Monday, 16 December 2024

Social media impact on adolescents

Caribbean – THE EDITOR: In today’s digital era, smartphones and social media platforms have become virtual companions for adolescents. These platforms not only connect users with friends and trending gossip, but also immerse them in the lives of influencers, celebrities and global events…more

What keeps regional cybersecurity experts awake at night

Caribbean – The panel discussion that comprised the second half of the ISC2 Scam Defence seminar on November 30 made clear some of the challenges that regional cybersecurity experts face… more

Car thieves go high tech

Jamaica – A device that was allegedly confiscated from two men, as they attempted to steal two vehicles at the Constant Spring tax office in St Andrew, has been confirmed to be a key re-programming gadget that allows criminals to steal a car within seconds, a senior police investigator has revealed… more

Digicel Jamaica announces key senior leadership appointments

Jamaica –  Digicel has announced key appointments to its local senior management team… more

St. Kitts and Nevis focused on digital transformation, advancing TVET

Saint Kitts and Nevis – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrence Drew has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing education and workforce training… more

Central Bank gets plaudits on e-money

Trinidad and Tobago – Mastercard’s country manager for Jamaica, T&T, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dalton Fowles, is commending this country’s Central Bank for doing a “pretty good job” in granting Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) licences, which continue to pave the way for T&T’s digital transformation journey… more

Ex-TSTT worker to repay union

Trinidad and Tobago – The High Court on Thursday reaffirmed a judgment against a former Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) employee, ordering her to repay a little over $.3 million to the Communications Workers Union(CWU)… more

MIC-IT celebrates 50 years of shaping futures in tech/voc education

Trinidad and Tobago – Minister in the Education Ministry Lisa Morris-Julian said MIC-IT’s celebration of 50 years in existence is not just a milestone but a testimony to the power of vision, hard work and unwavering commitment to the prosperity of TT’s people, country and future… more

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

WhatsApp scams continue, purported utility workers attempting to rob homes, what must be done?

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The VONNEWSLINE has received reports of WhatsApp scams and robbers, purporting to be technicians from the Cable in St. Kitts (which is an internet provider) and thus attempting to rob persons of household items… more

PNM and digital democracy

Trinidad and Tobago – THE PEOPLE’S National Movement (PNM), a cornerstone of TT’s political fabric, faces a defining moment as the country approaches the 2025 general election. With a legacy spanning decades, the party has demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges… more

Scotiabank T&T to close two more branches in digital push

Trinidad and Tobago – SCOTIABANK Trinidad and Tobago will close its San Juan and Cunupia branches in February, bringing the total number of branch and service centre closures to five within four years… more

WiPay Remittance launches in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago – The WiPay Group has officially launched its newest subsidiary, WiPay Remittance, marking a significant expansion into Trinidad and Tobago’s remittance market… more

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Bahamas launches National Cyber Security strategic plan

Bahamas – The Bahamas has launched its National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) in a bid to better protect its digital infrastructure from rapidly-evolving online threats… more

Govt to begin using cloud-based system in first quarter of 2025

Bahamas – In the first quarter of 2025, the government is rolling out its Cloud Bahamas tool, designed to make government agencies in The Bahamas more efficient. The rollout will start with human capital management modules, a statement on the rollout revealed… more

National cybersecurity strategy launched to strengthen digital infrastructure

Bahamas – The Bahamas has worked towards strengthening its digital infrastructure with the official launch of the National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS). Approved by the Cabinet, the strategy aims to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity framework amid the growing global threat of cyberattacks… more

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Rural Communities Through Technology

Belize – In the remote areas of Stann Creek and Toledo Districts in Belize, access to technology has long been a challenge… more

KPMG survey: AI top priority for global CEOs

Caribbean – Top CEOs are backing their businesses to prosper in the face of declining confidence in the global economy, a KPMG survey of more than 1,300 corporate leaders from across the world finds… more

Strand Consult urges Caribbean policymakers to close $13-billion broadband investment gap

Caribbean – A new report from global research firm Strand Consult is calling for urgent action from Caribbean policymakers to close a broadband investment gap of US$8 billion to US$13 billion, which threatens to derail the region’s digital future… more

GLI Cayman Islands blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation 2025, seventh edition

Cayman Islands – Regulatory clarity in the digital assets and crypto space continues to be a moving target. Yet, the interest among policymakers and regulators worldwide has never been more pronounced… more

Scammers create fake Cayman Crypto Bank website

Cayman Islands – Fraudsters have created a fake crypto bank claiming to be based in Cayman in another effort to separate people from their hard earned cash. The Financial Reporting Authority (FRA) became aware of the “Cayman Crypto Bank” through the website… more

Digicel and MMG partner to offer seamless top-up experience in Guyana

Guyana – In a new partnership aimed at enhancing customer convenience, Digicel Guyana is pleased to announce that Digicel top-up is now available through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), Digicel announced on Wednesday… more

One Guyana Digital Programme yields 365 graduates

Guyana – The first cohort of 365 persons has completed the  One Guyana Digital Programme, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI)… more

Technological Advancements and Infrastructure Investments Take Center Stage In Justice Sector Reform

Saint Kitts and Nevis – In his address during the 2025 Budget Debate, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs unveiled transformative initiatives aimed at modernising the justice system through technology and infrastructure development… more

Thursday, 19 December 2024

ACCA report: Embrace technology in audit

Caribbean – Digital tools and artificial intelligence are transforming the business landscape. But what does the digital revolution mean for audits and auditors – particularly those in smaller practices? … more

Caribbean risks being left behind without closing broadband investment gap – report

Caribbean – A new report published by international digital research firm Strand Consult indicates that big technology firms such as Netflix, Google and Meta are extracting an average of US$11.5 billion from Jamaica and the Caribbean annually without making any investments in the region’s mobile or fixed line network infrastructure… more

Globally in-demand AI skills

Caribbean – THE global job market is undergoing a seismic shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of this transformation… more

Digicel customers now able to top up via MMG

Guyana – Digicel customers can now top-up their devices using the Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) platform… more

Simply Secure makes formal takeover of tTech Limited

Jamaica – Having acquired majority shares in the Jamaican-based technology company, tTech Limited (tTech), the Florida-based Simply Secure Limited has made a formal takeover of the company… more

2025 Budget Prepares Public To Utilise Tools For Digital Transformation

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing forward with its Digital Transformation Strategy recognising that technology and innovation are essential tools that are central to achieving the sustainable island state agenda… more

Electronic Identification System At The Forefront Of Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda In 2025

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Honourable Konris Maynard commenced his presentation on the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024, by providing a comprehensive update on the government’s thrust towards full digital transformation, underpinned by the development and delivery of the Electronic Identification (eID) System that will enable seamless interactions between citizens and government services… more

CHTA Partners with C&W Business to Revolutionize Digital Transformation in Caribbean Tourism.

