A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 14 October to Sunday 20 October 2024.
Monday, 14 October 2024
Telecom market battle heats up
Barbados – Cable and Wireless (Barbados) Limited (C&W) and Digicel have been battling it out for market supremacy since Government liberalised the telecommunications market about 20 years ago… more
Project to install 100,000 prepaid smart electricity meters
Haiti – Efforts to improve Haiti’s fragile power grid are moving forward with a $15 million project aimed at reducing commercial and technical losses by the Electricité d’Haïti (EDH) company… more
New customers can now open a Scotiabank account online
Jamaica – Scotiabank has announced that starting October 1, 2024, prospective clients in the Caribbean wishing to open an account can now do so entirely online… more
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
Anguilla benefits from AI boom with .ai domain surge
Anguilla – The artificial intelligence boom has benefited chatbot makers, computer scientists and Nvidia investors. It’s also providing an unusual windfall for Anguilla, a tiny island in the Caribbean… more
From outrage to action: Strengthening cybersecurity in Barbados
Barbados – Barbados often experiences a national outrage phenomenon that unfolds in predictable stages. It starts with disbelief, swiftly followed by collective outrage and an intense search for someone to blame. However, within nine to 12 days, the fervour dissipates, leaving the issue largely unresolved—a fleeting storm of public concern often termed a “12-day wonder”… more
Local group to challenge Cybercrime Bill before OAS human rights commission
Barbados – A delegation of Barbadian citizens, calling themselves the ‘Loyal Opposition’, has been granted a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to challenge the government’s proposed Cybercrime Bill 2024… more
PSVs to go cashless soon
Barbados – Public service vehicles (PSVs) and taxis will soon adopt a cashless payment system, set to be introduced in the coming weeks, the project’s technical coordinator Dwayne Roach said Monday. more
Bridging the Grey Digital Divide in Belize
Belize – The digital gap, often called the grey digital divide, is a real challenge for older folks trying to navigate the digital world. Studies show this divide can lead to isolation, limited access to services, online vulnerabilities, and fewer learning opportunities… more
Four CARICOM States Pilot Digital TVET Delivery Initiative
Caribbean – Four CARICOM Member States are participating in the pilot phase of the Digitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Delivery Project. This crucial effort is poised to transform how the people of the Caribbean Community access instructional programmes or courses that focus on the skills required for a specific job function or trade… more
Jamaica’s Cutting-Edge Land Management Innovations Showcased to Visiting Delegation
Jamaica – The National Land Agency (NLA) recently hosted members of a St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation that visited to explore Jamaica’s advancements in digital transformation, particularly in the areas of land titling and geospatial technology… more
Online shopping tax generates $369.4m for Govt
Trinidad and Tobago – AFTER introducing a 7 per cent tax on online purchases in 2016, the Government has earned $369,356,286 in the eight years since its implementation… more
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
‘Last resort’: URCA licensees ‘flouting’ annual fee payment
Bahamas – Communications providers have been reassured by regulators that revoking their licence for non-payment of fees “is a penalty of last resort” given that “many have flouted the obligation” to pay what is due… more
MobileAssist® unveils web extensions for enhanced online payment solutions
Bahamas – A local fintech solutions company has launched new web extensions that enable customers to access services directly through their web browser, providing a more convenient payment experience… more
URCA acknowledges concerns over timing of ECS licenses consultation
Bahamas – Cable Bahamas and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd, the country’s two major communications providers, expressed concerns over the timing of URCA’s consultation on modifications and variations to Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) licenses, with BTC contending that it had been “left until the last hour,” having been issued just weeks before its license expiry, which left insufficient time for review and feedback… more
URCA finalizes 2024 ECS license review
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) officially released its final determination on the Modifications and Variations to the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) Individual Licences, Class Licences, and Exemptions following an extensive public consultation process… more
Penn bemoans outsourced financial services jobs
British Virgin Islands – Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has expressed concern over the shifting of traditional financial services roles to outsourced labour… more
Itelbpo embraces AI, launches ‘itelligence’
Jamaica – Artificial Intelligence is transforming the local business process outsourcing (BPO) sector as is evidenced by the unveiling of ‘itelligence’ by itelbpo… more
Thursday, 17 October 2024
Payments provider unveils three web-based platforms
Bahamas – A Bahamian financial technology provider says it has launched three new web extensions to give consumers greater flexibility in accessing these services directly through their web browser… more
AG: Govt to stand by controversial Cybercrime Bill
Barbados – The government confirmed Wednesday that it will defend its controversial Cybercrime Bill at a hearing before the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in November… more
‘Urgent threat’ to critical infrastructure, warns cybersecurity expert
Barbados – Barbados is facing an urgent need to strengthen its cybersecurity measures to protect critical national infrastructure, following recent data breaches at major institutions, according to cybersecurity expert Dr Curtis Charles… more
AI can transform accounting
Caribbean – Accountants are taking a leading role in shaping artificial intelligence (AI) and data strategies across businesses… more
Be Smart app aims to reduce stigma, challenges faced by vulnerable groups
Caribbean – The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) has introduced the Be Smart status application, an innovative tool that aims to address specific cultural and societal challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the country… more
ECTEL Champions The EC Bill At CTU ICT Week 2024
Caribbean – The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) proudly participated in the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) ICT Week 2024, held under the theme “Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”… more
Opportunities for small businesses to adopt generative AI
Caribbean – The recently held regional colloquium during Small Business Week focused heavily on the digital transformation occurring globally and its impact on business. Particular emphasis was on the emergence of generative AI and its potential to change the way business is done in both the private and public sectors… more
Whatsapp Is Free, But How Much Does It Cost?
