The Exporter Magazine Issue 4

ISSUE #4

THE TRADE IN SERVICES MAGAZINE OF THE BCSI

Inventing the First Search Engine <nav> <ul> <li><a href=”#nowhere” title=”Lorum ipsum dolor sit amet”>Lorem</a></li> <li><a href=”#nowhere” title=”Aliquam tincidunt mauris eu risus”>Aliquam</a></li> <li><a href=”#nowhere” title=”Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare”>Morbi</a></li> <li><a href=”#nowhere” title=”Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus”>Praesent</a></li> <li><a href=”#nowhere” title=”Pellentesque fermentum dolor”>Pellentesque</a></li> </ul> </nav>

Engineering and ICT

User Interface Design

20 12 14

ICT

in a 21st century barbados www.bcsi.org.bb

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OUR SPONSORS

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Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address

As Minister charged with the responsibility for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation,

the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it

provide this special address to all you readers

BCSI has chosen to place a focus on the

it is indeed my honour to

of The Exporter Magazine. Research over the years has shown that Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) is closely related to increased job opportunities and higher paying jobs in the global economy. In this regard, the quality of life which our future

the Hon. ronald jones Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation

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generations will have, will be related to our adaptation, development and exploitation of technology today.

However, though these fields are expected to be the drivers of international trade in the near future, it is also important that as a nation we develop the skills which are necessary to fully exploit innovation within this sector such as entrepreneurship, microfinance, marketplace competitive skills, and negotiation skills.

These are the vehicles which will allow Barbados to turn our industrial estates into Silicon Valleys and our Broad Streets into Wall Streets.

This publication has done a wonderful job in identifying individuals and enterprises in Barbados who are on the cutting edge of the digital revolution. The 2015 Global Innovation Index listed Barbados as the 37th most innovative economy in the world, and the leading economy as it relates to innovation in

is imperative that as a nation we transfer this innovation into foreign exchange earnings and a growing economy.

With 2017 identified as the national year of productivity in Barbados, it is timely that the ICT industry for this edition of The Exporter Magazine.

Technology

has

long

been

identified as a catalyst for productivity. This is because efficient use of technology allows for the national labour force to use less time to complete more complex and strenuous tasks.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation is growing up in an era where ICT solutions are being used to combat every difficulty, from areas of engineering, law and even animation, ICT is so much more than what we traditionally know it to be.

The world is changing and in this regard, I offer my sincerest thanks to the BCSI team for playing their role in preparing our nation for the exponential digital tide to come. I must commend the Executive Director, the entire team at BCSI and other valued stakeholders for

putting

forward

such

an

excellent

publication and for all the work they do as it relates to uplifting the services industry in Barbados. I do wish you every success in all of your future endeavours.

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Welcome to this 4th edition of the EXPORTER,

that idea of being king of the exchange has taken

which coincides with our recently rebranded

behaviour changes and purchase patterns move

Services Weekend Barbados (SWB) scheduled

to companies, products and services that are more

for November 10th - 12th. This edition focuses on

responsive to the growing needs and expectations

ICT in a 21st century Barbados. This topic along

of the consumer. So companies that don’t have

with the need for innovation and transformation

an active social media presence for example,

in our business practices and culture in Barbados

and who aren’t able to respond to changes in

will be thoroughly explored during our weekend

consumer demands in real time will be left behind

of activities. To be considered as an innovative

in this growing digital environment.

on an even greater dimension. Customer loyalty is fast becoming an old paradigm as buyer

EDITOR’s notes

country or people does not necessarily mean that everyone must be an innovator. In a typical

On that note, we commend this edition to you,

population, probably 2.5 to 5.0 percent of that

and we are privileged to have the endorsement

population would be considered in that category

of the Minister of Education, Science, Technology

of innovators . What is more important is that we

and Innovation – The Hon. Ronald Jones, who

build a culture of support around our potential

has provided a special feature address for the

innovators. This would involve early identification,

magazine. We are also very pleased to have some

relevant training and mentorship, and of course

very stimulating perspectives from a number of

adequate investment so that they are not

key multi-disciplinary professionals who examine

frustrated in their pursuits and ultimately end up

the link between ICT and business. For example,

falling through the cracks.

we have Ms Marla Dukharan, Chief Economist with BITT (Barbados) who writes on ICT in Finance; Dr

According to The Global Information Technology

Depradine from the University of the West Indies

Report 2013, this ability to innovate is essential

on ICT and User Interface; Attorney-at-Law Bartlett

in the current information revolution that is

Morgan on ICT and Law and Sonia Franklyn on ICT

transforming economic and social transactions

in Animation. For one of our untold stories, we are

in our societies . The report further suggests that

honoured to highlight the pioneering work of one

the benefits of ICTs are now widely recognised

of our Barbadian innovators - Alan Emptage who

everywhere as an important source of efficiency

invented the first Search Engine for the Internet.

gains for companies which will allow them to optimise their production function and liberalise

We launched this magazine exactly one year ago

resources toward other productive investments.

(in November 2016) as part of our activities for National Services Week. And with each succeeding

One thing that should not be lost in this discussion

edition, we have seen significant improvement in

on technology change and adoption within

its attractiveness and content quality. The scope

companies is the impact on people – particularly

of contributors to the publication has broadened,

the consumer. From a marketing perspective, the

and there has been an increased distribution

consumer has always been considered king in the

among our network, and the publication has

business transaction, but with the proliferation

attracted greater sponsorship from among our

and integration of ICTs by companies worldwide,

members and partners.

GRAHAM CLARKE Graham Clarke is a Chartered Marketer and Current Executive Director of BCSI

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Contents ICT in 21 century barbados 06 Developing the ICT Sector in Barbados 08 ICT in Finance 12 The Power of ICT in Engineering 16 ICT, Apps, and User Interface Design 20 Cultural Industries: The Way Forward 22 BIMAP’s Animation Training 24 ICT and Social Media 28 CARIFESTA 2017 untold Stories 28 Inventing the First Search Engine 30 The Future of Dining is Here 32 Apps and ICT in Travel IN-HOUSE News 37 Services Weekend 2017 39 Music Workshop Review

ICT in 21st century barbados

Members’ corner 42 Girls in ICT

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While the global ICT industry has realised unprecedented growth, the experience of the Caribbean and Barbados has been more conservative. We are a region whose opportunities for e-commerce eludes us in areas such as the creative industries sector.

DEVELOPING THE ICT SECTOR IN barbados

However, it hasn’t all been a disappointment. Barbados, as well as the majority of its neighbours across the region, have benefited tremendously from millions of dollars in investment in broadband and fibre optic communications to customers’ premises. As a result, there has been a rise in above average Internet connection rates and extraordinarily high social media engagement.

But this phenomenon alone is simply but one aspect of national ICT enabled development. Other necessary components are entrepreneurship, human capital, and an environment which enables this dynamic industry to thrive. Barbados has the basic legislative elements to promote the enabling environment. However, it is still missing some critical pieces of legislation. The Data Protection Act, which remains in draft form, and a Freedom of Information Act, are necessary to strengthen the 2005 Computers’ Misuse Act as well as

Steven williams President of the Barbados ICT Professional Association & Owner of Sunisle Technology Solutions

the 2000 Electronic Transactions Act. However, Acts and Regulations alone do not create demand or make industries flourish; they are simply rule books which business must follow. Technology needs to be used to drive commerce by influencing the creation of new products and services and establishing markets

What’s needed is a cohesive and creative vision for the country ...

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for them. Likewise, if ICT is to be effectively leveraged

For this to be a reality, our educational systems must

to

and

evolve to develop human capital that is dynamic and

competitiveness, the expansion of the ICT sector itself

responsive to the changing requirements of the ICT

needs to be aligned with the needs of the industries which

revolution. No longer can we sit and teach ICT in a vacuum

it seeks to support.

that perpetuates a disconnect between technology,

advance

business

efficiency,

innovation,

commerce

and

development.

Smart

Partnerships

What’s needed is a cohesive and creative vision for

between learning institutions, especially at the tertiary

the country that would drive sustainably ICT enabled

level, and critical industry sectors, such as Tourism, could

commercial development. That vision could include

be implemented to identify problems to which ICTs can

a component that would see Bridgetown becoming

be applied to provide solutions which would strengthen

a true ‘Digital City’, a place where automation and

sector development and create commercial opportunities

computerisation are at the core of customer and business

for budding ‘Tech Entrepreneurs’.

services. It’s an opportunity that would encompass

tourism and heritage sites around the area, where

What is clear is; Barbados has the capability to become

interactive displays give tourists and locals alike, digital

a more successful participant in global ICT value chains,

experiences with infinite possibilities. An initiative such

having comparable or in some cases, more development

as ‘Digital Bridgetown’ would transform urban planning

inputs than many other emerging nations have had; who

and development. It would promote better business

are exploiting those value chains more successfully than

to business; and business to consumer interfaces by

Barbados is currently.

improving access to information and facilitating mobile commerce with digital payments. Such an initiative would

So what is needed is a single national vision along with

cut across industries and radiate benefits to other aspects

the will. As well as the imagination of the ICT stakeholders

of civil society, business and government.

which every Barbadian can rally behind because ICT is critical to our economic development and future.

