A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 21 July to Sunday 27 July 2025.
Monday, 21 June 2025
Omni Group study: Sand Dollar awareness high, but adoption low
Bahamas – An Omni Group of Companies study into the development of the country’s digital currency, the Sand Dollar, concluded that although adoption of the currency is low, there is a high level of awareness of the Sand Dollar… more
Real-time digital payments rollout set for March 2026
Barbados – The Central Bank of Barbados is moving ahead with its plans to implement a real-time digital payments system, with Deputy Governor Michelle Doyle confirming that the first phase of onboarding is on track for March next year… more
Biometric National ID: What Does It Mean for Your Other IDs?
Belize – As previously reported, the government of Belize has approved the nationwide rollout of a new national identification system. This project is part of Belize’s digital transformation agenda, and its pilot project has already been completed… more
Fifth Cohort Completes Cell Phone Repair Training in the Belize District
Belize – The Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Investment, through its Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), partnered with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the National Women’s Commission to expand the “Cell phone repair training for women in Belize” into the Belize District… more
New taskforce launched by CTU to help mold regional AI development
Caribbean – The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has officially inaugurated the Caribbean AI Task Force, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to develop and regulate artificial intelligence (AI)… more
JBDC urges MSMEs to maximise profits through digitalization
Jamaica – Jamaican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are being warned against casting too wide a net when marketing their products and services… more
Cox named acting CEO of TSTT
Trinidad and Tobago – KENT Western has resigned as chief executive officer of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (TSTT)… more
Western resigns as CEO of TSTT
Trinidad and Tobago – Kent Western has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT)… more
Tuesday, 22 June 2025
$1.29m attack hits surplus
Barbados – A cyber attack erased $1.29 million from the surplus that the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL), the country’s largest credit union, would have recorded over the past year… more
Central Bank to launch instant payment systems by 2026
Barbados – The Central Bank is overhauling Barbados’ payment system in a move that promises faster, cheaper and more secure transactions for everyday consumers and businesses… more
High hopes for instant payments system
Barbados – Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Michelle Doyle, expects the whole economy to benefit when the institution launches the Instant Payments System early next year… more
Don’t get left behind! AI and smart tech critical for digital-age dusiness development
Caribbean – The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global business landscape, demanding a shift in leadership strategies to remain competitive and innovative… more
Generative AI is the business disruptor of the modern era
Caribbean – There is nothing more pervasive in business today than generative AI. The speed at which GenAI is going suggests that in the next decade, communication as we know it today will be obsolete, and artificial intelligence will be the new normal. Like it or not, there is little that can be done to avoid this disruption… more
OfReg still trying to make utilities adverts honest
Cayman Islands – OfReg, Cayman’s utility regulator, has launched a second public consultation on new rules that seek to make the local communications, water and power providers honest when it comes to advertising their products and services… more
StudySmart app toasts PEP scholars
Jamaica – Orange Bay Preparatory and Kindergarten school in Hanover is basking in the accomplishment of having all 19 of its students who sat the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations being placed at their first-choice school… more
Wednesday, 23 June 2025
Belize Signs Biometric Data Sharing Deal with U.S.
Belize – Belize and the United States have signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance border security and public safety through the exchange of information… more
Digicel seeking another round of financing as it proposes new credit facilities
Caribbean – Telecoms player Digicel has been in the news recently, having announced that it will be offloading its media assets, Loop News and SportsMax… more
Digicel Cayman and UCCI renew $10k scholarship programme
Cayman Islands – The University College of the Cayman Islands and Digicel Cayman Ltd have renewed their scholarship partnership for Fall 2025, continuing the $10,000 programme that supports Caymanian students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees across all disciplines… more
Woman arrested on cybercrime allegation after publicising domestic abuse
Guyana – Another woman who courageously came forward to share her experience of enduring years of domestic abuse by her child’s father was arrested on a cybercrime allegation and later released on bail… more
TransJamaican Highway leans intoAI and digital innovation
Jamaica – TRANSJAMAICAN Highway Limited (TJH) is signalling a major shift in how it engages with customers, processes toll transactions, and scales its operations, leaning into artificial intelligence and a suite of digital upgrades even as it reports a 30 per cent jump in net profits for the financial year… more
Leadership Transition at TSTT | Keino Cox Appointed Acting CEO as Kent Western Steps Down
Trinidad and Tobago – Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) today announced the departure of Kent Western as Chief Executive Officer… more
TIC previews AI export, shipping solutions
Trinidad and Tobago – The evolution of artificial intelligence and its use in the local market was brought into focus for the export and shipping sectors at last week’s Trade and Investment Convention… more
Thursday, 24 June 2025
SunCash taking Anglican Diocese school system cashless
Bahamas – SunCash is taking the Anglican Diocese school system cashless, starting with St. John’s College, ensuring that every student has a digital wallet and all the school’s cash outlets have Sand Dollar capability… more
Belize to Adapt Biometric Security Protocols at Border
Belize – Belize is tightening up its borders and it’s doing so with a little help from the United States. Earlier this week, both countries signed a new agreement that’s all about sharing biometric data… more
Fonseca Says No Need to Worry About Biometric Data Sharing
Belize – The government has just signed a new agreement with the United States that allows both countries to share biometric data. That means if someone’s trying to enter Belize and there’s suspicion of human trafficking or terrorism; border officials can now request their police records from the U.S., and vice versa… more
How adaptive systems enhance decision-making
Caribbean – Data is all around us. From monitoring patient health to optimizing supply chains, modern systems turn raw data into decisions that shape outcomes… more
iconectiv targets regional telecomms providers at CANTO 2025
Caribbean – Showcasing several operational and secure communications platforms ay CANTO 2025, US-based network security outfit iconectiv is seeking to make inroads in the Caribbean… more
Liberty Caribbean(Flow) highlights vision for regional connectivity transformation
Caribbean – Telecommunications provider Liberty Caribbean/Flow has emphasized the critical need to establish new collaborations between the public and private sectors, as well as to develop infrastructure projects and policy frameworks aimed at creating a Caribbean that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of supporting gigabit-level connectivity… more
Scientists turn to AI to protect threatened local bats
Cayman Islands – Cayman’s native bats are facing mounting threats, such as habitat loss, human disturbance, invasive predators and exposure to pesticides. However, action is being taken to enhance protections and learn more about them using modern technology, including AI, according to the Department of Environment… more
iGovTT hosts first two-day cyberdrill
Trinidad and Tobago – Following two days of intensive, hands-on cybersecurity training, iGovTT’s inaugural National CyberDrill concluded yesterday at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Chaguaramas Campus… more
ISACA celebrates 39 years of service
Trinidad and Tobago – ON July 17, the ISACA TT Chapter hosted its annual general meeting, commemorating 39 years of service to the local and regional tech community… more
Friday, 25 June 2025
Government Launches New Biometric National ID Initiative
Belize – On July 18, 2025, Belizean government officials formally announced the full-scale rollout of the National ID system, describing it as a key milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda… more
Digicel returns to bond market with near US$2-billion refinancing push
Caribbean – The company intends to sell US$1.55 billion worth of seven-year secured bonds due 2032 and US$415 million in eight-year (2033 maturity) unsecured notes to refinance debt… more
AI tools can help save time and money, IT expert says
Cayman Islands – An IT expert has said that artificial intelligence can be applied to help cut household bills and save time and cash on consumer purchases like flights… more
Bartlett leads call for tech-driven tourism at Digicel Business’ hospitality event
Jamaica – Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has emphasised the urgent need for continued digital transformation across Jamaica’s tourism sector, declaring technology a key pillar in the country’s tourism growth strategy… more
Fintech expert warns of rising ATM malware attacks in the region
Jamaica – Dwayne Russell, Managing Director of MC Systems, a leading regional fintech solutions provider, is sounding the alarm for Caribbean financial institutions as malware attacks targeting automated teller machines (ATMs) continue to rise across the region… more
JN Bank launches JN Pay Wallet
Jamaica – JN Bank has introduced a new digital payment platform, the JN Pay Wallet, designed to expand financial inclusion and offer Jamaicans an easier way to complete everyday transactions… more
SMEs get cybersecurity boost
Jamaica – SMALL and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a significant boost in cybersecurity support following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) and the Guardsman Group… more
Future coders shine as NTRC closes first 2025 MyApp Summer Programme in Canouan
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) is set to conclude the first of its three (3) MyApp Summer Programmes for the year with a closing ceremony on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Canouan Secondary School… more
Saturday, 26 June 2025
Cash must remain an option, BCEN says ahead of instant payment system rollout
Barbados – The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) is urging the government and the Central Bank to proceed with caution as they prepare to roll out the new Instant Payment System (IPS)… more
Liberty Business officially launches – new name, same commitment to business sector
Caribbean – Liberty Business, formerly C&W Business and Flow Business, was officially launched and introduced to Barbados with plenty of vibes and rhythm during the recent Liberty Business Fusions Crop Over event at Ilaro Court… more
Caribbean utility regulators must collaborate and adapt, says OOCUR director
Jamaica – Dr Marsha Atherley-Ikechi, the executive director of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR), is calling on utility regulators in the Caribbean region to become more adaptable to better manage the various issues they are now facing and are likely to encounter going forward… more
JN Pay Wallet launched
Jamaica – JN Bank has launched its JN Pay Wallet, which allows users to access the central bank’s digital currency, JAM-DEX… more
CourtPay celebrates 7 years and hundreds of millions processed
Trinidad and Tobago – The Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago marked the seventh anniversary of the CourtPay system, the country’s first and only national online payment system for court-related transactions… more
Sunday, 27 June 2025
Government to establish a Digital Fabrication Laboratory at DSC
Dominica – In line with its vision to build a knowledge-based economy and prepare young people for the industries of the future, the Government of Dominica will establish a Digital Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) at the Dominica State College (DSC)… more
Preparing Our Children for a Global AI Future will require real investment from the entire village
Guyana – Over the last two decades, Guyana has experienced significant technological advancement, from mobile phones to broadband internet, with mobile phone ownership reaching nearly 100%… more
Banks defend contactless security as merchants restrict tap payments
Jamaica – growing number of Jamaican merchants are resisting the use of the contactless functionality on point-of-sale (POS) terminals, citing fears over disputed transactions and fraud, despite assurances from commercial banks that the payment method is secure and protected… more
No minimum transaction charge
Jamaica – Have you ever gone to the supermarket for one item and were forced to buy something else in order to use your debit or credit card? … more
Images credit: meineresterampe (Pixabay); CANTO; Wikimedia Commons; Google Play; ISACA Trinidad and Tobago (Facebook); JN Bank;
