A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 14 December to Sunday 20 December 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday, 14 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The age of digitised medical records has come <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013Work is ongoing to fully digitise the medical records of patients. Information Minister Melford Nicholas said that three IT specialists are currently discussing the matter, even though a vendor of the software is yet to be decided\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Provider ‘Pulling The Boot Straps Together’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 A Bahamian digital payments provider is aiming to “pull the boot strap strings together” and add a further 8,000-10,000 wallet accounts by fully exploiting its platform’s potential\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Digital adaption is not transitory, says banker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 An executive at one of the country’s top three commercial banks has described as \u201cnecessary\u201d the disruptions being experienced due to the sudden reliance on digital technologies because of the novel coronavirus pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Established In Port Antonio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Portland\u2019s capital, Port Antonio, now boasts a free and secured internet access zone, following the launch of a public Wi-Fi hotspot in the town\u2019s square on December 11\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flow Institutes New Parental Leave Policy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis \u2013 <\/em>Telecommunications Company, Flow, has instituted a parental leave policy for full time workers with newborn children. The policy, which was launched on June 1^{st<\/sup>2019, covers both new mothers and fathers working with the company\u2026} more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel loses second round of porting dispute with TSTT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago<\/em> \u2013 DIGICEL has lost round two of its legal battle against its main competitor, TSTT, over a complaint that TSTT was rejecting its subscribers who want to port (switch) their numbers to the Digicel network\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What caused the Internet failure of December seventh?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago<\/em> \u2013 On the evening of December 11, Kurleigh Prescod and two communications professionals sat for an exclusive virtual interview with technology journalist Mark Lyndersay to explain what happened to Flow\u2019s Internet connection on the morning of December 07\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuesday, 15 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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URCA Confirms Mobile Network Radiation Checks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Regulators have disclosed they randomly conduct radiation compliance checks on the mobile networks of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreating solutions for Caribbean MSME\u2019s and NGO\u2019s via Telecoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Barbados<\/em> \u2013 GEW 2020 happened despite COVID-19 and the challenges it brought\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister Vaz to address Parliament on National Broadband Initiative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz will use the occasion of the last sitting of Parliament for the calendar year to address the Government\u2019s strategy to achieve universal access to broadband\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wednesday, 16 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Investigation Demanded Over China’s Alleged BTC ‘Spying’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 A “serious investigation” was demanded yesterday into allegations that China has exploited the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) mobile phone network to spy on US citizens\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Guyana submarine cable suffers an anchor damage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The Guyana submarine cable has been severed by a ship, causing power outage in capital city Georgetown and leaving thousands of people with intermittent blackouts. Orient Cable\u2019s team is heading towards Guyana to resolve the issue\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ADVERTORIAL | STEM Schools Will Assist In Closing The Digital Divide<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Government of Jamaica is moving ahead with the implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) schools, which it it says is the path to creating a digital society, \u201cand closing the digital divide\u2026more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gov’t reduces conditions for NIDS Bill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 THE Government yesterday tabled a revised version of the controversial National Identification and Registration Act (NIDS Bill), which seems less likely to attract the dissonance which blocked its efforts to create a national identification system in 2018\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gov’t to launch US$237-m national broadband initiative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 THE Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) is looking to secure US$237 million for the roll-out of the country’s national broadband initiative that is expected to form a key part of its economic recovery efforts from the devastation brought on by the novel coronavirus pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica’s BPO sector on the rebound<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 A lockdown between April and July resulted in a dramatic decline in the employment levels within the local business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, however president of the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), Gloria Henry, said the sector has been rebounding since August to the extent that it now employs more than 39,000 Jamaicans\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

National network promises affordable Internet for all Jamaicans<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Government has announced the rollout of a national broadband network at an estimated cost of US$237 million with the promise of affordable Internet access for all Jamaicans and to assist in the country\u2019s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Clamour For Third Telecoms Player – Vaz Promises Internet For All By 2025<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Former Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell is urging the Government to consider applications for another fibre-optic licence to generate greater competition, which, he insists, is needed to improve service standards and to drive down costs\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PM Tables New Voluntary NIDS Bill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, on Tuesday (December 15) tabled the National Identification and Registration Act, 2020, which makes provisions for a voluntary and secure National Identification System (NIDS) for Jamaica\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enterprise computing: digital skills needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 People and culture are perhaps the essential components of this digital transformation journey. Unfortunately, many are not paying enough attention to these areas. The stops along this section of the journey include leadership, digital skills and culture\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let gamers take the lead<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 When we look back at all the critical innovations in technology, young people often emerge as leaders\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senator warns of cyber-security threats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 INDEPENDENT Senator Paul Richards commended government for its proposal to remove taxes from mobile devices, laptops, etc from 2021, but urged it to be cautious of a potential increase in cyber-security threats if this is not properly managed\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thursday, 17 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Digital Provider Sorry For Travel Visa Delays<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The Bahamian digital provider handling COVID-19 health travel visa payments yesterday apologised for processing delays caused by “technical difficulties” with its main database server\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gov’t Targets $125m Via Aliv, Solar SPV Offerings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 The Government is aiming to raise $125m over a two-year period by selling its ownership in the Aliv mobile provider and a solar energy financing vehicle to Bahamian investors\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website Relaunch To Boost Tourism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has relaunched its Bahamas.com website in a bid to improve the ease with which tourists can plan and book their vacation in a COVID-19 environment\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belizean among cyber heroes recognized<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Belize <\/em>\u2013 The nominees for the Get Safe Online\u2019s inaugural \u2018Cyber Heroes\u2019 awards have been announced today\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dutch-registered vessel severed GPL submarine cable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 A Netherlands-registered vessel, NLIST DLEP is responsible for the damage to the Guyana Power and Light\u2019s (GPL) Demerara River submarine power cable, which occurred just over two weeks