A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 5 February to Sunday 11 February 2018.
Monday, 5 February 2018
Outfoxing Cable
Bahamas – EDITOR, The Tribune. GREETINGS to my fellow Bahamians. Just wanted to say how much shock I was in, after working all day in the sun and coming home to relax and read my Tribune only to find out that Cable Bahamas is getting rid of Fox News… more
Cyber threat
Barbados – A national cybersecurity strategy needs to be urgently developed… more
Cryptocurrency And Distributed Ledger Technology – Hedgeweek Cayman Report 2018
Cayman Islands – The stratospheric rise in the value of cryptocurrencies throughout 2017, coupled with significant price volatility, caught the attention of the world at large… more
Grenada authorities clamp down on drivers using mobile devices
Grenada – The Grenada police Monday said it would enforce regulations that would allow for drivers to pay fines of up to EC$5,000 (US$1,850) if they are caught using a mobile device while driving… more
Digicel calls on everyone to unite for a safer Internet
Jamaica – Senior leaders at Digicel will go back to the classroom in schools across the region to spread the word to students about staying safe online, as part of the growing global celebration of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. This year’s theme is, “Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you.” … more
FLOW awards staff
Jamaica – Avadawn Hunter (centre), director, strategic performance management at FLOW, proudly displays her plaque during the Retail WOW Awards for Excellence at the Courtleigh Hotel on January 27… more
Regulation Of Content In The Digital Space
Jamaica – When Cordel Green, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission, speaks at the inaugural Caribbean advertising and marketing law seminar on Thursday, March 1 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, he will update his audience on the current digital economy and emerging issues for future regulation of content and broadcasting across networks, platforms and devices… more
Gov’t slammed over non-action on TSTT
Trinidad and Tobago – Government has been accused of attacking the working class and sitting idly by while corporations continue to oppress workers… more
Judge rules: Facebook users will pay $$ for their defamatory posts
Trinidad and Tobago – A woman who published defamation claims about a family on Facebook, will have to compensate her victims… more
Must Read: The Facebook libel judgement
Trinidad and Tobago – “People will pay for their post” Justice Frank Seepersad said in his judgement on Monday as he ruled in favour of a family that filed a defamation lawsuit against their neighbour for scandalous claims she made against them on Facebook… more
Trinidad & Tobago Draft Five Year ICT Plan Says Minister of Public Utilities
Trinidad and Tobago – “…We in Trinidad and Tobago are currently drafting a five-year National ICT Plan:” stated the Minister of Public Utilities, Hon. Robert Le Hunte at the opening ceremony of CANTO’s 34th AGM & Mini Expo… more
Warning for Facebook users*
Trinidad and Tobago – THE precedent has now been set… more
Tuesday, 6 February 2018
BTC to expand reach, offering new products and services
Bahamas – BTC continues to expand its reach and accessibility to products and services. This year, the company will continue its efforts to roll out broadband and its advanced IP television product, FLOW TV, nationwide… more
Cable Bahamas Says Fox News Watched By Less Than One Percent Of Its Viewers
Bahamas – LESS than one percent of Cable Bahamas’ monthly viewership came from people watching Fox News, and among news-watchers, only five percent watched the conservative channel, Cable Bahamas’ vice president of marketing and media, David Burrows said yesterday… more
Number portability coming – Stuart
Barbados – Barbadians should be able to switch telephone service providers without losing their phone numbers from December, according to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart… more
E-passports among PICA’s planned technological improvements
Jamaica – Jamaicans will soon be using electronic passports… more
LIME TV service outage – set top box scan required
Saint Lucia – Please note that due to a service outage last weekend, a number of LIME TV customers (silver set top box) have either had their channels mixed up, lost channels, or lost sound on some channels… more
Wednesday, 7 February 2018
FLOW OBSERVES SAFER INTERNET DAY
Barbados – Taking personal responsibility for online privacy and security is the essential element in stemming the tide of cybercrime… more
INFORMATION SECURITY A PRIORITY
Barbados – Local businesses have been taking information security very seriously and leading telecommunications provider, Flow, has been working closing with them… more
Probe tapped phones!
Barbados – Amid claims of illegal wire-tapping of Barbadians during the administration of former Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin, Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler has called for a full investigation to find out who gave the command for such action…. more
Crypto-currency and ICOs in the British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands – Initial currency offerings (ICOs) of crypto-currencies, tokens and other block chain based assets raised over US$ 3.5 billion in 2017. Leading offshore financial centres such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have sought to become a major part of this new capital raising phenomenon and there is increasing interest in the use of BVI companies as ICO issuer vehicles… more
Digital wallet initiative seeks to reform identity management
Cayman Islands – Despite Cayman’s reputation for fast-and-easy banking, residents of the islands know the headache that can come with opening a personal bank account… more
eVestment launches digital assets hedge fund database
Cayman Islands – Institutional investment data and analytics provider eVestment has launched a digital assets segment on its hedge fund database… more
Digicel commences construction work in Kalinago Territory
Dominica – Construction has commenced on primary schools and homes in the Kalinago Territory after the community was severely affected by the passage of Hurricane Maria last September… more
Claro to invest US$1bn in Dominican operations
Dominican Republic – Telecom operator Claro will invest over 56.9bn pesos (US$1.16bn) in the Dominican Republic through 2022 to expand and improve its wireless … more
Mocha/Arcadia gets ICT hub
Guyana – The Ministry of Public Telecommunications on Friday launched its 98th Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub at Mocha/Arcadia on the East Bank Demerara… more
BOJ advises public against Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies
Jamaica – Welcome to the innovative, mysterious and in some cases, profitable world of cryptocurrencies, of which Bitcoin is the most popular… more.
