ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean https://ict-pulse.com Discussing ICT, telecommunications and technology Issues from a Caribbean perspective Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:10:06 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/ict-pulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/cropped-ICT_final-small.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean https://ict-pulse.com 32 32 33996440 ICTP 339: e-Commerce and AI, AI and real-time weather, and cashless fraud https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-339-e-commerce-and-ai-ai-and-real-time-weather-and-cashless-fraud/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-339-e-commerce-and-ai-ai-and-real-time-weather-and-cashless-fraud&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-339-e-commerce-and-ai-ai-and-real-time-weather-and-cashless-fraud https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-339-e-commerce-and-ai-ai-and-real-time-weather-and-cashless-fraud/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172452 In our February 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Kira Mohammed, an e-Commerce Strategist based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mark Codling, a PhD Candidate in GeoInformatics from Jamaica, the panel discusses the following three topics: ways AI is transforming e-commerce; AI and real-time weather; and cashless fraud.

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In our February 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Kira Mohammed, an e-Commerce Strategist based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mark Codling, a PhD Candidate in GeoInformatics from Jamaica, the panel discusses the following three topics: ways AI is transforming e-commerce;  AI and real-time weather; and cashless fraud.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

From the title of this month’s Community Chat, we are definitely witnessing more conversations on the ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI), the role it is playing and could be playing in Caribbean society. For example, although AI has been a force in the e-commerce space for several years, especially in providing shoppers with personalised recommendations, that may not necessarily be the case in the region, On the other hand, AI has been transforming weather analysis and providing citizens with more relevant and accurate weather projections, in addition to helping improve the robustness and reliability of various societal structures and services.

Our February 2025 Community Chat covers a lot of ground. However, allow us to introduce our guest panellists and share more on the topics discussed.

 

Introducing our guest panellists

Kira Mohammed

Kira Mohammed is a results-driven eCommerce Consultant dedicated to helping businesses build, optimise, and scale their online stores. With deep expertise in eCommerce development, conversion rate optimisation (CRO), branding, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, she partners with brands to create seamless shopping experiences that drive revenue and customer engagement.

Through strategic website design, data-backed search engine optimisation (SEO), and high-converting digital advertising campaigns, Kira empowers businesses to stay ahead in the competitive online marketplace. She specialises in platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, ensuring that brands not only have a strong digital presence but also leverage the latest technologies for maximum profitability. Her expertise spans branding strategies that enhance brand identity and trust, PPC campaigns that focus on conversion KPIs and web development techniques that create personalised customer experiences. She works directly with business-to-business (B2B) and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to implement tailored strategies that enhance brand visibility, streamline operations, and increase online sales. 

Mark Codling

Mark Codling is a Hazard Mitigation Specialist dedicated to enhancing disaster risk management through the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive policies, procedures, and programs at Hazard Management Cayman Islands. He is currently pursuing a PhD in GeoInformatics with a focus on GeoAI (Geospatial Artificial Intelligence Technology) and the Internet of Things (IoT) at the University of West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Disaster Management from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where he specialised in Transport Infrastructure Resilience, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Technology, Jamaica.

With a wealth of experience in implementing WebGIS (Web Geographic Information Systems) projects, Mark has significantly contributed to public sector organisations in both the Caribbean and New Zealand. His expertise spans a range of sectors, including electric utilities, land management, social development, disaster, and emergency management. 

 

Topics discussed

With more people shopping online, especially in the Caribbean region. Although the region’s e-commerce market is projected to reach a revenue of over USD 5 billion in 2025 and grow to nearly USD 7 billion by 2029 (Source: Statista), much of that business is being done with shops outside the region. For our first topic, noting the prominence of AI in the business landscape, we discussed Ways AI is transforming e-commerce to explore the extent to which Caribbean online merchants are leveraging AI.

Thanks to Mark’s background in geoinformatics and hazard mitigation, our second topic was AI and real-time weather. In the Caribbean region, our weather tends not to change very dramatically day to day, so we might not have given much – nor have a need for – real-time weather updates. We thus touched on why having real-time weather is crucial and then focused on the role of AI in weather prediction and analysis.

Our final topic continued the discussion on Cashless fraud, which started due to reports in Jamaica that some merchants in Jamaica are no longer accepting contactless payment options, such as tap-to-pay, but especially digital wallets. However, the digital payments ecosystem in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region has been doubling its effort to move our societies to become more cashless.

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Image credits:  K Mohammed; M Codling;  Pixabay; Tumisu (Pixabay); DC Studio (Freepik); creativeart (Freepik)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

 

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Roundup: for the week ending 16 February 2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-16-february-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-16-february-2025&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-16-february-2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-16-february-2025/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172439 A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February 2025.

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A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February 2025.

 

Monday, 10 February 2025

Cybersecurity expert: Complicated restoration process following UB ransomware attack

Bahamas – The recovery of the University of The Bahamas (UB) following a ransomware attack on February 2 that shut down its telecommunications systems, will be a “very complicated” process involving the isolation of infected devices, said a top cybersecurity expert… more

Belize Strengthens Public Health Resilience with e-SPAR

Belize – Belize stepped up its efforts to protect public health with a key new assessment that strengthens the country’s ability to respond to emergencies. By completing the 2024 e-SPAR under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), Belize has taken a big leap forward in ensuring its health security… more

UNDP Representative Urges Inclusive Digital Solutions for the Caribbean

Caribbean – Caribbean researchers, innovators, practitioners and policymakers are being urged to place resilience and inclusion at the center of homegrown solutions and frameworks related to drone technology… more

Number portability service available from today – PUC

Guyana – People who want to switch to another mobile network provider but keep their current numbers can now do so, as the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) yesterday announced that the number portability service is effective from today… more

Data breaches in Jamaica: Legal implications and best practices for businesses

Jamaica – As data breaches become more common, Jamaican businesses must ensure they are compliant with data protection laws and prepared to handle any breaches swiftly and legally… more

A local AI to meet the cyberbullying challenge

Trinidad and Tobago – THE MORNING session of the TT Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF) on January 31 was supposed to be an online discussion of cyberbullying, but it turned into something else entirely… more

 

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

How Cable TV Has Shaped Belizean Culture

Belize – Cable TV has had a huge impact on Belizean culture. From the early days of North American shows and ads shaping our choices, to today’s diverse programming, thanks to tech advancements… more

Sisters in Science: Spotlighting Caribbean Women in STEM

Caribbean – The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11 to advance the full and equal participation of women and girls in science… more

C&W Communications makes call for “Safer Internet”

Grenada – C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, is proud to join the global community in celebrating Safer Internet Day under the theme “Too Good to Be True? Protecting Yourself and Others from Scams Online.”… more

USF donates $5m in tech to Jamaica Fire Brigade

Jamaica – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has donated 20 desktop computers and two printers to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to the tune of approximately $5.5 million… more

Saint Lucia Moves Toward An E-Land Registry For Greater Efficiency

Saint Lucia –The Government of Saint Lucia is advancing efforts to modernize land administration with the development of an e-Land Registry System… more

Bmobile, Neptune collab aims to provide nonstop broadband

Trinidad and Tobago – DOWNTIME is not just an inconvenience – it’s a direct threat to business operations, revenue and reputation. Whether it’s a bank unable to process transactions, an energy company losing visibility of its assets, or a manufacturing plant falling behind schedule, the impact is immediate and costly… more

 

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Digital Transformation for Small Island Nations: Tackling distinctive obstacles with a fresh approach

Caribbean – Small Island Nations (SIDS), scattered across vast oceans, face a unique set of challenges, including isolation, limited resources, and the looming threat of climate change… more

IDB Lab partners with 19Labs to launch drone-delivered medical aid in Guyana

Guyana – IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is partnering with19Labs to pilot the use of drone technology for delivering critical medical supplies to some of Guyana’s remote hinterland communities… more

tTech going private, applies for delisting from JSE

Jamaica – Publicly listed information technology company tTech Limited is going private having applied for delisting from the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s (JSE) junior market… more

CARDTP Advances Plans For National Government Datacenter And Governmental CIRT

Saint Lucia – The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) is advancing two priority initiatives aimed at strengthening Saint Lucia’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework… more

Digicel Suriname & Energiebedrijven Suriname Sign Landmark Pole Sharing Agreement

Suriname – Marking a major step forward in enhancing Suriname’s digital infrastructure, Digicel recently announced the signing of a landmark pole sharing agreement with EBS… more

 