Sint Maarten – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has joined forces with Cable & Wireless Business (C&W Business) in a transformative partnership designed to spearhead digital innovation in the Caribbean’s tourism sector… more

Friday, 20 December 2024

Mastercard bullish on growth of digital payments

Caribbean – ushing to dethrone the use of cash locally, Mastercard said it continues to work towards bringing more solutions that will help to speed up the digital transformation agenda across Jamaica’s payment ecosystem… more

New CELIA submarine cable to connect Caribbean to the US

Caribbean – Members of the CELIA consortium introduce CELIA, a new high-capacity “express” cable in the Caribbean region connecting Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Boca Raton in Florida (U.S.)… more

Warning over scam ‘Cayman Crypto Bank’

Cayman Islands – Police and regulators are warning the public about a fake ‘Cayman Crypto Bank’… more

JamaicaEye going blind

Jamaica – National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has revealed that the JamaicaEye surveillance network is now in shambles, owing to a shortage of personnel to maintain the system, causing several cameras to fail… more

Cyber convicts ordered to pay thousands of dollars and jailed for sharing sexual images

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – A woman who posted and shared sexually explicit images of another woman online after accusing her of having an intimate relationship with her ex-boyfriend, was ordered to pay $39,000 and was sentenced to prison for 10 months, while her partner in the act was ordered to pay $37,500 and was jailed for 10 months… more

Local fishers welcome Digi-fish project

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – A local fisher who has survived four boat mishaps at sea, can count himself a lucky man today as he lives to see I.T. being incorporated into fishing through the Digi-fish device to help improve safety of fishers while at sea… more

New Digi-fish project aims to improve safety at sea for fishers

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – A project was launched last Monday, December 16, by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF), where 30 Pelagic Data Systems(PDS) Digi-fish devices were distributed to fishers and boat owners. These devices will improve safety at sea, addressing the recent rise in cases of fishers being lost at sea… more

TATT begins digital television free to air testing

Trinidad and Tobago – The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), in collaboration with the four free-to-air television service providers CCN TV6, Parliament TV, CNC3 and TTT, launched the digital terrestrial television signal using an ATSC 3.0 demonstration station installed at Express House on Thursday 05 December, 2024… more

Saturday, 21 December 2024

More cybersecurity awareness ‘needed’

Caribbean – Digital transformation has grown tremendously regionally for governments, the private sector, and customers in general. It has made the accessibility of public services, e-commerce, investments, education, and so on, easy, including the use of innovative technological services like digital wallets – all demonstrated in 2024… more

Sunday, 22 December 2024

Text message trouble

Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, I live in St James. I received a text message from Flow on my phone on 20/08/2024.The message stated… more

Images credit: günter (Pixabay); Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons;

At a time when credit card fraud is high, tap-to-pay (contactless) credit cards can seem like a blessing. First, you do not need to enter your personal identification number (PIN) with every charge, for which you might not enjoy any privacy whilst doing so. Second, and perhaps more importantly, you alone handle your card, limiting the potential for surreptitious misdeeds to occur in someone else’s hands, such as the cashier, who (depending on the individual or the store) is expected to take your card to swipe or insert into the card machine before you enter your PIN.

However, in recent weeks, some stores in Jamaica are no longer allowing customers to tap their credit cards or bank cards, reportedly due to an upsurge in fraud that has been occurring Thus, customers are expected to enter their PIN to authorise transactions.

How and why fraud is occurring, which in many instances seems to be due to lost or stolen credit cards, may require a separate exploration. The bigger issue may be the fact that the benefits of having contactless credit cards will not be enjoyed if that capability is not used.

How do contactless cards work?

A contactless card, also known as a “tap-to-pay” card, is a type of payment card equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology. When you tap or hold your card against the payment terminal, the NFC/RFID chip on your card transmits the necessary payment information to the payment terminal wirelessly, such as the card number, a one-time code, and other transaction details the bank needs to authenticate and execute the transaction.

Contactless cards were introduced to address several needs of both consumers and merchants, and have several advantages, including the following:

• Speed. Contactless payments allow for quick transactions, which could reduce checkout time.
• Ease of use. These cards do not require additional steps such as selecting payment choices from a keypad or entering a PIN.
• Improved card longevity. Unlike other cards with a magnetic stripe that must be swiped or those with a chip that must be inserted into a terminal and can deteriorate due to wear and tear, contactless cards are unlikely to become faulty over time.
• Increased hygiene. Contactless cards reduce the need for physical contact with public surfaces, such as a keypad or card reading terminal, which would have been especially applicable during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would also be relevant for other public health concerns, such as during flu season.
• Widespread adoption. Contactless terminals have been widely adopted, especially in more developed countries, to the point where chip and swipe payment options may not be as available. So for those travelling internationally, cards with tap-to-pay capabilities could be highly beneficial.

Having said this, some drawbacks of contactless cards should also be noted:

• Transaction limits. Contactless payments may have a transaction limit, which can vary, usually depending on the issuing institution. For larger purchases, you may still need to use a card with a chip or magnetic stripe or enter a PIN.
• Security risks. Contactless cards can be used without a PIN or signature, which can lead to unauthorised purchases if the card is lost or stolen, and may be the source of much of the recent fraud that has been reported in Jamaica.
• Limited use. Contactless cards may not be accepted at all (or even most) merchants, thus limiting their effectiveness and utility.
• Device security. Hackers can modify the NFC tags on smart devices, enabling the transfer of users’ private data to an unauthorised device.

Customers versus merchants

To be fair, contactless cards are still relatively new in the Caribbean region. Although they might have been available for around 10 years, it is only in the last few years – most likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic – that the issuance of cards with RFID/NFC technology has become the norm. Further, it is perhaps even more recently that merchants are being outfitted with card terminals that can facilitate contactless transactions. It may thus mean that consumers and merchants may not yet be as aware or as savvy as they ought to be when managing or interacting with these or other advanced technologies and ways to mitigate possible risks.

For example, card owners ought to manage their cards responsibly. Ideally, cards should be kept in a secure wallet or cardholder and never left unattended. It is also prudent not to allow others to handle your cards, as indicated earlier.

Second, card owners should be monitoring their transactions. Most Caribbean banks have online banking facilities, and the larger institutions may even have a mobile application. Hence, get into the habit of regularly reviewing your account transactions for any unfamiliar or unauthorised charges. Further, consider setting up transaction alerts, if the facility is available so that you can receive notifications of your card activity in real-time. Additionally, be prepared to report any lost or stolen cards or suspicious activity on your accounts to your financial institution as soon as possible.

Finally, it is strongly recommended that good digital hygiene, be implemented, such as using strong passwords for your online accounts and ensuring that you are using a secure network when going online to check your bank accounts. Strong passwords have been getting longer and tend to include special (non-alphanumeric) characters. Further, keep up to date on common scams and never provide personal or account information in response to unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls.

These practices will help card owners, at the very least, to be more vigilant, to manage their cards more responsibly, and to reduce their exposure to potential fraud.

However, merchants are also in a predicament. When card fraud occurs, it is usually the merchants who lose. Goods have been sold in good faith, but when fraudulent transactions are later identified, and the charges are reversed, merchants would have lost both their goods and revenue. Further, if these types of transactions occur (too) regularly, merchants could be blacklisted and possibly lose their privileges with credit companies, such as Visa and Mastercard.

The question thus is, “How to mitigate that risk?”

Managing the risk

An option that offers some rigour is to require customers to directly authorise the charges made, such as by entering a PIN. Further, to add another layer of security is to cross-check the name on the card with that on a government-issued identification (ID) card. So, customers would need to show an ID card and enter their PIN to authorise a transaction.  

Clearly, it does appear that we are taking a step backwards from tap-to-pay to entering PINs and showing IDs. However, card fraud is occurring, and on the rise generally, and more so in the Caribbean region. Further, the technologies used to facilitate contactless payments have not eliminated the risks to merchants. As a result, they may need to be more proactive and even restrictive in the types of payments they are prepared to accept.

Hence, although contactless payments might be here to stay, the Caribbean region may not be ready for their universal and almost exclusive adoption.

Image credit: wirestock (Freepik)

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

We are almost at the end of 2024, and looking back at the past year from a regional perspective, the Caribbean tech space may seem quite ho-hum, where no single transformative event can readily be recalled. Bright moments from previous years, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology, just seemed to be ambling along.

Having said this, private and public sector organisations are still grappling with major cyberattacks and the fallout thereafter. Further, with many Caribbean countries experiencing the ravages of tropical storms this year, the most devastating of which was Hurricane Beryl, deficiencies in countries’ network and infrastructure resiliency and recovery have been increasingly evident.

In our last Community Chat for the year, we are reflecting on the year in Caribbean tech that was, and what might be in store for us in 2025.

Introducing our guest

Telojo “Telly” Valerie Onu has been at the forefront of digital financial innovation and ecosystem building with over 20 years of experience as a Financial and Impact Innovator, Digital Economist and Digital Transformation Expert. She is a thought leader and a co-author of The Insurtech Book and The Wealthtech Book.

