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

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

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)

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

In January 2021, we published an article, Why aren’t more Caribbean people video gamers, in which we noted that globally, the video games industry was estimated to be worth nearly USD 160 billion in 2020, and is projected to exceed USD 200 billion by 2023. However, as of 2022, the global video game market size was estimated at USD 217.06 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.4% from 2023 to 2030, or over half USD 500 billion (Source:  Grand View Research)

In other words, the global video gaming industry is at least double the music and movie industries combined. It is thus a highly lucrative field with a broad range of opportunities. However, as much as we might play video games, video game development still does not appear to have much of a footing in the Caribbean region.

This episode was first released in 2021, in which we sought to pull back the curtain on video gaming in the Caribbean region, including the state of video game development in the region, the challenges, and more importantly, the opportunities.

Introducing our guests

Glen Henry (left) is the Founder and Projects Director of Spritewrench Studios, a  one-man micro-studio based in Kingston, Jamaica., which tends to focus on smaller, self-contained titles with an emphasis on narrative elements. He is keen to explore ways the Caribbean’s cultural position can influence the stories we tell.

Glen is also the self-proclaimed ‘Loudest Member’ of the Jamaica Game Developer Society (JGDS), which is an informal group of game developers that aims to educate and advocate for the craft of interactive entertainment in Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean.

Graham Reid (right) is a Jamaican visual designer and a video game designer, who is based in the United States and is also a member of the JGDS. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics, and has worked as a freelance motion graphics designer and animator on a wide variety of jobs for several companies, and presently, he is a Visual Designer at Snapchat.

In 2012, Graham along with two other Jamaicans created a game called Shapes & Sound: The Shape Shooter, which was released for Android. Since then, Graham has continued to delve into the world of video game development. His sophomore effort was titled Hecticube for iOS and Android, and he is currently working on Super Space Club which will be his first foray into PC and console development.

Insights into our conversation

This conversation is still as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded in 2021. Glen and Graham are passionate game developers, and in the discussion, they sought to highlight the complexities or nuances of some of the issues surrounding game development generally and game development in the region.

An interesting point that emerged during our conversation was although there are numerous enthusiastic hobbyists, many of them might not currently see a career path in game development or how to create a financially sustainable business in the region, which has been hindering the industry from becoming more established. However, four years later, is that still the case?

Below are the key questions that were posed.

1. How big is game development in Jamaica, and if you can, can you give us some insight into game development in the wider Caribbean?
2. What are some of the skills and resources needed to build games?
3. How could the lucrative nature of the global gaming industry result in economic benefits for Jamaica, for example, or for the Caribbean?
4. Although the global industry is highly lucrative, it seems to be highly competitive. What are some of the strengths you perceive in the region that could allow us to have some success in that space?  On the other hand, what are some of our weaknesses?
5. Tell us a little bit about the Jamaica Game Developer Society. What it about, its objectives, and its membership?
6. Is there a directory or repository of Caribbean games?
7. To varying degrees, the Caribbean has unique cultural and societal qualities that have appeal globally, and which it could be argued, could be leveraged as games. To what degree is that being done, and do you think the premise expressed is flawed?
8. Developers are likely to create games based either on their interests, or on trends – what might be hot these days. But these days, and here in the Caribbean, it could be argued that there is a need for games for the education and tourism space, for example. What are your thoughts?
9. It seems that popular business models for games is either to be free, but relying on ads for revenue, or to use a freemium model. But if one is in the business of games, do those business models really work?
10. For individuals who want to get into game development, what might be key pieces of advice you would give?

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:

• Glen Henry
• Graham Reid
• Jamaica Game Developer Society (JDGS)
• Spritewrench Studios
• GrahamOfLegend
• ICT Pulse article, Why aren’t more Caribbean people video gamers?
• Indie Games by Jamaican Game Developers
• Games submitted by JGDS members to the Global Games Jam
• International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
• ListenMi Animation Studio

Images credit:  G Henry;  G Reid; DC Studio (Freepik); StockSnap (Pixabay);  Freepik (Freepik)

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

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

Data centres, often referred to as the “digital backbone” of our modern world, play an indispensable role in our daily lives. These high-tech facilities house servers, storage systems, and networking equipment that process, store, and transmit vast amounts of data. From online banking to streaming services, social media to e-commerce, data centres power the digital infrastructure that has become an integral part of our society.

