A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 20 April to 26 April 2015.
Monday, 20 April 2015
Antigua cops confiscate devices, delete crime scene images
Antigua and Barbuda – A developing trend among Antigua police is a point of serious concern for anyone taking images or footage at crime scenes, including local journalists trying to do their jobs… more
BTC: ‘No Preference’ On First Mobile Rival
Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has “no preference” as to who wins the battle to become its first mobile rival, although its post-liberalisation strategy will be determined by the winner’s identity… more
Virtual platform connecting craft vendors to world market
Bahamas – A program designed to expand market access for family island handicraft vendors could lead to a “proliferation of opportunities” for young Bahamians, according to Don Demeritte, project coordinator for the Bahamas Virtual Platform (BVP)… more
US mobile company launches Cuba phone service
Cuba – The US-based Boost Mobile telecommunications company, which is part of Sprint Corp., has launched a pre-paid phone service plan for US customers who want to call or send text messages to Cuba, following steps by Washington to ease restrictions on the Caribbean nation… more
Canadian Nat’l Appointed To Manage E-Gov’t Project
Jamaica – Dr Lois Shalla, a Canadian national, has been announced as Jamaica’s chief information officer (CIO), giving him responsibility to direct the country’s e-Governmentprogramme… more
Hack Gen Y A Success
Jamaica – STATE MINISTER for Technology Julian Robinson was left blown away by the successful execution of the first staging of the Hacking Generation Y Hackathon, hosted by the Vybz Media Group, in association with other sponsors, at the Start Up Jamaica headquarters in downtown Kingston… more
LIME Jamaica obtains AWS spectrum
Jamaica – LIME, the Caribbean business of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), has obtained mobile spectrum in the AWS band, which will be used to launch 4G LTE and HSPA+ services in Jamaica… more
Partnerships Key For Development Of Science, Technology And Innovation
Jamaica – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining, Hilary Alexander, has underscored the importance of public/private partnerships in the development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in the island and the wider Caribbean… more
Port Authority to help push growth of BPO sector
Jamaica – Transport and Works Minister Dr Omar Davies says he has tasked the Port Authority of Jamaica with the responsibility to grow the business processing outsourcing (BPO) industry and position places like the historic town of Falmouth as an attractive home for players in the sector… more
The power of social media
Jamaica – Thanks to social media, telecoms provider Digicel has provided modern bathroom facilities for Bunker’s Hill Primary School in Clarendon, a news release from the company said… more
CXC E-Learning Platform Gets Upgrade
Regional – NotesMaster, an e-learning platform endorsed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), is set to launch a new and improved version later this year… more
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Green quest: BTC’s first solar powered cell tower in place
Bahamas – In their ecology quest to ‘go-green’, The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has recently activated initiatives including the introduction of their first solar powered cell tower and paperless statements… more
CBers and amateur radio operators warned
Barbados – THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS Unit in the Division of Energy and Telecommunications has reminded amateur radio operators and citizen band radio operators (CBers) that they must not operate their equipment at power levels which exceed the legal limit… more
Faster Internet coming to Belize
Belize – Sometimes the best solution to a technical problem is social engineering. After a journey of two years, that’s exactly how Belize has come to a major milestone in its technological development… more
Govt in barter deal to fix fibre optic cable
Guyana – The Guyana government appeared to have bartered rehabilitation of the Lethem-Georgetown state-owned fibre-optic cable in exchange for several pairs of the cable to a contracting company… more
Set of measures to regularize Telecommunications
Haiti – Monday at a press conference, Jean Marie Guillaume, Director General of the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL), provided an update on a number of measures to regularize the telecommunications sector in Haiti including the number portability, TV transition from analog to digital, the installation of antenna towers and increased struggle against the stations responsible for the interference… more
Seething At SportsMax’s Capture Of NBA Coverage
Jamaica – THE EDITOR, Sir: Although the matter was featured as letter of the day in your publication dated April 20, 2015, I have to add my displeasure regarding Digicel SportsMax and my cable provider, Flow Jamaica Limited, regarding NBA play-off coverage… more
Social Media More Than Idle Chatter
Jamaica – Dr Paul Golding’s article ‘Jamaica and the Internet: where are we now?’, (Sunday Gleaner, April 19, 2015) points out some important issues about development of the Internet and Jamaican society and its economy… more
CWC Official 2016 Olympic Broadcaster
Regional – Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) has been named the official broadcast sponsor – and the exclusive telecoms partner – of the 2016 Rio Olympics for the Pan-Caribbean region by CANOC Broadcasting Inc. (CBI), a subsidiary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees… more
