Carib Scope

分类： technology

  • GovTech Barbados launches test site to unify, simplify public services

    GovTech Barbados launches test site to unify, simplify public services

    Barbados has unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform, alpha.gov.bb, aimed at revolutionizing how citizens access and utilize government services. This initiative, spearheaded by GovTech Barbados, seeks to consolidate the government’s online presence into a unified, user-centric portal that will eventually replace the existing gov.bb site. The platform is designed to make services more intuitive, transparent, and accessible, marking a significant step in the nation’s digital transformation journey.

    Mark Boyce, CEO of GovTech Barbados, emphasized the importance of agility and citizen feedback in this project. ‘We’re shifting away from lengthy development cycles that often result in services that are difficult to navigate. Instead, we’re focusing on delivering incremental improvements based on real-time user input,’ he explained. The alpha site features simplified ‘entry pages’ that clearly outline the purpose of each service, required documentation, processing times, and relevant contact points. This approach aims to eliminate the confusion and inefficiencies that currently plague government service access.

    Boyce highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative: ‘Our goal is to create a seamless experience where citizens feel they’re interacting with a single, cohesive government rather than multiple disjointed entities.’ To achieve this, GovTech is standardizing the design and functionality of services across departments, ensuring consistency and ease of use. The team plans to roll out updates in rapid cycles, supported by citizen panels that will provide valuable insights into public needs and frustrations.

    Barbadians are encouraged to explore alpha.gov.bb and contribute to its evolution by sharing their feedback. This collaborative approach underscores GovTech’s commitment to prioritizing usability and transparency over bureaucratic inefficiencies, setting a new standard for digital governance in the region.

  • DSB waarschuwt voor toename digitale fraude

    DSB waarschuwt voor toename digitale fraude

    October has been designated as Cyber Security Month worldwide, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about digital resilience. In Suriname, concerns are growing over the surge in online fraud, phishing, and identity theft. The Surinaamsche Bank (DSB) has emphasized that digital vigilance is no longer optional but a necessity, as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters are deploying a range of deceptive tactics, including fake emails, SMS messages, WhatsApp communications, and even counterfeit social media profiles that appear to originate from banks, businesses, or government agencies. Their primary objective is to trick individuals into divulging personal or financial information. To combat these threats, DSB has issued key recommendations for the public: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails; always access websites directly through a browser. Verify the sender’s authenticity, as official bank emails typically end with their domain (e.g., www.dsb.sr), though spoofing remains a risk. Be wary of urgent requests, threatening language, or impersonal greetings, as these are often red flags. Never share passwords, PINs, CVV codes, or other sensitive data, regardless of the channel used to request it. Additionally, vigilance extends beyond the internet. At ATMs, individuals are advised to shield the keypad when entering their PIN, take their card and receipt immediately, and report any irregularities or tampering to the bank promptly.

  • Marshall: Sound judgement, not technology, makes good lawyers

    Marshall: Sound judgement, not technology, makes good lawyers

    The legal community in Barbados is on the cusp of implementing new guidelines to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice. This development comes as the island’s judiciary seeks to address concerns raised by Chief Justice Leslie Haynes and Attorney General Dale Marshall regarding the potential misuse of AI, which could undermine professional competence.

  • Animation Bootcamp Empowers Women in Belize

    Animation Bootcamp Empowers Women in Belize

    In a landmark achievement for digital education in Belize, twenty-three women from southern Belize have graduated from a specialized animation bootcamp. This initiative, part of the Taiwan-Belize Women Economic Empowerment project, aims to foster creative digital skills and innovation among women and girls. The program, which concluded at Bella Vista Government Secondary School, follows successful sessions in Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize City last year. Over three months, participants created impactful animations on critical topics such as road safety, autism awareness, gender equality, and environmental protection. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative for Dangriga, emphasized the importance of blending creativity with education to unlock endless opportunities. He highlighted the shift from traditional memorization-based learning to practical, transformative skills that benefit society. Andrew Su, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize, praised the participants for their creativity and effort, noting the rapid progress they made in producing their own animated videos. The bootcamp culminated in an animation competition, with the winning project focusing on road safety—a pressing issue in Belize. Juanita Lucas, Principal of Bella Vista Government Secondary School, expressed pride in her students’ accomplishments and stressed the need for innovative educational initiatives. This program not only provides a platform for creative expression but also opens doors to Belize’s growing Orange Economy, offering women new pathways to economic empowerment.

  • OpenAI halts MLK videos as deepfakes of dead celebrities spark outrage

    OpenAI halts MLK videos as deepfakes of dead celebrities spark outrage

    OpenAI has temporarily suspended its Sora 2 artificial intelligence tool from creating videos featuring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. following complaints from his estate about disrespectful depictions. The decision was announced in a joint statement by OpenAI and King’s estate on Thursday, emphasizing the need to strengthen safeguards for historical figures. This move comes amid growing outrage from families of deceased celebrities and leaders over the tool’s ability to generate realistic videos without consent. Reports from The Washington Post revealed that some users had created offensive content, including videos of King making monkey noises during his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Since its launch on September 30, Sora 2 has been used to reanimate other deceased figures such as Bob Marley, Malcolm X, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Amy Winehouse, sparking widespread criticism. OpenAI acknowledged the importance of free speech but stated that public figures and their families should have control over how their likenesses are used. The company has introduced a mechanism allowing authorized representatives or estate owners to request the exclusion of their likenesses from AI-generated videos, referred to as ‘Sora cameos.’ OpenAI expressed gratitude to Bernice King, King’s daughter, businessman John Hope Bryant, and the AI Ethics Council for facilitating constructive dialogue. The tool, which has topped download charts since its release, has faced backlash from Hollywood and the creative industry over its opt-out policy for copyrighted content. Disney, in particular, sent a strongly worded letter to OpenAI asserting its copyright rights. Amid the controversy, OpenAI has pledged to provide more granular control to rights holders. While the tool has reportedly refused requests for videos featuring Disney or Marvel characters, clips from other franchises and Japanese anime series continue to circulate widely.