One of the most critical functions of data centres is the storage and retrieval of data. They serve as digital repositories, preserving valuable information for individuals, businesses, and governments. Further, they enable cloud computing, a technology that allows users to access applications and data over the internet, eliminating the need for local hardware and software. Additionally, data centres facilitate global communication and connectivity by serving as hubs for internet traffic and routing data between different networks and countries.

However, noting the importance of data centres in digital ecosystems, it seems to be an overlooked area in the Caribbean region. In this podcast episode, we explore the state of Caribbean data centres and what it might take for them to truly become the digital backbone of the region.

Introducing our guest

Giovanni King is the Chief Executive Officer of Blue NAP Americas (BNA), the most advanced multi-tenant Tier-IV certified data centre in the Pan-Caribbean region, and the Chairman of the Caribbean Datacenter Association (CDA). This recently established association seeks to foster the growth, collaboration, and excellence of data centre operators and technology infrastructure providers in the Caribbean region.

Giovanni has over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, the majority of which is as an executive with telecommunications regulatory authorities in the Dutch Caribbean. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Fonty’s University in the Netherlands and a master’s degree in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

Insights into our conversation

Giovanni’s passion for data centres is infectious, and very early in our conversation, you will realise the considerable potential that exists for data centres in the region. All too often, we purchase services outside the region, although the facilities exist here. Unfortunately, we may not always be aware of what we have and the quality that is available.

For example, Blue NAP Americas, which is located in Curaçao, is a Tier-IV certified data centre that is certified to have 99.995% uptime, or a cumulative downtime of no more than 20 minutes in a single year, or no more than 1.67 minutes per month! However, we are small countries with small populations; so we need to be creative and be prepared to be collaborative will our fellow data centres and technology partners to be competitive and truly add value to our individual countries and the Caribbean region as a whole.

Below are key questions posed to Giovanni that drove our conversation.

1. To start us off, what kind of services or facilities are typically offered at a data centre?
2. What is the current demand for data centres in the Caribbean region?
3. Are there specific sectors or industries driving this demand?
4. Tell us some more about the Caribbean Datacenter Association. Why was it set up and what does it hope to achieve?
5. Are there any efforts to promote regional cooperation or collaboration among Caribbean countries in the development of data centres?
6. What are the typical infrastructure requirements for data centres in the Caribbean?
7. What are the primary challenges and opportunities facing the development of data centres in the Caribbean?
8. How is connectivity ensured for data centres in the Caribbean?
9. Are there any emerging technologies or trends that could significantly impact the future of data centers in the Caribbean, such as AI, IoT, or blockchain?

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:

• Giovanni King
• Caribbean Datacenter Association
• Blue NAP Americas
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 089: Exploring the Curaçao telecoms and ICT space, with Giovanni King

Images credit:  Blue NAP Americas; Gerd Altmann (Pixabay); panumas nikhomkhai (Pexels); Christina Morillo (Pexels)

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

Podcast editing support:  Mayra Bonilla Lopez

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

When travel and movement restrictions were implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Caribbean countries had to scramble to consider seemingly ‘out-of-the-box ’ alternatives to the traditional travel and hospitality formulae they had been using. One of the options that was seriously considered, and even implemented in some countries, was the digital nomad segment, but with an emphasis on longer-term stay visitors, thanks to the upsurge in remote work and work-from-anywhere arrangements.

Longer-term visitors, particularly those who are gainfully employed or working for clients overseas, tend to need some stability in their travel and living arrangements so that they can fulfil their work obligations. These visitors are also likely to have more disposable income than the typical backpacker, and depending on the length of their stay – especially if they are accompanied by their families – could spend considerable sums in the local economy.