She is the Head of Governance and Execution for the Bantu Blockchain Foundation, a Seychelles Foundation with offices in Lagos, Nigeria, which governs the Bantu Network Infrastructure. She is also the International Director of Governance and Compliance for the JD Euroway Finance Group (Private Banking), which is headquartered in Canada, and is also the Director of Governance and Compliance and a Transactions Specialist for JDE FINEX, a regulated institutional digital asset exchange and liquidity provider.

Telly is the Founder of Valerie Capital (formerly Beyond Capital Market), a digital financial market infrastructure (DFMI) and digital asset management firm focused on embedded and alternative finance.  She is also the Founder of Quintessence Consulting Inc., a global strategy and management consulting firm that has led multimillion-dollar investment facilitation and transformation projects and their implementation.

Carlton Samuels is an International Consultant and heads Carlton Samuels and Associates, which specialises in areas such as technology in business strategy, ICT policy development, business process re-engineering and ICT in education. He was the Chief Information Officer and University Director of IT at The University of the West Indies (UWI). He is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Studies, the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the UWI in Jamaica.

Carlton has an extensive portfolio of volunteer work in the areas of ICT for Development (ICT4D), Internet Governance and Technology in Education. He is a member of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) of ICANN, a foundation member and the inaugural Secretary for the Latin America and Caribbean Regional At-Large Advisory Organization (LACRALO) of ICANN and an Advisory Board member for the Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative. He is a member of the Advisory Committee for the National Information Systems (ACNIS) in Jamaica, a member of ICT4D Jamaica and the Board Committee for ICT Governance for both Human Employment and Resource Training /National Service Training Agency (HEART/NSTA) and the Scientific Research Council (SRC). Carlton has also been a member of the CARICOM ICT Task Force, a regional ICT leadership position charged with developing a cohesive ICT/Digital policy framework for Caribbean governments.

Insights into our conversation

Similar to previous years, the structure of the discussion is kept simple and is guided by the following questions:

• What were the year’s big ICT/tech issues in the Caribbean region?
• Were there issues that gained more traction than they had anticipated, and were there ones that fell short of their expectations?
• What ICT/tech issues will be big in the Caribbean region in 2025?
• What issues should policymakers focus on addressing in 2025?

Both Telly and Carlton tend to keep tabs on numerous tech segments, which is reflected in this conversation. It was thus interesting to gain some insight into the various developments that have been occurring, the challenges being experienced, and what might be needed to achieve a more meaningful impact.

Having said this, the Caribbean region is ripe with potential and appears to be poised for a true digital transformation. It does, however, require a concerted effort to leverage existing opportunities, and being clear and intentional in the goals that ought to be achieved.

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:

• Telojo “Telly” Valerie Onu 
• Carlton Samuels
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 284: Deep tech, impact innovation and how the Caribbean region should be leveraging them, with Telly Valerie Onu
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 277:  Capitalising on Caribbean country code top-level domains with Carlton Samuels and Lance Hinds
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 216: Digital skills in the Caribbean region, with Dr Barbara Reynolds and Carlton Samuels
• Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS)
• PAPSS press release, CARICOM Central Banks adopt PAPSS for intra-regional trade transactions
• Sunshine (Trinidad and Tobago)
• QuickCart
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 203: From side hustles and labours of love, to flying high as a successful entrepreneur, with Monique Powell
• Boosting Innovation Growth & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (BIGEE)
• Meta Llama

Images credit:  T Onu;  C Samuels;  Freepik;  Gerd Altmann (Pixabay); rawpixel.com (Freepik)

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

Monday, 9 December 2024

PM Dickon Mitchell to deliver keynote address at Connected Caribbean Summit

Caribbean – Prime Minister and Chairman of Caricom, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, is poised to deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Connected Caribbean Summit… more

Over 100 schools in Curaçao to receive new digital infrastructure

Curaçao – More than 100 schools in Curaçao will receive new digital infrastructure, including high-speed fiber optic connections and modern ICT equipment… more

JBDC paving way for MSMES’ digital transition through EU-funded initiative

Jamaica – In an era when digital transformation is no longer optional but essential, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is paving the way for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in the digital economy… more

JM.live: Pioneering Digital Transformation for Jamaica’s Future

Jamaica – As the world continues its fast-paced digital evolution, one company is at the forefront of transforming Jamaica’s digital landscape… more

Young Innovators Shine Bright at CARIRI’s Power Up Competition Powered by bmobile

Trinidad and Tobago – What happens when young minds are given the tools to dream big? At CARIRI’s annual Power Up competition, powered by bmobile, innovation took center stage as two young visionaries presented groundbreaking ideas to transform education and agriculture… more

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

PM Dickon Mitchell to address Connected Caribbean Summit

Caribbean – The Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell will on Tuesday, December 10, address the Connected Caribbean Summit (CCS) 2024 on the topic: “Action Time – Accelerating Caribbean Integration and Development”… more

Cross Roads gets free Wi-Fi as USF expands digital inclusivity programme

Jamaica – The commercial district of Cross Roads in St Andrew now has access to free Wi-Fi service as part of the Universal Service Fund’s (USF) Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi programme… more

New online platform seeks to level the playing field for car buyers in Jamaica

Jamaica – Entrepreneur Nike Henry has launched Virtual Showroom Automotive (VSA), an innovative online platform designed to make purchasing a vehicle more transparent, efficient, and customer-friendly… more

Government of SVG pushing for PayPal accessibility

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is said to be making significant strides in its ongoing negotiations with PayPal to enable access for Vincentians to the popular digital payment platform… more

Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Satellite providers in mobile, national security restrictions

Bahamas – Regulators are proposing that satellite communications providers must store Bahamas-generated data in this nation to comply with national security laws given the industry’s “strong interest” in entering this market… more

Starlink, Viasat licensed as URCA eyes satellite growth

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has seen “substantial growth” in demand for satellite service licensing, having issued licenses to major operators such as Starlink and Viasat. It has now launched a consultation on the Satellite Regulatory Framework to guide the development of the sector… more

‘Digital or bust’: Biz leaders want tax credit

Barbados – The Barbados Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday urged the government to fast-track the implementation of its digital transformation tax credit, warning that rising costs and growing cybersecurity threats are pressuring businesses to act now… more

Mastercard goes after micro merchants

Caribbean – PUSHING to grow acceptance across more segments of the population locally, payments giant Mastercard, through a pilot programme now underway in the second capital, is looking to onboard hundreds of micro merchants, particularly those in the craft sector… more

The digital dilemma

Jamaica – IN today’s fast-paced global economy, digital transformation is no longer optional for businesses; it is an imperative… more

Tech Beach Retreat hosts AI film festival in Jamaica

Jamaica – Tech Beach Retreat hosted an AI film festival, featuring an AI robot avatar, during the recent staging of the regional technology event in Jamaica… more

The digital dilemma

Jamaica – IN today’s fast-paced global economy, digital transformation is no longer optional for businesses; it is an imperative… more

THE STATE OF CYBERSECURITY IN JAMAICA: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Jamaica – AS THE digital eco­nomy expands glob­ally, cyber­se­cur­ity has emerged as a cru­cial pil­lar for safe­guard­ing online trans­ac­tions, pro­tect­ing private inform­a­tion, and ensur­ing busi­ness con­tinu­ity… more

Thursday, 12 December 2024

Cloud security expert warns mobile phone users to stop SMS messaging

Bahamas – A cloud security expert said a recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warning for cellphone users to stop using SMS text messaging, and use encrypted messenger services like WhatsApp, is due to low security standards in the US and wider Americas… more

Beyond the 2019 Data Protection Act: Rebuilding Trust in Barbados’ Digital Future

Barbados – Writing this article has been uniquely challenging—not because of its technical complexity, but because it requires balancing fairness with my conflicted feelings about how cybersecurity and data privacy have been addressed in recent times… more

Uniting our youth against corruption: The digital battlefield

Jamaica – LAST MONDAY’S celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, themed ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’, found us at a crossroads… more

