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JAMAICA: ‘First Alert’ –  A Potential Lifesaver

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#Kingston, January 1, 2019 – Jamaica – An idea for the development of a solution to provide timely emergency services, led to the creation of a mobile software App-‘First Alert’.  The emergency response platform that persons can access through their phones, was developed by First Responders Technology Limited, a Kingston based Technology firm, headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aldain Reid.

Mr. Reid tells JIS News, that the product which has been in use for the last few months, is a subscription-based service, available to everyone, especially persons prioritising safety, health and security.

“Any [person] that is travelling across the world and wants to ensure that they are safe wherever they go may use the App, as the organisation is able to handle calls globally,” he notes.

Mr. Reid says First Alert can be downloaded free on both IOS and Android platforms, after which persons may access the service through a $250 monthly subscription.

“Once you download the App, if you have an emergency, with the simple tap of a button, you are able to access the call centre, which operates 24 hours, which then manages the issue,” Mr. Reid states.

He indicates however that in managing an emergency, there might be need for third party services such as an ambulance, which the organisation will also arrange. “It’s a full end-to-end service,” he explains.

Some of the services offered through the App include the provision of emergency responses for medical dispatch, personal security and roadside assistance using approved protocols.

“A call comes in to our call centre, based on our technology, we are able to see who you are and where you are, once you are a subscriber,” he explains.

He says this is very important, as in the provision of emergency services, the ability to pinpoint locations is important, adding that is something the company has pioneered.

Additionally the CEO notes that based on the information requested, when persons initially register, the company would also have information on the user, such as health records; pre-existing conditions and next-of-kin.

Mr. Reid also tells JIS News that when the nature of an emergency is established, the call centre will dispatch the relevant third party emergency provider closest to the user. He adds that these services would then be paid for by the user.

“The problem we are trying to solve is the absence of coherent or structured emergency services, as Jamaica does not currently have a formal emergency response service,” the Chief Executive Officer points out.  He notes that this was part of the inspiration behind the development of the App, as an individual with whom he was close, died due to the absence of speedy emergency services.

Mr. Reid contends that the development of the App “is evidence to show how technology can transform ideas into solutions.”  He says the ground-breaking services provision has been bolstered by the recruitment of a staff of 20 persons globally, some of who are trained emergency medical dispatch officers.

The team, he adds, will shortly be increased as the company expands. The App, which was entered in the 2018 National Medal for Science, Technology and Innovation Awards in November, won the Health and Safety category.

Mr. Reid says the company was also recognized by the World Bank for being one of 30 companies worldwide to initiate projects with potential global impact.  He adds that there has been positive public feedback to the App since its introduction.  He further tells JIS News that the team is very excited that as a Jamaican company, they are able to execute an idea that they anticipate will have a significant impact.

 

By: Tomeica Gunn

Release: JIS

 

 

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Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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