A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 21 October to Sunday 27 October 2024.
Monday, 21 October 2024
Fintech attracting interest across Caribbean
Caribbean – The Caribbean is witnessing a financial technology (fintech) revolution driven by a diverse array of start-ups, regulatory shifts, and international partnerships… more
Fortinet expert warns organisations must proactively combat AI-powered cyberthreats
Caribbean – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries, it has also become a tool for cybercriminals… more
IICA launches study on rural connectivity in LAC Region
Caribbean – Extending connectivity in rural areas and developing the digital skills of family farmers must be a regional priority, warned public and private sector authorities during the launch of a report on the state of digital technologies in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean… more
The WordPress War
Caribbean – In September, Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of the successful WordPress software ecosystem threw down the gauntlet in a startling battle with WPEngine, a company that uses WordPress as the basis of a managed hosting business that targets customers who want a turnkey experience with significant support… more
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Aliv’s $120m raise beats goal by 33%
Bahamas – Aliv’s “far over-subscribed” $120m preference share issue beat its target by 33 percent and “bodes well” for future capital raises coming to market, an investment banker asserted yesterday… more
Digital transformation in the Caribbean: Breaking the ‘not broken’ mindset
Barbados – Today’s CyberPulse takes a different turn, focusing less on technology and more on the business side. About 20 years ago, I had a conversation with a fellow business owner in digital marketing… more
How has Artificial Intelligence impacted teaching and learning?
Belize – Аѕ аrtіfісіаl іntеllіgеnсе (АІ) соntіnuеѕ tо аdvаnсе, іtѕ іmрасt оn еduсаtіоn іѕ bесоmіng іnсrеаѕіnglу еvіdеnt, rеѕhаріng hоw ѕtudеntѕ lеаrn аnd tеасhеrѕ іnѕtruсt… more
Global Media and Information Literacy Week to focus on impacts of digital innovations including AI
Belize – Тhе Unіtеd Nаtіоnѕ nоtеd thаt thіѕ уеаr’ѕ thеmе іѕ Тhе Nеw Dіgіtаl Frоntіеrѕ оf Іnfоrmаtіоn: “Меdіа аnd Іnfоrmаtіоn Lіtеrасу fоr Рublіс Іntеrеѕt Іnfоrmаtіоn”… more
AI in education takes centre stage at 4th CXC® Ministerial Summit in Trinidad & Tobago
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) will convene its 4th Ministerial Summit with Ministers of Education from around the region, at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in the twin-island Republic this Wednesday, 23 October beginning at 9:00 AM AST, with the proceedings being live-streamed via CXC® TV at www.cxc.org/cxctv… more
Needs Assessment for Artificial Intelligence, Digital transformation and Open Data for Small Island Developing States
Caribbean – UNESCO survey reveals significant disparities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data readiness among Small Island Developing States. While some nations are making notable advancements, others are lagging due to limited resources and tailored support… more
TOTALTEC unveils revolutionary e-learning platform
Guyana – TOTALTEC Inc, a fully Guyanese-owned company, has unveiled an innovative multi-sector e-learning platform that will provide access to internationally recognised training programs to empower locals with sought-after skills in key industries… more
GK Financial partners with Microsoft’s Project Blue Mountain to explore AI in business
Jamaica – GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) recently brought together local business leaders, technology experts, and innovators to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of business at a CEO Roundtable Breakfast, at its downtown Kingston headquarters… more
T&T’s e-money growth encouraging but measured
Trinidad and Tobago – CENTRAL Bank governor Dr Alvin Hilaire has described the development of an e-money landscape in this country as “encouraging but measured”… more
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Heritage apologises to CCT
British Virgin Islands – Following Caribbean Cellular Network’s (CCT) announcement that it is terminating its service exchange agreement with Floyd “Heritage” Burnett and Tola Radio due to a deteriorating relationship, Burnett has issued a public apology to the telecom company… more
3 ways that LinkedIn can help your career
Caribbean – In today’s rapidly evolving job market, professionals must take control of their career development, whether they’re looking to switch jobs or advance in their current roles. One of the most powerful tools for this purpose is LinkedIn… more
Digital Defence: The real conspiracy is our own ignorance
Caribbean – The government that can’t pay income tax refunds on time is somehow involved in a massive conspiracy to control citizens with an identification card. A vaccine to save lives in the middle of the worst pandemic in a century is really a deadly poison – a convicted fraudster told us so… more
IICA report calls for expansion of connectivity in rural areas, development of digital skills
Caribbean – Extending connectivity in rural areas and developing the digital skills of family farmers must be a regional priority, warned public and private sector authorities during the launch of a report on the state of digital technologies in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean… more
Police issue warning over internet blackmail scam
Cayman Islands – Cyber cops on Tuesday warned people to beware of an internet blackmail scam… more
itel unveils AI-powered BPO platform
Jamaica – BUSINESS process outsourcing (BPO) industry workers will soon be required to learn technology as the new requisite for the job as more developments into artificial intelligence (AI) come on stream… more
Thursday, 24 October 2024
AI Readiness Assessment Methodology Validation Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda Sets precedent for expanding Equitable and Ethical AI Development in the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda – Across sectors ranging from legislation to healthcare, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into daily life. However, as its usage continues to expand, risks are also emerging. It is imperative to develop policies that foster the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies across all sectors… more
Barbados a digital education pioneer with Google first – Minister
Barbados – Barbados is the first Caribbean nation to implement Google Workspace Plus for Education as part of a sweeping technological transformation of its school system, Education Minister Kay McConney said on Wednesday… more
Mary Flowers Shot for Social Media Posts?
