ICT Pulse Podcast
A deep dive into topical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) issues from a Caribbean perspective, through interviews and group discussions with specialists, experts and people trying to make a difference in the tech space. New episodes are released every Wednesday. Show notes are available at www.ict-pulse.com.
Episodes
ICTP 406: From 1975 to the future, inside the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance, with Raquel Seville
Jamaica's push toward a robust digital economy is not happening by chance. It is being driven by decades of strategic advocacy. Many know the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA) for flagship initiatives such as the annual BizTech Conference, but its roots run much deeper. Raquel Seville, the current President of the JTDA, joins us for a conversation on the organisation, including: *
ICTP 405: AI, entry-level positions and the job market, online banking, and the return of the Luddite classroom
In our June 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Innovation Strategist and Creative Economy Advocate, Bianca Welds, who is based in Jamaica, and Halle Johnson, a Systems Administrator and PhD candidate based in Antigua and Barbuda, the panel discusses: * Is AI reducing the job market for Caribbean school leavers? * Online banking in the Caribbean, why does i
ICTP 404: Building global reach through industry collaboration, with SIMIA, the Curaçao Tech Export Association
Around the world, tech export associations have helped software firms access new markets, influence policy, share knowledge, and compete globally. We are joined by Clark Russel and Franco Diaz, from the Curaçao Tech Export Association, also known as SIMIA, to discuss the journey and impact to date. Some of the areas our conversation covered include: * what inspired the founding of SIMIA in 2020
ICTP 403: 2026 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Lt Col Godphey Sterling of Jamaica CIRT
In the second instalment of our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling of the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Division in the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica, joins us once again. During this conversation, the Colonel shares his thoughts on, among other things: * the changes in the Jamaican threat landscape that have occurr
ICTP 402: Building a future-ready Jamaica through Science and Technology, with Dr the Hon. Andrew Wheatley
Similar to most Small Island Developing States, Jamaica faces unique challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, economic vulnerability, and resource constraints. Science and technology can play a critical role in addressing these challenges. In this conversation with Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, Jamaica's Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with respo
ICTP 401: AI literacy, SIDS investing in technology, and privacy and consent in AI
In our May 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Tamira La Cruz, an Economic Development Advisor and Private Sector Specialist based in Curaçao, and Natalie Maharaj, a Digital Transformation Consultant and Responsible Technology Advocate based in Trinidad and Tobago, the panel discusses: * AI literacy in the Caribbean; * SIDS investing in tech development; a
ICTP 400: It takes a village to build a digital space, reflecting on 400 episodes of the ICT Pulse Podcast, with Gerard Best
For our 400th episode, we are joined by Development Journalist and award-winning Writer Gerard Best, who turns the tables and interviews the ICT Pulse Podcast Creator and Host, Michele Marius. During their conversation, and among other things, * they revisit earlier milestones of the Podcast, * discuss the current state of media and information platforms worldwide, along with * who might
ICTP 399: Moving drones, robotic arms, humanoids, quadrupeds and wheeled robots from simulation to the real world, with Cade Coker and Dr Afraz Subratti
The Autonomous Motion Systems (AMoS) is the robotics research cluster of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre, focused on developing the mathematical and engineering foundations needed to make unmanned aerial vehicles, such as multirotor drones, robotic arms, humanoids, quadrupeds and wheeled robots, behave reliably and safely in the real world. We are joined by Dr Afraz Subratti and Cade
ICTP 398: Digital nomadism and the rise of the global office, with Debbie Jollie in Viet Nam
The digital nomad movement appears to have hit a tipping point, with professionals ditching the commute for the continent-hop. No longer just a trend for freelance backpackers, experienced professionals are prioritising experience and work-life balance over equity. Debbie-Ann Jollie, a Marketing Consultant and Business Coach originally from Trinidad and Tobago, who is also known as the Stammering
ICTP 397: Digitising bureaucracy, digital transformation ROI, and girls in ICT
