The Caribbean region finds itself at a pivotal juncture in the digital era. As CARICOM governments deliberate the adoption of a shared currency—a concept that has reemerged since the Treaty of Chaguaramas—a broader question looms: why not extend this integration to digital sovereignty? In a world increasingly shaped by global platforms, the Caribbean’s daily life is dominated by technologies designed and controlled beyond its borders. WhatsApp orchestrates neighborhood interactions, TikTok influences youth culture, and Western financial apps dominate remittance systems. This outsourcing of cultural and political expression to Silicon Valley raises a critical question: can the Caribbean envision and construct its own digital infrastructure, one that aligns with its values and priorities? Global examples offer inspiration. China’s WeChat has evolved from a messaging app into a multifunctional super-application integrating payments, governance, and social exchange. Similarly, platforms like Douban have fostered cultural communities, while Russia’s VK and Rutube exemplify digital sovereignty. These models, though imperfect, demonstrate the potential for regions to reclaim control over their digital ecosystems. The urgency for a Caribbean alternative is underscored by recent events in Nepal, where youth-led protests, organized via Discord, toppled a government and led to the appointment of the country’s first female prime minister. This highlights the centrality of digital platforms in modern governance. For the Caribbean, the implications are profound. A regional super-platform could facilitate cross-border payments in a shared currency, host cultural content, and provide digital spaces for civic engagement. Crucially, it could reduce reliance on foreign systems that commodify Caribbean identities for profit. However, the pursuit of digital sovereignty must avoid the pitfalls of digital authoritarianism. Transparency, citizen input, and safeguards against surveillance must be foundational. Lessons from global platforms’ failures—such as disinformation and data exploitation—must inform its design. The goal is not to replicate Silicon Valley’s extractive model but to create a system rooted in regional trust and collective benefit. The opportunity is ripe. Caribbean governments are already coordinating in areas like currency, logistics, and education. Extending this collaboration to digital platforms is both logical and urgent. If regional integration is to resonate with citizens, it must encompass the tools they use daily. While trade frameworks under the CSME are being harmonized, the digital platforms mediating Caribbean life remain largely external. For integration to be credible, digital sovereignty must be treated as a core service under the CSME—governed, regional, and accessible. A Caribbean platform for communication, payments, and cultural exchange would fulfill the Treaty of Chaguaramas’ vision, ensuring the region’s digital lives are not outsourced. Such a platform would embody not just technology but sovereignty, resilience, and imagination. In the 21st century, the Caribbean’s independence hinges not only on its borders and seas but also on its digital lives. The question is not whether the region can afford to build such a platform, but whether it can afford not to.
分类： technology
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Jamaica hosts historic CARLA conference
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has etched its name in history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to host the Latin America High Performance Computing Conference (CARLA) 2025. This landmark event brought together researchers, policymakers, and technology leaders from over 20 countries, spotlighting the transformative potential of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving scientific research, innovation, and sustainable development across the region. Since its inception in 2014, CARLA has been the leading HPC conference for Latin America, but its 2025 edition in Kingston marked a significant expansion of its global influence.
The conference was a collaborative effort involving the Scientific Research Council (SRC), the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Phase 3 Productions, and international organizations SCALAC and RedCLARA. It also received substantial support from global technology giants such as Dell, Nvidia, Intel, Lenovo, AMD, and Eviden.
The event commenced on September 24 with a warm welcome from Dr. Kevin Brown, Conference General Co-chair and a Jamaican researcher at the Argonne National Laboratory in the United States. Dr. Brown emphasized CARLA 2025’s role as a catalyst for fostering a globally connected yet regionally rooted computing research community. He urged participants to strengthen networks and integrate Caribbean talent into international collaborations.
Dr. Rupak Biswas of NASA delivered the opening keynote, showcasing the applications of HPC in space exploration, climate modeling, and advanced aircraft design. Other notable speakers included Professor Tannecia Stephenson of UWI Mona, Anika Shuttleworth, CIO of the Jamaica ICT Authority, and Professor Carlos Jaimee Barrios Hernández of Colombia. They collectively underscored the urgent need for the region to harness HPC and AI for climate resilience, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.
Dr. Charah Watson, Executive Director of the SRC, highlighted Jamaica’s leadership in hosting CARLA as a testament to its commitment to advancing science and innovation. She stressed the importance of demystifying science and technology to empower citizens to engage with and shape these fields. Dr. Watson also pointed out the critical role of HPC applications in areas such as climate resilience, public health analytics, and advanced industry for small developing states like Jamaica.
Education and outreach were central themes of the conference, with open days on September 25–26 inviting the public to explore exhibitions on DNA sequencing, hydrology, AI-driven code editing, and more. Sixth-form students from Immaculate Conception High and Wolmer’s Boys High participated in interactive sessions led by Dr. Brown and Professor Robinson Rivas Suárez of the Central University of Venezuela, gaining hands-on experience in data analysis.