Although some organisations have clawed back on permitting remote work and hybrid work arrangements in recent years, these options can still be explored depending on the employer. For those who are considering the digital nomad lifestyle, it is critical to do your research, identify the factors that are important to you and your safety, and ensure you have covered all your bases.

This episode was first aired in February 2022, but the content still seems fresh and relevant for those of us who have toyed with the idea of working from a country other than where we are currently based.

Introducing our guests

Andres Phillips is a Technical Writer and Content Marketer. He has been working remotely in the tech space for the last seven years, leveraging Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering to turn complex ideas into easy to understand material, and began his journey as a digital nomad in 2019.

Andres is currently the Head of Content at Wordify and DXPReport.com, a Dubai/London-based content marketing agency and media publication for the headless CMS (content management system) and DXP (digital experience platform) space. He also does freelance writing for start-ups across other disciplines including product management, blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Andres is originally from Barbados. When we spoke with him, he had recently returned to Barbados from Mexico City, where he was based for four months, and prior to that and for six months, he was in Medellin, Colombia.

Juleen Gentles is a Schwarzman Scholar and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in China. At the time of our interview, she was a Digital Product Analyst for a United States-based firm with operations in Jamaica. In 2020, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computing, Information Systems.  When we spoke, Juleen was living and working on the African Continent and had spent some time in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana, when we caught up with her.

Juleen has been an advocate for women and the black community in technology, encouraging them to be not only consumers of digital content, but also creators. She has worked with regional social enterprises such as Youth Can Do I.T. and was an Ambassador of Caribbean Girls Hack. Her work and mission have been acknowledged by entities such as Microsoft Windows Insider, the International Telecommunications Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Huawei Technologies Limited, and the National Commercial Bank (Jamaica), to name a few. She is also a is a public speaker and storyteller, who is deeply inspired by her heritage.

Originally from Ghana, Marsiya Issah had been in Barbados since March 2020, having arrived just before the first country-wide lockdown was implemented. She is a self-taught Software Developer with knowledge in areas such as Front End and Back End Development, and Responsive Web Design.

When we caught up with Marsiya, she was working as a Volunteer for an international special interest organisation. Before arriving in Barbados, she worked as a Data Analyst for an insurance company in Ghana, though her academic qualifications are in Agricultural Economics. Marsiya has since returned to Ghana and has been working as an AI Engineer.

Insights into conversations

Revisiting this conversation with Andres, Juleen and Marsiya was a reminder of the invaluable life experience and insight that being a digital nomad offers. Often when we travel, it is for a few days or weeks on vacation, and typically, especially for Caribbean travellers, we tend to be in the care of family and friends. Being on your own and self-reliant in an environment that is outside of your comfort zone can be highly intimidating, but provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth.

Below are a few of the questions posed to Andres, Marsiya and Juleen during our conversation:

1. What was the journey to becoming a digital nomad?
2. What has been your experience with regard to internet connectivity, and what do you look for on that front?
3. Has the pandemic caused any challenges, new opportunities or adjustment to your digital nomad experience and/or plans?
4. How important is knowing the local language of the country to which you are travelling?
5. If someone was thinking of becoming a digital nomad, what advice would you give?
6. What is next for you? Are there plans to continue being a digital nomad?

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:

• Andres Phillips
• Juleen Gentles
• Marsiya Issah
• YouTube channel, PassportHeavy
• LinkedIn

Images credit: A Phillips;  M Issah;  J Gentles;   Wikimedia Commons;  Victormattei (Pixabay) ; Rob Oo (flickr)

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

Podcast editing support:  Mayra Bonilla Lopez

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

Agriculture has long been recognised as a crucial yet underdeveloped sector in the economy of virtually all Caribbean countries. Most countries struggle to feed themselves which has resulted in high food import bills, and the ongoing CARICOM 25 by 25 Initiative: to reduce the CARICOM region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025.

