A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday, 12 January to Sunday, 18 January 2026.
Monday, 12 January 2026
Belize and USA Biometric data sharing partnership strengthens National Security
Belize – The Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour (MIGL) has officially launched the Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP), a joint initiative with the United States Embassy designed to enhance border security and migration management through advanced identity verification… more
Belize receives US $250,000 worth of equipment and hardware from U.S. Government for new Biometric Data Sharing Partnership
Belize – Today, the Government of Belize received approximately 250,000 US Dollars in equipment and hardware from the Government of the United States of America as part of the new Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP)… more
BTL Bets Big on Speednet While Cable Deals Crumble
Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited is pushing ahead with an eighty-million-dollar deal to acquire Speednet Communications, even as two other potential acquisitions fall apart under pressure. According to the Office of Lord Ashcroft, BTL will pay ten million in cash and finance the remaining seventy million through loan notes over four years… more
Cabinet Yet to Be Briefed on BTL Negotiations
Belize – Centaur Communications has officially walked away from negotiations for BTL’s proposed acquisition of the Centaur Group of Companies. Why? Political and reputational concerns… more
Centaur Withdraws From Proposed BTL Acquisition Talks
Belize – Centaur Communications Corp. Ltd. has formally withdrawn from negotiations for the proposed acquisition of the Centaur Group of Companies by Belize Telemedia Limited, citing broader external, political, and reputational concerns that emerged during the process… more
Louis Wade Questions BTL’s Role in Smart Sale
Belize – Plus TV’s Louis Wade isn’t mincing words. He says he has no issue with Smart’s owners wanting to sell, but his concern is with who’s buying. Wade points to BTL, citing past experiences and warning that the company hasn’t proven itself as a strong steward of an open market. For him, it’s about fair competition and transparency… more
Media Owners Warn BTL-Speednet Deal Threatens Press Freedom
Belize – Big concerns tonight over the proposed BTL-Speednet buyout. Three business owners representing independent media houses, Channel 7, Plus TV, and XTV, formerly Krem Television, are speaking out… more
Opposition Rises over BTL’s Proposed Acquisition of SMART and Other Providers
Belize – The announcement that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering the acquisition of SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN has raised concerns nationwide, particularly within the private sector and political arena. The proposed consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers was discussed during a press conference held on Friday, January 9th, in Belize City… more
Second Company Withdraws from BTL Acquisition Talks
Belize – Central TV & Internet Ltd. has withdrawn from the negotiation table with Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed telecommunications consolidation… more
Cyberedge reports on cybersecurity trends
Caribbean – THE CYBEREDGE Group’s cybersecurity report maps an aspect of the sector that isn’t widely reported – the security profile of companies and how they are responding to cybersecurity threats… more
Journalism and news monitoring
Caribbean – The press is at a crossroads of disaster. The pace of information, emergence of fake news, decline in newsroom size and evolving audience behavior has compelled media companies to redefine the manner in which news is acquired, factualized and distributed… more
New MRCU drones approved to fly
Cayman Islands – The Mosquito Research and Control Unit has new tools with which to fight Cayman’s mosquitoes: drones… more
Flow Foundation launches $5M REAP Entrepreneurship Programme to empower St Thomas entrepreneurs
Jamaica – The Flow Foundation, in partnership with Young Women and Men of Purpose, has officially launched the REAP Entrepreneurship Programme, a transformative initiative designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build sustainable and resilient businesses… more
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Belize and U.S. launch Biometric Data sharing partnership to strengthen border security
Belize – Belize and the United States marked a major step in their bilateral cooperation with the launch of the Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) and the handover of key equipment to support its implementation… more
BTL Chairman Puts Price Tag on CCJ 2025 Severance Ruling
Belize – The Caribbean Court of Justice ruling handed down last year continues to carry major financial consequences for Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL)… more
BTL Faces $15M Hit After CCJ Severance Ruling
Belize – Here’s something you might have missed from BTL’s press conference on Friday, a big revelation about what it will cost to settle with former employees who sued for severance pay… more
Smart Staff Face Uncertainty Amid BTL Takeover Plans
Belize – Employees at Smart are grappling with growing uncertainty as Belize Telemedia Limited moves forward with plans to acquire the company. A well-placed source inside Smart described the atmosphere as tense, saying, quote, There is this ambiance of uncertainty… more
The digital media has made it easier for us to grasp current global trends
Guyana – Dear Editor, In a world plagued with instability, uncertainties and violence, and with the great powers inching inexorably towards a world war yet for all, despite this precarious situation, many see capital and assets accumulation, self- enrichment and climbing the social ladder as preferred options… more
Why a Security Operations Centre is essential for businesses in 2026
Jamaica – In 2026, cybersecurity is no longer a competitive advantage; it is a business requirement… more
The impact of AI in Nevis’ schools: is it cheating or not?
