Carib Scope

分类： technology

  • Modern Tools Power Agriculture’s Next Chapter

    Modern Tools Power Agriculture’s Next Chapter

    Belize’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a technological transformation following the successful implementation of a groundbreaking statistical modernization initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture has officially launched an advanced data collection system through a strategic partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

    The innovative program, formally designated as “The Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System,” represents a significant leap forward in agricultural monitoring capabilities. The recently concluded handover ceremony showcased an impressive array of technological assets, including sophisticated drone systems for aerial crop surveillance, state-of-the-art surveying equipment, and real-time data processing software.

    Field demonstrations conducted during official visits revealed the practical application of these technologies, featuring computer-assisted personal interviewing systems and unmanned aerial vehicles conducting precision crop assessments. The newly acquired Utility Task Vehicle with specialized trailer will enable ministry teams to access remote agricultural regions previously difficult to monitor, facilitating on-site data collection in challenging terrain.

    This technological enhancement addresses critical gaps in agricultural data accuracy and timeliness. By transitioning from traditional manual methods to automated, precision-based systems, Belize establishes a framework for evidence-based policy formulation. The comprehensive data ecosystem will support informed decision-making regarding food security initiatives, rural community development programs, and sustainable agricultural practices.

    The modernization effort directly contributes to Belize’s progress toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting zero hunger, sustainable communities, and climate action. This represents a paradigm shift in how developing nations can leverage international partnerships and cutting-edge technology to transform essential agricultural infrastructure.

  • Belize Receives New Tech Boost to Strengthen Agricultural Data

    Belize Receives New Tech Boost to Strengthen Agricultural Data

    Belize’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant technological transformation following the deployment of advanced equipment provided through an international development initiative. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has delivered cutting-edge technological resources to modernize Belize’s agricultural data collection and analysis systems.

    During recent field demonstrations, representatives from KOICA, FAO, and Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries witnessed the practical application of these new tools. The showcase included digital surveys utilizing Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) devices, precision crop monitoring via drone technology, and sophisticated data processing software designed to enhance analytical capabilities.

    The technological infusion was formally commemorated through a handover ceremony that included a Utility Task Vehicle and accompanying trailer—essential assets for reaching remote agricultural regions. This comprehensive equipment package, encompassing drones, digital survey instruments, and advanced data analytics platforms, represents a strategic investment in Belize’s agricultural infrastructure.

    According to ministry officials, this technological enhancement will facilitate evidence-based policy formulation, strengthen national food security frameworks, and provide improved support mechanisms for the agricultural community. The modernization initiative will additionally enable Belize to meet international reporting standards for Sustainable Development Goals while addressing sector-specific challenges through data-driven solutions.

  • Tech Beach Retreat cancels flagship event to focus on hurricane recovery

    Tech Beach Retreat cancels flagship event to focus on hurricane recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), Jamaica’s foremost technology and innovation platform, has officially canceled its premier event previously scheduled for December 3–5, 2025. The decision reflects the organization’s commitment to prioritizing national recovery over its signature gathering.

    Kirk-Anthony Hamilton, CEO and Director of Tech Beach Retreat, described the hurricane’s impact as one of the most severe challenges in Jamaica’s modern history. “The scale of suffering, displacement, and loss throughout the island necessitates a full reallocation of our resources toward relief operations,” Hamilton stated. “While this was a difficult choice, it is unequivocally the right one for our nation at this critical time.”

    TBR has initiated refund processes for all prepaid event packages, with numerous attendees voluntarily converting their registrations into direct donations for emergency response initiatives. The organization expressed profound gratitude for this show of global solidarity.

    Simultaneously, TBR’s local team and advisory network have pivoted to execute both immediate aid distribution and strategic long-term reconstruction programs. Their on-the-ground activities include assembling and delivering thousands of essential care packages to affected populations, managing the logistics for international supply shipments, and initiating rebuilding projects in the most severely damaged regions.