Digicel rolls out new bundled offers
Jamaica – In another big move in its “Destination Data” drive to be the “go-to place” for all things data, Digicel says it will today debut a new range of affordable Voice and Data bundles catering to its customers’ growing daily demand for “nuff data” and “more talk”… more
FLOW Foundation promotes safer Internet use
Jamaica – MORE than 300 high schools participated in the local observations of Safer Internet, led by the FLOW Foundation, yesterday under the international theme, ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect — A safer Internet starts with you’… more
New social justice Facebook page launched in SVG
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – On Saturday 28th January 2018, a new social justice Facebook page “Say Enough is Enough,” focused on women’s issues was launched by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union 2nd Vice President, Javelle Frank… more
TSTT takes Trinidad & Tobago into the digital transformation age
Trinidad and Tobago – In a bold move to keep up with the global technological evolution, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) under the guidance and leadership of CEO Dr. Ronald Walcott recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with iGOVTT to market and implement E-Tender as a service to ministries, divisions and agencies, thus taking local tendering processes to a new pinnacle of world-class efficiency… more
Thursday, 8 February 2018
The Future of Bahamas Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Bahamas Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Bahamas – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Number Portability for Barbadians by Year End
Barbados – Barbadians should finally be able to switch telephone service providers without losing their phone numbers from December, if a timeline announced by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is met… more
The Future of Belize Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Belize Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Belize – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
The Future of British Virgin Islands Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of British Virgin Islands Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
British Virgin Islands – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
The Future of Cayman Islands Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Cayman Islands Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Cayman Islands – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Dominica Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Cites Ham Radio’s Role After Maria:
Dominica – A post-hurricane disaster needs assessment published this past fall by the Government of Dominica points up the significance of Amateur Radio’s role in the relief and recovery effort on the tiny Caribbean island nation in the wake of Hurricane Maria last September… more
Claro announces USD 1.2 bln Dominican investment drive
Dominican Republic – Claro (America Movil) has announced plans to invest over USD 1.16 billion in the Dominican Republic from 2018 to 2022, reports local daily Listin Diario, citing the operator’s president Oscar Pena… more
The Future of Dominican Republic Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Dominican Republic Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Dominican Republic – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
The Future of Grenada Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Grenada Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Grenada – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
The Future of Haiti Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Haiti Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Haiti – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Phoenix Tower Acquires 215 Tower Sites From Digicel
Jamaica – Phoenix Tower International (PTI), via its subsidiary Phoenix Tower FWI, has closed its transaction to acquire the ownership or management rights to 215 wireless communication tower sites from Digicel Antilles… more
The Future of Jamaica Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Jamaica Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Jamaica – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
The Future of St. Kitts and Nevis Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of St. Kitts and Nevis Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Saint Kitts and Nevis – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Data Points
Saint Lucia – THE recent carnage on our roads, including the five fatalities since the start of the year, is a grim reminder of the effects of our actions and on the need to improve driving habits, especially since the youth are disproportionately represented in these statistics… more
The Future of St. Lucia Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of St. Lucia Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Saint Lucia – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Friday, 9 February 2018
The Future of Anguilla Telecommunications Market to 2025 – Analysis and Outlook of Anguilla Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Anguilla – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Aliv’s $15m Offering Could ‘Double’ Goal
Bahamas – ALIV’s advisers yesterday expressed confidence that its latest $15 million capital raising, which launches Monday, could raise double the target despite lower-than-forecast revenue margins… more
Aliv Chief ‘Confident’ BTC Sharing Woes ‘Now Behind Us’
Bahamas – ALIV’s top executive yesterday said he was “confident” obstacles to sharing infrastructure with its main rival had been overcome, with the mobile upstart poised to “conquer” its targets… more
Guyana – Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Digital Media – Statistics and Analyses
Guyana – The new report by the Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries… more
Alleged bank account scammers return to court on Friday
Jamaica – Five of six persons who were arrested and charged with breaches of the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transaction) (Special Provisions) or Lottery Scam Act and Larceny Act, by detectives assigned to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), are to reappear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday… more
Cable and Wireless extends deadline on cash offer
