A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 1 May to Sunday 7 May 2017.
Monday, 1 May 2017
Bahamas AG remarks ITU’s International Girls in ICT Day
Bahamas – Mr. Randol Dorsett, chairman of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority, Mr. Leon Williams president and members of his senior team from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC); John Gomez Chief Operating Officer members of Cable Bahamas Ltd, Damian Blackburn CEO, BeAliv Ltd and other senior staff, teachers, students invited guests, organizing team… more
BTC Opens New Corporate Enterprise
Bahamas – BTC further cemented its reputation as a pillar of the Grand Bahama Community on Friday April 28 as the company officially opened the doors to its Brand New Corporate Headquarters on the Mall Drive in Freeport… more
URCA update on Mobile Number Portability in The Bahamas
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is pleased to advise the public that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is now a reality having been launched on April 27, 2017… more
INSPIRE BVI: Melville leaves Digicel with big plans
British Virgin Islands – When Digicel popped the big question generally about voluntary redundancy, it was not challenging for Katasha Melville to voice the ‘I do’ declaration… more
Marketing pitch – CCT promotes Richardson, Philip
British Virgin Islands – Telecoms company CCT today announced new management and re-structuring of its Marketing Department… more
Dominican Republic to Strengthen Orphan Case Management with Software from Tyler Technologies and Non-Profit Both Ends Burning
Dominican Republic – -In a new public/private partnership, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) and non-profit Both Ends Burning are supporting the Dominican Republic’s orphan care strategies with a software-based registry called Children First Software… more
GTT joins in observing Girls in ICT Day
Guyana – Female students from several Secondary Schools across Guyana were exposed to the Information & Communication Technology operations of GT&T during a tour of the company’s facilities last Thursday, as part of the “Girls in ICT Day” observance… more
Campion, NCU Take Top Awards At Girls Hackathon
Jamaica – Campion College and Northern Caribbean University claimed first places in the high school and university segments of International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day Caribbean Hackathon last Thursday, at the Spanish Court Hotel’s Worthington Conference Centre… more
Portmore-based TV service readies for public viewing
Jamaica – ReadyTV says the groundwork in the provision of its digital television service, which will be available to all Jamaicans, is now complete… more
Tech Times | Hello, Yello – Same Great Mobile App Complements Newly Rebranded Group
Jamaica – Judging from the popularity of ad campaigns spanning various local districts, it seems by now that most Jamaicans have noted the rebranding from Jamaica Yellow Pages to Yello… more
‘Think tank’ set up to advance ICT industry
Jamaica – The advancement of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry has been touted as one of the main drivers of socio-economic development in Jamaica, and citizens will now be able to contribute to its development through a ‘Think Tank’, which will facilitate the submission of ideas to be implemented at the national level… more
Girls and tech, with vigour
Trinidad and Tobago – There’s something heartening about seeing a room full of young women, a twinkle in their eyes and a grim set to their jawlines in vigorous competition to create digital solutions to social challenges… more
TSTT to buy cable TV rival Massy
Trinidad and Tobago – TELECOMMUNICATIONS Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is set to acquire its cable competitor Massy Communications for $255 million once all regulatory approvals are met… more
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Aliv at 60K Subscribers and Growing
Bahamas – After officially launching in November of last year, the country’s newest telecommunications provider Aliv is up to 60,000 subscribers and growing… more
Mobile voice subscribers increased by 16 percent in 2016
Bahamas – The number of mobile voice subscribers increased by 16 percent in 2016, the year that The Bahamas’ second mobile operator, BeAliv Ltd., entered the telecoms market… more
Over 30 Bahamians are now BTC business owners
Bahamas – “If there is anything worth honoring, it is endurance.” These were the words of Crooked Island native Barbara Gibson, a Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) employee of over thirty-eight years, who changed her status from team member to owner… more
URCA: Price cap implementation to improve mobile sector competition
Bahamas – By the end of 2017, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) plans to complete price cap regulation for the electronic communications sector (ECS), a move that will help to further foster an environment for competition in the telecoms market… more
Haiti, Dominican radio stations clash over ‘static’
Dominican Republic – The Government will contacts Haiti telecom authorities to solve the problems of phone and radio interference from Haitian stations to Dominican stations operating in the same area… more
STEM Guyana team for inaugural Robot Olympics in the USA
Guyana – First Lady Sandra Granger recently met with the group of young Guyanese who are currently fine-tuning their robotic project in preparation for the inaugural Robot Olympics in Washington DC, USA in July… more
Computers for IOJ Junior and Cultural Centres
Jamaica – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has allocated a $14.5 million grant for the purchase of 31 computers for the Institute of Jamaica’s (IOJ) junior and cultural centres, to provide greater access to information and communications technology (ICT) for its users… more
Innovation in the Caribbean with the debut of Ready TV
