Carib Scope

分类： technology

  • Digicel Business and Symptai Offer Complimentary Dark Web Scans for Cybersecurity Month

    Digicel Business and Symptai Offer Complimentary Dark Web Scans for Cybersecurity Month

    In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity across the Caribbean, Digicel Business and Symptai have announced a complimentary dark web scan initiative in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This program, available until November 21, 2025, aims to help regional businesses identify potential data breaches and mitigate risks before they escalate. The Caribbean, often perceived as vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited local expertise and insufficient proactive measures, stands to benefit greatly from this initiative.

    Cybercrime continues to surge globally, with data breaches costing an average of US$4.88 million annually. Common vulnerabilities include phishing attacks, misconfigured devices, and compromised credentials. By detecting exposed data early, businesses can safeguard customer trust, secure critical systems, and minimize the impact of cyber threats.

    Marlon Cooper, CEO of Symptai, emphasized the inseparable link between cybersecurity and business strategy. ‘No organization can achieve sustained growth without protecting its data,’ he stated. ‘Prioritizing security is essential for maintaining trust, enhancing competitiveness, and securing the region’s economic future.’

    Liam Donnelly, Chief Business Officer at Digicel, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering organizations. ‘With our team of experts and global partnerships, we bring world-class cybersecurity and data protection services to the Caribbean,’ he said.

    The collaboration between Digicel Business and Symptai provides businesses with access to a comprehensive suite of ICT, cybersecurity, and data protection services. These include 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, endpoint protection, managed firewalls, consultancy, and penetration testing. This unified approach ensures that organizations of all sizes can effectively safeguard their data, systems, and operations.

    Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the free dark web scan to identify and address potential risks promptly. For more information or to request a scan, visit /global/en/cybersecurity-month-2025.

    About Digicel:
    Digicel is a leading digital connectivity provider, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central, and South America. With a focus on economic participation and digital inclusion, Digicel serves nine million customers through mobile, home, and business solutions.

    About Symptai:
    Symptai, headquartered in Jamaica, is a premier IT consulting firm with over 27 years of experience. Specializing in cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital transformation, Symptai empowers organizations to build resilience, comply with regulations, and unlock long-term value through technology.

  • NBB Warns of Fake Facebook Pages Targeting Customers

    NBB Warns of Fake Facebook Pages Targeting Customers

    The National Bank of Belize (NBBL) has issued a stern warning to its customers following the discovery of counterfeit Facebook pages impersonating the bank. In an official statement released on Tuesday, NBBL clarified that these pages are entirely unauthorized and bear no affiliation with the institution. The bank has promptly reported the matter to the relevant authorities and is actively pursuing the removal of these fraudulent accounts. Customers are strongly advised against sharing any personal or financial information with these pages and to meticulously verify the authenticity of any suspicious messages. NBBL emphasized that all official communications are exclusively disseminated through its verified platforms. Individuals who believe they may have interacted with a fake account are urged to contact the bank immediately via email at services@nbbl.bz or by calling 822-0957 / 822-0950.

  • How AI is transforming dentistry

    How AI is transforming dentistry

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or futuristic concepts like self-driving cars. In Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Shenilee Hazell, founder of Smile Inn Dental, is pioneering the use of AI in dentistry, transforming how patients receive dental care. Her clinic has become the first in the Caribbean to adopt Dental Monitoring, an AI-powered system that allows patients to monitor their oral health from home, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits.

    Patients are provided with a ScanBox device that connects to their smartphones. Once a week, they record a short video of their teeth, which the AI analyzes for over 130 factors, including aligner fit and gum health. Within hours, patients receive personalized feedback, such as whether to proceed to the next aligner or wait a few more days. This innovative approach offers continuous, adaptive care without the hassle of leaving home.

    Dr. Hazell emphasizes that time is a significant barrier to oral health. By integrating AI into patients’ lifestyles, Smile Inn Dental delivers precision care while saving valuable time. Studies show that AI-assisted monitoring can reduce diagnostic time by nearly half and detect issues earlier than traditional methods, leading to faster treatments, fewer complications, and better outcomes.

    Globally, AI is reshaping dentistry, with machine learning systems reading X-rays, mapping facial structures, and even guiding surgical procedures. Companies like Pearl AI, VideaHealth, and Align Technology have developed algorithms trained on millions of images, enabling faster detection of decay, bone loss, and gum disease. At Smile Inn, Dr. Hazell uses Invisalign’s ClinCheck AI and Smile Architect software to design personalized smiles based on each patient’s facial symmetry.

