The Caribbean technology landscape has been abuzz with significant developments this week ending September 14, 2025. From Anguilla’s unexpected economic windfall driven by the artificial intelligence boom to critical regional efforts in child online protection, the week underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of technology across the Caribbean. Fintech innovations, heritage preservation, and advancements in telecommunications also featured prominently in the region’s ICT news.
Anguilla Strikes Digital Gold with .AI Domain Surge
Anguilla, a small British Overseas Territory, continues to capitalize on the global artificial intelligence surge, transforming its .ai country code top-level domain into a significant “digital goldmine.” Revenue from .ai domain registrations has seen a dramatic increase, with projections indicating that income could reach approximately EC$132 million in 2025. This digital dividend is playing a crucial role in diversifying Anguilla’s economy, which traditionally relies heavily on tourism, and is being channeled into vital infrastructure projects like airport expansion, healthcare services for seniors, and renewable energy initiatives. The island’s strategic partnership with Identity Digital for domain management has ensured resilience and global reach, positioning Anguilla as an unlikely but successful player in the lucrative AI industry.
CARICOM Steps Up to Protect Children Online
In a significant move towards safeguarding its younger generation, CARICOM Heads of Government have committed to establishing a regional framework for digital safety legislation. Meeting in July 2025, leaders agreed to collective action addressing the growing concerns over children’s online activities, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and the impact of AI-generated imagery on mental health. The initiative will see the creation of a Regional Digital Safety Commission tasked with developing legislative proposals and guiding national efforts to enhance online safety, striking a balance between technological advancement and the protection of human dignity.
Fintech Innovations Address Financial Inclusion Gaps
Fintech solutions are continuing to expand access to financial services across the Caribbean. In The Bahamas, mobile wallet company Cash N’ Go is providing a range of services, including utility bill payments, money transfers, and merchant services, aiming to simplify financial transactions for individuals and businesses. Meanwhile, Jamaica is grappling with persistent financial inclusion challenges, particularly in rural areas where cash use remains dominant. Despite progress in digital payments and mobile banking, barriers such as documentation requirements, limited infrastructure, and a need for enhanced digital literacy continue to affect the unbanked and underbanked populations. Efforts are ongoing to bridge these gaps, highlighting the critical role of accessible fintech in fostering broader economic participation.
Barbados Secures Caribbean Cultural Legacy with Banyan Archives Acquisition
Barbados has taken a monumental step in preserving the region’s rich cultural tapestry with the acquisition of the extensive archives of Trinidadian television production company, Banyan Limited. Announced in August 2025 by Prime Minister Mia Mottley during CARIFESTA XV, the deal secures decades of digitized footage covering Caribbean life, art, music, and politics. This strategic acquisition, hailed as transformative for cultural preservation, aims to make the archives accessible across the region, providing invaluable resources for future generations and positioning Barbados as a leader in cultural stewardship.
AI’s Dual Impact: Opportunity and Disruption in the Financial Sector
The artificial intelligence revolution is poised to significantly reshape economies across the Caribbean, with the Cayman Islands’ financial services sector at the forefront of this transformation. Industry experts anticipate that AI will drive productivity and create new opportunities, but also acknowledge the potential for disruption in existing job roles. The adoption of AI tools for tasks like risk assessment, compliance, and data analysis is becoming essential for maintaining competitiveness and regulatory adherence. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on revolutionizing education and training to equip the workforce with AI literacy and relevant skills.
Regional Collaboration and Telecommunications Advancements
Further cementing the region’s commitment to advancing its digital future, the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) is set to host its landmark CaribNOG 30 conference in Roseau, Dominica, from September 18-19, 2025. Under the theme “Engineering the Future of the Caribbean Internet,” the gathering will bring together technology experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaboratively design, secure, and scale the region’s digital infrastructure. Concurrently, telecommunications providers like BTC in The Bahamas are continuing to focus on leadership development and network modernization, with recent appointments in key executive roles signaling ongoing strategic efforts to enhance services and drive digital transformation.
Conclusion
The week ending September 14, 2025, highlights a Caribbean region actively navigating the complexities and opportunities of the digital age. With Anguilla leading the charge in digital revenue, CARICOM strengthening child online protections, and key archival and collaborative initiatives underway, the focus remains firmly on building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous technological future for all. The ongoing integration of AI, fintech, and robust digital infrastructure development signals a transformative period for the Caribbean’s technology sector.