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In the Caribbean, due to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;de-riskingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, as a region, we are becoming increasingly financially excluded on a regional level.

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ICT in finance

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In a world that relies so heavily on modern technology, the role of digital finance has become increasingly important in addressing social challenges. Despite the growing reliance on technology in our daily lives, 85% of world’s transactions still occur in cash. Furthermore, almost half the world’s adults—2.5 billion people— lack access to basic financial services. They are outside the financial system, using alternative financial services.

Digital technology – bridging the financial divide

In the Caribbean, due to ‘de-risking’, as a region, we are becoming increasingly financially excluded on a regional level. Declining financial inclusion will only exacerbate poverty, which is already at about 40% in the Caribbean.

Digital technology has already been proven to lift people out of poverty. In Kenya, the mobile money transfer service M-PESA has lifted as many as 194,000 households – 2% of the population – out of poverty and has been effective in improving the economic lives of poor women and members of female-headed households.

Digital financial payments and remittance capabilities reduce the likelihood of

marla dukharan Chief Economist, Bitt Inc.

becoming poor due to a crisis; and have the capacity to boost security, speed, and transparency of transactions, at a much lower cost. As much as 10% of disposable income is currently spent on unnecessary fees and interest expenses.

In fact, 10-15% of remittances, which supports the poorest families and earns valuable foreign exchange for many Caribbean countries, is also lost to fees.

Banking costs will only rise, making innovation like digital currency inevitable.

How digital currency works and what it means for the Caribbean In 2016, Bitt became the first company in the world to issue a digital fiat currency (the digital Barbados dollar) onto a public blockchain, with Central Bank of Barbados oversight. Like traditional currency, this digital cash can be used to make purchases, or send and receive money, using Bitt’s mobile wallet. Bitt intends to digitise other fiat currencies in the Caribbean, in much the same way.

contributor profile Marla Dukharan is recognised as a top economist and thoughtleader in the Caribbean, leading discussions and publishing reports on regional issues such as the Caribbean implications of Brexit, US relations with Cuba, and changing US and Chinese policies, among other geopolitical developments.

Marla has become a leading voice in the call to reduce gender and income inequality, increase financial and economic inclusion, promote new models for growth and to attract foreign investment, and to introduce fiscal responsibility frameworks.

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While this is a first step in addressing challenges at the

monetary authorities participate via the same rules of

national level through innovation, Bitt is taking it a step

engagement driven by accountability and transparency.

further to create a synthetic Caribbean monetary union using national digital dollars. By building a multilateral

Foreign reserves in most countries in the Caribbean are

clearing and settlement facility for the Caribbean region,

already declining, and it is time for our financial ecosystem

we can virtually eliminate the need for USD to conduct

to evolve. Digital finance could add USD3.7 trillion to the

financial transactions intra-regionally, thereby solving

GDP of emerging economies within a decade, according

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;de-riskingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problem for intra-regional financial

to a recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute. At Bitt,

transactions.

we have already begun addressing the inefficiencies of the current systems of banking and trade, innovating to bridge

Under this model, a smart contract would be designed to follow the rules of a trade-weighted effective exchange rate index, utilising the Caribbean Digital Currencies. This smart contract would ensure a multilateral exchange rate index is driven by an autonomous system where all

the financial divide.

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The power of ict in engineering

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Maintaining the thrust of advancing integrated coastal zone management, the Government of Barbados embarked on the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme in February 2011. This project is the most

ICT In engineering

recent of five major projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) since the inception of the Coastal Conservation Project Unit in 1983. The major elements of the Programme are as follows: 1. Data collection and modelling of coastal processes 2. Hazard Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis 3. Institutional Strengthening and the incorporation of Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation into the Integrated Coastal Zone Management framework The first element of the programme consisted of six (6) baseline studies including the Geotechnical Surveys and Investigations study (GSI). The primary objectives of the GSI were to provide an accurate mapping of the cliff instability zones that exist around the coast of the island and to define and delineate the land slippage hazards that exist within the Scotland District.

