The internet. Originally conceived as a borderless, open network that would connect the world through a seamless flow of information, in recent years, a phenomenon known as internet fragmentation has been gradually reshaping the global digital landscape. This fragmentation is being driven by political, economic, and technological factors that threaten the integrity of the internet as a single, unified network. As different countries and entities seek greater control over online data and infrastructure, the internet is increasingly being divided into isolated digital territories. This article explores how internet fragmentation is evident today, the long-term implications of this trend, and how you can get more involved.

Drivers of internet fragmentation

The growing fragmentation of the internet is being driven by a shift from a desire to maintain a cohesive network to one where national and regional interests trump the benefits to the whole. Key indicators include the following:

• Regulatory and policy divergence. First,governments worldwide are imposing different regulations on how data is collected, stored, and transferred across borders. For example, China operates a highly controlled internet with strict censorship and local alternatives to global platforms like Google and Facebook. Additionally, in the European Union, althoughdesigned to protect user privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) creates barriers for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Also, Russia has established a framework to disconnect from the global internet, allowing the country to operate its own internal network in times of crisis. These approaches are evidence of the splintering that is occurring as countries try to ring-fence their domain.
• Forced breakup of platforms and services. Some countries have banned or restricted access to certain digital services, thus forcing users to rely on national alternatives. For example, Western social media platforms are often blocked in China, giving rise to local giants like WeChat and Weibo. On the flipside, the U.S. and some European countries have restricted the use of Chinese technology, such as Huawei’s 5G infrastructure, over security concerns.
• The splintering of the technical infrastructure. Countries are increasingly building independent internet infrastructure, such as localised cloud computing services and alternative Domain Name Systems (DNS). There are thus concerns about inconsistent access to websites and services across different regions as the possibility of multiple, competing root DNS servers emerges.
• Cybersecurity and digital sovereignty measures. The rise in cyberattacks, state-sponsored hacking and heightened geopolitical tensions has prompted nations to strengthen their control over digital infrastructure. Cybersecurity policies often include data localisation requirements, forcing global companies to store user data within specific countries.

Long-term implications of internet fragmentation

The growing fragmentation of the internet has far-reaching consequences for countries worldwide in terms of their economies, innovation, security, and fostering continued global cooperation. Key long-term implications include:

• Economic and trade barriers. The fragmentation of digital markets complicates international trade, as companies must navigate different sets of regulations and infrastructure standards, resulting in increased operational costs. Further, startups and smaller businesses are likely to struggle to expand internationally, as they lack the resources to comply with multiple regulatory frameworks.
• Reduced global connectivity and innovation. The internet’s original promise of fostering global communication and collaboration is being undermined. Organisations and individuals face greater hurdles when attempting to access global markets or share knowledge across borders, and divergent regulations and restrictions may lead to duplicative research and inefficiencies in technological advancements.
• Heightened geopolitical tensions. The emerging divisions of the internet align with existing geopolitical rivalries, such as the U.S.-China tech competition. Increasingly, countries may use digital policies as tools of economic warfare, imposing sanctions or restrictions on rival nations. Further, countries with greater control over their digital ecosystems may restrict access to external information, promoting nationalist narratives and limiting exposure to global perspectives.
• Security and privacy risks. A fragmented internet complicates global cybersecurity coordination, making it harder to combat threats like cybercrime, misinformation, and digital espionage. Data localisation requirements may also create vulnerabilities, as storing data in specific jurisdictions can expose it to government surveillance or weaker cybersecurity standards.
• The end of a unified digital commons. If internet fragmentation continues unchecked, the world may see a future where different regions operate distinct, incompatible digital ecosystems. Instead of a singular, global internet, users may experience isolated versions shaped by national policies and corporate interests.

Combatting internet fragmentation

Efforts to address internet fragmentation are being made by various international organisations, governments, and industry leaders. However, the extent to which Caribbean countries have been participating in these conversations seems to be limited. Nevertheless, listed below are some of the spaces in which internet fragmentation is being discussed:

• The Internet Governance Forum (IGF): The United Nations-backed platform that brings together governments, businesses, and civil society to discuss policies ensuring an open and accessible internet. The next IGF, IGF 2025, will take place from 23—27 June in Lillestrøm, Norway.
• World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): An initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to promote universal access and digital cooperation. The WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 will take place from 7—11 July 2025 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland
• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): Works to maintain a single, globally interoperable Domain Name System (DNS). ICANN’s next Policy Forum, ICANN83, will be held from 9—12 June 2025, in Prague, the Czech Republic, and its next Annual General Meeting (ICANN 84) will be held from 25—30 October 2025, in Muscat, Oman.
• The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): Develops open standards to ensure seamless communication across different internet infrastructures. IETF 122 concluded on 21 March 2025 in Bangkok, but the next meeting, IETH 124, will be held from 1—7 November 2025 in Montreal, Canada.

Final thoughts

Internet fragmentation is no longer a theoretical risk but a reality that is already shaping the digital landscape. As countries and organisations seek to assert control over the digital sphere, the vision of a free and open internet faces growing challenges. While some regulation and security measures are necessary, excessive fragmentation threatens to stifle innovation, disrupt international trade, and deepen geopolitical divides. Addressing this issue requires a delicate balance between national sovereignty and global digital cooperation, but without proactive efforts and a willingness to maintain an open and interoperable internet, the future of the internet may be one of increasing division rather than unity.

Image credit:  Rawpixel.com (Freepik)

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

As technology and the internet continue to advance, we are continually having to adjust and evolve our mindset and thinking, as well as how we use them to capitalise on new and emerging features, benefits and opportunities.  However, this evolution is not occurring in all quarters. Across our societies, constituencies, such as small businesses and the youth, are unable to participate fully in the growing digital environment.

We also have situations where we have digital solutions, but it appears they have not gained the traction or the customer base envisaged. Often, this conflict appears to be due to a mismatch between the perceived problem and the solution created.

These initial thoughts provide some context for this month’s Community Chat episode.

Introducing our panellists

Tariq Mohammed holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he specialised in communications systems and is currently pursuing an MPhil/PhD in the same field at UWI. Tariq is the lead consultant for projects in the Caribbean being implemented by the International Telecommunication Union.

In addition to consultancies under UN Projects, Tariq chairs and coordinates the Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF), serving as one of the region’s representatives at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum and Youth Track; and is the Chair of both the Caribbean ICT Youth Network, as well as IEEE Young Professionals, Trinidad and Tobago. Committed to regional development, Tariq is passionate about advancing digital agendas and supporting universal and meaningful connection for all through inclusive and sustainable practices.

Chad Fraser is the Founder of Sonover Inc, a Grenada-based software company that partners with organisations regionally and Internationally to facilitate their planning, design, development and implementation of digital transformation initiatives. He is an entrepreneur at heart, with over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. His expertise spans ICT solutions development, research and advisory, business process reengineering, digital transformation consultation, IT Strategy, governance and quality assurance.

Building innovative technology solutions is Chad’s true passion. He is also passionate about building capacity in young people, as he believes that our most valuable asset is the creativity and skills of our youth.