But to be fair, the agricultural sector is plagued with numerous challenges including, difficult terrain, weather peculiarities, the impact of climate change, the investment cost, the difficulty in securing financing, and the often relatively limited return on the investments made. However, it could also be argued that the region’s agriculture sector has not readily embraced technology, which could make existing operations more efficient and effective, ultimately resulting in better yields. At the same time, the region’s sector generally comprises subsistence and small farms that often do not have the money or the capacity to secure and leverage available technologies. Further, some of the solutions that are being offered would not work well in the Caribbean region and this particular customer segment – where, for example,  internet connectivity may still be a challenge in rural areas and farmers may not own the latest and most sophisticated computing devices.

Over the years, we have discussed agriculture technology (agritech) on the Podcast, cognisant of its importance not only to our economies but also to our food security. In this episode, we are highlighting a mobile application Latitude Sat2Farm, that puts a considerable amount of agriculture-related intelligence in the hands of our farmers.

Introducing our guest

An accomplished Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing specialist, Dr Haimwant Persaud has over 15 years of experience applying geospatial technologies to support natural resource management, sustainable development, and environmental conservation projects. He holds a PhD in Sustainable Forest Management, a Master of Science degree in Geographical Information Systems, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering. He is also a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) accredited by the GIS Certification Institute.

Haimwant’s expertise spans the full range of GIS and Remote Sensing capabilities including spatial analysis, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), digital imagery processing, land use classification, feature extraction, database development, web application development, and more. Throughout his career, he has served as a Geospatial Consultant on projects for clients such as the European Union, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana.

Haimwant is the Director of Latitude Geospatial, a company dedicated to helping clients leverage geospatial technologies to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic planning across various industries, including environmental management, urban planning, transportation, and more. Latitude Geospatial is known for its innovative approaches and commitment to delivering high-quality, customized geospatial solutions.

Insights into our conversation

In the Caribbean, the majority of our farmers do not go to school to learn their craft and develop their expertise. They would have picked it up from family members and generally possess very basic skills. Further, the support structures for the agriculture sector tend to be limited, with the greatest investments being made for export crops. Access to granular and real-time intelligence is often non-existent, with farmers depending on field officers or the local agriculture office to provide guidance and assistance when needed.

However, as someone who grew up in a farming family in a remote community, and is also a farmer, Haimwant is intimately aware of the challenges of agriculture in the Caribbean region. On the flip side, it is fascinating the technology and useful farming data that can be generated and accessed via a simple smartphone. Thanks to the features and capabilities of Latitude Sat2Farm, farmers would not only have access to more agriculture and crop-related information, but they could also become more empowered and be in a better position to make more informed decisions.

Below are some of the questions that drove our conversation with Haimwant.

1. So tell us about Latitude Geospatial. Why did you set it up and what services does it offer?
2. What problem is Latitude Sat2Farm trying to solve?
3. How does Latitude Sat2Farm work? What are some of the technologies that Latitude Sat2farm uses?
4. Although Latitude Sat2Farm on the consumer side requires an app, what technology requirements would farmers (for example) need to have to interact with or access the insights produced via the app?
5. Okay, let’s step back a bit and tell us a bit of your story.
6. What is it like being an entrepreneur in Guyana? What do you think about the country’s start-up environment/ start-up culture?
7. Earlier this month, in July, Hurricane Beryl barrelled through the region and destroyed farming areas here in Jamaica. Looking into the future, and noting that our region is vulnerable to natural disasters, what benefit could Latitude Sat2Farm offer?
8. Also, are there any other tools or technologies the region should be leveraging to help us become more resilient?
9. Where would you like to see Latitude Geospatial in the next 3 to 5 years?

We would love to hear your thoughts!

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

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

Let’s make it happen!

Select links

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

• Haimwant Persaud
• Latitude Geospatial Consulting Inc.
• Latitude Sat2Farm | Google Play
• Landsat
• Copernicus

Images credit:  H Persaud;  Latitude Geospatial Consulting

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

Podcast editing support:  Mayra Bonilla Lopez

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

Although we may not fully appreciate it, small farmers are the bedrock of Caribbean society. Many of our countries are very mountainous or have poor soils or little arable land, thus making agriculture difficult and in many instances, not very profitable. However, these small farms help us to feed ourselves and contribute to our food security.

