{"id":168092,"date":"2023-03-20T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=168092"},"modified":"2023-03-21T14:57:53","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T19:57:53","slug":"roundup-for-the-week-ending-19-march-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2023\/03\/roundup-for-the-week-ending-19-march-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Roundup: for the week ending 19 March 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 13 March to Sunday 19 March 2023.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday, 13 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Long-awaited number portability delayed until later this year, Information Minister says<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013 Minister of Information Communication Technologies Melford Nicholas revealed that the implementation of mobile number portability could be delayed until the last quarter of this year, as he revealed a plethora of plans for his ministry in the upcoming year\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online civil registry disabled to help \u2018protect data integrity\u2019<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 The Attorney General has revealed online access to the civil registry at the Registrar General\u2019s Department was shut down \u201cto preserve the integrity of the data\u201d that it holds\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickbooks to remit VAT to The Bahamas government<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013  Intuit Limited, the company which developed and markets the popular Quickbooks accounting software package is the latest international company to announce that it will begin remitting Value-Added Tax (VAT) to The Bahamas government\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Belize celebrates 18 years anniversary with countrywide SALE!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Belize <\/em>\u2013 Smart Belize is celebrating their 18 year anniversary with a countrywide sale on devices\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bringing equity to women in ICT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 AT AN ONLINE discussion on gender equality in ICT on International Women’s Day (IWD), much of the discourse examined the sometimes huge and often lingering disparities in gender in regional and global technology governance\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NNP statement on Data Protection Bill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Grenada <\/em>\u2013 The New National Party (NNP) calls on the Government to withdraw the proposed Data Protection legislation and not to attempt to reintroduce it until consultation with all sectors of the Grenadian population is held in relation to its provisions\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ICT roadshow for students gets underway today<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Secondary school students in forms four to six and from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, will today, benefit from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) roadshow, being hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister\u2019s Industry and Innovation Unit\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ICT roadshow gets underway today<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Secondary school students in forms four to six and from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, will today benefit from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) roadshow, being hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister\u2019s Industry and Innovation Unit\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad Government denies moving to crack down on ICT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday described as \u201cmisleading and wholly false\u201d reports circulated on social media that it would introduce legislation \u201cwith reference to penalizing the use of cell phones, computers, electronic equipment and storage of videos\u201d\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuesday, 14 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Grenadian Prime Minister calls for Caribbean business to invest in artificial intelligence technologies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Grenada <\/em>\u2013 Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is calling for Caribbean business leaders and entrepreneurs to invest in artificial intelligence technologies, or AI\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Protection Bill required to implement projects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Grenada <\/em>\u2013 A senior government minister said the approval of the 2023 Data Protection Bill by members of both Houses of Parliament is required so that the ruling Dickon Mitchell Administration can enforce 2 projects that will see an injection of US$24 million into the economy\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh laws to govern new Guyana ID card system, protect personal information- Nandlall<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Government will pass new legislation over the next eight months to protect personal data and govern the registration of Guyanese and foreign workers before they are issued Guyana Resident and Work Permit cards, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Tuesday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GHRA knocks hasty signing of US$35M e-ID card deal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) says the signing of an agreement to operationalise e-governance in Guyana, without the framework legislation covering Data Protection being in place, is reckless in the extreme\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth & Jobs | Next Step Digital Solutions offers more support to MSMEs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Digital transformation company Next Step Digital Solutions (NSDS) is taking its client relations a step further with \u2018Jamaica Small Business Group\u2019 and \u2018Next Step Business Club\u2019. The two business support services provide micro and small enterprises with digital resources for business development, including a business branding package, an online marketplace and directory\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pension issues unresolved as TSTT upgrades<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago<\/em> \u2013 THE EDITOR: For good or bad, TSTT is always in the news, whether it be for service disruption or network modernisation. But the Telco pension issues remain unresolved in spite of agitation by some retirees who continue to feel the effects of inflation, rising cost of living and depleted purchasing power\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wednesday, 15 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Belize\u2019s Online Business Registry System receives a digital champion\u2019s award from the World Summit on the Information Society 2023<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Belize <\/em>\u2013 \u0406n \u0456t\u0455 8th \u0435d\u0456t\u0456\u043en, th\u0435 W\u043erld \u0405umm\u0456t \u043en th\u0435 \u0406nf\u043erm\u0430t\u0456\u043en \u0405\u043e\u0441\u0456\u0435t\u0443 F\u043erum (W\u0405\u0406\u0405) \u043erg\u0430n\u0456z\u0435d b\u0443 th\u0435 \u0406nt\u0435rn\u0430t\u0456\u043en\u0430l \u0422\u0435l\u0435\u0441\u043emmun\u0456\u0441\u0430t\u0456\u043en Un\u0456\u043en (\u0406\u0422U) \u0430nd \u0456t\u0455 193 \u041c\u0435mb\u0435r \u0405t\u0430t\u0435\u0455 r\u0435\u0441\u0435ntl\u0443 h\u0435ld th\u0435\u0456r W\u0405\u0406\u0405 \u0420r\u0456z\u0435\u0455 \u0441\u043ent\u0435\u0455t. \u0412\u0435l\u0456z\u0435\u2019\u0455 \u041enl\u0456n\u0435 \u0412u\u0455\u0456n\u0435\u0455\u0455 R\u0435g\u0456\u0455tr\u0443 \u0405\u0443\u0455t\u0435m (\u041e\u0412R\u0405) wh\u0456\u0441h w\u0435nt l\u0456v\u0435 \u043en N\u043ev\u0435mb\u0435r 28, 2022 w\u0430\u0455 \u0455\u0435l\u0435\u0441t\u0435d th\u0456\u0455 \u0443\u0435\u0430r \u0430\u0455 \u0430 W\u0405\u0406\u0405 \u0420r\u0456z\u0435 2023 \u0421h\u0430m\u0440\u0456\u043en \u0456n \u0441\u0430t\u0435g\u043er\u0443 7 \u2013 \u0415- \u0412u\u0455\u0456n\u0435\u0455\u0455-  \u0406\u0421\u0422 \u0430\u0440\u0440l\u0456\u0441\u0430t\u0456\u043en\u0455: b\u0435n\u0435f\u0456t\u0455 \u0456n \u0430ll \u0430\u0455\u0440\u0435\u0441t\u0455 \u043ef l\u0456f\u0435\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel deal facing challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 DIGICEL’s proposed debt restructuring plan could face hurdles with some of its creditors reportedly not in agreement with the deal that was reached late last month\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is AI here for your job?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant progress over the last few decades, and its impact on the job market is evident. However, while some view AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities and increase productivity, others are worried that AI could lead to job displacement or even replacement\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance Ministry denies GHRA\u2019s claim that high-tech ID card deal is unlawful<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Guyana\u2019s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday rubbished claims by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) that the US$34.5 million contract awarded to a German company to implement high-tech Residency and Work Permit cards flouted this country\u2019s procurement laws\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

