A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 4 December to Sunday 10 December 2023.
Monday, 4 December 2023
#BTColumn – Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap: Barbados’ Path to Digital Safety
Barbados – A few months back, someone asked me about the most probable method to compromise the cybersecurity defences of local entities, particularly in Barbados’ financial sector. After a moment’s thought, I was reminded of the saying, “You’re only as strong as your weakest link… more
Kloth pop-up shop drives entrepreneurs to embrace digital
Barbados – At its core the Kloth Pop-up Shop is a market to help small business owners sell goods and services to thousands of locals and visitors in one convenient location annually, but this year, the organizer went a step further adding an educational component for entrepreneurs… more
‘Record sales’ caused lottery computer crash
Belize – Саll іt а ‘humblеbrаg,’ but thе Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе fоund а ѕіlvеr lіnіng іn thе сlоud саuѕеd bу thе dіѕruрtіоn оf ѕаlеѕ fоr Ѕundау’ѕ Lоttеrу Drаw, thе fіrѕt іn ѕеvеn mоnthѕ… more
‘Caribbean nationals are globally competitive’
Caribbean – Dr Mark Moyou, senior data scientist at American software company NVIDIA Corporation, is recommending to Caribbean nationals that they should carve out their place in the technology sector on the global level, thereby acting as ambassadors for the region… more
Liberty Networks, Gold Data to combine Caribbean fiber cables
Caribbean – Liberty Networks and Gold Data are teaming up to combine part of their submarine cable networks… more
Editorial | Technology in the courts
Jamaica – Chief Justice Bryan Sykes will have gained broad attention with his latest declaration of his intention to make digital/computer technology central to the operation of Jamaica’s courts… more
Jamaica establishes Artificial Intelligence Task Force
Jamaica – Jamaica’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force has been officially established… more
Jamaica signs agreement with IFC to develop national broadband
Jamaica – Minister of Finance, Dr Nigel Clarke has signed a financial advisory services agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, for the development and structuring of the National Broadband Project as a public private partnership (PPP)… more
OUR survey shows utility providers score low on customer service delivery
Jamaica – The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) says its commissioned Mystery Shopping Research initiative for 2023 has found that utility providers scored an average of 54 per cent across all service channels (retail outlets, website chats, social media platforms, mobile app, and call centres) in the delivery of customer service… more
PNP wants gov’t to expedite digitisation of court services
Jamaica – The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for the government to allocate all necessary resources to expedite the digital transformation of court services… more
Tech entrepreneur calls for greater local financial support
Jamaica – Larren Peart, chief executive officer (CEO) at local data analytics firm Bluedot, is urging local financiers to invest in the tech industry. While he noted that more banks are willing to invest in the sector, Peart wants to see more financial support for individuals and enterprises trying to get a foothold in the industry… more
Response by TSTT falls short
Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: The TSTT fiasco, culminating in what appears to be the firing of Lisa Agard, the CEO, prompts reflection on the broader issues at play. While I agree with Agard’s dismissal, viewing her as the low-hanging fruit, it raises concerns about the systemic failures within the organisation… more
Tuesday, 5 December 2023
Cable: No further NFL blackout ‘anticipated’
Bahamas – Cable Bahamas top executive yesterday said it “doesn’t anticipate” a repeat of Sunday afternoon’s National Football League (NFL) blackout that has sparked a regulatory inquiry… more
URCA looks into Cable’s failure on NFL games
Bahamas – THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is looking into Cable Bahamas’ recent failure to broadcast some NFL games, which sparked complaints from National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, among others… more
Hill encourages tech groups to invest in Jamaica
Jamaica – Basking in recent improvements Jamaica has made which make the country attractive to investors, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill has called on the co-founders of TechBeach Retreat (TBR) Jamaica to invest in the country… more
iCreate announces more changes
Jamaica – With the removal of four directors just two weeks ago, creative and media company, iCreate Limited is announcing more organisational changes, which is raising eyebrows in the market place… more
Tyrone Wilson now wields full power at iCreate
Jamaica – In another twist to the ensuing saga at creative media company iCreate, it has been announced that founder and former CEO Tyrone Wilson has been appointed executive chairman… more
Imbert: Govt supports transition to cashless economy
Trinidad and Tobago – Finance Minister Colm Imbert said yesterday that this country’s push to become a cashless society will place a great focus on financial inclusion… more
WiPay working on cashless society, reducing cyberattacks
Trinidad and Tobago – HAVE you ever started ordering at a small food spot or crafts stall, only to realise you were short on cash, and the vendor says “Cash only”?… more
Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Bahamian firms urged to embrace AI benefits
Bahamas – Bahamian companies are being urged by the head of a local technology firm to embrace the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations… more
Tech CEO wants to see more businesses utilize AI
Bahamas – The chief executive officer (CEO) of a local tech company is encouraging businesses to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations, touting the benefits of utilizing the technology for repetitive functions… more
BVI ventures deeper into cryptocurrency
British Virgin Islands – BVI Finance — the entity responsible for marketing the financial services industry — is continuing its quest to showcase the territory as a premier destination for cryptocurrency enterprises… more
Mastercard to up SME focus in 2024
Caribbean – In its own attempt to further economic expansion across industries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Mastercard as a global pioneer in payment innovation and technology is looking to build up the capabilities of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) marked by its increased focus on the sector in the coming year… more
Flow getting ready for more AI roll-out next year
