A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 1 November to Sunday 7 November 2021.
Monday, 1 November 2021
VC Bird International Airport launches revamped website as Independence treat
Antigua and Barbuda – The VC Bird International Airport has launched its revamped and innovatively enhanced website aimed at introducing yet another level of convenience to the travelling public… more
AUTOMATED SOLUTIONS: Bahamian software firm introduces HR and payroll platform
Bahamas – A Bahamian software development company said its new human resources and payroll platform will increase efficiency and provide significant cost savings for businesses through the automation of key functions… more
1000 Scholarships Available for Women in ICT in Caribbean and LATAM
Caribbean – Huawei and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) in Mexico are calling for women across the Caribbean region to apply for the “1000 Talented Women” program, which seeks to promote female digital development and reduce the digital divide and gender gap in the region… more
Huawei launches Spark program for Latin America, Caribbean
Caribbean – Huawei officially launched its Spark program in Latin America and the Caribbean last week, aiming to recruit 139 technology startups within next year… more
OfReg resumes search for board directors
Cayman Islands – The beleaguered utilities regulator, OfReg, appears to be having trouble finding people who are not just capable but also willing to serve on the board as non-executive directors… more
GTT promises to reduce backlog of landline applications in Bartica
Guyana – Following a meeting with the mayor and residents in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) said that over the weekend installed and connected more than 20 schools and residents with landline services… more
Future leader Martin Bartley has big plans for the tech industry
Jamaica – The 2021 NCB Foundation scholarship recipients are all pursuing degrees in digital programmes… more
Jamaica Telecom Market Strategic Analysis, Insights, Forecasts and Opportunities to 2021-2025
Jamaica – This contemporary research presentation and detailed market research synopsis on Jamaica Telecom market is a real time presentation of all the specific market developments that have a lingering impact on current growth trajectory, besides also harping on vital predications in the realm of future growth scope… more
NCB Group enters fintech market
Jamaica – NCB Financial Group (NCBFG) has created a new fintech company, TFOB (2021) Limited, staffed with tech-savvy IT and data analytics professionals, to build out its newest project, the Lynk payment platform that will be a conduit for the bank’s participation in the pilot digital currency or CBDC pilot being undertaken by the Bank of Jamaica… more
Tuesday, 2 November 2021
ARAWAKX PORTFOLIO EXPANDS: Women entrepreneurs seek $1.8M capital raise for food production hub
Bahamas – Two Bahamian women entrepreneurs who have teamed up to provide a food production hub/incubator primarily for culinary professionals and agro-producers are seeking to raise $1.8 million in funding via the ArawakX crowdfunding platform… more
STEADY RISE IN DIGITAL CURRENCY: Central Bank estimates ‘north of $300K’ Sand Dollars in circulation
Bahamas – The Central Bank estimates that in excess of 20,000 individuals are currently utilizing Sand Dollars, with “north of $300,000” of the digital currency currently in circulation… more
Red appoints new digital director
Caribbean – Red Advertising & Marketing has appointed Justin Beausoleil as its digital director. The experienced digital marketing professional will initially be based in Trinidad but will work with Red’s clients across the Caribbean and will continue the Agency’s development as a leader of the digital advertising and marketing revolution… more
St Lucian minister assumes chairmanship of ECTEL’s Council
Caribbean – ST LUCIA’S Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal, Stephenson King, has assumed the chairmanship of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL)… more
Digital Currency Promises New Opportunities For MSMEs
Jamaica – Local entrepreneurs are heralding the opportunities that now exist for Jamaicans due to digital transition. The stance was made at the recently concluded Wealth Summit on Digital Financial Inclusion hosted by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service… more
Wednesday, 3 November 2021
Beware of WhatsApp scam says Digi
Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), doing business as Digi, has informed customers of attempts to scam them using the instant messaging app WhatsApp, owned by Facebook… more
Digicel anticipates renewed investor interest in its bonds
Caribbean – The sale of the Digicel Pacific holdings is expected to alleviate some of the cash pressures faced by the indebted telecom provider, and improve its ratings, an outcome that the telecom provider predicts should make its bonds more attractive to investors… more
Liberty Latin America sales up 34% in Q3 on customer adds, new assets