In our April 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Jennifer Potter, a Strategic Advisor based in the British Virgin Islands, and Rojane Rose, a Product Manager based in Jamaica, the panel discusses: * Is Jamaica finally building the rails for digital government — or just digitising bureaucracy? * Does digital transformation suffer from a poor return on inves
ICTP 396: The economics of AI for the Caribbean region, with Dr Justin Ram
We often talk about AI as a Silicon Valley phenomenon, but the economics of AI is a Caribbean story too. It's about more than just chatbots; it is about a general-purpose technology that is fundamentally shifting how we value labour, productivity, and even regional data sovereignty. International Economist, Dr Justin Ram, joins us once again and shares his thoughts on: * the factors he uses to
ICTP 395: 2026 update of the telecoms and ICT space of Guyana, with Lance Hinds
Over the past five years or so, Guyana has been accelerating its digital development. We initially explored the state of the country's telecoms/ICT sector in 2019, and thought we needed an update. With longtime friend of the Podcast, IT and Internet Governance Strategist,Lance Hinds, we discuss: * how the telecoms and ICT space in Guyana has evolved; * service affordability; * the degree
ICTP 394: Technology as an export, the Caribbean region's new economic pillar, with Vashti Maharaj of the Commonwealth Secretariat
For decades, exports in the Caribbean meant sugar, bauxite, or tourism. But as countries recognise the need for greater economic diversification and resilience, more substantial inroads must be made in the technology exports sector, which can also bolster countries' economic development. We revisit a conversation we had in 2024 with Vashti Maharaj, the Adviser, Digital Trade Policy, of the Commonw
ICTP 393: 2026 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Obika Gellineau of Fujitsu Caribbean
In the second instalment of our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2026, Obika Gellineau of Fujitsu Caribbean joins us once again. During this conversation, Obika shares his thoughts on, among other things: * the changes in the threat landscape that have occurred since our last conversation in 2025; * the changes in phishing attacks thanks to AI; how attacks during a na
ICTP 392: Caribbean media at digital crossroads, community networks, and the internet's impact on the arts and culture
In our March 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Max Larson Henry, Network Engineer and Founder of the tech company, Transversal, which is based in the United States and Haiti, and Liselle Yorke, a Communications Strategist based in the United States but originally from Trinidad and Tobago, the panel discusses: * What's the news? Caribbean media at digital cr
ICTP 391: Using AI and VR technologies to protect our Caribbean culture and legacy, with Amanda Zilla of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre
As a cultural powerhouse, the Caribbean region has the potential to become a digital leader in leveraging AI and VR technologies to preserve the region's unique identity, modernise its education systems, and ensure that digital inclusion reaches every citizen. Amanda Zilla, the Principal Investigator of the dream LAB, within the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre (AIIC), joins us to discuss
ICTP 390: Caribbean women in data science on AI, careers, and the future of work
As organisations and societies become increasingly data-driven, data science has emerged as one of the most influential disciplines shaping decision-making, innovation and economic opportunity. With data scientists, Dr Letetia Addison, Educator, Statistician, and Researcher at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Labour Market Specialist, Tanisha Ash, and Entrepreneur and Agri-
ICTP 389: Data embassies and rethinking sovereignty in the digital age, with Demetris Herakleous of ECLAC
Consistent with the growing discussion of digital sovereignty in the Caribbean region and worldwide, greater attention is being placed on the establishment of data embassies. In response, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a study on the subject. We chat with Demetris Herakleous, an Associate Economic Affairs Officer at ECLAC, on the prospe
ICTP 388: ICANN and its 2026—2030 strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, with Rodrigo de la Parra
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a central pillar of the global internet governance ecosystem. In the latter half of 2025, consultations were held with the Latin American and Caribbean region on the strategic plan ICANN hopes to implement in the region for the period 2026 to 2030. Rodrigo de la Parra, ICANN's Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean and
ICTP 387: Caribbean data sovereignty and Silicon Valley tech culture
In our February 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, an HR Consultant and Founder and CEO of Persolve Limited in Trinidad and Tobago, Joel-Ann Cook-Walcott, and a long-time friend of the Show, Steven Williams, the Executive Director of Sunisle Communications Inc., and the Principal Consultant of Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services in Barbados, the panel