  • LIVE: Opening Ceremony of Creole in the Streets 2025

    LIVE: Opening Ceremony of Creole in the Streets 2025

    In today’s hyper-connected world, social media platforms have become the cornerstone of digital interaction, with sharing functionalities like ‘Share’, ‘Tweet’, and ‘Pin’ playing pivotal roles in content dissemination. These tools empower users to amplify their voices, spread information rapidly, and engage with global audiences in real-time. The act of sharing not only enhances personal expression but also drives collective movements, influences public opinion, and shapes cultural trends. As social media continues to evolve, its impact on communication, marketing, and societal dynamics grows exponentially. Understanding the mechanics and implications of these sharing features is crucial for navigating the digital landscape effectively.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Partner with Japan on Advanced Water-Recycling Initiative

    Antigua and Barbuda to Partner with Japan on Advanced Water-Recycling Initiative

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a groundbreaking partnership with Japan’s WOTA Corporation to implement a national water-security program. This initiative will focus on decentralized, autonomous water-recycling systems designed to enhance the country’s resilience to droughts and natural disasters while promoting sustainable freshwater management. During a detailed presentation to the Cabinet, WOTA showcased its cutting-edge technology, which purifies and recycles water at the point of use, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity challenges. The collaboration will involve a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) initiative, supported by the Government of Japan, with plans to deploy at least 500 WOTA systems across Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will oversee the project, while the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will handle installation and operations. A joint monitoring committee, comprising WOTA, the Japanese government, and local agencies, will ensure effective implementation. To encourage widespread adoption, the Cabinet has proposed a five-year tax and duty exemption on the importation, sale, installation, and maintenance of WOTA systems and components, effective January 1, 2026. This measure aims to make the technology affordable for communities, schools, and institutions. Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and climate resilience, particularly within the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The project is expected to serve as a regional model, demonstrating how advanced water-recycling systems can foster self-sufficiency and sustainability across the Caribbean.

  • Citi introduces generative AI tools across departments

    Citi introduces generative AI tools across departments

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Citigroup Inc. has introduced four cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at transforming its compliance, risk management, human resources, and finance operations, the global banking giant revealed on Tuesday. The newly launched tools—Citi Stylus, Citi Stylus Workspaces, Citi Assist, and Citi Squad—are engineered to analyze documents in various formats, generate concise summaries, and provide comparative insights. Currently, these AI solutions are accessible to approximately 150,000 Citigroup employees across 51 jurisdictions, with plans for a comprehensive rollout extending through the end of 2025. Eva Lewis, Citi Country Officer for Jamaica, emphasized that the adoption of generative AI transcends technological advancement, stating, ‘At Citi Jamaica, embracing generative AI is about more than technology—it’s about empowering our team to deliver smarter, faster, and safer banking services to our clients.’ Unlike conventional AI systems that operate within predefined rules, generative AI utilizes advanced language models and neural networks to produce original content based on learned data patterns. Citigroup highlighted that this innovative technology will significantly enhance response times, bolster fraud detection capabilities, and enable more personalized client interactions. With a presence in nearly 160 countries, Citigroup offers a diverse array of financial services to corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide.

  • 2026 BYD Seal AWD: More juice

    2026 BYD Seal AWD: More juice

    The BYD Seal, already a standout in its single-motor configuration, takes performance to new heights with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. The rear badge now proudly displays a ‘3.8,’ signifying its blistering acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. This impressive feat places the Seal AWD firmly ahead of most competitors at the traffic light.

  • Amber Group bets on AI, robotics for next decade

    Amber Group bets on AI, robotics for next decade

    Jamaica-based technology firm Amber Group is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with a strategic focus on robotics and physical AI. CEO Dushyant Savadia unveiled the company’s ambitious plans during a ceremony marking its 10th anniversary at the AC Hotel Kingston. Savadia emphasized the rapid pace of AI advancements, describing generative AI as the first phase of evolution, followed by conversational AI, and now the imminent rise of physical AI. He envisions a future where robotics will autonomously perform tasks across industries, reducing the need for human intervention. Amber Group has already secured distribution agreements with leading robotics companies and established its Amber Robotics subsidiary to train Jamaican staff in robot programming and implementation for various applications, such as cleaning, sweeping, and food delivery. Savadia highlighted global examples, such as robotic surgery in India and Amazon’s automated warehouses, to underscore the transformative potential of physical AI. The company aims to position Jamaica as a global hub for robotics training and development, leveraging its international distribution network to expand services to South Africa, India, and Dubai. Parallel to its robotics venture, Amber Group is spearheading the creation of a Jamaica-specific generative AI model through the newly formed National Artificial Intelligence Lab of Jamaica. This initiative, a collaboration with the University of Technology, HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Ministry of Education, aims to cultivate local expertise in AI and robotics. Savadia outlined plans to train 50 students in AI engineering, with the goal of developing Jamaica’s own large language model (LLM) within a year. He envisions licensing this model to global AI firms, complementing rather than competing with established players like ChatGPT. Prime Minister Andrew Holness endorsed the initiative, emphasizing its role in Jamaica’s economic strategy and the need to upskill the workforce to embrace higher-value opportunities in AI and robotics. Savadia’s vision extends beyond technology, aiming to build a knowledge-based economy where Jamaicans can thrive through innovation and global digital participation.