The topics discussed

First, in the rapidly changing digital landscape, the question continually arises, “Are Caribbean businesses truly using technology?” Though some are, since around three-quarters of our private sector typically comprises small and micro businesses, the odds are most do not have the wherewithal to implement the measures to capitalise on the efficiencies that can be realised. So, we kicked off the discussion by focusing on How Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a global economy.

Then, we turned our attention to Caribbean youth, and with Tariq as one of our guests, we were able to get some insight into the youth’s perspectives on ICT. To some degree, Caribbean youth’s views and concerns were surprising, especially with respect to feeling digitally excluded and ill-equipped for our digital age. We thus discussed, Fostering youth development and inclusion in ICTs in the Caribbean.

Finally, we delved into the question, Is e-money a solution in search of a problem?, which was the title of an article written by Mark Lyndersay for TechNewsTT. Though his article was very specific to the situation in Trinidad and Tobago and that country’s digital landscape, the question was considered more broadly within a Caribbean context. Hence, considering all of the efforts and focus on e-money in the region and the limited traction that has been realised, is it indeed a solution in search of a problem?

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:

• Tariq Mohammed
• Chad Fraser
• Sonover
• TechNewsTT article, Is e-money a solution in search of a problem?

Images credit:  C Fraser;   T Mohammed;  Freepik

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

Monday, 10 March 2025

Black: Bahamas needs to develop a tech culture

Bahamas – The Bahamas has to look at building a tech industry from a partnership perspective – with foreign firms and Bahamian companies – and not looking at developing a build-it-and-they-shall-come model, First Secretary/Counsul for the Bahamas High Commission in Canada Nahaja Black said last week, following the Canada-Bahamas Innovation Trade Mission… more

CCT provides update on network improvements

British Virgin Islands – Caribbean Cellular Telephone Ltd. acknowledges the recent service disruptions affecting customers across our network… more

Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Humes: Bahamian firms should be the foundation of tech hub

Bahamas – Co-owner of Plato Alpha Designs Duran Humes said the country’s tech hub endeavors will never achieve longevity if they do not include the Bahamian tech community, which he said has not been fully integrated into the government’s tech hub plans… more

Guyana Digital School being rolled out countrywide

Guyana – The Guyana Digital School aims to transform learning in Guyana, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used to identify gaps in students who use the platform. Recently, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand has been launching the digital learning platform at various schools across Guyana… more

Guyana education officials pleased with new digital platform

Guyana – Guyana’s Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, says the newly launched Guyana Digital School introduces an innovative platform designed to ensure students countrywide excel at their examinations… more

OPM launches competition to enhance Guyana’s technological landscape

Guyana – The Office of the Prime Minister’s (OPM) Industry and Innovation Unit has launched the inaugural Technology Concept Sprint 2025, an initiative the OPM said is designed to empower young people to develop innovative concepts that can be translated into technological solutions… more

Put people first in digital transformation – tech experts

Jamaica – EXPERTS HAVE warned that neglecting the human element can jeopardise even the most promising technological implementations. They emphasised that employee engagement and change management should play a key role in successful digital transformation initiatives… more

Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Cloud Carib chief warns about zero-click cyberattack

Bahamas – A cybersecurity expert has warned that there is a new threat sweeping the internet, and users don’t have to do anything to be vulnerable to it… more

Blue NAP Americas Partners with Chunk Works to Deliver Sovereign and Intelligent Data Infrastructure

Curaçao – Blue NAP Americas, a leading Tier-IV certified data center in the Caribbean, has strategically selected Chunk Works to revolutionize its data infrastructure with a sovereign, decentralized, and intelligent data management and security solution… more

Curaçao to Introduce Number Portability for Telecom Customers

Curaçao – Curaçao’s telecom regulations are set to change, allowing customers to keep their phone numbers when switching to a different provider… more

Data gaps cited as hindrance to social intervention efforts at curbing school violence

Jamaica – Amid the rise of youth-on-youth violence, and violence against youths across Jamaica, insufficient data, inadequate leadership and lack of unity have posed a challenge for stakeholders when attempting to curb the increasing incident rates in high-risk schools and communities… more

J’cans invited to explore innovations at technology showcase

Jamaica – Jamaicans are being invited to attend the third annual Digital Government Technology Showcase tomorrow (March 13)… more

Why AI adoption fails in the Caribbean

Jamaica –  WE don’t have tech problems in the Caribbean — we have people problems… more

Thursday, 13 March 2025

GECOM implemented fingerprint identification for staff daily clock-in and out from work

Guyana – Dear Editor, Following up on the debate about the use of fingerprint identification (biometrics) for voting purposes, it should be noted that the Government is seeking to use digitized biometric identification in every sphere of the conduct of public affairs except National and Regional Elections, 2025… more

New digital system to transform health sector

Guyana – The National Health Information Systems and Technology (HIST) workforce development programme was officially launched on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, marking a major step in Guyana’s digital healthcare transformation… more

Safeguarding Jamaica’s digital future: Cybersecurity imperatives for telecoms and beyond

Jamaica – As Jamaica advances in digital transformation, cybersecurity emerges not merely as a technical requirement but as a strategic business imperative. For telecommunications companies like Digicel, which serve as the backbone of national connectivity, the associated risks are even higher… more

SKELEC soon to Introduce Advanced Smart Meters in St. Kitts

Saint Kitts and Nevis – On March 6th, 2025, Federal Minster of Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, the Hon. Konris Maynard, announced that SKELEC will soon introduce advanced Smart Meters… more

Digicel TT announces Pieter Verkade as new CEO

Trinidad and Tobago – DIGICEL TT has announced the appointment of Pieter Verkade as its new CEO, effective February 21… more

Innovation in crisis: A national call to action

Trinidad and Tobago – This week’s column explores the alarming decline in global innovation rankings, the systemic challenges holding back progress and the urgent steps needed to build a thriving innovation ecosystem… more

The rise of AI in marketing: Transforming strategies for 2025

Trinidad and Tobago – In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity. Businesses that fail to integrate AI into their marketing strategies risk falling behind in an era when data-driven insights, automation, and personalised engagement define success… more

Friday, 14 March 2025

Local blogger issues retraction and apology to Antigua & Barbuda’s PM following threats of legal action

Antigua and Barbuda – Following the announcement on social media of Antigua and Barbuda’s PM, Gaston Browne, threatening legal action against local bloggers, The Times Caribbean and St. Kitts Nevis Times, have issued a retraction and an apology to Antigua’s PM… more

30 years to celebrate for Cable Bahamas

Bahamas – CABLE Bahamas is celebrating 30 years of service in The Bahamas… more

AG reveals IP regulations set for roll-out next week

Bahamas – The Attorney General yesterday said regulations to accompany and enforce The Bahamas’ intellectual property rights reforms will be issued next week… more

The digital monster: Unveiling the truth about our children’s ‘phones’

Caribbean – The Misnomer. I spoke with teens about the device they hold so dear to their hearts. For some unknown reason, adults and children still call it a phone… more

Edghill attends E-Mobility forum

Guyana – Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill recently attended the Inaugural Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) E-Mobility Salon, a key side event of the Transforming Transportation 2025 Conference in Washington, D.C… more

