A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 7 June to Sunday 13 June 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday, 7 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Central Bank Digital Currency: Challenges and Opportunities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 The country\u2019s digital currency has become a reality from ideas and prototypes. In addition to the Bahamas, China and Sweden are piloting digital currencies, and within a few years you can see dozens of central banks issuing digital currencies\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belize and Inter-American Development Bank partner to host digital skills Bootcamp<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Belize<\/em> \u2013 The Government of Belize, through the Economic Development Council, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REGIONAL ROAMING CHARGES IN FOCUS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 NEGOTIATIONS on roaming charges across Barbados and the Caribbean are to begin in earnest today as CARICOM moves to implement some of the proposals outlined in the report on Commission on the economy\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banks\u2019 local clearing house suffers malware attack<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 ACH Cayman Limited, the company that manages electronic bank transfers between seven local banks, has announced the discovery of malware on the Cayman server of a third-party services provider\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big boost coming for Jamaica’s BPO sector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 THE United States-based global management consulting firm, Avasant is moving to help Jamaican entrepreneurs discover new locations for the delivery of services and attract investments through its investment exchange platform, Global Equations\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BPO attraction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Local business process outsourcing (BPO) operators are reporting an uptick in business since the start of the year, but say the sector will only reach its full potential if there is improvement to Jamaica’s broadband infrastructure\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicole Brown is passionate about tech<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 UR five-minute feature this week is with Nicole Brown, chairperson, KEEZ\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuesday, 8 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

WIPAY signs with money transfer giant<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 WIPAY Caribbean has signed an agreement with remittance payment giant Ria Financial Services, expanding the WiPay network into over 150 countries\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cayman most popular domicile for crypto funds<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 The Cayman Islands and the United States remained the top two jurisdictions for crypto hedge funds last year, despite losing market share\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cyber predators on the rise in Cayman<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 Cayman\u2019s Digital Forensic Hub has seen an increase in cyber-related crimes locally from sextortion to predators reaching out to children via popular social media platforms… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demystifying Digital Assets \u2013 A Guide for Trustees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands \u00ad<\/em>\u2013 The new and evolving world of digital assets has introduced many private clients not only to vast and often rapid wealth, but also to foreign and increasingly complex concepts\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital register, ID cards proposal to go to Parliament this year<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands <\/em>\u2013 The proposal for a digital identity register and national ID cards is planned to go before Parliament in 2021\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal data breaches increasing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 The Cayman Islands has seen an increase in data breaches in the first quarter of this year\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dominica\u2019s \u2018work online\u2019 programme described as successful<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dominica <\/em>\u2013 Tourism Minister Denise Charles says Covid-19 has reinforced the need to provide individuals with the levels of skills training that will enable them to thrive and respond to working online\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Global microchip shortage to cause increase in local prices for computers, other electronics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Local businessman and proprietor of Starr Computer, Mike Mohan, is warning consumers of a global microchip shortage which is set to cause a significant increase in the price of computers and other essential electronics locally… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

$1 million donated by JTA to One Laptop or Tablet Per Child initiative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 \u00a0The One Laptop or Tablet Per Child initiative by the Ministry of Education of Jamaica has received a donation of $1 million from the Jamaica Teachers Association \u2013 JTA\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 17-year-old’s cellphone plea<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 A plea for Jamaicans to use their cellphones to help people as a first response to disaster instead of making social media posts has come from 17-year-old Kyla Gaynor, the 2021 Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) youth ambassador\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we’re going to use data in crime fight, use it properly!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, in June 2020, said that \u201csignificant investment is being made in the acquisition of modern technology and the upgrading of physical infrastructure\u201d, within the nation’s police force\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NCB earmarks $100m for scholarships, grants to help Jamaica get digital<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 The National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation has set aside $100 million this year for scholarships and grants to assist students in priority areas, in an effort to help accelerate the digital transformation of Jamaica… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ODPP wants High Court cybercrime cases tried without a jury<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has called for cybercrime cases in the High Court to be tried without a jury, despite noting concerns among the legal fraternity about the increasing number of matters that are being assigned to bench trials\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018No compelling reason to keep 51% of TSTT\u2019<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 A REPORT commissioned by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in 2016 recommended that majority State-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) should sell its 51 per cent stake in the company\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wednesday, 9 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 Dented 2020\u2019s Electronics Sales \u2013 But Laptops, Cell Phones and E-Games Defied Slump<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Antigua Barbuda<\/em> \u2013 In the first three quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 30% fall in electronic and electrical equipment sales in low- and middle-income countries but only a 5% decline in high-income countries, highlighting and intensifying the digital divide between north and south, according to a new UN report\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardware stocktaking for security<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 Over the last 12 to 15 months all the major seminars and conferences were, understandably, held online\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telecom companies collaborate on connectivity for remote learning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 The last eighteen months have been a time of forced adaptation for every home, community, and organisation worldwide\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNESCO, Huawei to promote inclusive digital talent development in the Caribbean<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 THE Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC), which is part of UNESCO, has agreed with Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to jointly promote the development of digital talent in Latin America and the Caribbean\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dominica: Regulator holds consultation on new amateur radio rules<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dominica <\/em>\u2013 The National Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (NTRC) is issuing a call for Amateur Radio Operators to participate in the consultation on the draft Amateur Radio Guidelines and Standards in Dominica\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advocating for technology governance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 TECHNICAL professionals’ organisations play a significant role in the development and sustainability of our budding IT sector. However, local entities providing this service are not supported well enough for optimal governance and performance… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alicia Lyttle, TALLAWAH<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Alicia Lyttle delivers a tremendous transformation as an e-commerce educator and all-around Internet boss. She is the CEO of POW, a digital marketing company, as well as CEO of Internet Income Jamaica. In partnership with her sister, they teach people how to transform their skills into an online business\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come on Flow, adjust your payment system<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 I am asking the management of the cable TV company Flow to upgrade their operations in managing the crowds especially during month-end when customers gather to make bill payments\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imbert: Health tech opportunities in covid19<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert said the covid19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity for countries to develop or improve systems to develop health care and pensions\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thursday, 10 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kanoo expands offering to include social assistance payments<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 Digital payments solutions provider Kanoo has included social assistance payments into its offering, with over 3,000 beneficiaries currently receiving assistance via its platform\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gov\u2019t moves to amend gambling law to facilitate online betting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