Caribbean – The number of WhatsApp users in St. Kitts and Nevis is estimated to be a significant portion of the population, given that smartphone penetration is high and WhatsApp is the dominant messaging platform across the Caribbean… more
NCB launches block/unblock feature for debit cards in mobile app
Jamaica – National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has introduced a new feature in its mobile app that allows customers to instantly block and unblock their debit cards in case of loss, theft, suspicious activity, or to manage their spending… more
Friday, 18 October 2024
The Cybercrime Bill: A necessary shield for Barbados’ digital future
Barbados – The rise of cyber threats has made cybersecurity a global priority. In Barbados, the Cybercrime Bill is a crucial step toward protecting the nation from digital crimes. While some Bajans may express concerns about the Bill’s implications, it is vital to recognise the daily risks the country faces due to resistance to these protections… more
Data Users Conference Seeks to Improve Data Collection
Belize – In observance of Caribbean Statistics Day, the Statistical Institute of Belize (S.I.B.) hosted its Second Annual Data Users Conference in Belize City today. The event featured presentations from various data-driven organisations, highlighting the SIB’s work and how statistics can be utilised to enhance their efforts. While statistics hold great potential, the conference also addressed both the strengths and weaknesses within the system… more
“Volatile relationship!” CCT explains split with Heritage and Tola Radio
British Virgin Islands – Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT) wishes to clarify recent discussions in the public domain concerning the termination of our service exchange agreement with Mr. Floyd “Heritage” Burnett and Tola Radio… more
AI Summit Explores Potential Benefits Of Technology
Caribbean – The present and future opportunities and challenges posed by the evolving advent of artificial intelligence (AI) were explored at the recent AI Summit Saint Lucia hosted as part of activities marking Productivity Awareness Week… more
Businesses urged to strengthen cybersecurity systems
Jamaica – Business leaders are being urged to take decisive actions to strengthen their cybersecurity systems… more
Jamaica Customs mobile app gains 7,300 subscribers in first year; electronic bill of lading coming
Jamaica – Jamaica Customs Agency has collected over $7 billion in duties through its mobile app that now has more than 7,000 registered users a year after its introduction… more
From paper to pixels: A Million Government Documents to Be Digitized Through Trust Fund Activity
Sint Maarten – The Government of Sint Maarten is entering a new digital era, with a transformative activity tasked with converting one million paper documents into digital files by 2026… more
Saturday, 19 October 2024
BDF Cyber Unit leading investigation into Revenue Authority hack
Barbados – Three weeks after a major data breach at the Barbados Revenue Authority led to personal information and vehicle registration documents being offered for sale online, officials say there’s no evidence any of the stolen data was used for fraud or other harmful activities… more
FiX25 to help build out global fintech innovation in the Caribbean
Barbados – The international Fintech Islands Experience (FiX) returns to the Caribbean for its third successive year, focusing on three core pillars as it seeks to fulfil its mission to build out the fintech ecosystem in the region… more
Govt app to compare prices
Barbados – Government is closely monitoring food prices across major supermarket chains and inspectors will check anything that is outside the margin… more
Scotiabank wins Best Mobile Banking App Award again
Caribbean – Scotiabank has been awarded by Global Finance for having the Best Mobile Banking App in Barbados for the second consecutive year… more
Bridging the Digital Divide: Universal Service Fund Powers New Community Wi-Fi Project
Saint Lucia – A new chapter in digital accessibility begins for the Marchand community as the Universal Service Fund (USF) Office of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission – Saint Lucia, launches a much-needed Community Wi-Fi Project… more
Cashless society vs cashless transactions
Trinidad and Tobago – AS WE embrace the digital shift in our economy, it is vital for consumers to understand the difference between cashless transactions and a cashless society. While these terms may seem similar, they represent different concepts… more
Sunday, 20 October 2024
TOTALTEC Inc. launches E-Learning platform to equip Guyanese workforce with ‘in-demand’ skills
Guyana – TOTALTEC Inc., a 100% Guyanese-owned Company, on Friday has announced the launch of an innovative multi-sector e-learning platform, designed to equip the Guyanese workforce with in-demand skills… more
3D printing in healthcare can change lives
Jamaica – Motor vehicle crashes have been a perennial problem for Jamaica and with the influx of small motorbikes over the last few years, it remains a major concern in every way, including for public health… more
Jamaican Digital pioneer Kemal Brown to address Horasis Global Meeting in Brazil
Jamaica – Kemal Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Digita Global Marketing, a thought leader in digital transformation, is set to share his insights on Brazil’s journey toward full digitization at the prestigious Horasis Global Meeting, October 25-26, in Vitória, Brazil… more
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