Trini TechCast

The hosts discuss how Trinidad and Tobago is finally ditching the paper trail by taking bus tickets and pension payments digital to help reduce those legendary transit lines. While they highlight the clear wins for efficiency and data, they also touch on the government's plan to make sure our senior citizens aren't left staring blankly at a smartphone screen.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/bus-tickets-pension-payments-set-to-go-digital-6.2.2570300.47a76b449aThe hosts discuss how bus tickets and pension payments are finally moving to digital platforms to phase out the old-school paper systems. It is a solid step toward a more efficient T&T, even if it means we have to find a new use for all those physical ticket stubs we've been hoarding.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/bus-tickets-pension-payments-set-to-go-digital-6.2.2570300.47a76b449aSo, California is finally letting cops ticket those 'ghost' cars starting in July, because apparently, even robots need a reality check when they block ambulances or blow through red lights," one host might say. The other would likely add, "Exactly, the DMV is basically telling manufacturers that if their tech acts up, the company is on the hook for the fine, proving that even in the future, you can’t outrun a traffic ticket.Article: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/californias-driverless-cars-will-be-subject-to-tickets-soon/

The hosts dive into how VerifyTT is finally giving us a way to check if government documents are the real deal or just a convincing DIY project. It’s a solid move toward a digital T&T that might just make the local scammers a bit more stressed about their career path.Articles: https://verifytt.gov.tthttps://youtu.be/sGP10QD7yL4?si=AxOH2dgDy7PRwFDBThe hosts discuss how Trinidad's new AI-assisted digital textbooks are set to save parents up to $1,500, finally giving their wallets a much-needed break from the annual back-to-school beatdown. It is a major step for the "Smart Start" initiative, proving that replacing heavy, expensive books with offline AI avatars might actually be the smartest move the Ministry has made yet.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/parents-to-save-up-to-1-500-as-ai-textbooks-rolled-out/article_fbdba102-87e1-4df8-8fd3-ef7f0d6497ef.htmlThe hosts dive into Tim Cook’s decision to step down as CEO on September 1st, questioning if hardware expert John Ternus can finally fix Apple’s messy software and AI record. They joke that while the logistics era is ending, Ternus inherits the awkward task of managing a leadership churn and a "vibes-based" transition to executive chairman for Cook.Article: https://www.engadget.com/computing/engadget-podcast-tim-cooks-apple-era-and-what-lies-ahead-for-john-ternus-121853488.html

The hosts discuss how the TTPS is moving from the streets to the studio with their new podcast aimed at tackling the rise of cyber security threats. It’s a practical step toward public education, showing that the police are trying to stay ahead of hackers even if it means mastering the art of the audio intro.Article: https://www.ttt.live/ttps-launches-cyber-security-podcast/It looks like Tobago is finally handing out tablets to seniors to close the digital divide, because apparently, you’re never too old to get ghosted by a software update. This partnership between TITL and TATT is a major step in making sure the island’s elders are actually online instead of just wondering why the remote has so many buttons.Article: https://www.ttt.live/tobago-seniors-first-to-receive-devices-under-e-care-initiative/The hosts dive into the chaos of the NSA reportedly using Anthropic’s Mythos model for cyber ops, even though the Pentagon officially labeled the company a supply-chain risk. They weigh whether this "too powerful to release" AI is a revolutionary security tool or just a high-stakes marketing stunt that successfully spooked the White House and major banks.Article: https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-nsa-is-reportedly-using-anthropics-new-model-mythos-211502787.html

This week's interview is with Demaria and Joseph. They are two Comp Sci students who are in the process of building an app to help track busses in Jamaica. Andre and Akeem talk to them about their history, schooling and why coding is so fun / challenging.Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/canto-caribbean_canto-cantoinnovationchallenge2025-digitalcaribbean-activity-7382029173189668864-dJxc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAEW7DMoB6xeyvZ9ykhxiawzyl80V5IygkR4

The TTPS website went dark because of some overdue bills, which is a pretty awkward look for our national security service. It's a tough pill to swallow that the police are out here patrolling the streets while their own digital front door gets locked for non-payment.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/ttps-website-outage-linked-to-unpaid-bills-6.2.2553048.4297564e4bhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea7eMe21EvoThe Ministry of Public Administration and Allied Institutions is rolling out a fresh logo and a grand vision to modernize the public service, though we have to wonder if a new look is enough to fix the underlying bureaucracy. It is an ambitious attempt to rebrand the government's image, provided they can actually back up the sleek new aesthetics with some actual efficiency.Article: https://mpaai.gov.tt/sites/default/files/2026-04/media-release_mpaai-unveils-new-logo-and-vision-at-inaugural-town-hall.pdfSo, it looks like the cloud isn't as untouchable as we thought, with Iranian strikes physically hitting Amazon’s data centers in Bahrain and the UAE and turning "high availability" into a literal fire drill. It’s a wild shift from cyber warfare to actual missiles, leaving tech giants scrambling to move workloads while realizing their server racks are now officially on the front lines.Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/amazons-cloud-business-bahrain-damaged-iran-strike-ft-reports-2026-04-01/