Digicel Welcomes Announcement By St. Lucia NTRC of Public Consultation on LIME / Flow Merger
Saint Lucia – Digicel today confirmed its strong support for the announcement by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of St. Lucia (‘St. Lucia NTRC’) of a public consultation process in relation to the merger between Cable and Wireless Communications (‘LIME’) and FLOW / Columbus Communications Inc. (‘FLOW’)… more
ICT Centres For Micoud, V Fort
Saint Lucia – TWO communities will soon benefit from easier access to information and communications technology (ICT), thanks to the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan)… more
Turks and Caicos parliament disrupted by broadcast technician
Turks and Caicos Islands – The political troubles for Premier Rufus Ewing and his Progressive National Party (PNP) government in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) continued on Monday as another ultimatum was issued and denied, resulting in the interruption of a parliamentary broadcast by information services technician Kirkley Parker… more
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
ITU forum to yield key step toward information society
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is hosting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Economic and Financial Forum of Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for Latin America and the Caribbean over the next two days, and URCA Chairman Randol Dorsett hoped the move would help establish The Bahamas as a key center for thought and achievement on all matters ICT locally, regionally and globally… more
URCA, Cable Bahamas, BTC and others to host Girls in ICT Day
Bahamas – Every year on the fourth Thursday in April, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the global technology community celebrate “International Girls in ICT Day”, an awareness-raising initiative designed to promote tech careers and studies to a new generation of girls and young women, encouraging them to become creators of information and communications technology (ICT) creators… more
Traffic Flow Brings Treats and the Future of Entertainment During Morning Jam
Barbados – Day breaks over the country, the morning commuter rises, dresses, hops into his or her car and drives directly into traffic. Immobilizing, enervating, infuriating traffic, forcing its way down the nation’s roads with no one ever thinking of receiving a treat of appreciation… more
Cybersecurity and how fund managers can assess threats
Cayman Islands – Cyber risk management should run throughout an organization to include the active involvement of the CEO and board, similar to the way senior management and employees think about an organization’s code of ethics, according to a panel that met to discuss cybersecurity at the recent Alternative Investment Symposium held by Deloitte… more
Age appropriate learning technology being provided to schools, says Thwaites
Jamaica – Minister of Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites, announced that the ministry will continue to introduce age appropriate learning technology in schools islandwide, including smart boards, tablet computers, virtual education, among others… more
No objection to an audit, says SMA
Jamaica – The Board of the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), in response to assertions made by Dr Andrew Wheatley in his call for a performance audit on the organisation, yesterday said it has no objection to an audit… more
Is your website last years design?
Regional – Web design concepts are always changing and as a result it is fairly easy for a web designer or a seasoned browser of the Internet with a keen eye and a knowledge of the new trends in design to detect whether or not your website is cutting-edge or “old school”… more
Microsoft hosts 1-day forum
Trinidad and Tobago – MICROSOFT Caribbean will on Thursday, at a day-long gathering, give local chief information officers (CIOs) a detailed look at how they can re-imagine their enterprise in a digital age… more
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Digital capacity increased for IAAF / BTC World Relays
Bahamas – The Local Organizing Committee of the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 (LOC) underwent a costly core infrastructure upgrade to accommodate much more digital capacity in and around the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium over the two days of competition of the world relays… more
More than 500 beta testing BTC IPTV
Bahamas – Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has expanded its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) to over 500 beta testers throughout the Family Islands following “fantastic” results in Bimini since it launched testing last year… more
URCA director hopes to facilitate mobile money services
Bahamas – Mobile money, payment services that allow persons to perform financial transactions via mobile devices rather than cash and credit cards, could be something of “great interest” to The Bahamas as mobile service providers and financial institutions tap into the country’s unbanked population, according to Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) Director of Policy and Regulation Stephen Bereaux… more
Operators ink MoU to create first IXP in Belize
Belize – Telecoms operators in Belize have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the country’s first local internet exchange point (IXP), Trinidad Guardian reports… more
Dominica observes ‘Girls in ICT Day’
