分类: technology

  • National Security Minister Highlights Suicide Awareness in Parliament

    National Security Minister Highlights Suicide Awareness in Parliament

    A growing technical accessibility barrier is impacting web users globally as numerous websites now mandate JavaScript execution for basic content rendering and functionality. This development represents a significant shift in web design philosophy that prioritizes dynamic content delivery over universal accessibility.

    The core issue centers on websites employing aggressive JavaScript frameworks that completely suppress content display when scripts are disabled or fail to load properly. This creates an exclusionary browsing experience for users with outdated devices, limited bandwidth connections, or specific privacy/security configurations that restrict JavaScript execution.

    Technology analysts note this trend correlates with the rising adoption of complex web applications that function more like desktop software than traditional documents. While these applications offer enhanced interactivity, they frequently compromise on fundamental web principles of progressive enhancement and graceful degradation.

    The accessibility impact extends beyond convenience issues to affect users with disabilities who rely on screen readers and alternative navigation methods. Many assistive technologies struggle with dynamically injected content that doesn’t follow traditional document object model structures.

    Web development communities remain divided on this issue, with some advocating for stricter adherence to core web accessibility guidelines while others prioritize feature-rich experiences for modern browsers. This tension reflects broader industry debates about balancing innovation with inclusivity in digital experiences.

  • Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Raping Roommate&#039\;s Girlfriend

    Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Raping Roommate&#039\;s Girlfriend

    A growing digital accessibility crisis is emerging as websites increasingly mandate JavaScript execution for basic content delivery, creating insurmountable barriers for users with disabilities. This critical web development practice effectively excludes screen reader users, those with motor impairments, and individuals relying on assistive technologies that cannot process JavaScript-dependent content.

    The fundamental issue stems from web developers implementing JavaScript-reliant architectures without providing fallback mechanisms for accessibility tools. When websites require JavaScript simply to display primary content—rather than enhancing functionality—they violate core principles of digital inclusion established by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

    Legal experts warn this trend exposes organizations to potential litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar international regulations. The problem particularly affects educational resources, government services, and essential information portals where equal access is legally mandated.

    Accessibility advocates emphasize that JavaScript should progressively enhance rather than fundamentally gatekeep content delivery. They recommend implementing semantic HTML structures, ARIA landmarks, and alternative content delivery methods to ensure universal access regardless of scripting capabilities.

    As digital transformation accelerates globally, this accessibility gap highlights the urgent need for development teams to prioritize inclusive design principles from project inception rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought.

  • IICA, joins partners to promote tech solution to strengthen Costa Rica’s agri-food industry

    IICA, joins partners to promote tech solution to strengthen Costa Rica’s agri-food industry

    San José, Costa Rica – A strategic alliance of leading institutions has launched a comprehensive initiative to revolutionize Costa Rica’s agricultural sector through technological innovation. The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in partnership with the National Training Institute (INA), the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), and the Costa Rica–United States Foundation (CRUSA), recently convened the “Strengthening Costa Rica’s Agrifoodtech Ecosystem” event at IICA’s headquarters.

    The gathering showcased ten pioneering startups demonstrating cutting-edge solutions designed to address critical challenges in productivity, sustainability, and efficiency within the agri-food industry. This collaborative effort forms part of the broader Agrifoodtech initiative, specifically designed to accelerate market entry for innovative solutions and support the expansion of emerging agricultural technology enterprises.

    Lloyd Day, Deputy Director General of IICA, emphasized the global context driving these innovations: “Over the next 25 years, food production must double to meet worldwide demand. AgriTech startups will be absolutely pivotal in this endeavor. I maintain optimism that we can produce while protecting our planet—thanks to courageous individuals who study, invest, and make sacrifices to produce more with less.”

    The event highlighted remarkable technological diversity across multiple domains. Biovenko presented biotechnology solutions for enhanced crop growth and pest management, while Ag Tech introduced nanotechnology applications to streamline agricultural processes. Digital transformation was represented by S&G Solutions’ integrated platform for agro-industrial operations management and ROSSMON’s artificial intelligence tools for early crop disease detection.

    Mechanization and automation advances included Roldma Consultores’ modernization services and Green Xpo Lab’s integrated systems combining drone technology, satellite imagery, and data analytics for precision agriculture. The livestock sector saw innovations from H&A Química y Ambiente, offering comprehensive traceability platforms and sustainable agriculture consulting.