Unfortunately, many Caribbean farmers are underbanked, and so are unable to access financing through traditional sources. This has been a perennial pain point, as the lack of funding for farming inherently hinders their growth and development, and keeps them at a subsistence existence.

In 2021, as part of a podcast series we did on technology-based social enterprises – that is, tech businesses that have a social impact among their core objectives – we featured FarmCredibly, which at the time, was known as a digital cooperative for farms that provides access to micro-investments for farmers in Jamaica. Three years later, a lot has happened. We have survived a pandemic, agriculture technology (or agritech) is booming with investment, we are moving closer to being digitally transformed and artificial intelligence is becoming mainstream. We are thus circling back to check in on FarmCredibly to see how it has been evolving and what lessons it has learnt along the way.

Introducing our guest and FarmCredibly

Danelia Doyle is a co-founder of FarmCredibly, Jamaica’s first farm funding platform. She is committed to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

With over a decade of experience in project and business management, Danelia has honed her skills across various industries, including Media and Communications, Food and Customer Services, Event Management, Software Development, and FinTech.

Founded in 2018 by Varun Baker and Danelia Doyle, FarmCredibly addresses the challenges faced by Jamaica’s farmers. Recognising the profound impact of farmers’ exclusion from funding and technology access, the pair initially focused on providing simplified financial services to underbanked farmers, thereby transforming their lives.

More recently, FarmCredibly has introduced a WhatsApp-based tool that offers real-time financial insights and personalised support. This technological advancement empowers farmers to make informed decisions and optimise resource allocation. It streamlines farm operations and enhances financial literacy and stability within the agricultural community.

Insights into our conversation

Without a doubt, the life of a small farmer is tough. Besides battling Mother Nature, pests and thieves, struggling to keep a farm alive and ensuring there is enough to harvest, is an ongoing battle. So, technology solutions that in some way can address some of their challenges, can only be a good thing!

Engaging and very self-aware, it was a joy to chat with Danelia and to learn of all the pivots FarmCredibly has had to make since we interviewed the other Co-Founder, Varun Baker, in 2021. Two of the biggest takeaways from this conversation are solutions that should work in principle may not work in practice, and do not disregard simple solutions that may not be as tech-forward as you might want. Working within the skills and resources available to your customer base will increase the chances of take-up, and ultimately, success.

Below are questions posed to Danelia that drove our conversation.

1. How would you describe FarmCredibly, and do also share with us some of your background and what drove you to set up this venture?
2. Since FarmCredibly was launched in 2018, how has the ‘business of farming’ evolved? Were there any pronounced or continuing trends since the pandemic?
3. What has been happening with FarmCredibly since Varun was on the Podcast in 2021?
4. Has the FarmCredibly business model evolved over the years?
5. FarmCredibly has introduced a WhatsApp-based accounting service to assist farmers with bookkeeping and farm management. What is the pain point this service is trying to address?
6. Agriculture and agritech have become popular in the region, especially since funding may be a bit more readily available than before. What are your thoughts on this?
7. Many start-ups, and more so tech start-ups, fail.  In managing a small business yourself, what insights can you share?
8. Has FarmCredibly been able to forge strategic partnerships in other countries?
9. What important lessons have you learnt since launching FarmCredibly?
10. Where would you like to see FarmCredibly in the next three years?

We would love to hear your thoughts!

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

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

Let’s make it happen!