Dominica – Countries across the globe, including Dominica, are observing ‘Girls in ICT Day’ on Thursday… more
GT&T promotion had to be restricted to mobile network
Guyana – Dear Editor, Please allow me the opportunity to respond to Mr. Sahadeo Bates’ letter published in the letter column of your April 14, edition with the caption `Landlines, mobiles and free talk’… more
App marketing for cash-strapped developers
Regional – With millions of apps and hundreds of thousands of app developers out there, it can be difficult for any developer to get their app noticed… more
OAS to Promote South School on Internet Governance and Cyber Security Initiative
Regional – The Organization of American States and the Uruguayan civil association High Technology Training Center for Latin America and the Caribbean (CCAT-LAT) this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cyber security culture and internet governance in the Hemisphere… more
ICT Policy Advisor Represents SKN At UNESCO Internet Meeting In Paris
Saint Kitts and Nevis – The National Commission for UNESCO is set to convene a workshop on the state of the Internet in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis with a view to maximize its use as a tool for information sharing… more
New 2015 Services Directory now available
Saint Lucia – The 2015 Services Directory pays tribute to one of St. Lucia’s most important and beloved monuments, the Pigeon Island National Landmark… more
Blink/bmobile powers Carib’s success story
Trinidad and Tobago – “THE most important thing that you did was to earn our trust and that’s priceless because the next time we have to make a judgment call that could be a very important tipping point.” … more
Microsoft to help TT businesses
Trinidad and Tobago – AT a day-long event on Thursday, regional Microsoft thought leaders are expected to give local chief information officers (CIOs) a detailed look at how they can reimagine their enterprise in a digital age… more
Social media fertile for fraud
Trinidad and Tobago – Members of the public are being advised to be careful on social media as it is a fertile ground for fraud… more
Friday, 24 April 2015
LIME to get new manager
Antigua and Barbuda – Almost a month after telecommunications giant Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), announced the completion of the US$1.85 billion merger with Columbus International Inc., the company said, from May 1, a new acting country manager will be taking over its Antigua operations, replacing Davidson Charles… more
BTC expands IPTV trial
Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), part of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), has expanded the trial of its IPTV service to 500 homes, Telesemana reports… more
Distance learning critical for University of The Bahamas system
Bahamas – As The University of The Bahamas becomes a reality, distance education will emerge as a natural mechanism to extend access to tertiary education throughout The Bahamas, according to College of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney D. Smith… more
‘Phone Records Will Vindicate Minister’ In Interference Row
Bahamas – ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe hopes phone records help vindicate embattled MICAL MP V Alfred Gray from allegations that he intimidated an island administrator into releasing a young man from prison who had just been sentenced… more
Skills Woes Threaten ‘Backbone of Society’
Bahamas – The “backbone of Bahamian society” is under threat from the high unemployment and skills gaps undermining the 20-something generation, with AML Foods’ top executive warning: “We all have an obligation to fix this.” … more
Installation of the Wireless Internet (WiFi) at the Central Park
Belize – Great News! The San Pedro Town Council along with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) have commenced the installation of the Wireless Internet (WiFi) at the Central Park. The estimated date for completion of installation is around Wednesday of next week… more
BUSINESS BYTE: LIME & Samsung launch new Galaxy Phones
Dominica – LIME in association with Samsung Electronics has launched the latest products in the Galaxy line, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge… more
Digicel Dominica announces new country manager
Dominica – Digicel Dominica today announced Stuart Joce as its new Country Manager… more
LIME And Samsung Launch New Galaxy Phones
Grenada – LIME in association with Samsung Electronics has launched the latest products in the Galaxy line, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge… more
City schoolgirls encouraged to consider careers in ICT
Guyana – The National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) yesterday held an International Girls in ICT Day symposium under the theme “Expanding Horizons, Changing Attitudes” that was aimed at empowering and encouraging girls and young women to consider careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)… more
Corrective works start on Brazil fibre optic cable
Guyana – More than four months after Kaieteur News broke a story that the fibre optic cable from Brazil – intended to link Government entities and provide internet connections – is in trouble, a deal has been made for corrective work to be carried out… more
Digicel Shares The Love With Top-Up Promotion
Jamaica – Digicel online top up customer, Shereese Field, was the grand prize winner of an all-expenses-paid vacation to Jamaica as part of the Digicel Online Top Up “Triple The Love” promotion… more
Digicel Calls Free With Digicel ‘Zero’
