A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 25 November to Sunday 1 December 2024.
Monday, 25 November 2024
Digital learning platform aims to revolutionise tracking students’ performance
Antigua and Barbuda – The One Lern platform, developed by FortunaPIX, offers educators powerful tools to track student progress and identify areas needing attention in real-time… more
FTX to begin distributing payments to creditors and customers in early 2025
Bahamas – FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, has announced plans to begin distributing payments to creditors and customers in early 2025, following the approval of its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, which is expected to take effect by January… more
Expansion of CCTV network earmarked for 2025
Cayman Islands – Cayman’s 400-camera-strong CCTV network will be expanding next year to fill gaps in strategic locations as part of planned upgrades by the Department of Public Safety Communications… more
Guyanese soon to benefit from open government data
Guyana – Ordinary Guyanese, including people involved in various types of businesses, will soon be able to access high-quality government data that would assist them to make decisions or create new tools for planning and development following Monday’s parliamentary approval of the Open Data Bill… more
Why Biometrics cannot work in Guyana in 2025?
Guyana – Dear Editor, It baffles me that less than twelve (12) months before a General Elections, the PNC and their associated fringe parties have now found the voice to call for biometric technology… more
Jamaica Enters New Era of Digital Transformation with Roll Out of National ID Card
Jamaica – Phased roll out of the National Identification System (NIDS) is underway, marking a new era in Jamaica’s digital transformation… more
JAMPRO forum highlights digital transformation as key to unlocking Jamaica’s economic potential
Jamaica – Jamaica Promotions Corporation recently hosted its Local Direct Investment Forum, under the theme: ‘Jamaica Business Gateway: Unlocking Economic Potential Through Digital Transformation.’ … more
Symptai urges Jamaican businesses to act now on data privacy ahead of the December 1 deadline
Jamaica – With the December 1 registration deadline for Jamaica’s Data Protection Act (DPA) fast approaching, Symptai Consulting Limited emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to prioritize compliance… more
Flow launches Christmas promotion with $ in prizes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Flow, a leading communications and entertainment provider has launched its 2024 Christmas promotion, dubbed “Christmasing with Flow”… more
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
BTC upgrades Ragged Island mobile network to 100% LTE
Bahamas – BTC has announced that it has successfully upgraded the mobile network on Ragged Island to 100% LTE services, including Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for improved call quality. This recent upgrade marks a complete transition from older 2G and 3G technologies, providing residents with faster data speeds and clearer voice calls… more
NDMA cybersecurity team placed 18th in recent Hackathon
Guyana – The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) yesterday said that its cybersecurity team comprising Justino DaSilva, Shameer Jalim, Maryam Bacchus, Latoya Etkins, and Irshad Nasir achieved a prestigious top 20 finish, placing 18th at the CyberQ: Security in the Quantum Era Hackathon… more
Jamaican tech firm Optimity Group to develop solutions for Dubai’s tourism industry
Jamaica – Local technology solutions provider Optimity Group has announced a franchise agreement partnership with a London-based company Nebula GCC to develop cutting-edge e-wallet solutions tailored to the Middle Eastern Market… more
Public warned to know cybercrimes law or face the penalties when breached
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Vincentians are being warned that they can find themselves on the wrong side of the Cybercrime law by committing certain acts which many deem ‘normal’ such as searching their partner’s phone, as well as sharing sexual images of children… more
Imbert: No critical NIB information compromised in cyber attack
Trinidad and Tobago – FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert says the National Insurance Board (NIB) did not suffer any loss of critical information as a result of a cyber attack last December… more
NCRHA promises AI-centred healthcare revolution
Trinidad and Tobago – HEALTHCARE in Trinidad and Tobago is said to be on the brink of transformation as generative artificial intelligence’s (AI) influence on practically every industry continues to grow… more