Precise survey measurement of cliff-face and undercut geometry at selected locations of particular geological relevance around the island were identified as important inputs for the overall analyses and assessment of coastal risk areas required in the GSI. Given the highly irregular geometry of the cliff faces, conventional survey methods were previously acknowledged as being of limited use, and unable to provide the level of detail required. Considering that the majority of cliffs of most technical interest were inaccessible, it was deemed essential that high-resolution digital imagery of the cliff faces, combined with digital photogrammetry, be collected from optimum positions offshore.

RIcardo Arthur Project Manager at Coastal Zone Management Unit

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To obtain the imagery from a stable

processing, and digital terrain model

platform, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

(DTM) development. The UAV fieldwork

or remotely operated â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dronesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; were used to

and digital imagery data collection for the

collect the data, rather than assembling

cliff geometry/undercut measurements

data from other conventional means.

were carried out in January 2016. During this time, the drone work, offshore imagery

These data were subsequently used to

and digital surveys were conducted at 38

generate high precision, geo-referenced,

cliff sites located on the south, southeast

3D point cloud models from which detailed

and north coasts of the island.

topography, contours, three-dimensional surface models and two-dimensional

Regulatory stakeholder agencies have

cross-sections could be obtained, and

been quite pleased with the results of the

further geological feature assessment

GSI data collection via UAV, noting that

conducted.

the policies which will derive from the programme will be based on such high-

HELImetrex Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia, performed the drone survey and were selected

based

on

their

extensive

experience in this type of data collection,

quality data and modelling inputs.

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Not a day passes without someone, somewhere using a mobile device,

such as a

smartphone. Mobile devices keep us in touch with essential services like banking, shopping and of course social media. The secret sauce is, of course, the apps. No one could have imagined how revolutionary the introduction of apps would become when the iPhone App Store launched in 2008.

Apps have become part of everyday life, and we take them for granted, very rarely acknowledging the tremendous effort that goes into designing those apps.

Over the years, apps have

become progressively easier to use enabling users of all ages to pick up and use a mobile device in a matter of minutes.

So what makes apps so easy to use and intuitive in nature? It is an area within Computer Science called User Interface Design (UD), which is a subarea of Human-Computer Interaction.

UD involves the creation of interactive computing systems and as the name implies, is the study of how humans interact with computers or related devices through software.

UD research has resulted in the development

of

techniques

and

guidelines that define best practices when creating apps. It is one area that major software vendors spend significant sums of money studying in order ensure the best possible

apps and the art of user interface design

experience for their customers.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive world, a large part of app development focuses on the user interface. Attributes such as usability and ease of use are essential parts of user interface design.

In fact, the quality of the available apps, in large part, affects a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision-making

process

when

selecting a smartphone or tablet.

Dr Colin Depradine

Customers not only expect that their

Senior Lecturer of Computer Science at the UWI (Barbados)

favourite and required apps will be available but also be easy to use and are reliable.

Consequently,

in

order

to

submit

an app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, developers must adhere to the user interface design rules set by the vendors. This is what ensures consistency in behaviour and appearance across all apps, within a particular store.

With the arrival of app stores, Caribbean customers can access apps developed by software developers from around the

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world. For Caribbean software developers to be competitive in this mobile world, they must have a deep understanding of user interface development.

It should be noted that software vendors have also paid close attention to the inclusion of accessibility features for users with disabilities. These features enable this group of users to fully access and participate in the digital world.

With their growing economic power, this is a category of user that Caribbean developers are advised to take notice of when developing their apps.

To truly be competitive in the Caribbean Region, the user experience is key. Gone are the days when anything you put out there has to be bought. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, customers expect more than just functionality. They expect the product to be a pleasure to use.

contributor profile Dr Colin Depradine is currently a Senior Lecturer of Computer Science at the UWI (Barbados) and the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology. In 2008, he won the Vice Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Teaching and Learning Champion Award in 2013. His primary area of research is Human Computer Interaction, focusing on universal design techniques for the creation of software for science education with a special emphasis on users with disabilities.