    Circular economy solutions emerged through Innovaciones Circulares’ technology converting pig farm residuals into high-value fertilizers for degraded soils. Cultura Fungi showcased their family-operated venture producing agrochemical-free gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.

    Byron Salas, CRUSA’s Executive Director, outlined three critical development areas: “First, our tremendous potential for innovation with global relevance; second, the need for an ecosystem that provides capital, prototyping models, and supportive policies; and third, the urgency of promoting women’s leadership in entrepreneurship by removing barriers to opportunity.”

    Participants reported significant benefits from the acceleration program. Lizzy Retana, Biovenko co-founder, noted: “The program provided essential tools for fundraising and internationalization strategies.” Similarly, Ana Cristina Trejos of Cultura Fungi emphasized: “This initiative pushed us to consider global market expansion while offering unparalleled guidance on legal matters and capital acquisition.”

    The event attracted over 100 participants and featured presentations demonstrating Costa Rica’s growing capacity for agricultural innovation that balances productivity with environmental stewardship.

  • Caribbean experts explore how AI can transform tourism

    Caribbean experts explore how AI can transform tourism

    A recent webinar organized by the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in partnership with the TT Multistakeholder Advisory Group (TTMAG) examined the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping the Caribbean tourism industry. The virtual event, titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Future of Tourism,” brought together industry specialists, AI practitioners, and academic researchers to discuss digital innovation strategies.

    Julie David, Acting President of NIHERST, emphasized the webinar’s objective to introduce AI concepts and their specific relevance to tourism while exploring practical applications across hospitality services, travel planning, customer engagement, and destination management. The initiative aimed to stimulate innovative thinking, encourage collaborative partnerships, and drive technological advancements that would strengthen the regional tourism sector.

    Michael Ragoobar, NIHERST project assistant, delivered a keynote presentation followed by an expert panel discussion featuring prominent voices including tourism strategy specialist Dr. Auliana Poon, Incus Services Director of AI Leslie Lee Fook, TTMAG director Ajmal Nazir, and NIHERST research officers Ethan Blache and Mandela Sealy.

    Participants gained comprehensive insights into strategic AI implementation opportunities, practical applications for tourism businesses and small-to-medium enterprises, emerging regional trends in AI adoption, and policy considerations for successful technology integration. TTMAG director Dev Gosine highlighted AI’s capacity to enhance visitor experiences through personalized recommendations, improve operational efficiency in construction and transportation, and enable data-driven destination management through predictive analytics.

    Dr. Poon issued a compelling warning that traditional Caribbean tourism advantages centered on natural assets could become increasingly vulnerable without embracing technological innovation. The session concluded with interactive engagement between attendees and panelists exploring concrete AI applications for enhancing both visitor experiences and business operations. All participants received access to the webinar recording, summary documentation, and key insights.

  • Belize Launches Robotics Training to Prepare Youth for High-Tech Jobs

    Belize Launches Robotics Training to Prepare Youth for High-Tech Jobs

    In a strategic move to future-proof its national workforce, the Central American nation of Belize has officially launched an ambitious robotics training program. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of E-Governance in collaboration with the Belize Robotics Federation, represents a significant investment in human capital development specifically targeting high-tech sectors.

    The program’s inaugural phase saw active participation from students at Belize High School and Saint Catherine Academy, who engaged in intensive hands-on workshops. Participants gained practical experience constructing and programming sophisticated robotic systems including VEX CTE Workcell and VEX ClawBot platforms. The curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving methodologies and technical competencies directly aligned with emerging industry requirements.

    Technical expertise was provided through partnership with VEX Robotics, with specialists David Feeney and Eli Osornio delivering expert guidance to ensure students acquire skills meeting current industry standards. The program’s design focuses on creating immediate pathways to careers in engineering, automation, and advanced technology sectors.

    The government has announced plans for nationwide expansion through Belize’s network of Digital Connect Centers, with a train-the-trainer model already underway. Local educators and technology professionals are being certified as program ‘champions’ to ensure consistent, safe, and effective implementation across all regions.

    This initiative forms a critical component of Belize’s broader digital transformation strategy, directly addressing the growing global demand for skilled robotics and automation professionals while creating domestic capacity in high-value technological fields.

  • Hands-On Robotics Workshop Prepares Future Engineers

    Hands-On Robotics Workshop Prepares Future Engineers

    Belize has taken a significant stride in technological education through a pioneering robotics workshop held at the Fort George Digital Connect Center on Saturday. The collaborative effort between the Ministry of E-Governance and the Belize Robotics Federation brought together students from Belize High School and Saint Catherine Academy for an intensive, hands-on training session.

