A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 6 September to Sunday 12 September 2021.
Monday, 6 September 2021
SAND DOLLAR ACCEPTED: ArawakX and SunCash in alliance to integrate Central Bank digital currency payments
Bahamas – ArawakX has announced an alliance with payment service provider SunCash Ltd to integrate Central Bank digital currency (CBDC) for payments… more
ibex opens its fifth BPO campus in Jamaica in five years
Jamaica – ibex, a global leader in business process outsourcing (BPO) and end-to-end customer engagement technology solutions, has announced the opening of its new campus location in Portmore, Jamaica… more
Why you need a UPS
Trinidad and Tobago – Last week, electricity was cut four times, each instance for less than a minute, where I live and work in St James. TTEC later issued a notice about load-shedding… more
Tuesday, 7 September 2021
Face To Face: Man On A Mission To Take The Mystery Out Of Cryptocurrency
Bahamas – IN recent years, cryptocurrencies have proven to be a new, yet strong asset in the world of finance. Certain cryptocurrencies continue to see extraordinary returns. With more stakeholders from different sectors now gaining interest in its potential, cryptocurrency is predicted to maintain its footing in terms of market growth… more
Scotiabank named “Most Innovative in Data”
Bahamas – Scotiabank has been recognized as the “Most Innovative in Data” by The Banker’s Global Innovation in Digital Banking Awards 2021… more
Percival’s New Trading Platform Goes Live In Barbados
Barbados – Percival Software, one of the world’s leading of providers for CSD systems, has completed development of its new trading platform, REVENUE, which has commenced live operation yesterday, 6th September, 2021, at the Barbados Stock Exchange… more
International Literacy Day To Focus On Cultivation Of Literacy
British Virgin Islands – Secretary General of the BVI National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Allison Flax-Archer has said that as the Territory celebrates 2021 International Literacy Day, UNESCO and National Commissions worldwide will be endorsing the right to literacy, the cultivation of literacy and digital skills by everyone for a human-centered recovery from the COVID-19 crisis… more
Digicel customers on the rebound with $1-million winnings
Jamaica – GETTING their lives back on track was exactly what Kingston-based administrator, Devon and Manchester-based businesswoman, Sheryl had in mind when they entered the Digicel ‘Mek Wi Rich Togeddah’ Summer promotion. The two are among the first five winners of the $1-million weekly prize… more
Jamaican-based Tech Company, Jamlite Innovations: helping businesses in the pandemic
Jamaica – In Jamaica, businesses are wrestling with how to assist their staff, implement emergency procedures, and sustain their enterprises in the face of economic uncertainty while the country faces an unparalleled public health catastrophe due to COVID-19. It’s been a learning curve for some, making digital-transformation-driven companies like Jamlite Innovations more in demand… more
The Hive and Flow Foundation provide alternative income stream option for thousands
Jamaica – As Jamaicans seek additional options to earn an income, thousands have registered on the freelancing site, The Hive. The Hive is the Caribbean’s first freelancer jobs marketplace where freelancers, entrepreneurs and agencies are paired with employers globally… more
Online classes resume with little hiccups
Trinidad and Tobago – Online school resumed yesterday with very few hiccups, except for minor internet connectivity issues in some areas… more
Wednesday, 8 September 2021
ArawakX and SunCash Team up to use CBDC Sand Dollar
Bahamas – ArawakX stock exchange announces a historic alliance with SunCash Ltd. a payment service provider to become the world’s first Stock Exchange to integrate Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for payments and to increase distribution… more
VIRTUAL SCHOOLING SIDE-EFFECT: Back-to-school sales a mixed bag for local retailers
Bahamas – The back-to-school shopping period was a “mixed bag” for the local retailer segment, with some retailers benefiting more due to the prominence of virtual learning resulting from COVID-19… more
#BTColumn – Upgrading the connectivity
Barbados – Every resident in the Caribbean requires inexpensive, unlimited communications capacity to supercharge their imaginative and entrepreneurial spirit… more
CyberGuard to help businesses mitigate risk exposure
Barbados – However, being connected to the internet presents many potential dangers such as stolen data and device infected malware… more
HMP Dodds now accepting funds for inmate’s commissary online
Barbados – Relatives and friends of inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Dodds may now place money on the commissary through the online EZpay+ platform to allow inmates to access funds to promptly meet their daily needs… more
GOB Cracking Down on Misinformation