CARLA 2025 concluded with a strong call for partnerships to enhance institutional capacity, accelerate scientific innovation, and leverage HPC and AI for the region’s development. The event not only expanded opportunities for researchers and students but also positioned Jamaica as an emerging hub for advanced computing in the Caribbean.
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Digicel expands solar project
Digicel Jamaica has embarked on a multimillion-dollar solar power initiative, not to hike customer rates but to safeguard revenues by maintaining service continuity during grid failures. CEO Stephen Murad emphasized that the 12-month collaboration with U.S.-based Caban Energy is designed to ensure uninterrupted services across all parishes, whether during hurricanes, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) outages, or even routine incidents like road accidents. Murad clarified that the investment is not a cost passed on to customers but a strategic move to strengthen the company’s reliability. The project, which began earlier this month, involves installing solar and battery systems at 511 of Digicel’s 930 sites, with teams working on 30 to 40 sites monthly. Caban Energy CEO Alexandra Rasch highlighted that approximately 180 local personnel are engaged in logistics, finance, and construction. The initiative also extends beyond cell towers, encompassing Digicel’s downtown headquarters and regional data centers, which handle critical traffic. Murad described the investment as part of a broader technology upgrade program, including recent fiber builds in Montego Bay. While Jamaica is the first market for this project, other regions like Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and Dominica are already preparing to follow suit. Digicel, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific, serves nearly nine million customers through mobile, home, and business services, with significant operations in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti.
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“Viajero Sin Límites” brings connectivity and care to tourists
Santo Domingo – SimLimites, a seasoned technology startup with more than ten years of expertise, has unveiled its innovative service, ‘Viajero Sin Límites,’ marking a first in the Caribbean region. This pioneering offering combines unlimited connectivity, comprehensive medical assistance, and emergency air coverage tailored for international tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. The service package features an eSIM with unlimited data, complimentary travel assistance including medical coverage up to USD 10,000, and access to AeroAmbulancia for emergency situations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Emmanuel Wu Rivera, CEO of SimLimites, emphasized that the product transcends conventional connectivity solutions by integrating care and immediate response into a unified service. The initiative is bolstered by partnerships with Universal Assistance, a prominent regional travel assistance provider with over 45 years of experience, and AeroAmbulancia, renowned for its rapid emergency response capabilities. This groundbreaking service positions the Dominican Republic as a trailblazing destination in the Caribbean, offering an all-encompassing travel solution that surpasses traditional insurance models tied to hotel accommodations.
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Netflix, Amazon, and Disney sue after Dominican IPTV piracy ring is dismantled
In a groundbreaking operation, Dominican authorities have dismantled one of the most advanced piracy networks in recent history, uncovering a sprawling illegal IPTV scheme that has drawn the ire of global streaming giants. Dubbed ‘Operation Domo,’ the investigation spearheaded by the Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed a sophisticated operation that offered thousands of Dominican families access to premium content at a fraction of the cost. Platforms like IPTV66.com and ServidorPrivado.is enticed users with over 1,400 TV channels, 14,000 movies, 1,000 series, and exclusive sports events for as little as $1.29 per month or $25 annually. The service, compatible with popular apps like IPTV Smarters, Kodi, and Fire TV, became a magnet for subscribers, while a reseller system turned it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. At the heart of the operation were Leonardo Alberto Casci Ocumárez and his associates, who allegedly laundered profits through Bitcoin transactions exceeding $9.7 million, luxury car purchases, and real estate investments. Judge Fátima Veloz has imposed stringent measures, including travel bans and bail ranging from RD$1.5 million to RD$7 million. Meanwhile, international streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and HBO are pursuing legal action, estimating damages of over RD$282 million. This case highlights the growing challenge of digital piracy in the Dominican Republic and the global fight to protect intellectual property.
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ResolveIT becomes first Jamaican ICT firm to earn triple Microsoft Solutions Partner status
KINGSTON, Jamaica — ResolveIT Limited, a Jamaican-owned information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has made history by becoming the first local company to secure three prestigious Microsoft Solutions Partner designations. This achievement elevates the firm to the upper echelons of global Microsoft partners, a domain typically dominated by multinational corporations. Founded in 2004 by Almando Cox, ResolveIT began as a modest IT support provider, offering computer repair services to a small clientele. Over the years, the company has transformed into a pivotal player in digital transformation across the Caribbean, now employing over 60 professionals and supporting more than 100 businesses and non-governmental organizations across Jamaica, Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands. The three designations—Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work, Infrastructure (Azure), and Security—position ResolveIT as a leader in Caribbean technology, empowering local talent and businesses to compete globally without reliance on foreign providers. These designations enable ResolveIT to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, migrate businesses to the cloud, and bolster cybersecurity measures. Almando Cox, the company’s founder, highlighted this milestone as a reflection of the team’s dedication to innovation, integrity, and regional impact. Additionally, ResolveIT is advancing in AI-driven cybersecurity, automated threat detection, and edge computing, ensuring clients remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
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Universal Service Fund targeting upgrade of community access points islandwide
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Universal Service Fund (USF) has unveiled ambitious plans to modernize Community Access Points (CAPs) across Jamaica, aiming to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity nationwide. This initiative was announced by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy, Daryl Vaz, during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Week 2025 press briefing held at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.
The revamp, set to begin in the current fiscal year, will target 14 CAPs, transforming them into smart community centers. These hubs will provide residents with access to electronic and digital public services, fostering greater digital inclusion. Vaz emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate technology into everyday life, ensuring that communities are equipped to thrive in the digital age.
In addition to the CAPs upgrade, the USF has been actively expanding its national footprint through the deployment of community and public Wi-Fi networks. To date, the agency has established over 400 Wi-Fi hotspots, serving an average of 150,000 users weekly. With an annual investment of approximately $2.3 billion, the USF is committed to sustaining its digital education initiatives in schools and public spaces.
Looking ahead to 2025, the USF plans to roll out an additional 63 community Wi-Fi hotspots, further advancing Jamaica’s digital inclusion agenda. The agency is also extending its reach into the tourism sector, with plans to deploy public Wi-Fi in key tourism hubs. This strategic move aims to enhance Jamaica’s tourism offerings, making the country more attractive to visitors while supporting local businesses.
The USF, operating under the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy, continues to play a pivotal role in connecting communities across Jamaica. Its efforts align with the broader goals of CTU ICT Week 2025, which seeks to drive regional digital transformation and strengthen the Caribbean’s position as a connected and resilient region.
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Samsung rolls out ‘One UI 8’ with sharper AI for Galaxy devices
Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday the launch of its latest One UI 8 software update for Galaxy smartphones, introducing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools and bolstered security features. The update, initially available for the new Galaxy S25 series, showcases what the South Korean tech giant terms ‘multimodal’ AI capabilities, designed to comprehend user context and deliver proactive suggestions. The software will gradually extend to older models, including the Galaxy S24 series and the latest foldable devices, throughout the year.
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TAMCC Robotics Team heads to Panama
From October 29 to November 1, 2025, Panama City will host the inaugural Global Robotics Competition, an international event uniting over 190 countries. This groundbreaking initiative brings together students to harness the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in tackling pressing environmental issues and fostering a healthier planet. The competition’s theme, ‘Eco Equilibrium,’ challenges participants to innovate collaboratively, focusing on maximizing biodiversity and safeguarding vital ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs. This mission is critical for the well-being of both humanity and the Earth. Representing Grenada is Team Grenada, which has been diligently preparing since receiving robotics kits in August. The team has been designing, building, and programming their robot with unwavering enthusiasm and determination. Beyond technical preparations, Team Grenada has actively engaged with international peers from countries such as Angola, Belize, China, Canada, and Ukraine, fostering global collaboration. Team Grenada has also made significant contributions to their local community through environmental initiatives. These include a beach cleanup at Flamingo Bay, educational sessions during Career Day in Westmoreland, fundraising efforts to support club activities, participation in a summer short film, and the submission of eleven social media challenges centered on sustainability. The team, comprising Jada Jacob, Talisha Jessamy, Jesse Logie, Hadassah Roberts, and Jeromy Simson, is guided by mentors Clement Commodore and Merlisia John. As Team Grenada and their global counterparts take on the Eco Equilibrium challenge, their efforts underscore the transformative potential of young innovators and STEM education in building a sustainable future for our planet.
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YouTube to pay $22 million in settlement with Trump
YouTube has reached a $22 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, resolving a lawsuit stemming from the suspension of his account following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The agreement, disclosed in a court document on Monday, marks another legal resolution between Trump and major tech companies. The Google-owned platform suspended Trump’s account amid concerns that his posts could incite further violence, particularly after he repeatedly claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was marred by voter fraud. Trump, 79, argued that the suspension constituted wrongful censorship and took legal action against YouTube and other social media platforms. The settlement funds will reportedly support a construction project at the White House through the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, which focuses on preserving and enhancing the National Mall. The January 6 riot, which involved violent clashes between pro-Trump rioters and law enforcement, resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers. This settlement follows similar agreements with other tech giants, including Meta’s $25 million payout earlier this year and X’s $10 million settlement in February. Meanwhile, Alphabet’s 2025 annual report revealed that YouTube’s ad sales alone generated over $36 billion in revenue in 2024.