Custo m only e ers not x their pect tha f t a v o requir urite be ava ed apps w and also b ilable bu ill and ar e easy to t e relia use ble.

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The dynamics of the global economy Are evolving and transforming at

a

rate for which only Information and Communication Technology can be held accountable. ICT is deemed one of the biggest game changers for developing countries and their Small and Mediumsize Enterprises (SMEs).

well as macro levels of the economy because it provides the opportunity for developing countries to have a “fair chance” or to be an integral player in the global economy. This is why ICT had been embraced by the region and particularly by the services sector. are

finally

many

different

becoming

tradable and more traded regionally, internationally and multilaterally. ICT can directly facilitate international trade in services, particularly information intensive services because it facilitates global disaggregation of the production process and ease of doing business. ICT infrastructure and the availability of the internet for commercial transactions have a positive and significant impact on the volume of international trade; this phenomenon is called e-commerce.

forms

has provided ways to facilitate

easier

and

more efficient methods of doing business and making

sustainable

development

easier

to attain. According to Richard Escalante, “E-commerce accelerate

ICT have pervasive effects at micro as

Services

The birth of e-commerce in its

can economic

development”, and this can lead to sustainable development.

Traditionally

there

are

specific issues that exist for most SMEs such as; lack of financing, difficulties in exploiting technology, low productivity and regulatory burdens but e-commerce has provided ways to help alleviate such issues. It can be less time consuming, where time is of the essence. Less time spent on each transaction means more

a l l o w s

transactions can be achieved.

for and

greater

connectivity.

This is highly beneficial for businesses

the

because

eradicates

it

increases

profits;

by

efficiency

ubiquity

of

Lastly, e-commerce

geographical

barriers

simultaneously increasing sales and

because your business can virtually be

reducing costs. It reduces red tape and

everywhere.

eliminates intermediate obstacles, its cost-effectiveness

and

convenience

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Businesses in Barbados amass a significant amount of data relative to persons they interact with.

From client lists to

email lists, enterprises hold significant amounts of valuable data on existing and potential customers, suppliers and other actors and entities. At the onset, it is important to note that the collection and retention of private information is not just a relevant consideration for sophisticated tech-focused startups.

Indeed, many brick-and-mortar businesses in Barbados routinely collect private

The Why and How of Taking Privacy Seriously: The Beginners Guide for Barbadian Businesses Using ICT

information of their customers and clients. If you run a business, consider the last time you had a promotion (like a raffle) or had persons sign up via pen and paper for some service you were offering. In Barbados, matters related to privacy and the protection of personal information are often relegated to the back burner by business enterprises. This is partly because the law does not mandate the protection of the private information of individuals, which the business may come into contact with. Notwithstanding this, there may be good reasons for businesses in Barbados to begin considering integrating selfimposed privacy standards into their businesses.

Why is the Protection of Privacy Important?

bartlett morgan Attorney-at-Law Lex Caribbean

While the notion of self-imposed privacy standards may seem counterintuitive, entrepreneurs and service providers should begin rethinking this view of privacy for the following reasons:

It will soon be the law Given the general trend across the Caribbean and the world, towards the passage of legislation geared towards the protection of privacy information, it is no longer a question of if, but rather when your business will be legally obligated to consider its handling of private information. While Barbados has no general laws dedicated to privacy, a draft Data Protection Bill is already in circulation. Much has been made of recent developments out of Europe concerning the passage of the General Data Protection Regulation (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;GDPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;).

The GDPR comes into full effect on May 25, 2018, and has garnered significant buzz outside of Europe for one main reason: the GDPR is extraterritorial. In plain terms, this means that the GDPR may apply to individuals and companies

contributor profile Bartlett D. Morgan is an attorneyat-law at Lex Caribbean, a panCaribbean commercial law firm. Bartlett is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and is the At-large Advisory Committee representative for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He writes on issues at the intersection of law and technology in the Caribbean at bartlettmorgan.com

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even though they are located outside of Europe. Thus, if

and why, of your current data protection practices.

your business monitors or targets persons in Europe in order to provide goods or services then it is possible that

• Increase awareness within your organization

your business may be required to comply with provisions

Expose relevant staff members to the finer points

of the GDPR on the protection of privacy, although your

of protection of data and general privacy principles.

business is based outside of Europe.

