A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 1 May to Sunday 7 May 2023.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday, 1 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pay TV subscribers in lowest fall for six years<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Pay-TV subscribers suffered their lowest annual decrease for six years in 2022 with all other communications segments reporting a modest increase in consumer numbers, sector regulators have revealed\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sand Dollars in circulation now at just over $1 million<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Sand Dollars in circulation are currently valued at just over $1 million according to Central Bank Governor John Rolle, who noted that within the mobile wallet space, the spend is roughly $4 million per month\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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URCA makes recommendation on third mobile operator, concludes 5G study<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has made a recommendation to the government on the feasibility of a third mobile operator in The Bahamas, but did not reveal that recommendation in its just released 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Annual plan\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a company data protection regime<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 \u201cNow is the key time to prepare, to set the groundwork in implementing a good data protection and cybersecurity strategy in anticipation for a change in the regulatory environment,\u201d said Julian Hayes, Managing Director of Veneto Privacy Services, based in Dublin, Ireland\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gov’t working on increasing funding to USF<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Government is currently working on ways of increasing funding to the Universal Service Fund (USF), the agency mandated to further Jamaica’s access to information and communication tools, as the agency continues to see a worrying trend of decline in its source of funding\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lecturer calls for mentorship to open girls\u2019 eyes to possibilities in tech<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 At least one lecturer believes that mentorship is the key to increasing the participation of women and girls in the digital world and the ICT sector\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Montego Bay to host global digital services summit in June<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Global services sector entrepreneurs will come together on June 14-15 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, at the Outsource2LAC Global Digital Services Summit \u2013 Jamaica 2023, the leading digital services outsourcing event in Latin America and the Caribbean\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The role of HSS in an AI age<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Recently, during the 2022\/2023 Budget Debate, Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke announced in Parliament that over the next five years the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) would benefit from a $2.4-billion investment which will provide 1,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) scholarships to Jamaican students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuesday, 2 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Intelligence: Excited or Anxious?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 I am fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI), yet a bit nervous as well. In layperson\u2019s language, AI is the use of sophisticated computer systems and large datasets to simulate human intelligence to solve problems\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GTT partners with Wansat to deliver satellite connectivity across Guyana<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph) is partnering with domestic satellite firm Wansat to deliver satellite connectivity to Guyana\u2019s rural regions\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth & Jobs | \u2018Use social media to your advantage\u2019<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Local and international professionals in social media are advising Jamaican and Caribbean artistes to make good use of the impetus that social media can provide for their careers\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digicel raises rates<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 On the very day Flow customers faced their first day with increased charges from their provider, Digicel announced that in one month, their subscribers would also face increased fees\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wednesday, 3 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BTC continues to support govt\u2019s free Wi-Fi initiative in public parks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 Since the official launch of the government\u2019s ParkConnect project last August, BTC has thus far powered 42 parks throughout The Bahamas with Wi-Fi, completing 32 last year and connecting 10 in the first quarter of 2023\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PM: Bahamas was unfairly criticized over FTX<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 Prime Minister Philip \u201cBrave\u201d Davis told the Lord Mayor of London Nicholas Lyons yesterday that The Bahamas was unfairly criticized in the wake of the demise of cryptocurrency exchange FTX\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

URCA abandons review of over-the-top services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/em> \u2013 The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has abandoned its review of over-the-top (OTT) services and the impact they have on local markets\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Op-Ed from ECLAC Caribbean Girls in ICT Day 2023: Digital Skills for Life<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 Diane Quarless is the Director of the Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) 27 April, people across the world are marking\u00a0Girls in ICT Day\u00a0with the theme \u201cDigital skills for life\u201d. This day was created to encourage and empower girls and young women to become users and creators in the digital world\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital futures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Digital wallet firm Lynk made its debut as an exhibitor of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) EXPO Jamaica last weekend to officially launch its LynkBiz merchant platform to the public, partnering with Yello Media Group to offer a web development and eCommerce integration package for MSMEs\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Wi-Fi being planned for resort towns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Chief executive officer of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Daniel Dawes said the entity, which is mandated to further Jamaica’s access to information and communication tools, is currently working on a “big project” to have all resort towns across Jamaica fitted with free Wi-Fi service\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid Riley leads launch of Caribbean Seed Fund<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Founder of SiliconCaribe Ingrid Riley led the launch of the Caribbean Seed Fund over the weekend at a “by-invitation-only” event: Beyond the Beach\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internet Income Jamaica Empowers Women and Girls to Succeed in the Digital Economy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Alicia Lyttle was a featured speaker at the International Girls in ICT Day Virtual Event presented by CARICOM Girls in ICT Partnership & RSC International. The event aimed to inspire and empower women and girls to pursue careers in technology and digital entrepreneurship\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key locks digital for growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Even as it continues to execute a successful turnaround strategy, general insurer Key Insurance Limited is looking to deepen digital services as streamline processes and leverage technology to enhance speed, accuracy and reliability across its operation\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thursday, 