Thursday, 13 February 2025

PSV operators seek cheaper tech as fare payment system hits cost barrier

Barbados – The planned cashless payment system for privately run public service vehicles (PSVs) has run into a roadblock owing to concerns over the cost of hardware, the operators’ representatives have revealed… more

Grenada’s Dionne Walker is “Cyber Heroine of the Year”

Grenada – The overall winner and runners-up have been announced in Get Safe Online’s international Cyber Heroine of the Year competition, which has been running since October in 25 countries across the globe… more

ibex announces new country manager for Jamaica

Jamaica – ibex, a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions on Wednesday announced the appointment of Phil Taylor as senior Vice President and Country Manager for Jamaica… more

Cybernetica selected as Strategic Adviser for National Digital Identity Implementation in SKN

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Federal Government has taken a significant step in advancing its e-government transformation by partnering with Cybernetica. Cybernetica is an Estonian IT company best known for development of Estonia’s e-Estonia X-Road and Internet voting system… more

WiPay Remittance expands cash payout services in Trinidad with plans for regional growth

Trinidad and Tobago – WiPay Remittance has launched cash payout locations in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the start of a phased expansion across the Caribbean… more

US$6M BPO facility launched in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago – Business process outsourcing (BPO) services company, Advensus, has announced the launch of its US$6 million delivery facility in Longdenville, Chaguanas… more

Young: Time to digitise Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago – Energy Minister Stuart Young says the Digital Transformation Ministry must move out of the “crib” stage as it is time for action… more

Young urges fast track for digital transformation

Trinidad and Tobago – Prime Minister in waiting, Stuart Young, is stressing the need for an immediate and significant push towards digitisation… more

 

Friday, 14 February 2025

Cybersecurity no longer a luxury, but a necessity, expert warns

Bahamas – An information security expert has warned that in today’s digital age, robust cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for ensuring business resilience and growth, emphasizing that cyber threats are evolving rapidly and businesses must prioritize security to protect data, trust, and long-term success… more

BVI Telecoms Wants Opinions Of Residents.

British Virgin Islands – The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has started an Industry Review to see how the telecommunications sector in the Virgin Islands has changed since it was opened to competition in 2006… more

AI Here To Stay In Airport Technology Says Guyana Air Chief.

Guyana – The Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, is all in favor of  artificial intelligence (AI) in Guyana’s aviation sector… more

Local consultancy GPSM inks ‘agreement with TT technology firm

Guyana – As regional and global investor interest in Guyana increases as word travels regarding the acceleration of the country’s oil-driven business portfolio, external business organizations, not least those located in the Caribbean continue to pay an interest in the potential which Guyana offers for partnership opportunities across a wide range of sectors… more

Siemens AI-assisted mammographic machine is a game changer in breast cancer early detection

Guyana – Dear Editor, According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 12 women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent, life-threatening diseases to women worldwide… more

ICT consultant appointed as new TSTT chairman

Trinidad and Tobago – Information Communications Technology (ICT) consultant Anthony Peyson has been appointed the chairman of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago… more

ICT consultant new TSTT chairman

Trinidad and Tobago – Information Communications Technology (ICT) consultant Anthony Peyson has been appointed the chairman of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT)… more

 

Saturday, 15 February 2025

Antigua Computer Technology: First business in Antigua and Barbuda to join the UN Global compact as a participant

Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua Computer Technology (ACT) is proud to announce that it has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact, making history as the first business in Antigua and Barbuda to participate in the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative… more

AI in education: Embrace with caution, says college principal

Barbados –  The official overseeing teacher training in Barbados has weighed on the role of artificial intelligence in education, calling for the technology to be embraced despite widespread concerns… more

One Communications increased my internet subscription without my knowledge

Guyana – Dear Editor, I have been a customer of One Communications, formerly Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) since they began internet service (Account # 22450552)… more

SMEs Struggle

Jamaica – Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are said to be among those businesses having a difficulty with meeting the requirements of the now enacted Data Protection Act (DPA) which regulates how entities process, manage and store customer data… more

TSTT gets new chairman

Trinidad and Tobago – Majority state-owned Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has a new chairman, following the resignation of Sean Roach on January 15… more

 

Sunday, 16 February 2025

Digicel’s corporate reshuffle

Caribbean – Digicel Group is undergoing a significant restructuring that will see a shift in its corporate framework, with job losses confirmed across several markets, including Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and the United States… more

Jamaica to operationalise national digital ID with new data exchange platform

Jamaica – Jamaica is pushing for the full rollout of its national digital identification (ID) with the development of its new Jamaica Data Exchange Platform this year… more

Senior citizen’s Flow nightmare ends

Jamaica – Dear Claudienne,

I have a contract with Flow for landline, cable & Internet service at my residence in Manchester. I was fully paid up to June 30, 2024… more

J’Ouvert in the world of AI

Trinidad and Tobago – In one of my addictive bouts of social media scrolling, I came across a post on the page Look into My Eyes, an account I had begun following a few months ago… more

 

 

Images credit: Adeolu Eletu (Unsplash); Wikipedia; Wikipedia; tTech; WiPay; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons

 

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Becoming a One Gigabit Society: What the Caribbean region must do to close the gap https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/becoming-a-one-gigabit-society-what-the-caribbean-region-must-do-to-close-the-gap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=becoming-a-one-gigabit-society-what-the-caribbean-region-must-do-to-close-the-gap&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=becoming-a-one-gigabit-society-what-the-caribbean-region-must-do-to-close-the-gap https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/becoming-a-one-gigabit-society-what-the-caribbean-region-must-do-to-close-the-gap/#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172429 A ‘One Gigabit Society’ is the longstanding vision of the European Union, which has also been adopted worldwide, including the Caribbean region. In this article, we provide a quick primer on the concept and highlight critical challenges the region must address to achieve that vision.

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A ‘One Gigabit Society’ is the longstanding vision of the European Union, which has also been adopted worldwide, including the Caribbean region. In this article, we provide a quick primer on the concept and highlight critical challenges the region must address to achieve that vision.

 

Over the past week, several news outlets highlighted the speech delivered by One Communications (Guyana) Inc. at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) in Curaçao. The speech, which was delivered by the company’s President of International Operations, Damien Blackburn, emphasised the importance of collaboration for Caribbean countries and the region as a whole to achieve a ‘One Gigabit Society’.

The concept of a One Gigabit Society has been around for nearly a decade when the European Commission (EC) outlined the following vision in its Connectivity for a European Gigabit Society (2016) policy, which should be achieved by 2025:

  • 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) speeds for all major socio-economic drivers and key institutions (schools, hospitals, businesses, transportation hubs).
  • Uninterrupted 5G coverage in all urban areas and major roads and transport paths.
  • 100 Mbps (megabit per second)minimum for all European households, upgradable to 1 Gbps.

The Caribbean region has also been exploring the realisation of a Gigabit Society through a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Working Group. In a 2024 report entitled, Towards a Caribbean Gigabit Society 2030, the Working Group proposed a plan through which “to create a sustainable, digitally integrated, globally competitive region” (Source:  Stabroek News). However, many of us may not be familiar with the One Gigabit Society concept and, more so, what is being envisaged for our region.

 

So what is ‘One Gigabit Society’?

The “One Gigabit Society” is a vision for digital connectivity where every citizen, business, and public institution has access to high-speed internet with at least 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) speeds. Further, in achieving this target, the following features should also be evident and would need to be addressed:

  • Ultra-fast internet access, which would enable seamless streaming, cloud computing, smart cities, and digital transformation
  • Digital inclusion, with specific attention being given to eliminating the urban-rural divide with respect to high-speed internet access
  • Support for emerging technologies, such as 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), AI, and smart grids rely on high-speed internet.
  • More pronounced economic growth due to, among other things, increased productivity, improved efficiency, increased business development and entrepreneurship, and greater support for e-commerce and digital services.
  • Enhanced public services, due to improved online access to and delivery of government services and seamless integration of processes within and across government and the wider Public Service.

 

One Gigabit Society, from a Caribbean perspective

Without a doubt, the goal of realising a One Gigabit Society in the Caribbean region is a noble one as it can help to focus the individual and combined effort of all countries and players. However, to realistically achieve that goal in a timely manner, a comprehensive and cogent plan supported by all key stakeholders must be established and maintained. More importantly, there must be systems to track progress and enforce accountability, so that we all remain aligned and committed to the path agreed.

However, we also ought to consider the gap between where we currently are – as individual countries and a region – and where we supposedly want to be. Currently, that gap is WIDE! Factors contributing to the gap include the following:

  • Depending on the country, not all major socio-economic drivers and key institutions have internet access, and if they do, high-speed broadband internet service quality tends to be poor, especially in terms of reliability and transmission speeds.
  • Except for Guyana and the Cayman Islands, 5G service has not been deployed in Caribbean/CARICOM countries, and if it exists, service availability is extremely limited. Further, the major telecoms have already advised that they will not be deploying 5G networks in the region in the foreseeable future.
  • Transmission speeds for internet service across the region are very uneven. A common and minimum threshold has not been established, and depending on the country, it is considerably less than the 100 Mbps specified in the EC’s target.
  • Caribbean countries and the region as a whole are plagued with infrastructure and resilience challenges, which would be exacerbated when the high cost of rolling out and maintaining gigabit fibre networks is considered.
  • Thanks to uneven internet access in countries, rural areas still tend to struggle with slower and less reliable speeds than their urban counterparts, which in turn worsens the geographic digital divide.
  • To a considerable degree, regulatory policies and frameworks are very dated across the region, and do not properly support our increasingly digital societies, and more specifically, the goal of a One Gigabit Society.
  • Internet service affordability is still a challenge – both for individuals and small businesses. Individuals, especially those towards the base of the socio-economic pyramid, cannot afford continuous service, whilst micro and small businesses may only purchase the internet service they can afford and not the service they need. Hence, these existing challenges are likely to become more pronounced should gigabit service be launched without specific interventions.
  • The fundamental structures to support e-commerce, digital innovation and entrepreneurship are still lacking. Hence, even if a Gigabit Society was achieved in the foreseeable future, Caribbean countries and, by extension, the region would not be able to leverage that connectivity to accelerate their economic growth and development.

In summary, the One Gigabit Society vision is crucial for advancing technology exports, digital transformation, and economic growth of the Caribbean region. However, a broad range of problems exist that must be overcome. Further, achieving gigabit connectivity would be just the tip of the iceberg. Harnessing that connectivity will be critical and will require careful planning and coordination, along with the active and ongoing support of all countries and stakeholders.

Can Caribbean countries achieve a Gigabit Society by 2030? It is highly unlikely, but it is hoped that we will be well on our way and the target within reach.

 

 

Image credit:  shayne_ch13 (Freepik)

 

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ICTP 338: Boosting data-driven insights for Caribbean financial markets, with Raquel Seville of Dataffluent https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-338-boosting-data-driven-insights-for-caribbean-financial-markets-with-raquel-seville-of-dataffluent/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-338-boosting-data-driven-insights-for-caribbean-financial-markets-with-raquel-seville-of-dataffluent&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-338-boosting-data-driven-insights-for-caribbean-financial-markets-with-raquel-seville-of-dataffluent https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-338-boosting-data-driven-insights-for-caribbean-financial-markets-with-raquel-seville-of-dataffluent/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172416 The Caribbean region ranks lowest in statistical performance compared to other regions, and studies have estimated the value of Open Data alone could contribute between 1% and 2% to the national GDP of Caribbean countries. The ‘Data Queen’ herself, Raquel Seville, is back to discuss her new start-up, Dataffluent, which is offering financial and investment insights on underserved markets, including those in the Caribbean region. During our conversation, she discusses, among other things, the problem Dataffluent is trying to solve; what it is like to be a woman in tech AND a woman in finance; the challenges of training AI models for us in developing countries; and the advice she would give to other young tech start-ups.

The post ICTP 338: Boosting data-driven insights for Caribbean financial markets, with Raquel Seville of Dataffluent first appeared on ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean.]]>
The Caribbean region ranks lowest in statistical performance compared to other regions, and studies have estimated the value of Open Data alone could contribute between 1% and 2% to the national GDP of Caribbean countries. The ‘Data Queen’ herself, Raquel Seville, is back to discuss her new start-up, Dataffluent, which is offering financial and investment insights on underserved markets, including those in the Caribbean region. During our conversation, she discusses, among other things, the problem Dataffluent is trying to solve; what it is like to be a woman in tech AND a woman in finance; the challenges of training AI models for us in developing countries; and the advice she would give to other young tech start-ups.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

There seem to be two kinds of entrepreneurs in the world. First, there are those who are born entrepreneurs: who knew from a very young age that they would start their own businesses and avidly searched (and continue to search) for opportunities to do so. A good and recent example of this Is Jarryon Paul, the Founder of Sunshine, who we spoke with in January 2025.

The second group are those who became entrepreneurs based on circumstances. Often, they have identified a need or pain point people are having or a gap in the market that they had the skills, drive, or otherwise, the wherewithal to try to address. Our guest for this episode of the Podcast falls into this category and has created a solution for a problem either we may not have known we had or did not know could be solved!

Founded in March 2024, Dataffluent offers market insights tailored for investors and traders to empower decision-makers in the Caribbean region, with scope to expand into other developing countries and regions where financial markets, the associated data and infrastructure are still fledging. The company’s platform leverages cutting-edge AI models with sophisticated machine learning algorithms to unravel the complexities of stock market data and delivers deep market insights, providing clients with a comprehensive understanding of emerging market dynamics.

 

Introducing our guest

Raquel Seville

Raquel Seville is the Founder of Dataffluent, a research and data science company that specialises in providing financial insights for publicly traded entities in emerging markets. She is a distinguished Jamaican tech entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry.

Raquel has held leadership roles in multinational companies and served as CEO for the Caribbean region at BI Brainz, training over 10,000 professionals in business intelligence. She is a published author of SAP OpenUI5 for Mobile BI and Analytics.

Raquel is also an advocate for women in technology, addressing challenges related to career and personal life balance. Passionate about leveraging data to drive economic growth in underserved markets, she balances her professional endeavours with personal interests in travel, photography, and culinary exploration, all while maintaining a strong connection to her Jamaican heritage.

 

Insight into our conversation

Data-driven market intelligence is still underdeveloped in the Caribbean region. Hence, being able to provide clients with accurate, real-time data not only facilitates improved decision-making and opens up a broad range of opportunities for innovation, but it is also essential in driving the region’s economic growth and increasing its economic resilience and independence.

Raquel has been passionate about data for decades and seeing start to come into her own through Dataffluent. BI Branz, her previous venture, was a consulting business, which tends to start with the company principals leveraging their relationships with the hope of developing a track record and securing referrals. Taking on stock markets to provide more comprehensive insights and intelligence is an audacious undertaking, and a problem that we may not have realised could be solved. So, what we seem to have here is the optimal situation: solving a significant real-world problem by someone who has the expertise and the experience to provide a solution.

Below are some of the questions posed to Raquel during our conversation.

  1. Tell us about Dataffluent. Why did you set it up and what services does it offer?
  2. What is the problem Dataffluent is trying to solve? And who are your customers?
  3. What is it like to pitch your business to others?
  4. What is it like to be a woman in tech and focusing on finance?
  5. What is it like being an entrepreneur in Jamaica? What do you think about the country’s start-up environment/ start-up culture?
  6. How would you describe yourself as a manager, as the leader of your organisation? What do you consider your greatest strength?
  7. What has been the biggest lesson you have had to learn in launching your startup and running your own business?
  8. Where would you like to see Dataffluent in the next 2 to 3 years?
  9. What is the best piece of advice you would give to a young tech start-up?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit: Images credit:  R Seville; snowing (Freepik); nattanan23 (Pixabay); rawpixel.com (Freepik)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

 

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Roundup: for the week ending 9 February 2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-9-february-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-9-february-2025&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-9-february-2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-9-february-2025/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:15:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172403 A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 3 February to Sunday 9 February 2025.

The post Roundup: for the week ending 9 February 2025 first appeared on ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean.]]>
A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 3 February to Sunday 9 February 2025.

 

Monday, 3 February 2025

Cable warns 5G is ‘not viable’ in medium-term

Bahamas – Regulators will press ahead this year with plans to facilitate fifth generation (5G) mobile roll-out despite Cable Bahamas’ warning that the technology is “not commercially viable” in the medium-term… more

URCA to begin implementing 5G regulatory framework in The Bahamas in 2025

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has announced that it will begin implementing the 5G regulatory framework for The Bahamas in the first trimester of 2025… more

URCA to release premium spectrum for 5G this year

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) revealed in its recently released Statement of Results and Next Steps on the Roadmap to Enable 5G Deployment in The Bahamas, that the rollout of 5G in The Bahamas will begin before the end of the year, after extensive public consultation on how such a rollout would look… more

DeepSeek shows business opportunity

Barbados – The top level generative artificial intelligence (AI) model created by Chinese technology company DeepSeek is a potential game-changer for businesses and the wider society in Barbados… more

Behavioral Analytics: The Key to Combatting Scalable Payment Fraud

Caribbean – In the evolving landscape of digital transactions, most payment fraud prevention strategies are based on digital identity authentication… more

Caribbean infrastructure needs highlighted in new CAF report

Caribbean – The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has conducted its first study into the infrastructure needs of the Caribbean… more

Samsung launches Galaxy S25 smartphones

Caribbean – If there was any theme underlying Samsung’s launch last week of its new S25 line of premium smartphones, it was artificial intelligence… more

Digital overhaul to transform human services as $58.3 billion budget approved

Guyana – In a major step towards modernising public services, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is set to embark on a digital overhaul, backed by a substantial $58.3 billion allocation approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Friday… more

C&W Business in ‘reset’ mode to better support clients

Jamaica – Following a year of disruptions from inclement weather, including Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael, regional telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless Caribbean (CWC) is recalibrating to better serve the Jamaican market, including business clients through its subsidiary C&W Business… more

Upskilling workforce: Catalyst for Jamaica’s productivity revolution

Jamaica – In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting global economic dynamics, Jamaica’s private sector stands at a crossroads… more

Teen suicides linked to sextortion

Trinidad and Tobago – THE deaths by suicide of at least two teenagers in the country recently have been linked to a disturbing and growing trend known as “financial sextortion”, experts have said… more

 

Tuesday, 4 February 2025

How Radio Transitioned Over the Decades

Belize – Radio continues to be a key medium for news, public announcements, information, and entertainment in Belize… more

Online entry portal now required

British Virgin Islands – Most of the problems that delayed the full rollout of the territory’s online entry system have been ironed out, and all travellers to the Virgin Islands are now required to use the portal, according to acting Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge… more

Trump’s digital dollar rejection

Caribbean – In a financial era defined by digital innovation, the Donald Trump administration’s outright rejection of a United States (US) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has sparked fierce debate… more

JBDC Expanding Digital Jamaica Training to Rural Entrepreneurs

Jamaica – The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is taking its Digital Jamaica Training initiative beyond urban centres into rural communities… more

 

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

AI expert: Artificial intelligence can boost Bahamas’ top vertical market

Bahamas – Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be integrated into the tourism sector to boost the performance of its top vertical market, the highly successful weddings and romance market, according to AI expert Chloe Burke… more

FTX Bahamas ‘shoots for’ February 18 first payout

Bahamas – FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are “shooting for” February 18 as the date to start payouts to small creditors and victims owed less than $50,000 as a result of the crypto exchange’s fraud-driven implosion… more

FTX creditors to receive reimbursements by Feb. 18

Bahamas – The joint official liquidators (JOLs) of FTX Digital Markets (FTX DM) are set to release reimbursements to its first creditors by February 18, but only those whose claims are less than $50,000, according to numerous sources who say emails were sent to creditors announcing the start of the reimbursements… more

E-Governance participates in the ‘In-Person Workshop on Political Leadership and Advocacy in Public Policies for Women-Led SMEs’ in Costa Rica

Belize – On January 22 & 23rd, The E-Governance & Digitalization Department (EGDD) proudly participated in a significant workshop focused on enhancing women’s leadership in the region, represented by Dr. Adriani Coleman, Director of the EGDD… more

CANTO boss: OTTs still reaping benefits from region

Caribbean – The Over-the-Top (OTT) content providers such as Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Amazon, TikTok, and Netflix continue to reap the financial benefits of the telecommunications networks in the region… more

CANTO Connect 2025 Closes on a High Note: Collaboration, Innovation, and Progress

Caribbean – Telecommunications leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the Caribbean convened in Curaçao for CANTO Connect 2025 and 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM)… more

Delreo Newman of ATN International Named New CANTO Chairman

Caribbean –  In a significant development for the telecommunications industry, Dr. Delreo Newman of ATN International has been elected Chairman of CANTO for a two-year term beginning 2025… more

One Communications emphasises collaboration for a ‘One Gigabit Society’

Caribbean – One Communications is committed to achieving the goals of the Gigabit Society in the Caribbean which includes the creation of a sustainable, digitally integrated, globally competitive region, while emphasising the need for all concerned to work together… more

Smart phones and Internet tun we into technology slaves!

Guyana – Dem boys remember when TV first come, and life change just so. Before that, people use to sit down and watch de street like it was dem personal drama series… more

Digital agriculture push

Jamaica – Jamaica is staking its claim in the future of another locally grown crop by embedding a QR code authentication system for bottled castor oil… more

Simplifying financial management in a digital age

Jamaica – In today’s fast-paced world, managing finances can often feel like a daunting task. With packed schedules, balancing career responsibilities, personal commitments and other priorities, finding time to navigate financial decisions can be challenging… more

 

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Nurses show backing for digitization

Bahamas – SUPPORT has been shown from nurses for efforts towards digitisation… more

Ransomware attack on university

Bahamas – THE University of The Bahamas (UB) has been the victim of a ransomware attack – and a union president has expressed concerns that the term may have to be extended as a result… more

C&W highlights role of emerging tech at CANTO AGM

Caribbean – Leading telecom operator C&W Communications recently took centre stage at CANTO’s 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) where senior executives shared valuable insights on the transformative role of emerging technologies in modern governance… more

Caribbean Technology Experts Reveal Top 5 AI Innovations and Strategies for 2025.

Caribbean – Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and hospitality in the Caribbean is no exception. At the most recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), industry experts shared insights into how AI is set to revolutionize the guest experience, streamline operations, and preserve the region’s vibrant culture… more

With AI, do you know who you’re talking to?

Caribbean – While there are opportunities given the breakneck speed with which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving, companies and businesses must safeguard themselves from potential threats that are emerging and should “get their house in order.” … more

IDB Invest supports cutting-edge insurance solutions with investment in Mundi Ventures Latam Fund

Caribbean – IDB Invest committed a $5 million equity investment to Mundi Ventures Latam Fund I, a $100 million early-growth vehicle managed by Mundi Ventures… more

KEITH ROYE II: Battle over global AI dominance heats up

Caribbean – The artificial intelligence (AI) battle is heating up as two of the most powerful AI models, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek AI, go head-to-head in the fight for global dominance… more

Where cybersecurity threats begin: Phishing

Caribbean – According to a 2021 CISCO report, most successful data breaches, more than 90 per cent, are the result of data phishing… more

IDB Lab Partners with 19Labs to Launch Drone-Delivered Medical Aid in Guyana

Guyana – IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is partnering with 19Labs to pilot the use of drone technology for delivering critical medical supplies to some of Guyana’s remote hinterland communities… more

Social media mek people dunce!

Guyana – Dem boys seh people nah read books no more. Dem does read, but is only Facebook posts, TikTok captions, and WhatsApp status. And it got to be short-short! If it pass two sentence, dem eyes start fuh glaze over like stale pine tart… more

Biomedical investigating ‘unauthorized access’ of sensitive client data

Jamaica – One of the largest private medical labs in Jamaica has confirmed that unknown actors gained “unauthorized access” to its network and systems through an external vendor last November… more

Balancing legislation, innovation to combat cyber attacks

Trinidad and Tobago – Technology is changing the world. From automation to artificial intelligence to digital currency such as Bitcoin, technology has enhanced processes in several industries… more

Fastest-growing, fastest-declining jobs in 2025 and beyond

Trinidad and Tobago – The global job market is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by advancements in technology, automation, and shifting economic priorities… more  

 

Friday, 7 February 2025

‘No law preventing GECOM from employing digital fingerprinting at elections’

Guyana – The introduction of fingerprint biometrics and any focus on such must be shelved until after the 2025 General and Regional Elections. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice Retired Claudette Singh via a statement dated February 4, 2025… more

Scotiabank: Fraud attempts affecting some customers not widespread

Jamaica – Customers affected by the Bank of Nova Scotia Google Play scam are being encouraged to make a formal report to the authorities… more

ZS Associates ramps up hiring in Jamaica Eyes digital healthcare expansion

Jamaica – With a growing footprint in health-care analytics and digital transformation, global consulting powerhouse ZS Associates is ramping up its presence in Jamaica, betting on the island’s talent pool to support its expanding portfolio of clients in the United States and beyond… more

WASA transitions to e-billing

Trinidad and Tobago – The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has begun transitioning to e-billing as their sole platform for bill distribution… more

 

Saturday, 8 February 2025

European Union Partners with IDB to Scale Up the Digital Innovation in Belize 

Belize – The European Union (EU) is providing $2 million grant funding to scale up the “Digital Innovation to Boost Economic Development in Belize” program, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The project is a key element in the Government of Belize’s comprehensive strategy to drive digital innovation and transformation… more

Historic milestone for Eastern Caribbean Telecom Operators as Mr Vaughn Brown is elected to the CANTO Board of Directors

Caribbean –  In a historic development for the telecommunications industry in the Eastern Caribbean, Mr Vaughn Brown, APUA Telecoms Business Unit Manager, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO)… more

Founder of US$8.3M crypto start-up accused of misappropriating assets

Cayman Islands – A petition for court supervision of the liquidation of a Cayman-based online cryptocurrency casino start-up that raised US$8.3 million has been lodged after it was alleged a founder had “misappropriated” most of its assets… more

Introduction of Fingerprint biometrics must be shelved until after elections-GECOM Chair

Guyana – Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on Friday criticized the decision by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh on shelving the introduction of digital finger prints calling it “unacceptable and inadequate”… more

inDrive the most downloaded ride-hailing app in Jamaica in 2024

Jamaica – Despite moves by the Government of Jamaica, led by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, to clamp down on inDrive’s local operation in 2024, the ride-hailing app was the most downloaded in its category in Jamaica for that year… more

 

Sunday, 9 February 2025

Digitising a medical practice

Caribbean – The stage right before a venture starts, when you only have the idea and the desire, is the most difficult because that is when you must make the right choices to ensure that you have what is needed to succeed and the implementation know how… more

AFC to prove biometrics can be implemented in three months during talks with diplomatic community – Hughes

Guyana – The Alliance For Change (AFC) will be in talks with members of the diplomatic community with the aim of proving that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can implement biometrics within three months… more

FabLab.gy bringing your ideas to life

Guyana – In a world where technology is evolving, making the impossible possible has been truly leaving a tremendous impact in our world today. With new inventions introduced everyday it pushes people to not only educate themselves but develop new skills… more

Flow fiasco

Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, I am having a serious problem with Flow. In September 2023 I received an electronic bill dated 13/09/2023, due date 03/10/2023. The balance was $0.00 with a negative $12,993.85… more

Linkio, the digital alternative for business cards

Jamaica – Printing stacks of business cards can be costly and inefficient, yet staying professionally connected remains essential. Recognising this challenge, a young entrepreneur introduced the Linkio digital business card, an innovative, reusable solution designed to streamline networking while reducing printing expenses… more

Bmobile partners for satellite redundancy

Trinidad and Tobago – In April last year, a fibre optic break caused by a bush fire in Toco brought Tobago businesses to their knees… more

WASA embraces e-billing

Trinidad and Tobago – The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) ‘s announcement that it would transition to e-billing is a welcome signal of modernisation and digital transformation at the state agency… more

 

 

Images credit: carterse (flickr); The Bahamas Weekly; Wikimedia Commons; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons; Wikipedia; Marketing Magazine; Wikipedia; CompaniesLogo; Wikipedia; Flow Jamaica (Facebook)

 

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Insurtech 101 and how it is revolutionising the insurance industry https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/insurtech-101-and-how-it-is-revolutionising-the-insurance-industry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=insurtech-101-and-how-it-is-revolutionising-the-insurance-industry&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=insurtech-101-and-how-it-is-revolutionising-the-insurance-industry https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/insurtech-101-and-how-it-is-revolutionising-the-insurance-industry/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172391 According to Precedence Research, the global insurtech market size has been calculated at USD 36.05 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach over USD 600 billion by 2034, accelerating at a compound annual growth rate of 37.10% from 2025 to 2034. This article provides the basics of insurtech and highlights some real-world applications.

The post Insurtech 101 and how it is revolutionising the insurance industry first appeared on ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean.]]>
According to Precedence Research, the global insurtech market size has been calculated at USD 36.05 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach over USD 600 billion by 2034, accelerating at a compound annual growth rate of 37.10% from 2025 to 2034. This article provides the basics of insurtech and highlights some real-world applications.

 

In some quarters, insurance is considered a necessary evil. Be it health, life or vehicle insurance to name a few, they can be costly to secure and maintain, but can become invaluable when a crisis occurs. As life becomes increasingly fraught with uncertainty – be it climate or weather-related, politics or wars –

 Insurtech, a fusion of “insurance” and “technology,” is transforming the global insurance landscape by leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions. Unlike traditional insurance models, which rely on paperwork, human intermediaries, and legacy systems, insurtech introduces automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and reduce costs.

Insurtech is still relatively new worldwide and more so in the Caribbean region. This article should serve as a primer on Insurtech by outlining the differences between traditional insurance, the technologies driving this transformation, the services offered, and some real-world examples of Insurtech in developing countries.

 

Traditional insurance vs. insurtech

Traditional insurance has long been characterised by cumbersome processes, lengthy claim settlements, and rigid policies. The primary distinctions between traditional insurance and insurtech include:

  1. Claims processing. Traditional claims processing is time-consuming, involving extensive paperwork. By leveraging technologies, such as AI and blockchain technology, insurtech accelerates claims settlements by deploying automated and efficient digital processes.
  2. Customer experience. Traditional insurers tend to provide one-size-fits-all policies that could not be customised to the needs of their clients. They also rely heavily on agents and manual underwriting, which has perpetuated the rigid approach to the policies that could be secured. On the other hand, insurtech companies offer seamless digital interfaces, personalised and accessible services with greater scope to customise them to clients’ needs.
  3. Accessibility. Traditional insurers require in-person visits or phone calls for policy management, which to some degree may have been informed by know-your-customer policies which have become increasingly prevalent in the financial services sector. Insurtech platforms allow users to purchase, modify, and claim policies through mobile apps and websites.
  4. Pricing and risk assessment. Conventional insurance firms use broad categories to determine premiums, which again may be due to the policy constraints and the inherent challenges in managing different permutations on policy offerings. However, since insurtech employs data-driven, AI-powered risk assessments, it can offer dynamic, real-time pricing models.

 

Key technologies powering insurtech

Insurtech leverages various digital technologies and innovations to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Core technologies that are being deployed include the following:

  • AI and machine learning (ML). AI-driven chatbots and ML algorithms analyse vast data sets to improve risk assessment, fraud detection, and claims processing.
  • Big data and predictive analytics. By analysing vast datasets, such as those covering customer behaviour, health records, market trends and even historical insurance and risk data, and using AI and other predictive platforms, Insurtech firms can create personalised policies, detect fraudulent claims whilst also managing risk.
  • Blockchain technology. As an immutable ledger, blockchain technology can be used to ensures transparency and security in policy issuance, claims verification, and fraud prevention by providing a decentralised and tamper-proof record of all actions and transactions made.
  • Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices, such as telematics in vehicles and wearable health monitors, provide real-time data that help insurers adjust pricing and offer proactive risk management by automating the data collection process, limiting reliance on human and the chances of human error.
  • Cloud Computing. Cloud computing facilitates scalable access to storage and computing power, as well as real-time access to insurance data and analysis, which can result in more efficient and cost-effective services.

 

Examples of insurtech services and coverage

These days, insurtech companies are offering a broad range of insurance products tailored to modern consumer needs. They include:

  • On-demand insurance, which allows customers to purchase short-term policies for specific needs, such as travel, rental cars, or gadgets.
  • Usage-based insurance (UBI), which is particularly common in vehicle insurance, where the model calculates premiums based on driving habits monitored via telematics.
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) insurance, where groups of policyholders pool their premiums to cover claims collectively, resulting in reduced costs and increased trust.
  • Microinsurance, which is generally aimed at low-income populations and offers affordable coverage for health, agriculture, and life insurance.
  • Embedded insurance, which integrates insurance coverage into the purchase of other goods and services. A popular example is flight insurance, which can be included when purchasing airline tickets.

 

Insurtech is making inroads in developing countries

Insurtech is playing a crucial role in increasing insurance penetration in developing nations, where traditional models often fail to reach underserved populations. Noteworthy examples include the following:

  • Bima is amobile-based microinsurance platform that offers affordable health and life insurance to low-income individuals across 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It partners with telecom companies and insurance companies to provide life, health and accident insurance coverage, among others, via mobile phone.
  • Pula is a Kenyan-based Insurtech firm that provides agricultural insurance and digital products to help smallholder farmers endure yield risks and improve their farming practices. It uses data analytics and satellite imaging to provide farmers with insurance against climate risks, ensuring financial stability in case of droughts or floods.
  • Coverfox boasts of being the largest insurtech platform in India, which serves as an online aggregator that simplifies insurance comparison, purchase, and claims processing, making insurance more accessible to India’s vast population.

 

Conclusion

Without a doubt, insurtech is revolutionising the insurance industry by making it more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. By leveraging AI, blockchain, IoT, and big data, insurtech firms are overcoming the limitations of traditional insurance models, particularly in developing economies. As digital penetration continues to rise, insurtech will play an even more crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and providing customised insurance solutions worldwide.

 

 

Image credit:  Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)

 

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ICTP 337: Turbocharging Trinidad and Tobago’s ICT exports sector via D’Hub, with Devindra Ramnarine https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-337-turbocharging-trinidad-and-tobagos-ict-exports-sector-via-dhub-with-devindra-ramnarine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-337-turbocharging-trinidad-and-tobagos-ict-exports-sector-via-dhub-with-devindra-ramnarine&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-337-turbocharging-trinidad-and-tobagos-ict-exports-sector-via-dhub-with-devindra-ramnarine https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/ictp-337-turbocharging-trinidad-and-tobagos-ict-exports-sector-via-dhub-with-devindra-ramnarine/#respond Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172375 In response to the goal of doubling the ICT sector’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP, the Developers Hub, more commonly known as D’Hub, offers training, access to tools, as well as income and networking opportunities to local developers and citizens interested in ICT. With Devindra Ramnarine, a Digital Transformation Adviser at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad and Tobago, and one of the main architects of D’Hub, we discuss this innovative platform, including, the problem D’Hub is trying to solve; the specific government or societal challenges that are being addressed via D’Hub; how D’Hub can be made sustainable; and whether the model can be replicated in other Caribbean or developing countries.

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In response to the goal of doubling the ICT sector’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP, the Developers Hub, more commonly known as D’Hub, offers training, access to tools, as well as income and networking opportunities to local developers and citizens interested in ICT. With Devindra Ramnarine, a Digital Transformation Adviser at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad and Tobago, and one of the main architects of D’Hub, we discuss this innovative platform, including, the problem D’Hub is trying to solve; the specific government or societal challenges that are being addressed via D’Hub; how D’Hub can be made sustainable; and whether the model can be replicated in other Caribbean or developing countries.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

The digital transformative nature of ICT has been well-documented. However, realising the desired outcomes – in an organisation or a country – can be challenging as it requires a comprehensive strategy, a sustained will and the resources to facilitate implementation over the long term.

Launched in 2023, the Developers’ Hub (D’Hub) is a key initiative under the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Trinidad and Tobago that fosters the development of innovative, secure, and high-quality software solutions that address the needs of the public sector, citizens, and businesses in Trinidad and Tobago. More importantly, it is a collaborative ecosystem designed to empower local developers with the tools, resources and support needed to drive innovative and digital solutions that can have an impact in Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world.

The D’Hub model is new in the Caribbean region but has been receiving global attention for creating an enabling environment for digital transformation, sustainable development innovation and furthering the continued development of Trinidad and Tobago’s digital economy.

 

Introducing our guest

Devindra Ramnarine is a digital transformation consultant with over 30 years of experience in digital technology, digital government and ICT-enabled transformation across the Caribbean region. He is currently the Digital Transformation Adviser (Innovation and Implementation) at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad and Tobago, where he provides strategic advice, technical architectural support, and project management services.

Devindra has been responsible for establishing the Developer’s Hub (D’Hub), an initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation driven by the Ministry of Finance’s directive to increase the contribution of the ICT sector to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The programme has been strengthening the local software developer community with the goal of creating revenue-earning software development export capability. D’Hub was the proud recipient of the Inter-American Development Bank’s 2023 President’s Award for Service Excellence and Innovation (Pr.AISE) Award for Innovation in the Public Service, and it was recently awarded the 2024 World Summit on the Information Society “Champion” Prize for creating a supportive environment for sustainable development through digital means.

 

Insights into our conversation

It is not often that a Caribbean government launches a comprehensive and long-term initiative to foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship. We have seen code sprints and grants programmes come and go without having any significant or sustained impact. However, when D’Hub was announced, it seemed to want to tackle digital innovation and entrepreneurship from different fronts, including skills development, skills application to solve real-world problems, mentoring and business development.

Devindra, as one of the architects of D’Hub, offers tremendous insight into its inner workings and some of its achievements to date. Below are key questions posed during the course of our conversation.

  1. How did D’Hub come about?
  2. What is the problem D’Hub is trying to solve?
  3. How is D’Hub structured?
  4. What has D’Hub been achieved to date?
  5. What are the specific government or societal challenges the selected developers are trying to address?
  6. Were there gaps or deficiencies that emerged that required the D’Hub model to be adjusted?
  7. How could the D’Hub model be replicated in other Caribbean countries?
  8. Where would you like to see D’Hub in the next 3 to 5 years?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  TechNewsTT; First Caribbean Bank (Trinidad and Tobago)Wikimedia Commons; creativeart (Freepik); DilokaStudio (Freepik);  Ministry of Digital Transformation (Trinidad and Tobago)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

 

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Roundup: for the week ending 2 February 2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-2-february-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-2-february-2025&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundup-for-the-week-ending-2-february-2025 https://ict-pulse.com/2025/02/roundup-for-the-week-ending-2-february-2025/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172357 A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 27 January to Sunday 2 February 2025.

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A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 27 January to Sunday 2 February 2025.

 

Monday, 27 January 2025

Caribbean first aims to bridge gap between insurance and technology

Bahamas – The Insurance Commission of The Bahamas has launched a six-week online initiative, the InsurTech Compliance, Innovation and Regulatory Practices (ICIRP) course, in a bid to marry supervision with the digital age… more

CANTO Connect 2025 Opens in Curaçao

Caribbean – Leaders, innovators, and policymakers from the telecommunications sector across the Caribbean have gathered in Curaçao for CANTO Connect 2025 and the 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM). The three-day event, which officially opened on January 26 at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, is co-hosted by the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) and runs through January 28… more

DEREK SMITH JR: AI’s expanding role in corporate governance

Caribbean – Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) functions are undergoing significant changes, driven by rapid technological advances and increasingly stringent regulatory demands… more

The backup challenge

Caribbean – It’s been a while since backing up your data was a topic in this space… more

Flow announces new location at Melville Street

Grenada – Leading entertainment and communications provider Flow is pleased to announce the relocation of its retail store from Granby Street to a new, modern facility at #7 NIS Building, Melville Street, St George… more

Biometrics must be treated as a necessity for the upcoming elections

Guyana – Dear Editor, Biometrics is not just an option for the upcoming elections; it is a necessity… more

Poor connectivity will hinder hinterland residents from benefitting from digital school—Chandan-Edmond 

Guyana – Without robust infrastructure in place, the hinterland and rural communities are at risk of exclusion from the benefits of the soon-to-be established digital school, Opposition Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan Edmond has said… more

Padarath: Follow ‘due process’ before laying TSTT report in House

Trinidad and Tobago – PRINCES TOWN MP and shadow minister for public utilities Barry Padarath has temporarily softened his calls for the 2023 TSTT cyber-attack report to be laid in Parliament… more

 

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

PM urges legal capacity boost for AI and Fintech

Bahamas – The Prime Minister last night called for the building of Bahamian legal capacity in areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence (AI) while calling on this nation to fulfill its arbitration centre potential… more

New online payment portal coming for Water & Sewerage

British Virgin Islands – Customers of the Water and Sewerage Department will soon benefit from the launch of an online payment portal, enabling them to pay their bills remotely starting February 1… more

Over 21 officers trained in water quality monitoring and data analysis

British Virgin Islands – The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change has announced that more than 21 environmental and technical officers have completed comprehensive training in water quality monitoring, data analysis, and storage… more

6D Technologies Wins Landmark Deal to Revolutionize Payments for MMG Guyana with Aureus Platform

Caribbean – 6D Technologies is proud to announce its partnership with Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) to transform the payment ecosystem in Guyana using the cutting-edge Aureus platform. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver innovative solutions that redefine customer engagement and financial services… more

Rapidly evolving digital landscape is unique opportunity for cooperation with India – PM

Guyana – Addressing the 76th anniversary of India’s Republican status on Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted the rapidly evolving digital landscape in India as presenting a “unique opportunity” for collaboration… more

St. Joseph School introduces new podcast studio for pupils

Sint Maarten – St. Joseph School announced on Tuesday the launch of a podcast studio as part of its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity… more

 

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

The transformative power of digital payments in Latin America

Caribbean – As the year starts, it is time to renew the regional focus on bringing more Latin Americans into the formal financial economy… more

Biometrics must be implemented for the upcoming elections

Guyana – Dear Editor, Biometrics is not just an option for the upcoming elections; it is a necessity. The urgency for electoral reform cannot be overstated, and it is time to demand action… more

Introducing biometrics without legal framework would be unconstitutional – GECOM

Guyana – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday said that the use of biometrics at the place of polls for the upcoming General and Regional Elections requires a legislative framework failing which it would be unconstitutional… more

Symptai says SMEs struggle to meet Data Protection Act requirements

Jamaica – As Jamaica observes International Privacy Week from January 27 to 31, Symptai Consulting Limited, a leader in cybersecurity and data protection solutions, is urging local businesses to embrace a more people-centric approach to data privacy… more

Government plans to give TELEM NAF 5M in financial injection —PM.

