Technology - Channel 5 Belize

Cellular Word Strengthening Connections Through Technology

Today, Cellular World Belize held an exciting live forum all about the latest in technology and the hurdles that come with it. Key speakers from Dell and Epson were on hand to share their industry know-how and explore new business opportunities in Belize. Earlier, News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the conference to get the scoop on these hot topics. Here’s her report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Technology is moving at lightning speed! In just the past few years, tools like artificial intelligence have revolutionized industry, pushing both consumers and technicians to keep up with the rapid changes. Cellular World Belize hosted a lively forum today to dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape. The General Manager of Cellular World shared more insights with us.

Joel Cervantez, General Manager, Cellular World

“Besides also being the leading company in electronics we decided to bring to Belize both Dell and Epson. Why? One, Epson who sells these printers and the eco tanks, which we are seeing and noting for our different, in the education department especially, for families, you can purchase it at a much lower price and the inks are much cheaper. And with Dell. We are a gold partner with Dell, and as such, what is happening for the future in the next era in artificial intelligence and cyber security? How can they partner with us? What is it that we can offer along with our products? Laptops, computers, and all that. This is for us to make give awareness to the Belizeans. And once again, we want to take that lead and we are doing so.”

The forum was a collaboration between Cellular World, Epson, and Dell. At the forum, representatives delved into the big issues facing the tech industry and shared tips on how technicians can tackle these challenges head-on. Dell representative, Byron Urbina explained what the key areas of concern were.

Byron Urbina, Regional Pre-sales Representative, DELL

“The main topics are, for example, cyber security. Belize, as the rest of the countries in the region, are facing a new era of cyber-attacks and the idea is to present how Dell is presenting the products and how Dell is helping to prevent that kind of attacks. And the second topic is artificial intelligence, how our products are bringing international intelligence in every aspect of the design of the product, from the hardware design, or even in the monitoring and intelligent monitoring, and help to the end user to be aware of the all AI power from Dell to the hardware.”

The teams also brainstormed ways to grow their business and let Belizeans know about the variety of products they offer. Rashmi Ranmarine, Regional Account Manager at Epson, highlighted that Belize’s consumer market is a perfect match for their products.

Rashmi Ranmarine, Regional Account Manager, EPSON

“Epson is a Japanese company, and one of the key pillars of this Japanese company is to be more environmentally conscious, to reduce our carbon footprint by the year 2050. I’ve realized that in my research, that Belize is very also environmentally conscious, and I think it’s a great fit in terms of how we can support each other as two different entities in making I thought it was just an exciting opportunity to be here and to show that side of Epson.”

Cellular World employees will also be receiving training to strengthen the technical support they are able to offer to Belizeans.

Joel Cervantez

“We will have training programs for our employees and we need to be ahead of the game. AI is real, cyber security is real, and unless we go and be at the forefront, then we cannot offer that to our customers if we are not trained ourselves. And as leaders in electronics, in cyber security and all that, that we want to be. We have to do that first.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Cellular World Hosts Tech Forum on Innovation

Today, Cellular World Belize hosted a live forum to explore advancements in technology and the challenges they bring. With regional partners from Dell and Epson as key speakers, the event aimed to enhance industry expertise and expand commercial portfolios within Belize.

General Manager Joel Cervantez explained that Cellular World’s partnerships with Dell and Epson were strategic for supporting both businesses and consumers. He said Epson’s eco-friendly, cost-effective printer options, particularly useful for education and family needs, and discussed Dell’s focus on emerging areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. “We will have training programs for our employees and we need to be ahead of the game. AI is real, cyber security is real, and unless we go and be at the forefront, then we cannot offer that to our customers if we are not trained ourselves. And as leaders in electronics, in cyber security and all that, that we want to be. We have to do that first.”

Dell representative Byron Urbina underscored the importance of cybersecurity and AI as key issues for Belize and the wider region, noting how Dell’s products integrate AI to enhance security and provide intelligent monitoring solutions for users. “And the second topic is artificial intelligence, how our products are bringing international intelligence in every aspect of the design of the product, from the hardware design, or even in the monitoring and intelligent monitoring, and help to the end user to be aware of the all AI power from Dell to the hardware.”