Ransomware attacks becoming more sophisticated, dangerous
Trinidad and Tobago – Every 14 seconds, a company faces a ransomware attack in North America. This according to chief executive officer of Canada-based cybersecurity solutions company VARS Corporation, Guillaume Caron… more
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
BRIBERY PROBE
Caribbean – Digicel Group Holdings is currently cooperating with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on possible violations of the USA’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)… more
How search AI is changing marketing
Caribbean – IN the ever-evolving digital landscape, search AI is changing the way we interact with information online. From how we find answers to how businesses position themselves, search AI is redefining what it means to “Google” something in the 21st century. It’s no longer just about keywords and links; it’s about delivering relevance, personalisation, and efficiency… more
Regional leaders To Attend Caribbean Summit in Miami from December 9
Caribbean – Regional leaders are assembling at the Connected Caribbean Summit 2024 (CCS 2024) in Miami from December 9 to 12, to deliberate on practical strategies to accelerate Caribbean advance from the “status quo to true transformation”… more
Grenada parliament to introduce the use of AI in 2025
Grenada – Grenada’s Parliament will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools next year and legislators will be encouraged to make full use of the technology, Speaker Leo Cato said Tuesday… more
Going digital: Immigration, Customs to introduce electronic forms starting at International Airport
Guyana – Aiming to enhance government efficiency, two of Belize’s most important and public-facing departments are starting to go digital… more
The gov’t must revisit the Open Data Act and commit to strengthening it through collaboration with stakeholders
Guyana – Dear Editor, The Parliamentary Opposition is clear – we understand and support the imperative of open data. An Open Data Act should not only mandate the release of public data but also establish a robust framework for accountability, innovation, and citizen engagement… more
Companies urged to step up data privacy compliance as registration deadline approaches
Jamaica – With the December 1st registration deadline for data controllers to get complaint under the Jamaica Data Protection Act (DPA) fast approaching, businesses are being urged to step up their data privacy efforts… more
Female tech leaders for centre stage at Tech Beach Retreat
Jamaica – An exceptional lineup of female technology leaders are poised to take centre stage at Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), this December in Montego Bay, Jamaica… more
The evolution of cybersecurity in banking
Jamaica – CHANGES in the banking sector associated with new digital initiatives have ushered in an unprecedented number of cybersecurity risks… more
TTSEC warns public over Telegram scam
Trinidad and Tobago – The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) is warning people about a new scam on the Telegram instant messaging service in which con artists are asking for an “investment” of money to get back much more in a short space of time… more
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Flow Antigua and Barbuda gets new Country Manager
Antigua and Barbuda – C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Hull as Country Manager of its operations in Antigua and Barbuda, a release said… more
Commission’s $221.6m set to rank behind FTX victims
Bahamas – The Securities Commission’s top executive yesterday confirmed it is in talks for its $221.55m claim to rank behind FTX’s clients and other victims in the creditor payout queue… more
Legal threats to $30m in FTX property sales
Bahamas – Legal threats have slowed the sale of around $30m worth of Bahamian real estate that was acquired by the collapsed FTX crypto exchange’s property affiliate, it has been revealed… more
Almost 7,000 business names registered since Business Registry went fully online
Belize – Belize’s Online Business Registry System (OBRS) is celebrating its second anniversary today, marking two years of streamlined business services… more
Belize implements Electronic Immigration and customs forms at Philip Goldson International Airport
Belize – Cabinet’s discussions on November 26, 2024 included the implementation of electronic immigration and customs departure and arrival forms… more
Belize Introduces New Digital Embarkation/Disembarkation E-Form for Travelers