Jamaica – ReadyTV (the name stands for Rebellious, Energetic, Adaptive, Determined and Yummy!) was set up in Kingston, Jamaica to provide an alternative television service to the expensive cable options that prevail on the island… more
Speakers tackle ICT sector issues at Think Tank launch
Jamaica – The importance of the need to accelerate the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in the island as well as increase gender equity were just a few of the topics tackled at the launch of the eGov Jamaica Limited Think Tank last Friday… more
ECLAC report considers use of blockchain technology to combat de-risking
Regional – A newly published report prepared by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean has found that recent developments in the field of financial technology (FinTech), namely blockchain technology, may offer potential solutions to some of the problems surrounding de-risking and the navigation of correspondent banking relationships… more
LACNIC 27: Key Debates on the Future of the Internet and IPv6 Deployment in the Region
Regional – LACNIC will be holding its 27thmeeting together with NIC.br on 22-26 May at the Bourbon Cataratas Hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil… more
Region urged to develop digital financial services
Regional – The ITU, UNECLAC, the CTU, the various bankers’ associations, the central bankers, the anti-money laundering regulators, the digital financial Services technology providers, the cyber security experts and the consumer protection officials need to see how we as a region can develop our regional DFS sector,” stated Hon. Darcy W. Boyce, the President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, and Senator in the Office of the Prime Minister Energy, Immigration, Telecommunications and Invest Barbados… more
TSTT buys Massy Communications
Trinidad and Tobago – Majority state-owned Telecommunications Services of T&T (TSTT) yesterday signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) to buy 100 per cent of the shares of Massy Communications Ltd for $255 million… more
TSTT purchases Massy Communications for $255 million
Trinidad and Tobago – The Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) announced on Tuesday its acquisition of Massy Communications… more
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Aliv Targets 35% Share By Year-End
Bahamas – Aliv’s top executive said yesterday that the new mobile operator is targeting a 25-35 per cent market share by year-end, when it expectd to complete its network roll-out well ahead of its schedule obligations… more
B.T.L. Calms Employees, Preparers New C.B.A.
Belize – Earlier you heard from the Chairman of Belize Telemedia Limited introducing the company’s new C.E.O., Rochus Schreiber… more
BTL’s New CEO Speaks
Belize – Last month we reported that BTL finally found its newest CEO… more
Copper Network Obsolete, BTL Internet Going Fiber, But When?
Belize – Schreiber also touched on BTL’s switch to fiber optic to deliver internet to homes, as well as improving the reliability of their internet service in general including the outdated copper network… more
Negotiations Over CBA for BTL Workers Continue
Belize – At this morning’s press conference, CEO Rochus Schreiber said Belize Telemedia has resolved the brief impasse between the company and the Belize Communications Workers Union… more
Officially Presenting BTL’s CEO, Rochus Schreiber
Belize – Today Belize Telemedia Limited presented its new Chief Executive Officer, Rochus Schreiber. Speaking about the importance of the transition within the company in a brief press conference this morning was Chairman of the Board Nestor Vasquez… more
Digicel To Expand ICT Presence, Acquires 100 Per Cent IDOM Shares
Regional – Digicel is seeking to expand its presence in the Information Communication technology (ICT) sector with the purchase of a company operating in the French Overseas Territories… more
Concern raised over Govt. delay in paying for new early warning system
Sint Maarten – Section Head for Disaster Management Paul Martens has expressed concern over Government’s delay in paying for a new early warning system, despite the latter already giving approval for the purchases… more
…Govt wants details of deal
Trinidad and Tobago – Cabinet intends to request the details of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TSTT) $255 million purchase of Massy Communications, says Finance Minister Colm Imbert… more
There was a conspiracy to cripple TSTT, says chairman
Trinidad and Tobago – THERE was a conspiracy to cripple and undermine State-controlled Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) between 2010 and 2016, chairman Emile Elias said yesterday… more
TRINIDAD-TELECOM-TSTT buys out rival company
Trinidad and Tobago – he state-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100 per cent of Massy Communications Limited… more
Thursday, 4 May 2017
Aliv chief: Hundreds have already begun porting numbers to Aliv
Bahamas – Chief Aliv Officer Damian Blackburn told Guardian Business yesterday that the company is still hesitant to fully promote mobile number portability (MNP), because the system is still suffering from some glitches… more
Freeport Utilities Regulation Dispute ‘Back At Forefront’
Bahamas – The long-running dispute over who has regulatory authority for Freeport’s utilities is “coming to the forefront” again, URCA’s chief executive yesterday hoping negotiation will resolve differences with Cable Bahamas and GB Power Company… more
BTL’s New CEO outlines his plans at the helm of the company
Belize – Chairman of BTL’s Board of directors, Nestor Vasquez on Wednesday May 3 formally introduced the new Chief Executive Officer for the company. In doing so, Vasquez said that it was an, “exciting time for BTL as we continue on our journey towards ‘destination greatness’”… more
More Girls Urged to Get Involved in ICT
Jamaica – Senior Financial Markets Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Navita Anganu-Ramroop, is encouraging more of the country’s young women to get into the information and communications technology (ICT) industry… more