Belize – Police continue to investigate the shooting of Mary Flowers. Flowers was shot on Santa Barbara Street in the Lake Independence area of Belize City on Tuesday night. Flowers was coming out of the residence of her former partner when shots rang out and she realised she was shot in the neck. Today Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said she was apparently targeted for Facebook posts… more
Pres. Ali urges responsible integration of AI into Caribbean education
Belize – While embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technological innovations into the education system across the Caribbean region, President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that such a move should be done responsibly and ethically while ensuring learners remain critical thinkers capable of navigating a future full of complexity and change… more
Artificial intelligence to transform Caribbean education, says CXC boss
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is set to undergo a radical transformation through artificial intelligence, marking “the beginning of the end of CXC as we know it”, the regional exam board’s chief executive announced Wednesday… more
Sir Hilary calls for ‘sophisticated’ controls on AI in schools
Caribbean – Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Chairman Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has urged the creation of a “highly sophisticated policy framework” to govern the use of artificial intelligence in regional classrooms, warning that unmanaged AI adoption risks perpetuating historical biases… more
Cayman hosts international cyber security conference
Cayman Islands – Global cyber security experts are set to converge in the Cayman Islands next week for the third annual Security BSides Cayman Islands conference, which will take a closer look at growing technology threats and how to handle them… more
Cyber scammers email bogus blackmail threats
Cayman Islands – An email scam currently circulating in Cayman threatening to disclose personal information of the targeted victims unless they pay the scammer money is not a credible threat, police say, as they once again encourage people to be more cyber-aware… more
‘Digital first’ the way forward for RG Group, says chairman
Jamaica – Chairman of the RJRGLEANER Communications (RG) Group Joseph M. Matalon is pointing to a “digital first’ way of doing business as the media conglomerate seeks to grapple with increased competition and two years of real losses totalling nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars… more
All 911 phone lines “fully operational”
Saint Kitts and Nevis – “All 911 phone lines are now fully operational”, the word from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF)… more
Can Trinidad and Tobago become a cashless society?
Trinidad and Tobago – As more countries adopt digital payment systems, places like Norway, China and Thailand have significantly reduced cash transactions, reaping the benefits of a more efficient and secure economy. TT can follow this path, aiming to lower cash usage to under 20 per cent, but we have a long way to go… more
COVID forced digital switch for services sector
Trinidad and Tobago – The services sector appears to be untapped as data from the Central Bank showed that in 2023, services exports increased by 30 per cent when compared with 2022, according to the acting CEO of the T&T Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) Daren Lee Sing, as he spoke about the organisation’s journey as it marked 18th anniversary on October 11, as the national umbrella organisation for the sector… more
Steep jump in cyber attacks in T&T
Trinidad and Tobago – Cyber threat activities in this country have climbed from 35 incidents in 2021 to 52 in 2023, an increase of 48.5 per cent… more
Friday, 25 October 2024
Picturing history, with AI’s help
British Virgin Islands – On Monday, the government unveiled “official portraits” of the 10 national heroes named during last year’s Heroes and Foreparents Day… more
501 Transit App Launched for E-bus Riders
Belize – It’s been three months since electric buses, the green alternative to public transportation, hit the streets of Belize City. Now, the 501 Transit app, a complimentary service to the e-buses, is here. The app allows users to track buses in real time, allowing easier city transit. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the launch to learn how the app functions… more
Amber Ambition
Jamaica – THE Amber Group is betting on plans to transform the nation’s transportation and security landscape for its next phase of growth… more
MP Ottley Urges the Minister of TEATT to Urgently Address the Concerns Over Online ED Card System Amid Numerous Complaints; Calls for Reassessment as Busy Tourist Season Begins.
Sint Maarten – Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has expressed serious concerns over the recently launched online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card system, which has faced numerous complaints on social media, particularly Facebook, regarding its cumbersome and inefficient process… more
Saturday, 26 October 2024
Cyber illiteracy a threat, warns minister
Barbados – Poor understanding of digital safety among Barbadians is undermining efforts to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, the Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology has warned… more
Sunday, 27 October 2024
DIGICEL SHORTLISTED FOR WORLD COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS
Caribbean – Digicel has once again made the shortlist at the World Communications Awards – this time in the Social Contribution category for the Digicel Jamaica Foundation’s work to assist the blind community… more
Managing your digital estate
Jamaica – Most people have accumulated a pile of data – selfies, emails, videos and more – on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die? … more
Gov’t launches hinterland radio broadcast training series
Guyana – The Guyana Media and Communication Academy has launched a series of engagement and training sessions to improve radio broadcasting skills in hinterland and remote communities, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated on Friday… more
US-based BPO partners with gov’t on job fair in Linden
Guyana – As part of its efforts to create jobs and reduce unemployment throughout the country with the support of the private sector, the Government of Guyana partnered with a business process outsourcing (BPO) company to host a job fair in Region Ten… more
Enhancing security and efficiency in healthcare with biometric technology
Jamaica – Biometric technology uses unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns for identification and security purposes… more
The future of Montego Bay’s BPO industry
Jamaica – Business process outsourcing (BPO) has emerged as a vital sector in Jamaica, alongside tourism, providing significant employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of the national economy… more
Image credits: Mars Hill Church (flickr); Aliv; Wikimedia Commons; CXC; Wikimedia; Amber Group (Facebook); Wikipedia