Jamaica – STEPHEN Price has indicated that the telecoms firm Flow will be integrating more of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its systems and processes in the next few months… more
PHOTOS | C&W Business @ Tech Beach Retreat
Jamaica – C&W Business stood as a was a proud sponsor of this year’s Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), the premier gathering for tech enthusiasts, innovators and industry leaders, at the Iberostar Hotel in Montego Bay… more
Debunking crypto misconceptions
Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: In a recent Senate session, Finance Minister Colm Imbert asserted the Government’s reluctance to support cryptocurrency, citing concerns over potential risks outlined in an International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment. While the minister’s apprehension is understandable, it is crucial to address some misconceptions and provide a more nuanced perspective on the matter… more
Thursday, 7 December 2023
Fostering human innovation key to digital transformation
Bahamas – In the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, it is easy to get swept up in the wave of technological advances. However, amid the algorithms and automation, the human element remains an integral factor for success. Building a culture of innovation is not just about implementing the latest technologies, but fostering a mindset that encourages creativity, adaptability and collaboration among the workforce… more
Tech Beach Retreat founders seek to unlock region’s potential
Caribbean – Organisers of the popular Tech Beach Retreat (TBR) are pushing to have the Caribbean become the next frontier for technology innovation, expansion and investments. With its origins in Jamaica, there is a special drive for greater integration around technology… more
DIGICEL HAITI WINS WORLD COMMUNICATION AWARD
Haiti – Digicel took home the award for Best Operator in an Emerging Market for its Digicel Haiti business at the 25th anniversary celebration of the World Communication Awards, which was just held in Amsterdam… more
All Jamaicans to Benefit from NIDS – PM
Jamaica – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the National Identification System (NIDS) is for the benefit of all Jamaicans, noting that stronger laws and penalties are in place for the handling of personal information… more
Customs Chronicles Feature: Doing Business with Jamaica Customs is Now Easier With New Mobile App
Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has introduced its new mobile application, JaCustoms Connect, in an effort to further ensure stakeholders have a more seamless, efficient and easier way of doing business with the Agency… more
First Atlantic Commerce, Mastercard partner to foster financial inclusion across Central America and the Caribbean
Jamaica – Mastercard Inc. and First Atlantic Commerce (FAC), a leading online payment gateway and fraud management solutions provider, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance financial inclusion and safe digital payments across Central America and the Caribbean… more
Innovative 10x launches software to assist SMEs improve operations
Jamaica – Innovative 10x has soft-launched its Activity Management Solution (AMS), a new software that revolutionises operational efficiency for small and medium-sized businesses in Jamaica through digitisation… more
Redirection: A masterclass in podcasting
Jamaica – Dr Terri-Karelle Reid is a walking masterclass on how to build your brand, how to build a thriving global community online and how to include all walks of life to participate in that community… more
Banking on a cashless society
Trinidad and Tobago – THE PRIME Minister’s call last month for a transition to a cashless society has triggered debate. Some have strongly criticised the idea, while others have expressed support for it. Finance Minister Colm Imbert doubled down on Monday, stating the Government was pressing ahead with its policy notwithstanding… more
Friday, 8 December 2023
Tech CEO urges Bahamian businesses to use AI
Bahamas – Bahamian businesses will benefit greatly from embracing the advantages that come with utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations, according to the CEO of a local tech company… more
Flow charging more
Barbados – Some of Flow’s post-paid mobile phone customers now have to pay more for their service… more
Gov’t customer service live chat feature now in place
British Virgin Islands – The government’s Customer Service Care Centre has launched a new live chat feature, making it easier for individuals to receive instant support and access government services… more
Mastercard survey reveals payment preferences in LaTam, Caribbean
Caribbean – Presented at the LAC Innovation Forum 2023, Mastercard’s new research shows that trust in cards remains despite new digital payment methods. Cards continue to be the most widely used digital payment method with 80% of consumers using them, either online or in-store… more
Homestead Primary Gets Smart Room
Jamaica – Students attending the St. Catherine-based Homestead Primary and Infant School now have access to a smartroom, which is equipped with information and communications technology (ICT) devices to enhance learning… more
Useless break-in
Jamaica – THE theft of five laptop computers from the Hope Road, St Andrew, offices of the embattled Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) early Thursday morning will not impact the Financial Investigations Division’s (FID) probe into a more than US$30-million fraud at the financial entity… more
Saturday, 9 December 2023
Kayon Mitchell parts ways with Flow after eight years
Jamaica – Kayon Mitchell, director of communications at Flow Jamaica, bid farewell to the company after an eight-year tenure… more
BlueWaters breach and data dump announced by LockBit3
Trinidad and Tobago – The ransomware group LockBit3 has published data files exfiltrated from BlueWaters on the dark web. The ransomware group set the deadline to publish the data online as December 09, 2023 after uploading the files on December 07… more
Sunday, 10 December 2023
DRT Communications: PR transformation through digital innovation
Jamaica – DRT Communications is creating a buzz in the Jamaican public relations (PR) landscape, blazing a trail of innovation through technology… more
WATCH: Flow unveils Smart Wi-Fi with wall-to-wall home connectivity
Jamaica – Leading communications and entertainment company Flow has unveiled another innovation, Smart Wi-Fi, an upgrade that promises greater control and seamless connectivity, setting new standards for home internet… more
LATAM growing in digital trust, T&T lagging
Trinidad and Tobago – Digital payments are picking up momentum in Latin America and the Caribbean, but comparatively, Trinidad and Tobago is still relatively slow to party… more
Images credit: Andrys Stienstra (Pixabay); Logouk; Bahamas Weekly; Wikipedia; Tech Beach (Facebook); Wikipedia; Wikipedia