    Participants engaged directly with advanced robotics systems including the VEX CTE Workcell and VEX ClawBot platforms, acquiring practical skills in automation, engineering principles, and complex problem-solving methodologies. These competencies are increasingly vital for success in today’s technology-driven employment landscape.

    The initiative received substantial governmental support from Minister Henry Charles Usher and CEO Jose Urbina, who ensured the facility was optimally equipped for this national program launch. Under the leadership of President Jamie Usher, the Belize Robotics Federation has outlined plans to extend this educational model to Digital Connect Centers nationwide, creating a sustainable framework for robotics education.

    This program represents a key component of the broader Plan Belize 2.0 strategy, which emphasizes digital inclusion and experiential learning as fundamental pillars for national development. The federation intends to train local champions who will subsequently lead standardized robotics sessions across the country, ensuring consistent quality and safety protocols.

    International support from VEX partners David Feeney and Eli Osornio has provided Belizean youth with expert technical guidance, positioning the initiative as a model for technology education in developing nations. The workshop demonstrates Belize’s commitment to preparing its younger generation for competitive participation in the global digital economy.

  • China zet eeuwenoude wetenschap en wijsheid in voor duurzame vooruitgang

    China zet eeuwenoude wetenschap en wijsheid in voor duurzame vooruitgang

    China is systematically reviving its rich technological heritage from centuries past to address contemporary societal challenges and bolster sustainable economic growth. At the center of this initiative is the 17th-century masterwork ‘Tiangong Kaiwu’ (The Revelation of Heavenly Works), authored by Ming Dynasty scholar Song Yingxing (1587–1666). This comprehensive technological encyclopedia—one of the world’s earliest and most detailed—documents over 200 techniques spanning agriculture, metallurgy, ceramics, textiles, printing, and hydraulic engineering.

    The recent Tiangong Kaiwu Forum in Beijing, themed ‘Decoding Industrial Genetics, Building a Shared Tech Future’, highlighted how this historical knowledge is being integrated into modern industrial and environmental applications. The text’s detailed illustrations and systematic explanations of craft and production methods are now inspiring innovations in fields ranging from advanced materials to renewable energy.

    For instance, traditional ceramic techniques described in the book now inform the production of technical ceramics used in electronics, medical implants, and environmental technologies. Similarly, historical metallurgical methods are being adapted to develop stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials essential for transportation and construction.

    Hydraulic systems and mechanical pumps detailed by Song Yingxing are now foundational to modern small-scale irrigation and hydroelectric projects, supporting China’s investments in sustainable energy and efficient agriculture. The government is actively promoting research and corporate initiatives that draw on such traditional knowledge to advance carbon neutrality and high-value green manufacturing.

    Beyond domestic applications, the revival of Tiangong Kaiwu is reshaping global perceptions of technological history, emphasizing China’s longstanding role in scientific progress. By bridging ancient wisdom with modern innovation, China is positioning itself as a key player in the global transition toward a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

  • Ja-Cirt analysts win top honours at ‘SheSecures’ cybersecurity competition

    Ja-Cirt analysts win top honours at ‘SheSecures’ cybersecurity competition

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity has yielded exceptional results, with female analysts from Jamaica’s national security apparatus claiming top honors in the inaugural ‘SheSecures’ Cybersecurity Competition. Monique Satchwell and Rheana Hagigal, Tier Two Analysts at the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (Ja-CIRT), secured first place in the overall team category, outperforming numerous contenders from across the nation.

    This pioneering competition, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of National Security and Peace and the Organization of American States (OAS), was specifically designed to offer hands-on technical training and skill enhancement for Jamaican women and girls aged 16 and above. The initiative’s core mission is to empower more women to enter the rapidly expanding cybersecurity field, thereby significantly strengthening Jamaica’s national cyber resilience in an increasingly digital world.

    The victory underscores a critical push for diversity in a sector where women remain significantly underrepresented. Both winners shared personal journeys that defied traditional gender expectations in technology. For Hagigal, a profound fascination with technology that began in high school crystallized into a career choice driven by the conviction that cybersecurity is the foundation of our digital future. “I knew that the future was going to be cybersecurity, because everything is now digitalised,” she explained.