ICTP 386: WSIS and outcomes of the 2025 review, with Nigel Cassimire of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union
In late 2025, the United Nations concluded its 20-year review of the outcomes emanating from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Noting that the Caribbean region has been an active participant from WSIS's inception in 2003, we invited Nigel Cassimire, the Deputy Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, to discuss the findings of the review and resulting resoluti
ICTP 385: 2026 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Sean Slattery of Caribbean Solutions Lab
We kick off our Expert insights series on cyber threats and security for 2026, with Sean Slattery of Caribbean Solutions Lab in the Cayman Islands. In this episode, he discusses, among other things: * the changes in the threat landscape that occurred in 2025; * the potential impact of agentic AI and the emerging threat of quantum computing in the security space; * how we can prove who we
ICTP 384: Charting the Caribbean region's AI future, with Dr Craig Ramlal of the Caribbean AI Task Force
In many recent global and regional assessments on artificial intelligence (AI), Caribbean countries have performed poorly, as the requisite systems and frameworks are still underdeveloped. The foundation of any country's work on AI is establishing national policies and a framework to facilitate the development of the enabling environment. With Dr Craig Ramlal, the Chair of the Caribbean AI Task Fo
ICTP 383: Building a digital venture studio in the Caribbean, with Rodney Browne of the Innovation Factory
In an era of tighter funding, rising development costs, and increasing pressure to demonstrate real value, digital venture studios are proving to be an alternative to the more traditional incubator and accelerator startup models. Seasoned tech entrepreneur and innovator, Rodney Browne, launched the Innovation Factory in 2025 in Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is currently building four ventures with
ICTP 382: Sovereign systems, dataflows and data access, the AI hype cycle, and Web3
In our January 2026 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst, Mathew Cowen, who is based in Martinique, and Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde of Blyce in Curaçao, the panel discusses: * How important are sovereign systems, dataflows and data access for the Caribbean region? * The AI hype cycle and the pressure to adopt, and fin
ICTP 381: 2025 end-of-year Caribbean ICT/tech trends briefing
In this our final Community Chat and final episode for 2025, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, International Consultant, and an Economist, Yacine Khelladi, and International Consultant, Carlton Samuels, the panel discusses the ICT/technology trends and developments that were evident across the Caribbean region in 2025, and what might be in store in 2026. The episode, show notes a
ICTP 380: Privacy and data protection trends in the Caribbean, with Allison James and Rishi Maharaj
To varying degrees, Caribbean countries are grappling with the issue of privacy and data protection. Countries that have more recent frameworks have been struggling to fully operationalise all of the provisions, whilst there are others that have not adopted current best practice in the space. With information privacy specialists, Allison James of Barbados, and Rishi Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago,
ICTP 379: The importance of being additive when it comes to emergency communications, with Fabian Lewis
Although we are at the end of the 2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season, we are only six months away from the start of the 2026 hurricane season. Moreover, other hazards or disasters, such as fire, earthquake, or even a utility failure due to a cyberattack, can occur at any time. Fabian Lewis, a telecommunications, emergency medicine and disaster management specialist from Saint Lucia, joins us to
ICTP 378: Digital ID systems, AI governance, and cloud versus local or on-premises services
In our November 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, ICT Consultant Natalie Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr Lyndell St. Ville of Saint Lucia and the tech firm Datashore, the panel discusses: * the imperative of implementing digital ID systems in the Caribbean region; * the current state of AI governance; and * cloud versus local or on-premises faci
ICTP 377: Rebuilding a country's telecoms and ICT infrastructure bigger and better after a disaster, with Craig Nesty and Sylvester Cadette
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica in October 2025, the current focus is on disaster recovery. In telecoms and ICT, much of the infrastructure was adversely affected, hence the priority is remediation and restoration. Learning from the experience of the region, we are joined by Craig Nesty, the telecoms regulator in Dominica, and Sylvester Cadette, of the International Tele
ICTP 376: Internet fragmentation and why it matters, with William Drake