Guyana forges ahead with CARICOM’s satellite communications plans

Guyana – Guyana is among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that have so far signaled their willingness to be part of a regional satellite communications subscription service with the Spain-headquartered operator, Hispasat, that promises to move confidential data securely and provide critical backup communications in times of disaster… more

Haiti gangs set fire to building once home to nation’s oldest radio station

Haiti – Armed men set fire overnight to a building in Haiti’s capital that had long served as headquarters for the nation’s oldest radio station, as an alliance of gang… more

NCB Foundation opens digital doors for vulnerable communities

Jamaica – In an age where technology offers limitless possibilities, NCB Foundation is empowering Jamaicans to seize those opportunities with a share of J$20 million in grants through the Level Up Grant Programme… more

Saturday, 15 March 2025

Minister Straughn warns public against elaborate social media scam

Barbados – Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn has issued an alert regarding a sophisticated social media scam targeting major financial institutions in the country… more

Fisheries getting smart with tech

Barbados – Barbados’ fisheries industry has taken a significant step towards modernisation with the deployment of smart scales and vessel monitoring systems, aimed at enhancing traceability, sustainability, and compliance… more

Website flagged

Barbados – Authorities have flagged a website soliciting travellers to pay for their visitor form for Barbados… more

Sunday, 16 March 2025

Deep-fake warning

Jamaica – Artificial intelligence (AI) researcher Matthew Stone is urging a ban on the use of generative AI in political ads for the upcoming general election while warning of the irreparable damage that could result from the use of deep-fakes… more

Jamaica’s digital payment revolution

Jamaica – In a significant transformation of Jamaica’s financial landscape, digital payment methods have steadily eclipsed traditional banking instruments over the past eight years, reshaping how businesses and consumers conduct transactions across the island nation… more

New USF boss Charlton McFarlane ‘Step Inna It’

Jamaica – BEING given a nickname by a Jamaican can be brutal, especially for a child who woke up one day and realised he could no longer walk and had to spend the next eight years relearning how to do so… more

Images credit: Bernard Goldbach (flickr); Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons; Bahamas Local; Wikipedia

Without a doubt, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we, as individuals, businesses and even societies, access and analyse information and how we optimise systems and processes to become more efficient and effective.  However, all too often, our keenness to use public or free-for-use AI platforms and models can cause us to lose control of our personal or company data, as the information and datasets uploaded are stored and used indefinitely by an AI platform. Moreover, as privacy, data protection and digital governance rules come increasingly to the fore, both private and public sector organisations, in particular, must become more judicious and responsible in how they manage sensitive information.

A growing trend has been for organisations to create their own digital space so that they do not lose control of their digital assets, software or processes that are integral to their operation. The same is happening with respect to AI. Using AI platforms that operate in the cloud (somewhere) exposes companies and governments to be subject to the whims and fancies of the platform owners or even other governments and, consequently, the coercive power they hold.

What is sovereign AI?

Sovereign AI refers to the development, deployment, and control of AI systems within a country’s jurisdiction to ensure that data governance, decision-making, and infrastructure remain within national boundaries. Unlike AI solutions developed by global tech giants, sovereign AI prioritises local ownership, regulatory oversight, and alignment with a country’s economic and social interests. It thus seeks to mitigate risks related to data privacy, economic dependency, and foreign influence over critical AI-driven systems, which are particularly relevant in sectors such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and public administration, where national autonomy over data and decision-making is crucial.

Traditionally, access to AI capabilities is outsourced to large multinational corporations such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which have developed powerful AI models hosted on cloud infrastructure, typically outside of national jurisdictions. Countries and organisations subscribe to these services, granting access to local data and, in some cases, relinquishing control over AI-driven insights and decisions.

On the other hand, sovereign AI ensures that AI models, data storage, and computing power remain under national or regional control, which requires the requisite resources and frameworks to be in place. However, this approach aligns with digital sovereignty principles – by ensuring that nations control their technological futures rather than depending on external providers.

Why Caribbean countries should consider sovereign AI

Although Caribbean countries might argue that they are challenged to embrace sovereign AI due to the additional resources that would be needed for its implementation, the fact of the matter is that adopting sovereign AI could foster economic resilience, enhance cybersecurity, and strengthen regional cooperation. More specifically, ensuring local control over AI solutions would:

• Protect sensitive data by limiting our reliance on foreign cloud infrastructure thus reducing exposure to cybersecurity risks and data privacy breaches
• Foster greater economic independence by reducing capital outflows to accesses external AI expertise and services by businesses and builds indigenous expertise.
• Build local AI talent and expertise which can result in increased innovation and digital entrepreneurship
• Adapt AI for local and regional needs, such as to better address hurricane prediction, marine conservation, and small-scale agriculture.

Having said this, to implement a robust sovereign AI framework that truly benefits a country, several areas must be addressed including the following

• Infrastructure development, by investing in high-performance computing infrastructure and cloud computing facilities to support AI research, training and deployment
• Policy and governance, by developing AI regulations that ensure ethical AI use, data privacy, and security, establishing public-private partnerships to encourage investment in sovereign AI solutions and implementing  AI-driven policies to improve governance, efficiency, and economic planning.
• Talent and skill development, by expanding AI and data science education in colleges, universities and technical institutes, and promoting AI literacy across public and private sectors to build a workforce ready for digital transformation
• Innovation and entrepreneurship, by offering government incentives for AI startups and local innovation hubs and supporting open-source AI projects tailored to Caribbean socio-economic needs.
• Regional cooperation, by creating a regional AI regulatory framework to harmonise standards and ensure cross-border cooperation and encouraging Caribbean-wide AI collaborations to share resources and expertise.

Conclusion

Sovereign AI presents a compelling opportunity for Caribbean countries and the region to take control of our digital futures. It will not only strengthen countries’ national security but also unlock new avenues for innovation and economic growth across the region. However, to do so successfully requires investment and an intentionally built ecosystem. The change in mindset is clear. We must be proactive to reduce dependence on external AI providers and create AI solutions that align with local economic, cultural, and governance needs.

Image credit: Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)

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

Over the past year, there seems to have been more reporting in the public domain of cyber incidents and efforts to increase awareness of the threat landscape and the fact that Caribbean organisations are vulnerable.

This podcast episode is the first update of 2025 in our longstanding Expert Insight series on cyber threats and security. As has been the practice, we invite security experts to share their views and knowledge – their insights – on network intrusion and security, generally and in the Caribbean region. Throughout this year, will continue to offer a broad range of views and perspectives from security experts on the state of cyber threats and security in the Caribbean region and further afield.

Introducing our guest

Sean Slattery is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Caribbean Solutions Lab (CSL), a cybersecurity service provider, based in the Cayman Islands. He has deep experience in IT, having started with a background in Computer Science, and working his way across a broad range of IT roles.

Sean has spent over fifteen years focusing primarily on cybersecurity. His specialities include firewall enterprise; web gateway; e-policy orchestration; enterprise mobility management; and application control.