Professional training and certification are ideal. However,

It develops your customer’s trust

at a minimum, staff should be made aware of generally accepted privacy principles, such as those contained in the OECD Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy. Those

Perhaps the key reason why members of the business

persons who interact with and manage private data

community should consider implementing systems

should be targeted, including members of the C-suite, I.T.,

to ensure the private data of customers and clients

marketing and compliance/legal staff.

is adequately protected is its capacity to build and develop trust in their service offerings. Recently, Deloitte

• Publish your company’s privacy policy

conducted a survey in the United States, which indicated

Businesses should take the practical steps of publishing a

that 83% of persons surveyed considered security

publicly available privacy policy. This privacy policy should

breaches of personal data stored with consumer product

expressly provide answers to fundamental questions

companies to be a serious or moderate problem. That

about your business practices, such as:

same study also revealed that 59% of persons surveyed

(a) who will have access to private information and under

felt that knowledge of a data breach at a company would

what circumstances;

negatively impact their likelihood of buying from that

(b) whether information will be shared with any third

business. The message is clear: the more customers

parties;

trust a company, the more likely they are to do business

(c) what kind of information will be collected;

with that entity. To the extent that protecting personal

(d) the reason for the information;

data is linked to trust, it is simply good business to take

(e) how long the data will be held for;

it seriously.

(f) and what your business will do in the event of a data

Practical methods for protecting private information within your organisation

breach.

If you have decided that privacy should be an essential consideration for your business, here are a few steps that can be taken: • Audit your current practices Your company should audit its current practices and policies to determine the who, what, where, when, how

• Consider implementing Privacy by Design principles The concept of Privacy by Design holds that a business should build privacy into its processes and practices.

There are several specific principles that have become accepted as means of ensuring privacy by design, but the key underlying idea is to ensure that the systems employed by the business keep the privacy considerations of individuals - including its customers - foremost.

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Geared towards continuous economic growth

parts, scenes and landscapes create

,

used primarily as a story-telling medium

the human resource development of

and illustration platform that conveys

Barbados has been primarily focused

information, provides entertainment

on management and productivity in

and creates an outlet for the expression

traditional fields of work. In modern

of ideas. Put simply; it is bringing your

times, the advancement and increased

ideas to life using a virtual drawing

availability of technology has created

medium.

the illusion observed and brings the animated character to life. Animation is

looking towards the future: BIMAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Animation training

more contemporary job opportunities for the technologically savvy individual.

Internationally, the overall animation,

This wave of new applications drives

gaming

all walks of life to embrace the digital

is regarded as a key area of growth

world as it becomes ingrained in the

for the next level of technology and

business environment. With employers

employment

and employees accepting technology

includes e-Education, web designing,

as a tool to be utilised in accomplishing

digital

company

entertainment.

for

goals,

training

in

the

need

various

arose

computer

and

infotainment

generation.

marketing

and

These

industry

Animation animation

opportunities

Dr. sonia greenidge

allow for revenue sharing worldwide.

applications. BIMAP, one of the leading institutes in workforce development,

Presently, Barbados has very few

has

qualified

embraced

the

challenge

to

animators

who

possess

develop and deliver courses to provide

the skill or quality work required by

individuals with the relevant training

employers.

required to operate some of the current

more qualified persons, who meet

computer applications available in

international standards, through our

business. One such field of work is

basic,

Animation.

Animation courses.

BIMAP aims to produce

intermediate

and

advance

marquita phillips

or

Looking toward the future and in an

appearance of movement that is

effort to cultivate interest in the industry,

achieved by showing stationary images

BIMAP hosted a summer camp for

in a sequence. The linking together of

youth 12 to 17 years old.

these images sequentially frame-by-

extremely enthusiastic young persons

frame with subtle changes in body

participated in this novel experience.

Animation

is

the

simulation

Twelve

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Campers were taken on a journey of the evolution of animation and introduced to the basic tools and techniques used to create animations. Excitement grew as the young persons gained an understanding of how to create three-dimensional shapes, space, volume, weight and balance and add light and shadow.

Enthusiasm

was even more significant once character design and antagonist versus protagonist style and expression were added.

By the end of the camp, all participants were familiar with the basics of the art of framing, creating poses and adding movement. What surprised them most were the various job opportunities that are available in this field and the potential to become entrepreneurs and earn a living by providing this service.

