Connect with us

Caribbean News

State of the art AI in Jamaica’s BPO Sector

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

 

#Jamaica, May 30, 2023 – Jamaica is walking the road to Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in its corporate realm as an AI program called DISA (Digital Intelligence Sales Agent), which automates telesales and customer service processes, is being introduced to the country’s outsourcing sector.

This new development for the island is bred from the collaboration of ACCESS Sales Group, the sales division of the ACCESS Group of Companies — a financial and sales programme management and technology company with operations in the United States, Canada and the Latina America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, with Vocodia, an AI software company based in Florida and the developer of DISA.

Larry Hunt, CEO of the ACCESS Group of Companies expressed why Jamaica was chosen.  He said, “Jamaica is at the top of our list for the roll-out of DISA to the region because of its strong position in the outsourcing industry.” He also referred to Jamaica’s strong cultural affinity with North America, highly educated workforce, and favorable business environment.

Hunt continued to highlight the benefit of DISA, comparing it to outdated technology.

“Call centres, BPOs and businesses that rely on phone sales will now be able to use DISA to support their live agents in their interaction with clients. DISA uses actual live agents to record scripts and responses — unlike old, bionic-sounding technology — and never goes off-script. It can be tailored to the specific goals, budget, and unique requirements of a particular company.”

Additionally, DISA is capable of servicing any industry that deals with inbound customers calling in for FAQs, which  can  be transferred to a live agent to handle escalated calls.  For outbound calls, it can make calls to consumers or businesses to pre-qualify them prior to transferring them to a live closer.

Hunt informed that local companies are showing interest in DISA, pointing out that traditional telemarketing practices are time consuming and costly.

However, he made sure to refer to the importance of live agents saying they “are crucial as closers or problem solvers in the telemarketing process,” emphasizing that the program is not geared towards replacing human sales or customer support agents but instead, enhancing their capabilities.

Considering that, he alluded to DISA’s lack of error and limitations unlike the live agents.

“DISA significantly supports their operations by providing a level of consistency where agents may have physical limitations. It can handle up to 400 outbound calls per day and up to 20,000 simultaneous calls, compared to a high-quality agent that can only handle an average of 150 calls or less per day.”

He continued to inform of the pros of DISA.

“Our business customers have come to realise that DISA’s ability to handle far more significant volumes of calls provides a level of consistency and leaves their agents to be more productive and engaging with their customers when closing sales or handling escalated customer service.”

There are concerns regarding the cost of implementation which Hunt also talked about.

“Primarily, companies are concerned with the cost of integration, human resources to deal with that integration, and the potential costs of new or additional equipment. Integration is as simple as a DID and an API integration, both of which can be handled in minutes and at no cost to them,” he stated.

This initiative, which could put Jamaica ahead of some of its Caribbean neighbour’s in the AI game, follows a 2022 report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which highlights that  several governments in the region acknowledged the value of AI in many economic sectors.

Caribbean News

Local Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine

Published

on

Turks & Caicos’ rising star continues to blaze trails on the global stage

Providenciales, TCI – Turks & Caicos native Selena Grant, 24, is making headlines once again—this time as the cover star for the April 2025 issue of Vigor Magazine, an international publication celebrated for spotlighting fashion, culture, and emerging talent from around the world.

Grant, who first captured national attention in May 2024 when she was crowned Miss One Nation TCI, has since built a reputation as one of the country’s most multifaceted young women. In the past year alone, she has claimed 1st Runner-Up titles in both the Miss Universe Turks & Caicos pageant and the international Miss Global International competition. Her success on the runway, however, is only part of her story.

A dedicated community activist, Selena has contributed to humanitarian causes across the Islands, working with organizations such as United Way and Edward C Garland Yoith Centre and other outreach efforts. She also lends her skills to the medical field, currently serving as a lab apprentice at InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now, as the face of Turks & Caicos Fashion Week 2025, Selena is once again flying the national flag high. But this cover moment is not hers alone—it’s a shared triumph with the renowned model , runway coach, designer and photographer Kaye Cox, who not only photographed but also styled, directed, and retouched the entire shoot.

“I was incredibly honored to work with Kaye on this project,” Selena shared. “She’s a creative powerhouse and visionary. From concept to execution, every detail was hers—and I’m just so proud we could bring this vision to life together.”

Shot on the iconic shores of Providenciales, the editorial captures the essence of island elegance with a bold, high-fashion twist. The visuals, rich with cultural pride and artistic depth, immediately caught the eye of Vigor editors and landed both women their well-deserved spot on the cover.

This feature is another major milestone in Selena’s journey and a celebration of the brilliant women behind the lens and in front of it.