Established in 2007, CSL has clients throughout the Caribbean region and in North America and offers comprehensive IT security, training and professional services.

Insights into our conversation

It has been about eight since we have been engaging Sean on cyber threats and security, and so we have established a great thread of continuity over the years. In this conversation, it seems the threat landscape has changed over the past year. Although phishing and ransomware are still occurring, there has been a noticeable uptick in identity theft and what appears to be nationally sanctioned attacks.  

We also had an eye-opening discussion on how AI and automation are being and can be used by threat actors, which in turn makes security and vigilance even more challenging. We also had to acknowledge the considerable pressure security professionals are experiencing to keep up in this highly dynamic field whilst also bearing the brunt of the responsibility and, more so, the blame should an organisation experience a cyber breach or incident.

Below are several of the questions posed to Sean during our conversation.

1. To start, can you give us a quick recap of what has been going on in the Caribbean region, with regard to cybersecurity threats and incidents?
2. With both cyber criminals and cybersecurity professionals relying on AI, there seems to be some debate about whether AI has helped or hurt cybersecurity efforts. What are your thoughts?
3. With organisations becoming more “cloud first”, there seems to be concerns that cloud security has not been keeping up. What have you been observing in the Caribbean and further afield?
4. A perennial challenge we have discussed in the past is the supply-demand imbalance in cybersecurity expertise, but there seem to be growing reports of burnout and the extreme pressure among security professionals. Are you seeing evidence of this in your circle?
5. Do you have any insight into the cost or loss or impact to Caribbean organisations?
6. With many Caribbean countries in the process of rolling out digital IDs, with many of them planning to integrate biometrics. But, what do you think about the conversations we should be having on trust (versus trustless) systems?
7. After all of what we have discussed, are there any new and emerging threats of which we should be more aware?
8. What might be three (3) key things organisations should be doing in 2025 to improve their network/IT security?

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:

• Sean Slattery
• Caribbean Solutions Lab

Images credit:  S Slattery; Freepik; Elchinator (Pixabay); Freepik

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

Monday, 3 March 2025

Instant payment system coming

Barbados – The Central Bank of Barbados is taking a significant step in modernising the country’s payment infrastructure with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design, supply, installation, and support of a national Instant Payments System (IPS)… more

Securing Barbados’ digital future: Minister Reid’s cybersecurity challenge

Barbados – On February 26, 2025, Jonathan Reid was sworn in as Barbados’ Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, becoming the country’s fourth technology minister under the current administration. His appointment signals a strategic shift in the government’s IT priorities, with two critical areas taking centre stage: accelerating digital transformation and strengthening cybersecurity defences… more

Digital literary magazine ‘originsss’ launches online

Caribbean – Rotterdam-based “originsss” magazine officially launched its inaugural issue over the weekend. Dedicated to highlighting the heritage, culture and identity of the people of St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius and the Dutch Caribbean, the online publication aims to create a new platform for writers, creatives, photographers, poets and activists to share their work whether living on the islands or abroad, according to a press release… more

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Cable Bahamas slams URCA for short notice on public consultations

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas Group has criticized the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) for not giving advance notice on public consultations, which it claims has led to overlapping consultations that have created “significant operational challenges for licenses”… more

Cable, BTC urge ‘fiscal restraint’ from URCA

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas is calling on industry regulators to show “fiscal restraint” after the latter’s proposed 2025 budget expanded year-over-year by a rate more than three times’ higher than it expected… more

URCA to prioritize universal service obligations, universal service fund in 2025

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) said in its draft 2025 annual plan that its key goals for 2025 are prioritizing a review of its universal service obligations (USO) and universal service fund (USF), and facilitating consultations on satellite-based services… more

Inclusion should be a national priority

Barbados – Our disabled community will be in the spotlight for the next few weeks as we observe the Month of the Disabled under the theme One Community, United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future… more

Digi network slowdown affects customers nationwide

Belize – Digi, flagship of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), reports tonight that many customers are facing difficulties connecting to their network… more

C&W’s In-House Creative Team Triumphs at 2025 CAF Advertising Awards

Caribbean – In a remarkable display of talent and innovation, the in-house creative team at C&W Communications has emerged victorious at the 2025 Caribbean Advertising Federation (CAF) Advertising Awards… more

34 Schools to Compete in Tech Challenge

Jamaica – Thirty-four schools across Jamaica will compete in the sixth staging of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica National Robotics Championship, this weekend… more

From humble beginnings: Jamaican BPO sector now occupies 3 million square feet island-wide

Jamaica – Jamaica’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has recorded phenomenal growth over the past four decades, transforming from a modest operation in the Montego Bay Free Zone to a sprawling industry encompassing over three million square feet of space islandwide… more

Jamaica tourism goes full steam into the digital age

Jamaica – The Third Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo, held last month at the Princess Grand Hotel in Hanover, Jamaica, brought together top industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability advocates to explore strategies for ensuring tourism resilience in an ever-changing world… more

Digicel service down owing to US, Jamaica fibre break

Trinidad and Tobago – Colin Greaves, head of public relations at Digicel, said an issue with the company’s international links between Jamaica and the US is responsible for disruptions some customers may have faced with their IPTV and mobile services in TT on March 4… more  

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

URCA urged: ‘Cure abuse’ to stop political interference

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas is urging regulators to “cure this abuse” and “unnecessary financial burden” caused by governments dismissing its directors before they have completed their full term in office… more

93 VI laws now online

British Virgin Islands – Ninety-three Virgin Islands laws are now accessible online, and more than 100 others should be uploaded by the end of the year, according to Attorney General Dawn Smith… more

How to make money with affiliate marketing

Caribbean – THE Caribbean is full of talented content creators, yet many are missing out on a major revenue stream—affiliate marketing. Every day, influencers, bloggers, and YouTubers promote products without earning a cent. Meanwhile, businesses fail to invest in affiliate programmes, missing out on free brand ambassadors who could drive sales. It’s time to change that… more

Access Finance hit with cybersecurity threat

Jamaica – Jamaican micro financer, Access Financial Services is confirming that it was hit with a cyber security threat but is advising that the company has successfully implemented measures to contain the cybersecurity incident… more

BPO workers in Jamaica implicated in concert tickets fraud

Jamaica – Workers at a BPO in Jamaica have been implicated a multi-national dollar fraud in which, according to a USA Today report, “cybercrime crew” stole nearly 1,000 concert tickets to several major events and then resold them for more than US$600,000 in about one year… more

Education Minister Urges Educators to Embrace Technology and AI for Transforming Learning

Jamaica – In keeping with the goal of transforming the learning experience for students, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is urging educators across Jamaica to embrace technology and artificial intelligence (AI)… more

PM Confirmed use of Chinese Company Huawei by TELEM, says it used by Netherlands.

Sint Maarten – Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina confirmed on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that TELEM has been working with Huawei, a Chinese multinational technology company founded in 1987. Huawei considers itself a global provider of ICT and smart devices… more

TelEm Group addresses concerns of French side mobile subscribers roaming on Dutch St. Maarten.