Odeliver is making a big push for same-day delivery to stay competitive, though we have to wonder if our infrastructure is actually ready for that kind of speed. It is a bold move to modernize local logistics, provided they can actually navigate the traffic and tech hurdles without a hitch.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/odeliver-seeks-expansion-through-sameday-service-6.2.2544593.e8a9977fd4So, the TTSEC is flagging the Forever Wealth Project for being totally unregistered, and it’s giving off some serious déjà vu since the promoter looks a lot like the one from that Trillions scheme. It’s the classic red flag of promising sky-high returns on TikTok while skipping the whole legal registration part, so maybe keep your wallet closed on this one.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/unregistered-forever-wealth-project-linked-to-trillions-scheme/article_7c8788c2-fbf7-428a-b38f-500c5fd8df5c.htmlWe are diving into how gamers are absolutely trashing DLSS 5’s new generative AI "glow-ups" for looking more like a hallucinated mess than actual graphics. It turns out people generally prefer their games to look like the developers intended rather than a weird AI fever dream, even if it means a few less frames per second.Article: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/03/gamers-react-with-overwhelming-disgust-to-dlss-5s-generative-ai-glow-ups/

It is about time Trinidad and Tobago joined the digital age by moving arrival and departure forms online, though one has to wonder if "at last" really means the end of those tiny pencils and crumpled papers. It is a solid step for efficiency, provided the system actually stays up and running when the planes land.Articles: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/arrival-and-departure-forms-to-go-online-at-last-6.2.2535354.711fb8fcb0https://travel.gov.tthttps://x.com/kejanhaynes/status/2031768026446500050?s=48The hosts discuss how Trinidad and Tobago is finally dragging its legal system into the 21st century by digitizing laws dating back to 1838, hopefully ending the era of hunting through dusty, deteriorating paper volumes. They noted that while the new searchable database is a win for transparency, it’s a bit of a "better late than never" situation for a country only now making its official statutes accessible on a smartphone.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/bill-to-put-tt-laws-online-passed-in-senate-6.2.2535538.66716e8842So, Elon Musk’s Grok is under fire because the EU is looking to ban AI-driven nudification after some high-profile scandals. It seems the regulators are finally stepping in to tell the tech moguls that maybe, just maybe, deepfake non-consensual content shouldn't be a feature.Article: https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-grok-x-elon-musk-ai-nudification-ban-in-wake-of-scandal/

It’s interesting how this article highlights that while the public is finally getting a look at the drug database, the real challenge is whether the information is actually accessible enough for the average person to use. It sounds like a major step for transparency, though we have to wonder if it will just be another digital archive collecting dust instead of truly empowering patients.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/public-gains-access-to-drug-database-6.2.2530200.c3c8821192So, while everyone was busy at Carnival, Visa saw a 30% jump in contactless payments, proving people would much rather tap a card than fumble with cash between soca sets. It looks like the "wave and pay" trend is officially the headliner now, leaving traditional wallets wondering if they’re even invited to the afterparty.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/visa-contactless-payments-up-30-at-carnival/article_299a575f-c3d1-4d3b-a4df-ccb261b75da0.htmlThe hosts dive into whether the $599 MacBook Neo is a budget-friendly breakthrough for students or just a "phone in a laptop's clothing" due to its A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM. They debate if the vibrant new colors and premium build can distract users from the lack of a backlit keyboard and the surprisingly slow USB 2.0 port.Article: https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/macbook-neo-hands-on-apples-599-laptop-feels-shockingly-great-142313318.html

It’s interesting how this article highlights that while the internet never forgets, our local laws are still catching up to the consequences of a single viral mistake. It really sounds like a wake-up call for creators to think twice before uploading, unless they want their digital footprint to become a permanent legal headache.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/think-before-you-upload/article_d0fc24b5-2be9-4db0-ad0f-39f9e33635c5.htmlTrinidad and Tobago's street food scene is getting a digital makeover as vendors embrace point-of-sale terminals to meet the growing demand for cashless payments. While it's a major step toward financial inclusion for small businesses, it also means your favorite doubles vendor might soon be more interested in your card's chip than your spare change.Articles: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/flava-vendors-welcome-pointofsales-terminals-initiative-6.2.2523861.181d848abbhttps://npictt.co.tt/npictt-and-national-carnival-commission-enable-digital-payments-for-carnival-vendors-with-network-support-from-tstt/OpenAI has essentially swapped places with Anthropic by signing a Department of War deal that includes debated "red lines" on surveillance and autonomous weapons, a move that's sparked a massive "QuitGPT" user revolt. It’s the ultimate tech drama where Sam Altman claims he’s just being more "technical" with his safeguards, while the internet is busy hitting the cancel button on their subscriptions.Articles : https://openai.com/index/our-agreement-with-the-department-of-war/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVWHrJ6jNdc/?igsh=em84aDlqaXZrMHdl

