A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May 2024.
Monday, 13 May 2024
Bahamian aviation chief’s 3-day FTX jet hand over
Bahamas – A Bahamian aviation entrepreneur and his firm fulfilled their $2m deal with the US Justice Department and FTX’s US chief by handing over the crypto exchange’s second jet within three days of settlement… more
IDB and PAHO collaborate to drive digital health and pandemic preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean
Caribbean – The president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ilan Goldfajn, and the director of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Jarbas Barbosa, signed an agreement to accelerate the digital transformation of health services, strengthen primary healthcare, and enhance pandemic preparedness across Latin America and the Caribbean region… more
Man convicted of raping child he groomed on social media
Cayman Islands – A 24-year-old man who posed as a child on social media to befriend and groom a 13-year-old girl before molesting, assaulting and raping her has been convicted by a Grand Court jury… more
Digital wood tracking system to be implemented soon – EU Ambassador
Guyana – The government in collaboration with the European Union will soon launch a comprehensive digital wood tracking system for greater sustainability and transparency in the timber industry… more
High-risk data controllers to register with Information Commissioner
Jamaica – The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) will proceed with the registration of data controllers in several categories as a matter of priority, beginning June 1, 2024… more
Jamaica makes strategic move towards enhanced productivity
Jamaica – Jamaica is poised for a significant transformation in its approach to productivity and economic growth, as expressed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. The Future of Work and Productivity Summit, scheduled for next month, marks a pivotal moment in this journey… more
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Cable admits Starlink ‘opening new frontier’
Bahamas – Cable Bahamas has accused regulators of “underplaying” the arrival of Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet service as it will “open up a new frontier of competition” by attracting other satellite operators… more
Cable hits back over Internet affordability
Bahamas – Cable Bahamas has hit back by arguing that this nation has “among the lowest and most affordable” entry-level broadband Internet prices in the Caribbean to help make its case for easing regulation… more
Lawmakers urged to introduce cybercrime law oversight
Barbados – Aconcerned citizen on Monday pleaded with lawmakers to place safeguards in the Cybercrime Bill to prevent its abuse through selective prosecution… more
Minister praises bipartisan process for data privacy bill
Barbados – The minister for digital technology has expressed gratitude to citizens for contributing comments on the proposed cybercrime legislation… more
Raising the Bar on Cybersecurity: A Competitive Advantage for Law Practices
Barbados – A friend of mine, an up-and-coming lawyer, lamented how increasingly difficult it was becoming for some lawyers to find work outside of a few well-established local firms in Barbados. She noted that these firms seem to be enjoying a softer legal market… more
FLOW named Official and Exclusive Telecommunications Supporter in the Caribbean for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
Caribbean – C&W Communications has been announced as the Official and Exclusive Telecommunications Supporter in the Caribbean for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024… more
GTT says two employees hurt after damage to Kwakwani tower
Guyana – The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph today said that two of its employees were injured after major structural damage to its communication tower in Kwakwani, Region Ten… more
Growth & Jobs | BizCon to build ecosystem for entrepreneurs to survive
Jamaica – Mohan Beckford, the consummate entrepreneur, has dedicated his life and business to discovering innovative ideas and exploring the digital landscape to bring about transformative changes in micro, small, and medium-sized (MSMEs) businesses… more
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Cybercrime Bill in focus
Barbados – The Government of Barbados recently walked back on the Cybercrime Bill 2024, sending it to a Joint Select Committee after it was passed in the House of Assembly. This development has been welcomed by many as it afforded citizens, locally and abroad, the opportunity to weigh in on the merits and demerits of the Bill before it is passed… more
Design Privacy ‘locks’ in support for DPOs
Jamaica – DESIGN Privacy has introduced the DPO community, a dedicated platform for data protection officers (DPOs) to connect, share knowledge, and advance their skills. This initiative recognises the need for ongoing education and support in the rapidly evolving field of data privacy, particularly for DPOs who have taken on this newly established role in the past year… more
Electronic Health Records System in operation at Spanish Town Hospital
Jamaica – The Electronic Health Records (EHR) System is now operational at the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine, with full implementation set for the end of this month… more
JSE introducing Data Shop
Jamaica – The Jamaica Stock Exchange Limited (JSE) is seeking to move to phase two in commercialising its library of data as it gears up to launch its Data Shop later this quarter… more
SMEs embrace the digital evolution
Jamaica – IN just four years, Jamaican small business owners have witnessed a significant push towards embracing digital growth opportunities. This transformative journey reflects a silent revolution in local business practices, echoing the historical shifts witnessed during the pre-industrial age, the industrial age, the information age, and now the digital age… more
StAHS wins Flow Girls in ICT Day Coding Comp
Jamaica – St Andrew High School for Girls has emerged the winner of the second annual Flow Girls in ICT Day coding challenge… more
StarApple CEO Adrian Dunkley named top entrepreneur in EY programme
Jamaica – StarApple AI CEO Adrian Dunkley was recognised as the top Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Start-Up in the EY Programme for his outstanding contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and dedication to social entrepreneurship… more
Tech adoption surges, but digital entrepreneurship lags
Jamaica – MORE small businesses are adopting technology but not enough are starting digitally according to one technology expert… more
CBCS uses innovative tools for early risk detection.
Sint Maarten – The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been upgrading its risk monitoring systems and technical capacities to stay up to date with global developments. By ensuring a robust risk monitoring mechanism, the CBCS can detect risks faced by our financial system as early as possible… more
Smart classrooms for Tobago schools
Trinidad and Tobago – In an effort to raise the island’s pass rate in Mathematics, the Tobago House of Assembly and several stakeholders are implementing smart classrooms in secondary schools… more
Thursday, 16 May 2024
Bahamians defend local FTX’s former principal
Bahamas – Multiple Bahamians have praised the good character of FTX’s former local head in supporting his plea that he receive a jail term “of no more than 18 months” for violating US law… more
New legislation tabled in Parliament to repeal DARE Act and regulate the digital asset market
Bahamas – Prime Minister Philip Davis on Wednesday tabled in Parliament a Bill that will repeal and replace the DARE Act as well as regulate the issuance and sale of digital assets… more
Specialise in social networks for gamers
Caribbean – Within the huge global gaming market, mobile gaming is king. According to Statista, 1.9 billion of the world’s three billion gamers will be playing on their mobile phones by 2027… more
USF has established 315 community Wi-Fi hotspots across the island
Jamaica – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has, so far, installed some 315 community Wi-Fi hotspots across the island, which are aimed at tackling connectivity disparities… more
Friday, 17 May 2024
FTX Bahamas creditors given claims extension
Bahamas – FTX’s Bahamian liquidators have told creditors that they will likely have an extra 10-12 weeks until at least end-July to submit proof of what the imploded crypto exchange owes them… more
National Crime Intelligence Act to be amended for new technology
Bahamas – ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder revealed at Thursday’s Senate meeting that the government plans to amend the National Crime Intelligence Act to improve the legislative framework related to the intelligence aspect of combatting crime in the country… more
Fujitsu hunts acquisitions
Caribbean – FUJITSU Americas — the parent company of Fujitsu Caribbean (Jamaica) Limited — said it is hunting for acquisitions in key areas that will help it grow its new Uvance solution… more
Bluedot drills down on data, expands Guyana operations
Jamaica – Bluedot Insights, the Jamaica-based market research and data insights company, has made a play for a share of Guyana’s booming oil and gas sector, and has formalised a strategic partnership with Guyanese company ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc to help realise the goal… more
C&W Caribbean revenues up 3 per cent as Jamaican subscriptions grow
Jamaica – The Jamaican market was a significant contributor to C&W Caribbean’s 3 per cent revenue growth for in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024… more
Spectrum management can bridge digital divide in Caribbean, says Vaz
Jamaica – Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz has insisted that the challenges faced by individuals in the region in accessing reliable connectivity can be address through spectrum management… more
PM, Maharashtra governor talk education, ICT
Trinidad and Tobago – THE Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, has held discussions with the governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais in Mumbai, India, on matters pertaining to information communications technology (ICT) and education… more
Saturday, 18 May 2024
Ministry probing injuries to GTT workers after tower collapse
Guyana – The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is currently probing the workplace accident that occurred at Kwakwani, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), on the morning of May 14, 2024 that injured two employees… more
More can be done to drive financial inclusion in the Caribbean -Kathryn Chin See
Jamaica – Fintech expert Kathryn Chin See says although Jamaica and the wider Caribbean have made strides towards financial inclusion, more needs to be done to strengthen it in order to empower citizens and provide them with greater economic opportunities and opportunities through asset acquisition… more
TTPost fighting scammers
Trinidad and Tobago – Approximately 50 customers fell prey to text messages with false information claiming to have been sent by the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) demanding that the recipients pay a sum of money to collect their mail… more
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Government Cracking Down on Cyber Scams
Belize –Due to its accessibility and the option of anonymity, the internet has become the primary place to conduct a get-rich-quick scheme. Over the past few years, many Belizeans have fallen victim to online scams and authorities have grappled with how to counteract them… more
Bluedot inks partnership with Guyana’s ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc.
Jamaica – Jamaica-based market research company Bluedot Insights is teaming up with ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., a prominent player in Guyana’s economic development… more
First-ever Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference in Jamaica a resounding success
Jamaica – Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) underscored its leadership as host of the inaugural Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference in partnership with Forum Global… more
Yaneek Page | Take advantage of these free generative AI courses
As a business columnist, it is necessary to tackle tough issues head-on, even when others would prefer to avoid, downplay, or create diversions from them. It also takes courage to spark difficult conversations, especially when it places you… more
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