    Technology remains central to TBR’s disaster response strategy. Through a partnership with HPS (Morocco), the organization is deploying Starlink satellite internet units and generators to restore communication and power in isolated communities. Collaborative efforts with Mobeus and Google are underway to develop advanced digital crisis-management systems and control-center operations, enhancing Jamaica’s coordination framework throughout the recovery phase.

    Further amplifying its relief campaign, TBR is coordinating two humanitarian cargo flights from Miami, funded through donations, to transport critical supplies to those in need.

    “TBR’s core mission has always centered on uniting people, resources, and global networks,” Hamilton emphasized. “These elements are now precisely what Jamaica requires to rebuild.”

    The organization is currently channeling tax-exempt contributions without deducting administrative fees through established partners like the American Friends of Jamaica and the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). Prospective donors are encouraged to reach out via kirk@techbeach.net.

    Concluding on a note of defiance and hope, Hamilton affirmed: “Jamaica’s spirit is resilient — we may bend, but we never break. Our nation will emerge from this crisis stronger, more daring, and more impactful than ever before.”

  • Telecom : Internet performance results between Digicel and Natcom

    Telecom : Internet performance results between Digicel and Natcom

    A comprehensive telecommunications performance report for Haiti has revealed a clear market segmentation between leading service providers during the first half of 2025. According to data released by internet analytics firm Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence, the Caribbean nation’s connectivity landscape shows distinct leaders in mobile and fixed broadband categories.

    Digicel emerged as the undisputed leader in mobile network performance, demonstrating significant advantages across multiple metrics. The telecommunications provider achieved a median download speed of 16.08 Mbps, substantially outperforming competitor Natcom’s 5.22 Mbps. Upload capabilities further cemented Digicel’s mobile dominance with a median speed of 11.32 Mbps. The comprehensive Speedtest Connectivity Score, which evaluates overall user experience through multiple performance indicators, ranked Digicel highest at 44.6 among Haitian mobile operators.

    Regional analysis uncovered substantial geographic disparities in mobile connectivity. Fermathe recorded the fastest median mobile download speed at 22.15 Mbps, followed by Carrefour and Port-au-Prince. Conversely, Ouanaminthe district struggled with the slowest connectivity at just 3.58 Mbps. The South Department led regional mobile performance with 15.13 Mbps, while the Northeast Department trailed significantly at 6.74 Mbps.

    In fixed broadband, Natcom established itself as Haiti’s premier internet service provider. The company achieved remarkable median download and upload speeds of 52.94 Mbps and 54.91 Mbps respectively. Natcom’s network reliability proved exceptional, with 75.6% of samples meeting or exceeding the 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload threshold. The provider earned a Speedtest Connectivity Score of 57.47, reflecting superior overall user experience for fixed broadband services.

    Geographic analysis of fixed broadband revealed Carrefour as the top-performing urban center with median download speeds reaching 64.36 Mbps, followed by Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes. The Nippes department led regional fixed broadband performance at 56.15 Mbps, while the Central Department recorded the slowest speeds at 24.65 Mbps. This detailed performance assessment highlights both the progress and persistent challenges in Haiti’s telecommunications infrastructure as the nation works to bridge its digital divide.

  • Vice President inaugurates Cotoperí Solar, largest photovoltaic complex in Central America and the Caribbean

    Vice President inaugurates Cotoperí Solar, largest photovoltaic complex in Central America and the Caribbean

    In a landmark event for renewable energy, Vice President Raquel Peña officially launched the Cotoperí Solar complex on Wednesday, marking it as the largest photovoltaic project in Central America and the Caribbean. Situated in Guaymate, La Romana, this state-of-the-art facility boasts a nominal capacity of 162.6 MW, comprising three solar plants that are projected to generate 286 GWh of clean energy annually. This significant output is expected to offset over 210,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, an environmental impact equivalent to planting 5.5 million trees.

    The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent figures including Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos, Acciona President and CEO José Manuel Entrecanales, JMMB Dominican Republic Executive President Juan José Melo, and Grupo País CEO Juan Carlos País. The project is a joint venture, with Acciona Energía holding a 51% stake and Cotosolar Holding, which includes the JMMB Sustainable Energy Fund (FES), Grupo País, and other investors, owning the remaining 49%.