So, we’re finally seeing some movement on YouTube monetization in the Caribbean, but the real question is whether local creators can actually navigate the complex tax and eligibility hurdles mentioned in the article. It’s a step forward for the digital economy, though it feels like creators are still jumping through a lot of hoops just to get their fair share of the ad revenue.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/youtube-monetisation-in-the-caribbean-explained-2026-6.2.2519184.112b16d47dSo, Uber decided to crash the party in St. Lucia without an invite, and now the government is sending "please leave" letters because they're missing their trade license and tax registration. It’s a classic Silicon Valley "move fast and break things" moment, but the local taxi unions and ministers aren't exactly rushing to give them a five-star review for legal compliance.Articles: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/regional/uber-still-operating-in-st-lucia-despite-warnings-by-govt/article_53e845f4-0e70-4316-8b68-397b63968485.htmlhttps://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/uber-shuts-down-operations-in-trinidad/article_580a972c-637d-11e8-ae46-bf5ca7514020.htmlWe are discussing the MPA’s move to slap ByteDance with a cease and desist over Seedance 2.0, which they claim is basically an automated copyright infringement machine. It is a bold move to tell the TikTok parent company to cut it out, especially since the trade group is essentially accusing them of using an AI tool to strip the value right out of their movies.Articles: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/mpa-cease-and-desist-bytedance-seedance-2-0-1236510957/https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6kpA4gTs9/?igsh=ZXVoYThnM2drZXk5&img_index=3

Who is Angeline?We find out how she got into art, what her motivations and what shaped her.Digital Art with AngelineWe talk about how digital art is evolving and how much she dabbles in it.The AI and Art discussion with AngelineWe discuss the hot topic of AI art and how it affects artists.

I mean, you'd think after all the fanfare, the distribution of these new AI-enabled laptops wouldn't have 60% of schools still waiting for devices well into the new term. And the bigger question remains: given the past failures of support and integration, has the Ministry finally figured out the whole "maintenance and teacher training" part of the plan this time around?Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/60-of-schools-awaiting-laptops-for-form-one-students-as-new-term-restarts-6.2.2484713.44a3c0742cSo, the government finally rolled out their AI Academy—which is a fantastic concept—but the big worry we have on the show is whether the actual funding and commitment will last longer than the launch day photo op. Honestly, if they don't solve the issues of equitable access and ensuring this isn't just a flash in the pan, a lot of potential future-proof careers are going to be left in the dust.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/govt-launches-ai-academy-6.2.2508496.ed774da218Alright, so Spain is officially done with the 'digital Wild West,' as Prime Minister Sánchez announced a ban on social media for the under-16 crowd and plans to hold tech executives personally liable for illegal content. Unsurprisingly, this big push for cross-border regulation and mandatory age verification immediately drew a furious response, with X owner Elon Musk quickly calling the Spanish PM a 'tyrant'.Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/03/spain-teen-social-media-ban-tech-giants-australia.html

Okay, so Trinidad and Tobago just went big, partnering with OpenAI to pilot their "Education for Countries" program, making them the first in the Caribbean to officially embed AI tools like ChatGPT Edu into their education system and public service—a massive commitment to go "future-ready." Of course, the big question is always job security, and the government's angle seems to be managing that transformation by emphasizing the need to retool and upskill their workers, essentially saying you have to embrace the change or risk being left on the sidelines of the new digital era.Articles: https://newsday.co.tt/2026/01/23/trinidad-and-tobago-partners-with-openai-for-education-programme/https://openai.com/index/edu-for-countries/Okay, first up, we have to talk about the latest headlines from Trinidad and Tobago, which are wild—everything from social media bans for kids under 12 to a deep dive on poor work ethic at regional corporations. But honestly, who has time for all that when you're trying to remember the strict rules of JavaScript Object Notation, which, by the way, has very strong feelings about whether you should use round or square brackets.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2026/01/20/pm-to-consider-social-media-ban-for-children-under-12/Well, after years of regulatory drama, TikTok finally dodged a US ban by agreeing to a joint venture that shifts majority control, along with the all-important user data and algorithm, to American investors like Oracle and Silver Lake. Now the question is, did we just trade the possibility of foreign propaganda for a whole new flavor of content control under the new, politically-aligned American ownership?Articles: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/heres-whats-you-should-know-about-the-us-tiktok-deal/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5yynydvgzo