Belize – Тhе Веlіzе Тоurіѕm Воаrd іѕ dеlіghtеd tо ѕhаrе thаt thе Dераrtmеnt оf Воrdеr Маnаgеmеnt аnd Іmmіgrаtіоn Ѕеrvісеѕ аnd thе Сuѕtоmѕ аnd Ехсіѕе Dераrtmеnt, іn соllаbоrаtіоn wіth thе Міnіѕtrу оf Рublіс Utіlіtіеѕ, Еnеrgу, Lоgіѕtісѕ, аnd Е-Gоvеrnаnсе hаvе lаunсhеd а nеw Оnlіnе Іmmіgrаtіоn аnd Сuѕtоmѕ Dесlаrаtіоn Ѕуѕtеm… more
Invest in digital literacy for students with disabilities
Jamaica – THE EDITOR, Madam: The response from the government was swift and, for the first time in a long while, hopeful. The Ministry of Education stepped in to cover her tuition and promised support for her transition to high school… more
Experts discuss AI versus humans in Trinidad and Tobago healthcare
Trinidad and Tobago – “Are humans more empathetic than robots?” Dr Ronnie Sebro posed this question at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare conference at Hilton Trinidad, Port of Spain on November 26, causing an equally comical and uncomfortable stir among the health experts in the room unprepared for the answer… more
Finance experts: More education needed on e-money
Trinidad and Tobago – E-money, going cashless and digital currency have all become buzzwords over the past few years, with both the public and private sectors making significant strides to enable Trinidad and Tobago to benefit from the evolving e-money ecosystem… more
How businesses are using data to evolve
Trinidad and Tobago – DECISION-MAKING is key for any business: how the leadership of the business governs its management, how managers strategise and how the team performs overall depends on the decisions made… more
RBL customers face new phishing scam
Trinidad and Tobago – Scammers are now replicating Republic Bank Ltd’s (RBL) RepublicOnline platform to phish people’s personal information and take control of their accounts… more
Friday, 29 November 2024
G.O.B. Considers Online Classes for Students in Flooded Areas
Belize – The Ministry of Education is still figuring out how to best support students in the areas hardest hit by the floods… more
Kemal Brown | 7 Strategies to Increase Sales Via Digital Channels This Holiday Season
Caribbean – The holiday season is a critical period for businesses to connect with their audiences and deliver memorable experiences… more
Eyes on the Future – VM taps digital, innovation for growth in new era
Jamaica – The VM Group has come a long way since its founding in 1878, even as it maintains its purpose of facilitating savings and investments to transform lives… more
Tech start-ups urged to seek international funding
Jamaica – TECHNOLOGY start-ups are being encouraged to focus on raising capital from international investors instead of relying solely on local sources… more
Saturday, 30 November 2024
FIFA Foundation partners with Ministry of Education to reach 10,000 students in 3 years with Digital Education Programme
Belize – Тhе Fооtbаll Fеdеrаtіоn оf Веlіzе (FFВ) сеlеbrаtеd а ѕіgnіfісаnt mіlеѕtоnе wіth thе оffісіаl hаndіng оvеr оf еquірmеnt fоr thе FІFА Fоundаtіоn Dіgіtаl Еduсаtіоn Рrоgrаmmе, whісh аіmѕ tо rеасh 10,000 ѕtudеntѕ оvеr thе nехt thrее уеаrѕ… more
Ministry of Education’s Doodle Learn to engage over 6,000 students in Belize
Belize – Оn Nоvеmbеr 29, 2024, thе Міnіѕtrу оf Еduсаtіоn, Сulturе, Ѕсіеnсе аnd Тесhnоlоgу, іn раrtnеrѕhір wіth thе Іntеrnаtіоnаl Dеvеlорmеnt Ваnk (ІDВ) lаunсhеd аn іnіtіаtіvе tо ѕuрроrt ѕсhооlѕ bу рrоvіdіng brаnd-nеw Сhrоmеbооkѕ fоr ѕtudеntѕ tо раrtісіраtе іn thе Dооdlе Lеаrnіng Рrоgrаmmе, ѕtаrtіng wіth Аll Ѕаіntѕ’ Аnglісаn Ѕсhооl… more
Why all the digital talk?
Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: On November 27 I went to the Arima office to have my driver’s licence renewed… more
Sunday, 1 December 2024
Digital Immigration Promises Faster Travel Through Belize
Belize – Starting today, travellers to Belize will experience a faster, paperless journey through the country’s borders with the launch of a new online immigration and customs declaration system. This digital upgrade aims to streamline the travel process, cutting down on wait times and eliminating the need for paper forms, making it easier than ever to visit Belize… more
SIM saga
Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, Trust all is well with you. I am seeking your assistance to address an issue I am having in trying to get my replacement Flow SIM card chip… more
Fraud squad investigating Police Credit Union scams
Trinidad and Tobago – Fraud Squad detectives are investigating reports of scamming activities involving people posing as representatives of the Police Service Credit Union… more
Images credit: Karolina Grabowska (Pixabay); Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons; VM Group (Facebook); Wikipedia