The internet was once envisioned as a borderless, open, and unified network connecting people, information, and innovation across the globe. However, in recent years, that vision has been increasingly threatened by what experts call "internet fragmentation". William J Drake, one of the leading experts on the subject, joins us to discuss, among other things: * how and why internet fragmentation
ICTP 375: Can Caribbean countries sustain advanced digital technologies, with Sam Tabbara of Paradise Mobile
At almost every stage, Caribbean countries have had to justify whether their markets can support advanced digital technologies. Co-Founder and CEO of Paradise Mobile, Sam Tabbara, joins us in this episode to share his thoughts on issues including: * the claims by major regional telcos that there was no business case for 5G in the region; * whether it is possible and plausible for less populous
ICTP 374: Update on Trinidad and Tobago's fintech and virtual assets sector, with Alexander Gafoor of the FinTechTT
Unlike other Caribbean countries that have been aggressive in developing their fintech space, Trinidad and Tobago adopted a more measured posture in which it emphasised strengthening key enablers that could eventually facilitate accelerated development. However, in recent weeks, it appeared the country took a giant step backwards by proposing a blanket ban on all virtual asset service provider act
ICTP 373: Harmonised technology regulation, blockchain technology for development, and the Caribbean region's AI priorities
In our October 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Founder and Lead Consultant of ProTradeConsult, Lisa Callender of Jamaica, and Chartered Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and Certified Information Privacy Professional, Allison James of Barbados, the panel discusses: * the relevance of harmonised technology regulation in growing our economie
ICTP 372: 2025 Expert Insights update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Edward Millington of CariSec Global
In the fourth instalment in our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, we are joined once again by Edward Millington, of CariSec Global, which is headquartered in Barbados. In this conversation, Edward discusses, among other things: * current trends in cybersecurity; * whether there are well-defined paths to pursue specific cybersecurity-related disciplines or specia
ICTP 371: Shaping the future of the internet, a conversation with ICANN's CEO, Kurtis Lindqvist
Globally, countries are grappling with a broad range of internet-related issues: from ensuring digital inclusion and improved network resilience to AI governance to digital sovereignty. One of the leading organisations for internet governance policy development is ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. In this episode, we are joined by ICANN CEO and President Kurt Erik "Ku
ICTP 370: Caribbean UX trends, challenges and takeaways, with Brittney Samuels and Janice Alexander
Without a doubt, the user experience (UX) component in software development is critical in driving user satisfaction, retention, and adoption. In this podcast episode, we are joined once again by Janice Alexander and Brittney Samuels to discuss the findings of their latest UX in the Caribbean study. During our conversation, the duo shared, among other things: * important findings from the curre
ICTP 369: AI for digital transformation and innovation, women's empowerment in ICT, and AI and the changing job market
In our September 2025 Community Chat, and with youth members of the Caribbean tech community, Data Scientist and Researcher, Julie Koon Koon of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Co-CEO of Orbtronics and Rifbid, Keeghan Patrick, of Saint Lucia, the panel discusses: * whether the use of AI for digital transformation and innovation is evident in the Caribbean region; * women's empowerment in ICTs; a
ICTP 368: Digital addiction trends, signs and what to do about it, with Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Rodney Stewart
The internet and social media are powerful and indispensable tools in daily life, but at the same time, they can be harmful to our mental health. With Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Rodney Stewart, who we first had on the Podcast in 2019, we discuss the mental health challenges that have been emerging due to extensive digital technology use, including: * the types of mental health challenges pe
ICTP 367: Becoming an African tech ecosystem builder for fashion and sustainability, with Pinaman Owusu-Banahene of ADJOAA
We revisit a conversation we had in 2023 with Pinaman Owusu-Banahane, the Founder and CEO of ADJOAA, a curated multi-brand online marketplace specialising in premium and sustainable fashion and lifestyle products made by African designers and Black-owned businesses. Pinaman shares her journey as a young Ghanaian woman who emigrated but found her way back home again, determined to establish a tech
ICTP 366: UWI Five Islands AI Conference recap, with Dr Curtis Charles