Quite a MIC-IT milestone

Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: The attainment of the 50th anniversary of progress of the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) is quite a milestone. Examining continuous and relevant programmes that satisfy the needs of our country as done over the years, we must heartily commend the proactive nature of the institution… more

Friday, 13 December 2024

Gov’t to upgrade data centre amidst 2025 digital overhaul, MP Nicholas says

Antigua and Barbuda – The government is set to establish a new Tier 4 data centre on the island as part of its broader digital transformation agenda for 2025, Information Minister Melford Nicholas announced during his Budget presentation on Wednesday… more

Information Minister warns of further delays in implementing number portability

Antigua and Barbuda – The implementation of mobile number portability in Antigua and Barbuda will see further delays, with Information Minister Melford Nicholas expressing frustration that the initiative may not come on stream until the new year… more

Wayne Hull is new Flow Country Manager in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda – C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, said it is pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Hull as Country Manager of its operations in Antigua and Barbuda… more

Cable: $85m network spend to counter satellite challenge

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas’ multi-million fibre-optic network investment will enable it to face down the competitive threat posed by Elon Musk’s Starlink and rival satellite operators, its top executive asserted yesterday… more

Incentive offered to electronic communications license holders

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) issued a statement yesterday to announce the release of the government’s new Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) Policy, which revealed that holders of a communication license will be eligible for reductions in their license fee as an incentive to invest at least $100,000 in implementing emerging technology anywhere in The Bahamas… more

New Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) policy published

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has announced the publication of the Government of The Bahamas’ new Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) Policy, which outlines strategic objectives to guide the nation’s electronic communications development… more

Telecoms company challenges ‘unfair and unlawful’ tax

Cayman Islands – Cayman’s telecoms regulator may have been erroneously charging taxes that have no basis in law, according to a lawsuit filed by internet provider C3… more

Some Flow customers in St. Andrew still affected after cables vandalized

Jamaica – Telecommunications provider, Flow, says it is still working to address the outage affecting internet, landline and cable customers in the Corporate Area, after some its wires were vandalised… more

Digital mapping of SVG expected to provide high quality data

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project is teaming up with the non-profit organisation This is PLACE to carry out digital mapping of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)… more

Saturday, 14 December 2024

A bright future for Jamaica in cross-border e-commerce

Jamaica – On November 21, Dr Hugh Blake, Trade Administrator and CEO of The Trade Board Limited attended the prestigious World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China where he spoke at the Sustainable Development of Cross-Border E-Commerce Forum, a key platform that showcased global leaders discussing the future of international trade and e-commerce… more

Sunday, 15 December 2024

How to protect your communications through encryption

Caribbean – After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, United States cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications… more

Training talent is the challenge for Dominican Republic to use and develop AI

Dominican Republic – Vocational training is the most important challenge facing the Dominican Republic in using and developing Artificial Intelligence (AI). When evaluated along with other Latin American countries, the scores obtained in this area are below the regional average, according to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA)… more

Integrity Commission blocks threatening social media accounts

Jamaica – The Integrity Commission (IC) has moved to block some accounts across its social media platforms, ostensibly because of what it deems to be hateful and de-humanising commentary against the commission… more

Region must not be left behind in use of AI, says Bartlett

Jamaica – Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett says the Caribbean region must not be left behind in taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to propel the tourism sector forward… more

Images credit: Steve Buissinne (Pixabay); JBDC; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; C3 Pure Fibre (Facebook)

Tech companies, often at the forefront of innovation, can paradoxically experience significant challenges with staff morale. This issue can impede creativity, productivity, and long-term success. This issue was highlighted in an article published in the Bahamas last week in which a local tech Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was encouraging fellow businesses that have the means “to use Christmas bonuses to boost staff morale this year, and to continue to retain staff”.

The CEO, whose company developed a platform “to fill the digital solutions void for human resources professionals”, highlighted that other businesses might be giving bonuses to help retain skilled staff whilst putting those that do not at a disadvantage.  He was thus encouraging a digital approach to performance review (such as his product), which can facilitate the requisite evaluation and calculate the incentives and bonuses to be awarded.

Although the CEO may have meant well in suggesting that businesses use Christmas bonuses as a means of boosting staff morale, generally, the contributing factors to staff morale can be complex and nuanced. In other words, money may not solve this issue, but might just act as a temporary fix.

In this article, we highlight some of the causes of low morale, especially in the tech space, and some effective strategies that can be implemented to create environments where employees thrive.

Reason #1:  High workload and burnout

The tech industry is notorious for its demanding work culture, characterised by tight deadlines and long hours. In startups and small businesses especially, the teams are small, with the members wearing many hats. Although the work might be exciting, in those situations, a lot of personal sacrifices often need to be made, which can lead to mental health challenges, strained personal relationships and deep fatigue. Over time, such pressures can lead to burnout, leaving employees feeling exhausted and undervalued.

Reason #2:  Lack of career growth opportunities

Skilled and ambitious individuals are often an asset to employers. They are willing to engage in continuous learning to remain relevant and on the cutting edge, and often, they are also eager for career advancement. However, in small and even medium-sized organisations, the scope for promotion can be limited to non-existent in the Caribbean region in particular.  Although salary increases might help (for a while), employees may still feel stagnant and demotivated, which can still result in low staff morale – even though are being paid above the industry norm.

Reason #3:  Poor leadership and communication

Although an individual might thrive in the hardscrabble of starting a business and trying to build it from the ground up, once it becomes more established and is in the process of building out the organisation, a different dynamic often comes into play. The informal, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach that allowed the start-up to be agile, responsive and gain a foothold in the market, needs to give way to procedures and structures that allow team members to work together efficiently and effectively.

Ineffective management, unclear expectations, and lack of feedback can cause employees to become frustrated. Further, if there is a lack of open communication the disconnect between staff and leadership becomes exacerbated, which once again, can result in low staff morale.

Reason #4:  Toxic work culture

Coupled with the previous point, a toxic work culture is a factor that is overlooked, as it may not be obvious, such as a gross disregard for staff welfare that could justify government intervention, such as through the labour ministry or the police. Instead, it may be evident through the following examples.

• Inconsistently applied policies
• Favouritism
• Expecting employees to constantly work outside of working hours and disregarding the importance of personal time
• Not taking a strong stance and following through when claims of sexual harassment, threats or bullying have been made
• Fostering an overly competitive environment.

In other words, a toxic work culture can create a hostile work environment, which in turn can erode trust and camaraderie among employees and a high staff turnover.

Reason #5:  Inadequate recognition and rewards

To some degree, this reason speaks to remuneration. Employees like to feel that they are being well compensated for their efforts. However, money is not the only way. People like to know that their hard work is being recognised. A failure to acknowledge their contribution and impact on the organisation can make employees feel unappreciated, leading to disengagement.

Reason #6:  Misalignment with company vision

Finally, and especially among startups and small businesses, leaders do not clearly communicate the organisation’s visions, mission or goals. In many instances, these crucial overarching structures are absent and, to some degree, may only exist in the minds of business owners or leaders. However, if employees do not see how their roles contribute to the company’s purpose, they may struggle to understand how their work fits into that bigger picture.

Key strategies to improve staff morale

For each of the above reasons for low staff morale, highly prescriptive solutions can be provided. However, two crucial themes tend to be at the heart of most interventions: strong leadership and valuing employees.

Many of the staff-related problems experienced in businesses can be attributed to poor leadership. In the start-up space, the skills and grit needed to thrive can become a detriment when a venture needs to grow and mature into a stable business.

Leaders are also the ones who create a positive work culture and establish and foster policies in an organisation. It would also be important to consider investing in leadership training to address deficiencies that might exist and to increase leaders’ and managers’ awareness of their responsibilities and how to spot and properly address contentions that might be emerging.

In tandem with leadership, employees must be valued. Though salary is an important consideration, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is perhaps even more critical. Individuals want to know that they, as people, in addition to their work, matter. So organisations ought to strive to be fair with their employees, in the hope that they will be productive and happy.

