A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday, 18 May to Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Monday, 18 May 2026
Barbados urged to become creator of global tech solutions
Barbados – Barbados must seize a narrowing window of opportunity to transform itself from a consumer of imported technologies into a creator of globally competitive solutions, Minister of Industry Senator Jonathan Reid has warned, as he called for urgent, strategic action to harness artificial intelligence and digital tools for national development… more
Algorithms are quietly reshaping Belize
Belize – Most Belizeans think social media is simply entertainment. They open Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to relax, scroll, laugh, argue, or keep up with the latest news. But behind every video, every post, and every recommendation is something far more powerful operating quietly in the background… more
Caribbean urged to accelerate AI workforce training as digital economy expands
Caribbean – Caribbean countries are being urged to accelerate workforce training and education in artificial intelligence as industries across the region prepare for rapid technological change and growing global competition… more
Moving Towards a Data Resilient Caribbean: A Collective Path Forward
Caribbean – The Caribbean is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes test communities repeatedly, yet the data needed to prepare, respond, and rebuild remains fragmented, expensive, and often inaccessible to the people who need it most… more
Upcoming Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) to focus on building digital skills in the region
Caribbean – The Caribbean Science Foundation has introduced the Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) initiative in response to the growing global importance of computer programming skills and the need to strengthen the region’s digital workforce… more
Starlink raises Jamaica’s monthly internet price by 6.4 per cent
Jamaica – Satellite internet provider Starlink has increased the monthly price of its residential internet service in Jamaica to $7,450 from $7,000, marking a 6.4 per cent increase that will take effect from June 18… more
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
CBCS Says Cyber Threats and Artificial Intelligence Are Increasing Financial Risks
Curaçao – The growing use of artificial intelligence and rapid digitalization are increasing exposure to cyber threats within the financial sector of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, according to the 2026 Financial Stability Report released by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten… more
Formerly C&W, relaunched Liberty Business committed to powering digital growth in Jamaica
Jamaica – Liberty Business, formerly known as C&W Business, has renewed its commitment to help local businesses innovate faster, operate more efficiently, strengthen resilience, and compete in an increasingly digital global economy… more
St. Maarten Launches Strategic Summer Partnership with Expedia; strengthening Global Digital Visibility.
Sint Maarten – The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has announced a new strategic partnership with Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest travel platforms, as part of its 2026 Summer Marketing Campaign. The partnership will place St. Maarten at the center of global travel search and continues the Ministry’s shift to data-driven tourism marketing… more
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
PM: Make digital platform to track gig workers’ benefits
Barbados – Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for collaboration with government technology agencies and young software developers to build a digital platform for the National Portable Benefits Framework… more
How to get your business recommended by AI
Caribbean – For years, businesses competed to rank on Google. The goal was simple: Show up on page one, get the click, win the customer… more
Liberty Business committed to powering digital growth in Jamaica
Caribbean – Liberty Business, formerly known as C&W Business, has renewed its commitment to help local businesses innovate faster, operate more efficiently, strengthen resilience, and compete in an increasingly digital global economy… more
TICON Africa & CANTO Launch a Powerful Transatlantic ICT Partnership
Caribbean – In a defining step for global digital collaboration, two rapidly advancing regions are poised to shape the future of the digital economy. The Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) and CANTO have formed a strategic partnership that will connect Africa and the Caribbean… more
AI squeeze impacts audit firms
Cayman Islands – Cayman is home to some of the world’s highest-paid accountants and auditors. Senior partners at the top of the largest firms can earn millions of dollars per year. Yet that layer of well-paid partners is supported by a foundation of audit staff and tax professionals on relatively low salaries… more
CBCS Warns Cybercrime and AI Threaten Financial Stability
Curaçao – Cybercrime and artificial intelligence are emerging as major threats to financial stability in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, according to the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS)… more
Guyana, Singapore deepen cooperation in energy, AI and climate initiatives
Guyana – PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday engaged in high-level bilateral discussions with Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, as Guyana and Singapore moved to strengthen cooperation in key areas including energy, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and food security… more
Outsourcing firm VLBPO scales operations as it presses gas on global ambitions
Jamaica – WHAT began nearly seven years ago as a small remote operation run by two Jamaican entrepreneurs has evolved into an expanding international outsourcing company, with VLBPO now serving clients across multiple global markets… more
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Govt outlines plans for AI Governance Act
Bahamas – THE Davis administration plans to make addressing artificial intelligence a major second-term priority, promising new laws to regulate the technology as concerns mount over its use in schools, court filings and the workplace… more
Guy Malone elected Caribbean Utility Regulators chairman
Caribbean – The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Guy Malone, has been elected chairman of the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR), marking what officials described as a significant achievement for the Virgin Islands… more
IShowSpeed: Recapping the numbers of the Caribbean tour
Caribbean – For just over two weeks, the Caribbean became the backdrop for one of the biggest creator-driven internet events of 2026… more
Samsung and Google announce collab on fashionable SmartGlasses
Caribbean – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Google unveiled new intelligent eyewear on Tuesday (April 19) at Google’s premier event, Google I/O 2026, giving a first look at two premium styles created with eyewear partners – the luxury, Seoul-based Gentle Monster and lifestyle New York brand, Warby Parker… more
Curaçao Gaming Authority Introduces Strict New Cybersecurity Rules for Online Gaming Sector