Jamaica – CWC Cala Limited, owners of Cable & Wireless Jamaica (CWJ), has advised that its cash offer for the purchase of 3,027,138,546 ordinary stock units in Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited has been extended to Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 4:30 pm… more
Caricel sells LTE network to South African firm
Jamaica – JAMAICAN LTE broadband network Caricel has announced the acquisition of its majority shares by a South African company, Involution Limited, under a sale agreement negotiated last October… more
Digicel ‘Data Doctors’ back on call
Jamaica – Telecoms giant Digicel yesterday announced that it is reintroducing its crack team of ‘Data Doctors’ to help mobile customers get the most out of their data… more
Digicel kicks off ‘Destination Data’ at Mandela Park
Jamaica – Digicel Jamaica introduced Destination Data to Jamaicans with a huge promotional show that drew hundreds to Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree on Wednesday for an afternoon filled with fun activities, giveaways and entertainment… more
Digicel launches prepay voice, data bundles in Jamaica
Jamaica – Digicel has introduced Voice and Data bundles in Jamaica. Digicel prepay customers can now get 100 megabytes of 4G/LTE data plus 100 on-net minutes for JMD 100, valid for 2 days… more
Digicel’s new boss says he is listening and making changes
Jamaica – Local telecommunications giant Digicel says that it is making a direct response to what its customers are clamouring for… more
FLOW To Hike Rates March 1 – Appeal Over Termination Charges Ongoing
Jamaica – Cable & Wireless Jamaica, which trades as FLOW, has told customers to expect monthly rate increases in 35 of its residential fixed line and broadband services, effective March 1… more
Millions swiped from bank accounts
Jamaica – Six persons are scheduled to face the courts today to answer fraud charges. The persons were arrested last week following investigations by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) into the theft of money from several bank accounts… more
One Less Headache For Holness As Caricel Is Sold
Jamaica – The owners of Caricel, Jamaica have sold their controlling interest to a South African entity, Involution Limited, ending a long running nightmare for the Andrew Holness administration… more
UWI Lecturer Working On Ja’s First Operational Satellite
Jamaica – A satellite that will be able to send back weather maps and live updates of weather patterns of the Caribbean is being developed at the University of the West Indies for launch into space… more
UWI students going to China on software engineering programme
Jamaica – Twenty-five University of the West Indies (UWI) students at the Mona campus in Jamaica are scheduled to travel to Suzhou, China, later this year to complete the third and fourth year of a joint BSc software engineering programme… more
SportsMax partners with Digicel to cover Winter Olympics
Regional – In another move to bring customers closer to the things they love most, Digicel has partnered with SportsMax, the Official Broadcast Partners of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games, to provide exciting sports coverage to over 13 million customers… more
Submerged cable to link DomRep to Jamaica, other islands
Regional – A two year project to lay a submerged cable of over 10,000 kilometers, connecting the Dominican Republic to several countries in the region, was unveiled on Wednesday… more
bmobile powers D’ Junction app
Trinidad and Tobago – For a third straight year, whether playing in a band or trying to link up on the road, finding your team this Carnival Monday and Tuesday is just a few taps away thanks to the Carnival mobile app D’ Junction… more
Social media is publishing, Seepersad rules
Trinidad and Tobago – WHEN JUSTICE Frank Seepersad delivered his ruling on case CV 2016-02974, he did so in the clear understanding that this was a document that would guide the next generation of local libel cases, which will increasingly come from the electronic aether, not from traditional media channels… more
Saturday, 10 February 2018
Antigua and Barbuda advised to fully utilise crypto currencies’ technology
Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda has been advised to move past simply “embracing” crypto currencies to fully taking on board the technology that enables the existence of the virtual currencies such as Bitcoin… more
Significant safeguards for NIDS
Jamaica – Head of Data Management for eGov Jamaica, Walt Brown, says significant safeguards will be instituted to secure information obtained for the National Identification System (NIDS)… more
A Step in the Right Direction: Island-wide Internet Access
Saint Lucia – internet is essential to our daily life and business. This is recognised on a local and global level. For those of us who see a cute cat pic find its way across our Facebook, or the latest viral video pop up on YouTube, it may seem like the internet’s enduring value to business is opaque… more
Illegal Radio operator fined $50,000
Trinidad and Tobago – AN amateur radio operator who operated radio-transmitting equipment without a licence in 2007 has been slapped with a $50,000 fine by two appellate court judges… more
Sunday, 11 February 2018
Digicel embraces data and OTT services for new promotion
Jamaica – After about a year with little public marketing, Digicel has started a new campaign, with data taking the lead over talk time… more
UHWI to be fully digitised soon
Jamaica – The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is now close to completing the implementation of its Hospital Information Management System (HIMS), which will digitise the hospital’s operations… more
SZV asking employers to declare and pay premiums online no cash as per march 1st 2018.
Sint Maarten – Social & Health Insurances SZV has introduced several online services in 2017, including the Employer Portal where companies can submit their ZV/OV declarations digitally… more
TelEm Group Pond Island building open to public Monday.
Sint Maarten – CEO praises workers who kept services going during emergency… more
UTT can’t find $2M to renew library database
Trinidad and Tobago – As the already troubled financial situation at the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT) deepens, the university is now unable to get $2 million to renew its library databases and e-journals… more
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