A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 17 February to Sunday 23 February 2025.

 

Monday, 17 February 2025

Inception of Belize’s First Global Digital Services Investment Policy to Enhance BPO Sector Growth

Belize – The Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Investment launched Belize’s first Global Digital Services Investment Policy and Strategy, with a focus on the Orange Economy project. This initial meeting marked the official launch of the project, which is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)… more

The inevitable upgrade

Caribbean – Into every technology reliant business some rain must fall. Sometimes it’s a downpour; a hardware upgrade and the attendant software challenges come bobbing along in the muddied waters… more

bMobile partners with Neptune for satellite based network resilience

Trinidad and Tobago – bmobile business is set to deliver a strategic partnership with Neptune Communications, a driving force in satellite connectivity solutions, to enhance business continuity, disaster recovery, and ‘Always On’ connectivity across Trinidad and Tobago… more

Digital media company names Bmobile TT’s fastest, best network for 2024

Trinidad and Tobago – Bmobile has been named Trinidad and Tobago’s fastest and best mobile network by Ookla, a company that specialises in connectivity intelligence… more

 

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

RCA’s ‘Education Through Technology’ initiative continues to deliver laptops, vital network infrastructure to schools

Antigua and Barbuda – The Education Through Technology initiative has launched its 18th annual installation, bringing 1,500 laptops and networking infrastructure to schools across Antigua and Barbuda, as local and international Rotary clubs continue their push to bridge the digital divide in the nation’s education system… more

Commission to gain $10m for protecting FTX assets

Bahamas –  The Supreme Court has approved a $10m payment to the Securities Commission to compensate for safeguarding assets belonging to FTX victims in the wake of the crypto exchange’s November 2022 collapse… more

Uber drivers in the Dominican Republic demand regulation and transparency

Dominican Republic – Uber drivers in the Dominican Republic are calling for government intervention due to alleged irregularities on the platform. Their main concerns include unjustified account closures, payment issues, and system failures that impact their earnings… more

Biometrics is not the panacea for elections

Guyana – Dear Editor,  M. Shabeer Zafar, Barrister Solicitor Notary, wrote in the Kaieteur News (Feb 14, 2025) that “Biometrics is (the) modern way for GECOM to do business,” and indeed, Globally, biometrics is trending and gathering impetus. However, many are missing some important points regarding this ‘Biometrics’ thing in Guyana… more

PM calls in One Communications to account for service disruption

Guyana – Prime Minister Mark Phillips summoned top officials of One Communications Guyana, formerly Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), to discuss the recent service disruption that affected some mobile customers, government said… more

Gov’t to Develop Digital Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System

Jamaica – The Government will be pursuing the development of an electronic Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System, as part of the ongoing public-sector transformation thrust, during fiscal year 2025/26… more

GTRCMC to Revolutionise Tourism Industry with AI-Driven Initiatives

Jamaica – The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) is set to revolutionise the tourism industry with a series of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven initiatives… more

Another BPO sets up in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago – Advensus, a Dominican Republic contact centre and business process outsourcing (BPO) services company, yesterday announced the launch of its US$6 million delivery facility in Longdenville, Chaguanas… more

 

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Govt testing new electronic medical records system in partnership with PAHO, WHO and IDB

Bahamas – A GOVERNMENT pilot programme testing a new electronic medical records system has entered its third week at Adelaide and Gambier Clinics, as officials evaluate its impact on patient care and administrative efficiency… more

New initiative brings free Wi-Fi to 150 buses and taxis in New Providence

Bahamas – A NEW partnership between BTC and AD-Fi, a subsidiary of AD+ECH Global, will introduce free Wi-Fi on 150 public buses and taxis in New Providence, according to a press release announcing the initiative… more

Public transport Wi-Fi link-up billed as cutting data costs 90%

Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday unveiled a partnership to provide free wireless Internet service on 150 buses and taxis and slash their ‘unlimited data’ costs by 90 percent… more

The Digital Adoption Divide

Barbados – Not enough micro, small and medium enterprises are using technology and digital solutions in their operations… more

How to build your digital presence in 2025

Caribbean –The way people discover businesses has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when customers relied solely on TV ads, word-of-mouth, or walking into a store to make a purchase. Today, the majority of discovery happens online… more

2nd Digital Soil Mapping Training held

Grenada – Regional technicians and stakeholders have been trained to utilise tools needed to help them understand and model Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) sequestration, a critical tool in addressing land degradation… more

Pres. Ali says AI will propel Guyana’s future development

Guyana ­– President Irfaan Ali assured that the use of Artificial Intelligence ( AI), will be the key driver in ensuring Guyana keeps up with global advancements and improving further development… more

Reliable telecoms. infrastructure key to citizen’s welfare – PM Phillips tells One Communications

Guyana – Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Monday reminded One Communications that “reliable telecommunications infrastructure is fundamental to the welfare of citizens”… more

Mastercard partners with MoBay to boost digital transformation

Jamaica – STERCARD Inc has partnered with St James Municipal Corporation to drive digital growth in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s tourism hub, the companies said on Tuesday… more

Cyber Security Training Program launches in SKN

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Cyber Security Training Program was officially launched on February 18th, 2025.  The program which was led by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew will equip locals with the skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy… more

bmobile Named Trinidad and Tobago’s Fastest and Best Mobile Network by Ookla

Trinidad and Tobago – bmobile has been officially named Trinidad and Tobago’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network by Ookla® for Q3 and Q4 2024… more

Digicel to cut jobs in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as one of seven countries where the Digicel Group has confirmed that jobs will be made redundant as part of a decentralisation plan aimed at remaining “relevant and competitive”… more

TSTT Partners with Credit Union League to Drive Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion

Trinidad and Tobago – Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has taken a bold step in shaping the future of financial services by partnering with the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago (CCULTT)… more

 

Thursday, 20 February 2025

Cable chief meets with leading US diplomats

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas’ top executive has met with senior US diplomats to explore potential areas of co-operation… more

Belize launches first digital services policy to transform BPO industry

BelizeBelize officially launched its first Global Digital Services Investment Policy and Strategy, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of its Business process outsourcing (BPO) sector… more

The E-Governance and Digitalization Department Partners with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries in Preparation for the new Online Criminal Records Registry

Belize – On February 14th, 2025, the E-Governance & Digitalization Department (EGDD) and the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries proudly collaborated to conduct a training session for officers of the Belize Police Department at the National Police Training Academy in Belmopan… more

ECTEL releases three-part video to commemorate 100th board meeting

Caribbean – The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) is set to convene its historic 100th Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, February 21.  According to a statement by the organization, the meeting will be held virtually on MS Teams from 9 AM and members of the public interested in observing may register on the website… more

Making AI work for finance operations

Caribbean – CFOs have been urged to take care with how they attempt to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in their finance operations as research reveals that most of last year’s projects to introduce the technology did not make it over the line… more

Digicel to undergo staff cuts across seven markets in restructuring exercise

Caribbean – Regional telecoms giant Digicel is cutting its staff complement across seven markets including its home base in Jamaica in a restructuring exercise aimed at improving efficiency to remain “relevant and competitive” in its markets… more

Why your digital presence matters more than ever

Caribbean – The way people discover businesses has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when customers relied solely on TV ads, word-of-mouth, or walking into a store to make a purchase. Today, the majority of discovery happens online… more

First artificial intelligence bill presented in Congress

Dominican Republic – Congressman Tobías Crespo of the Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) party has introduced a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) systems and their applications in the Dominican Republic… more

Human factor cited as ‘missing link’ in cybersecurity

Jamaica – Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented rate, with attacks becoming more sophisticated and widespread. While businesses and individuals invest heavily in cutting-edge security technologies, one critical vulnerability remains — the human factor… more

St Kitts and Nevis launches Cyber Nations Program 2025 to train and certify 100 in cybersecurity

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Government has officially launched the Cyber Nations Program 2025 with an aim to empower, train and certify around 100 individuals in the field of cybersecurity… more

Digicel embarks on redundancy drive in Trinidad

Trinidad and Tobago – The mood at Digicel T&T is tense as the Digicel Group confirmed that jobs will be made redundant as part of a decentralisation plan to remain relevant… more

Experts make the case for AI in energy industry

Trinidad and Tobago – It is in your phones, the video games you play, your search engines, and everywhere else in the digital world, in one way or another… more

‘T&T suffering from Carnival data poverty’

Trinidad and Tobago – Weak data capture and ad-hoc event-focused management are among two of the main barriers preventing T&T from properly monetising its Carnival product… more

TSTT voice services affected by ‘technical issue’

Trinidad and Tobago – The Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) says that its Networks and IT team is actively working to resolve a technical issue currently affecting voice services… more

 

Friday, 21 February 2025

Minister: Small businesses more cyber crime vulnerable

Bahamas – A Cabinet minister yesterday described cyber security is both a “key pillar of economic stability and growth” and critical to The Bahamas’ national security… more

Why a global tech fund for the poorest countries is a smart investment

Caribbean – The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development could catalyse coordinated action to close the financing gap and set the stage for a STI-driven transformation in the world’s poorest countries… more

‘Your data is power’

Jamaica – AS concerns about data privacy intensify, the conversation is shifting from solely holding data controllers accountable to ensuring data subjects — individuals whose personal data is collected and processed — fully understand their rights… more

Samsung’s AI power play

Jamaica – SAMSUNG Electronics aims to boost smartphone sales in Jamaica by 20 per cent in 2025 through its new Galaxy S25 series, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) integration and security features to consolidate its 65 per cent market share in the country, according to Jon Criscione, sales director for Samsung Miami… more

Saint Lucia Advances Digital Transformation With New Broadband Policy

Saint Lucia –  Access to fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for economic growth, education, and digital transformation. Recognizing this, the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) is leading the charge in developing a Broadband Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia… more

5 roles to be impacted in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago – The Digicel Group says that only five roles based in Trinidad and Tobago will be impacted by the decentralisation plan, which aims to keep the company “relevant and competitive”… more

Newsauce blogger ordered to pay Moonilal for defamatory Facebook post

Trinidad and Tobago – BLOGGER, journalist, university instructor and communications consultant Rhoda Bharath has been ordered to pay Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal for a defamatory post on her social media page in April 2020… more

PBS Technologies announces closure of SurePay operations

Trinidad and Tobago – AFTER 21 years of serving TT with reliable bill payment services, PBS Technologies has announced the discontinuation of its SurePay services in the TT market… more

 

Saturday, 22 February 2025

No report linking outage to cyberattack

Trinidad and Tobago – PUBLIC Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales says he has not received any report indicating that the service disruption experienced by the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) earlier this week was caused by a cyberattack… more

 

Sunday, 23 February 2025

Flow and BARP agree on way forward for e-billing

Barbados – Flow Barbados has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind as the company moves forward with its transition to an electronic billing system, otherwise known as e-billing… more

BOG warns against use of unregulated pre-paid VISA Cards

Guyana – The Bank of Guyana (BOG) has issued a cautionary statement regarding the increasing number of digital pre-paid VISA cards being offered by unregulated businesses… more

Hinds: All technologies deployed to find missing sailor

Trinidad and Tobago – All available technologies have been deployed to help find missing sailor Keiron Simon, according to Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds… more

 

 

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