Sint Maarten – The government of St. Maarten plans to give TELEM Group of Companies some NAF 5M to assist the company that is failing financially.… more  

bmobile Launches VoLTE in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago – bmobile has marked another milestone with the introduction of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, becoming the first mobile provider in Trinidad and Tobago to allow customers to talk and surf simultaneously… more

 

Thursday, 30 January 2025

Commission’s $221.6m FTX claim to now drop below other creditors

Bahamas – The Supreme Court yesterday approved the Securities Commission’s bid to relegate its $221.55m claim against FTX behind those of the insolvent crypto exchange’s clients and other victims… more

Regional telecoms urged to overcome digital hurdles

Caribbean – The Caribbean telecommunications sector must make a united effort to overcome the region’s digital hurdles… more

USD 9 Billion+ Needed to Support Caribbean’s Transition to a Gigabit Society

Caribbean – The Caribbean’s transition to a gigabit society, defined by widespread high-speed internet connectivity of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), requires an investment of upwards of USD 9 billion, according to Lisa Agard, Chair of CANTO’s C9 group… more

Where cyber security threats begin: Phishing

Caribbean – According to a 2021 CISCO report, most successful data breaches – more than 90 per cent – are the result of data phishing… more

Biometrics at place of poll not a feasible option for 2025 – GECOM

Guyana – Given the current level of interest in some quarters concerning the introduction of biometrics at the Place of Poll for the upcoming General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has iterated its position that to introduce biometrics at the place of poll is not feasible within the time presently available before the elections are held later this year… more

TelEm asks govt. for NAf. 5 million guarantee letter, govt. will assist

Sint Maarten – The TelEm Group has asked government to provide it with a NAf. 5 million guarantee letter, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Wednesday… more

Social listening: Secret to understanding customers

Trinidad and Tobago – With the ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses must learn to stay ahead of customer expectations to remain competitive… more

 

Friday, 31 January 2025

Antigua Demands Starlink Pay Sales Tax

Antigua and Barbuda – Starlink, the satellite internet service provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is under investigation by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda for failing to pay the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on its services… more

Gov’t targets telecommunications service provider Starlink for unpaid taxes

Antigua and Barbuda – The government is moving to obtain unpaid taxes from telecommunications service provider Starlink… more

Symonette: Super Value digital points system getting over ‘humps’

Bahamas – Super Value hoped to launch its digital loyalty program by the end of this month, but had several issues with the new system before fully bringing it to the public, Super Value President Debra Symonette told Guardian Business recently… more

Mastercard readies click to pay for local market

Caribbean – Mastercard is looking to expand the suite of payment solutions available locally following the roll-out of its click-to-pay service sometime later this year… more

Bring Uber car service to Guyana

Guyana – Dear Editor,  Guyana is ready for the Uber car service.  It is available in Barbados and other nearby countries. Uber was in Trinidad at one time but later closed operations… more

MC Systems launches Phoenix i2025 as financial inclusion becomes a priority

Jamaica – Almost four years after acquiring Phoenix International Core Banking System, local technology solutions provider MC Systems launched the latest upgrade of the banking system, known as Phoenix i2025… more

Put data-protection policies into education system, says UWI data-protection officer

Jamaica – Dr Patrick Anglin, the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) data-protection officer, is calling for data-protection policies to be implemented in Jamaica’s education system in order to streamline the use and security of sensitive information in schools… more

Customs and Excise Department Launches e-Payment Porta

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The Customs and Excise Department hosted its week of activities as part of the global celebration for International Customs Day on January 26, officially launching its e-payment portal, which is expected to significantly advance the operations of the department… more

The Ministry of VROMI Launches Digital Complaint Form with QR Code Access.

Sint Maarten – The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Digital Complaint Form, a modern and accessible solution designed to empower the public to voice their concerns with ease and efficiency… more

 

Saturday, 1 February 2025

The Bahamas’ PM Davis Advocates Tech Innovation; And Calls To Millennials And Gen Z Legal Practitioners To Let Voices Be Heard, At Law Society’s Legal Week 2025

Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the University of The Bahamas Law Society’s Legal Week 2025, on January 27, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library, Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, as a region, they all recognise the need to invest heavily in technological innovation… more

Guyanese can keep phone numbers, change providers from this month

Guyana – The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Saturday announced that from later this month, cellphone and fixed line subscribers in Guyana could keep their existing numbers but change the companies they are subscribed with… more

Slow or negligible adaptation to digital technologies puts countries like Guyana at a competitive disadvantage

Guyana – Dear Editor,  I am writing to express my thoughts regarding Banks DIH’s announcement at their most recent annual shareholders meeting, where the company’s CEO revealed plans to construct a new beer bottling plant instead of pursuing a project in the technology sector, such as a computer assembly plant or a facility for electronic and digital equipment… more

JAMPRO, ITC collaborate on promoting Jamaica’s global digital services in the UK

Jamaica – Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have embarked on a partnership to promote Jamaica’s Global Digital Services (GDS) companies in the United Kingdom… more

Digicel CEO steps down

Trinidad and Tobago – ABRAHAM Smith, the outgoing chief executive officer of Digicel Trinidad and Tobago, says that during his six years in this country, he has never felt unsafe… more

 

Sunday, 2 February 2025

C&W three-year cap

Barbados – Barbadian households and businesses with a standalone fixed telephone service from Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited (C& W) will be spared price increases for approximately the next three years under a new Price Cap Plan (PCP) implemented by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC)… more

Number portability to be available in Guyana shortly – PUC

Guyana – The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will be implementing number portability in Guyana which will take effect from February 10, with the official launch to be shared in a subsequent announcement, a PUC release announced yesterday… more

 

 

Images credit: rawpixel.com (Freepik); CANTO; Wikipedia; Symptai Consulting (LinkedIn); Telem Group; Wikimedia Commons; Wikimedia Commons; JAMPRO (Facebook)

 

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How much longer will Caribbean countries pay lip service to leveraging fintech? https://ict-pulse.com/2025/01/how-much-longer-will-caribbean-countries-pay-lip-service-to-leveraging-fintech/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-much-longer-will-caribbean-countries-pay-lip-service-to-leveraging-fintech&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-much-longer-will-caribbean-countries-pay-lip-service-to-leveraging-fintech https://ict-pulse.com/2025/01/how-much-longer-will-caribbean-countries-pay-lip-service-to-leveraging-fintech/#respond Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172349 Globally, fintech is one of the fastest-growing areas sectors and is projected to be valued at over USD 1 trillion by 2032. However, Caribbean countries still seem to be on the fringes of that market, though they would be able to considerably strengthen their position if a regional approach was employed.

The post How much longer will Caribbean countries pay lip service to leveraging fintech? first appeared on ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean.]]>
Globally, fintech is one of the fastest-growing areas sectors and is projected to be valued at over USD 1 trillion by 2032. However, Caribbean countries still seem to be on the fringes of that market, though they would be able to considerably strengthen their position if a regional approach was employed.

 

From 22—24 January, the Fintech Islands conference (FIX25) was held in Barbados. This high-profile event, which draws entrepreneurs and thought leaders from across the Caribbean region and internationally, has become an important nexus not only for financial technology (fintech) but also for tech entrepreneurship in the region.