Belize – Among a number of Bills introduced at Friday’s special sitting of the House of Representatives was the Summary Jurisdiction Offenses Act. House members introduced an amendment to the bill that is aimed at preventing the dissemination of misinformation by increasing the severity of the penalties meted out to those guilty of the offense… more
More accolades for Cloud Carib Limited
Caribbean – Caribbean tech firm, Cloud Carib Limited, has been named the top provider of premier managed services in the Caribbean region by the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP [Managed Service Providers] 501 rankings… more
GTT committed to data expiration launch before Sept end
Guyana – Dear Editor, I write in response to a letter published in your newspaper on September 2, 2021 under the caption “GTT’s CEO promise of change did not materialise” by M. Abraham… more
GTT should tell us how to connect with the upgraded Blaze service
Guyana – Dear Editor, Sometime last week GTT announced with great fanfare that their Blaze service has been “upgraded” and that customers would immediately see faster connectivity and better service… more
Battle of the IT budgets
Jamaica – IT’S strategy season for many companies, and IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) face balancing the need to move forward with digital transformation/innovation initiatives against the cost of resources… more
Cable theft robs students of Internet in Padmore district
Jamaica – The theft of copper cable has robbed students in Padmore district, Red Hills, St Andrew, of Internet connectivity, a setback that could see low participation in online classes over the next few weeks… more
Digitalisation and automation for competitive advantage
Jamaica – AS the seemingly endless waves of the COVID-19 virus surges crash against the shores of many businesses, one is left with the options of either panicking and throwing in the towel or learning to surf the waves with agility and true mastery… more
Dr Patrick Anglin to serve as University Data Protection Officer
Jamaica – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Patrick Anglin as the University Data Protection Officer, with effect from August 1, 2021… more
ENDS pushing grocery orders online
Jamaica – A total of 71 supermarket locations have registered for the E-commerce National Delivery Solution (ENDS), which recently launched its upgraded software… more
‘Little improvement in online readiness for the new school year’
Jamaica – OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN on Commerce, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for North West St Catherine, Hugh Graham, has said that very little has been done over the summer holiday to improve the education system’s technological readiness and ability to facilitate the continuation of online teaching and learning… more
Makings of a digital society — respect due
Jamaica – This article will look at the first three components of a digital society: digital etiquette, digital access, and digital law, which fall under the umbrella of ‘Respect’… more
Michael Claire — CLARITY OF PURPOSE
Jamaica – Deeply passionate about making an impact in Jamaica, CEO of Loan Cirrcus, Michael Claire, found himself back home in Jamaica after several years of working and living overseas… more
Neptune Communications launches sat-based services in Jamaica
Jamaica – Neptune Communications, a Barbados-based telecommunications provider, has launched satellite-based broadband operations in Jamaica… more
RJRGleaner group acquires 15 per cent stake in data analytics company
Jamaica – The RJRGLEANER (RG) Communications Group has signed an agreement to acquire a 15 per cent stake in Star Apple Analytics Limited, a local data analytics and artificial intelligence consulting company with regional and global reach… more
Thursday, 9 September 2021
Digicel Business awarded Microsoft Gold Partner status
Caribbean – Digicel Business on Wednesday announced that it has been awarded Gold Partner status in Microsoft’s Partner Network programme and is the first telecommunications provider in the English-speaking Caribbean to achieve this accolade… more
World Literacy Day 2021 focuses on bridging the digital divide
Caribbean – The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted learning and has magnified the pre-existing inequalities in access to meaningful literacy learning opportunities… more
80 drivers caught using mobile phones
Cayman Islands – The RCIPS traffic unit has issued 80 tickets over the last month to drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel as part of a clampdown on distracted driving… more
e-Learning Jamaica Invites Partnerships To Infuse ICTs In Public Sector
Jamaica – e-Learning Jamaica Limited (e-LJAM) is inviting public sector entities to utilise its services to procure and infuse information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance their service delivery and operations… more
Youth at Learning Centre gain tech skills at robotics camp