Sint Maarten – TelEm Group wishes to address the concerns raised by valued Dauphin subscribers on the French side regarding challenges they have been experiencing while roaming on the Dutch side of the island… more

TELEM to get financial support from government after quick scan is conducted.

Sint Maarten –  The Government of St. Maarten has included a guarantee of NAf 5 million on behalf of Telem in the 2025 budget, which Parliament unanimously approved, the Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs announced on Wednesday… more

Waterloo gets new ICT Access Centre

Trinidad and Tobago – WATERLOO residents now have improved access to digital resources after a new ICT Access Centre was opened in the community as part of the Ministry of Digital Transformation’s (MDT) initiative to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas… more

Thursday, 6 March 2025

Cloud Carib, Cisco partner to strengthen regional cybersecurity

Caribbean – AS CYBER threats become more sophisticated, local businesses face mounting risks to their digital security… more

Why AI adoption fails in the Caribbean

Caribbean – We don’t have tech problems in the Caribbean – we have people problems… more

Curaçao-Based Online Gambling Sites Targeted by Michigan’s Gambling Regulator

Curaçao – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed online gambling operators, issuing cease and desist letters to five illegal sites, including several based in Curaçao. Among the sites targeted are BetWhale Casino, Coins Game Casino, and Love2play Casino, all of which are registered in Curaçao… more

UG faculty launches Tech Talk Series

Guyana – Students of the University of Guyana’s (UG) Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) can now benefit from exposure to real-world engineering applications, groundbreaking innovations, and direct insights from experts in the field thanks to an initiative spearheaded by the dean of the faculty… more

BPO Boss Confident Recent Fraud Will Not Impact Sector

Jamaica – President of the Global Services Association of Jamaica, Wayne Sinclair, says he doesn’t believe the recent fraud scandal involving a BPO worker at Sutherland Global Services will harm the sector… more

BPO companies making progress in combatting fraud – Sinclair

Jamaica – The Global Services Association of Jamaica says business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have made significant investments to detect and combat instances of fraud… more

J’can businesses on high alert as new ransomware threat emerges, Symptai urges action

Jamaica – A new and highly sophisticated cyber threat has been identified in Jamaica, placing organizations across multiple sectors at risk of severe operational and financial disruption… more

Should Govt sell its TSTT shares now?

Trinidad and Tobago – On March 3, 2022, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, told the media at a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre that Cabinet had decided, on that day to set up a sub-committee look into 51 per cent state-owned TSTT… more

The role of fintech in MSME financing

Trinidad and Tobago – Financial Technology, fondly known as fintech, plays a crucial role in transforming the financing landscape for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)… more

Friday, 7 March 2025

CBC to transition to fully digital broadcaster in 6-9 months

Barbados – The 61-year-old State broadcaster, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), is set to undergo a sweeping restructuring at the end of the month, with all staff being made redundant as part of its transformation into a fully digital broadcaster… more

CYBER CRISIS INTENSIFIES

Jamaica – Access Financial Services Limited and Niche Financing Limited are the latest Jamaican companies to inform the public of cybersecurity incidents which have affected them within the past few weeks… more

Gov’t to Take Additional Steps to Address Fraud in BPO Sector

Jamaica – Industry, investment and commerce minister, Senator Aubyn Hill, says more steps will be taken to address incidents of fraud within the business process outsourcing, BPO, sector… more

OECS team exposes SVG teachers to AI learning enhancement software

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  – Stakeholders and teachers in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), are this week being schooled on the implementation of the OECS Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL) – a technology tool expected to make teachers’ roles easier, and enhance learning outcomes… more

Bmobile proposes 14.61% hike on post-paid plans

Trinidad and Tobago – Come April 7, bmobile’s post-paid customers who are on its legacy plan, are being requested to pay 14.61 per cent more to be upgraded to its Extreme Plus plan, which the mobile service provider says offers more value… more

Massy gains full e-money issuer status

Trinidad and Tobago – MASSY Remittance Services (Trinidad) Ltd (MRSTL) has been granted full registration as an e-money issuer, making it the fourth company in the country to attain this status from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago… more

Saturday, 8 March 2025

UWI expands research accessibility with new digital hub

Barbados – The University of the West Indies (UWI) has launched a new website and research forum to expand public access to its extensive research data and projects… more

Jamaica-based BPO employee, NYC reseller charged in StubHub ticket fraud

Jamaica – A major fraud scandal has hit the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Jamaica, with employees of the company involved in a scheme that involved stealing and selling almost a thousand concert tickets for events like the record-breaking Eras Tour of Taylor Swift… more

Sunday, 9 March 2025

Dominican Republic moves towards the implementation of the electronic passport

Dominican Republic – The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the passport issuance system in the Dominican Republic, highlighting progress in implementing the electronic passport, a key step to improving security and streamlining citizen processes… more

From disconnection to resolution

Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, My husband and I have a residential account with Flow, and since September 7, 2024 there has been no service due to a damaged cable. For three months I have been without the service… more

Jamaican tech workers targeted by recruiters, attracting high salaries

Jamaica – A United States-based fintech firm is currently recruiting at least 20 software engineers for a project here in Jamaica that will see them earning a starting salary of $10 million per year… more

We are still pursuing it

Jamaica – JAMAICA’S central bank digital currency (CBDC), Jam-Dex, remains mired in stagnation two years after its high-profile roll-out, with circulation stagnating at just 0.09 per cent of the country’s total money supply as commercial banks resist the profit-free model and businesses balk at technical hurdles, parliamentary debates and central bank data reveal… more

Images credit: Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash); Bahamas Weekly; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Telem Group; Wikimedia Commons; bmobile; Wikipedia

Over the past few weeks, there have been some interesting developments in the Caribbean tech space that might have been overlooked but emphasise long-known truths about the state of the internet in the region. First, in the Cayman Islands, it was reported that on completion of an extensive investigation, the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) determined that Flow’s infrastructure was in a poor state. Safety concerns had not been addressed, there was a poor understanding of the management of cell towers and the associated risks, and the company had failed to comply with directions from the regulator. OfReg thus ordered Flow to undertake immediate remediation, including addressing the structural integrity of its towers.

Second, earlier this week, on Tuesday, 4 March, both Flow and Digicel in Jamaica experienced major internet service outages.  The service disruption was reportedly due to acts of vandalism, specifically fibre optic cables being intentionally cut, which affected both residential and business customers across the country.

At the same time Jamaica was grappling with its outage, Digicel customers in Trinidad and Tobago were experiencing disruptions in the IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and mobile/cellular service. However, customers were assured that the problem was not in Trinidad and Tobago, but in Jamaica, where “’multiple major fibre breaks’ at the company’s international landing station” (Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday).

The above incidents are just the reports that made the news. It is well known that customers across the region have had longstanding complaints about telecommunications service quality, particularly the mobile/cellular and internet services. Network congestion, dropped calls, dropped internet connectivity, exceedingly slow transmission speeds, and unstable internet connectivity are among the challenges experienced. And though it could be argued that these incidents also occur in more developed countries and regions, it is likely the frequency is considerably less and, thus, is not as crippling to user productivity and the experience.

Could satellite internet be a solution?