4 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BTC celebrates girls in ICT day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 Celebrated globally on the fourth Thursday of April, Girls in ICT Day was held on April 27 under the theme \u201cDigital Skills for Life\u201d, and BTC gave its full support to females attending a local event commemorating the day by encouraging high school seniors to consider careers in the STEM field\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FTX chief blasts Bahamas over ‘closed legal system’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 FTX’s US chief yesterday blasted The Bahamas’ “closed legal system” and argued his team will “find it difficult to protect our rights” due to challenges in gaining approval for their chosen UK KC to act before this nation’s courts\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 reasons why your business needs a website<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 Your website is the most critical digital asset for your business to have, and in 2023, it is still one of the most misunderstood and underutilised assets in the Caribbean\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Press Release] ECTEL prepares to stage girls in ICT virtual tech talk & training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean <\/em>\u2013 The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) is getting ready to host a Virtual Tech Talk and Training dubbed \u2018Digital Skills for Life\u2019 on Tuesday, 9th May 2023. This event forms part of the International Telecommunication Union\u2019s (ITU) Girls in ICT observance which is marked annually on the fourth Thursday of April\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi Access Expands to 17 Communities,10 Parishes Across Jamaica<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has taken a major step towards enhancing digital connectivity and bridging the digital divide in the country\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Students get insight on ICT careers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 Students from two secondary schools received first-hand guidance on careers in information communication technology (ICT) at a session hosted by Flow for Girls In ICT day\u2026 more<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI, robotics positives will outweigh negatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 While artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will lead to unemployment in T&T, the positive impact of their introduction into business places will inevitably outweigh the negative effects\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cable providers face long struggle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 On Monday, a significant percentage of this country\u2019s cable, internet, and telephone users began paying more for these services\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who has access to those e-mails?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 THE EDITOR: Once again serious issues facing the security of citizens are being turned into a political boxing match\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Friday, 5 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flow helps give tech-savvy girls a boost<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013 Telecoms firm Flow joined forces with the Ministry of Education to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day 2023 under the theme \u2018Digital Skills for Life\u2019\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bahamian digital payment firm to open London office<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 A Bahamian digital payments provider has unveiled plans to open a UK office in an announcement that coincided with the Prime Minister’s visit to London for King Charles III’s coronation\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founder reveals Kanoo expanding to UK market<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 One of the founders of Kanoo, Nicholas Rees, revealed on Wednesday night that Kanoo is establishing itself in The UK\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FTX’s US chief tells Bahamian liquidators: The $143m is mine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 FTX’s Bahamas liquidators face a three-way battle to regain control of some $143m seized by the US Justice Department after their US counterpart asserted he “stands first in line” to recover this asset from the federal authorities\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could AI replace jobs in the Caribbean?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is exciting, to say the least. Revolutionary new technology is quickly advancing, and always improving, leaving the world to wonder just what it could become capable of next\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Universal Currency, a bipolar world: Will ECCB have to choose?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/em> \u2013 Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are digital versions of fiat currencies, which are government-issued currencies that are not backed by a commodity such as gold but are accepted as legal tender\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GTT, WANSAT nearing goal of high-speed internet to hinterland after successful satellite launch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Guyana\u2019s hinterland is now a step closer to enjoying the benefits of reliable high-speed broadband internet courtesy of two local communications companies, as a result of the recent launch of a communications satellite\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NTRC\u2019s Girls In ICT Day Seminar 2023<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines<\/em> \u2013  The Day is observed annually during the last week of April. As a part of its public Awareness campaign the, National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) hosted a seminar for International Girls in ICT Day at the Kingstown Girl Guides Hut\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TTPS and international cyber experts partner over e-mail bomb threat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 The police service will continue to partner with international cyber experts to identify the source of last week\u2019s e-mail bomb threat\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday, 6 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ticking \u2013 lessons from threats by e-mail<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago <\/em>\u2013 When I attended secondary school, mobile phones and e-mail were not yet in existence\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday, 7 May 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Competition heats up in mobile telecoms sector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 The entry into the mobile telecoms sector by a new provider has been stirring excitement among consumers, especially since more competition usually leads to enhanced service from both the new and old providers\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital marketplace for Jam-Dex<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill is bullish on seeing a number of players in the productive sector embracing e-commerce in a matter of months and taking their business to the digital marketplace\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovative Systems raises $220m for expansion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Innovative Systems, a retailer of electronic products, has raised $220 million in a bond offer for accredited investors that will fuel its 2024 expansion\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PwC in the Caribbean data science internships attract interest from over 180 applicants in 22 countries<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 wC in the Caribbean’s data science internship programme has attracted interest from over 180 applicants in 22 countries, including 131 applicants from the Caribbean region\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Images credit: Gino Crescoli (Pixabay<\/a>); Bahamas Weekly<\/a>; Wikimedia Commons<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a>; Central Banking<\/a>; Wikipedia<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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