Founded in 1972, the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP) is an integrated strategy and organisational development institution which specialises in developing and delivering relevant management education, training and consulting services to meet the needs of the workforce. Our aim is to provide exceptional management education to both business and governmental entities and to assist organisations in their quest to attain corporate competitive advantage through processes, strategies and systems.

Put simply, it is bringing your ideas to life using a virtual drawing medium.

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There has been a paradigm shift.

The influence the digital age has and continues to hold over contemporary culture is undeniable. Organizations have no choice but to move alongside this shift or run the inevitable risk of being left behind by their customers. Civil Society Organisations are no different, using social media for the development of your organisation is a must. The Inter-American Development Bank recently

social media and civil society organisations

held a seminar for Civil Society Organizations, highlighting how media should be used for development.

Including a digital framework into a company can be a very tedious and timeconsuming process. Many roadblocks may be encountered, for starters; inconsistency, and an unwillingness to change by employees and even by management. Creating a digital strategy requires time, money and in some cases continuous training of employees.

• Setting your goals - Before any good digital strategy can be executed there must be a plan. You need to specifically list what your organisation expects as a direct result of your digital strategy.

• Choosing the right platform - There are several social media platforms, each created differently to support specific types of content. Companies should know exactly what their goals are and select the appropriate social media platforms to align with their goals.

• Ensuring that everyone is on the same page - It is imperative that everyone in your organisation understands the importance of having a digital strategy for your strategy to be its most effective.

• Following your Schedule - A posting schedule should be carefully developed based on the ‘peak times’ of activity on your social media page.

Evaluating your results -

It is important to evaluate the results from your

digital strategy, to figure out what is or is not working and adjust to suit.

Not only companies are developing digital strategies; many individuals are leveraging social media in their favour as well. One of our local talents is doing just this.

BCSI Secretariat

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Nadia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aidanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Homes, a very talented

When Aidan released her single Life Nice

Barbadian musician is using social media

on Youtube, it received recognition that

to develop her brand. In this day and

was not expected. Weeks after its release,

age, it is much easier to reach a wider

another artist based in the United States

demographic without having to go through

performed a cover of the song. Years

the channels of having a manager and

ago this would not have been possible

taking your music to a label. Aidan utilises

as it would have been highly unlikely that

social media platforms such as Facebook,

he would have heard the song in the first

Instagram, Youtube, Tunecore ( iTunes /

place. Music travels and technology is the

SoundCloud ), Spotify and other sharing

vehicle.

applications to reach fans outside of Barbadosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 166 square miles.

Whether a corporation or an individual, a digital strategy can be used to create or

Gone are the days where it was virtually impossible to reach markets outside of Barbados, they are now literally just a click away.

With so many breakthroughs in technology, social media is an essential way of staying current. As an artist, one must be aware of various technological advances in order to develop professionally and artistically.

enhance your brand.

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WE DO: BRANDING CREATIVE STRATEGY WEB DESIGN

letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk.

1 (246)

547 8419 idscreativeinc hello@idscreativeinc.com www.idscreativeinc.com

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untold stories

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<Perspective/> on {ICT} From the inventor of the first search engine_|

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As we approach the end of the second decade of the 21st Century,

it is abundantly clear that

the Internet - a technology which was limited to academics and corporate research departments, a generation ago, has transformed almost every aspect of life for all of us, whether or not we use it or even have access to it.

And in some ways, the changes have only just begun.

As with all technologies, ICT is a double-edged sword, which can be used in

Many of you may not know that the inventor of the first search engine was Barbadian Alan Emtage.

Having recently been inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame, we reached out to him for a few words.

both positive and negative ways, encompassing a vast range of capabilities.

Take for example the Internet search engine, a technology that has given us the combined knowledge of humankind at our fingertips, from anywhere in the world, at any time. It has, in some sense, made us all “omniscient”, all-knowing beings that our ancestors could have hardly imagined. But of course, knowledge is more than mere access to data or information.

And what happens when (rather than “if”) the technology is corrupted to conceal rather than illuminate, to deliver fake news rather than the truth, to provoke and incite rather than inform? What defences do we have against this? Even more disturbing - how would we even know when it was happening?

This is but just one example.

The challenge for small countries like Barbados is to keep pace with these ever-changing technologies, particularly in education, but also in deployment and expertise. To have local know-how, those who can be called upon to advise

Alan emtage

both the Public and Private sectors will become increasingly important.

