{"id":151436,"date":"2020-03-30T06:00:07","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T11:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=151436"},"modified":"2020-03-29T17:22:56","modified_gmt":"2020-03-29T22:22:56","slug":"roundup-week-29-march-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2020\/03\/roundup-week-29-march-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Roundup: for the week ending 29 March 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 23 March to Sunday 29 March 2020.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, 23 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Accelerating Barbados\u2019 Digital Transformation<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 The results at CivTech have been remarkable. Not only is it producing solutions to public sector problems that help efficiencies, reduce costs and make lives better, it\u2019s also triggering new businesses, new jobs, and new revenues \u2013 and for the right products, new markets on a worldwide basis\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GTT takes safety measures over Covid-19<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) says it is taking a range of measures to keep customers and employees safe\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BPO sector to introduce measures to protect employees from COVID-19<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The global services and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are putting in place measures to protect their employees in light of the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Caricel officials charged with breach of Jamaica Telecom Act<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Officials at Jamaican telecommunications firm Symbiote, trading as Caricel, have been charged on grounds of infringing the country’s Telecommunications Act, reports local daily the Jamaica Gleaner\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel joins forces with health ministry in COVID-19 fight<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Digicel customers are now able to receive timely, accurate text message updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as a result of a public education partnership between Digicel and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the telecommunications firm has said\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

E-LJAM to provide support to schools<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJam) is seeking to increase the availability of virtual learning platforms for students, amidst the closure of schools, due to the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Covid-19: The TSTT response<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 TSTT\u2019s CEO Dr. Ronald Walcott (above) today assured the nation that the national telecommunications company has put in place robust measures to ensure that customers\u2019 communications needs will be adequately managed throughout these unprecedented times\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, 24 March 2020<\/h3>\n

\"\"BTC increases broadband speeds during COVID-19 shutdown<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 BTC has announced a number of offerings to \u2018keep the country connected\u2019 during the COVID-19 crisis\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

65,000 tablets being procured for schools, teachers<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Chief Executive Officer of e-Learning Jamaica, Keith Smith, says Cabinet has approved the procurement of 40,000 tablet computers for students and 25,000 devices for teachers, under the Tablets in Schools Project\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr warns against social media information on COVID-19<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 A doctor is cautioning Jamaicans to be mindful of where they get medical information on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as a lot of misinformation about the disease is being disseminated\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Government partners with Cable to ensure connectivity amidst COVID-19 pandemic<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 As part of its stimulus package to cushion the impact of the health crisis on individuals and the economy, the Government of National Unity has embarked with the Cable on several initiatives to ensure connectivity of all homes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

311 is the Number to Call<\/h4>\n

Saint Lucia<\/em> \u2013 Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, today announced that the 311 line is now up and running. The line is geared at providing the public with direct access to general information on and about COVID-19\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

NTRC holds workshop \u201cGet safe online\u201d, aimed at keeping businesses safe<\/h4>\n

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines <\/em>\u2013 A REPORT by \u2018RiskIQ\u2019, an Internet security company, says that in 2018, cyber-criminals cost the global economy $2.9 million every minute, a total of $1.5 trillion\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Samsung launches S20 in T&T<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has launched the Samsung Galaxy S20 in Trinidad & Tobago. The Galaxy S20 series introduces a brand-new camera architecture that combines AI with Samsung\u2019s largest image sensor yet for stunning image quality\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, 25 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Cayman schools test distance learning<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 Cayman schools have responded to disasters in the past. Emergencies like hurricanes and fires are events administrators know to prepare for. But a global pandemic is a challenge like no other\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Altice Dominicana EBITDA up 6% in Q4 on fixed customer adds<\/h4>\n

Dominican Republic <\/em>\u2013 Altice announced revenues of EUR 141 million for its Altice Dominicana brand in the Dominican Republic in the final quarter of 2019, up 1.1 percent year on year on a constant currency basis thanks to fixed customer additions and improved mobile subscriber trends\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Jamaica Customs encourages use of online payment services<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 In observance of the health protocols being promoted by the Government of Jamaica (through the Ministry of Health and Wellness) and the nation’s efforts to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is encouraging its customers \u2014 including importers, customs brokers and cargo agents \u2014 to undertake payments to the agency using its online payment services, which are as follows:… more<\/a><\/p>\n

Jamaica urges school principals to access leadership training online<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Director\/Principal of the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, is encouraging school principals and administrators who are at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to utilise its online platforms to continue their leadership training\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Modern technology changing education<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The importance of research as a driver of change and a tool of problem-solving in national development, found consensus among representatives of academia at the 5th annual Research Day conference and workshops of Church Teachers’ College (CTC) at its Mandeville campus, earlier this month\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Young Entrepreneur Launches Successful Digital Media Agency<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Starting a full-service digital media agency was nowhere near Alex Morrissey\u2019s mind when he obtained his Industrial Design degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