Select links

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

• Danelia Doyle
• FarmCredibly
• ICT Pulse Podcast episode, ICTP 138: Leveraging technology to provide micro investment to farmers, with Varun Baker of Farm Credibly

Images credit:  D Doyle;  Steven Weeks (Unsplash); Eveline de Bruin (Pixabay);  Dastan Khdir (Pexels);  Linny (Pixabay)

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

Podcast editing Support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

Monday, 3 June 2024

BTC hit by ‘sabotage act’ in North Eleuthera

Bahamas – THE BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) says it fell victim to “an act of sabotage” that knocked out all mobile, Internet and landline services to North Eleuthera customers on Friday… more

BELTRAIDE sails toward financial innovation with FINTECH 2024

Belize – Іn а соllаbоrаtіvе еffоrt bеtwееn thе Веlіzе Тrаdе аnd Іnvеѕtmеnt Dеvеlорmеnt Ѕеrvісе (ВЕLТRАІDЕ) аnd thе Сеntrаl Ехесutіng Unіt (СЕU) оf thе Міnіѕtrу оf Есоnоmіс Dеvеlорmеnt, Веlіzе іѕ еmbаrkіng оn а grоundbrеаkіng јоurnеу іntо thе rеаlm оf fіnаnсіаl іnnоvаtіоn… more

Caribbean innovations in justice technologies lauded at UK digital week

Jamaica – Caribbean-inspired innovations in technologies for the administration of justice in the courts were on show at UK Digital Week. Held last week (May 23-24), it was the staging of a special Justice Symposium hosted by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) in collaboration with the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS)… more

How the police became a media outlet

Trinidad and Tobago – Earlier this year, former SBCS lecturer in media Abbigail Ajim successfully defended her thesis for a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Leicester… more

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Alleged landowner ‘sabotages’ BTC’s fiber optic cable in North Eleuthera, disrupting services

Bahamas – BTC says that an alleged landowner who has repeatedly threatened to sever the company’s fiber optic cable in an attempt to extort compensation followed through on the threat last week, resulting in disruption of service in North Eleuthera… more

BTC: Eleuthera sabotage was an ‘extortion’ attempt

Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday asserted that its fibre optic cables serving Eleuthera were deliberately cut in a bid to extort money from it over a land dispute… more

CIBC eyes AI for future banking experiences

Caribbean – The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC Caribbean) has introduced “Tiffany,” an artificial intelligence (AI) module designed to enhance customers’ banking experience in TT… more

Dutch government hires US consultancy for subsea cables study

Caribbean – The Dutch government has hired American consulting firm Pioneer Consulting to conduct research into the digital connectivity of its three islands in the Caribbean… more

Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Survey on digital payments in Barbados

Barbados – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), is conducting research on the challenges and opportunities of using digital payments in Barbados… more

Digicel activates subsea fibre cable, Deep Blue One

Caribbean – The mobile phone network and home entertainment provider, Digicel Group, has announced the activation of its subsea fibre cable, Deep Blue One, which is expected to “supercharge” connectivity across the Caribbean and South America, particularly benefiting Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago… more

Mastercard: Empowering MSMEs in the Caribbean

Caribbean – Financial inclusion goes far beyond connecting people to bank accounts. It is a powerful tool that allows them to exercise greater control over their expenses and income… more

Brakes on ridesharing

Jamaica – Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has recommended an “immediate ban” on ridesharing services which he says has triggered serious safety concerns for members of the public… more

DBJ launches first venture capital fund in 30 years

Jamaica – The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has made an investment of US$4.9 million into a venture capital fund, Jamaica’s first in over 30 years, it says… more

JSE suspends EduFocal and Equityline Mortgage Investment

Jamaica – The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has suspended the trading of shares of two listed companies after failing to file their audited financial statements for 2023… more

IT Department undertaking measures to ensure government’s cybersecurity

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Department of Information Technology on Nevis is currently undergoing the process of ensuring the safety of the government’s cyber space and maintain cybersecurity… more

St. Kitts Health Services ICT Project Symbolises Government’s Strategic Step Towards Modernising Health Services Through Digitisation

Saint Kitts and Nevis – As part of its mandate to transform and modernise healthcare services in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has introduced a new high-speed, cutting-edge ICT network for the healthcare system, marking a crucial step in the digitisation of the public health sector… more

SVG Falls Behind in Digital Accessibility of Laws

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – From Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, to Guyana, all independent anglophone Caribbean countries appear to have at least one online website where persons can easily access most or all of their laws… more