The recently concluded UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference has become the leading AI event in the Caribbean region. We are once again joined by Dr Curtis Charles, one of the main drivers of the event, for a recap in which he shares, among other things: * his overall thoughts on the conference; * valuable learnings or takeaways from the event; * possible reasons female attendance far e
ICTP 365: Cyberlibertarianism, ubiquitous video recording devices, and digital colonialism
In our August 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Financial and Impact Innovator, Digital Economist and Digital Transformation Expert, Telly Valerie Onu, who is based in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst, Matthew Cowen, who is based in Martinique, the panel discusses: * cyberlibertarianism; * the impact of ubiquitous
ICTP 364: Evolving internet governance for an inclusive digital future, with Nigel Cassimire of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union
Nigel Cassimire, the Deputy Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and Coordinator of the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF), joins us once again to provide an update on the Internet Governance space and the 21st staging of the CIGF, which will be held from 20—22 August 2024 in Varadero, Cuba. During our conversation, we discussed: * how Internet Governance and th
ICTP 363: Breaking the stigma of poor customer support in the Caribbean, with Michael Mullings of ChatFlow
At the forefront of an organisation's relationship with its customers, the customer service department is not only critical in leading that engagement but also in driving business efficiency and effectiveness. With Michael Mullings, the CEO of ChatFlow, a Software as a Service company providing sentiment-aware customer support, Michael discusses, among other things: * how he got from BPO to bec
ICTP 362: 2025 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Lt Col Godphey Sterling of Jamaica CIRT
In the third instalment in our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, we are joined by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, the head of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT). Our conversation with Colonel Sterling covers, among other things: * how JaCIRT operates and the attitude towards cybersecurity (and the CIRT) in Jamaica; * the cyber threat
ICTP 361: AI for Good Global Summit and WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 recap, with Christopher Reckord
The AI for Good Global Summit 2025 and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 High-Level Event 2025 are two major events in this year's AI calendar. In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Reckord, the Chairman of Jamaica's National Artificial Intelligence Task Force, who attended both events. We discuss, among other things: * specific objectives or goals he had in attendin
ICTP 360: Deepfakes, misinformation and deception, Fighting crimes with technology, Keeping kids safe online
In our July 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, cybersecurity and data protection expert, Jeehan Miller of Jamaica, and Halle Johnson, Systems Administrator at the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda, the panel discusses: * Deepfakes, deception, misinformation and cyber awareness; * Using technology to fight crime; and * Keeping kids safe onl
ICTP 359: The value of pivoting whilst staying true to the mission, with Alex Straun of JAD
In the start-up space, "fail fast" is a deeply embedded mantra, which is used to encourage an iterative mindset that moves past the perceived failure to quickly learn and adapt. In our conversation with Alex Straun, the creator of the digital wallet platform, JAD Cash, in Saint Kitts and Nevis, he shares the highs and lows of that journey to date, along with: * whether JAD Cash has become ful
ICTP 358: 2025 update on the state of ICT development in Suriname, with Furgell Pinas of ICT Association Suriname
We are continuing our reboot of our 'Know Your Neighbours' series, to get an update on our sister Caribbean countries, generally, and of course, from an ICT perspective. Part of the Dutch Caribbean, Suriname is the focus of today's episode. With Furgell Pinas, the Chair of the ICT Association Suriname, we discuss the current state of the country's ICT sector, including: * the internet service
ICTP 357: AI and Caribbean blogs, the AI dilemma, and the changing social media landscape
In our June 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, print and web journalist, Mylène Colmar of Guadeloupe, and Simone Passmore, the Chief Executive Officer of Webstylze in Barbados, the panel discusses: * whether AI is signalling the end of Caribbean blogs; * the AI dilemma of mitigating the risks and maximising the good; and * the changing social media la
ICTP 356: Data in the Caribbean and why our countries need a philosophy of data, with Alexis Santos
Although data is considered the new oil, across the Caribbean region, it is becoming increasingly evident that we do not fully appreciate the value of data, as it is not comprehensively reflected in the policies and structures established in Caribbean countries. As a result, we are grappling with several issues, including data protection, privacy, data sovereignty, data ethics and management, to n