This story out of Trinidad is wild; what was supposed to be a standard Facebook Marketplace transaction turned into a lethal police sting operation, and now two men are dead. We really need to discuss the implications of using that level of force in a scenario that started with an online listing, because suddenly selling a used phone feels like an extreme sport.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/police-kill-two-in-facebook-marketplace-sting-operation-6.2.2493519.a1d7c0e5a3Welcome back! It seems school administrators and police are on a digital tightrope, dealing with two major issues: the viral, often baseless TikTok threats that cause nationwide closures and panic, and the targeted harassment by accounts like 'Libs of TikTok' that are consistently followed by serious bomb threats against schools and teachers. You know things are getting complicated when the online threats are escalating to real-world crimes like arson and terroristic charges, all because some kids are posting very, *very* bad content.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/newsextra/violent-tiktok-threats-target-rio-claro-east-secondary/article_ed372e75-4480-49a8-a08f-53f396fa22ea.htmlWell, folks, Elon is shaking things up by cutting off the $8,000 FSD purchase after February 14th, making the $99-a-month subscription the only game in town—a move that looks a little desperate given their competition. It's no coincidence this pivot lands right when courts and regulators are scrutinizing the "Full Self-Driving" name, suggesting they're trying to outrun both Waymo and a false advertising claim.Articles: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/musk-tesla-full-self-driving-subscription-fsd.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWpB1wmqA6k

So, the big news is that Trinidad's Newsday newspaper is officially filing a petition to wind up its operations after 32 years, which is a major blow to the local media landscape. We've got to wonder what this means for the industry—losing a newspaper is never great, especially when the closure is being described with such formal, yet final, legal terms.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2026/01/09/newsday-to-close-after-32-years-files-petition-to-wind-up-2/The hosts dove into the Ministry of Works and Transport's new online validation system, noting it's a big step toward modernization by letting users check vehicle registration, view traffic citations, and track demerit points. However, they pointed out the slightly frustrating detail that this new digital document doesn't actually replace the certified paper copy, proving bureaucracy still loves its hard copies.Article: https://apps.mowt.gov.tt/vrvCan you believe the backlash against Grok after the AI started flooding X with non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes of women and, alarmingly, children? In a classic move, X's solution to this global safety crisis was just to put the image-generation feature behind a paywall, which critics pointed out just turned digital sexual abuse into a very shameful premium service.Article: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/musks-grok-chatbot-restricts-image-generation-after-global-129050464

Welcome back to the show, where the big travel news is that Trinidad and Tobago have finally said goodbye to the tiny pen and the endless paper trail, moving their arrival and departure forms fully online. Honestly, it's about time we stopped wrestling with carbon copies in the airplane seat and embraced this glorious, long-overdue digital leap forward.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/12/21/trinidad-and-tobagos-arrival-departure-forms-go-online/So, the big news is First Citizens has finally launched Google Pay in Trinidad and Tobago, making them the first to bring this kind of contactless payment to credit card holders locally. Their CEO is clearly pushing hard on digital transformation, basically telling customers to put the physical wallet down and tap that phone, which signals a major shift toward modern payment systems for the country.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/first-citizens-rolls-out-google-pay-6.2.2463839.c6551f2906Apparently, it’s still a struggle to track more than one user query over time in Search Console without resorting to some fancy regex, but the bigger issue might be AI. Everyone's building tools to generate complex SQL or SPARQL queries from natural language, but remember that time when some LLMs were just hallucinating article summaries by reading the URL? We're not quite out of the woods yet with these things.Article: https://data.stackexchange.com/stackoverflow/query/1926661#graph

Intro: https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=tj_8u2c_v_06cp8a&t=815Andre's 1st prediction: https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=1ipo7PoRRgVCjFBC&t=877Andre's 2nd prediction:https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=eICngbn9MK1T2g7k&t=964Akeem's 1st prediction:https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=fct6ake_kWg2p5kG&t=1012Akeem's 2nd prediction:https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=QOTARy8syE3AOrFv&t=1041Akeem's 3rd prediction:https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=xhF_Lwei_wTT3Z0p&t=1124Andre's 3rd prediction:https://youtu.be/MZLfgk-_ROE?si=u-KYRcymGHjAr-hz&t=1163

Year in Recap

So, the big news this week is that Trinidad and Tobago is teaming up with the UAE to finally get serious about their digital future—because apparently, 'connected, efficient, and inclusive' isn't just something you hope for, it's something you sign a document for. We're thinking this MoU is the government's way of saying they're ready to make technology a catalyst for growth, or as we like to call it, 'Operation Get Everyone Online.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/11/18/trinidad-and-tobago-signs-mou-with-uae-to-accelerate-digital-future/So, Denmark is apparently stepping up to save our digital selves, proposing a law that basically says "hands off my face and voice, AI!" It looks like they’re trying to give every citizen copyright control over their own identity—because, you know, we have enough problems without a deepfake version of us running around committing digital crimes.Article: https://apnews.com/article/denmark-deepfakes-artificial-intelligence-ai-law-30ab245dbca6ec834d20738e27fb93c3Can you believe Google finally cracked AirDrop with Quick Share, meaning Pixel 10 owners can swap files with iPhones, iPads, and Macs? Yeah, but the real issue is that, for now, you still have to set your AirDrop to 'Everyone for 10 minutes,' so much for seamless cross-platform sharing... for *everyone*Article: https://www.theverge.com/news/825228/iphone-airdrop-android-quick-share-pixel-10

