A roundup of the latest ICT\/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 30 January to Sunday 5 February 2017.<\/em><\/p>\n

Monday, 30 January 2017<\/h3>\n

TECHNOLOGY OVERHAUL<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 There will be a technology overhaul in this island of Barbados at all of the educational institutions that are registered with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Hundreds already connected to Digicel home internet<\/h4>\n

British Virgin Islands<\/em> \u2013 Digicel is pleased to announce that since the official launch of its Lightning-Fast Home Internet service, hundreds of satisfied customers have been connected to the fast and reliable Internet connection\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GWI systems hit by malware<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013\u00a0The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) says several of its systems have been hit by malware and other arrangements have to be made for billings and collections as of Saturday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Caricel says it will stay in business through legal process<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Telecoms provider Symbiote Investments Limited, which trades as Caricel, says it is continuing to offer competitive services as an LTE advanced telecoms provider in Jamaica despite recent developments pertaining to its acquisition of Jamaica’s third spectrum licence\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BUSINESS MONDAY – C&W BUSINESS HAS BIG PLANS FOR 2017<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 CABLE and Wireless Business is coming with some very ambitious and exciting telecommunications solutions to help companies in Barbados and the Caribbean grow their operations, while remaining viable and competitive\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

CTU \u2013 Transforming lives of People with Disabilities<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), made a call for strong collaboration among stakeholders to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to empower people with disabilities (PWDs), citing that \u201cit requires the involvement of Governments, People with disabilities and the Organisations that serve them, ICT Service Providers, Network Operators, Regulators and the support of corporate citizens, with whom the CTU is prepared to facilitate.\u201d \u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Flow Expands Access To International News With The Addition Of Sky News Network<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Flow customers will now have even more access to international news with the addition of the Sky News HD network to Flow TV\u2019s channel line-up\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Marketing Strategies Today: Ten ways to gain traffic and have an audience that pays attention<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Social media is free and it is a great way to reach new customers. But it is important to see that there is more than just posting\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Tech Times | 11 Tech Predictions For 2017<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Here’s what a handful of executives and analysts see in their crystal balls\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Tuesday, 31 January 2017<\/h3>\n

Antigua: Digicel gets conditional hike<\/h4>\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013 The government has authorised Digicel to proceed with a conditional increase and will give the telecommunications company an opportunity to present a statutory declaration\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Cayman Enterprise City offers coding workshop<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands <\/em>\u2013 Cayman Enterprise City is offering a coding workshop for Caymanians interested in learning computer programming skills\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

How long will GTT be allowed to do as they like?<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 Dear Editor, I have a serious concern with the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph company. Recently they rolled out some gimmick regarding the internet service calling the snail-paced $5000 plan the \u2018bronze\u2019 plan and increased the cost by $1000; there is also a \u2018silver\u2019 and \u2018gold\u2019 plan\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

CANTO Welcomes Delegates at 33rd AGM in Cura\u00e7ao<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Cura\u00e7ao, one of the Caribbean’s best kept secret is the location of CANTO’s 33rd Annual General Meeting. The event is co-hosted by United Telecommunication Services and Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post and is being held at the Renaissance Resort & Casino, Curacao\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

CWC’s Flow TV renamed Flow1<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) has announced that its Caribbean-wide Flow TV service has been renamed Flow1, joining Flow Sports and Flow Sports Premier as the company’s Flow-branded regional channels\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Wednesday, 1 February 2017<\/h3>\n

Telecoms companies under fire for poor service<\/h4>\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013\u00a0Telecommunications providers in Antigua & Barbuda were hauled over the coals by Member of Parliament for St George, Dean Jonas for what he said is poor services at an expensive cost\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Bahamas Government Launches New Polycarbonate E-Passport System<\/h4>\n

Bahamas <\/em>\u2013 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially launched its new polycarbonate E-Passport system. The launch of the system took place Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Passport Office on Thompson Boulevard\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Dominica exploring use of GIS in monitoring and managing diseases<\/h4>\n

Dominica <\/em>\u2013 Dominica is exploring the feasibility of developing a geographical information system (GIS) in monitoring and managing the black sigatoka disease\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Lower rates to call the Dominican Republic with LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com<\/h4>\n

Dominican Republic <\/em>\u2013 Republic becomes more affordable: the rates decrease by 13%, from 7.9 \u00a2\/min. to 6.9\u00a2\/min., when calling mobiles and by 12%, from 2.5\u00a2\/min. to 2.2\u00a2\/min. when calling landlines\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

DIGICEL TO STREAM BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE CONCERT<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Among the slate of events to celebrate the 72nd birthday of world reggae icon, Bob Marley, is this year\u2019s Redemption Live concert to be hosted by regional sponsor, Digicel, in partnership with Red Stripe on Sunday 5th February in Kingston Jamaica\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel Executive Re-Elected As CANTO Chairman<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 Julian Wilkins, Digicel Group Director, Government Relations and Public Affairs has been re-elected Chairman of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organisations (CANTO), which\u00a0provides a forum for exchange of information and expertise\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Health Information System at JNF Hospital is progressing, says Minister Byron<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/em> \u2013 The Honourable Vincent Byron Jr., Minister of Communications, said that the Health Information System (HIS) at the Joseph Nathaniel France (JNF) General Hospital is rapidly progressing\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

New Mobile App Linking Restaurants and Customers Launched in Saint Lucia<\/h4>\n

Saint Lucia<\/em> \u2013 Creativity and innovation have joined hands with culinary advances to bring an exciting new development to the Saint Lucian dining, hospitality and perhaps tourism stage \u2013 leading food lovers and appetites to restauranteurs and their exciting creations\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Thursday, 2 February 2017<\/h3>\n