Meanwhile, Epson’s Regional Account Manager, Rashmi Ranmarine, emphasised the alignment between Epson’s environmental goals and Belize’s eco-conscious values, explaining that Epson aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 2050—a vision shared by many in Belize. “Epson is a Japanese company, and one of the key pillars of this Japanese company is to be more environmentally conscious, to reduce our carbon footprint by the year 2050. ”

The forum also featured announcements on Cellular World’s commitment to strengthening technical support, as employees will undergo training to enhance customer assistance in areas like cybersecurity and AI. Cervantez stressed the importance of staying ahead in tech advancements, saying, “As leaders in electronics, we need to be at the forefront to offer the best to our customers.”

Caye Caulker Unveils Digital Connect Center

Caye Caulker now has a Digital Connect Center. This facility offers residents free Wi-Fi access, laptops, and computers, marking a significant step forward in digital inclusion. The center is a result of the ongoing partnership between Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Beyond providing internet access, the center will also offer free training to enhance residents’ digital skills. Here’s News Five’s Azain Heredia with more details.

Azain Heredia, Reporting

The residents of Caye Caulker Village now have access to the Caye Caulker Digital Connect Center. And, for residents of La Isla Cariñosa, staying connected is important. The newly opened center, which officially launched on Tuesday, offers residents a dedicated space for studying and working, along with access to essential digital tools to thrive in today’s society. At the grand opening, Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, highlighted the center’s potential to significantly benefit the island community.

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities

“The Caye Caulker Digital Connect Center is intended to have a significant impact and benefit approximately two thousand community members by giving unprecedented access To digital resources and services, the center will function as a hub for education, business, and community interaction, providing high-speed internet, computer access, and digital literacy training. These resources are critical in today’s society as digital skills are becoming more important for personal and professional development.”

This center offers more than just internet access; it provides comprehensive digital literacy training courses, enhancing the community’s skills and equipping them for success in today’s digital age.

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize

“This Digital Connect Center is not just a facility with computers and internet connections. It will also carry out digital literacy training courses so that members of the community could be equipped with the tools and the capabilities needed in today’s digital era. In fact, I think I noticed that the village council already announced on his Facebook a workshop for children to learn introduction to Microsoft Office. How wonderful. With such proactive attitude and strong support of the council, I am confident this Digital Connect Centre will surely serve as a gateway that empowers members of the Caye Caulker village to embrace the endless digital opportunities.”

As many Belizeans are aware, accessing government services can be time-consuming, particularly for residents of island communities who are geographically isolated from the mainland. Minister Chebat explains that the new Digital Connect Center aims to bridge this gap, making it easier for island residents to access essential services. This initiative is part of the government’s broader transition to online services, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, can benefit from digital advancements.

Michel Chebat

“One of our major projects we’re working on, and we’re hoping to be able to launch that by December of this year. is our vital statistics unit. And so instead of you having to travel to Belize city to go and apply for a birth certificate and you get there, and you realize you’re missing some information and the person at the counter is probably not having the best day and they send you back and you have to travel to Caye Caulker without having obtained your birth certificate. You’ve lost your day’s wages. You’ve lost an opportunity having left your home and so on. And so what we’re trying to do is and what we will do is we’re going to transform that. We’re going to change that so that by December, God willing, from wherever you are across the country, you’ll be able to log on from a smartphone, from a computer center, and you’ll be able to apply online for your birth certificate, your marriage certificate, your death certificate.”

Azain Heredia For News Five.

Microsoft Global Disruption: CrowdStrike Update Sparks Massive Tech Outages

On Friday morning, a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered widespread outages across Microsoft systems, impacting critical sectors globally. Banks, stock exchanges, airlines, hospitals, and various public services were severely disrupted, with over one thousand and three hundred flights grounded in the U.S. alone, major European airports halting landings, and over twenty-five thousand flights delayed across the world, reported CBS News.