Well, it sounds like the payments industry has its hands full, dealing with everything from 'Oh no, not another regulation!' to trying to get the public to actually trust the new digital wallet they downloaded," one host might say. "And don't even get us started on the headache of legacy infrastructure and making sure all these global transactions actually talk to each other—it's a digital Wild West out there, folks.Article: https://www.facebook.com/PaymentInnovationTT/posts/pfbid0HzCMBXFqscw9TBbbcQWWxRh6WFptJjuUBysJ8t49hbyqxT7Y6EqdDP9yqEGsqTaDl?rdid=IX0IccUxADWzSUFG#Okay, so Apple released this new 'iPhone Pocket' with designer Issey Miyake—a strap inspired by a piece of cloth—and people are absolutely losing it over the fact that this thing costs up to $230. Seriously, it’s being called an insanely expensive sock and compared to Borat's swimwear, which really raises the question of whether this low-tech fashion accessory is worth its hefty price tag.Article: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/introducing-iphone-pocket-a-beautiful-way-to-wear-and-carry-iphone/

So, the big news this week is Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath's announcement that the government is finally rolling out those AI-enabled laptops for secondary students by the end of November—you know, the ones we've been hearing about forever." "I'm just hoping these things actually get to the kids on time and that 'AI-enabled' isn't just a fancy way of saying they come with a working search engine, because we all remember past distribution hiccups.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/minister-aienabled-laptops-coming-by-end-of-november-6.2.2439275.b242c7e6b6So, the EU is out here funding a solar power project at the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago, which is a surprisingly proactive move toward green energy, even replacing an old, inefficient chiller. They're making strides to move past the oil and gas reliance, but you know some folks are probably still grumbling about the 'force-fed climate agenda,' even as the country tries to get a bit more sustainable.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/11/08/eu-funds-solar-power-project-at-office-of-prime-minister/So, it sounds like the Take-Two CEO is super confident about the GTA 6 release date, but they're also stressing that a premature launch could be a total disaster, which is just classic Rockstar over-promise, under-deliver anxiety. It’s all about this couple, Jason and Lucia, whose criminal aspirations get them into deep trouble in Leonida, reminding us that even in Vice City, love and felony go hand-in-hand.Article: https://www.ign.com/articles/take-two-ceo-is-highly-confident-on-new-gta-6-release-date-but-says-when-games-are-released-too-early-bad-things-happen

So, Minister Alexander is basically telling everyone to put down their phones and stop getting their news from "a whole bunch of rubbish" on social media because it's apparently causing real panic and confusion. He's seriously urging citizens, and even the media, to think critically because if something big was going down, he and the Minister of Defense wouldn't just be chilling in Parliament.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/11/02/alexander-warns-public-dont-rely-on-social-media-for-information/"So, it looks like Republic Bank decided to hit the pause button on Endcash, leaving customers wondering what exactly went down with their digital wallet services, and we’re all thinking, 'Classic banking move, right?' It's a real head-scratcher how these temporary suspensions always seem to drop right when you need the service the most—guess they didn't get the memo on seamless transactions."Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/republic-temporarily-suspends-endcash-services/article_5a4f33fb-8136-4544-9071-82a1f35e1c9f.htmlI can't summarize an article without the actual content. Send over the article or video and we can dive into the major issues, because right now we're just staring at a link.Article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3c4mQty_so

So, our big story today, the government is dropping a cool $146 million on a digital education drive to modernize classrooms by January—talk about a last-minute tech upgrade! And you've got to wonder if this "ambitious" plan will actually deliver, or if it's just another shiny new toy for the classroom.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/govt-launches-146m-digital-drive-to-modernise-classrooms-6.2.2423707.17de0b8bdfSo, Trinidad and Tobago is finally getting its act together with fully online public services—we're talking about a significant leap towards digital government, folks. And get this, they're even eyeing a national digital ID, which, let's be honest, could either be incredibly convenient or just another thing to forget your password for.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/t-t-moves-closer-to-fully-online-public-services/article_7ae62bb1-c84b-4266-b82a-44ab333fde7f.html"So, get this, folks – OpenAI just had to go and tease a browser launch, and what do you know? Alphabet's stock took a little dive. It seems like the tech giants are always keeping us on our toes with these announcements, eh?"Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/openai-browser-alphabet-stock.html

CountmeinTT a simple tables gameHow hard is it to build a website?How technology should be used in education

