In our first episode for 2025, we are starting a new series in which we showcase Caribbean tech entrepreneurs and startups that are doing incredible things in or for the region. Our first guest is Jarryon Paul, the Founder of Sunshine, a stablecoin exchange based in Trinidad and Tobago. In this conversation, we learn more about Jarryon and his entrepreneurial journey to date, which started when he was 10! Further, we discuss Sunshine, the problem it is trying to solve, and why stablecoins may be more important (and even valuable) than fiat currency. Jarryon also shares his thoughts on some of the regional payment options that are under consideration and being piloted, along with where he hopes to see Sunshine in the not-too-distant future.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

 Over the past several years, Caribbean countries have acknowledged that a significant segment of their population is unbanked and underbanked. In other words, these people did not have access to access to, nor did they feel empowered to use, a wide range of financial services from reputable providers that satisfied their needs. However, the recent rise in digital money platforms and services is facilitating greater financial inclusion among those who had not been traditionally served.

At the same time, there is also an increased focus on financial freedom. The term is often used to define having enough income to live well without relying on paid employment, but it also means not having to worry about financial constraints – particularly those imposed by others.

Some Caribbean countries, such as Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, have established strict currency controls to restrict the buying and selling of foreign currencies. As a result, local consumers, be they businesses or individuals are unable to buy many of the globally traded currencies as or when needed, or in the quantities they desire – regardless of their banking status at traditional financial institutions.

 

Introducing our guest

Jarryon Paul

Jarryon Paul is a Visionary, Entrepreneur and Founder of Sunshine, a stablecoin exchange based in Trinidad and Tobago that is helping Trinbagonians buy and sell stablecoins (USDC, USDT) for local currency, the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar.

In concert with the stablecoin exchange, Sunshine also provides remittance services to Trinbagonians living and working in the United States to send money to family and friends back home. Sunshine is currently establishing operations and testing its services in Turkey, Ethiopia, and Luxembourg, with more countries on the way.

Jarryon has been finding opportunities and building businesses since he was 10 years old, earning him over 18 years of first-hand business experience. His vision of FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR ALL is at the core of Sunshine, his 13th Venture.

 

Insights into our conversation

Unlike most young entrepreneurs and in the relatively brief conversation we had, Jarryon appears to have a different perspective on life and business compared with his peers. This perspective seems to be the result of hard-earned lessons having been in the start-up trenches for nearly 20 years.

Having said this, Jarryon is having experiences with Sunshine that had not happened with his previous 12 ventures. The company is evolving from a scrappy start-up to having about 15 staff members at the time of writing, and a venture that is not only based in Trinidad and Tobago but is also establishing a presence in international markets.

  1. Why did you set up Sunshine and what services does it offer?
  2. What is the problem Sunshine is trying to solve? And who are your customers?
  3. How do stablecoins work? And how are they different from Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies?
  4. Tell us a bit of your story.
  5. How would you describe yourself as a manager, as the leader of your organisation?
  6. What has been the biggest lesson you have had to learn in launching startups and running your own business?
  7. Could (or should) other Caribbean countries or developing countries consider having their own stablecoins?
  8. What are your thoughts on a regional stablecoin, such as CaribCoin?
  9. Where would you like to see Sunshine in the next 3 to 5 years?
  10. What is the best piece of advice you would give to a young tech start-up?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  J Paul;  Ahmad Ardity (Pixabay); jannoon028 (Freepik);  Freepik

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez