The Caribbean region saw a flurry of activity in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and technology sectors during the week of October 20-26, 2025. Developments ranged from significant national policy pronouncements and infrastructure upgrades to ongoing legal disputes and employment opportunities.
Jamaica’s Vision for Robotics and Digital Connectivity
Jamaica is setting its sights on a future where robotics will be an integral part of daily life by 2030. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reiterated this vision, emphasizing the need for the nation to diversify its economic base beyond natural resources and embrace advanced technologies to accelerate growth. This forward-looking stance is supported by ongoing initiatives to expand digital access across the island. The Universal Service Fund (USF) launched a new public Wi-Fi facility at the Kingston Waterfront, extending free, high-speed internet access from the Bank of Jamaica to the Craft Market. This initiative is part of the broader Connect JA Public Wi-Fi Programme aimed at delivering reliable internet to communities island-wide. The USF’s efforts are crucial in bridging the digital divide, with over 380 community access points and 36 public Wi-Fi sites now operational across Jamaica. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology integration for the Vision 2030 National Development Plan, stressing the need to upskill the workforce for higher-order tasks and sophisticated services. The development of a National AI Lab at the University of Technology (UTech) is a key component of this strategy.
Labour Relations and Employment in the Bahamas and Belize
In the Bahamas, the ongoing grievances between trade unions representing Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) staff and management took center stage. Unions representing both managers and line staff met with Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to discuss issues including recent staff terminations and working conditions. BTC has defended its actions, stating that terminations were made with cause after thorough investigations and in compliance with labor laws. The unions, however, expressed concerns about the company’s management approach and alleged that the cellular network was being migrated overseas. Meanwhile, in Belize, Halo BPO announced it is actively hiring remote sales agents, offering employment opportunities within the growing digital workforce. The company is seeking experienced agents with strong communication skills and a minimum internet speed of 85 Mbps download and 45 Mbps upload, offering competitive hourly rates and performance bonuses.
Infrastructure and Legal Battles in the Cayman Islands and Grenada
The Cayman Islands saw a continuation of a legal dispute between broadband providers Flow and C3 Pure Fibre over access to fiber optic cables and a cable station. The dispute, which dates back several years and has involved the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg), centers on issues of sub-duct access, infrastructure sharing, and pricing. In a related development, a separate court ruling earlier in September found that C3 Pure Fibre was not obligated to pay certain back fees to the industry regulator, OfReg.
In Grenada, Grenlec launched its new online platform, MyAccount.Grenlec.com, aimed at simplifying electricity service management for its customers. The platform allows users to pay bills, view billing history, update contact details, and submit service requests online, marking a significant step in enhancing customer convenience and digital engagement.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Budgetary Focus
Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025-2026 national budget, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, outlined a spending plan with a projected deficit of $3.865 billion. The budget emphasizes economic fairness and accountable fiscal policies, with significant allocations towards education and training ($8.76 billion), health ($8.21 billion), and national security ($6.36 billion). While the budget acknowledges challenges in the energy sector and a contraction in GDP, it also highlights plans for innovation, education, and technology development as priorities, aiming to stimulate domestic trade and foster investor confidence.
This week’s roundup underscores the dynamic nature of the Caribbean’s ICT and technology landscape, with nations actively pursuing digital advancement, addressing labor concerns, and navigating complex infrastructure and economic challenges.