    Satchwell’s path was more serendipitous. Initially an actuarial science major immersed in mathematics at the University of the West Indies (UWI), a growing intrigue with computers led her to switch to computer science. It was there she discovered and became captivated by the cybersecurity domain. She emphasizes a crucial perspective often overlooked: “People often focus on technology itself, while overlooking the critical need to secure it.

    The road to victory was paved with dedication and intense preparation. Both analysts recounted weeks of rigorous training, including sessions partnered with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), supplemented by personal practice lasting several hours each night. “It was very rigorous… but it was well done,” Satchwell stated, expressing immense pride in their achievement. Hagigal echoed this sentiment, attributing their success to training, practice, and sheer perseverance.

    The competition also celebrated other high achievers. A second Ja-CIRT team, comprising Zoe Duncan and Daneel Downer, secured second place, while third place was awarded to a team from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The event also featured school and individual categories, with top prizes awarded to students from institutions like Immaculate Conception High School, Northern Caribbean University, and the University of Technology, alongside individual winner Kelleshia Fender of MOCA.

    Their triumph serves as a powerful inspiration, challenging the male-dominated status quo of the profession. Satchwell’s advice to other young women is unequivocal: “Take courage; you’re talented… talent knows no gender; don’t be afraid.” This event marks a significant stride toward a more inclusive and robust cybersecurity landscape for Jamaica.

  • Overheid zet cybersecurity hoger op agenda: e-Gov start bewustwordingstraject

    Overheid zet cybersecurity hoger op agenda: e-Gov start bewustwordingstraject

    Suriname’s E-Government (e-Gov) initiative has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity enhancement program through a strategic collaboration with global security leader Fortinet. The recently concluded Cybersecurity and Data Protection workshop brought together representatives from multiple ministries, security agencies, and government institutions to address growing digital threats.

    According to e-Gov Director Llydion Dalfour, cybersecurity has become a presidential priority under Jennifer Simons’ administration. “The President views digital transformation not merely as a technical upgrade but as a catalyst for efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and improved service delivery,” Dalfour stated. “Her vision encompasses a Suriname where technology empowers every citizen while strengthening trust in government institutions.”

    The workshop emphasized that modern, reliable, and secure systems are fundamental to digital governance. Dalfour highlighted the Head of State’s commitment to ensuring citizens can depend on systems that not only function effectively but also actively protect and defend sensitive data against evolving threats.

    Fortinet experts presented the latest global cybersecurity trends, current threat landscapes, and recommended protective measures during the knowledge-sharing session. The partnership between e-Gov and Fortinet dates back to the establishment of e-Gov, with the security firm having contributed significantly to developing GovGrid infrastructure—the digital backbone of Suriname’s government operations.

    This workshop forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen governmental digital security capabilities. Cybersecurity represents one of the foundational elements in the government’s wider digitalization agenda. “You can digitalize processes, but without trust, the system fails,” Dalfour emphasized. “Citizens and organizations must have absolute confidence that their data and systems remain secure.”

    Concurrently, the government is developing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes a framework for secure systems and standardized procedures for detecting and handling security incidents. e-Gov has committed to further refining and institutionalizing these protective structures to safeguard Suriname’s digital transformation journey.

  • Guyana ,along with IICA, creates Situation Room to oversee country’s agricultural sector

    Guyana ,along with IICA, creates Situation Room to oversee country’s agricultural sector

    Guyana is advancing toward establishing a cutting-edge agricultural Situation Room in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), marking a significant leap in climate-resilient farming technology. This strategic initiative aims to revolutionize real-time data collection, predictive analytics, and rapid response mechanisms for extreme weather events threatening the nation’s food security.

    During a recent site inspection, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and technical teams from both the ministry and IICA assessed the project’s development progress. The facility represents a cornerstone in Guyana’s agricultural modernization agenda, leveraging its extensive fertile lands and tropical climate to potentially transform the nation into the Caribbean’s primary food basket—a region currently dependent on imported food supplies.

    IICA advocates that sustainable agricultural development requires substantial investments from public and private sectors, integration of scientific innovations, and comprehensive farmer training programs. The Situation Room will serve as a centralized hub aggregating critical data on weather patterns, crop yields, flood and drought risks, and pest outbreaks, enabling proactive threat management through smart monitoring tools and evidence-based decision making.

    Minister Mustapha emphasized IICA’s crucial role in supporting Guyana’s transition to technology-driven agriculture, noting that the new facility will significantly enhance the ministry’s capacity to safeguard food production and support farmers nationwide. Project officials reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating completion while ensuring infrastructure and technical systems meet international standards.