ICT Pulse Podcast

The internet is a channel through which considerable opportunities can be leveraged, but it can be argued that it is still underdeveloped in the Caribbean region. In a long-awaited follow-up conversation with Shernon Osepa, of the Internet Society, he shares his thoughts on the state of the internet in the region, along with what he believes are the region's greatest internet-related challenges, a...

The Caribbean region is awash with art and artists. Sadly, most them have little or no visibility beyond their home country, and struggle to make a living solely from their art. Sade Barrow-Browne is the Founder of FineArt.gy, an online art gallery that is showcasing the work of Guyana's artists and creatives. In our conversation with Sade, she discusses, among other things: the impetus behind cre...

In this our November 2021 Community Chat, and with two members of the Caribbean tech community, Claire Craig and Matthew Cowen, the panel discusses: making Caribbean Internet Exchange Points more visible and accountable; and the Caribbean region's data scarcity challenge.   The episode and show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found at  ICT Pulse Podcast Pa...

In this podcast episode, we talk with Bria Deveaux, the Equities Coordinator, and D'Arcy Rahming Jr, the Chief Technology Officer, of ArawakX Pan Caribbean Securities Exchange, an online platform in the Bahamas that facilitates equity crowdfunding for businesses. During our conversation, we discuss, among other things: t he services ArawakX offers, and how it leverages technology; the types of bus...

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is one of the fastest growing areas leveraging blockchain technology, and has begun to open a broad range of opportunities, especially as it relates to the trade of digital assets. Blockchain Architect and CEO of 876 Solutions, Trevor Forrest, explains: what NFTs are; why they are such an important development; and what might be the opportunity for the Caribbean region....

Nicholas Kee is a young tech entrepreneur and youth advocate, who has a background in software engineering, but has worked on a variety of international projects. In recent years, he has stepped away from the NGO space to launch some exciting projects, such as Kee Farms along with other innovative ventures. As a young techie, Nicholas offers a unique perspective on how he sees the world, what coul...

In the October 2021 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Kerrie-Ann Vassall-Richards and Steven Williams, the panel discusses: Has the shrinking of the global marketplace made digital transformation mandatory in the Caribbean; and Have Caribbean businesses become overly dependent on social media for their business presence online?   The episode and show notes and links...

Girls In Tech Guyana is a chapter of the global non-profit, Girls in Tech, which is dedicated to eliminating the gender gap in tech. In this a new episode in our conversations with tech-based social enterprises, we speak with Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran, the Managing Director of Girls In Tech Guyana, on among other things: her journey to lead a tech non-profit; the sustainability of Girls in Tech Guyana...

Over the past several years, Caribbean governments have been engaged in public sector transformation programmes and initiatives to better leverage ICT. However, in many instances, the effort seems open-ended with few concrete outcomes, and the speed of change appears to lag behind that of the society. An exception appears to be the digital transformation programme of the Government the Bahamas, wh...

In the September 2021 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Carolyn Ferguson and Liselle Yorke, the panel discusses: Using technology to enhance accessibility to online education for persons with learning impairments, for discussion; and Expanding horizons: how technology is building new connections and opportunities for Caribbean youth.   Show notes and links to some o...

Launching or growing a business is challenging at the best of times, but during a pandemic, it may be unfathomable. Melarka Williams, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ingenuity Technologies and TheHive Freelancing, discusses his entrepreneurial journey to date, including: how Ingenuity Technologies has fared over the past 18 months; why he decided to launch a new venture in the middle of the...

Although digital transformation has been widely discussed and encouraged, there still seems to be a lot of misinformation on the subject, which affects the way organisations approach the process. Nadia Byer-Thomas, of 800 TECH, seeks to dispel key myths around digital transformation. In this episode, seven myths are tackled.   Show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode...