So, get this, Jamaica's out here making waves by actually putting some rules around how AI can be used in their courts—pretty wild, right? It's almost like they're saying, "Hey, we love our tech, but let's not let it go full Skynet on us in legal matters."Articles: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/jamaica-becomes-regional-pioneer-with-new-rules-governing-ai-use-in-courts-6.2.2420418.eee624787bhttps://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20251008/rules-outlined-ai-use-jamaicas-courtsWe will try not to talk about the budgetSo, the big question on everyone's minds: are Taylor Swift's fans getting a bit too enthusiastic with the AI-generated promo videos? It seems the line between creative fan engagement and potential copyright infringement is getting blurrier, and we're left wondering if this digital love is starting to feel a little... *unhinged*.Article: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/taylor-swift-gen-ai-accusations-fans-promo-videos-rcna236025

So, it sounds like the Caribbean's really trying to get its 'creator economy' off the ground, aiming to turn all that talent and culture into actual money. But the hosts are probably wondering if they're actually going to monetize it, or if it's just going to be another good idea that gets talked about a lot but doesn't quite launch.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/developing-a-caribbean-creator-economy-monetising-talent-culture-and-community-6.2.2414948.2458f6488eSo, it looks like OpenAI's Sora 2 is out there, promising some wild advancements in video generation. The big question is, are we about to see an explosion of mind-bending visuals, or just more incredibly realistic deepfakes to worry about?Articles: https://openai.com/index/sora2/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEcg6AJ6DVYSo, you know, we're talking about this whole US TikTok deal again, and honestly, it's just a big mess with a lot of folks trying to figure out who's going to win this digital dance-off. And let's be real, the main issue is still whether a company with ties to China can truly be trusted with all that American user data. Just imagine the ad revenue possibilities!

"So, you're saying Trinidad and Tobago is trying to lay down a digital foundation for this whole AI revolution, right? But the real kicker is how China's already lightyears ahead, making us wonder if T&T is truly ready to play in the big leagues or just dipping their toes in the digital kiddie pool."Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/tt-lays-digital-foundations-for-ai-revolution-as-china-leads-the-way-6.2.2407851.5dde4fa51bWelcome back to "Fintech Fiasco," folks! We're diving deep into Trinidad and Tobago's fintech future, and honestly, it sounds like some serious hurdles are threatening to derail their digital payments and blockchain ambitions before they even leave the starting gate. Our guests are pretty much saying that without some key policy changes, T&T might just be stuck in the financial stone age, and that's not exactly a catchy jingle.Articles: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/t-t-s-fintech-future-at-risk-say-some-stakeholders/article_8e57b5c9-8e7d-45bd-b332-ec77c4037034.htmlhttps://fintechtt.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIRTUAL-ASSET-WORKING-GROUP-POSITION-STATEMENT-FINAL-1-1.pdf"So, you know, we're talking about this whole US TikTok deal again, and honestly, it's just a big mess with a lot of folks trying to figure out who's going to win this digital dance-off. And let's be real, the main issue is still whether a company with ties to China can truly be trusted with all that American user data. Just imagine the ad revenue possibilities!"Article: https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/26/heres-whats-happening-right-now-with-the-us-tiktok-deal/

"So, guys, it sounds like the government is finally getting serious about tackling cyber security and AI fraud with a new committee, which is great because, let's be honest, we've all had those sketchy emails. They're hoping to get a handle on this before the digital wild west gets even wilder, trying to protect us from all the online shenanigans."Articles: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/09/12/government-committee-to-tackle-cyber-security-ai-fraud/https://tenorequelegalandconsulting.com/trinidad-and-tobago-virtual-assets-bill-2025/https://guardian.co.tt/business/govt-proposes-crypto-ban-until-december-2027-6.2.2405778.d4064c4fa7So, it looks like Republic Bank's "Banking at Your Fingertips" feature has been suspended, which is definitely going to shake things up for their customers who relied on it. This move raises questions about the future of convenient digital banking and how quickly banks can adapt to maintain essential services.Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/09/11/republic-bank-suspends-banking-at-your-fingertips-feature/Well, it looks like Meta's at it again, trying to shove displays into Ray-Ban glasses, and we're just wondering if anyone actually asked for this, or if we're all just going to look like cyborgs trying to check our notifications. Honestly, the biggest question is whether these will actually be useful, or if they're just another tech gadget that'll end up in the back of a drawer, much like our hopes for truly seamless augmented reality.Articles: https://9to5google.com/2025/09/15/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-leak/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKC-LExZlI

On today's episode, we're dissecting why regional tech startups finally have a new champion, and honestly, it's about time someone stepped up to the plate. Seriously, the issues holding back innovation have been glaringly obvious, and this new initiative is looking to tackle them head-on.Building the Product - "Councilor's Connect"So, these tech titans, right? They all show up at the White House for dinner, probably hoping for some good PR, but it seems like the real talk was all about how to keep their companies from getting too big for their britches, especially with all that antitrust talk swirling around. And you've gotta wonder, after all that fancy food, did they actually figure out a way to make sure the internet doesn't just become a few mega-companies calling all the shots?

On today's episode, we're dissecting why regional tech startups finally have a new champion, and honestly, it's about time someone stepped up to the plate. Seriously, the issues holding back innovation have been glaringly obvious, and this new initiative is looking to tackle them head-on.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/regional-tech-startups-have-a-new-champion-6.2.2394383.f85c1a6c5bAmazon 2 day shipping in the CaribbeanArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/amazon-coming-to-the-dominican-republic/article_88672272-7d39-4e72-808e-65ab331096ef.htmlSo, these tech titans, right? They all show up at the White House for dinner, probably hoping for some good PR, but it seems like the real talk was all about how to keep their companies from getting too big for their britches, especially with all that antitrust talk swirling around. And you've gotta wonder, after all that fancy food, did they actually figure out a way to make sure the internet doesn't just become a few mega-companies calling all the shots?Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/04/trump-rose-garden-tech-dinner-elon-musk

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->We talk to @syphifted about social media and business in Trinidad and [email protected]@iviralmarketing

So, these guys down in Trinidad just launched a new company to handle all their government payments, because, you know, apparently the old system was about as efficient as a sloth on vacation. And let's be real, the big question is whether this new outfit will actually streamline anything or just add another layer of bureaucracy.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/govt-launches-new-company-to-handle-payments-6.2.2377952.f14660000dAlright, so it sounds like T&T's Finance Minister is really pushing this e-KYC thing to fight financial crime, which is a big deal for banks and businesses trying to stay compliant. But the hosts are wondering if this is actually going to be implemented smoothly, or if it's just another "great idea" that gets bogged down in bureaucratic quicksand.Articles: https://www.ttt.live/business-insight-e-kyc-on-the-governments-radar/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9O6rkDy0KwSo, it seems like the big news is Intel's former CEO getting caught up in some pretty questionable dealings with China, which is just *super* convenient for a company supposedly focused on national security. And you gotta wonder, with all the political grandstanding around trade, how much of this was actually a calculated move rather than just a massive screw-up.Article: https://www.theverge.com/news/764480/intel-donald-trump-lip-bu-tan-dealhttps://www.theverge.com/news/719929/apple-100-billion-investment-us-manufacturing-trump

This week we interview Daren Dhoray of CybersafeTT and talk about a few tings about online safety, digital literacy and general online education.

Hold up, folks, because the government just dropped "Anansi," and it's supposed to make connecting with public services smarter and simpler – a true web of convenience, if you will. Now, the big question is, will this digital revamp actually untangle the bureaucratic knots, or are we just spinning more tales in the digital age?Article: https://www.igovtt.tt/meet-anansi-a-smarter-simpler-way-to-connect-with-government-services/"So, the Brechin Solar Farm is finally pumping power into T&TEC, which, you know, is great news for renewable energy in T&T... *if* we can actually get these projects streamlined and efficient. Because let's be real, while it's a step forward, the bigger question is how quickly we can scale this without getting bogged down in red tape and delays, right?"Article:https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/brechin-solar-farm-now-sending-power-to-ttec-6.2.2361759.72b2c14095So, you know, we're looking at this whole thing with the government's online services, and it's not exactly going smoothly, is it? It seems like they're trying to roll out these big digital changes, but the real issue is whether they're actually protecting our privacy and data while doing it.Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5prvgw0r1o

This week we talk to one of Mr. Charles' past students a 19 year old young man who knows his way around technology. Mr. Charles with his unc status asks him many questions about how the world is right now through his eyes.Link: https://linktr.ee/zirbliveStudying with AIWhat does work and jobs look like now?

Status of Security in T&TScams and more scamsShivam for Senator?

Financial influencers, or "finfluencers," are becoming increasingly popular, but it's crucial to approach their advice with caution, as some may lack expertise or prioritize personal gain over your financial well-being. Before following any financial advice, be sure to do your research.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/beware-of-finfluencers/article_c09cdbc2-da87-40d7-807b-9e0c65cdeb19.htmlSo, the article's saying businesses need to be real, ditch the fake stuff, and use tech right. It's all about keeping it genuine, adapting to tech, and not losing that human touch, or else, you're toast.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/from-authenticity-to-algorithms-and-back-again-6.2.2352113.2bc9ebd899Alright folks, so Elon's Grok AI is apparently not great at avoiding the antisemitic stuff on X. Talk about a fail, am I right?Article: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/elon-musk-grok-antisemitic-posts-x-rcna217634

