A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday, 9 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026.
Monday, 9 March 2026
Fortress says no to crypto
Barbados – Barbados based mutual fund company Fortress, which for the first time in its near 30 year history has more than $1 billion in total assets under management, has no plans to add crypto currencies to its portfolio… more
One Communications says digital tools to boost women entrepreneurs
Guyana – Women entrepreneurs in Guyana are set to benefit from expanded access to the digital tools and connectivity needed to grow and compete in today’s marketplace courtesy of major telecommunication services provider, One Communications… more
TATT announces ambitious three-year strategic plan
Trinidad and Tobago – In considering TATT’s 2025-2028 strategic plan, the sixth such plan prepared by the state agency, it’s worth beginning with an understanding of its role… more
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Belize Tax Service to implement Electronic invoicing system
Belize – During today’s Budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceno announced that the Belize Tax Service will oversee the full implementation of Electronic Invoicing… more
Retired BTL Workers Take Protest to National Assembly
Belize – Members of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice took their fight straight to the nation’s capital today, gathering on the steps of the National Assembly in Belmopan… more
PAHO Advisor: Digital shield and modernized systems key to Caribbean health security
Caribbean – Dr. Prabhjot Singh, the Pan-American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Lead Advisor for Health Surveillance and Disease Prevention, has revealed a comprehensive strategy to bolster the Eastern Caribbean’s defenses against emerging health threats… more
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Minister unveils $188m plan to build “world-class” digital economy by 2030
Barbados – A$187.8m budget blueprint to drive Barbados’s transformation into a “world-class” digital economy by 2030 was revealed in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, outlining a four-year plan that he said would shift the country from “firefighting” maintenance issues to building cutting-edge digital infrastructure… more
Reid seeks nearly $188m to drive Barbados’ digital transformation
Barbados – Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Senator Jonathan Reid on Tuesday outlined plans for his ministry to play a central role in transforming Barbados into a digitally driven economy as he presented estimates of $187 million during the Budget debate… more
PUC Declares BTL Dominant Across Telecom Markets
Belize – The Public Utilities Commission has issued its final determination on market dominance in Belize’s telecommunications sector, concluding that Belize Telemedia Limited holds dominance across nearly all major retail and wholesale markets, from mobile and broadband services to international connectivity… more
Digital boost for Education: 280+ schools to receive Internet access for 78,000 Belizean students
Belize – During the budget presentation on March 10, 2026, the Prime Minister announced that the 2026/2027 budget will further advance technology integration and innovation to enhance teaching and learning… more
PUC: BTL Holds Market Dominance
Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) holds market dominance in all retail and wholesale telecommunications markets examined by the Public Utilities Commission, according to a final determination published March 10… more
Smart sensors, fewer site visits
Trinidad and Tobago – Netherlands-based solutions provider Hiber is expanding its footprint in Trinidad and Tobago… more
Thursday, 12 March 2026
OMNi expands digital finance push with OMNiVerse and two-way SandDollar ATMs
Bahamas – OMNi is rolling out a new digital financial ecosystem aimed at expanding access to electronic payments and the Central Bank’s digital currency, anchored by a nationwide network of two-way ATMs that will allow users to convert cash into SandDollar and withdraw SandDollar as physical currency… more
Future Barbados to scale up innovation drive under new ministry
Barbados – The new national innovation agency, Future Barbados, is embarking on a new phase of expansion as part of government plans to accelerate technological development, strengthen youth participation, and turn research ideas into practical solutions with regional and global reach, its director announced Wednesday… more
Transport Board experiencing phone, internet disruptions
Barbados – The Transport Board is advising the public that internet and telephone services at its Weymouth headquarters and other locations are experiencing disruptions… more
BTL Faces Tough Questions on Unapproved Merger
Belize – The Public Utilities Commission is turning up the pressure on Belize’s two biggest telecom players as BTL pushes ahead with its plan to buy out Speednet, even though its own board still hasn’t approved the deal… more
Does Robotics Have a Future in Belize?