Can true digital natives thrive in our traditional education system of the Caribbean? The short answer is no. The technology-based social enterprise, WE CODE CARIBBEAN, seeks to give Caribbean youth the requisite tools to be absolutely disruptive. In our conversation with WE CODE CARIBBEAN's Founder and CEO, Safiya Olugbala, she discusses: her journey to start WE CODE CARIBBEAN; the ways in which...

In mid-August, Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake, which was quickly followed by a tropical depression. Buildings and infrastructure, including that for telecoms, were severely damaged, but are critical to support relief efforts. Gregory Domond, an ICT Consultant based in Haiti, and Sylvester Cadette, the Programme Officer of the ITU Area Office for the Caribbean, discuss the state of tele...

In the August 2021 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Genelle Lake and Chad Fraser, the panel discusses: Is the Caribbean taking full advantage of the real opportunities presented by the technology revolution; and Social media and cyber security – navigating the risks.   Show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found at www.ict-p...

In our second Expert Insights update for 2021, Cybersecurity Consultant, David Gittens shares his thoughts on, among other things: key trends in the current threat landscape; whether individuals or organisations should pay ransom demands;  whether cybersecurity insurance is a worthwhile investment; and three (3) questions organisations should ask when looking to hire a security expert.   Show note...

The Innovation Hub that is being established at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), in Saint Lucia, is expected to improve the competitiveness of College graduates along with the wider economy, by transforming how education is delivered. SALCC Principal/President Dr. Keith Nurse, and Brent St Catherine, Head of the Innovation Hub and the Gateways to Global Careers Programme, discuss: t...

Youth, particularly those in developing countries, such in the Caribbean region, are especially vulnerable to a broad range of social ills, but in many instances, they are not properly equipped to navigate those challenges. Elizabeth Terry, Project Lead for UNUH, a mobile gaming app that is currently under development, discusses: why develop a game app directed at youth and what is the problem UNU...

The National Transformation Initiative (NTI) in Barbados is seeking to equip every Barbadian with the knowledge, skills and values to be citizens of good character and competence in a digital world. NTI Director, Dr Allyson Leacock, shares some insights on: how the NTI was established: what it hopes to achieve; and the recent partnership between the NTI and Coursera.   Show notes and links to some...

In the July 2021 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Nerissa Golden and Dr Lyndell St Ville, the panel discusses: leveraging technology to start, grow and thrive as a Caribbean entrepreneur; and united we stand: raising opportunities for collaboration to achieve success despite uncertainties.   Show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode ca...

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is in the process of piloting DCash, the Central Bank Digital Currency for the countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Sharmyn Powell Chief Risk Officer of the ECCB, and Chairperson of the Bank's Fintech Working Group, which is leading the implementation of the DCash Pilot Project, discusses, among other things: DCash and some of...

Gender-based violence is not only prevalent, it is also highly pervasive in many Caribbean countries. Ronelle King, Founder and Director of Life in Leggings discusses how this organisation is leveraging technology to reduce the rape culture and the occurrence of gender-based violence in the region, along with the challenges of balancing sustainability as a non-profit.   Show notes and links to som...

In the June 2021 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Simone Pasmore and Ian Mitchell, the panel discusses: automation for business operations: what does it really cost; and e-commerce and local and regional trade, barriers and opportunities.    Show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found at www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/ D...

If one delves beneath the surface of today's technologies, one is likely to find that much of the products, algorithms and developments that are being integrated into our lives have been built inherently with certain biases or prejudices. Founder of dgtlfutures.com, Matthew Cowen, discusses the role technology has been playing in perpetuating bias. Show notes and links to some of the things mentio...

The LGBTQ+ community worldwide still experiences considerable discrimination, but is a segment with significant spending power, which frequently, is overlooked. Donnya 'Zi' Piggott is the CEO of Pink Coconuts, a new LGBTQ+ travel start-up focused on creating spaces for queer travellers to thrive. In our conversation with Donnya we discuss, among other things: The challenges of launching a travel a...