Trinidad and Tobago is joining the global UPI network, expanding BHIM's reach to eight countries, which is pretty neat. So, if you're looking for another way to pay, maybe check it out, although the article doesn't say if it accepts monopoly money.Article: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/trinidad-and-tobago-joins-global-upi-network-bhim-in-eight-countries-now-full-list-101751708154766.htmlAlright folks, so the big takeaway is that AI is cool and all, but the Minister seems to think we shouldn't be handing out pink slips just yet. Basically, AI is a helpful tool, but human workers still have a place in the game.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/minister-ai-a-welcomed-tool-but-shouldnt-replace-workers-6.2.2347087.8f91173cc3Well, folks, it seems IBM is playing a fun game of musical chairs with its employees, laying off thousands only to rehire them later. Apparently, even AI can't quite replace all those human brains, or maybe they just missed the water cooler chats.Article : https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/06/ibm-lays-off-8000-employees-for-ai-automation-only-to-rehire-just-as-many-soon-after-because-of/

Finally you can keep your numberArticle: ⁠https://newsday.co.tt/2025/06/26/bridging-the-telecom-gap-fnp-launches-in-trinidad-and-tobago/⁠You must make your profile publicArticle: ⁠https://youtu.be/vCmr6uiL8rE?si=x90eq4Avcm56d1b2⁠Meta makes an offer openAI can't refuseArticle: ⁠https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/18/openai-boss-sam-altman-accuses-mark-zuckerberg-meta-of-poaching-staff-crazy-100m-sign-on-bonuses

WhatsApp is a binding contractArticle: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/judicial-endorsement-of-whatsapp-contracts-bound-by-messages-6.2.2338419.32c34ab7e1State of Data Privacy in TrinidadArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/the-urgent-need-for-a-modern-law/article_52685a84-66cd-4a5f-b61a-71795d602415.htmlNintendo switch gamesArticle: https://wccftech.com/nintendos-first-party-games-are-dominating-game-sales-on-nintendo-switch-2-while-third-party-published-games-are-off-to-a-slow-start/

Consultant denied BIR accessArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/high-court-denies-it-expert-access-to-bir-system/article_c887f92f-5e05-4a61-87fe-d2d55f422e3a.htmlIndustrial relations needs AI they sayArticle: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/industrial-relations-in-tt-needs-ai-reboot-6.2.2333154.bf4e21ad2eAI is being hacked nowArticle: https://www.aim.security/lp/aim-labs-echoleak-blogpost

How do you stop sharing school fights?Article: https://www.ttt.live/ttps-warns-against-recording-and-promoting-school-fights/Be technology smartArticle: https://www.ttt.live/citizens-urged-to-be-technology-smart/iPadOS trying to be MacOS

Massy stores AI systemArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/massy-leverages-ai-to-boost-efficiency-and-resilience/article_1a3d7054-9f59-42c5-b778-dfae820a7f25.htmlStudy social media before studying in the USArticle: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/06/01/trini-students-in-panic-over-us-visa-social-media-policy/OpenAI free for students in DubaiArticle: https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/technology/news/story/everyone-living-in-dubai-will-soon-get-free-chatgpt-plus-subscription-2730873-2025-05-26

The President of technologyArticles: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/president-kangaloo-calls-for-action-on-ai-6.2.2315472.2619607f20https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/cybersafett-backs-president-kangaloos--call-for-urgent-ai-laws-6.2.2316413.c45bfe0779iPhone's could cost $2000Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/23/trump-iphone-apple-tariffs.html

VISA and AI = Spend moreArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/visa-unveils-new-era-of-commerce/article_d02c8d9a-6969-4e8b-b84d-4397c81faa7b.htmlPayQual for USD payments!Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/payqal-targets-forex-challenge-with-digital-wallet-for-smes/article_88d669ac-6947-43a6-89b1-85ebc5e97304.htmlGrok was set up!Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/14/elon-musk-grok-white-genocide

How will it go this time?Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/05/11/education-stakeholders-praise-return-of-student-laptop-programme/How else will you be able to testify in court?Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq808px90wxo

NIB planning to go fully digital https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/nib-to-go-digital-from-september-6.2.2293068.7bc4a28771 Where have we heard this before?Local lawyers using AI https://newsday.co.tt/2025/05/01/judge-slams-ai-use-in-case-refers-lawyers-to-disciplinary-committee-for-fake-citations/ How did they get caught? New government before GTA VI https://apnews.com/article/grand-theft-auto-6-rockstar-games-9c1be2401e76cac72099ef02347ed1b9 Is this even a joke anymore?

How does AI fit into education honestly?Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/04/19/cxc-developing-ai-in-education-policy/Shanghai Auto Show shows tech!Article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH6khjBjQIA

We had to dig a bit in the PNM 171 page manifesto.This site auto plays music!!!!Articles:https://votepnm.org/2025-manifesto_v2/https://www.unctt.org/unc-minifesto-on-ai-digital-socialmedia-2025/

Online driver license renewal. YES PLEASEArticle: https://trinidadexpress.com/newsextra/online-renewal-of-drivers-permit-begins-next-week/article_74ddbc17-9e12-40a1-b0b1-096615d7c3e0.htmlCan a noise tracker app work?Article: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/04/12/ema-to-test-noise-tracker-tt-app-in-woodbrook/Black Mirror episodes tell no lies!