Saint Kitts and Nevis – Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be among the conversation among many persons, education officials and employers… more
‘Transparency and open data key to business resilience’
Trinidad and Tobago – Speech given by Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC), at a breakfast meeting on January 13, organised by the Chamber in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TTEITI)… more
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
BTL’s Proposed Acquisition Uncertain after Companies Withdraw
Belize – Following an announcement on January 9th that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) was considering the acquisition of SMART, along with cable companies Centaur Communications and CTI/NEXGEN, the proposed consolidation is now uncertain… more
Cabinet Brief Makes No Mention of BTL/SpeedNet Deal
Belize – The Cabinet has released a brief summary of Tuesday’s meeting, and one key item was notably absent: the proposed BTL/Speed Net acquisition. The telecommunications deal, which has sparked public debate and questions about transparency, was not listed… more
Cabinet Doesn’t Have Full Details of BTL/SpeedNet Deal
Belize – Concerns are growing over the proposed BTL deal after Immigration Minister Kareem Musa confirmed to News Five on Monday that Cabinet has not been fully briefed on the agreement, despite months of closed-door discussions… more
Massive Credit Card Scam Alleged in Belize’s BPO Sector
Belize – Belize’s booming BPO industry is making headlines tonight, but not for the right reasons. A well-known Belize City businessman is raising the alarm about what he calls a massive credit card scam tied to BPO employees… more
UDP lays down demands for BTL’s potential acquisition of Speednet
Belize – The Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has taken a firm stand against the proposed acquisition of Speednet and various cable companies by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL)… more
Unions Push Back on BTL-Speednet Merger
Belize – Concerns over the proposed consolidation of Belize Telemedia Limited and Speednet are intensifying, as trade unions across the country hold critical consultations today, talks that are expected to culminate tonight with a meeting of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize… more
Who’s in the Dark on BTL Deal? Almost Everyone
Belize – Imagine waking up to find out a major decision about your phone and internet service was made, and even the people you elected didn’t know the details. That’s what’s happening in Belize right now… more
CIU to collect Biometric Data of Potential Investors
Saint Kitts and Nevis – Another initiative alongside the residency feature for potential applicants of SKN’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is will be implemented… more
Minister Brug Releases 3rd youth mental health video on bullying, online harm
Sint Maarten – Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richinel Brug has released the third video in the Ministry’s youth mental health awareness series, focusing on bullying and online exploitation, with particular attention to harm occurring in digital spaces… more
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Belize to Install Biometric Data-Sharing Programme at Ports of Entry
Belize – Belize took a significant step toward strengthening national security and border management on January 12th after partnering with the United States to launch a Biometric Data Sharing Programme (BDSP)… more
iPhone scam claims another customer
Belize – Police are investigating a report of obtaining money transfer by deception. A Belize City resident reported that while browsing on Facebook on Sunday, January 11, she came across a post from another user advertising an iPhone 17 Pro Max for sale for $2,850… more
PM Briceño Says Board Must Do What’s in BTL’s Best Interest
Belize – Prime Minister John Briceño told News 5 today that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) must be allowed to make its own business decisions while the government ensures consumers are protected… more
How e-commerce empowers small developing nations during conflict
Trinidad and Tobago – In a world defined by global volatility, small developing nations (SDNs) are redefining stability. Geographic isolation and limited physical infrastructure, traditional vulnerabilities for these states, are now being countered by a powerful digital shield: e-commerce… more
Friday, 16 January 2026
Government to Introduce 12 Month Telcom Rate Freeze
Belize – And to address public concerns about the proposed consolidation and potential rate hikes, Prime Minister Briceño says the Public Utilities Commission will implement a freeze… more
PM Says Consolidation Prepares BTL For Incoming Challenges
Belize – As public concern grows over the proposed BTL acquisition of SpeedNet, Prime Minister Briceño says government. Amid concerns over BTL’s proposed SpeedNet acquisition, Prime Minister Briceño says the government will protect consumers and taxpayers’ investments, stressing that consolidation, properly regulated, is a common global practice and aims to prepare BTL for future challenges… more
PM Says BTL Board Must Do What’s Best For The Company
Belize – Prime Minister John Briceño left the country on personal leave on Thursday, but not before addressing growing national controversy surrounding BTL’s proposed acquisition of SpeedNet, a company partially owned by members of his family… more
Cybercrime on the rise in Cayman
Cayman Islands – Cayman might be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean but that doesn’t stop international cyber criminals from targeting residents… more
Educator cleared, vlogger charged in social media scandal
Cayman Islands – An assistant teacher at the Layman E. Scott Sr High School on Cayman Brac has been cleared to return to class after a police investigation found no misconduct on her part relating to allegations that she posted inappropriate images on social media… more
Saturday, 17 January 2026
APNU to table motion for copyright laws for innovators’ skills
Guyana – The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it will be tabling a motion to introduce copyright laws to facilitate the monetisation of innovators’ skills… more
Guyana using Artificial Intelligence to read X-rays
Guyana – Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Saturday said the public health sector has begun piloting Artificial Intelligence (AI) reading of X-rays and other medical images with a high percentage of accuracy… more
Sunday, 18 January 2026
Govt. rollouts eHealth Record System at Festival City Polyclinic
Guyana – The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Saturday officially launched the National Electronic Health Record (EHR) System, which is currently being piloted at the Festival City Polyclinic… more
Gov’t rolls out Electronic Health Records pilot at Festival City Polyclinic
Guyana – Even as the government yesterday launched its national Electronic Health Records (EHR) system – intended to modernise and digitise patient care – the live demonstration at the Festival City Polyclinic was repeatedly disrupted by technical glitches, a scrambling screen and prolonged pauses… more
The ECT Act 2023 – Pseudonyms, provider responsibilities, disclosure obligations, and immediate revocation
Guyana – Today, we will examine provisions in the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2023 (the ECT Act) that deal with trust, accountability, and user protection within the framework governing electronic security procedure providers. These provisions are addressed in sections 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the ECT Act… more
ChatGPT rises to top in Ja
Jamaica – ChatGPT has emerged as Jamaica’s most visited website, surpassing global heavyweights such as Wikipedia, YouTube, and Amazon, according to analytics firm Ahrefs… more
Cordel Green appointed to Aspen Global Cybersecurity Group
Jamaica – Executive Director of Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission, Cordel Green has been appointed to the Aspen Global Cybersecurity Group in Washington, D.C… more
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