In a statement earlier on Friday, Microsoft said, “We remain committed in treating this event with the highest priority and urgency while we continue to address the lingering impact for the Microsoft 365 apps that are in a degraded state.”

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz acknowledged the issue stemmed from an update to its Falcon Sensor software, which caused Microsoft systems to crash, but clarified it was not a cyberattack. The glitch affected systems dependent on Microsoft 365 apps, forcing manual operations at airports and healthcare facilities worldwide.

Efforts to resolve the issue are underway, but the full recovery process is expected to take days. Microsoft and CrowdStrike are working to restore services, but disruptions are expected to persist across global operations. The incident highlights the interconnected nature of global technology and the significant repercussions of software vulnerabilities on everyday business operations.

Belizean Vicky Murga Wins the FIA Mini Smart Driving Challenge in Uzbekistan

Belizean Vicky Murga was recognised at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) 120th Anniversary Conference, which was held last week. The annual conference featured a special mini-Smart Driving Challenge (SDC) to celebrate innovation and sustainability in driving, which Murga won.

The announcement was made by Greater Than, a driving data analytics company that converts GPS data into crash probability and climate impact, on its Facebook page.

Murga’s standout achievement included a notable score of one thousand, four hundred seventy-six point-five and an impressive reduction in CO2 emissions of thirty-one percent.

The mini-SDC, a part of the larger conference agenda, brought together the FIA’s global Member Club community to commemorate 120 years of automotive innovation. This challenge encouraged participants to adopt sustainable and safe driving behaviours.

The event served as a reminder for all drivers to prioritise safety, sustainability, and responsible driving practices on the roads.

Belize Joins Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency

Prime Minister John Briceño signed an agreement to join the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). With 21 signatures and eight ratifications already secured, this milestone underscores Belize’s commitment to regional cooperation in space technology.

PM Briceño said, “Belize signs on becoming 1 of the first 25 countries to benefit from the #ALCE working to improve satellite communication accelerating digital transformation. Available satellite imagery will help detect deforestation due to crossborder incursions, while protecting heritage.”

*Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena is witness of honor at signing of ALCE agreement by Belize*

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena presided over the event and emphasized that Belize’s participation in ALCE will bolster regional integration. As a member, Belize will engage in cooperation agreements and knowledge-sharing initiatives with other Latin American and Caribbean nations, focusing on satellite monitoring of environmental conditions and hydrometeorological risks.

ALCE, headquartered in Querétaro, Mexico, serves as the coordinating body for space technology collaboration across the region. By harnessing the technological capabilities of Latin American and Caribbean countries, ALCE aims to advance development, enhance satellite communication systems, strengthen early warning systems, map climate change impacts, and bolster disaster prevention and agricultural practices.

SIDS Learn Environmental Data Collection from Each Other

Individuals from various Small Island Developing States and countries are in a week-long workshop on how to collect and exchange environmental information for best practice solutions. The training is part of a response to a call for action on data solutions in 2022, by these developing states and countries. This is to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and formalize the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The framework sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 200. News Five’s Marion Ali attended part of the event and spoke with the organizer and key participants to find out how countries can benefit from this initiative. Here’s that report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The idea behind the workshop is to unlock the potential for the Small Island Developing States and countries to learn from each other about data solutions in environmental information systems that already exist. Maximilien Pardo is the UN Secretariat’s SIDS Interregional Advisor who organized the workshop. He told News Five that best practices can come from the discussion considering climate change and its impact on the environment.

Maximilien Pardo, SIDS Interregional Advisor, UN Secretariat

“SIDS formed a SIDS Coalition for Nature that was actually launched at COP 15 Biodversity two years ago in 2022. That coalition launched a call for action with three priorities. Those three parties are Financing for Nature, Data for Nature, and Biodiversity Mainstreaming in order to support SIDS in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework that was actually adopted in 2022. This is one workshop that is actually part of a two-year project, really trying to facilitate best practices to be replicated from one country to another. We talk about data solutions for nature, but of course, we cannot talk about nature without talking about climate change, and we cannot talk about climate change without talking about nature.”

Two of the participants at the forum are Anika Jarvis, a data consultant in the Ministry of Environment in Antigua and Barbuda, and Trina Palacio, a Blue Economy Officer in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management.

Anika Jarvis, Data Consultant, Ministry of Environment, Antigua & Barbuda

“I really liked Trinidad and Tobago’s Biodiversity information System. I think we’ve implemented a few different systems of our own, but those have been more climate change focused, so I think that’s a good model to follow. They just have a biodiversity system that’s meant to house a lot of their biodiversity-focused data, looking at their protected areas and also what researchers in the country have been doing as well.”

Trina Palacio, Blue Economy Officer, Ministry of Blue Economy

“We have different methodologies on how we produce data, how we actually share data, how we utilize data, the analytics, etc, and They have certain methodologies that would be very much applicable to Belize. At this time, we have systems that we have developed, but there are better ways sometimes of doing things. They’re also able to learn from us as it relates to the ways how we collect data or how we share data.”

For the organizer, Maximilien Pardo, walking away with a better idea of how to enhance data collect, access file and use the information is key when the need arises in these vulnerable regions.

Maximilien Pardo

“Having actually evidence-based measures to protect the environment will automatically be a vehicle to have actually sound climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that are needed in SIDS and in other countries, but in SIDS in particular because there are others on the frontline of the multiple crisis between nature, loss, climate change and also even pollution.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Celebrating Girls in ICT Day With Lead Like a Girl

International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in April. The day aims to create awareness on the need for more girls and women in the information and communications technology sector. It provides opportunities for them to be exposed to the benefits of ICT in enabling their career and aspirations. In alignment with these goals, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, together with UNICEF, hosted an event with the slogan “Lead Like a Girl”. Today, one hundred female high school students from across Belize will participate in interactive challenges and learned from powerful women what it means to lead like a girl. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more on that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For the past decade, people all over the world have participated in the celebration of Girls in ICT Day. It is meant to draw attention to the critical need for more girls and women in the ICT sector, both in education and the workforce. It is estimated that only seventeen percent of ICT specialists are women. To counter this issue, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and UNICEF hosted the Lead Like a Girl event where they listened to and interacted with women in positions of power to gain inspirations.

Nicole Solano, CEO, Ministry of Tourism Diaspora Relations

“It takes a lot of courage to lead like a girl. I think that we’re cultured, and today’s a little bit different than when I was growing up, right? But, we’re cultured to, I think, be a little bit more in a supporting role as women. And I think that girls have to realize that they’re natural leaders. So, to be confident and to know. that a lot of the challenges that they face are similar to the challenges that men face, except men tend to handle these challenges a little bit different. So I think girls really do need to look at how to be courageous and how to be confident. And those are, you know, being bold and not afraid. Those are some of the qualities I think it takes to lead like a girl.”

With technology playing a vital role in all kinds of careers, from art and history to law, primary teaching and graphic design, learning tech skills at a young age will set girls up for economic independence. The objective of this event was not only to encourage girls to pursue fields in STEM, but also give young women the confidence to step into these fields, even if they are dominated by men. Allison Parker, the UNICEF representative to Belize, shared with the girls, three tips to lead like a girl.

Allison Parker, UNICEF representative to Belize

“Be unique. For you to lead like a girl, you can never follow the crowd. You’ll have to be unique. Step out of your comfort zone. Step out of what is familiar. Step out of what you know, because that’s the only way we break the glass ceilings. Number two, follow your passion. If you don’t have passion, When these blocks begin to hit you like CEO Santos says, you will almost give up. But whenever you wake up in the morning and say, why am I doing this? Your passion tells you, there is another day. And that’s why we have electricity today. Somebody tried 99 times, and it didn’t work. But because of passion, they did one more time. And today, we have what we have. Let’s go one more time. Let’s go one more effort. Let’s dig another well and let’s see what we can do together. And the final thing that I want you to do is to show up and voice up no matter where you are. It doesn’t matter your color, your race, your background, no matter what you are here because you have a value addition.”

Also speaking at the event was UNICEF youth ambassador, Alaine Perdomo. The Belize High School student is dedicated to creating a positive change in the world and her community. Perdomo is an international coding gold medalist who has used her talents to create the Safescape app. This app creates a secure online platform for women and girls who have experienced sexual assault to share their experience and seek help and comfort.

Alaine Perdomo, UNICEF Youth Ambassador

“So with this, you can log your feelings, and it gives you suggestions and what you can do, and over time, this teaches you how to regulate and deal with your emotions. Thanks. It also, to the next slide, provides a resource section which allows you to find the resources near you so that you know where you can get help from. And it also provides a forum which allows you to connect with other people who have been in similar situations because it, um, tackles feelings of isolation and allows you to learn from others. and their diverse experiences. So, there’s also different groups. For example, if you’re a family member and you’re looking to see how other people might have, other family members might have dealt with helping people who they love and are close to deal with this, you can find, uh, support from other people through here.”

The Lead Like a Girl event ended with the participants pledging to continue aspiring to be leaders and support fellow women on their journeys.

Alaine Perdomo

“There are many, many issues, and the diverse perspectives of women can be Tackle these issues through similar recognition, research, planning, and development. Issues that you too have the power to tackle with your incredible and unique ideas as girls. By leading like a girl, you are intelligent, you are passionate, you are brave, and you are determined and you have the power to follow your passions and create an incredible future for your community and world.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Opening The Doors For Belizeans To Be Leaders In Science

Today, the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Committee held its first meeting to develop the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy. This inaugural session, the first of a series of consultations, represents a milestone for Belize. The primary focus of this meeting is to engage with key academic, private, public, and industry stakeholders towards the development of Belize’s first-ever Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy, aiming to guide the growth and development of Belize and its people over the next decade. Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, expanded on the significance of this endeavor.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of State, MOECST
“So, fortunately we have already done a lot of work with respect to innovation. We’ve gotten a lot of support from partners like IDB, UNDP in this regard. And so we’re not starting from scratch. But what innovation is really is the application of Technology and science that has already been produced somewhere. And putting it to work for us is going to be very important. And that’s what those initiatives have done. So that’s a good start, but we are taking an audacious view of what we can do as a country. We believe that we can also contribute to the production of technology. To the production of science, because we want to be in a position in the next ten, twenty, fifty years where we are active participants in the fourth industrial revolution and beyond that we are not just takers, but we’re also givers. And that means we have to have a plan that includes research and development, includes technology development, and goes upstream even farther into science, into contributing to science as well.”

Educating Youths To Become Markert Leaders With Technology

This strategy seeks to create gateways for Belizeans to become conversation leaders in the science field. This includes providing opportunities for Belizeans to elevate their careers through the use of science. Dr. Leeroy Almendarez, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE explained how the implementation of this strategy can help business owners develop their brands.

Dr. Leeroy Almendarez, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE

“BELTRAIDE deals a lot with MSMEs. It deals with innovation. It does deal with investment. It deals with export development. And of course, we have a training center. And so the role we play in technological development, for example, for MSMEs, for those in that space to become more competitive, there is a need for adaptation to technology, and latest technology. A number of the projects we are undertaking through the IDB, one of them being digitalization of MSMEs to make them more competitive. We also have been launching digital connect centers in partnership with the UNDP to bridge the digital divide. And if you can bridge the digital divide, then it means absence of information, you’re not disadvantaged. You’re able to participate in the whole digital communication. And so this is important for us in terms of innovation. We continue to remind entrepreneurs sometimes it just takes a little bit of differentiation to your service or product that you’re offering to make you more competitive. And so as you adapt to innovation, making things different, coming up with new ideas, because that’s how you become leaders within the market. The more innovative you are, you become a market leader, and others have to follow you.”