A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 10 July to Sunday 16 July 2023.
Monday, 10 July 2023
Alleged harassment by police officer ex-boyfriend: Woman reports serious claims of stalking and cyberbullying
Belize – Іn а соnсеrnіng turn оf еvеntѕ, а wоmаn hаѕ rероrtеd thаt hеr nіесе іѕ аllеgеdlу bеіng hаrаѕѕеd аnd bullіеd bу hеr ех-bоуfrіеnd, whо іѕ аlѕо а роlісе оffісеr… more
CTU calls for ‘full and complete elimination’ of roaming charges
Caribbean – Secretary General of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Rodney Taylor, Monday called for “full and complete elimination” of roaming charges in the region… more
For uncharted fintech waters, look no further than the Caribbean
Caribbean – A perspective from Jorge Salum, Senior Director, Business Development for Visa Latin America and the Caribbean… more
Jamaica’s trade logistics in a digitalised world
Jamaica – We are living in a state of global interconnectedness, where digitalisation, fuelled by new and emerging technologies and innovation, is having profound impact on how goods move safely and efficiently across international borders and jurisdictions… more
Official wants protection for potential victims of AI scamming
Jamaica – senior technology official wants safeguards for individuals who are affected, negatively, by the rise in use of AI-generated text, audio, images and videos (deep fakes)… more
TSTT supports first regional FinTech innovation centre
Trinidad and Tobago – In years to come, historians will look back at July 5th 2023 as the historic day when the city of Port-of-Spain became the capital of innovation in the Caribbean. This was the vision of John Outridge, Chief Executive Officer, Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC) during his remarks at the recent launch of TTIFC’s FinTech innovation hub. Dubbed One FinTech Avenue, the centre is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region… more
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
Central Bank announces ‘facelift’ for SandDollar mobile wallet
Bahamas – The Central Bank has revealed that the its original SandDollar mobile wallet is undergoing a “facelift” to create a smoother interface and promote a better user experience, with a public release expected in September… more
Central Bank sending out trained team to improve Sand Dollar uptake
Bahamas – The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBOB) is set to deploy a team of Sand Dollar ambassadors across New Providence and the Family Islands this month, in its continuing effort to increase the adoption and use of the world’s first central bank digital currency (CBDC), a CBOB statement said, adding that there is currently almost $1.1 million worth of Sand Dollars in circulation… more
Digital Connect Centers Open in Santa Martha and Carmelita
Belize – And, finally tonight, the villages of Carmelita and Santa Martha in the Orange Walk district received a technological upgrade funded by the Government of Belize in partnership with Taiwan today. Two separate inauguration ceremonies were held yesterday to highlight the opening of the Digital Connect Centers… more
C&W unveils PPP connectivity program for the Caribbean
Caribbean – Liberty Latin America’s C&W Communications unveiled a regional public-private partnership (PPP) program aimed at increasing broadband connectivity in low-income Caribbean localities… more
Paving a way for seamless cross-border payments
Caribbean – GLOBAL technology company in the payments industry, Mastercard, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the representative body for banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean, with the objective of paving the way for seamless cross-border payments to the region’s unbanked and underbanked… more
ENet launches new 4G/5G services in Guyana powered by Mavenir’s Cloud-Native IMS and Digital BSS
Guyana – Mavenir, the Network Software Provider building the future of networks with cloud-native solutions that run on any cloud, announced today that ENet, Guyana’s leading provider of internet, television and ICT solutions, has gone live with 4G and 5G voice and billing services nationwide, across Guyana… more
Team Infinity Tech Inc wins innovation hackathon
Guyana – The Industry and Innovation Unit’s Innovation Challenge 2023 concluded on Sunday, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and Team Infinity Tech Inc was declared the winner of this year’s hackathon, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) said… more
Jamaica emerges as a potential fintech hub in the Caribbean
Jamaica – A recent report from market intelligence firm CB Insights has highlighted Jamaica’s rapid rise as a fintech hub in the Latin America and Caribbean region… more
Wednesday, 12 July 2023
Digital payment provider ventures into ticket sales
Bahamas – A digital payment provider has launched a ticketing platform where customers will be able to purchase tickets directly from the web with assigned seating… more
SunCash ‘leading the way’ as Sand Dollar heads for facelift
Bahamas – A digital wallet provider is leading the way on the transformation of the interface for the Sand Dollar mobile app and wallet… more
#BTColumn – Critical national infrastructures under cyber attack
Caribbean – During the last 12 months, Critical Infrastructure (CI) or Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) around the world (and just recently, the Port of Nagoya, the largest and busiest port in Japan and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (AGLA), Trinidad and Tobago) have suffered critical cyber-attacks by cyber-criminals, causing operational services issues, data losses and data breaches – all of which affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and services… more
Navigating Crypto Taxing In The Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide
Caribbean – Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the financial landscape, providing individuals with greater financial freedom and opportunities for investment… more
The proper use of influencer marketing for businesses
Caribbean – Influencer marketing is a type of social media marketing that utilises endorsements and product placements from influential individuals and organisations… more