    Beyond its environmental contributions, Cotoperí Solar has already spurred substantial economic and social development in the region. During its construction phase, the project created over 600 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, it has implemented community-focused initiatives benefiting more than 3,500 individuals. These programs include job placement schemes that prioritize local employment, vocational and entrepreneurship training, and road safety campaigns.

    In collaboration with Centro Arcoíris and acciona.org, Cotoperí Solar is also addressing critical infrastructure needs by improving water and sanitation access for over 4,500 residents in the Bella Vista and Villa Penca communities of Bajos de Haina. This multifaceted approach underscores the project’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for local populations.

  • Manual line disconnection triggered nationwide blackout, report says

    Manual line disconnection triggered nationwide blackout, report says

    The Coordinating Body of the National Interconnected Electric System (OC-SENI) in the Dominican Republic has concluded its technical investigation into the nationwide blackout that occurred on November 11. The comprehensive report, now available on the agency’s website, was completed within the same month of the incident—a notably faster turnaround compared to similar investigations in countries like Spain or Chile, which can take up to five months. The inquiry was conducted by a multidisciplinary team, underscoring the urgency and thoroughness of the process. The blackout originated at the 138 kV San Pedro de Macorís I substation, where a manual disconnection of a live line caused a high-intensity short circuit. Although protection systems responded immediately, the fault led to the disconnection of several nearby lines, isolating 575 MW of generation in the eastern region from the grid. This imbalance triggered automatic shutdowns of major power plants as part of their safety mechanisms. While SENI managed to stabilize system frequency within 89 seconds, the grid’s vulnerability, due to the lack of synchronized cold reserve capacity and incomplete replacement of EDAC circuits, resulted in a sudden frequency collapse and total system shutdown. The OC-SENI report not only details the sequence of events but also proposes corrective measures to bolster grid resilience. These include installing additional protections in double-bus substations, enhancing operational protocols to integrate thermal and renewable technologies, incorporating battery-based storage for auxiliary services and black-start capability, adjusting protection settings and automatic disconnection schemes, and reviewing high-frequency criteria in generation plants. The Coordinating Body is now focused on overseeing the implementation of these recommendations to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the SENI.

  • Could AI be Trinidad and Tobago’s new ‘oil and gas’ frontier?

    Could AI be Trinidad and Tobago’s new ‘oil and gas’ frontier?

    Trinidad and Tobago is making significant strides in embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its national development strategy. Under the leadership of Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and AI, the country has launched a National AI Assessment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNESCO. This initiative aims to evaluate the nation’s readiness to adopt AI technologies and ensure ethical and inclusive implementation. The assessment employs two key tools: UNDP’s Artificial Intelligence Landscape Assessment (AILA) methodology and UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). These tools will identify institutional and regulatory gaps while fostering an ethical AI ecosystem. The launch event, held on November 26 at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain, brought together public and private stakeholders, civil society, and international representatives. Smith emphasized the transformative potential of AI, stating that it could modernize public services, enhance productivity, and create high-value jobs. However, he acknowledged challenges such as skills gaps, cybersecurity, and public trust. The government plans to roll out training initiatives to upskill citizens and position Trinidad and Tobago as a leading AI-driven island state. The findings of the assessment are expected to be publicly released in March/April 2026, marking a pivotal step in the country’s digital transformation journey.

  • Public service digitisation wins President’s awards

    Public service digitisation wins President’s awards

    In a landmark celebration of technological advancement in public service, the eighth annual President’s Award for Innovation in Service Excellence (PrAISE) ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s on November 27 showcased groundbreaking digital initiatives transforming citizen services.

    The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) emerged as a standout winner, securing the prestigious President’s Award in the internal user experience category for its revolutionary Digital Health Information System. Chief Executive Anthony Blake characterized the achievement as “a victory for both NWRHA patients and the dedicated team driving this initiative since 2019.”

    This comprehensive digital ecosystem represents a monumental shift from paper-based medical documentation to a unified digital platform spanning hospitals, health centers, and community services. The conversion process employs specialized scanning technology and involves young professionals in on-the-job training programs working alongside medical records personnel to ensure accurate digitization of patient histories.