Caribbean – Liberty Latin America (LLA) reported revenues of USD 1.19 billion in the third quarter, up 34 percent year on year on customer additions and the contribution of newly-acquired assets in Puerto Rico above all… more
Testing, testing, cybersecurity is a must
Caribbean – A formidable cybersecurity testing strategy helps to mitigate potential attacks if a business is to be deliberate about its mitigation practices… more
GTT to reduce backlog of landline applications in Bartica
Guyana – Following a recent meeting with the mayor and residents in Bartica, Region Seven, GTT over the weekend installed and connected over 20 schools and residents with landline services… more
Amber Innovations to help companies fill technical needs with resources-for-hire service
Jamaica – Businesses across Jamaica can now outsource a full technology team to fill technical gaps, and strengthen their core operations with Amber Innovations’ recently launched ‘Hire Resource Services’… more
Conduent considers the end of work-from-home
Jamaica – An employee at Conduent shared with the Jamaica Observer an e-mail circulated from management-level staff which showed that the company wants to reduce the number of those who currently are working from home… more
Digital switchover set to cost broadcasters in 2022
Jamaica – The Broadcasting Commission has issued a request for a technical consultancy to guide the digital switchover (DSO) process, slated to begin in 2022. The switchover will create room for the issue of more licences and new product providers in broadcasting… more
Sales platform developer hopes to plug into post-pandemic online boom
Jamaica – A year ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, then 31-year-old entrepreneur and computer programmer Kareem Jennings diversified his party-promoting and printing business, launching The PLUG online platform designed to drive sales and improve customer experience for businesses… more
‘Skills for the Future’ programme graduates 131 students
Jamaica – More Jamaicans are better prepared to navigate the digital society and find new opportunities online thanks to the Flow Foundation… more
Tech specialist files for injunction against COVID-19 mandate at Digicel
Jamaica – A senior data specialist at telecoms firm Digicel Jamaica has sought an injunction from the Supreme Court to block the implementation of the company’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy… more
Testing, testing, cybersecurity is a must
Jamaica – A formidable cybersecurity testing strategy helps to mitigate potential attacks if a business is to be deliberate about its mitigation practices… more
That woman in tech
Jamaica – The conversation is ripe for the picking, and many feel it’s overdone. And yet some would be surprised to know that the number of women in the technology field is still vastly inferior to that of their male counterparts… more
VM Group targets 90% digitisation by 2023
Jamaica – As part of its transformation, the VM Group is introducing new applications and upgrading digital channels to make it easier for customers to do business… more
Trinidad Launches Exclusive Ministry for Digital Transformation
Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad & Tobago has launched an exclusive ministry for digital transformation, arming it with $280 million (US$41 million) in funding… more
Thursday, 4 November 2021
BTC Revenues Up 7% To $48m
Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) generated a 7 percent year-over-over increase in 2021 third quarter revenues after adding 3,000 Internet and TV subscribers in the period… more
BTL Working Along with BEL on Rural Projects
Belize – Access to electricity paves the way for access to devices like cell phones and radios, critical items in times of emergency as well as information sharing. DIGI representatives are touring these rural communities alongside the Ministry to identify solutions for greater access to communication… more
CANTO pledges support for Huawei’s 1000 scholarships for Caribbean and LatAm women in ICT
Caribbean – CANTO has pledged to support Huawei and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) in Mexico in the below detailed initiative. Huawei and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (SRE) are calling for women across the Caribbean region to apply for the “1000 Talented Women” program, which seeks to promote female digital development and reduce the digital divide and gender gap in the region… more
ADVERTORIAL | Cybersecurity and AI technologies should support work from home model
Jamaica – While a VPN connection will ensure communication between an endpoint and the securely encrypted corporate network, potential risks still exist as persons working from home/remotely may have access to unsecured networks and malicious websites… more
Vaccine tug of war as Digicel faces injunction bid
Jamaica – Chairman of Cari-Med Group, Dr Glen Christian, says his company will not backtrack from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine-or-test policy amid a steady increase in litigation against companies holding a similar line, the latest coming against telecommunications giant Digicel… more
Wi-Fi hotspots for Bethel Town, Darliston and Whitehouse