This marks yet another milestone in Selena’s modeling career and underscores her continued role as a cultural ambassador for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

From the stage to the studio, from the lab to the pages of an international magazine, Selena Grant continues to prove that beauty, brains, and purpose can go hand in hand—with women like Kaye Cox right there capturing it all.

Congratulations, Selena !

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”

Published

on

The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – Bahamian archivist and international chess legend Antoinette Seymour has undertaken the significant endeavor of archiving the rich cultural history of the Bahamas’ major islands. In her recent publication, “Been to Cat Island”, the first title in the “Been to Bahamas” series published by Inspire Publishing (Bahamas) 2024, Seymour passionately explores this vital task.

For many, the prospect of documenting the complexities of island history could seem daunting. However, Ms. Seymour, inspired by the strategic teachings of her late father, renowned chess master Warren Seymour, embraces the challenge. “Archivists preserve and safeguard culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, and memory,” she asserts, referencing a 1996 UNESCO publication that states, “The loss of archives is as serious as the loss of memory in a human being.”

“Throughout my life, I have heard fascinating stories about Cat Island and from Cat Islanders—stories that deserve safeguarding,” Ms. Seymour emphasizes. “If these narratives are not preserved, they will tragically vanish.”

In “Been to Cat Island,” readers can explore the unique identity of Cat Island through Seymour’s passionate lens. Discover the origins of icons like Sir Sidney Poitier, encounter delightful anecdotes such as pigs feasting on lobster, and revel in the island’s rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant heritage. This book is not merely a historical account; it is an intimate portrayal of resilience, culture, and connection.

While holding a critical archival position at her alma mater, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, Ms. Seymour remains devoted to her Bahamian roots. She aims to ensure that current and future generations of Bahamians cherish our nation’s rich history. When not archiving, Ms. Seymour travels throughout the island and shares her expertise in chess with children across The Bahamas. She is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of one.

“Been to Cat Island” is available now at Chapter One bookstore, Logos Bookstore, Cia Monet, select museums in The Bahamas and bookstores in Canada, and on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.

 

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Antoinette Seymour

Author Email: antoinetteseymour@yahoo.com

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

‘People will face consequences’ – VP Jagdeo on Adrianna Younge’s death

Published

on

Guyana, April 25, 2025 – As the nation mourns the heartbreaking death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed condolences to her family on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and called for full transparency in the ongoing probe.

During a press conference on Thursday, the Vice President described it as a “sad day for Guyana.”

He also made it clear that anyone within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found to be involved in covering up the circumstances surrounding the child’s death will face severe consequences.

Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks come amid growing public outrage and scrutiny of the police’s handling of the case. He pointed to several troubling inconsistencies in the GPF’s initial report.

According to that report, Adrianna was at the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, with her grandmother and siblings when she reportedly disappeared around 13:00-14:00 hours. The police initially claimed that the hotel’s CCTV system was non-functional; however, footage from external sources reportedly captured Adrianna entering a red and black Toyota Raum, bearing registration number PSS 4684, which was later seen heading east toward Vreed-en-Hoop.

“If they have that footage (the police) and they put it in the statement…they should immediately release that footage,” Dr Jagdeo said.

“Something is wrong, and we have to get to the bottom of it. We are not going to rest until that happens. And whoever is culpable, whoever, if there is a coverup, people will face consequences; we are not going to tolerate this. This young girl should never have lost her life.”

Just 24 hours after issuing the initial report, the GPF acknowledged discrepancies in the information released and has since launched an internal review.

Dr Jagdeo also spoke of the emotional toll the incident has taken on Adrianna’s family, stating, “I saw a video of the father speaking and how distraught he was. The family deserves answers, and the people of this country need answers.”

The discovery of Adrianna’s body in the hotel pool after hours of desperate searching has plunged the nation into deep mourning. Frustration over handling the case has sparked protests, with citizens demanding justice and accountability.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has since ordered the GPF to establish a special investigative team to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

“We must uncover the full truth of everything that transpired, and no resource or effort will be spared,” the President said via his official social media account.

President Ali also spoke directly with Adrianna’s mother, pledging the government’s full support in pursuing justice. President Ali has further instructed the GPF to compile a comprehensive report detailing all actions since the investigation began.

To support this, the government has ordered an independent autopsy and Barbadian forensic pathologist Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul is expected to arrive in Guyana at 5:30 p.m. today to conduct the post-mortem examination.

VP Jagdeo also offered his condolences on behalf of the PPP to the families of Maline LaCruz, who was killed by her husband, along with her mother, Waveny LaCruz and sister, Sueann LaCruz. Maline’s younger brother, Ceon LaCruz, was also injured in the shooting and is in critical condition.

He said the government is committed to uncovering the details behind the shooting, particularly the legality of the gun used to kill the three women.

“Because if he had a legal firearm, after the assault, he was supposed to lodge the firearm … we will look at this matter,” he assured.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING