A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 3 February to Sunday 9 February 2025.
Monday, 3 February 2025
Cable warns 5G is ‘not viable’ in medium-term
Bahamas – Regulators will press ahead this year with plans to facilitate fifth generation (5G) mobile roll-out despite Cable Bahamas’ warning that the technology is “not commercially viable” in the medium-term… more
URCA to begin implementing 5G regulatory framework in The Bahamas in 2025
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has announced that it will begin implementing the 5G regulatory framework for The Bahamas in the first trimester of 2025… more
URCA to release premium spectrum for 5G this year
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) revealed in its recently released Statement of Results and Next Steps on the Roadmap to Enable 5G Deployment in The Bahamas, that the rollout of 5G in The Bahamas will begin before the end of the year, after extensive public consultation on how such a rollout would look… more
DeepSeek shows business opportunity
Barbados – The top level generative artificial intelligence (AI) model created by Chinese technology company DeepSeek is a potential game-changer for businesses and the wider society in Barbados… more
Behavioral Analytics: The Key to Combatting Scalable Payment Fraud
Caribbean – In the evolving landscape of digital transactions, most payment fraud prevention strategies are based on digital identity authentication… more
Caribbean infrastructure needs highlighted in new CAF report
Caribbean – The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has conducted its first study into the infrastructure needs of the Caribbean… more
Samsung launches Galaxy S25 smartphones
Caribbean – If there was any theme underlying Samsung’s launch last week of its new S25 line of premium smartphones, it was artificial intelligence… more
Digital overhaul to transform human services as $58.3 billion budget approved
Guyana – In a major step towards modernising public services, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is set to embark on a digital overhaul, backed by a substantial $58.3 billion allocation approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Friday… more
C&W Business in ‘reset’ mode to better support clients
Jamaica – Following a year of disruptions from inclement weather, including Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael, regional telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless Caribbean (CWC) is recalibrating to better serve the Jamaican market, including business clients through its subsidiary C&W Business… more
Upskilling workforce: Catalyst for Jamaica’s productivity revolution
Jamaica – In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting global economic dynamics, Jamaica’s private sector stands at a crossroads… more
Teen suicides linked to sextortion
Trinidad and Tobago – THE deaths by suicide of at least two teenagers in the country recently have been linked to a disturbing and growing trend known as “financial sextortion”, experts have said… more
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
How Radio Transitioned Over the Decades
Belize – Radio continues to be a key medium for news, public announcements, information, and entertainment in Belize… more
Online entry portal now required
British Virgin Islands – Most of the problems that delayed the full rollout of the territory’s online entry system have been ironed out, and all travellers to the Virgin Islands are now required to use the portal, according to acting Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge… more
Trump’s digital dollar rejection
Caribbean – In a financial era defined by digital innovation, the Donald Trump administration’s outright rejection of a United States (US) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has sparked fierce debate… more
JBDC Expanding Digital Jamaica Training to Rural Entrepreneurs
Jamaica – The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is taking its Digital Jamaica Training initiative beyond urban centres into rural communities… more
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
AI expert: Artificial intelligence can boost Bahamas’ top vertical market
Bahamas – Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be integrated into the tourism sector to boost the performance of its top vertical market, the highly successful weddings and romance market, according to AI expert Chloe Burke… more
FTX Bahamas ‘shoots for’ February 18 first payout
Bahamas – FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are “shooting for” February 18 as the date to start payouts to small creditors and victims owed less than $50,000 as a result of the crypto exchange’s fraud-driven implosion… more
FTX creditors to receive reimbursements by Feb. 18
Bahamas – The joint official liquidators (JOLs) of FTX Digital Markets (FTX DM) are set to release reimbursements to its first creditors by February 18, but only those whose claims are less than $50,000, according to numerous sources who say emails were sent to creditors announcing the start of the reimbursements… more
E-Governance participates in the ‘In-Person Workshop on Political Leadership and Advocacy in Public Policies for Women-Led SMEs’ in Costa Rica
Belize – On January 22 & 23rd, The E-Governance & Digitalization Department (EGDD) proudly participated in a significant workshop focused on enhancing women’s leadership in the region, represented by Dr. Adriani Coleman, Director of the EGDD… more
CANTO boss: OTTs still reaping benefits from region
Caribbean – The Over-the-Top (OTT) content providers such as Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Amazon, TikTok, and Netflix continue to reap the financial benefits of the telecommunications networks in the region… more
CANTO Connect 2025 Closes on a High Note: Collaboration, Innovation, and Progress
Caribbean – Telecommunications leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the Caribbean convened in Curaçao for CANTO Connect 2025 and 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM)… more
Delreo Newman of ATN International Named New CANTO Chairman
Caribbean – In a significant development for the telecommunications industry, Dr. Delreo Newman of ATN International has been elected Chairman of CANTO for a two-year term beginning 2025… more
One Communications emphasises collaboration for a ‘One Gigabit Society’
Caribbean – One Communications is committed to achieving the goals of the Gigabit Society in the Caribbean which includes the creation of a sustainable, digitally integrated, globally competitive region, while emphasising the need for all concerned to work together… more
Smart phones and Internet tun we into technology slaves!
