A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 16 September to Sunday 22 September 2024.
Monday, 16 September 2024
New Information Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda – After a two-year vacancy, a new Information Commissioner has been recommended, and could soon begin fulfilling his duties… more
OfReg admits Maya-1 Cable had been damaged
Cayman Islands – OfReg has said that an outage on a section of the Maya-1 undersea cable, which provides the Cayman Islands with international internet connections, has been resolved. An offshore repair was carried out in Mexico last week by the cable ship Wave Sentinel and a cable repair team, which restored full traffic service, officials stated… more
Government of Dominica launches e-Services Portal to increase online access and enhance efficiency
Dominica – The Government of Dominica has launched a new e-Services Portal, eservices.gov.dm, which provides online access to over 90 government services. The platform aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of public services, offering a secure, seamless, and user-friendly experience… more
EU Supports Digital Transformation of MSMEs
Jamaica – The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the digital transformation of Jamaica’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)… more
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
«Failure» detected on an international submarine cable, against a backdrop of litigation
Haiti – “Digicel informs that since Saturday, September 14, a fault has been detected on the international submarine cable of our provider ‘Cable and Wireless’, crossing the Kaliko Beach Club Hotel. Our technicians went to the scene immediately but were denied access to carry out assessments and repairs… more
Strengthening Cybersecurity: Lessons from Guyana’s Defence Initiative
Guyana – Technology can’t be overlooked, especially with its rapid advancement, transforming warfare through innovations like combat drones. These advancements introduce new challenges and opportunities in the field of defence.” … more
‘An enriching and fulfilling experience’
Jamaica – ROMELL MESSAM knew since he was five years old that he wanted to become a teacher. He developed a love for technology, and during his high school years, decided that he wanted to get intricately involved in this area of study… more
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
ECTEL’s 99th Board of Directors Meeting Now on in Saint Kitts
Caribbean – The 99th Board of Directors Meeting of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, St. Kitts and Nevis, on 17th and 18th September, 2024… more
Geo-arbitrage: How digital nomads can create their ideal life
Caribbean – IN the evolving landscape of work and lifestyle, geo-arbitrage is emerging as a game-changer for digital nomads seeking more freedom, flexibility, and financial advantage. As remote work becomes more accessible and globalised, many professionals are learning how to leverage geo-arbitrage to create the life they want. This article dives into what geo-arbitrage is, why it’s on the rise, and how it can help digital nomads live their dream lifestyle… more
Proposed cybercrime changes: rich resourcefulness or reason to fear
Guyana – The social media space in Guyana is out of control. It needs policing. The proposed amendments to the Cybercrime law would introduce some much-needed regulation. On the face of it, there is not much to find fault with, even what could be supported, but only when certain conditions are present… more
AI task force submits report
Jamaica – Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon says she has received the report from the artificial intelligence (AI) task force established in July of last year to conduct research into the technology… more
Embrace digital transformation
Jamaica – Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are being urged to embrace digital transformation to remain competitive in the global economy, delivering the keynote address at the Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase, recently at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, minister of industry, investment and commerce, senator Aubyn Hill, underscored the critical role of digital transformation in Jamaica’s future economic success… more
Looking at cyber threat
Jamaica – Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, announced the results of the threat landscape report for the first semester of the year in Jamaica, supported by data obtained by FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s threat intelligence and analysis laboratory… more
Thursday, 19 September 2024
AG urges innovation in financial services to seize opportunities amid UK reforms
Bahamas – Attorney General Rayan Pinder has emphasized the need for The Bahamas to innovate and attract new business in its financial services sector, highlighting that imminent reforms to the UK’s resident non-domiciliary regime will affect many ultra-high-net-worth individuals and create opportunities for tailored solutions… more
Social Media activist Atwell, parents threaten legal action for unconstitutional search of residence
Guyana – Social Media activist, Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell and her mother and grandmother, through a battery of lawyers, have threatened legal action against the Guyana Police for what they say was an unconstitutional search of their residence earlier this week in retaliation for her criticism of the government… more
Friday, 20 September 2024
Software firm Plato Alpha creates new document management software
Bahamas – A Bahamian software developer saw a need for a document management retention and destruction process, and has launched a new document management software product… more
Guyanese musicians file US$1.6 million lawsuit in New York Court against One Communications for copyright violation
Guyana – Guyanese musicians, Jackie “Jackie Jaxx” Hanover and Ivan “D’Ivan” Harry on Friday filed a US$1.6 million lawsuit in a New York court against One Communications for alleged copyright infringement by using their songs at the company’s rebranding from GTT earlier this month without permission… more
Cabinet to Receive Artificial Intelligence Task Force Report
Jamaica – Cabinet is to receive a report from the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force, says Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon… more
Digital Jamaica urges MSMEs to websites to increase sales
Jamaica – Christopher Derrell, head of web development at Adtelligent, is urging entrepreneurs to integrate websites into their sales strategies… more
USF Distributing Tablets under ‘Connect a Child’ Programme
Jamaica – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has commenced the distribution of tablets under its Connect a Child programme for the 2024/25 academic year… more
Saturday, 21 September 2024
“Live Digital Week” to promote digital payment solutions
Bahamas – Six domestic commercial banks, digital wallet providers, credit unions and The Central Bank of The Bahamas will collaborate in an ambitious full-scale customer-oriented program – pooling resources and coordinating events to roll out the red carpet for customers for a week of activities designed to increase client satisfaction, boost confidence in contemporary banking methods and improve understanding of speedy alternatives to in-branch transactions in a digital age… more
Altice launches program to recycle unused cell phones and cables
Dominican Republic – Altice Dominicana began its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Collection program in five of its telephone stores. In these stores, it placed containers for its customers and all citizens to deposit cables and unused mobile devices… more
One Communications probing copyright infringement of Guyanese musicians’ songs; commited to resolving matter
Guyana – One Communications. formerly Guyana Telephone and Telegraph and GTT, on Saturday said it was probing a copyright infringement claim by two Guyanese musicians who have filed a US$1.6 million lawsuit in a New York court… more
Digital literacy essential for navigating misinformation and disinformation, says professor
Jamaica – In an era where information is viewed as a very valuable commodity, Professor Christopher Charles is asserting that digital literacy is essential for individuals to be able to distinguish between what’s false and what’s accurate… more
C&W To Rebuild School Computer Labs In SVI Following Beryl
Sint Vincent and the Grenadines – The Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) announced a US$50,000 grant to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aimed at supporting the restoration of computer labs in primary and secondary schools across Union Island, Canouan Island, and Mayreau Island… more
Sunday, 22 September 2024
The struggling entrepreneur’s guide to cashing in on social commerce
Caribbean – In my previous column, I shared that the emergence of social commerce in the Western world was a new gold rush, potentially blowing billions in opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Caribbean… more
Six visually impaired trainee teachers receive laptops
Guyana – As part of the Ministry of Education’s commitment to inclusivity across the education sector and in support of government’s efforts to empowering persons with disabilities, six visually impaired trainee teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) have been presented with laptops to assist in their academic journey… more
CONTACTLESS CLASH
Jamaica – Misfiring tap-to-pay systems leaving customers with unexpected card charges – Users could be vulnerable, expert warns… more
Images credit: Freepik; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons; Stabroek News