ICTP 355: Exploring the tech scene in West Africa, with Kevan Rajaram
In our continuing effort to increase our awareness of the tech scene in Africa, we chat with Caribbean Data Scientist, Kevan Rajaram, who did a short stint working as the Head of Business Intelligence for a company in West Africa, specifically Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast). During our conversation, Kevan shared with us, among other things: * how he ended up in Côte d'Ivoire; * his first im
ICTP 354: 2025 update on the state of ICT development in St Kitts and Nevis, with Rodney Browne
We are relaunching our Know Your Neighbour series, in which we explore the state of the telecoms and ICT development in Caribbean countries. We kick off this 2025 update with Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. With our guest, Rodney Browne, of eCaribbean Limited, we discuss, among other things, * the current state of telecoms and broadband internet,
ICTP 353: Who is watching our data, AI hype or opportunity, and building smart islands
In our May 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Communications Strategist, Liselle Yorke, who is based in the United States but originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and Rojane Rose, a Product Manager in Jamaica, the panel discusses the following three topics: * Who's watching our data? * AI in the Caribbean: hype or opportunity? and * Building Smart Islan
ICTP 352: Repositioning the postal sector in the 21st century, with Tracy Hackshaw of the Universal Postal Union
The Postal Service is an often overlooked sector in most Caribbean countries. Its potential remains untapped in the region, although it is often considered an essential service. With Mr Tracy Hackshaw of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), we discuss the evolving role of the Postal Service in our increasingly digital age, including: * the role of the UPU; * key drivers that led the UPU to pri
ICT 351: The art of the possible with AI in the Caribbean, with Dr Curtis Charles of the UWI Five Islands Campus
Thanks to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Caribbean and other developing countries have the potential to accelerate their development and economic diversification, as well as increase competitiveness through technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things. With Dr Curtis Charles, of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Five Islands Campus, and a key driver of the UWI Five Islands AI Resea
ICTP 350: 2025 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Obika Gellineau of Fujitsu Caribbean
In the second instalment in our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, we are joined once again by Obika Gellineau, of Fujitsu Caribbean. During this conversation, Obika shares his thoughts on, among other things: * the changes in the threat landscape that have occurred since our last conversation in 2024; * the cybersecurity job market and the expertise that is bein
ICTP 349: Caribbean AI readiness and participating in the global dialogue on AI governance
The Caribbean stands at a pivotal juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force with the potential to drive development across virtually all sectors. With Dr Craig Ramlal, a global AI expert, who was appointed to the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, and Lika Døhl Diouf, of the United Nations Economic Commission for
ICTP 348: Caribbean digital resilience and transformation in an era of global uncertainty
In our April 2025 Community Chat, and with a member of the Caribbean tech community, Nigel Cassimire of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union in Trinidad and Tobago, and Steven Williams of Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services in Barbados, we discuss just one topic: Fostering Caribbean digital resilience and transformation in an era of global uncertainty. In the current economic, trade an
ICTP 347: Exploring the new generic top-level domain program with Lance Hinds and Carlton Samuels
As the internet becomes more integral to economic development, cultural diplomacy, and public governance, there may be strategic value in having custom generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Active participants in the global Internet Governance space, Lance Hinds and Carlton Samuels, are back to discuss ICANN's New gTLD Program: Next Round, which is currently open. The conversation covered, among othe
ICTP 346: DAOs and the surprising parallels between DAOs and regional collaboration efforts
Decentralised autonomous organisations or DAOs are one of the fastest-growing segments of the blockchain space. In this episode we are revisiting an oldie but goodie: our 2022 conversation with Donald O'Brian Porter, the Founder of CaribDAO, who explains, among other things, * how DAOs work; * the parallels between DAOs and the informal cooperative savings system that has been prevalent in C
ICTP 345: Can CaribCoin be a digital catalyst for Caribbean prosperity?