Digital Transformation Minister: ‘International resources’ part of cyber attack probe
Trinidad and Tobago – MINISTER of Digital Transformation Hassel Bacchus has said “international resources” are involved in investigations into a recent cyber attack on the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs… more
Thursday, 13 July 2023
The digital dynasty: Joseon PM speaks about benefits to country
Antigua and Barbuda – Joseon—the cybernation that has appeared out of the blue on the shores of Antigua and Barbuda and whose name has mostly been a mystery to many Antiguans and Barbudans – has received recent media attention as the Prime Minister’s office last week formally announced full recognition of its status… more
BTC brings fiber to McClean’s Town
Bahamas – With the aim to have New Providence and Grand Bahama fully fiberized by the end of 2023, residents of McClean’s Town, the easternmost settlement of Grand Bahama, can now take advantage of BTC’s faster, stronger, more reliable, and unstoppable fiber network… more
C&W Communications launches JUMP Initiative to bridge digital divide in the Caribbean
Caribbean – A plan to deliver all-important internet connections to low-income Caribbean households has been unveiled as part of a private-public partnership between leading telecoms operator C&W Communications and some Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas… more
JMMB builds out digital strategy
Jamaica – During its virtual investor briefing on July 11, the JMMB Group unveiled plans to implement several digital initiatives in line with its smart growth strategic imperative that is expected to enhance client experience and deepen client partnership… more
Think digital jobs, senator urges students in the west
Jamaica – In her first public presentation since being named the country’s digital transformation tsar, Cabinet minister and Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon has urged students, fresh from conquering the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams, to set their sights on jobs their parents would never have dreamed of doing… more
Friday, 14 July 2023
Joseon cybernation will help build up the ‘common Antiguan citizen’
Antigua and Barbuda – Perry Moise, the Vice Minister of State in the cybernation of Joseon, believes Joseon could bring benefits to the nation and people of Antigua and Barbuda… more
Digicel takeover
Barbados – Local employees and customers of telecommunications giant Digicel have been assured there will be no disruption to its business in Barbados following a US$1.7 billion restructuring deal resulting in a takeover of the company… more
B.E.L. Investigates Data Leak Following Cyber Attacks
Belize – The Belize Electricity Limited has been hit by a cyber-attack and their attackers have leaked confidential, transactional company information online… more
Belize Electricity Limited investigates Data Leak related to cyberattacks
Belize – The Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has issued a statement saying that it is investigating a data leak… more
Five regional countries, telecom firm unveil subsidised internet
Caribbean – A plan to deliver internet connections to low-income Caribbean households has been unveiled as part of a private-public partnership between leading telecoms operator C&W Communications and some Caribbean countries… more
Accelerating Digital Growth in Guyana: Affordable Solutions for Local Content Production
Guyana – In the heart of South America, Guyana is experiencing a digital revolution. The country is accelerating its digital growth, focusing on affordable solutions for local content production. This move is not only transforming the digital landscape of the country but also creating a plethora of opportunities for local businesses and individuals alike… more
ENet launches the 90-day challenge
Guyana – ENet, Guyana’s 5G mobile provider known for innovation and customer-centric solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of the ENet 90-Day Challenge; a one-of-a-kind promotion that will unquestionably create more value for its users… more
Saturday, 15 July 2023
Digicel and Reparations Repair: Is the O’Brien Campaign about to swim or sink?
Caribbean – AS a lover of pure, ground coffee, I’d rather do without than use the instant, powdered version… more
Fight against radio interference in aeronautical communications
Haiti – Aware of the difficulties and damage that radio interference can cause to aeronautical communication, Engineer Joses Jean Baptiste of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) received a delegation from the National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) led by the Lieutenant-Colonel Laurent Joseph DUMAS its Director General… more
Cyber woes worsening
Trinidad and Tobago – THE DETECTION of a cyberattack on the network of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs followed by a serious disruption of the judiciary’s digital systems amid fears of a possible attack there point squarely to the need for urgent legislative reform and the implementation of international treaty law to combat this problem… more
Sunday, 16 July 2023
More smart classrooms for primary schools on the horizon
Guyana – Ten more smart classrooms will soon be established in primary schools, President Irfaan Ali announced last week at a press conference held at Office of the President… more
Government to establish ‘AI Taskforce’ -Morris Dixon
Jamaica – With growing concerns surrounding the regulation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in society, government senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon says an AI Task Force is currently in the works which will be mandated to conduct research to aid in the development of a National AI policy… more
‘No more cybertheft compensation’
Jamaica – NCB’s inhouse fraud specialist, Dane Nicholson, wants banks and financial houses to get tough on customers as a teaching moment for those who carelessly fall into the trap of cybercriminals… more
Images credit: Adeolu Eletu (Unsplash); Wikimedia Commons; Logok; Suncash; Marketing Magazine; Wikipedia; Wikipedia;