Jamaica – Two young men from The Learning Centre were among 36 participants from the Caribbean who recently gained a new set of computer skills through the first staging of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp… more
Friday, 10 September 2021
Cryptocurrency can catapult the offshore banking industry, says Bahamian cryptocurrency expert
Bahamas – Embracing cryptocurrency could catapult The Bahamas back into the offshore banking industry spotlight, Joseph Evans Jr. told Guardian Business yesterday, adding that all Bahamians need to understand how things like Bitcoin and Blockchain work… more
CARICOM Caribbean Community : PM Mitchell to launch CARICOM Digital Skills Task Force 15 September
Caribbean – Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell will launch the CARICOM Digital Skills Task Force during a virtual meeting the CARICOM Secretariat will host on Wednesday, 15 September 2021. Dr. Mitchell is the Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology (including ICT) in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet… more
Electronic Communications Regulators spotlight consumer protection and quality of service
Caribbean – THE NEED TO enhance consumer protection rights relating to electronic communications services was the refrain at the 21st Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (ECTEL/NTRC) Consultative Forum on September 3, 2021… more
Bank of Jamaica’s CBDC solution
Jamaica – Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), during the period July 16, 2020 to August 14, 2020, issued an expression of interest (EOI) inviting technology providers to submit proposals to support testing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) solution in BOJ’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox… more
Brian Bennett-Easy appointed MD for Neptune’s Ja operations
Jamaica – Barbados-based Neptune Communications, Inc announced the appointment of Brian Bennett-Easy as managing director for its Jamaica subsidiary… more
Jamaican businessman upbeat about demand for tablets
Jamaica – MONTEGO BAY, St James — Jamaican businessman Loyal Haylet, chief executive officer of IQH3D, is upbeat over the overwhelming demand for the recently launched glasses-free 10.8 inches 3D tablet, Skyy… more
Work-from-home expected to change footprint of some companies
Jamaica – REMOTE working, work-from-home, or WAH (work-at-home) arrangements implemented as part of efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease could lead to reconfigurations of leased commercial space for some time to come… more
IGT wraps up successful coding camp
Trinidad and Tobago – The first staging of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp was successfully concluded on August 19, with 13 youth participants from the International Game Technology (IGT) After School Advantage (ASA) Centers in Trinidad and Tobago, now better equipped with introductory tech skills aimed towards unlocking the doors of possibilities in this digital era… more
Saturday, 11 September 2021
At Last, GTT Rolls Out High-Speed Broadband Service in Guyana
Guyana – Guyana’s telecom major GTT has rolled out high-speed fibre broadband service after investing $2 billion (US$9,581,450) in upgrading the network… more
E’bo to get passport services, hundreds of jobs through E-Networks fibre cable – Pres. Ali
Guyana – Residents living along the Essequibo Coast and at nearby islands will soon benefit from passport services in their region along with the creation of hundreds of jobs to boost the regional economy and improve their lives… more
GTT inks $3M pact to support STEMGuyana
Guyana – The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company has signed a three-year contract with STEMGuyana to the tune of $3 million to support its efforts in creating technology solutions for problems across Guyana… more
Gov’t targeting community groups, businesses as it beefs up JamaicaEye
Jamaica – The Ministry of National Security is targeting neighborhood watch groups, community associations, and businesses across the island as it looks to beef up the number of surveillance cameras available under the JamaicaEye programme… more
School(ing) Lessons
Trinidad and Tobago – I am not a professional teacher. But I enjoy teaching and have been leading a group of pre-teens in an underprivileged area (what Bishop Harvey called “the belly of the whale”) for the last few years… more
Sunday, 12 September 2021
Caribbean needs to tell big tech wild west days are over
Caribbean – Early enthusiasts of the Internet believed that the Internet should be a wild west without any laws or rules. Since those early days, big tech companies like Facebook, Google and YouTube came to dominate the Internet, making hundreds of billions of dollars in revenues every year… more
Locally grown recruitment platform Ikonwork launched for jobseekers
Jamaica – Ikonwork, a professional social networking company, this week launched a new high-technology platform that will facilitate the marketing, promotion and recruitment of local talent… more
Image credits: Jon S (flickr); Wikipedia; Wikipeda; Wikimedia Commons; Wikipedia; Facebook; Guyana Chronicle