Following up on a 2022 conversation we had about digital currencies in the Caribbean region, Dr. Jan Schröder of CaribCoin, and Rodney Taylor of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union are back to provide an update on CaribCoin, a regional stablecoin backed by Caribbean assets that will provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative for regional cross-border payments that can also foster Cari
ICTP 344: Digital sovereignty versus digital agency in the Caribbean region, with Matthew Cowen
Digital sovereignty has been a hot topic over the past several weeks, with data sovereignty and AI sovereignty being the subjects of such conversations. However, how does digital agency fit into the mix? With IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst, Matthew Cowen, we discuss digital sovereignty and digital agency, including: * Could digital sovereignty lead to increased fragmentation of t
ICTP 343: Leveraging tech in the global economy, youth development and inclusion and e-money problems
In our March 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Tariq Mohammed, a PhD candidate and the Chair of the Caribbean ICT Youth Network who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Chad Fraser, the Founder and CEO of Sonover, headquartered in Grenada, the panel discusses the following three topics: * how Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a globa
ICTP 342: 2025 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Sean Slattery
In the first instalment in our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, and one again with Sean Slattery of Caribbean Solutions Lab, he discusses, among other things: * the changes in the threat landscape that occurred in 2024; * the changing threat and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in the security space; * the security-related challenges as org
ICTP 341: Delving into the policy recommendations for AI in Jamaica with Christopher Reckord
In February 2025, the Government of Jamaica made publicly available the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Recommendations prepared by the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force. We are joined by the Chairman of the Task Force, Christopher Reckord, to discuss the policy recommendations made, including: * the unique, Jamaica-specific considerations that shaped the recommendations; *
ICTP 340: Microfluidics to increase crop yield and wealth creation for farmers, with Dr Yvane Agard-Abbot
Without a doubt, Caribbean farming is fraught with a broad range of challenges. Chief among them is that most of the farms are smallholdings, often in difficult locations and with relatively poor soil, which can affect yield, quality, sustainability and profitability. In our conversation with Dr Yvane Agard-Abbot, the Founder of HydroFluidics, a Deep Tech/Agritech startup, she discusses, among ot
ICTP 339: e-Commerce and AI, AI and real-time weather, and cashless fraud
In our February 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Kira Mohammed, an e-Commerce Strategist based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mark Codling, a PhD Candidate in GeoInformatics from Jamaica, the panel discusses the following three topics: * ways AI is transforming e-commerce; * AI and real-time weather; and * cashless fraud. The episode, show notes and l
ICTP 338: Boosting data-driven intelligence for Caribbean financial markets, with Raquel Seville of Dataffluent
The Caribbean region ranks lowest in statistical performance compared to other regions, and studies have estimated the value of Open Data alone could contribute between 1% and 2% to the national GDP of Caribbean countries. The 'Data Queen' herself, Raquel Seville, is back to discuss her new start-up, Dataffluent, which is offering financial and investment insights on underserved markets, including
ICTP 337: Turbocharging Trinidad and Tobago's ICT exports sector via D'Hub, with Devindra Ramnarine
In response to the goal of doubling the ICT sector's contribution to Trinidad and Tobago's GDP, the Developers Hub, more commonly known as D'Hub, offers training, access to tools, as well as income and networking opportunities to local developers and citizens interested in ICT. With Devindra Ramnarine, a Digital Transformation Adviser at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad and Tobago,
ICTP 336: Social media and mental health, data residency, and big tech versus developing countries
In our January 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde of Blyce in Curaçao, and Niko Kluyver also of Curaçao and CyberVade, the panel discusses: * the impact of social media on mental health in the Caribbean; * data residency in the Caribbean; and * big tech and developing countries: can there be some rebalancing of power? The e