In a completely different vein, Caribbean regulators have been grappling with how to license Starlink, the satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX. As was noted in our article, How much of a threat is Starlink to Caribbean telecoms markets?, “countries that are still challenged to provide reliable telecommunications services to their entire population”.

An important concern regulators have is the change in market dynamics that would occur if Starlink is licensed in their market. Starlink’s service is at a much lower price point for the speeds offered than the service provided by existing players, which, although could initially inject some competition back into the internet market, in the long term, a duopoly or monopoly could again emerge. Having said this, regulators in some Caribbean countries have licensed Starlink, and in others, citizens are using the service, although, officially, the company is not authorised to provide services in the country.

It must be emphasised that although might be receiving the most focus, other satellite internet providers exist. For example, Hughes Network System, ViaSat and Inmarsat are among the long-time players in the field, with Amazon’s Project Kuiper being one of the newer satellite internet initiatives. Hence, the precedent established with Starlink could have long-term repercussions.

Starlink was recently licensed to provide service in Belize and in the Cayman Islands, the OfReg has approved the sale of the terminals, though, in both countries, its operation is limited. In the case of Belize,  the service is restricted to  “emergency situations, areas that are unserved or underserved, and on vessels and aircraft under the Earth Station in Motion system” (Source:  San Pedro Sun). Similarly, in the Cayman Islands, Starlink’s service can be used on Cayman Islands registered vessels or aircraft and in emergencies when no other service providers are available. However, “Day-to-day use of Starlink or other satellite-based voice or internet service providers is not currently licensed in the Cayman Islands” (Source:  Cayman Compass).

So do you need backup internet service?

Possibly. To a considerable degree, it depends on how critical it is to have continuous and proper-functioning internet access. For example, in Jamaica, some people have both Digicel and Flow services at home or their offices, so the other could act as a failsafe should one of them fail. However, what is often overlooked is that although Digicel and Flow are licensed separately in the countries where they both have a presence, they do share infrastructure, especially that which facilitates international connectivity. As was mentioned earlier, the recent fibre optic cable damage occurred at the international landing station, and so both networks were adversely affected.

For people with significant connectivity sensitivity, meaning either that they cannot afford to be without internet access or need to have stable access, having a backup supply might be a worthwhile consideration. Satellite internet connectivity could be especially appropriate as it would not have the resiliency vulnerabilities our existing terrestrial providers have been experiencing.

Having said this, price also needs to be considered. Though satellite connectivity through Starlink, for example, might currently be cheaper than the service offered by local players, it is still an expense. Hence, the need for backup connectivity, which might be occasionally or rarely used, would need to be justified against the cost of the equipment and maintaining the service.

Images credit:  Freepik;  rawpixel.com (Freepik); zirconicusso (Freepik)

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

For longtime readers of ICT Pulse, we have been following the developments in Artificial Intelligence for several years, especially the global conversation on the need for organisations and countries to establish AI policies or guidelines to provide clear structures for AI development and/or use. In our article, Snapshot: How AI-ready were Caribbean countries in 2023?, we noted that out of the 16 Caribbean countries examined, only the  Dominican Republic had an AI vision or strategy, although, at that time, AI use had already begun to permeate all sectors and to affect the lives of all citizens.

Since that 2023 review, the Government of Jamaica has started to focus on AI, and in February 2025, it made publicly available the national AI policy recommendations proposed by the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force. The Task Force made policy recommendations in the following areas and proposed short, medium and long-term actions to fulfil the identified policy objectives:

• AI for innovation and economic growth
• Education and workforce development
• Public awareness and sensitisation
• AI infrastructure and technology
• International cooperation in AI
• Legal and regulatory frameworks for AI
• Government and industry collaboration
• Ethical foundations of AI
• Cohesive AI Framework.

Although the report is just policy recommendations – not an approved AI policy – AI continues to be highly topical. We thus thought it timely and pertinent to delve more deeply into the policy recommendations made.

Introducing our guest

Christopher Reckord is a Technology Entrepreneur, Wine Enthusiast, Foodie and lifelong learner. He is the co-author of the book, Successful Digital Transformation – Your World, Your Business, Your Life … reimagined.

Chris has been an executive in Cybersecurity and IT Provider firms for almost 40 years. He is currently an Advisor and Consultant helping (1) organisations grow and scale by implementing a customised business blueprint and transformation system and (2) as a Virtual Chief Executive Officer / Virtual Chief Technology Officer offering advisory services on business development, growth and scaling with digital transformation.

For public service, Chris serves on a number of boards and committees for businesses and the Government of Jamaica including the recently formed National Artificial Intelligence Taskforce where he serves as Chairman and the Data Protection Oversight Committee (DPOC) where is currently serves as Chairman.

For fun, his love for the business of wine has seen him become the leading voice on the topic of wine in Jamaica, writing a weekly column for the Jamaica Observer for over 10+ years and conducting regular wine education and entertainment events.

Insights into our conversation

Thanks to his wealth of experience, conversations with Chris are always insightful, and our discussion on the AI policy recommendations was no different. The policy recommendations are comprehensive, and the robust discussions and debates that would have occurred among the Task Force members are evident in the final product.

Listeners to our conversation might glean that although much of our discussion focused on AI and the policy recommendations made, there are fundamental challenges Jamaica still needs to tackle in areas such as education, infrastructure and talent availability to allow the country to truly leverage the potential and opportunities of AI. However, the Government still needs to decide which policy recommendations and action items it intends to adopt and how it intends to address well-established deficiencies whilst also advancing the agreed AI agenda.

Below are questions that guided our discussion with Chris.

1. Chris, give us a sense of how and why the work towards providing these policy recommendations came about.
2. What were some of the unique, Jamaica-specific considerations that shaped the recommendations made?
3. Nine areas for policy recommendations were covered. What would you say is the key issue or concern in each of the areas and the recommendation?
4. The Task Force proposed short-, medium-, and long-term actions in each of the policy areas, what do you think the Jamaican Government would need to do to successfully implement most, if not all of the recommended actions?
5. Also, what would be the priority actions you hope would be executed?
6. In chairing the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force, and just your varied experience in such leadership positions, was there anything that surprised you about the policy recommendations that emerged or the process conducted to arrive at the recommendations?
7. Other Caribbean countries might see that Jamaica has published policy recommendations and think it is a ‘nice to have’ but not worth the trouble at this time.  But why should other countries go through the trouble of creating an AI Policy?
8. Having prepared and submitted the policy recommendations, what is the desired outcome or next steps?