Jamaica – The communities of Bethel Town, Darliston and Whitehouse in the Westmoreland Eastern constituency are to benefit from the installation of Wi-Fi hotspots… more
Electricity, Water, and fibre now at Mullet Bay Beach
Sint Maarten – The Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Egbert J. Doran announced on Thursday that a project is currently underway which will further enhance the overall experience at Mullet Bay Beach for residents and tourists who visit one of the island’s most popular beaches… more
Friday, 5 November 2021
Digital platform foreshadowed for farmers, fishermen
Bahamas – Relief is on the way for farmers and fishermen in the Family Islands who have traditionally had to travel to New Providence to apply for permits… more
GTT to interview persons for range of vacancies at career fair on Friday
Guyana – Close to thirty persons are expected to be hired within the telecommunications sector when GTT hosts its first career fair on Friday, November 5, 2021, at its 55 Brickdam Retail location (Blackberry Store)… more
VM Innovations to explore new fintech products
Jamaica – VM Innovations, the fintech arm of the VM Group, said it is positioning to take advantage of some new financial products in the market including the much-touted central bank digital currency (CBDC)… more
FLOW Apologises For Service Interruption
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Flow St. Vincent has confirmed that it has been recently experiencing technical issues on its voice and broadband services… more
IML establishes new Digital Services Division
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Interactive Media Limited (IML) announced today, the establishment of its new Digital Services Division which will help businesses in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and around the region transform themselves so as to more effectively participate in the digital economy… more
NTRC Icode784 Finals Set
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The stage is set for the finals of the 2021 National Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (NTRC) icode784 competition. The finals will be held on November 24 following the conclusion of judging in the preliminary phase of November 3… more
Robust Telecom Regulations Coming
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Subscribers of telecommuni-cations services are being asked to remain patient until early 2022, when legislation is expected to be brought to Parliament… more
Digicel CEO talks leadership at UWI event
Trinidad and Tobago – Throughout the pandemic, Digicel employees stayed motivated by maintaining focus on their purpose and mission to keep customers connected to the people and experiences they needed… more
Saturday, 6 November 2021
Technology and youth the way forward for economic development
Barbados – The Caribbean has the potential to become a leading global technological and creative hub, by utilising its key resource, the youth… more
Liberty Latin America Ltd (LILA) Q3 2021 Earnings Call Transcript
Caribbean – Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by… more
Flow goes to work in ‘the Neighbourhood’
Trinidad and Tobago – Leading telecommunications and entertainment services provider, Flow set out to work the “neighbourhood” in a campaign to improve customer service… more
Sunday, 7 November 2021
ECTEL Introduces EC Bill in Quest to Develop Digital Economy
Caribbean – Member states of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) plan on taking a bolder approach to regulate a more robust and efficient ‘digital economy’ in the face of the Covid-19 crisis… more
Fitch and Moody’s caution Digicel on pending credit rating
Caribbean – Having announced that they will be upgrading their credit rating of Digicel, international credit ratings agencies, Fitch and Moody’s have hinted that the revised rating might not be so favourable as expected… more
The Cybercrime Act and offences
Guyana – Cybercrime is the use of a computer to carry out illegal acts. Cybercrimes are usually done with the use of the internet and the different instruments that it has available, and most people are not aware of this Act and the penalties that are attached to offences that fall under this Act… more
Issues with Flow, pensions
Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, I have a problem with Flow in respect of billing discrepancies on my account. The problem is that FLOW has been charging me for items I have already paid for and which have been duplicated on their billing invoice… more
JTDA launches Caribbean tech alliance fund
Jamaica – The Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA) has partnered with RealDecoy, a global digital commerce company, to develop a crowdfunding platform for local and Caribbean tech projects and fund-raisers… more
Uber partners with Visa Jamaica to offer discounted leases
Jamaica – Uber has partnered with Visa to offer discounted leases to its users to encourage more in-app card use. This initiative aims to reward Uber users that are Visa cardholders. The Uber app has been available in Jamaica since June… more
Image credits: rawpixel.com (Pexels); Wikimedia Commons; ECTEL: Wikimedia Commons; The Eleutheran; Facebook; Wikimedia Commons