Curaçao – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has published its first formal Information Security Control Requirements framework for public consultation, introducing sweeping new cybersecurity obligations that will become mandatory for all licensed online gaming operators and suppliers on the island… more
Jamaica Already Seeing Results from ICT Authority
Jamaica – A year after its formal operationalisation in 2025, Jamaica’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Authority is driving a wave of modernisation across government, delivering on its mandate to cut bureaucracy and improve efficiency… more
Howai: Modern payment system cannot wait
Trinidad and Tobago – Central Bank Governor Larry Howai has stressed that T&T “cannot wait any longer” to modernise its payment system, as he opened the launch of a public consultation on the long-anticipated Draft Payment Systems and Services Bill and Regulations aimed at strengthening financial stability, encouraging innovation, and expanding digital payments… more
Friday, 22 May 2026
Bahamian realtor details sector’s blockchain future
Bahamas – A Bahamian realtor has spoken at two international conferences on how blockchain and tokenisation are set to reshape the handling of land and property transactions… more
Symmonds pushes services-led growth as Barbados eyes digital economy expansion
Barbados – Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce Kerrie Symmonds says Barbados must move quickly to diversify its economy by expanding non-traditional service industries such as cybersecurity, data protection and digital services… more
Select committee will work on kids’ social media ban
Cayman Islands – Cabinet has confirmed its support for a ban on social media use by children under the age of 16, following the passage of a private member’s motion in parliament in March… more
Digicel races to fortify network ahead of 2026 hurricane season
Jamaica – As the country prepares for the start of the upcoming hurricane season, telecommunications provider Digicel says it is optimising its network to withstand the possible onslaught of a hurricane… more
Government to introduce digital document wallet
Jamaica – The introduction of a digital document wallet and a government notification system for citizens are among the priority areas for the next phase of Jamaica’s digital transformation… more
PIOJ warns AI adoption will cut working and middle-class jobs
Jamaica – The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) said Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) will displace clerical and professional workers, but that research continues on the scale of displacement throughout the workforce… more
UWI inks MOU with Intellibus to spearhead AI education, digital policy in the Caribbean
Jamaica – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation company Intellibus. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate AI adoption, bridge the digital divide, and foster a robust ecosystem for scientific innovation across the Caribbean… more
Saturday, 23 May 2026
Amplify Summit Elevates Caribbean’s Digital Vision
Caribbean – Senior government officials, regulators, technology leaders, private sector executives, and regional stakeholders concluded the second annual Amplify Summit with a clear and unified message that the Caribbean must move decisively to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the region’s long-term resilience and competitiveness… more
Govt. to roll out AI-backed borders and virtual police stations
Guyana – President Irfaan Ali on Friday unveiled the country’s future security blueprint emphasising that, “… The objective of our national security infrastructure of Guyana is to develop one of the most modern technologically integrated systems in the world.” … more
Mobile AI unit to catch traffic ticket evaders
Guyana – President Irfaan Ali on Friday said an artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance system was being deployed to track and intercept vehicles for unpaid traffic tickets… more
Jamaica could see 5G technology soon, says Price
Jamaica – Liberty Business, formerly known as Cable and Wireless, is seeking to accelerate digital transformation across Jamaica’s private sector… more
bmobile launches second youth internship programme, targets 1,200
Trinidad and Tobago – bmobile has launched the 2026 edition of its Future Leaders Internship Programme (FLIP), doubling the initiative’s reach to 1,200 young people and introducing new streams focused on technology, digital media and entrepreneurship… more
Sunday, 24 May 2026
Cyberbullying Case Crumbles After Chester Williams’ Absence
Belize – A cyberbullying case against former COMPOL Chester Williams has collapsed after he failed to show up in court. Barry Flowers, a police officer from Orange Walk, was due to stand trial today in Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of online harassment… more
Second Cyberbullying Case Linked to Chester Williams Tossed Out
Belize – A cyberbullying charge against a police officer was dismissed in court today after the CEO in the Ministry of Transport, Chester Williams, who filed the complaint, did not appear for the trial he himself initiated… more
The evolution of alternative investments: How tokenisation is reshaping real estate and beyond
Caribbean – Alternative investments, once the exclusive playground of institutions and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, are undergoing a profound transformation. Assets such as private equity, infrastructure, hedge funds, fine art, and commercial real estate were historically illiquid, opaque, and accessible only to those with substantial capital and connections. Today, digital innovation is breaking down many of those barriers… more
Dominican government prepares to tax Netflix, Airbnb and other digital platforms within 60 days
Dominican Republic – General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) plans to submit within 60 days a proposal to apply the 18% ITBIS sales tax to foreign digital platforms such as Netflix, Airbnb, and Facebook that provide services to users in the Dominican Republic… more
Indotel and Ministry of Defense sign agreement to strengthen cybersecurity
Dominican Republic – The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) and the Ministry of Defense of the Dominican Republic have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, cyber defense capabilities, and strategic security systems… more
After Melissa, Jamaica bets on digital government
Jamaica – JAMAICA has attempted to unify its government systems before. Agencies have digitised services, automated forms, and upgraded online platforms yet Jamaicans moving from one ministry to another still often restart the same process, submitting documents to disconnected agencies operating separate systems… more
Stakeholders praise payments bill, but raise multiple concerns
Trinidad and Tobago – The Central Bank’s long-awaited Payment Systems and Services Bill is being welcomed by fintech operators as a major step toward modernising Trinidad and Tobago’s financial system, but industry players are warning that parts of the legislation could undermine the very innovation it is trying to encourage… more
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