分类： technology

Belize is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey, as highlighted during the recent Digital Leadership Conference. With over 300,000 Belizeans online and 349,000 owning cellphones, the nation is increasingly connected. However, experts warn that embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity is crucial to avoid falling behind in the global tech race. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain of Chamberlain Consulting Limited emphasized the dual impact of AI, predicting it will eliminate 70 million jobs globally by 2026 but create 300 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 90 million jobs. This underscores the urgent need for upskilling and adapting to technological advancements. Maynor Larrieu of Avant Garde noted that while Belize is in the early stages of AI adoption, the gap with more advanced countries is widening rapidly. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, which employs over 20,000 Belizeans, is already feeling the effects of AI disruption. A recent study revealed that 78% of tier-one jobs in the sector, such as customer service, face high AI disruption risks. Christian Junior of Rhics UK stressed the importance of training to mitigate these risks, stating that effective upskilling can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Sonia Ceballos of Socias Limited highlighted AI’s potential to optimize repetitive tasks, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating on tight budgets. The conference’s key takeaway was clear: AI is not a passing trend but a transformative force. Businesses and workers must adapt to this new reality or risk being left behind in an increasingly digital world.

At the recent Digital Leadership Conference, Chinonso Arubayi, a renowned content creator and actor from Lagos, Nigeria, shared invaluable insights on how Belizean creators can elevate their digital presence. Arubayi, who has a keen focus on monetizing digital content, joined Marleni Cuellar, CEO of Greater Belize Media, for an engaging fireside chat. Ahead of her session, Arubayi emphasized the importance of balancing passion with profitability in content creation.

Arubayi highlighted that while passion drives many creators, the lack of financial returns can lead to burnout. She stressed that producing quality content is costly, and without monetization, it can feel like a waste of time. To mitigate this, Arubayi suggested partnering with brands to reduce production costs and adopting a business-oriented approach to content creation.

She also advised creators to think beyond local audiences and consider the global community. ‘Don’t think Belize alone, think the world, think globally,’ she urged. Arubayi shared her experience of monetizing content in the U.S. and UK before it was possible in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of understanding and leveraging international markets.

Arubayi’s session was a call to action for Belizean creators to approach content creation strategically, ensuring that their passion translates into sustainable success in the digital realm.

Belize is at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution, as highlighted during the Digital Leadership Conference held in Belize City on November 13, 2025. Experts emphasized the urgent need for businesses and individuals to adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain, Managing Director of Chamberlain Consulting Limited, revealed that while AI is projected to displace 70 million jobs globally by the end of 2026, it will simultaneously create over 300 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 90 million jobs. This underscores the necessity for Belizeans to embrace reskilling and digital literacy. Maynor Larrieu, Managing Director at Avant Garde, noted that Belize is still in the early stages of AI adoption, particularly in sectors like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), which employs over 20,000 Belizeans. Christian Junior, CEO of Rhics UK, stressed that effective training can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Sonia Ceballos, Managing Director at Socias Limited, highlighted AI’s potential to optimize repetitive tasks, enabling small businesses to focus on growth. However, the conference also addressed the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water and energy consumption. Susannah Hill, a sustainable computing consultant, warned that AI data centers consume millions of gallons of water daily, raising sustainability concerns. To mitigate these impacts, users are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using chatbots judiciously, leveraging offline features, and advocating for sustainable AI development.

In a surprising turn of events, the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) app has been removed from the Google Play Store just one month after its launch. The app, which allowed users to purchase Boledo, Jackpot, and Ordinary Lottery tickets, was initially approved but later flagged for violating Google’s stringent gambling policies. Google prohibits apps that facilitate real-money lottery purchases, leading to the app’s removal. While existing users can still access the app, no future updates will be available. In response, BGLL has launched a web portal offering the same features and security as the app. Interestingly, the app remains accessible on the Apple App Store, as Apple permits licensed gambling apps in Belize. BGLL has assured users of its commitment to providing a seamless experience across platforms, urging Android users to transition to the web portal while iOS users can continue using the app as usual.

In a surprising turn of events, Google has removed the ‘Fi We Boledo App’ developed by Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) from the Google Play Store. The app, which facilitates the purchase of real-money lottery tickets, was flagged during a review for violating Google’s stringent gambling policies, particularly in countries like Belize. While the app was initially approved, this subsequent action has left Android users in a precarious position. Although they can continue using the existing app, future updates will no longer be available, raising concerns about security and functionality. In response, BGLL has launched a web portal to ensure uninterrupted access for its users. This portal mirrors the app’s features, allowing users to log in with their existing accounts and retain all past purchases and winnings. Notably, iOS users remain unaffected, as Apple continues to permit licensed gambling apps in Belize.