British Virgin islands <\/em>\u2013 Cabinet has made additional strides in reviewing the territory\u2019s Gaming and Betting Control Act\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LARGO Announces the Signing of a Sales Contract with Digicel, One of the Caribbean’s Leading Telecom Companies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 LARGO, an eco-responsible French player in the refurbishment of mobile devices, announced today the signature of a contract with Digicel, one of the first operators in the Caribbean, for the commercialization of its refurbished smartphones\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel gives $2M to aid PSC flood relief efforts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana<\/em> \u2013 The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday received a donation of $2 million from Digicel Guyana to aid its ongoing countrywide flood relief efforts as communities attempt to recover from the disaster… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TT Government partners with Have I Been Pwned for cybersecurity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 On May 24, Troy Hunt of the security tracking website Have I been Pwned, announced that the Trinidad and Tobago Government, via the national Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT) had partnered with the site to track data breaches on government domains, websites and emails\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Friday, 11 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Should Cayman introduce its own digital currency?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013\u00a0 Cryptocurrencies have gained momentum and attracted more interest in recent years, usually in response to the volatile price of bitcoin… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The electronic passport will be a reality in Dominican airports in 2022<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dominican Republic \u00a0<\/em>\u2013 For the 2022 budget, the probabilities of including the General Directorate of Passports ( DGP ) are contemplated to replace traditional travel documents, converting them into electronic passports for more agility in the entry and exit of airports… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GTT restructures into four business units<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Newly-appointed Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GTT) CEO, Damian Black-burn yesterday announced plans to improve services offered by the company starting with the introduction of four new business units\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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High-powered Public Utilities Commission panel to examine consumer expectations of telecoms liberalisation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The Public Utilities Commission\u00a0 (PUC) will Friday morning launch its monthly Round Table series geared at stimulating and generating conversation on a wide range of issues\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telecoms regulator examining satellite delivery of mobile services to remote communities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Guyana\u2019s Telecommunications Agency (TA) has begun examining the possibility of accessing satellite delivery of mobile services to remote hinterland communities, TA Head Andre Griffith said Friday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BPO chief calls for greater local alliance with int’l tech companies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Egbert Von Frankenberg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Knightfox App Design Limited, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company is calling on internet providers in the region to form commercial partnerships with big technology companies such as Google and Amazon to facilitate countries such as Jamaica’s growing platform economy\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel Foundation gifts teen tutor and students with tablets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 The 14-year-old student who rose to national attention for teaching younger students in his community has received a well-deserved upgrade to his makeshift classroom, thanks to the Digicel Foundation\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview with the Central Bank of Jamaica and eCurrency on CBDCs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 The Central Bank of Jamaica and eCurrency delve into the topic of CBDCs, based on the pilot that currently tests a digital Jamaican Dollar… more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday, 12 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Digitalisation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 We were pleased on learning that a stakeholder consultation on enhancing the digital economy of countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) was held earlier this week spearheaded by the OECS Commission\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel reaches out to flood affected customers with over $25M in credit to keep them connected<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana<\/em> \u2013 Digicel Guyana on June 7, provided over $25M in credit to its customers living in the flood-affected communities throughout Guyana… more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday, 13 June 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Android or iOS for seniors?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 IN today’s digital world, it is almost impossible to get by without a mobile phone, a fact that is true even for senior citizens\u2026 mo<\/a>r<\/a>e<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cryptocurrency, a brief legal perspective<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 Cryptocurrency is the new gold. Similar to gold, cryptocurrency is traded in a \u201ccoin\u201d format and creating new cryptocurrency is called \u201cmining\u201d\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US$70-million BPO boost coming<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The burgeoning business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, now operating in 12 of the 14 parishes across Jamaica, is poised for further growth to come from the over US$70 million in projects being prepared by international investors\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UHWI\u2019s digital pains<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013\u00ad After more than half a billion dollars in expenses and four years past its deadline, there\u2019s no end in sight for a project to transform the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) into a paperless institution, a Sunday Gleaner investigation has found… more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits: Andrys Stienstra (Pixabay<\/a>); Facebook<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikimedia Commons<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Guyana Chronicle<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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