ICTP 335: Building our multistakeholder digital future, with Jacqueline Morris
The Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF) is just around the corner worldwide, and it is among the first Internet Governance events of the year. With Jaqueline Morris, a longstanding player in the global Internet Governance space and the current Chair of the Trinidad and Tobago Multistakeholder Advisory Group Board, which is the organiser of TTIGF, she discusses, among other things
ICTP 334: Stablecoins and FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR ALL, with Jarryon Paul of Sunshine
In our first episode for 2025, we are starting a new series in which we showcase Caribbean tech entrepreneurs and startups that are doing incredible things in or for the region. Our first guest is Jarryon Paul, the Founder of Sunshine, a stablecoin exchange based in Trinidad and Tobago. In this conversation, we learn more about Jarryon and his entrepreneurial journey to date, which started when he
ICTP 333: 2024 end-of-year Caribbean ICT/tech trends briefing
In this our final Community Chat and final episode for 2024, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Financial and Impact Innovator, Digital Economist and Digital Transformation Expert, Telly Valerie Onu, and International Consultant, Carlton Samuels, the panel discusses the ICT/technology trends and developments that were evident across the Caribbean region in 2024, and what might be in
ICTP 332: How to move from 'innovation-lite' to an innovation powerhouse, with Professor Patrick Hosein
Innovation continues to be a big buzzword in the digital age, with organisations, and even countries, aspiring to be 'more innovative'. But what does that mean, and what can Caribbean countries and organisations do to better nurture and, ultimately, leverage innovation? We circle back to one of our earliest interviews and the interview that launched our innovation series in 2019! Based on his il
ICTP 331: The internet we should want in 2024 and beyond, with Rodney Taylor of the CTU
In our last instalment of the year in our series, The Internet we should want in 2024 and beyond, we are joined by Rodney Taylor, the Secretary-General (SG) of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU). In a candid conversation, the SG provides a regional perspective on the role the internet should be playing in the Caribbean region. He also shares his thoughts on, among other things: * c
ICTP 330: Online advertising, learning and collaboration and Digicel's latest digital transformation report
In our November 2024 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Gerry George, an ICT professional and policy expert who is based in Saint Lucia, and IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst Matthew Cowen, who is based in Martinique, the panel discusses: * Are Caribbean businesses really benefitting from online advertising? * Learning and development – promoting a
ICTP 329: Amplifying the need for stronger ethical guidelines for the metaverse and other digital spaces, with Youth Can Do IT
What are important ethical principles that should be implemented to protect users in the metaverse and other digital spaces? Jamaican social enterprise, Youth Can Do IT (YCDI), in collaboration with Jesus College (Oxford), developed some ethical guidelines for the metaverse. In this episode, we chat with members of YCDI Joel Lawson, one of the youths who participated in the ethical guidelines desi
ICTP 328: A 2024 update on ICANN and why we all should be more involved in current and upcoming activities, with Albert Daniels
https://bit.ly/4fnDxaKTo the outsider, the internet-related issues that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is addressing can seem intimidating. But individuals, micro or small businesses, among others, are part of the end-user constituency and are critical players in ICANN's policy development process. In our latest conversation with Albert Daniels, the Senior Manager
ICTP 327: Ramblings. Would you let AI make all of your decisions?
In this podcast episode, our host, Michele Marius, is alone – no guests – and sharing her thoughts on a recent article published in the New York Times in which the writer allowed AI to make all of her decisions for a week. The article sent Michele down a rabbit hole (of sorts) and had her ponder whether, in the context of AI, we could have too much of a good thing. The episode, show notes and li
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