{"id":172624,"date":"2025-03-19T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/?p=172624"},"modified":"2025-03-19T06:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T11:04:16","slug":"ictp-343-leveraging-tech-in-the-global-economy-youth-development-and-inclusion-and-e-money-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2025\/03\/ictp-343-leveraging-tech-in-the-global-economy-youth-development-and-inclusion-and-e-money-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"ICTP 343: Leveraging tech in the global economy, youth development and inclusion and e-money problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In our March 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Tariq Mohammed, a PhD candidate and the Chair of the Caribbean ICT Youth Network who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Chad Fraser, <\/strong>the Founder and CEO of Sonover, headquartered<\/em> in Grenada, the panel discusses the following three topics: how Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a global economy; fostering youth development and inclusion in ICTs in the Caribbean; and is e-money a solution in search of a problem?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/iframe><div style=\"font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/user-673719274\" title=\"ICT Pulse Podcast\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\">ICT Pulse Podcast<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/user-673719274\/ictp-343-leveraging-tech-in\" title=\"ICTP 343: Leveraging tech in the global economy, youth development and inclusion and e-money problems\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\">ICTP 343: Leveraging tech in the global economy, youth development and inclusion and e-money problems<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis episode is also available on <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/user-673719274\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SoundCloud<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/ict-pulse-podcast\/id1373550291\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple Podcasts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/3d0U4ZYX80e5lenYLdzyX4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spotify<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/music.amazon.com\/podcasts\/3f727ec1-de7d-416f-8bdc-31d9a911a09e\/ict-pulse-podcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon Music<\/a>!!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs technology and the internet continue to advance, we are continually having to adjust and evolve our mindset and thinking, as well as how we use them to capitalise on new and emerging features, benefits and opportunities.  However, this evolution is not occurring in all quarters. Across our societies, constituencies, such as small businesses and the youth, are unable to participate fully in the growing digital environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also have situations where we have digital solutions, but it appears they have not gained the traction or the customer base envisaged. Often, this conflict appears to be due to a mismatch between the perceived problem and the solution created.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThese initial thoughts provide some context for this month\u2019s Community Chat episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introducing our panellists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1022\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"172626\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2025\/03\/ictp-343-leveraging-tech-in-the-global-economy-youth-development-and-inclusion-and-e-money-problems\/tariq-mohammed-headshot_cropped-t-mohammed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tariq-Mohammed-Headshot_cropped-T-Mohammed-e1742331598382.jpeg?fit=640%2C641&ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"640,641\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS R","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1702054210","copyright":"","focal_length":"39","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"","orientation":"1"}\" data-image-title=\"Tariq Mohammed Headshot_cropped (T Mohammed)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"Tariq Mohammed<\/p>\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tariq-Mohammed-Headshot_cropped-T-Mohammed-e1742331598382.jpeg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tariq-Mohammed-Headshot_cropped-T-Mohammed-e1742331598382.jpeg?fit=1022%2C1024&ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tariq-Mohammed-Headshot_cropped-T-Mohammed.jpeg?resize=1022%2C1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-172626\" style=\"width:300px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tariq Mohammed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tariq-mohammed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Tariq Mohammed<\/a><\/strong> holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he specialised in communications systems and is currently pursuing an MPhil\/PhD in the same field at UWI. Tariq is the lead consultant for projects in the Caribbean being implemented by the International Telecommunication Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn addition to consultancies under UN Projects, Tariq chairs and coordinates the Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF), serving as one of the region’s representatives at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum and Youth Track; and is the Chair of both the Caribbean ICT Youth Network, as well as IEEE Young Professionals, Trinidad and Tobago. Committed to regional development, Tariq is passionate about advancing digital agendas and supporting universal and meaningful connection for all through inclusive and sustainable practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"154288\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2020\/07\/ictp-115-co-innovation-youth-empowerment-entrepreneurship\/chad-fraser-c-fraser\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?fit=720%2C800&ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"720,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"8","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3500","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1592510358","copyright":"","focal_length":"38","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"","orientation":"1"}\" data-image-title=\"Chad Fraser (C Fraser)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"Chad Fraser<\/p>\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?fit=270%2C300&ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?fit=720%2C800&ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?resize=720%2C800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-154288\" style=\"width:300px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?w=720&ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Chad-Fraser-C-Fraser.jpg?resize=270%2C300&ssl=1 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chad Fraser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chadtfraser\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Chad Fraser<\/strong><\/a> is the Founder of Sonover Inc, a Grenada-based software company that partners with organisations regionally and Internationally to facilitate their planning, design, development and implementation of digital transformation initiatives. He is an entrepreneur at heart, with over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. His expertise spans ICT solutions development, research and advisory, business process reengineering, digital transformation consultation, IT Strategy, governance and quality assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBuilding innovative technology solutions is Chad\u2019s true passion. He is also passionate about building capacity in young people, as he believes that our most valuable asset is the creativity and skills of our youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The topics discussed<\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst, in the rapidly changing digital landscape, the question continually arises, \u201cAre Caribbean businesses truly using technology?<\/em>\u201d Though some are, since around three-quarters of our private sector typically comprises small and micro businesses, the odds are most do not have the wherewithal to implement the measures to capitalise on the efficiencies that can be realised. So, we kicked off the discussion by focusing on How Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a global economy<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThen, we turned our attention to Caribbean youth, and with Tariq as one of our guests, we were able to get some insight into the youth\u2019s perspectives on ICT. To some degree, Caribbean youth\u2019s views and concerns were surprising, especially with respect to feeling digitally excluded and ill-equipped for our digital age. We thus discussed, Fostering youth development and inclusion in ICTs in the Caribbean<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinally, we delved into the question, Is e-money a solution in search of a problem?<\/em><\/strong>, which was the title of an article written by Mark Lyndersay for TechNewsTT. Though his article was very specific to the situation in Trinidad and Tobago and that country\u2019s digital landscape, the question was considered more broadly within a Caribbean context. Hence, considering all of the efforts and focus on e-money in the region and the limited traction that has been realised, is it indeed a solution in search of a problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nWe would love to hear your thoughts!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDo leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ICTPulse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/ict-pulse-consulting-limited\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> pages, or via Twitter, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ICTPulse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">@ICTPulse<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fgd.dfv.mybluehost.me\/.website_c81a1e61\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">do get in touch<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s make it happen!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Select links<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBelow are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tariq-mohammed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Tariq Mohammed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chadtfraser\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Chad Fraser<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sonover.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Sonover<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TechNewsTT article, <a href=\"https:\/\/technewstt.com\/bd1499-is-emoney-a-solution-looking-for-a-problem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Is e-money a solution in search of a problem?<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nImages credit:  C Fraser;   T Mohammed;  <a href=\"http:\/\/freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Freepik<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMusic credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Ch\u00e9rie), by Andy Narrell<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPodcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In our March 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Tariq Mohammed, a PhD candidate and the Chair of the Caribbean ICT Youth Network who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Chad Fraser, the Founder and CEO of Sonover, headquartered in Grenada, the panel discusses the following three topics: how Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a global economy; fostering youth development and inclusion in ICTs in the Caribbean; and is e-money a solution in search of a problem?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":172628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[355],"tags":[71,305,330,358,32,227],"class_list":["post-172624","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-podcast","tag-businesses","tag-digital-economy","tag-digital-transformation","tag-financial-technology","tag-information-society","tag-youth","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Featured-Image-%E2%80%93-March-2025-Community-Chat.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2iE1G-IUg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=172624"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":172633,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172624\/revisions\/172633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=172624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=172624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=172624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}