Barclays
Regional – Barclays restated their equal weight rating on shares of Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (LON:CWC) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Market Beat.com reports. Barclays currently has a GBX 63 ($0.90) target price on the stock… more
Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) Receives “Hold” Rating from HSBC
Regional – HSBC restated their hold rating on shares of Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (LON:CWC) in a research note published on Thursday morning, MarketBeat.Com reports. The brokerage currently has a GBX 81 ($1.15) price objective on the stock… more
Call for Regional Tech Startups to attend Regional Bootcamp and Investment Matching
Regional – World Bank Group in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank and OECS Commission along with local and regional implementing partners have all come together to offer a Pioneering coding “Bootcamp” for Techstartups in the Caribbean… more
New mobile phone company set to get approval in Jamaica
Regional – Cabinet is considering granting a new cellular licence for the provision of mobile telecommunications services in Jamaica… more
ICT training for unemployed youth
Saint Lucia – The Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme will commence FREE training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the south of the island from February 01, 2016… more
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Gov’t hoping to end GTT monopoly this year
Guyana – Government hopes to conclude negotiations with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) to liberalise the telecommunications sector and pass laws in this regard later this year… more
FLOW Changing Rules In Middle Of The Game
Jamaica – Disgusted FLOW customer. I’m compelled to write this my second letter of complaint about FLOW as I simply can’t allow Garfield Sinclair’s disgraceful pronouncements to go unchallenged. I recently watched him on a TVJ programme defending his company’s position regarding FLOW’s so-called ‘packages’… more
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Felix aiming to take passport applications online
Guyana – Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix says he is focused on not only decentralising the process for the issuance of passports but also on moving towards enabling online applications… more
Felix expects digitising of GRO records to be completed this year
Guyana – The flagship project for the Ministry of Citizenship for 2016 is the complete digitizing of records at the General Registrar Office (GRO), according to Minister Winston Felix… more
DBJ provides US$6m to fund new BPO centre
Jamaica – Dr Guna Muppuri, CEO of Bioprist Knowledge Parks, has indicated that construction of a $740-million, 75,000-square-foot business process outsourcing (BPO) centre in Montego Freeport will begin in April this year… more
Image credits: GotCredit (flickr); Wikipedia; Marketing Magazine; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons
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