Finally, it is important to highlight that for a variety of reasons, it may be necessary for employees to leave an organisation. Should that be likely, especially when organisations do not have the scope or capacity to facilitate the continued professional development or career advancement of bright and ambitious employees, that reality ought to be acknowledged. Once again, strong leadership and valuing the employees – even letting them go – will be crucial in navigating those difficult situations.

In summary, low staff morale in organisations, and more so tech companies, is not an insurmountable problem. The root causes must be addressed, and thoughtful strategies implemented.  Organisations ought to foster a workplace culture that supports employee satisfaction and productivity whilst also allowing their vision, mission and goals to be realised. The key is often balance and fairness to achieve a win-win situation for parties.

Image credit:  DC Studio (Freepik)

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

Although we may all be hyper-aware of the term ‘innovation’, it still seems to be an elusive concept that few people seem to truly understand. As a result, we still have people, organisations and even countries claiming to be fostering innovation, but not appearing to produce any meaningful results.  

We thus thought it opportune – especially with yearend approaching and we start making plans and goals for 2025 – to revisit this episode we recorded with Professor Patrick Hosein that kicked off the innovation series we did in 2019. So, if your organisation is hoping to be more innovative in 2025, or national goals are being prepared, this (relatively) short conversation with Professor Hosein packs a punch!

Introducing our guest

Professor Patrick Hosein attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he obtained five degrees including a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He has worked at Bose Corporation, Bell Laboratories, AT&T Laboratories, Ericsson and Huawei, and has published extensively with over 150 refereed journal and conference publications.

Patrick holds 41 granted patents in the areas of telecommunications and wireless technologies. He was nominated for the Ericsson Inventor of the Year award in 2004, was the Huawei US Wireless Research Employee of the Year for 2007 and is a 2015 Anthony Sabga Caribbean Laureate for Science and Technology. He is presently the administrative and technical contact for the .tt top-level domain and the Chief Executive Officer of the TTNIC and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of the West Indies. His present areas of research include Applied Data Science, Operations Research and Performance and Pricing Optimisation for Cellular Networks.

Insight into our conversation

Although this conversation with Professor Hosein is over five years old, it is still as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded. One of the points he made that has stayed with me is the excitement young graduates tend to have at the prospects of applying what they have learnt, working on exciting projects, and, ultimately, changing the world.

However, all too often, the actual workplace is a soul-sucking experience that throws cold water on their hopes and dreams. It is only those who are especially driven and perhaps have connections (and luck!) will leave their home countries to seek better and more enriching opportunities.

Below are key of the questions that drove our conversation.

1. What might Caribbean countries be doing wrong with regard to fostering innovation
2. Who should be driving innovation: Government and/or the private sector?
3. Recognising that innovation tends to require lots of resources, especially money, how can Caribbean countries still foster innovation, and/or justify the spend needed?
4. Through schools and universities, we gain knowledge and certain skills, which are crucial foundational elements, but are they – in fact – fostering innovation?
5. Why is it crucial to focus on problem formulation when trying to find a solution to a problem?
6. How important is it to develop and nurture a culture of patents, and by extension, Intellectual Property, when trying to foster innovation?
7. What might be some of the important elements that are still missing in the Caribbean, in order to foster innovation?

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:

• Professor Patrick Hosein
• TTLab
• TTLab Publications 
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 237: Revisiting tech innovation in the Caribbean region and at TTLAB in Trinidad and Tobago
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 069:  Fusing academic research, innovation and developing practical solutions for industry, with Professor Patrick Hosein 
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICT 039:  Creating a more enabling environment for innovation in the Caribbean, with Professor Patrick Hosein
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 016: Pioneering the use of country-level domain names in the Caribbean, with Professor Patrick Hosein of TTNIC
• University of the West Indies (St Augustine Campus)
• Trinidad and Tobago Network Information Centre (TTNIC)
• Bell Labs
• AT&T
• AT&T Labs Research | AT&T
• Ericsson 

Images credit:   P Hosein; rawpixel.com (Freepik); Gerd Altmann (Pixabay);  Jannoon028 (Freepik)

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

Monday, 2 December 2024

Blue skies for microblogging?

Caribbean – All the buzz in social media has been about the “x-odus” from the platform formerly known as Twitter in the wake of the US presidential election and the role that its owner, Elon Musk visibly played during the campaign… more

Social media and the future

Caribbean – THE EDITOR:The results of the recent US election should provide a sobering moment to think about the nature of our media environment…more

Claro Puerto Rico modernizes its security infrastructure with Genetec Security Center

Puerto Rico – Genetec Inc. (“Genetec”), a technology leader in unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence, reports that Claro, one of the largest telecommunications providers in Latin America, has been taking significant steps toward modernizing its security infrastructure in Puerto Rico, with the implementation of the Genetec™ Security Center unified security platform… more

Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Govt embraces digital, protective farming in food security drive

Barbados – Barbados is charting a new course in agriculture by integrating cutting-edge digital tools and protective farming techniques to bolster food security, enhance resilience to climate change, and modernise its farming practices… more

Grenada’s Mitchell to chair Special COTED on ICT

Caribbean – Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM and Prime Minister of Grenada, the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, will preside over the 111th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on 5 December 2024, which will focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)… more

Central Bank approves new e-money issuer

Trinidad and Tobago – THE Central Bank has issued a provisional registration to e-money issuer WamNow Technologies Ltd, (WamNow), the bank said in a release on December 2… more

COSTAATT to work with Animae Caribe

Trinidad and Tobago – THE College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) and Animae Caribe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at revolutionising animation education and advancing the industry in the region… more

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

BTC ‘firing on all cylinders’ as 5G looms

Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive yesterday pledged to deliver “more innovation” in 2025 via 5G and improved connectivity, adding: “It feels like we’re firing on all cylinders.” … more

Local tech encourages Christmas bonuses to retain staff and boost morale

Bahamas – CEO of local tech company Plato Alpha Design and TriblockHR Duran Humes is encouraging companies that have the means to use Christmas bonuses to boost staff morale this year, and to continue to retain staff.… more

Costly attacks

Barbados – Countries pay thousands of dollars to recover from data breaches, but no one has quantified losses to the individual, says cybersecurity expert Edward Millington, nor have governments been held accountable… more

With smart card, pensioners lead public transport’s tech revolution

Barbados – The Transport Board has taken a bold step into the digital age of public transport with the launch of a smart card system designed to modernise public transit and improve efficiency… more

Connected Caribbean summit to be held in Miami

Caribbean – DEVELOPMENTS in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and regional policies will be the topics of discussion at the upcoming Connected Caribbean Summit (CCS) 2024, taking place in Miami, Florida from December 9-12… more

C&W Business reaffirms commitment to Caribbean innovation at Tech Beach Retreat

Caribbean  –  C&W Business has joined Tech Beach Retreat (TBR) organisers in welcoming scores of founders, global executives, and noteworthy investors in technology for the three-day summit that commences on Wednesday (December 4) at the Secrets Resort in Montego Bay… more

Grenada PM to chair special CARICOM information and technology meeting

Caribbean – The Honorable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is set to lead the 111th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on December 5, 2024. The primary focus of this meeting will be Information and Communication Technology (ICT)… more

BTP represents Sint Maarten at strategic postal sector ministerial meeting.

