This is a roundup of the ICT/technology news across the Caribbean region during the period Monday 6 February to Sunday 12 February 2012.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmgimages/Monday, 6 February 2012

E-Learning Expert Calls for Computer Science in Schools

Bahamas – In a technology driven age, Computer Science has become a fundamental field of study that drives the world, yet in The Bahamas, it remains an unchartered subject in school curriculums… more

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

BTC unveils $200K revamp of GB store

Bahamas – Some 150 business leaders, government officials and VIPs are slated to attend the grand opening and official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) newly-renovated retail space on Pioneers Way, Freeport, on Friday, February 10… more

Work is blazing, but remember what’s important

Bahamas – Geoff Houston has served as a senior executive for British-based Cable and Wireless Communications in several countries, including Seychelles, South Africa, the Channel Islands and Jamaica… more

OAS secretary general stresses importance of confronting cyber-crime

USA – The secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, on Monday highlighted the importance of labeling and tackling cybercrime as a scourge of a transnational nature that “poses legal, specialization, training-related challenges as well as assistance and cooperation among the states.” … more

First draft of Montserrat’s ICT plan reviewed

Montserrat – The first draft of Montserrat’s ICT plan was reviewed last week by members of the national committee and the consulting team from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union… more

Public invited to be part of a digital Diamond Jubilee gift

United Kingdom – People around the world are being invited to share their memories and stories of the last 60 years to create a digital Diamond Jubilee gift for Queen Elizabeth II… more

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Bain stresses need for computer science in schools

Bahamas – In a technology driven age, computer science has become a fundamental field of study that drives the world, yet in The Bahamas, it remains an unchartered subject in school curriculums… more

Digicel To Raise US$250M From Bond Placement

Jamaica – Digicel Limited plans to raise US$250 million (J$21b) from a private placement of an eight-year bond… more

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Antigua, LIME Roll Out Laptop Programme for Country’s Teachers

Antigua & Barbuda – The government of Antigua, in collaboration with telecom LIME, has rolled out the third phase of its teacher laptop initiative, giving 500 teachers in the country a new high-speed laptop… more

Sick-out hits LIME outlets

Barbados – An apparent sick-out by more than 100 staff at telecommunications company LIME forced the closure of two branches and curtailed operations at others… more

JAMPRO Reaches Out to Global Investors

Jamaica – Jamaica’s growing reputation as a top Caribbean investment destination is set to take centre stage on March 1-2, 2012 in the resort city of Montego Bay, as the island lays out the red carpet for investors seeking opportunities in the region’s largest English-speaking economy… more

Saunders Appointed To CANTO Board

Turks & Caicos – E. Jay Saunders, Digicel TCI CEO, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organization (CANTO) last week at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on the island of St. Maarten… more

Friday, 10 February 2012

LIME disappointed by strike threat

Barbados – Telecommunications company LIME said it remains committed to reaching “a fair and reasonable agreement on a wages deal” for its workforce, even as employees today gave the Barbados Workers Union (BWU) their support to strike action if needed… more

Telecom workers plan further industrial action

Barbados – Workers at the telecommunication company, LIME, meet here on Friday amid fears of an escalation of industrial action that has already affected consumers… more

Digicel & Government of Grenada Work Together to Enhance Youth Centre

Grenada – Young people who use the he National Youth Centre will be pleased to know that the facility now is well equipped with twenty Dell Desktop computers compliments Digicel, the bigger, better network… more

Jamaicansmusic.com goes global

Jamaica – Not many 23-year-olds have an office in Indonesia, despite having no local headquarters and doing much of their business at cafés… more

Let’s make computers cheaper and expand ICT training

Jamaica – Calls for Government to remove General Consumption tax (GCT) and import taxes on computers in order to widen and deepen Internet access for Jamaicans are very familiar… more

Columbus Communications makes multibillion-dollar telecoms investment in the region

Jamaica – The conference, the only C-level meeting for the Caribbean wholesale market, opened with an insightful keynote presentation by Brendan Paddick, Chairman of Columbus Communications, parent company of Flow… more

Business: Digicel Limited Raises $250M From Bond Issue

Jamaica – Digicel Limited, parent company of Jamaica’s mobile telephone market leader, said it has successfully raised US$250 million (J$21 billion) from the private placement of an eight year corporate bond… more

LIME To Bundle Popular Products With Faltering Fixed Line Service

Jamaica – Mobile and broadband offers the greatest scope for business growth, but LIME Jamaica still earns most of its cash from its fixed line operations, according to president Garfield Sinclair… more

Saturday, 11 February 2012

LIME action

Barbados – Disgruntled employees at telecommunications company LIME are on a work-to-rule ahead of what the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has warned could be strike action next week… more

Bureau Telecommunications & Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM) Regulating Telecommunications and Post Industries

St. Maarten – The Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTPSXM) is tasked with regulating the Telecommunications and Post Industries on St. Maarten, to support and advice the Minister of Tourism Economics Affairs Traffic and Telecommunications on matters and policies relating to these industries… more

Civil Society at the OAS Issues Recommendations on Access to Technology and Hemispheric Security for Sixth Summit of the Americas

USA – Groups of representatives of civil society met this week at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC, to formulate proposals on promoting access to technology and strengthening hemispheric security, two key issues for the next Summit of the Americas, to be held April 13 and 14 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia… more

Sunday, 12 February 2012

Digicel will soon compete in the landline sector

Barbados – Announcing Digicel’s plans for this year, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Barbados, Barry O’Brien told the media that it was working hard to get into the landline sector this year… more

Belize Telemedia Inks 4G Deal With Ericsson

Belize – Government-controlled carrier Belize Telemedia Limited has announced it has entered into a deal with London based Sony Ericsson AB to provided 4G network upgrade services for its Digicell Mobile network in Belize… more

Digicel Outlines Plans to Migrate Customers

Jamaica – From early next week, Digicel will be advising Claro customers that it will be commencing with its plans to shut down the Claro network and inviting Claro customers to migrate to the expanded Digicel network, it was announced today… more

Image courtesy of RambergMediaImages, flickr

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