Guyana – Dem boys remember when TV first come, and life change just so. Before that, people use to sit down and watch de street like it was dem personal drama series… more
Digital agriculture push
Jamaica – Jamaica is staking its claim in the future of another locally grown crop by embedding a QR code authentication system for bottled castor oil… more
Simplifying financial management in a digital age
Jamaica – In today’s fast-paced world, managing finances can often feel like a daunting task. With packed schedules, balancing career responsibilities, personal commitments and other priorities, finding time to navigate financial decisions can be challenging… more
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Nurses show backing for digitization
Bahamas – SUPPORT has been shown from nurses for efforts towards digitisation… more
Ransomware attack on university
Bahamas – THE University of The Bahamas (UB) has been the victim of a ransomware attack – and a union president has expressed concerns that the term may have to be extended as a result… more
C&W highlights role of emerging tech at CANTO AGM
Caribbean – Leading telecom operator C&W Communications recently took centre stage at CANTO’s 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) where senior executives shared valuable insights on the transformative role of emerging technologies in modern governance… more
Caribbean Technology Experts Reveal Top 5 AI Innovations and Strategies for 2025.
Caribbean – Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and hospitality in the Caribbean is no exception. At the most recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), industry experts shared insights into how AI is set to revolutionize the guest experience, streamline operations, and preserve the region’s vibrant culture… more
With AI, do you know who you’re talking to?
Caribbean – While there are opportunities given the breakneck speed with which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving, companies and businesses must safeguard themselves from potential threats that are emerging and should “get their house in order.” … more
IDB Invest supports cutting-edge insurance solutions with investment in Mundi Ventures Latam Fund
Caribbean – IDB Invest committed a $5 million equity investment to Mundi Ventures Latam Fund I, a $100 million early-growth vehicle managed by Mundi Ventures… more
KEITH ROYE II: Battle over global AI dominance heats up
Caribbean – The artificial intelligence (AI) battle is heating up as two of the most powerful AI models, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek AI, go head-to-head in the fight for global dominance… more
Where cybersecurity threats begin: Phishing
Caribbean – According to a 2021 CISCO report, most successful data breaches, more than 90 per cent, are the result of data phishing… more
IDB Lab Partners with 19Labs to Launch Drone-Delivered Medical Aid in Guyana
Guyana – IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is partnering with 19Labs to pilot the use of drone technology for delivering critical medical supplies to some of Guyana’s remote hinterland communities… more
Social media mek people dunce!
Guyana – Dem boys seh people nah read books no more. Dem does read, but is only Facebook posts, TikTok captions, and WhatsApp status. And it got to be short-short! If it pass two sentence, dem eyes start fuh glaze over like stale pine tart… more
Biomedical investigating ‘unauthorized access’ of sensitive client data
Jamaica – One of the largest private medical labs in Jamaica has confirmed that unknown actors gained “unauthorized access” to its network and systems through an external vendor last November… more
Balancing legislation, innovation to combat cyber attacks
Trinidad and Tobago – Technology is changing the world. From automation to artificial intelligence to digital currency such as Bitcoin, technology has enhanced processes in several industries… more
Fastest-growing, fastest-declining jobs in 2025 and beyond
Trinidad and Tobago – The global job market is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by advancements in technology, automation, and shifting economic priorities… more
Friday, 7 February 2025
‘No law preventing GECOM from employing digital fingerprinting at elections’
Guyana – The introduction of fingerprint biometrics and any focus on such must be shelved until after the 2025 General and Regional Elections. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice Retired Claudette Singh via a statement dated February 4, 2025… more
Scotiabank: Fraud attempts affecting some customers not widespread
Jamaica – Customers affected by the Bank of Nova Scotia Google Play scam are being encouraged to make a formal report to the authorities… more
ZS Associates ramps up hiring in Jamaica Eyes digital healthcare expansion
Jamaica – With a growing footprint in health-care analytics and digital transformation, global consulting powerhouse ZS Associates is ramping up its presence in Jamaica, betting on the island’s talent pool to support its expanding portfolio of clients in the United States and beyond… more
WASA transitions to e-billing
Trinidad and Tobago – The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has begun transitioning to e-billing as their sole platform for bill distribution… more
Saturday, 8 February 2025
European Union Partners with IDB to Scale Up the Digital Innovation in Belize
Belize – The European Union (EU) is providing $2 million grant funding to scale up the “Digital Innovation to Boost Economic Development in Belize” program, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The project is a key element in the Government of Belize’s comprehensive strategy to drive digital innovation and transformation… more
Historic milestone for Eastern Caribbean Telecom Operators as Mr Vaughn Brown is elected to the CANTO Board of Directors
Caribbean – In a historic development for the telecommunications industry in the Eastern Caribbean, Mr Vaughn Brown, APUA Telecoms Business Unit Manager, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO)… more
Founder of US$8.3M crypto start-up accused of misappropriating assets
Cayman Islands – A petition for court supervision of the liquidation of a Cayman-based online cryptocurrency casino start-up that raised US$8.3 million has been lodged after it was alleged a founder had “misappropriated” most of its assets… more
Introduction of Fingerprint biometrics must be shelved until after elections-GECOM Chair
Guyana – Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on Friday criticized the decision by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh on shelving the introduction of digital finger prints calling it “unacceptable and inadequate”… more
inDrive the most downloaded ride-hailing app in Jamaica in 2024
Jamaica – Despite moves by the Government of Jamaica, led by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, to clamp down on inDrive’s local operation in 2024, the ride-hailing app was the most downloaded in its category in Jamaica for that year… more
Sunday, 9 February 2025
Digitising a medical practice
Caribbean – The stage right before a venture starts, when you only have the idea and the desire, is the most difficult because that is when you must make the right choices to ensure that you have what is needed to succeed and the implementation know how… more
AFC to prove biometrics can be implemented in three months during talks with diplomatic community – Hughes
Guyana – The Alliance For Change (AFC) will be in talks with members of the diplomatic community with the aim of proving that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can implement biometrics within three months… more
FabLab.gy bringing your ideas to life
Guyana – In a world where technology is evolving, making the impossible possible has been truly leaving a tremendous impact in our world today. With new inventions introduced everyday it pushes people to not only educate themselves but develop new skills… more
Flow fiasco
Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, I am having a serious problem with Flow. In September 2023 I received an electronic bill dated 13/09/2023, due date 03/10/2023. The balance was $0.00 with a negative $12,993.85… more
Linkio, the digital alternative for business cards
Jamaica – Printing stacks of business cards can be costly and inefficient, yet staying professionally connected remains essential. Recognising this challenge, a young entrepreneur introduced the Linkio digital business card, an innovative, reusable solution designed to streamline networking while reducing printing expenses… more
Bmobile partners for satellite redundancy
Trinidad and Tobago – In April last year, a fibre optic break caused by a bush fire in Toco brought Tobago businesses to their knees… more
WASA embraces e-billing
Trinidad and Tobago – The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) ‘s announcement that it would transition to e-billing is a welcome signal of modernisation and digital transformation at the state agency… more
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