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:

• Christopher Reckord
• National Artificial Intelligence Policy Recommendations (Jamaica)
• UNESCO Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap
• ICT Pulse Podcast interview, ICTP 329: Amplifying the need for stronger ethical guidelines for the metaverse and other digital spaces, with Youth Can Do IT

Image credits:  C Reckord; Jeff Alsey (Pixabay);  rawpixels.com (Freepik); Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

Monday, 24 February 2025

BTC connects with Coral Harbour community; Family fun day shows appreciation to customers

Bahamas – The Coral Harbour Community Park was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, February 22 and as residents of Southwest New Providence turned out in droves for BTC’s family fun day and fish fry… more

BTC launches the highly anticipated Samsung S25 Series

Bahamas – The wait is finally over for Samsung lovers looking for an upgrade! The Samsung S25 series is now available in all BTC retail stores in New Providence… more

CARICOM leaders agree to implement sweeping reforms to education, security and digital technology

Caribbean – CARICOM leaders have announced plans for sweeping reforms across multiple sectors, including education, regional integration and digital technology following their 48th Regular Meeting, which concluded during the wee hours of Friday, February 21… more

C&W Caribbean earnings up

Caribbean – Liberty Latin America (LLA), the communications group which owns and operates Cable & Wireless (C& W) businesses in Barbados and the Caribbean, is reporting increased revenue and income from the region during the recently-ended 2024 financial year… more

Integrating Caribbean realities into global AI safety policies

Caribbean – The Caribbean environment is shaped by post-colonial slavery and indentureship, giving rise to transplanted populations that experienced cultural fragmentation, particularly through loss of language… more

bMobile takes mobile speed top spot for Q3, Q4, 2024

Trinidad and Tobago – bmobile has been officially named Trinidad and Tobago’s fastest mobile network by Ookla® for Q3 and Q4 2024. This dual win solidifies bmobile’s position as the leader in mobile network performance within the country… more

Is e-money a solution in search of a problem?

Trinidad and Tobago – The conversation around e-money, digital cash transactions, digital payments and electronic value transfer has been a curious mix of blustery announcements and radio silence over the three months I’ve been asking questions in the space… more

Tribe introduces augmented reality

Trinidad and Tobago – Technology is now an integral part of almost every aspect of our lives, and it has also found its way into the local Carnival scene through an augmented reality (AR) app… more

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

New subsea cable to transform local technology infrastructure in 18 months

Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda is currently investing approximately US $15 million in a subsea cable infrastructure project that aims to revolutionize technology access and the integration of artificial intelligence across the nation… more

Bahamian provider unveils first AI-powered loan officer

Bahamas – A Bahamian financial services provider yesterday unveiled what it described as the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) powered humanoid loan officer, Evelyn Phylistina (Evie)… more

70 Schools Gain Internet Through ConnectED Project

Belize – Seventy schools across the country are now connected to high-speed internet, thanks to the ConnectED project. This fantastic initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Digi, ensuring that schools not only get fast internet but also receive top-notch technical support, maintenance, and continuous monitoring… more

The Public Utilities Commission limits Starlink’s operations in Belize

Belize – The United States-based internet company Starlink has received permission to operate in Belize from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), albeit with limitations… more

Mastercard beefs up scam protection

Caribbean – Mastercard and Feedzai, an AI solution provider in financial crime prevention, yesterday announced that they are joining forces to make it easier for more banks to identify and stop scams, protecting consumers and businesses globally… more

The Cyber beast stalking Caricom’s economic future

Caribbean – “Whether tackling the climate crisis, addressing gun violence, or championing equitable global financial reforms, we must act with one voice and one purpose.” With those words, Prime Minister Mia Mottley signalled the strategic direction for her year as chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). However, while the region grapples with the relentless ravages of climate change, another economic monster is quietly raging, largely overlooked by heads of government: cybersecurity… more

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

AI, technology integration critical to greater profits

Bahamas – The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday said the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies is key to greater business profits… more

URCA announces partnership with Caribe Sigma for nationwide ICT access and usage survey

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has announced its partnership with Caribe Sigma Research Company to conduct a comprehensive nationwide survey on the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access and usage throughout The Bahamas… more

URCA conducts research on communications usage

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) yesterday said it has hired a consult to assess access to, and use of, information and communications technology (ICT) by Bahamians… more

Making AI work for business

Caribbean – CFOs have been urged to take care with how they attempt to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in their finance operations, as research reveals that most of last year’s projects to introduce the technology did not make it over the line… more

Be! AI For All (AiFA) showcases AI tools at first exposition in Guyana

Guyana – Be! AI For All (AiFA), a new artificial intelligence company, has opened its first exposition in Guyana to raise awareness about high-tech AI-driven solutions designed to assist local citizens in their everyday lives… more

JBDC urges MSMEs to embrace digital tools for tax filing and recordkeeping

Jamaica – With the 2025 tax season in full swing, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is encouraging micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt digital tools to improve recordkeeping and tax compliance… more

Outsource2Jamaica 2025 to chart future path for global services sector

Jamaica – The Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) says the fifth installation of the Outsource2Jamaica (O2J) 2025 conference in Montego will highlight the growth of the sector over the last decade as well as chart a path for the future… more

Thursday, 27 February 2025

MacKenzie: Cybersecurity insurance a good opportunity for local insurance firms

Bahamas – A Bahamas-based cloud services provider said yesterday that there is an opportunity for insurance companies to offer cybersecurity insurance in The Bahamas, considering how prevalent cybersecurity threats are becoming, and how crippling they are to organizations… more

PM pledges simpler tax filing via ‘OneTax’ portal

Bahamas – The Prime Minister yesterday pledged the Government’s new “OneTax” portal will make paying taxes easier and simpler as he hailed the revenue generated by enhanced compliance and enforcement efforts… more

Govt moves forward with e-conveyancing to fast-track land transactions

Barbados – The government has unveiled plans to revolutionise the property transfer system through e-conveyancing, a digital platform designed to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and speed up the process of securing land ownership records… more

Reid, new innovation minister, pledges digital transformation

Barbados – Jonathan Reid has been sworn in as minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, vowing to position the island as a global leader in digital transformation and cybersecurity while driving efficiency across government systems… more

Skype announces it will close in May

Caribbean – Skype, the video-calling service that had hundreds of millions of users, is closing in May, its owner Microsoft has said… more

Gov’t begins ID card rollout to ministry’s civil servants

Cayman Islands – The Cayman Islands National ID Programme will begin a pilot rollout on Friday among government workers after Cabinet approved the relevant regulations. The Ministry of Social Development and Innovation (MSDI) and the eGov department will issue the first National ID cards to internal team members and key ministry personnel involved in the project… more

OfReg finds Flow’s cell tower safety inadequate

Cayman Islands – A new report from the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) has revealed some serious issues regarding the poor state of Flow’s infrastructure, the safety concerns surrounding it, as well as the management of and knowledge about its cell towers… more

Telecoms firm Flow told to repair towers after hazard warning

Cayman Islands – Towers owned by a major Cayman telecommunications firm need urgent work to make them safe, a report by the industry’s watchdog revealed on Wednesday… more

EduFocal’s cash position remains under pressure with weak 2024 performance

Jamaica – Digital learning and creative company Edufocal Limited is reporting a weak 2024 performance in which its cash position remains pressured but is being actively managed through an ongoing refinancing process, among other conservation efforts… more

Mastercard partners with NCB to support unbanked MSMEs

Jamaica – Mastercard is partnering with NCB Jamaica to support unbanked micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the island… more

Sitepact JA is Empowering Small Businesses in Jamaica with Affordable Website Solutions