However, at FIX25, there were growing calls for a harmonised fintech regulatory framework across the Caribbean to address local challenges, such as financial inclusion, and to create a more investor-friendly environment for global fintech companies (Source: Barbados Today). Currently, there is no regional regulatory framework, as a common approach or policy has not been adopted across Caribbean countries. As a result, prospective investors who wish to benefit from economies of scale by investing in multiple countries tend to find it considerably more difficult since each country has implemented its own unique rules and structures.

According to Fortune Business Insights,

“The global fintech market was valued at USD 294.74 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth USD 340.10 billion in 2024 and reach USD 1,152.06 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032).”

There is thus merit in Caribbean countries capitalising on fintech, but more importantly, facilitating a regional approach to developing that sector, as it is highly competitive with other countries and regions also trying to attract investment and grow their respective markets.

 

Fintech is not just crypto

A frequently overlooked factor is how policymakers define fintech. Generally, the term came to the fore when blockchain technology and cryptocurrency became more mainstream. However, fintech covers a broad range of areas including the following

  • Digital banking, by providing banking services to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
  • Mobile payments, which can be facilitated through digital wallets and other technologies.
  • Peer-to-peer lending, though platforms that facilitate short-term financing (e.g. buy now pay later) and payday loans.
  • Crowdfunding, through platforms that facilitate such activities and other financing services.
  • Blockchain, by using blockchain technology to create decentralised financial applications, secure payments, and speed up payments.
  • Insurtech, by using technology (such as blockchain, AI, and automation) to improve the insurance industry.
  • Regtech, by using technologies and platforms to improve the regulation of financial services.
  • Investing, by using fintech to deliver investing services, improve investment analysis and advice, including robo-advisors.
  • Cryptocurrency, by creating and using cryptocurrencies and other use cases of blockchain technology.

It is likely most of the above areas are already being implemented in most Caribbean countries, but the extent to which technology is being leveraged may vary. For example, virtually all commercial banks have implemented online banking, though not all of their banking services, processes, and activities can fully be conducted online. Similarly, with the high proliferation of mobile phones across the region and the ability to transfer top-up credits between phones, the foundation for mobile payments and digital wallets exists. However, for the other areas, full digitalisation has not yet occurred as the appropriate laws and rules have not yet been established, which has hindered their development in the region.

It is also important that we address areas such as blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, which policymakers might be wary of. However, in this digital age, where borders and boundaries no longer exist, avoiding blockchain and crypto means that inadequate guidance or protections are being established, although citizens may be using them. It also means that their impact on the economy or the wider society – good or bad – cannot be tracked or measured.

 

Still operating in silos

We also have to admit that although Caribbean countries know there is greater strength in being unified than divided and can point to evidence of it worldwide, we operate independently of each other. Although the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) exists, and numerous regional commitments or agreements have been made on specific issues or a course of action, many countries do not follow through on what was agreed upon, resulting in the desired outcome either not being achieved altogether, or a much watered-down result being achieved that does not have the hoped-for impact.

Although it may be argued that as sovereign states, countries are entitled to act as they please to address their own needs, priorities and imperatives, within a regional group or construct, occasionally, there may be a need to act and support initiatives that are ‘for the greater good’. In other words, if a particular initiative benefits most countries but may have minimal impact in a particular country, that country could consider not objecting to the initiative to derail it completely, but rather allow it to proceed (with reservation if needs be).

 

The benefits of a regional approach

Finally, it is important to highlight that although we all know the improved economies of scale that can occur when Caribbean countries operate from a common and unified position, all too often, things fall apart, and we appear disjointed and not coherent. Hence, while we might be prepared to agree upon or make a commitment to a particular matter, our individuality as countries tends to win out and we are unlikely to follow through.

However, in many instances, a regional focus or a regional effort will likely improve outcomes locally. For example, in the fintech space, establishing a cost-effective, fast and seamless regional payment system would not only allow for the transfer of funds between Caribbean countries but could also facilitate the creation of a larger and more cohesive regional marketplace, which in turn could open up more entrepreneurial and innovation opportunities, along with increasing international investment prospects. Such a scenario is unlikely to be fully realised by a single country of 30,000 or even 3 million, but it becomes considerably more feasible for a collective market size of 30 or 40 million.

 

In summary, fintech could be a significant growth area for Caribbean economies, and every opportunity ought to be taken to better position our countries. A crucial and underutilised strategy is implementing a harmonised approach to fintech sector development. As it currently stands, there is much to gain from addressing this matter regionally than as individual countries.

 

 

Image credit:  rawpixel.com (Freepik)

 

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ICTP 336: Social media and mental health, data residency, and big tech versus developing countries https://ict-pulse.com/2025/01/ictp-336-social-media-and-mental-health-data-residency-and-big-tech-versus-developing-countries/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-336-social-media-and-mental-health-data-residency-and-big-tech-versus-developing-countries&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ictp-336-social-media-and-mental-health-data-residency-and-big-tech-versus-developing-countries https://ict-pulse.com/2025/01/ictp-336-social-media-and-mental-health-data-residency-and-big-tech-versus-developing-countries/#respond Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://ict-pulse.com/?p=172335 In our January 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde of Blyce in Curaçao, and Niko Kluyver also of Curaçao and CyberVade, the panel discusses: the impact of social media on mental health in the Caribbean; data residency in the Caribbean; and big tech and developing countries: can there be some rebalancing of power?

The post ICTP 336: Social media and mental health, data residency, and big tech versus developing countries first appeared on ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean.]]>
In our January 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde of Blyce in Curaçao, and Niko Kluyver also of Curaçao and CyberVade, the panel discusses: the impact of social media on mental health in the Caribbean; data residency in the Caribbean; and big tech and developing countries: can there be some rebalancing of power?

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

Although we are just four weeks into 2025, it already seems that it will be a transformative year. However, whether the transformation will be good or bad remains to be seen. Nevertheless, at the time of writing, United States (US) stock markets had been experiencing some upheaval due to the recent launch of DeepSeek, a Chinese Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Further, the incoming US administration has been changing several tech-related policies, the results of which are likely to be felt in the months and years to come.

Our first Community Chat discussion covers several areas, which to some degree, reflect not only the speed at which technology is evolving but, more importantly, the need for us to adapt and to be intentional in how we manage it.

 

Introducing our guest panellists

Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde

Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde is a global citizen who grew up in Suriname, pursued her higher education in Mathematics and Computer Science in the USA, was subsequently employed in the Netherlands, and since 2001 has been a resident of Curaçao. The common thread in her career has been the increase in business process efficiency mediated by technology, software, and data. She has done this by leading small and large teams in million-dollar projects in a wide range of industries and various cultural settings, varying from the airline industry, sports betting, telecommunications, emergency and disaster management, financial industry, tax administrations, and social security organisations.

Currently, Esmeralda is an Associate Director of Blyce, formerly known as BearingPoiint Caribbean, which specialises in the digitalisation of governments and offers online portals and other technology solutions that make public services better, faster, and smarter

Niko Kluyver

Niko Kluyver is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CyberVade, a cybersecurity, data privacy, AI and compliance services firm operating in the Caribbean, USA and Europe. Niko is also the CEO of the Caribbean Credit Bureau, operating in the Dutch Caribbean since 2003.

Niko started his career as a Certified Public Accountant from where he moved to the banking sector for ten years, after which he continued his journey as an entrepreneur and started several companies in various sectors.  He currently assists companies with cybersecurity and data privacy, and acts as a fractional Chief Information Systems Officer. He has served on several boards, including the Curaçao International Financial Services Association and the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the International Factoring Association and Alacred.

 

The topics discussed

Among our guests, self-care seems to be a key focus for 2025, especially their physical and mental health. So, to kick off the first Community Chat of the year, our first topic was The impact of social media on mental health in the Caribbean. In the region, mental health is still a taboo subject, but Caribbean studies are emerging on the amount of time individuals are spending on social media, which may not only have an impact on mental health but also productivity.

The discussion then shifted to the data protection frameworks in the region, which at best could be described as uneven – with some countries having more stringent measures than others. Hence, the topic, Data residency in the Caribbean, highlighted some of the challenges being experienced by international companies doing business in the region but are unable to store data in the region, although we have world-class data centres.

Finally, cognisant that Caribbean countries appear to be at the mercy of big tech, such as Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Twitter, to name a few, with respect to access to the services they provide, are rounded off the Community Chat by discussing, Big tech and developing countries: can there be some rebalancing of power?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  E Levens-Wijngaarde;  N Kluyver;  AzamKamolov (Pixabay); macrovector (Freepik);  Darby Browning (Pixabay)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

 

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