    Beyond treatment, Smile Inn employs near-infrared light to identify weak enamel before cavities form, aligning with global trends in predictive dentistry. This proactive approach allows patients to focus on preventive care rather than waiting for problems to arise.

    Despite its benefits, AI in dentistry can evoke concerns about dehumanization and algorithmic bias. Dr. Hazell addresses these issues by ensuring AI remains a supportive tool, not a replacement for clinicians. She also advocates for regional data partnerships to ensure AI systems reflect the Caribbean’s diversity.

    AI-enabled tele-dentistry has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in the Caribbean, where geography often limits access. Patients in remote areas, such as Tobago, can now receive weekly monitoring from specialists in Port of Spain without incurring travel costs. This innovation also enhances the region’s medical tourism appeal, offering world-class precision care locally.

    Dr. Hazell’s leadership extends beyond technology. She is training her all-female team, piloting AI-driven X-ray diagnostics, and even 3D-printing aligners in-house. Her efforts inspire young Caribbean professionals, particularly women, to merge science, technology, and creativity in healthcare.

    AI has entered the dental chair, offering precision, transparency, and time savings for both practitioners and patients. Dr. Hazell and Smile Inn Dental exemplify how innovation thrives in the Caribbean, proving that cutting-edge technology isn’t limited to overseas markets.

  • Top Barbadian firms back IABC Barbados AI masterclass

    Top Barbadian firms back IABC Barbados AI masterclass

    Barbados is taking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the communication sector with an upcoming masterclass organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Barbados Chapter. Titled ‘AI for Communication Excellence,’ the event, scheduled for November 11, has garnered strong support from key corporate and media institutions, including The Nation Publishing Co Limited as the title sponsor, Consumers’ Guarantee Insurance (CGI) Company Ltd and Barbados TODAY Inc. as silver sponsors, and General Accident Insurance Company as a bronze sponsor. This collaboration highlights a collective commitment to fostering technological fluency while upholding human-centered ethics in communication. Dr. Pamala Proverbs, President of IABC Barbados, emphasized the importance of embracing AI as a transformative tool rather than fearing it. She stated that the masterclass aims to equip professionals with the skills to apply AI intelligently and ethically, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their fields. The event will feature insights from Jennifer Jones-Mitchell, a global AI strategist and CEO of Human Driven AI, and Lisa Greaves, Barbados’ data protection commissioner, who will provide both strategic and regulatory perspectives. Designed for professionals in public relations, corporate communications, media, marketing, crisis management, and brand storytelling, the masterclass promises to deliver practical, future-ready skills. Registration for this transformative experience is available at www.iabcbarbadosbb.com.

  • Technology : Official Launch of Haiti Tech Connect Awards

    Technology : Official Launch of Haiti Tech Connect Awards

    On October 21, 2025, the Haiti Tech Connect Podcast unveiled the inaugural Haiti Tech Connect Awards, a groundbreaking initiative designed to honor the contributions of individuals and groups within Haiti and its diaspora. These awards aim to celebrate those who leverage technology, education, social innovation, and entrepreneurship to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive digital ecosystem. The awards will recognize a diverse array of talents, including individuals, institutions, startups, women, and young innovators, across six key categories: Innovation & Technology, Education & Automation, Impact & Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, Creativity & Media Innovation, and Diaspora Tech Excellence. A significant portion of the selection process will involve public voting, which will account for 70% of the total score in categories such as Young Innovator of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women & Tech Leadership, and Mayors’ Online Presence. The nomination period opened on October 21, 2025, and will close on November 30, 2025, with public voting scheduled from December 1 to December 10, 2025. The winners will be announced on December 12, 2025. For more information, interested parties can visit the official website or contact the organizers via email at hey@profitconsultgroup.com.