Sint Maarten – Bureau Telecommunications and Post Sint Maarten (BTP) proudly participated in the Postal Sector Ministerial and CCE meetings (management meetings held for member countries to discuss regulatory and operational framework matters) organized by the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP). This landmark event took place in El Salvador, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region to address pressing challenges in the postal sector… more

‘Beware of cyberbreaches for Christmas’

Trinidad and Tobago – Vice president of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) Caribbean Chapter, Ricardo Fraser, is encouraging online shoppers and consumers in general to be wary of scam calls and other cybersecurity breaches during the Christmas season… more

Thursday, 5 December 2024

Gov’t issues cybersecurity warning amid rising WhatsApp scams

British Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands government has issued an alert to the public about social engineering attacks targeting WhatsApp users locally… more

CELIA submarine cable connecting the Caribbean to the United States

Caribbean – Members of the submarine cable agreement (CELIA) consortium have introduced CELIA, a new high-capacity “express” cable in the Caribbean region connecting Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Boca Raton in Florida (USA)… more

Mastercard underlines digital shift

Caribbean – Andrea Scerch, president of Mastercard’s Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) says financial inclusion remains important for countries in region, noting that while some progress has been made there is still some work to do… more

One Communications supports UG students with data plan

Guyana – One Communications (formerly GTT) recently signed a new University of Guyana (UG) Student Plan agreement with the recently elected University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) to help students in their studies, stay connected, and access critical academic resources, a release from the utility company stated on Tuesday… more

“Tech-Savvy Seniors Are Transforming their Lives at Sint Maarten Library.

Sint Maarten – The Sint Maarten Library proudly marked the successful completion of its 2024 Cyber-Seniors program with a heartfelt closing ceremony. This transformative initiative empowered 20 senior participants with essential technological skills, helping to bridge the digital divide and enhance their day-to-day lives… more

Friday, 6 December 2024

Cable targets 30,000 ‘reach’ with new network by end ‘25

Bahamas – Cable Bahamas is “aiming to reach” 30,000 subscribers with its new fibre-to-the home network by end-June 2025 while promising shareholders of “continued growth” in profits and earnings per share (EPS)… more

DIR: Just 1.3% of Family Island Airbnbs registered

Bahamas – The Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) yesterday asserted that just 1.3 percent, or 502 out of an estimated 38,000 Family Island vacation rental properties, are registered with it… more

Local businesses urged to take advantage of Amazon direct shipping

Bahamas – Deputy chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, Senator Barry Griffin, is encouraging businesses to look for the opportunities that will come with the introduction of Amazon direct shipping to The Bahamas, given that the e-commerce giant and online shopping are not going anywhere… more

Auditors highlight AI fraud threat, urge defences against digital deception

Barbados – In a stark warning to corporate Barbados, the nation’s top internal audit experts on Thursday sounded an alarm on a new digital menace: sophisticated fraud schemes powered by artificial intelligence that can replicate voices and faces with terrifying precision, potentially draining millions from unsuspecting businesses in seconds… more

‘The Caribbean is important to us’

Caribbean – Addressing concerns regarding lower levels of focus being given to Caribbean markets when compared to its Latin America counterparts, Mastercard’s country manager for Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Dalton Fowles has sought to make it clear that all customers across the LAC region is of equal importance to the global payments company… more

Flow working to fix cables damaged by vandals in St. Andrew

Jamaica – Telecommunications company, Flow Jamaica, says its crews are trying to repair the damage to its fibre cable by vandals in the Half Way Tree areaon Friday morning… more

TAJ says computer issue delaying reverse income tax credit payments

Jamaica – Senior Information officer at Tax Administration Jamaica Leighton Beckles, says a computer-related problem at the Accountant General’s office is the main reason for a delay in the payment of funds under the reverse income tax credit scheme… more

SMEs need help to shift from cash, says Mastercard

Trinidad and Tobago – Small and micro enterprises (SMEs) are vital drivers of economic progress but despite their importance, many in Latin America and the Caribbean remain heavily dependent on cash… more

Saturday, 7 December 2024

– Nil –

Sunday, 8 December 2024

Central Bank gets plaudits on e-money

Trinidad and Tobago – Mastercard’s country manager for Jamaica, T&T, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dalton Fowles, is commending this country’s Central Bank for doing a “pretty good job” in granting Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) licences, which continue to pave the way for T&T’s digital transformation journey… more

Images credit: Jon Tyson (Unsplash); Caribbean Jobs; Stabroek News; Wikipedia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in business that has been reshaping how companies operate, interact with customers, and manage resources. While its adoption brings significant advantages, it also presents challenges that need careful consideration.

Over the past several months, business leaders have been excited about AI’s potential in the workplace. Without a doubt, there are several often repeated benefits of using AI, including the following:

• Increased efficiency and productivity. AI can process large volumes of data and perform repetitive tasks faster and more accurately than humans, which can result in significant time savings thus allowing businesses to allocate team members to more strategic and creative activities.
• Cost savings. By automating routine tasks through AI-powered systems, such as chatbots and automated data analysis tools, companies can reduce their labour costs. Effectively, these platforms can replace or supplement human roles at a fraction of the cost.
• 24/7 availability. Unlike human employees, AI systems can work around the clock without fatigue or any special benefits or compensation. Such systems are particularly beneficial for customer service and potentially other customer-facing activities, where chatbots can handle inquiries anytime, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Improved accuracy and reduced errors. AI excels in tasks requiring precision, such as data entry, financial forecasting, and quality control. Their use would minimise human error, resulting in improved decision-making and a reduction in costly mistakes.
• Scalability. Finally, AI systems can easily scale to meet increased demands. For example, AI algorithms can analyse millions of transactions in real time, which would be impossible for a human team to achieve, costly and require considerable planning and coordination.

However, some concerns have recently been raised about whether organisations might be going overboard with how they are using or intend to use AI.

Scenario 1:  An AI travel influencer

Last month, the National Tourist Board of Germany launched an AI travel influencer, called Emma, to help promote the country.  In having Emma on the team, who by the way has an Instagram account, the Tourist Board would have a travel ambassador that would be available 24/7, have access to a huge reserve of facts and data, and would be cheaper than human travel influencers.

Although Emma’s launch experienced some technical difficulties, critics also argued that the content did not generate an emotional connection that would cause people to spend their hard-earned money to travel. Further, and as expected, human travel influencers felt their livelihood was being threatened. However, they were also of the view that using AI did not produce authentic experiences and genuine storytelling, which human travel influencers bring to the table.

Scenario 2:  An AI book publisher

Spines, an online book publishing platform, recently announced that in 2025, it plans to publish up to 8,000 books next year using AI. The company intends to charge authors between USD 1,200 and USD 5,000 “to have their books edited, proofread, formatted, designed and distributed with the help of AI” (Source: The Guardian).

As expected, some authors and independent book publishers were vociferous in their reaction to this initiative, accusing the company of just wanting to pump out books and not being prepared to give attention to the craft of writing.  On the other hand, Spines is of the view that its platform will empower authors: allowing more of them to get published and to do so without having to directly access or pay for individually all of the services required in the lead-up to getting a book published. Ultimately, the company wants to help 1 million authors get published.

Finally, and just a point of note. Spines is not the only entity using AI in book publishing. Microsoft has launched a new book imprint, 8080 Books, with the goal of accelerating the publishing process and getting books to market faster than traditional publishers. The company has entered into an agreement with HarperCollins for the latter to supply book titles with which Microsoft can train its AI model.

The value of scarcity

These two scenarios are just a few of the ways AI is being used to potentially disrupt traditional industries – though the full results are yet to be seen. Nevertheless, AI and, by extension technology, are making some significant inroads into areas that perhaps had been considered human-centric and human-driven. For example, Emma might need some work to ensure the technology operates well and the content connects better with viewers; but those are fixable problems.

However, an emerging concern based on the book publishing scenario is that ‘more is not always better’. If book publishers start pumping out a million books each, we, the reading public, will be inundated with books – many of which are likely to be poor quality, making it considerably more difficult to find the real gems in the sea of new publications.

Having said this, it could be successfully argued that traditional book publishers have had way too much power over which authors get published. Numerous now-famous authors have shared stories about having their manuscripts rejected by well-known publishing houses before they finally got accepted, usually by a small, independent publisher. However, although there might be a case for greater equity, potentially being overwhelmed by poor-quality books is disconcerting.

Being statistically average

AI travel influencers may be especially appealing to Caribbean countries, many of which count tourism among the largest contributors to their economy. Moreover, being able to stretch a country’s marketing and promotion budgets further by leveraging AI could be quite compelling.

However, an important question that needs to be asked is, “Could an AI help us to be unique?” “More compelling?”