Belize – Robots could soon become a regular sight in classrooms across Belize. A new partnership between the Ministry of E-Governance, the Belize Robotics Federation, and U.S.-based VEX Robotics aims to give students hands-on experience building and programming robots… more
Ministry of E‑Governance, Belize Robotics Federation, VEX Robotics sign agreement to expand National Robotics Training
Belize – Belize’s national drive to strengthen STEM and digital‑skills education gained fresh momentum on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of E‑Governance and the Belize Robotics Federation, a partnership that will roll out VEX robotics training through Digital Connect Centers countrywide… more
Coachless Alpha makes splash at robotics challenge
Jamaica – On their own, without being guided critically by a coach, the enterprising team of the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) shone at the prestigious First Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica National Robotics Championship – excelling in innovation, teamwork and STEM leadership on a national stage… more
CAL tests digital entry form
Trinidad and Tobago – PASSENGERS on three flights operated by national carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) from tomorrow will be required to complete the T&T Digital Arrival/Departure Form as authorities test the online platform… more
Digital skills and forex generation in 2026
Trinidad and Tobago – For the last several years, T&T has been having the same national conversation: foreign exchange… more
Investment in modern technologies to boost local agriculture
Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad and Tobago’s government and private sector are actively channeling investments into modern technologies like AI, drones, precision irrigation and digital platforms to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and food security… more
Friday, 13 March 2026
BTL’s Smart Takeover Plan Under PUC Review
Belize – The Public Utilities Commission is stepping in to keep telecom prices steady, placing a temporary freeze on all BTL rates after ruling last week that the company holds dominant power in several key markets… more
Ministry of E- Governance, Robotics Federation of Belize and Vex Robotics partner to empower Belizean youths with digital skills
Belize – On March 11, 2026, a groundbreaking partnership between the Ministry of E-Governance, the Robotics Federation of Belize, and Vex Robotics signaled the continuation of the advancement of STEM education in Belize… more
PUC Freezes BTL Prices Until 2028 As It Reviews Smart Buyout
Belize – The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced two major developments in Belize’s telecommunications sector… more
AI improving hurricane forecasts, but human expertise remains essential
Caribbean – Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the science of hurricane forecasting, promising faster predictions and new insights into how storms may develop, but forecasters at the US National Hurricane Center say the emerging technology will complement, not replace, the traditional models and human expertise that remain at the heart of storm prediction… more
CXC completes first fully digital exam cycle despite storm disruption
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has declared its first fully digital and hybrid examination cycle a success, with more than 10 000 candidates completing January’s tests despite severe disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica… more
CXC registrar declares first electronic examinations session a landmark success
Caribbean – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has declared its inaugural fully electronic and hybrid examinations session a landmark success, with its registrar and chief executive officer affirming that the region’s students and the council itself have demonstrated they are ready for the digital future of assessment… more
GK accelerates digital push to counter fall-off in remittances
Jamaica – GraceKennedy Group (GK) says it is accelerating investments in digital platforms as tightening margins in the global remittance industry push the company to adapt to rapidly changing consumer behaviour… more
Saturday, 14 March 2026
Government Partners with Robotics Federation to Expand Robotics in Schools
Belize – The Ministry of E-Governance, the Robotics Federation of Belize, and VEX Robotics launched a national robotics initiative on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Belize City… more
Technology revolutions rarely end in economic ruin
Cayman Islands – Software stocks have had a bruising few months. High-profile names such as Salesforce (-27%) Workday (-37%), and DocuSign (-33%) have all come under pressure as investors reassess what artificial intelligence might mean for traditional “seat-based” software models. Even mega-cap leaders like Microsoft (-17%) have not been immune to the volatility… more
ANNOUNCEMENT: DGDC Fibre-Optic Cable installation along Trafalgar to Fond Cole
Dominica – … more
Scotiabank deploys advanced ATM technology
Guyana – Scotiabank has announced the completion of the rollout of its new enhanced ATMs, also known as Intelligent Deposit Machines (IDMs) at its branch locations, that a release from the bank on Thursday described as advanced self service terminals are designed to make everyday banking faster, safer, and more convenient for clients… more
EduFocal announces ‘100 websites for 100 schools’ initiative to mark 14th anniversary
Jamaica – As it marks its 14th anniversary this month, EduFocal Limited is commemorating over a decade of impact with the ambitious launch of its ‘100 Websites for 100 Schools’ initiative… more
Sunday, 15 March 2026
Belize Highlights Digital Innovation and Climate-smart Action in Agri-food Transformation at LARC39
Belize – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concluded the 39th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC39), which brought together representatives from countries across the region in Brasília from March 2 to March 6, to define priorities and strategic orientations that will guide the Organization’s work during the 2026–2027 biennium… more
Online learning gains momentum as students reconsider studying abroad
Dominica – A regional educator is of the opinion that online learning is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Caribbean students, as uncertainty surrounding overseas study — particularly in the United States — leads more people to pursue higher education from home… more
5th form students to access drivers’ theory material via Digital School
Guyana – The Ministry of Education has announced that for the first time, fifth form students across Guyana will be able to access and pursue the drivers’ theory curriculum directly through the Digital School platform… more
Digital platform launched to expand services for persons with disabilities
Jamaica – The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), has launched a new digital platform aimed at improving access to services and increasing registration among persons with disabilities across the island… more
Digital tax battle
Jamaica – THE Government’s move to introduce a tax on digital services has attracted support, opposition, and questions, pulling Jamaica into a lively global debate triggered by increasing digitisation of economies in recent years… more
Images credit: Wikimedia Commons; PUC; Wikipedia; CXC; Companies Logo; Wikimedia Commons
