A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 11 November to Sunday 17 November 2024.
Monday, 11 November 2024
Data Management Authority, UNDP conduct digital readiness assessment
Guyana – The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), through its facilitating agency, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA),in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Guyana, launched the national Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) that will inform decision-makers on policy design and guide the mapping of Guyana’s digital transformation path, a joint OPM/UNDP release has announced… more
Guyana election agency fears biometric voter verification system cost
Guyana – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is showing signs of reluctance to adopt the much-solicited biometric voter verification technology after a feasibility study highlighted several potential challenges such a move will face, including the high cost of implementation… more
Amber Connect offers latest tech for owners to protect their cars
Jamaica – With the recent spike in motor vehicle thefts — over $600 million worth of cars reportedly stolen in St Andrew North alone since January — Amber Connect is launching an initiative to help Jamaican drivers seamlessly upgrade from outdated 2G trackers to advanced 4G, AI-powered solutions… more
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
RCIPS warns about text and social media scams
Cayman Islands – Police said two specific scams are currently targeting people in the Cayman Islands… more
Where is the app and where is the cash grant?
Guyana – Dear Editor, I loved the cash grant. Psst: didn’t collect, so the past tense (loved) has to do with the announcement made with a clatter of chariots, fanfare of bugles, and then… more
Vandals warned to leave CCTV cameras alone
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The department responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras erected across the island has expressed concern about vandalism of the technology… more
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Over 100 CCTV cameras to be installed across Tortola
British Virgin Islands – The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced plans to have over 100 CCTV cameras operational across Tortola by the end of 2024 to enhance security… more
GTT gets 25% waiver from M&CC on outstanding rates
Guyana – The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has granted a 25% waiver on outstanding rates owed by the former Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), now rebranded as ONE Communications… more
Blockchain-based “Verified & True” platform set to boost transparency in Jamaica’s agriculture
Jamaica – The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority says it has taken the necessary steps to position Jamaica’s agricultural commodities within the realm of cutting-edge technology… more
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Bahamas must “catch up” to global cybersecurity standards, says expert
Bahamas – The Bahamas must “catch up” to global cybersecurity practices, according to a cybersecurity expert, who noted that many Bahamian businesses have been reactive rather than proactive in addressing cyber threats… more
BISX eyeing smaller exchange and crowdfunding service
Bahamas – The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is preparing to launch a junior stock market called the SAM (small alternative market), to accommodate businesses too small to list on the main exchange, along with crowdfunding for even smaller businesses to raise capital, BISX CEO Keith Davies explained yesterday… more
Central Bank eyes faster payments
Bahamas – The Central Bank of The Bahamas revealed yesterday at BICA’s Accountants Week it is in the process of implementing a new initiative referred to as the Fast Payments System which Deputy Governor Derek Rolle said will come into action in the next few years… more
Container port CEO highlights “painful” cyber attack as call for stronger cybersecurity culture
Bahamas – The Nassau Container Port’s top executive acknowledged yesterday that the port underwent a “painful exercise” in dealing with a cybersecurity attack in April, noting that while the losses were minimal, it underscored the need for a culture of cybersecurity awareness… more
Failed cyber attack on Central Bank’s website sparks heightened threat awareness
Bahamas – An IT executive at the Central Bank said that a recent unsuccessful attack on the regulator’s website had heightened awareness of a potentially greater ‘imminent threat’ and spurred enhanced defensive measures… more
Getting into the global gig economy
Caribbean – In today’s fast-changing world, the gig economy has become a powerful force, reshaping how we work and earn… more
Tech Beach Retreat secures Google, Massy Group sponsorships for 2024 conference in Jamaica
Jamaica – Organisers of Tech Beach Retreat have signed global tech giant Google and regional conglomerate Massy Group as lead sponsors for its conference in Jamaica scheduled for December 4-6 in Montego Bay… more
Friday, 15 November 2024
USF ramps up efforts to bridge Jamaica’s digital divide
Jamaica – Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Service Fund, Andrew McRae, says his organisation remains steadfast in bridging Jamaica’s digital divide and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens… more
Saturday, 16 November 2024
Tapping into biometrics: Mastercard reimagines online payments without passwords
Caribbean – Mastercard has announced its vision to transform online shopping by 2030 creating a future where physical card numbers are no longer needed to make purchases and where passwords or one-time codes are obsolete… more
Sunday, 17 November 2024
High cost of internet service: the main “barrier” to disconnection in the country’s homes
Dominican Republic – Although internet usehas increased in recent years, in some provinces of the Dominican Republic, households still have very limited access to this service, according to a report published by the National Statistics Office (ONE) on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)… more
Biometrics are not permitted by the constitution or any other law
Guyana – The three members of the Elections Commission representing the Opposition recently issued a joint letter calling for the implementation of biometrics by way of electronic fingerprint technology, to identify voters at elections… more
300 persons to begin receiving NIDS cards Monday
Jamaica – Three hundred persons who were enrolled in the National Identification System (NIDS) pilot project will begin receiving their cards on Monday, November 18… more
Scotiabank hosts digital payments expo, partners with MasterCard to strengthen business relations in Montego Bay
Scotiabank – Scotiabank has partnered with MasterCard and other stakeholders to engage tourism sector business operators in Montego Bay… more
Support growing for Caribbean mental health support app
Trinidad and Tobago – UPLIFT, a peer-to-peer mental health app, is now one year old and its creators are looking forward to continuing to provide a safe space for adults across the Caribbean… more
Images credit: Bernard Goldbach (flickr); Wikipedia; Guyana Chronicle; Wikipedia; Wikpedia;