ago\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel donates over 40 smartphones to infirmaries, golden age homes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Infirmaries and golden age homes across the island are to benefit from a donation of more than 40 smartphones from telecommunications provider, Digicel, to enable residents to make contact with loved ones during the Christmas season\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robinson repeats call for removal of duties on electronic devices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Planning and the Public Service, Julian Robinson has repeated his call for the Government to remove the duties and taxes on electronic devices to ensure more students have access to online learning\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEW NIDS VOLUNTARY – Identity Law Controversy A Lesson To All, Says PM<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 A new National Identification and Registration Act, 2020 (NIDS), was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday with significant departures from the previous controversial law that was struck down by the Supreme Court on April 20, 2019, as unconstitutional\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi hot spots \u2014 one of the few nice things about 2020<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 One of the all-too-few positive developments of this mostly frightful 2020 is the robust effort to establish Wi-Fi hot spots across Jamaica \u2014 starting in 12 town centres by the end of this year \u2014 spearheaded by the Universal Service Fund (USF)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spotlight: Cryptocurrency innovation in the Caribbean<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 The Caribbean is fast becoming the most interesting laboratory for cryptocurrency innovation in the world, particularly with projects backed by central banks in the Bahamas, the Eastern Caribbean and Jamaica\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Use of online services in St. Kitts and Nevis has increased, says Minister Byron-Nisbett<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way consumers shop online and has expedited the shift towards a more digital world. As such, many more persons in St. Kitts and Nevis have adopted the practice of conducting their business online\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Kitts and Nevis to implement ISO 27001 Information Security System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 The St. Kitts and Nevis National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre is in the process of implementing the ISO 27001 Information Security System which is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, according to Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is TATT buying tablets for students?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 On November 12, the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) issued a notice on its Facebook page that it had allocated $15,144,975 (VAT and Customs duties exclusive) for the purchase of ICT devices (the ceremony showed tablet computers) \u201cfor students of public schools in Trinidad and Tobago\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Friday, 18 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas Launches Digital Sand Dollar; Adds To Rise Of Central Bank Digital Currencies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 Facebook\u2019s Libra might be fading a bit as a perceived threat to monetary systems that have been in place around the globe for centuries\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cisco Systems signs MOU with govt on GB tech hub<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Grand Bahama is another step closer to becoming the tech hub envisioned by government, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with global technology company Cisco Systems\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber Security Experts: BTC Network Vulnerable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Bahamas-based cyber security experts yesterday argued that the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) outdated network equipment left it vulnerable to penetration by malign actors\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital wallet provider celebrates becoming fully Sand Dollar integrated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Cash N\u2019Go has become one of the first digital payment providers to become fully integrated with The Central Bank of The Bahamas\u2019 new digital currency Sand Dollar\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PwC Bahamas gives the gift of digital wallets to its employees, just in time for Christmas <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 In keeping with its strategy to remain the digital transformation leader in the country and just in time for the Christmas season, PwC facilitated the opening of digital wallet accounts for each of its employees, becoming the first organisation in The Bahamas to do so\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Digital Transformation Centres are improving thousands of lives in Dominican Republic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dominican Republic <\/em>\u2013 Is it possible to go from having never touched a computer to successfully running a digital business within a year\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advertorial | New Fixed-Mobile Packages Hit Jamaican Market<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Jamaican consumers are set to benefit from new fixed-mobile bundles from communications and entertainment provider, Flow\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going digital a work in progress at Digicel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Digicel Group’s repositioning as a digital operator benefited customers with its roll out of the promise of a powerful digital experience that includes a suite of eight apps\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government Intends To Grant Third Cellular Licence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 By early next year, the Government intends to grant a third cellular licence to a new entity to provide additional mobile telecommunication services for the country\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members Of The Legal Fraternity Encouraged To Embrace ICT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz, is encouraging members of the legal fraternity to embrace information and communications technology (ICT), in order to serve the citizens\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OUR Rolls Out Phase Two Of Directives For Telecoms Providers Today<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Today (December 18), Flow and Digicel will be required to provide their customers with full information about charges applicable for service as the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) commences phase two of the execution of directives to the telecommunications providers\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel Announces Final Results of Its Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer for Its 7.00% PIK Perpetual Convertible Notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Digicel Group Holdings Limited, formerly known as Digicel Group 0.5 Limited (“Digicel,” the “Company”, “we” or “us”), today announced the expiration and final results of its previously announced cash tender offer (the “Offer”) to spend up to $10.0 million to purchase its 7.00% PIK Perpetual Convertible Notes (the “Notes”). The Offer expired at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on December 17, 2020 (the “Expiration Date”)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government Positions St. Kitts And Nevis To Be A Leader In The Digital World<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to expand its robust Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2022 aimed at positioning the Federation to be a leader in the digital world, said the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, Minister of Health and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) et al\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaguanas businesses adopt online marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago<\/em> \u2013 Chaguanas businesses have engaged an online marketing app in order to get more business\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday, 19 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Homes for wards of State get computers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is the recipient of tablets and a laptop computer donated by MC Systems, technology arm of the Jamaica National Group\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday, 20 December 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GTT contributing to community employment- Industry and Commerce Minister as telecoms company opens new stores<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana \u2013 <\/strong><\/em>Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond has lauded the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) for opening two news stores and creating jobs for communities in which they are operating, saying it is a sign of confidence in the economy\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guardsman Goes Wireless With IProtect<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Security company Guardsman Group has formed a new company called iProtect through which it will distribute wireless security and home or office monitoring systems targeted at residential clients and business operators on a tight budget\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits:  Jan Kr\u00f6mer<\/a> (flickr); Wikimedia Commons<\/a>; The Bahamas Weekly<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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