The world is online, where are you?<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 During this time of COVID-19 countries have been shut down, borders have been closed, companies have been asked to close their doors, and employees have been asked to work remotely. And while more physical doors are being closed every day, the Internet is still up and running and open for business\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, 26 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Cable To Waive Reconnect Fee<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Cable Bahamas yesterday said it will waive reconnection fees for all customer accounts previously disconnected for non-payment as it moves to lessen the COVID-19 fall-out for Bahamians\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digital service providers see a doubling in demand<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 While most businesses are suffering from mandated closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak locally, digital service providers are seeing an increase in business demand from companies seeking to have their businesses transition online\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"With schools closed, learning goes online<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands <\/em>\u2013 While government has ordered all of the territory\u2019s schools and daycares to close until at least April 20, students will bring their learning home by using various online instruction platforms, according to Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Dr. Natalio \u201cSowande\u201d Wheatley\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Home-based Learning Continues; BJAT, PSE and CXC Postponed Indefinitely<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Schools across the country have closed due to COVID-19 as a way to enforce social distancing among the young\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

NO INTERNET!<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 – President of West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) Pastor Glen Samuels says the lack of internet connectivity is negatively impacting the delivery of online sermons\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Technology is now essential<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 The scramble is on. For businesses, technology is no longer just convenient. It is essential to our very survival\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

TT\u2019s networks can handle it<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 Two weeks ago, La Toya Tracey, a social work consultant and family therapist, saw clients exclusively at her Woodbrook office. Now, to preserve vital patient-therapist relationships, she conducts hour-long sessions using the popular video chat app Skype\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, 27 March 2020<\/h3>\n

BTC In Covid-19 Customer Boost<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday said it has increased broadband Internet speeds at no extra cost as part of multiple measures introduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

IT Firms: We’ll ‘Stress’ Business Resiliency<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Information technology (IT) firms yesterday said their will \u201cheavily stress\u201d the importance of business resiliency to every client once the COVID-19 pandemic is over\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

UCCI transitions to online teaching and learning<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands <\/em>\u2013 Monday, 30 March will mark two weeks since the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) transitioned to online teaching and learning as part of the university\u2019s contingency plan to minimise the risk of transmitting COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, to its students, faculty and staff and the greater com munity\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

DCS orders 40 digital thermal scanners to help detect COVID-19<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has ordered 40 digital thermal scanners to help with prevention and detection of COVID-19 among staff, inmates and children in its care\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Digicel Continues to Engage in Discussions Regarding Potential Exchange Offers<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Digicel Group Limited (“Digicel”) today announced that it has been engaged in discussions with certain debtholders regarding potential transactions (the “Transactions”) involving exchanges of existing debt of entities in the Digicel Group for new securities to be issued by existing and newly formed entities in the Digicel Group\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel International keeps families connected amid COVID outbreak<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 During this time, where all of us have to take extra precautions and most likely stay at home, being able to talk to the people we care for the most is extremely important\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

World Bank with $12M Grant for Eastern Caribbean Communications<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved additional financing of US$11.9 million for the Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (CARCIP) underway in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Flow supports customers with Faster Broadband Speeds<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 Flow customers in the Federation have received a tremendous boost to their current Broadband speeds at no additional cost thanks to a FREE broadband speed upgrade for all Flow Basic Broadband customers from 6 Mb to 15 Mb\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, 28 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Bigger role for technology in education post-COVID-19, says principal<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools Linvern Wright believes that during the post-COVID-19 period, schools will begin to make better use of existing technology in the delivery of education\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

DEADLY CELLS: Concern about mobile phone use amid COVID-19 fight<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Health officials globally have been pointing to the importance of persons keeping their mobile phones clean, as the instruments can act as conduits for the spread of germs, which is of even more significance amid the ongoing outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Gov’t vows to push national ID system<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 THE Jamaican Government has indicated that it will be fast-tracking the implementation of the national identification system (NIDS) as part of its response to the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Online teaching now made easier<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 WITH the Government opting to keep schools closed at least until after the Easter holiday, local technology company Zed-Makeyla is ramping up its online learning portal \u2014 RenWeb\/FACTS SIS (School Information System)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Poverty Alleviation Program Application Process Moved Online<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Mrs. Elreter Simpson Browne, wishes to inform the general public that due to the confirmation of cases of the Coronavirus, COVID-19 in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Ministry will be suspending face to face interviews for the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

The Cable Letter To Stakeholders<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 Dear Valued Customers, We are all now in a heightened state of awareness since the declaration by the World Health Organisation of COVID-19 as a pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Scotia encourages customers to bank at home… Use online, mobile banking<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 Scotiabank T&T Limited has said that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many changes\u2013 including the ability to move around and get usual day- to- day business done. It said banking remains a critical service and access to customers’ finances is important\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, 29 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Digicel Home & Entertainment Customers To Receive 50% More Speeds, Free Access To Movie Pack & Key Information Sites<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 In light of the current social and economic impact being caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Digicel St. Kitts & Nevis is making moves to ensure that the citizens of the Federation remain entertained and connected\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Image credits: geralt (Pixabay<\/a>); \u00a0The Eleutheran<\/a>; \u00a0Wikimedia Commons<\/a>; \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a>; \u00a0Brands of the World<\/a>; \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

————-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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