Jamaica – Digicel Jamaica will today launch a ground-breaking new offer known as Digicel Zero that will see customers getting all Digicel calls free with the purchase of a three-day data plan – making it what the telecoms firm calls “the simplest and most attractive offer ever launched in Digicel Jamaica’s 14-year history”… more
First Angels Ja makes first investment with DRT Communications — plans to invest in 5 start-ups this year
Jamaica – INVESTOR group First Angels Jamaica (FAJ) has inked its first investment deal with local start-up company DRT communications… more
49 Cable Companies Breaching Copyright Laws
Jamaica – The Broadcasting Commission has revealed that 49 local cable companies have been found to be in breach of the copyright of overseas content owners… more
Junior minister wants more girls in IT
Jamaica – MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson wants more girls to become actively involved in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector… more
19 channels to be removed from cable TV
Jamaica – The Broadcasting Commission says it has issued a directive to cable licensees in Jamaica requiring the removal of 19 cable channels from transmission in subscriber packages, effective May 31… more
Number portability to start on May 31 – Paulwell
Jamaica – All the terms and conditions have been agreed to facilitate the start of telephone number portability in Jamaica on May 31… more
Samsung launches Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
Jamaica – SAMSUNG launched its two new mobile phones — the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge –yesterday evening at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, with a boast that in just one week heavy consumer demand has resulted in 20 million units being reserved worldwide… more
Samsung Releases New Galaxy Phones
Jamaica – Samsung Electronics will today release its entirely redefined smartphones – the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge – in Jamaica… more
One More Thing: Digicel diaspora moves on
Regional – The Irish have really made their mark on the Caribbean telecommunications scene, and not just in Denis O’Brien’s Digicel… more
LIME Slashes Commission For Top-Up Vendors
Saint Kitts and Nevis – Top-up vendors for LIME St. Kitts are outraged at the announcement that the company will be cutting their commission by 20% come May… more
ZIZ’s Mobile App
Saint Kitts and Nevis – ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation is keeping up to date with the latest technology trends. This comes with the launch of the new ZIZ mobile application… more
St Lucia government signs MOU for island-wide Wi-Fi
Saint Lucia – Saint Lucian residents and visitors are to benefit from a US$4 million Government Island-Wide Network Project (GiNet), aimed at improving the urban and rural digital divide and low internet penetration rate… more
LIME Partners With Young Group
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – A group of young artistes have partnered with telecommunications provider LIME, on a nationwide hunt for like-minded entertainers… more
Prepare for modern mobile workforce
Trinidad and Tobago – Local businesses have been told to accept the reality of the new mobile worker who now exists because of how technology has changed the traditional workplace… more
Saturday, 25 April 2015
Broadcasting Commission issues warning
Jamaica – Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica Cordel Green, has warned that criminal sanctions appear imminent for persons or entities who are selling specialised boxes which can be used to access content broadcasted from overseas… more
Digicel links with Stream on Internet of Things
Jamaica – Digicel Business has signed a partnership with Stream Technologies, a global leader in connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things that will see customers connecting their machines, devices and appliances wirelessly using an ‘IoT’ platform that will power Digicel Business’ Machine to Machine (M2M) products… more
LIME launches Samsung S6 and S6 Edge
Saint Kitts and Nevis – THE anticipation which mounted as cell phone users awaited the release of the newest members of the Samsung Galaxy family, the S6 and S6 Edge climaxed yesterday afternoon (Apr. 24) when unveiled and offered for sale at LIME’s flagship store on Cayon Street… more
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Attorney General Maynard-Gibson Urges Female Students to Get into the ICT Field
Bahamas – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, QC, encouraged female students attending the International Girls in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Day Forum and Mini-Fair to get into ICT to find lucrative careers… more
Cell phone scams continue
Guyana – Guyanese across the country are being defrauded of huge sums of cash as the wave of cell phone scams continue… more
Flow reviewing its cable pricing system — Sinclair
Jamaica – MANAGING Director of the merged LIME and Columbus Communications entity, Garfield Sinclair has revealed that the company will be reviewing its pricing system following the removal of 19 channels, initially, from its cable television network… more
I’m a lucky man, says LIME’s Garfield Sinclair
Jamaica – THE man who will head the Jamaica operations of LIME and Columbus Communications has revealed that he considers himself lucky to have been given the job, and to have survived for five years while he headed the former… more
Image credits: (Mick Baker) rooster (flickr); WIkipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia;
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