  • GK eyes digital growth through Bill Express Whatsapp Pay

    GK eyes digital growth through Bill Express Whatsapp Pay

    GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) has introduced a groundbreaking payment feature through its Bill Express brand, enabling customers to pay bills directly via WhatsApp. This innovative service, named WhatsApp Pay, allows users to manage their financial obligations from anywhere in the world, leveraging the widespread use of WhatsApp as Jamaica’s most popular instant messaging platform. The company emphasized that this move aligns with the growing demand for convenient digital channels and is part of its broader strategy to modernize customer financial management. WhatsApp Pay operates through a designated number, guiding users through a simple, secure, and private payment process. With a transaction fee of $55—lower than in-store rates—the service offers a cost-effective alternative for bill payments and mobile credit top-ups. Since its launch, GKMS has reported encouraging early adoption, with steady growth in transaction volumes and inquiries. The company anticipates increased usage, particularly among younger, tech-savvy users who prefer digital interactions. WhatsApp Pay also targets the Diaspora market, enabling seamless cross-border payments supported by local and international debit or credit cards. Security remains a top priority, with the platform employing encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring to safeguard customer data, ensuring compliance with local and international standards. Developed through a collaboration between GraceKennedy’s internal team and an external provider, WhatsApp Pay reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital solutions. While GKMS did not disclose specific transaction figures, it clarified that the service is part of a long-term digital transformation strategy focused on enhancing customer engagement rather than short-term profitability. ‘WhatsApp Pay was designed to deliver innovation and convenience, and we are confident it will strengthen our position in the digital payments landscape,’ the company stated.

  • Apple, Google face tougher UK regulation of mobile platforms

    Apple, Google face tougher UK regulation of mobile platforms

    The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that Apple and Google will face enhanced regulatory oversight for their mobile platforms. This decision, following a nine-month investigation, designates the two tech giants as holding ‘strategic market status’ (SMS), enabling the CMA to enforce stricter rules aimed at fostering competition and innovation. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The CMA highlighted that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate the UK mobile market, with nearly all devices pre-installed with one of these operating systems. Their app stores and browsers also hold leading positions, potentially stifling competition. Under the SMS designation, the CMA can mandate changes to how these platforms operate, offering consumers greater choice. Both companies criticized the decision, with Google labeling it ‘disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,’ while Apple warned it could lead to weaker privacy, delayed updates, and a fragmented user experience. The CMA’s announcement follows Google’s recent SMS designation for its dominance in online search, with ongoing consultations on specific rules. Google has also cautioned that unfavorable regulations could hinder new product launches in the UK, despite its recent £5 billion ($6.7 billion) investment in the country’s AI sector. Both companies employ thousands in the UK, with Google employing over 7,000 and Apple nearly 8,000.

  • Meta to cut 600 jobs in artificial intelligence — reports

    Meta to cut 600 jobs in artificial intelligence — reports

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the elimination of 600 positions within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, as reported by major U.S. media outlets on Wednesday. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency following a period of rapid expansion and aggressive hiring. Notably, the job cuts will not impact the TBD Lab, a specialized unit established by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the layoffs will primarily affect teams dedicated to AI product development and infrastructure, with the goal of optimizing resources while maintaining progress on Meta’s most ambitious projects. According to a Wall Street Journal report, many of the displaced employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times characterized the layoffs as a response to ‘organizational bloat’ resulting from the company’s intensive hiring spree to bolster its AI initiatives. Both publications referenced a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who emphasized that the reduction in workforce would lead to ‘fewer conversations required to make decisions,’ thereby streamlining operations. Meta has yet to comment on the matter in response to inquiries from AFP.

  • LIVE: DDA Press Conference 21st October 2025

    LIVE: DDA Press Conference 21st October 2025

    In a bid to boost user interaction and streamline content dissemination, leading social media platforms are rolling out enhanced sharing functionalities. These updates include new options such as ‘Share,’ ‘Tweet,’ ‘Pin,’ and other innovative tools designed to make it easier for users to distribute content across various networks. The move is seen as a strategic effort to keep users engaged and to foster a more interconnected digital ecosystem. By simplifying the sharing process, platforms aim to increase the visibility of user-generated content and encourage more active participation. This development underscores the ongoing evolution of social media as a central hub for communication and content exchange in the digital age.

  • Amazon Web Services says global internet outage ‘fully mitigated’

    Amazon Web Services says global internet outage ‘fully mitigated’

    Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading global cloud computing provider, has announced that a significant outage affecting its platform has been fully resolved. The disruption, which occurred on October 20, impacted a vast array of popular websites and applications worldwide, including Canva, Snapchat, Facebook, Fortnite, Venmo, Prime Video, and others reliant on AWS infrastructure. According to Downdetector, a service that monitors internet outages, the issue caused widespread service interruptions, affecting platforms such as cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and artificial intelligence company Perplexity. AWS confirmed that most of its operations were restored later in the day, bringing relief to companies like Hulu, McDonald’s, and the UK Government’s official website, which also experienced temporary disruptions. This incident marks the most significant global internet disruption since last year’s CrowdStrike malfunction, which severely impacted technology systems in hospitals, banks, and airports worldwide. During the peak of the outage, Canva addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating, ‘Our cloud provider is currently experiencing problems. It’s not the experience we want for you, and we’re working closely with them to help re-establish service. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work to bring things back to normal.’