$20,000 and a laptop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 \u201cWe started, literally, with $20,000 and a laptop,” Kimala Bennett, co-founder and CEO of The LAB told the Jamaica Observer at the start of this interview about her company for the Corporate Profile feature\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Protection Act: Private vs Public<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013  THE Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) is urging data controllers to get compliant with the Data Protection Act ahead of December 1 by seeking out the requirements to get registered and the different information that will be expected from public or private entities\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five Firms Sign on to JAMPRO\u2019s Technology Accelerator Project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Five technology firms have signed on to the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) accelerator project, which aims to build the capacity of local entities to access business opportunities in overseas markets and grow their revenue\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jampro accelerating digital export<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Local technology companies are being encourage to sign up and take advantage of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation’s (Jampro) newly launched technology innovation district, TID, acceleration project\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Kitts-Nevis urges international community to help bridge digital divide<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/em> \u2013 St. Kitts-Nevis has called on the international community to do more to help countries in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa close the digital divide as efforts to enhance gender equality are pursued\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thursday, 16 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FRONT PORCH: What\u2019s going on at BTC?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 IT IS telling and disturbing the number and drumbeat of Bahamians dissatisfied and frustrated with the often poor and inconsistent quality of service by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). The number of upset customers seems as voluminous as the white pages of a printed directory\u2026 more<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DR\u2019s ICT project for broadband access wins ITU award<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dominican Republic <\/em>\u2013 The Dominican government was awarded a leading telecommunication prize during the World Summit on the Information Society Prizes 2023\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manning: T&T can be technology hub<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning says T&T has the potential to become the hemispheric hub of technology services\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Friday, 17 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tech achievers honoured on women\u2019s day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

British Virgin Islands <\/em>\u2013 As part of the territory\u2019s celebration of International Women\u2019s Day on May 8, women across the territory were honoured for their contributions in fields including information technology, politics, policing and business\u2026 more<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four Guyanese Women making TikTok their Business<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana \u2013 In the spirit of International Women\u2019s Month and continuing the series that I unwittingly started, I want to talk about some Guyanese women and women in business that have created substantial followings on TikTok across a range of industries\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday, 18 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

High interest in science and technology festival<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 Hundreds of patrons flocked to the grounds of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) on Saturday, as the 2023 Science and Technology Festival culminated\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guardsman enters the cyberspace<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 GUARDSMAN Group is helping businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture and get compliant ahead of the new Data Protection Act, with the launch of its new Guardsman cyberintelligence service GCI\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday, 19 March 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guardsman and partners develop cybersecurity tech, launch GCI<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Guardsman Group has partnered with two tech entrepreneurs to launch a new system they developed as a cybersecurity tool\u2026 more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Images credit: Megan Trace<\/a> (flicker); Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; The LAB<\/a> (Facebook); Wikipedia<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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