One of the challenges with most of the publicly available AI platforms is that the advice or insights they tend to share are statistical norms or around the average, as was discussed in a recent ICT Pulse Podcast episode on whether you would let AI make all of your decisions. Further, although to the individual user, the AI recommendation or AI-generated content may appear novel and insightful, if more people ask the same question, they are likely to receive similar answers – which, of course, will no longer seem unique.

Hence, if Caribbean countries used AI in their tourism promotional effort, they could end up with similar content and/or a similar aesthetic – especially since most are selling sun, sea and sand, and if the same AI platform is used.

In summary and as noted earlier, AI is and will continue to have an impact on virtually all industries and sectors, even those considered sacred cows and impervious to technology. However, the decision to use AI to replace certain roles or functions in business is not one to be taken lightly. Although AI offers unparalleled benefits, there are also well-known challenges such as high initial costs, job displacement and ethical concerns, as well as other adverse consequences that are likely to only emerge when it is being used. Hence businesses and organisations ought to carefully the pros and cons, to ensure they are adopting AI responsibly to balance innovation with humanity.

Image credit:  kues1 (Freepik)

Monday, 25 November 2024

Digital learning platform aims to revolutionise tracking students’ performance

Antigua and Barbuda – The One Lern platform, developed by FortunaPIX, offers educators powerful tools to track student progress and identify areas needing attention in real-time… more

FTX to begin distributing payments to creditors and customers in early 2025

Bahamas – FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, has announced plans to begin distributing payments to creditors and customers in early 2025, following the approval of its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, which is expected to take effect by January… more

Expansion of CCTV network earmarked for 2025

Cayman Islands – Cayman’s 400-camera-strong CCTV network will be expanding next year to fill gaps in strategic locations as part of planned upgrades by the Department of Public Safety Communications… more

Guyanese soon to benefit from open government data

Guyana – Ordinary Guyanese, including people involved in various types of businesses, will soon be able to access high-quality government data that would assist them to make decisions or create new tools for planning and development following Monday’s parliamentary approval of the Open Data Bill… more

Why Biometrics cannot work in Guyana in 2025?

Guyana – Dear Editor, It baffles me that less than twelve (12) months before a General Elections, the PNC and their associated fringe parties have now found the voice to call for biometric technology… more

Jamaica Enters New Era of Digital Transformation with Roll Out of National ID Card

Jamaica – Phased roll out of the National Identification System (NIDS) is underway, marking a new era in Jamaica’s digital transformation… more

JAMPRO forum highlights digital transformation as key to unlocking Jamaica’s economic potential

Jamaica – Jamaica Promotions Corporation recently hosted its Local Direct Investment Forum, under the theme: ‘Jamaica Business Gateway: Unlocking Economic Potential Through Digital Transformation.’ … more

Symptai urges Jamaican businesses to act now on data privacy ahead of the December 1 deadline

Jamaica – With the December 1 registration deadline for Jamaica’s Data Protection Act (DPA) fast approaching, Symptai Consulting Limited emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to prioritize compliance… more

Flow launches Christmas promotion with $ in prizes

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Flow, a leading communications and entertainment provider has launched its 2024 Christmas promotion, dubbed “Christmasing with Flow”… more

Tuesday, 26 November 2024

BTC upgrades Ragged Island mobile network to 100% LTE

Bahamas – BTC has announced that it has successfully upgraded the mobile network on Ragged Island to 100% LTE services, including Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for improved call quality. This recent upgrade marks a complete transition from older 2G and 3G technologies, providing residents with faster data speeds and clearer voice calls… more

NDMA cybersecurity team placed 18th in recent Hackathon

Guyana – The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) yesterday said that its cybersecurity team comprising Justino DaSilva, Shameer Jalim, Maryam Bacchus, Latoya Etkins, and Irshad Nasir achieved a prestigious top 20 finish, placing 18th at the CyberQ: Security in the Quantum Era Hackathon… more

Jamaican tech firm Optimity Group to develop solutions for Dubai’s tourism industry

Jamaica – Local technology solutions provider Optimity Group has announced a franchise agreement partnership with a London-based company Nebula GCC to develop cutting-edge e-wallet solutions tailored to the Middle Eastern Market… more

Public warned to know cybercrimes law or face the penalties when breached

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Vincentians are being warned that they can find themselves on the wrong side of the Cybercrime law by committing certain acts which many deem ‘normal’ such as searching their partner’s phone, as well as sharing sexual images of children… more

Imbert: No critical NIB information compromised in cyber attack

Trinidad and Tobago – FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert says the National Insurance Board (NIB) did not suffer any loss of critical information as a result of a cyber attack last December… more

NCRHA promises AI-centred healthcare revolution

Trinidad and Tobago – HEALTHCARE in Trinidad and Tobago is said to be on the brink of transformation as generative artificial intelligence’s (AI) influence on practically every industry continues to grow… more

Ransomware attacks becoming more sophisticated, dangerous

Trinidad and Tobago – Every 14 seconds, a company faces a ransomware attack in North America. This according to chief executive officer of Canada-based cybersecurity solutions company VARS Corporation, Guillaume Caron… more

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

BRIBERY PROBE

Caribbean – Digicel Group Holdings is currently cooperating with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on possible violations of the USA’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)… more

How search AI is changing marketing

Caribbean – IN the ever-evolving digital landscape, search AI is changing the way we interact with information online. From how we find answers to how businesses position themselves, search AI is redefining what it means to “Google” something in the 21st century. It’s no longer just about keywords and links; it’s about delivering relevance, personalisation, and efficiency… more

Regional leaders To Attend Caribbean Summit in Miami from December 9

Caribbean – Regional leaders are assembling at the Connected Caribbean Summit 2024 (CCS 2024) in Miami from December 9 to 12, to deliberate on practical strategies to accelerate Caribbean advance from the “status quo to true transformation”… more

Grenada parliament to introduce the use of AI in 2025

Grenada – Grenada’s Parliament will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools next year and legislators will be encouraged to make full use of the technology, Speaker Leo Cato said Tuesday… more

Going digital: Immigration, Customs to introduce electronic forms starting at International Airport

Guyana – Aiming to enhance government efficiency, two of Belize’s most important and public-facing departments are starting to go digital… more

The gov’t must revisit the Open Data Act and commit to strengthening it through collaboration with stakeholders

Guyana – Dear Editor, The Parliamentary Opposition is clear – we understand and support the imperative of open data. An Open Data Act should not only mandate the release of public data but also establish a robust framework for accountability, innovation, and citizen engagement… more

Companies urged to step up data privacy compliance as registration deadline approaches

Jamaica – With the December 1st registration deadline for data controllers to get complaint under the Jamaica Data Protection Act (DPA) fast approaching, businesses are being urged to step up their data privacy efforts… more

Female tech leaders for centre stage at Tech Beach Retreat

Jamaica – An exceptional lineup of female technology leaders are poised to take centre stage at Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), this December in Montego Bay, Jamaica… more

The evolution of cybersecurity in banking

Jamaica – CHANGES in the banking sector associated with new digital initiatives have ushered in an unprecedented number of cybersecurity risks… more

TTSEC warns public over Telegram scam

Trinidad and Tobago – The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) is warning people about a new scam on the Telegram instant messaging service in which con artists are asking for an “investment” of money to get back much more in a short space of time… more

Thursday, 28 November 2024

Flow Antigua and Barbuda gets new Country Manager

Antigua and Barbuda – C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Hull as Country Manager of its operations in Antigua and Barbuda, a release said… more

Commission’s $221.6m set to rank behind FTX victims

Bahamas – The Securities Commission’s top executive yesterday confirmed it is in talks for its $221.55m claim to rank behind FTX’s clients and other victims in the creditor payout queue… more

Legal threats to $30m in FTX property sales

Bahamas – Legal threats have slowed the sale of around $30m worth of Bahamian real estate that was acquired by the collapsed FTX crypto exchange’s property affiliate, it has been revealed… more