Mobile number portability will force fair pricing, minister says<\/h4>\n

Antigua and Barbuda <\/em>\u2013\u00a0The ability to switch telecommunications service providers and keep one\u2019s mobile number is soon to become the standard in Antigua & Barbuda\u2026. more<\/a><\/p>\n

Editorial<\/h4>\n

Belize <\/em>\u2013 Twelve years ago, in 2005 the then Prime Minister of Belize entered into a secret accommodation agreement with the owners of Belize Telemedia Limited\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GTT says to absorb 14% VAT on DSL -mobile data now attracts VAT<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 GTT on Tuesday said that the prices for DSL internet service will not change because of the 2017 budget measures but mobile data plans will now attract 14% VAT\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Geospatial Technology a Critical Tool in Crime Fighting<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Dianne McIntosh, says geospatial technology is a critical tool in gathering data to plan, develop and make decisions for crime fighting\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Telecoms Infrastructure Sharing Rules On The Horizon<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is now working with a deadline of June for the development of infrastructure-sharing rules for telecommunication operators\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Tourism can benefit from trillions in BPO revenue<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 A US$15-trillion shift in global revenue across the business process outsourcing industry over the next 10 years should have a great impact on Jamaica\u2019s tourism sector, according to a study conducted by Tholons Inc, a strategic advisory firm for global outsourcing and research\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

A Sound Solution<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 THE term \u2018solution provider\u2019 is a useful description used by those trained in the field of information and communications to explain in simple terms what they do and what skills they bring to bear\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Fitch: Digicel needs cash recovery<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 INTERNATIONAL telecoms provider Digicel needs free cash flow (FCF) recovery to avoid potential refinancing risk, according to the latest report in Fitch\u2019s Spotlight series released on Monday\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

bmobile\u2019s Technology Conference and Expo connects with business<\/h4>\n

Trinidad and Tobago<\/em> \u2013 \u201cData is a big part of what is happening now. Infrastructure and solutions as services, the internet of things, 5G, robotics, artificial intelligence and the like, all are here today and a big part of how we go forward.\u201d \u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GT&T Elected to CANTO Board of Directors<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 All good things must come to an end and CANTO\u2019s 33rd AGM is no exception. The last day of the event concluded with conference sessions and the statutory obligations in the form of AGM proceedings\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Orange to build Caribbean cable and connect homes to fibre<\/h4>\n

Regional<\/em> \u2013 Orange is to build a 1,900km subsea cable connecting French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe as part of an investment programme that will also see the company expand its fibre and 4G plan\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

St Kitts police force gets technology boost to fight crime<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/em> \u2013 New technological equipment is being brought to bear on law enforcement in St Kitts and Nevis, as government seeks to consolidate gains in 2016 in reducing crime\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Friday, 3 February 2017<\/h3>\n

BTL warns customers of scam alert<\/h4>\n

Belize <\/em>\u2013 Belize Telemedia Limited issued a statement informing its customers that the company investigated the recently reported issue of random international calls to DigiCell Numbers\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

OfReg opens for complaints at GT office<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 The new Utility Regulation and Competition Office, now known as OfReg, is up and running. The Ministry of Planning, Lands and Agriculture announced Friday that the doors were open at the new overarching regulator, which is designed\u00a0to protect consumers and promote competition\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

TV regulator rejects blame over commercial failings<\/h4>\n

Cayman Islands<\/em> \u2013 Following the news that Cayman 27 is dropping its costly \u2018Daybreak\u2019 local morning magazine TV show, the TV arm of the new regulator OfReg has stated that this issue is entirely commercial and not a regulatory matter\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BPO Sector Now Wants To Be Known As BPM<\/h4>\n

Jamaica<\/em> \u2013 Jampro president Diane Edwards is calling for a rethink of how Jamaica views the business process outsourcing, or BPO sector, starting with a name change\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Expansion Of CCTV Technology Is Just One Development In St. Kitts And Nevis\u2019 National Security Landscape<\/h4>\n

Saint Kitts and Nevis <\/em>\u2013 Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said yesterday, Wednesday, February 1st, that joint operations involving all agencies of law enforcement are to be intensified this year in St. Kitts and Nevis\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Saturday, 4 February 2016<\/h3>\n

GTT wants increased landline rates before liberalisation<\/h4>\n

Guyana<\/em> \u2013 The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company\u2019s (GTT) Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd hopes that long requested landline rates will be increased ahead of liberalization of the telecommunications sector\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Digicel sticks with same leaders for Caribbean telecom association<\/h4>\n

Regional <\/em>\u2013 The leading authority for shaping information and communication in the Caribbean will focus this year on ICT as a tool for national growth and development\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

Sunday, 5 February 2017<\/h3>\n

EDITORIAL: WITH USE OF TECHNOLOGY COMES HUGE RESPONSIBILITY<\/h4>\n

Barbados <\/em>\u2013 There is much to be said about the level of sensitivity (or lack thereof) that we are exhibiting to our fellow man in this day and age\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GTT CEO promises faster internet by June<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 In the face of frequent complaints about its slower than advertised DSL internet service, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd is guaranteeing that the problem would be rectified by the end of June\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

GTT ties telecoms liberalization to higher landline rates<\/h4>\n

Guyana <\/em>\u2013 US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has again signaled high interest in its landline rates being increased before the telecoms market is opened to new players\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

BPO rebranding to attract more university graduates<\/h4>\n

Jamaica <\/em>\u2013 The Government led by Jamaica Trade and Invest (Jampro) is moving to rebrand Jamaica\u2019s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector to reflect more valued services under the name business process management (BPM)\u2026 more<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Image credits: \u00a0Mars Hill Church<\/a> (flickr); \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a>; \u00a0Facebook<\/a>; \u00a0Facebook<\/a>; \u00a0Wikipedia<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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