{"id":151613,"date":"2020-04-06T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=151613"},"modified":"2020-04-06T06:36:29","modified_gmt":"2020-04-06T11:36:29","slug":"roundup-week-5-april-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2020\/04\/roundup-week-5-april-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Roundup: for the week ending 5 April 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 30 March to Sunday 5 April 2020.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, 30 March 2020<\/h3>\n

Distance education soon available<\/h4>\n

Haiti <\/em>\u2013 The Ministry of National Education informs educational agents in particular and the population in general, that it is finalizing the establishment of a digital platform of Educational Resources and Learning to allow students to continue to take distance courses in the basic and secondary programs\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel to Enter 30-day Grace Period on Interest Payments<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Digicel Group Limited (“Digicel”) today announced that arising from ongoing constructive and consensual discussions with some of its largest debtholders\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, 31 March 2020<\/h3>\n

More than 20,000 public students registered for virtual education platform<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd indicated yesterday that they are still unaware how many students don\u2019t have access to its Virtual Learning Education due to lack of devices or access to services\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Networks can handle increased traffic<\/h4>\n

Barbados \u2013\u00a0Management of the two major telecommunication companies in Barbados are giving assurances they have the Internet capacity to accommodate the large number of employees and students who have migrated from business to home networks\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BVI students to benefit from free online study programme<\/h4>\n

British Virgin Islands <\/em>\u2013 Students across the British Virgin Islands will have free access to Flow\u2019s Study programme until June 15\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Flow blames vandals for service disruption to thousands of customers<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Flow has blamed vandals for the recent disruption in service to thousands of customers in St. Catherine and St. James\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Jamaica\u2019s regulator promoting infrastructure sharing<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Jamaica\u2019s telecom sector remains propped up by the mobile sector, which accounts for 82% of internet connections as well as 88% of voice lines\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"CANTO Launches Task Force to Join the COVID-19 Fight<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013\u00a0CANTO has joined\u00a0 forces in the fight against the COVID-19 crisis\u00a0 by establishing\u00a0 the “CANTO Covid19 Task Force” to support the industry, engage Governments\u00a0 and Regulators and share best practices during this global\u00a0 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

CARIBBEAN DIGITALLY UNPREPARED FOR COVID-19<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Therese Turner-Jones, General Manager, Caribbean Country Department, Inter-American Develop-ment Bank (IDB), is of the belief that the region is not ready to operate in a virtual state\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

NIC accepts filing of benefit claims electronically<\/h4>\n

Saint Lucia <\/em>\u2013 The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) recognizes that we are living in unprecedented and uncertain times and organizations are faced with many difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the well-being of their employees and customers\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

WiPay, MasterCard roll-out online payment<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 MASTERCARD, the American network payment processing giant, has signed a multimillion dollar, multi-year and multi-country non-equity investment in T&T\u2019s WiPay, which will lead to the roll-out of a new virtual card by the end of April\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, 1 April 2020<\/h3>\n

GTT closing stores from April 1<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will close all its stores from today, as part of efforts to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff amidst the growing threat from the Covid-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

E-signatures and e-contracts in the ‘working remotely’ age<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Globally, many brick and mortar enterprises are shutting their physical office doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19. This has forced employees of these businesses to transition to the new norm of working remotely\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

NCB Moves Transactions To Digital Channels, Waives More Fees<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) says it has moved to further reduce face-to-face transactions as part of efforts to observe social distancing, self-quarantine and other measures to stem the spread of COVID-19\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

A&B students among thousands to benefit from free virtual learning platform<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Pupils aged five to 18 in Antigua and Barbuda who are enrolled in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools are among more than 130,000 students across the Caribbean to benefit from the Flow Study programme free of charge until June 15\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

As COVID-19 hits, Digicel may be unable to repay debt due this year, Fitch believes<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 The internationally acclaimed rating agency Fitch is expressing the view that Caribbean telecoms giant Digicel may be unable to repay debt due this year, even as it gets a 30-day grace period for interest payments on US$2.9 billion worth of debt\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

COVID-19 and the Caribbean Internet<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 With COVID-19 disrupting business and information technology systems worldwide, a new suite of webinars is offering participants real-time understanding of the challenges, solutions and best practices to address ongoing changes to network services and digital services delivery\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"COVID-19 pressures Digicel<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 The internationally acclaimed rating agency Fitch is expressing the view that Caribbean telecoms giant Digicel may be unable to repay debt due this year, even as it gets a 30-day grace period for interest payments on US$2.9 billion worth of debt\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel Announces Tender Offers and Consent Solicitations<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Digicel Group Two Limited (“DGL Two” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Digicel”) today announced the commencement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in two confidential offering memoranda dated the date hereof (the “Offering Memoranda”), of offers to exchange existing debt of Digicel Limited (“DL”) DGL.. 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

Cable & Wireless\u2019 Business Operations Advisory<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 Dear Valued Customer,\u00a0 At Cable and Wireless we are here to work with you to provide business continuity during this unprecedented time resulting from COVID-19\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

FLOW gets SEA students ready with pennacool.com<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 In preparation for the Secondary Extrance Assessment (SEA) exam, pennacool.com, sponsored by internet provider Flow, will launch its series of online practice tests on Thursday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, 2 April 2020<\/h3>\n

