A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday, 5 January to Sunday, 11 January 2026.
Monday, 5 January 2026
Barbados to expedite digital ID, public sector digitization this year
Barbados – The government of Barbados says it will accelerate efforts aimed at digitizing more public sector services in 2026 within the framework of its digital transformation push… more
Entrepreneurs tapping into AI
Caribbean – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how entrepreneurs in developing countries start, manage and grow their businesses… more
Samsung’s ZFlip 7 shows steady improvement
Caribbean – As Samsung continues its confident dominance of the foldable smartphone market, the ZFlip 7, the most affordable device in the line remains the most accessible entry point for anyone curious about hinged phones… more
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
The AI debate in Guyana ought to be whether we should surrender our human capacities to an automation
Guyana – Dear Editor, Guyana is digitising public services, expanding telecom infrastructure, deploying biometric systems, experimenting with smart city technologies and introducing satellite connectivity across hinterland and coastal regions… more
Digital postal codes initiative aims to modernise Jamaica’s national delivery system
Jamaica – Minister of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation Audrey Marks has endorsed a landmark partnership between the Jamaica Postal Service (Jamaica Post) and Yassuh Jamaica Limited, describing it as a critical step in modernising public services through digital transformation… more
Crypto firms must seek approval or halt operations
Trinidad and Tobago – CRYPTO businesses in Trinidad and Tobago must halt operations unless authorised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC), the regulator said yesterday, as the new Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act takes effect… more
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Civil Aviation Pushes Forward on Drone Regulations
Belize – And now, an important update for Belize’s growing drone community. The Belize Department of Civil Aviation says it’s heard the concerns, loud and clear. The agency has acknowledged feedback from drone operators and other stakeholders and confirms that it’s reviewing those concerns as part of an ongoing consultation process… more
CANTO Connect 2026 and 42nd AGM Set to Elevate the Caribbean’s Digital Future
Caribbean – CANTO is pleased to announce CANTO Connect 2026 and the 42nd Annual General Meeting, taking place February 1 to 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad… more
Cayman grants Crypto.com conditional VASP licence
Cayman Islands – A global cryptocurrency platform announced it was awarded a conditional licence by Cayman’s financial regulator, marking a key progression for the jurisdiction’s burgeoning digital asset sector… more
AI-driven diagnostic systems to transform healthcare delivery across Guyana
Guyana – The Ministry of Health is advancing the integration of cutting-edge diagnostic technology across Guyana, supported by artificial intelligence that will revolutionise patient care, improve accuracy and reduce wait time for diagnosis… more
One Communications appoints CEO
Guyana – One Communications on Wednesday announced the appointment of Abraham Smith as Chief Executive Officer, saying he has been tasked with enhancing both commercial and residential customer experience, strengthen network resilience, and expand enterprise partnerships… more
Digita Global Marketing launches innovative multimedia studio
Jamaica – Digita Global Marketing (DGM), a leader in marketing, social media, digital transformation and technology, has launched Studio D, a fully equipped multimedia production space in Kingston designed for content creators, podcasters, businesses, and production teams seeking a seamless creative workflow… more
EPIC Technologies connects players in Caribbean insurance industry with EpicBRIDGE™
Jamaica – EPIC Technologies is making inroads in the Caribbean insurance market with its middleware solution, EpicBRIDGE™, which aims to address critical inefficiencies in the industry… more
Knowing what’s real in the age of AI
Jamaica – JAMAICA has always been a country of strong culture, a strong voice, and strong community networks. News travels fast here — from the group chat to the taxi stand, from TikTok to WhatsApp, from “mi just see a video” to a full national conversation by lunchtime… more
NPICTT and TSTT announce strategic national partnership for digital payments and eKYC
Trinidad and Tobago – The National Payment and Innovation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NPICTT) and Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) today announced a strategic national partnership that moves Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation agenda into live operation… more
NPICTT partners with TSTT as digital payments now a reality
Trinidad and Tobago – THE National Payment and Innovation Company of TT (NPICTT) and TSTT announced on Wednesday, a strategic partnership that moves TT’s digital transformation agenda into live operation… more
Trinidad and Tobago’s next survival skill – Knowing what’s real in the age of AI
Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad and Tobago has always been a country where information moves quickly… more
Thursday, 8 January 2026
KEITH ROYE II: Clear eyes critical on business automation
Bahamas – Business automation has become the ‘buzzword’ of the day among Bahamian entrepreneurs, promised as a silver bullet for efficiency and profitability… more
Hardware, not cyberattack, behind govt systems issue – minister
Barbados – Outdated government hardware, not a cybersecurity breach, was to blame for a recent disruption of government systems, according to Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology Senator Jonathan Reid. He said the affected equipment had “gone beyond the stage of its shelf life” and has since been replaced following a detailed audit of key digital infrastructure across ministries… more
Students get hands-on with future tech at new sci-tech roadshow
Barbados – Students at the Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School got a glimpse of the technologies shaping tomorrow as the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) and the Ministry of Educational Transformation launched a series of science and technology roadshows on Wednesday — 15 years after it was first conceived… more
BCCI Warns Against BTL-SMART Acquisition Without Competition Safeguards
Belize – The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has expressed serious concerns over the potential acquisition of Speednet/SMART by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), saying the deal could fundamentally reshape Belize’s telecommunications sector with major consequences for consumers, businesses, and public finances… more
Parents call for pause as CXC plans full digital rollout of exams
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) plans to move all secondary school assessments online within the next five years, signalling a major shift in how exams are delivered across the region… more
Watersports companies clash over cut submarine communication cable
Cayman Islands – Two watersports’ companies are at loggerheads over a recent incident involving the Down Under submarine and a company called Shaggy’s Personalised Diving… more
One Communications appoints new CEO
Guyana – One Communications on Wednesday announced the appointment of Abraham Smith as Chief Executive Officer… more
Friday, 9 January 2026
Arrest warrant issued for social media commentator
Bahamas – A magistrate on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for social media commentator Brittany Harris and ordered her suretors to pay her $5,000 bail after she failed to appear in court… more
A BIG Deal! BTL Chairman Defends Telecom Consolidation Push
Belize – The debate over the future of Belize’s telecommunications sector intensified during BTL’s press conference this morning. Board Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga said rapid global and digital shifts leave the company with no choice but to adapt… more
BTL Chair Cites Confidentiality Amid Transparency Questions
Belize – As questions mount over the lack of public disclosure, BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga says the company is bound by strict confidentiality agreements and insists details will only be made public once negotiations are finalized… more
BTL Eyes Major Telecom Buyout, Transparency Questioned
Belize – After months of rumors and closed door speculation, the silence is finally broken. Belize Telemedia Limited Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga has confirmed that BTL is actively exploring the purchase of Speednet, Central Television and Internet, and Southern Cable Network… more
CONFIRMED: SSB Chair Resigns BTL Board Over BIG Telecom Deal
Belize – News 5 has confirmed that Chandra Nisbet-Cansino has resigned from the BTL board… more
Drone Regulations Under Review in Belize
Belize – Belize is strengthening regulations on drone use through an operational directive from the Belize Department of Civil Aviation, which aims to standardize licensing requirements and enforce no-fly zones near airports, including those in San Pedro… more
Independent Senators Call for BTL Deal Pause
Belize – Independent Senators have now joined calls for a pause on BTL’s planned acquisition of commercial interests. In a joint statement, they warn the move could pave the way for a telecommunications monopoly and are demanding full disclosure before any decisions move forward, including independent valuations and clear justification for the deal… more
Independent Senators Say NO to BTL Telecom Takeover
Belize – Belize’s four independent senators, Kevin Herrera, Louis Wade, Glenfield Dennison, and Janelle Chanona, have drawn a firm line against the proposed expansion by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), warning that the move could reshape the telecommunications sector into a monopoly… more
Lizarraga Defends BTL Acquisitions as Economic Necessity
Belize – Amid growing concerns about transparency and market competition, BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga says the push to acquire other providers is driven by economic logic and infrastructure efficiency… more
Opposition Draws Line in the Sand Over BTL Consolidation
Belize – The proposed consolidation by Belize Telemedia Limited is facing sharp pushback from the Opposition. UDP Leader Tracy Panton says the process lacks transparency and warns that the deal appears designed to benefit a small group rather than the Belizean public. She says the Opposition is prepared to take all necessary steps to stop it… more
Resignation and Union Alarm Over BTL Acquisition Plan
Belize – News Five has confirmed that Social Security Board Chair Chandra Nisbet‑Cansino has resigned from the board of Belize Telemedia Limited. Sources indicate that Nisbet‑Cansino opposed the proposed acquisition… more
CANTO Statement on Delegate Safety and Event Readiness Ahead of CANTO Connect 2026 and the 42nd AGM
Caribbean – CANTO remains fully committed to the successful staging of CANTO Connect 2026 and the 42nd Annual General Meeting, scheduled for February 1–3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain… more
CXC moving to digitize Examinations
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council, CXC, is keeping up with technology and is moving to have its examinations digitized… more
Drones will help control mosquitoes in ‘difficult’ areas
Cayman Islands – The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is turning to drone technology to help tackle the increasingly challenging battle against indigenous and invasive pests… more
Starlink competition to disrupt Cayman telecoms market
Cayman Islands – Cayman telecoms consumers received an early Christmas present when the Utility Regulation and Competition Office issued the first satellite service provider licence to Starlink Cayman Islands Ltd… more
UNDP hands over IT hardware to Judiciary and police force
Guyana – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the European Union (EU), yesterday handed over a suite of information technology (IT) hardware and software to justice sector agencies as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Guyana’s administration of justice and improve access to the courts… more
Flow apologises for roadside damage on Mount William Hill; repairs to begin immediately
Sint Maarten – Flow St. Maarten has apologised to residents for road damage along Mount William Hill caused by the erosion of temporary trench closures linked to its fibre works, and announced that repair crews will return immediately, with permanent concrete restoration scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12… more
Saturday, 10 January 2026
AI in education and control
Guyana – The PPP/C government has expanded its capacity to govern through centralized systems rather than people. Its latest experimental tool is AI which President Irfaan Ali has been trumpeting for the last two or so years. As Ali’s artificial intelligence increasingly enters the public’s policy discourse, education becomes it’s natural testing ground… more
No laptop ban
Jamaica – Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier Radgh Mason has insisted that lawyers have not been barred from entering correctional facilities with electronic devices and says notices will be posted to ensure attorneys are allowed access to consult with their clients… more
Sunday, 11 January 2026
ECT Act 2023 – Audits, cooperation, confidentiality, and consequences for non-compliance
Guyana – This week, we return to the regulatory side of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2023 (the ECT Act). We will examine sections 45, 46, 47 and 48, which seek to ensure that the providers of electronic security procedure remain trustworthy over time… more
AI Vibe Coding: Your Company’s new superpower The 60 second revolution that’s turning everyone into software developers
Jamaica – Let me tell you about the moment I knew everything had changed… more
Images credit: PDPics (Pixabay); Wikipedia; Stabroek News; CANTO; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons;