Almost 7,000 business names registered since Business Registry went fully online

Belize – Belize’s Online Business Registry System (OBRS) is celebrating its second anniversary today, marking two years of streamlined business services… more

Belize implements Electronic Immigration and customs forms at Philip Goldson International Airport

Belize – Cabinet’s discussions on November 26, 2024 included the implementation of electronic immigration and customs departure and arrival forms… more

Belize Introduces New Digital Embarkation/Disembarkation E-Form for Travelers

Belize – Тhе Веlіzе Тоurіѕm Воаrd іѕ dеlіghtеd tо ѕhаrе thаt thе Dераrtmеnt оf Воrdеr Маnаgеmеnt аnd Іmmіgrаtіоn Ѕеrvісеѕ аnd thе Сuѕtоmѕ аnd Ехсіѕе Dераrtmеnt, іn соllаbоrаtіоn wіth thе Міnіѕtrу оf Рublіс Utіlіtіеѕ, Еnеrgу, Lоgіѕtісѕ, аnd Е-Gоvеrnаnсе hаvе lаunсhеd а nеw Оnlіnе Іmmіgrаtіоn аnd Сuѕtоmѕ Dесlаrаtіоn Ѕуѕtеm… more

Invest in digital literacy for students with disabilities

Jamaica – THE EDITOR, Madam:  The response from the government was swift and, for the first time in a long while, hopeful. The Ministry of Education stepped in to cover her tuition and promised support for her transition to high school… more

Experts discuss AI versus humans in Trinidad and Tobago healthcare

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Finance experts: More education needed on e-money

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RBL customers face new phishing scam

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Friday, 29 November 2024

G.O.B. Considers Online Classes for Students in Flooded Areas

Belize – The Ministry of Education is still figuring out how to best support students in the areas hardest hit by the floods… more

Kemal Brown | 7 Strategies to Increase Sales Via Digital Channels This Holiday Season

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Eyes on the Future – VM taps digital, innovation for growth in new era

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Tech start-ups urged to seek international funding

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Saturday, 30 November 2024

FIFA Foundation partners with Ministry of Education to reach 10,000 students in 3 years with Digital Education Programme

Belize – Тhе Fооtbаll Fеdеrаtіоn оf Веlіzе (FFВ) сеlеbrаtеd а ѕіgnіfісаnt mіlеѕtоnе wіth thе оffісіаl hаndіng оvеr оf еquірmеnt fоr thе FІFА Fоundаtіоn Dіgіtаl Еduсаtіоn Рrоgrаmmе, whісh аіmѕ tо rеасh 10,000 ѕtudеntѕ оvеr thе nехt thrее уеаrѕ… more

Ministry of Education’s Doodle Learn to engage over 6,000 students in Belize

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Why all the digital talk?

Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: On November 27 I went to the Arima office to have my driver’s licence renewed… more

Sunday, 1 December 2024

Digital Immigration Promises Faster Travel Through Belize

Belize – Starting today, travellers to Belize will experience a faster, paperless journey through the country’s borders with the launch of a new online immigration and customs declaration system. This digital upgrade aims to streamline the travel process, cutting down on wait times and eliminating the need for paper forms, making it easier than ever to visit Belize… more

SIM saga

Jamaica – Dear Claudienne,  Trust all is well with you. I am seeking your assistance to address an issue I am having in trying to get my replacement Flow SIM card chip… more

Fraud squad investigating Police Credit Union scams

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Images credit: Karolina Grabowska (Pixabay); Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons; VM Group (Facebook); Wikipedia

In the race for growth and market dominance, businesses often lose sight of their unique strengths. Although aiming for widespread appeal and increased market share can be a rewarding strategy, it is not always sustainable.

Further, businesses are often encouraged to pivot and evolve to keep up with technology, with examples such as Kodak, Blackberry, and Blockbuster used as casualties of companies not being innovative and prepared to keep up with the times. However, with a little research, one would realise that companies such as Kodak and Blackberry still exist and are still operating – but are no longer the household names that they used to be. They, among many other once-dominant tech companies, in particular, have embraced the power of niche markets after their mainstream appeal declined.

A lesson from the past: Kodak

Kodak was once synonymous with photography, holding a dominant position in the film and camera industry. However, the company’s failure to adapt to the digital revolution led to its decline. After filing for bankruptcy in 2012, Kodak shifted its focus to niche markets like specialised printing technologies, professional imaging solutions, and even scientific research.

Today, Kodak caters to industries like healthcare (with radiography and diagnostic imaging) and cinema (offering high-quality film for movie production). By narrowing its scope, Kodak found profitability in areas where its expertise remains unmatched.

A lesson from the past: Blackberry

BlackBerry once reigned supreme in the mobile phone market, known for its iconic physical keyboards and secure messaging platform. But as Apple and Android devices gained popularity, BlackBerry’s market share plummeted.

Rather than trying to compete in the saturated smartphone market, BlackBerry pivoted to become a leader in cybersecurity and enterprise software – which was always its strength. Its products now cater to organisations needing secure communication and data protection. This niche focus has allowed BlackBerry to thrive in a specialised segment, leaving the general consumer market behind.

A lesson from the past: IBM

From the mid-1950s, IBM was synonymous with computing, leading the market in hardware, personal computers, and mainframe systems. However, as competition in hardware intensified with the rise of companies such as Apple and Dell, IBM shifted its strategy.

Today, IBM focuses on enterprise solutions, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. Its flagship AI platform, Watson, was widely used in healthcare, finance, and customer service for predictive analytics and decision-making, and Watson’s successor, Watsonx, is IBM’s cloud-based commercial generative AI and scientific data platform.

A lesson from the past: Nokia

Finally, Nokia was once a global leader in mobile phones, dominating the market in the early 2000s. However, the company failed to keep up with the smartphone revolution led by Apple and Android devices. After selling its phone business to Microsoft, Nokia reinvented itself.

Today, Nokia is a key player in telecommunications network infrastructure and advanced technologies, particularly in 5G. Its expertise in network solutions has made it a critical partner for governments and businesses looking to build next-generation communication systems.

Why being niche works

From the above examples, and there are still more, these businesses have been able to survive – and even thrive – by stopping being ‘all things to all people’. Often, the change was triggered externally by market forces, but in many instances, these businesses ended up going back to basics and (in many ways) the niche field in which they began.

Invariably, these businesses were able to tap into the deep and specialised expertise they possessed, such as in photography and imaging in the case of Kodak, and enterprise security in the case of Blackberry. Moreover, among their diehard customer base – those who knew the value of what they offered and not just mass consumers – there would be strong customer loyalty as their products addressed specific pain points. Further, in focusing on a specific segment of the market, niche businesses tend to face less competition and can command premium prices by offering highly specialised solutions.

It should thus come as no surprise that niche businesses may be more equipped to be seen as authentic and trustworthy and are able to build genuine relationships with their customers. in turn, this relationship with their customers and their specialised focus can help buffer them from market-wide trends that can be volatile, allowing them to be more stable and resilient.

Finally, in having a narrow focus, niche businesses can make more efficient use of resources. For example, in terms of product or service offerings, the business can offer a limited number of off-the-shelf products and services, but with the option for customised solutions or specialised builds being fulfilled separately and at a premium. If catering to mass consumers, a business may need to offer a broader range of products or services, all of which would need to be manufactured or maintained and offered at competitive prices, which could lead to much more waste in the long run.

Being niche may mean managing expectations

While the allure of growth and mass-market dominance can be tempting, it is not the only path to success. Carving out a niche market and catering to a specific audience can lead to long-term stability and success. Interestingly, companies that once dominated entire industries, such as those previously highlighted, have leveraged their deep and specialist expertise and were able to revitalise their business, thus assuring their long-term sustainability.

In today’s competitive landscape, standing out is not about being everywhere: it is about being indispensable to the right audience. Whether your business is a startup or an established company, finding your niche and serving it exceptionally well might just be the smarter, more fulfilling way forward.

Image credit: jannoon028 (Freepik)