    Blake revealed the authority’s ongoing development of a mobile application version that will empower both healthcare providers and patients to better manage medical information, promising significantly streamlined service delivery.

    Similarly transformative, the Ministry of Education claimed the citizen experience award for its First Year Infant Registration System—a digital platform that has revolutionized school placement procedures through simplified digital processes.

    President Christine Kangaloo emphasized the critical importance of such innovations, stating: “Service culture improvement necessitates fundamentally reimagining our operational methodologies, citizen engagement strategies, and creative problem-solving capabilities among public officers. Achieving superior outcomes is impossible while clinging to obsolete systems and traditional approaches—innovation must become the connective tissue unifying all improvement efforts.”

    Additional recognition included audience choice awards going to the Health Ministry’s substance abuse prevention workshop and NALIS’s Marrakesh Project enhancing accessibility for visually impaired citizens. Public voting honored the Women’s Health Directorate’s maternal-newborn surveillance system and IGovTT’s AI-powered Anansi government information platform.

    The Inter-American Development Bank’s senior health specialist Ian Ho-A-Shu reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, noting: “PrAISE has consistently provided an essential platform fostering innovation, collaboration, and morale within Trinidad and Tobago’s public service. As a development institution, we remain dedicated to institutional strengthening and capacity building—principles powerfully embodied by this initiative.”

  • Digicel TT to spend $20m on upgrades

    Digicel TT to spend $20m on upgrades

    Digicel TT has unveiled a major $20 million infrastructure investment aimed at revolutionizing its telecommunications network across Trinidad and Tobago. The comprehensive upgrade strategy involves decommissioning the outdated 2G network by December 31, 2025, while simultaneously enhancing data capabilities and network resilience.

    CEO Pieter Verkade confirmed the company’s substantial commitment to technological advancement, stating that this investment demonstrates Digicel’s long-term dedication to the Trinidad and Tobago market. The modernization initiative includes multiple components: upgrading mobile sites, reinforcing critical infrastructure, and transitioning important fiber lines underground for enhanced protection against environmental factors.

    The infrastructure overhaul has already produced tangible results with seven new mobile sites becoming operational. An additional twenty sites are scheduled for completion by early 2026, significantly expanding coverage and improving data transmission speeds nationwide. This expansion directly addresses growing consumer and enterprise demand for high-quality internet and reliable communication services.

    For enterprise and government clients, the network enhancements promise strengthened uptime capabilities, improved cybersecurity measures, and infrastructure capable of supporting data-intensive operations. The technological improvements specifically target the increasing requirements for connectivity and data-driven business processes.

    The 2G network retirement represents a strategic reallocation of spectrum resources toward next-generation technologies. Digicel began preparing customers for this transition three years ago, distributing over 700 upgraded devices at no cost to ensure seamless migration. Customers still utilizing 2G-exclusive handsets are encouraged to visit Digicel stores to obtain compatible replacement devices while inventory remains available.

    This $20 million investment constitutes part of Digicel’s broader commitment to Trinidad and Tobago, where the company has invested over $1.2 billion since its establishment. The current upgrades aim to deliver a more robust, future-ready network that maintains high performance standards amid escalating data consumption patterns.

    Verkade emphasized that these efforts ultimately focus on constructing a modern, resilient telecommunications framework that will support Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation for years to come, ensuring reliable service quality and enhanced customer experiences across all user segments.

  • Dominica to commission geothermal power plant in December

    Dominica to commission geothermal power plant in December

    The Caribbean nation of Dominica is poised to make a significant leap in renewable energy with the commissioning of its first geothermal power plant this December. This landmark project, developed in collaboration with international partners, aims to harness the island’s abundant geothermal resources to provide a sustainable and reliable energy source. The plant is expected to generate up to 10 megawatts of electricity, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit hailed the initiative as a transformative step toward energy independence and climate resilience. The project also aligns with Dominica’s broader vision of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation, as outlined in its Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan. Experts predict that the geothermal plant will not only bolster the local economy but also serve as a model for other small island states seeking to transition to renewable energy.