Thursday, 6 June 2024

Digicel launches new subsea fibre cable system

Caribbean – Digicel Group on June 4 announced the activation of its subsea fibre cable, Deep Blue One, describing it as a “significant investment” in international submarine capacity that will supercharge connectivity across the Caribbean and South America… more

Don’t steamroll STEAM

Caribbean – GOOD SENSE has prevailed at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), which has reversed moves to cut a cluster of forward-thinking science and agriculture subjects from its syllabus. Regional educators should be cultivating more interest in these areas, not facilitating their demise… more

Vibrant activities in Fintech: Market Analysis on Financial Innovation in Curaçao and Sint Maarten

Caribbean – The financial sector undergoes a continuous stream of innovations. This leads to new products, services, and business models and rapidly transforms the market structure… more

WiPay acquires Miami-based travel company

Caribbean – WiPay, a Caribbean’s fintech company, is announcing its acquisition of Travelele.com, an innovative Miami-based online travel company that directly rivals Expedia’s offerings… more

Finance Minister: Cryptocurrency in Curaçao feasible and necessary

Curaçao – The allowance of cryptocurrency in Curaçao is not only feasible but also necessary. This was stated by Finance Minister Javier Silvania on Tuesday during the SiGMA Asia, an online gaming conference in Manila… more

EXCLUSIVE: TELEM CEO Kendal Dupersoy will soon be jobless.

Sint Maarten – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TELEM Group of Companies, Kendall Dupersoy, will soon have to go job hunting as the Supervisory Board of TELEM has informed him that his contract will not be renewed come January 2025. Dupersoy has been heading the TELEM Group of Companies for the past eight years… more

Term Finance launches new learning platform

Trinidad and Tobago – Term Finance, one of the Caribbean’s largest web-based financial institution, launched its innovative Online Financial Wellness platform, which will be at no cost to individuals and micro, small, and medium-size businesses (MSMEs) using this platform… more

Friday, 7 June 2024

Mastercard and data.org launch AI challenge to accelerate inclusion and economic empowerment

Caribbean – The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, in collaboration with data.org, has launched the Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge (AI2AI Challenge), a global call for AI solutions to accelerate inclusion and economic empowerment… more

Bunting wants overhaul of Interception of Communications Act

Jamaica – Opposition Senator Peter Bunting is calling for a thorough overhaul of the Interception of Communications Act to address challenges being faced by investigators… more

inDrive denies suspect in Danielle Anglin’s disappearance used its platform

Jamaica – Ride-hailing company inDrive says the suspect in the murder of primary school teacher Danielle Anglin did not offer his service through its platform… more

Cariri launches virtual learning platform

Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (Cariri) has launched the Innovation Nation Training Programme, a virtual learning platform that focuses on science, innovation, entrepreneurship and climate action… more

Saturday, 8 June 2024

Gov’t exploring e-schooling, voucher system for private schools in light of strike – Jagdeo

Guyana – Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday that the government is exploring the options of e-schooling and a voucher system to allow parents to enroll their children in private schools, to ensure that they receive a quality education… more

Online payment to T&TEC frustrating

Trinidad and Tobago – THE EDITOR: It is indeed frustrating and unfair when a payment made to a utility company, such as T&TEC, doesn’t show up due to bank processing delays, leading to service disconnection. This scenario typically unfolds as follows:… more

Sunday, 9 June 2024

Drones revolutionizing crop management – GRDB

Guyana – The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been spearheading the use of drones in the agricultural sector since 2021, revolutionizing crop management for farmers… more

Driver dilemma

Jamaica – Up to a year ago, Sebastian Henry* was toiling more than 12 hours each day as a chef to earn a weekly salary of $15,000… more

‘From banana chips to microchips’

Jamaica – With hundreds of deaths and an almost-crippled economy, Jamaica’s brush with the COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionised the country’s employment and economic landscape, and its leadership should take note and adapt… more

Images credit: Free-Photos (Pixabay); Belize Chamber of Commerce; BTC (Facebook); Wikimedia Commons; Wikipedia; WiPay Caribbean; Wikimedia Commons; Wikipedia