Jamaica – Small businesses in Jamaica often struggle with the high costs of website development, preventing them from establishing an online presence. Sitepact JA is tackling this challenge head-on, having already helped over 100 small businesses get online without upfront costs… more

Beware of Fraudulent VOICE Web and Social Media Pages

Saint Lucia – It has come to our attention once again, that fraudulent VOICE web and social media posts and pages are being used by individuals with malicious intent to tarnish the reputations of esteemed Saint Lucians and institutions by spreading false information… more

Bmobile invests in AI-powered math tutor

Trinidad and Tobago – Bmobile has invested more than $300,000 in the research, development and roll-out of an AI-driven math learning platform called B Smart at Math… more

Friday, 28 February 2025

Starlink Won’t Interfere in Local Internet Business, Says PM

Belize – Recently, ads have been promoting Starlink’s internet in Belize for as low as twenty-nine dollars a month. But what does this mean for local internet providers? The PM reassures that local businesses shouldn’t worry because Starlink will only be available in the most remote areas of Belize… more

Jamaica and the Caribbean need a holistic AI roadmap

Jamaica – As the AI revolution surges, Jamaica and the Caribbean find themselves at critical crossroads. While the world adapts to the transformative potential of AI, our region risks falling behind without a unified, forward-thinking strategy… more

Saturday, 1 March 2025

Scotiabank commits $6M in 2025 to assist STEMGuyana with Learning Pods programme

Guyana – STEMGuyana and Scotiabank Guyana on Friday announced that Scotiabank Guyana has committed G$6,624,000 for the 2025 academic year to assist its Learning Pods initiative. StemGuyana described its collaboration with the bank as “significant partnership …to sustain and enhance its Learning Pods Programme”… more

T&T’s ride-hailing companies see Carnival boom

Trinidad and Tobago – With the influx of visitors and tourists in T&T and people not wanting to drive to various fetes and other events for the Carnival, ride-hailing companies are seeing a major spike in their service… more

Sunday, 2 March 2025

Jamaicans urged to exercise personal digital safeguards

Jamaica – Jamaicans are being encouraged to take control of their personal data and defend their digital rights as the country navigates an increasingly data-driven landscape… more

Images credit: journalismthatmatters (flickr); Marketing Magazine; Wikimedia Commons; Bahamas Weekly; Apple iTunes; CompaniesLogo

Education has played a transformative role in Caribbean society, as it has lifted recent generations out of poverty by opening up a broader range of career opportunities, thus improving their standard of living and overall life prospects. However, although countries still emphasise the importance of education, the World Bank recently released a scathing assessment of the Caribbean education system, which is characterised as being ‘in crisis’ (Source:  Barbados Today). At the heart of its findings were outdated teaching methods, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access as factors hindering student success.

This assessment comes against the backdrop of Caribbean countries positioning themselves to become more digital, by among other things, trying to have better quality and more robust internet infrastructure, embracing Artificial Intelligence, growing their digital economies, and digitally transforming their organisations and processes. Moreover, to capitalise on current and emerging opportunities in our increasingly digital world, education is crucial – though it may look considerably different from decades ago. Nevertheless, from the World Bank’s perspective, the region seems to be further behind globally than it realises.

Students being left behind

Although it might be more anecdotal than fact, there has been a sense that although the Caribbean education system and curriculum might not be as advanced as other countries, the Caribbean student can hold their own anywhere. They tend to excel when attending colleges and universities outside the region, having benefitted from the rigour and inadequacies of the Caribbean classroom. However, that success may be a more likely outcome for students who were able to successfully matriculate through the Caribbean education system and take advantage of what limited opportunities were offered.

A huge challenge that the World Bank’s assessment cited was the wide disparity in the quality of the primary and secondary schools in Caribbean countries and the inadequate provisions that have been made to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions and other exigencies on school continuity. The failure was grimly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools had to remain closed, which ministries of education, school administrators and teachers unprepared to engage in remote or digital education. After several weeks and much fumbling, some systems were established, but students, especially those from low-income households that did not readily have internet access or enough internet-suitable devices, were at a considerable disadvantage. The impact of inconsistent access to education for 12 to 18 months, when most school closures were in effect, will be long-term and far-reaching. Students who were left behind have been unable to catch up, as little or no remediation arrangements were (or have been) made to narrow that gap.

We also have to consider the more favourable future students are likely to have if they can attend a ‘good school’. ‘Good schools’ tend to have access to more and better-quality resources than other schools, which often is reflected in student performance and examination results. Further, the World Bank’s findings indicate that countries are not investing enough in primary and secondary education, which may be exacerbating the conditions in schools, especially those located in more challenging communities and with weak fundraising capacity, where school administrators are trying to stretch as best as they with the limited resources provided. Ultimately, students attending not-so-good schools are at a severe disadvantage from the start, from which they are unlikely to escape.

Schools gaming the CXC results to the detriment of students

It is also interesting to highlight the importance placed on the results of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, especially those for the June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) sitting. The results are big news when they are released in August, as schools and countries measure themselves against each other: which school(s) had the best-performing students or the most passes, etc. In other words, the CXC results have become a point of pride and a marker of the prestige for the schools that have consistently done well. However, it has also resulted in some schools putting the optics of their results ahead of students’ education prowess.

For example, some schools do not allow students who failed subjects to repeat the examination either in the January CXC sitting, as they have made no provision to participate at that time. Furthermore, they may not allow students, especially if they are considered external students, to join the June examination sitting for fear that they could damage the school’s performance during that sitting.

Although it could be argued that no school would want a student to fail an examination, we also have the situation where schools are barring students from being tested for subjects they have been studying for fear they will fail the examination. However, it also means that some students leave secondary schools with official results in a few ad hoc subjects, which are not representative of all that they have studied, regardless of the results.

The impact on the workplace

Without a doubt, the current and emerging situation is worrying for employers, as they have been expressing concern about how ill-prepared high school and university graduates are for the workplace. In the Caribbean tech space, the situation is especially acute, as new and more sophisticated technologies are being used in our local markets, but skilled personnel in those technologies and the attendant services are too few to non-existent.

Further, although it is still early days, we have to consider the impact of AI on education, skills development, and the workplace. With students now using Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Llama and Bard to do their homework, write reports and otherwise execute some of the tasks they were required to do to ensure comprehension and learning, the traditional forms of teaching and assessment urgently need to evolve. It can no longer be assumed that students are doing their assignments without AI assistance or intervention, and so little assurance that they are learning the concepts that were required to learn.

Having said this, in the emerging workplace, individuals may no longer need to know specific concepts or principles by heart, as they can be quickly researched online. It is more important to be able to skillfully apply those principles, to know how to troubleshoot a situation should a problem arise, and the likely blind spots or biases of the digital tools used, and consequently, the degree of reliance that can be placed on those tools. In other words, the knowledge and expertise required are far beyond the learning concepts by heart.

In summary, the World Bank’s assessment of Caribbean education should have emphasised much of what we already know. The issues discussed in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Much more can be said about these areas and many others. However, in being ‘publicly shamed’, it remains to see what individual Caribbean countries and the region as a whole intend to do to manage this crisis.

Image credit: jcomp (Freepik)