CANTO Chairman Speaks at the Forum Internet of Things (IoT): Smarter Living in the Caribbean
Regional – The CANTO Chairman, Julian Wilkins spoke at the Forum Internet of Things (IoT): Smarter Living in the Caribbean. This ITU workshop, moderated by Shiva Bissessar, was held from 24 to 26 April… more
Tame Rating: Moody’s Keeps its Eyes on Digicel
Regional – Digicel’s global operations are not out of the woods just yet, but according to the international credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service the company’s future remains stable… more
Elias: Details of TSTT’s Massy deal confidential
Trinidad and Tobago – PUBLIC Accounts Enterprises Committee (PAEC) chairman Senator Wade Mark and member Senator David Small chided TSTT chairman Emile Elias for his reluctance to provide details of a full business appraisal done before the purchase of Massy Communications by TSTT…. more
Union leader: Chairman ‘farse and out of place’
Trinidad and Tobago – The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) yesterday vowed to do all in its power to prevent any job losses at majority State-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT),.. more
Why every business today should have an enterprise mobile strategy
Trinidad and Tobago – Today’s trends show that employees predominantly use more than one mobile device. They tweet, use Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other popular social media applications every day, and many of these social media apps are installed on their mobile devices… more
Friday, 5 May 2017
BTL getting upgrades, says new CEO
Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) new Chief Executive Officer, Rochus Schreiber, said this week that the company, under his leadership, will be making strides towards upgrading its infrastructure and improving customer access to the internet… more
Jamaica makes Facebook history
Jamaica – Social media has proven to be the fastest most direct way to transmit information… more
Digicel Acquires Another Telecoms
Regional – Digicel Group has bought another telecoms firm, giving it a presence in at least four French-owned territories… more
Social network plan for Caribbean
Regional – ALL DANIEL DESOUZA needs is some funding and he will be ready to revolutionise social networking for the Caribbean… more
Over 1200 active users later, Mealoop partners with Quick Delivery
Saint Lucia – After two months of operation resulting in hundreds of satisfied cravings serving over 1,200 active users, Mealoop – the mobile food ordering and delivery application – has joined hands with an equally formidable force in Saint Lucia’ business development and customer relations landscape… more
C&W/FLOW: Nothing To Gain From Disgruntled Customers
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Garfield Sinclair, Jamaica born, is president of Cable and Wireless Communications Caribbean, trading as FLOW., assumed the post January 1, 2017… more
MATT concerned about Cybercrime Bill reintroduction
Trinidad and Tobago – The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) says it is concerned about the reintroduction of the Cybercrime Bill (2016)… more
Remy vows to resist job cuts at TSTT
Trinidad and Tobago – SECRETARY of the Communication Workers Union Joseph Remy says the union will resist any attempt at retrenchment at TSTT… more
Turks and Caicos signs on to CARICOM Advance Passenger Information System
Turks and Caicos – Deputy premier and minister with responsibilities for the ministry of border control and employment, Sean Astwood, led a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to Bridgetown, Barbados, for the signing of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) with the United States… more
Saturday, 6 May 2017
Business owners express frustration with ASYCUDA
Antigua and Barbuda – The government’s intention to expedite the process of doing business at the country’s main seaport appears to have fallen flat. That’s because business people are saying that the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World is more time consuming… more
Redman: Cell phones spur gang activities in schools
Barbados – President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) Mary Redman Friday stepped up her warning to the Ronald Jones-led Ministry of Education not to allow cell phones in schools, saying these devices will only exacerbate the problem of gang activity and pose a major security threat to schools… more
Belize cyber security symposium raises awareness of region-wide problem
Regional – Large, well-funded and highly organized crime syndicates are behind many of the cybercrimes taking place in the Caribbean. And regional governments and security agencies are challenged to respond… more
Caribbean Banks See Rise In Cyber Attacks
Regional – Imagine doing a routine check on your bank account only to discover that an entire month’s worth of credit had been swiped from your card… more
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Mobile Banking App ‘Best In Region’
Regional – LESS than a year after its launch, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s mobile banking app has been named best in the region… more
St Kitts-Nevis revives plans for IXP infrastructure
Saint Kitts and Nevis – A two day symposium and technical workshop held from May 4-5, 2017, has revived the conversation for the introduction of an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure in St Kitts and Nevis… more
FLOW: ‘We’re Addressing Network Problems’
Saint Lucia – CUSTOMERS experiencing problems with FLOW’s fixed network will have to wait until summer before the company irons out the teething issues… more
Sunday, 7 May 2017
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Image credits: Megan Trace (flickr); Wikipedia; Belize Web; Wikipedia; Wikipedia
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