Digital strategy needed for new business environment<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The nationwide lockdown has exposed the lack of a digital strategy for many companies that are now facing difficulties today because of the sudden change in the way they now have to conduct business in this new environment, Chairman and CEO of Kanoo Keith Davies said yesterday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Online Delivery\u00a0Firm In 60% Demand Rise<\/h4>\n

Bahamas \u2013 A Bahamian online delivery service yesterday said it has seen a 60 percent increase in demand following the COVID-19 country-wide lockdown and closure of many businesses\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Ministry of Education continues work on online platform<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) is working to implement the online education platform G Suite for Education for the scheduled beginning of Term 3 on April 14\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Telecom providers urged to not cut customers’ phones<\/h4>\n

British Virgin Islands <\/em>\u2013 Telecommunication companies in the Virgin Islands have been told by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) to not disconnect the telephone or mobile services of any customer during this curfew period\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BUSINESS BYTE: KFC launches Click & Collect Ordering<\/h4>\n

Dominica <\/em>\u2013 KFC Dominica is set to launch a new innovative online platform which allows our customers to order their favorite KFC meals, either for in-store pick up or delivery\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Free mobile services for healthcare workers during COVID-19 fight \u2013 GTT<\/h4>\n

Guyana<\/em> \u2013 Healthcare workers, the brave individuals on the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, are to benefit from free mobile services, compliments of GTT. This will last until the COVID-19 battle is over\u2026more<\/a><\/p>\n

Fitch Ratings downgrades Digicel for missed interest payments<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Fitch Ratings has downgraded Digicel Group following the suspension of interest payments on some of its debt\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, 3 April 2020<\/h3>\n

BTC Enjoys ‘Uptick’ In Internet Demand<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday confirmed it has seen an increase in broadband Internet subscriptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Govt: E-Commerce Critical To Recovery<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The government yesterday said its draft e-commerce policy is now being shared with industry stakeholders as a critical element in \u201caccelerating\u201d the country\u2019s post COVID-19 recovery\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Digicel: The preferred internet provider of the gov’t of Dominica<\/h4>\n

Dominica<\/em> \u2013 The government of Dominica has partnered with Digicel to ensure that all citizens have access to telecommunications services\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel\u2019s Denis O\u2019Brien in billion dollar debt-restructuring plan<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Irish Times newspaper has reported that businessman Denis O’Brien may end up handing over 49 per cent of\u00a0 his Digicel phone empire under a complicated debt-restructuring plan aimed at creditors writing off\u00a0 US$1.7 billion\u00a0 of\u00a0 what they are owed\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Innovate 10X: A Different Kind Of Tech Company<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 TWO-YEAR-OLD TECH company Innovate 10X is putting the finishing touches on a digital platform for the buying, selling and renting of commercial and residential property including e-commerce capabilities, for launch within this quarter… more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel Negotiating New Debt Plan With Creditors, Delays Interest Payments<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY Digicel Group announced a halt to interest payments to bondholders for 30 days, which led the rating agency Fitch to downgrade its bonds to \u2018C\u2019\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

O\u2019Brien may pull off $1.7bn Digicel debt write-off \u2013 but at what cost?<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Denis O\u2019Brien scrapped a $2 billion (\u20ac1.85 billion) initial public offering of his Digicel phone group 4\u00bd years ago, baulking at the prospect of handing over more than 50 per cent of his empire to stock market investors\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

CANTO 2020 \u2013 Cancellation of Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 CANTO has been monitoring the global impacts of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting uncertainty about when it will end. As such, the decision was taken to cancel the Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition scheduled for July 2020 in order to minimize the risk of contagion amongst conference delegates\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Students Across Caribbean to Benefit from Virtual Learning Platform<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Over 130,000 kindergarten, primary and secondary school students across the Caribbean will benefit from the Flow Study program FREE of charge from now through June 15, according to The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) in partnership with Flow and One on One Educational Services Limited\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, 4 April 2020<\/h3>\n

Broadcasting Authority praises media<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 Traditional media have come in for high praise from the Barbados Broadcasting Authority (BBA) for their role in informing and educating Barbadians about the novel coronavirus COVID-19\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

DIGICEL RECONNECTS CUSTOMERS<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 Digicel Barbados customers who were disconnected yesterday because of overdue bills should be back in service\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Flow appeals to ‘heartless’ vandals amidst COVID-19 crisis<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 TELECOMMUNICATIONS firm Flow is again appealing to criminals to cease the senseless acts of theft and vandalism being levelled against its operations, even as the nation grapples with meeting the needs of customers with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, 5 April 2020<\/h3>\n

GTT asks staffers to take pay cut<\/h4>\n

Guyana<\/em> \u2013 The biggest telecoms company in Guyana has asked workers to take a pay cut amid measures to battle the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel brokers deal to reduce debt<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 REGIONAL telecoms giant Digicel has brokered a deal, which \u2014 if accepted by all its bondholders \u2014 could result in significant reductions in its mounting international debt, which currently stands at US$7 billion\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Image credits: Bernard Goldbach<\/a> (flickr); \u00a0Facebook<\/a>; \u00a0Brands of the World<\/a>; \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a>; \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a>; \u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

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