Artificial Intelligence, quantum communication and computing, Big Data, The Cloud - these are all major forces that will continue to change the world we live in, ever more rapidly. We must rise to that challenge, or get left behind.

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Eat With a Stranger (EWAS) apps are popping up all over the digital world. A subset of ICT-enabled mobile apps: EWAS, essentially provide a means to book and dine at the homes of people you have never met.

What’s the appeal, you ask? Like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb these apps are part of the “sharing economy,” a peer-to-peer exchange often facilitated through community-based or online services.

The “sharing economy” benefits both the service provider and

The future of dining is here: Enjoying meals in local homes

the end-user. For example, in the case of dining hosts, they earn extra income and road-test new menus. Diners, on the other hand, experience a more cultural and varied experience, often at a cheaper rate than a restaurant. Mobile apps or mobile-adaptive platforms make doing so simple and seamless.

Isle&Dine is a mobile-enabled web platform for people dining in Barbados. Currently in “concierge” phase, we are inviting diners singly or in groups, to enjoy meals in local homes and meet new people. Our guests so far have been a combination of adventurous, savvy locals and visitors to the island who want to try immersive and off the beaten path experiences. They want more than the sun, sea and sand; and Isle&Dine creates a platform for visitors to engage more intimately with a key selling point of our tourism product - Bajan people. And what is more intimate than eating and enjoying a meal in the home of a stranger or soon-to-be friend?

ICT-enabled mobile technology enhances the Isle&Dine experience by allowing hosts to have access to a broader pool of potential diners, and diners a vast range of options. The technology can also facilitate meal selection based on location. The overall beneficial impact is ease and choice and a peer review system online that helps to create credibility and trust.

HEATHER Barker

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Isle&Dine has the potential to bring

having our pitch decks broken

much-needed

apart and rebuilt, networking and

foreign

exchange

into the local economy.

mentoring followed by pitching

We have also created a platform

before judges.

for Isle&Dine to give back to our communities. Isle&Dine recently

Isle&Dine made it to semi-finals.

participated in Charity Chicks’ local

We were also included in the top

initiative - #Food4Change, where

five who were awarded grants

helped raise funds to buy nutritious

to help take their startups to the

foods for communities in need.

next level. It was a gruelling but rewarding process which reinforced

We also participated in the PitchIT

the validity of Isle&Dine’s value

Caribbean Challenge 3.0 in St.

proposition.

Kitts and Nevis organised by the Caribbean

Mobile

Innovation

We look forward to you dining with

Project. Over 20 entrepreneurs

us and joining our community of

from across the region gathered for

#DineAdians. Because life tastes

an intense boot camp that included

better shared!

contributor profile Heather Barker is the co-founder of Isle&Dine where she is the #DineAdian responsible for strategy, operations and communications. She is also the Managing Director of the boutique communications agency, Clearly Content Communications Inc. She enjoys travelling, writing fiction, painting en plein air, and experimenting with desserts. Peoples’ desire for her chocolate tarts, flapjacks and peanut butter bars are quelled with, ‘Keep calm. You can have seconds’. Reach her at heatherb@isleanddine.com. Visit www.isleanddine.com and www.facebook.com/IsleandDine for more.

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When the iphone launched in 2007, no one could foresee that it would revolutionise the way we communicate and interact with everyday circumstances.

Apps and ict in travel

In fact, with the creation of the app store, a whole new industry was formed as web developers and coders quickly realised the power of the handheld mobile devices that became known as smartphones.

there is no industry that has been touched by ICT like travel and hospitality.

Mobile applications, apps, went from being solely for our entertainment and passing time with games like minesweeper, snake and various iterations of the ever popular scrabble to apps that facilitated productivity and made life easier. As we became more reliant on smartphones, integration of apps into our lives to solve problems, schedule events and keep track of just about everything became less of a luxury and more of an essential.

Developers began, as any good innovators do, to seek out customer

Israel mallett

pain points and creation ICT solutions through apps to address

Chief Creative IDS Creative Inc

those needs.

But that is enough history. We live in a world where ICT, through apps and mobile devices, is essential to how things work and getting things done.

There is no industry that has been touched by ICT like travel and hospitality, and this was driven home for me on a recent trip from Barbados to Jamaica through Miami; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happens when you wait too late to book your flight.

contributor profile Israel Mallett is a creative consultant, entrepreneur and part-time tutor with an interest in technology integration and innovations for the future.

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By now, most of us are used to getting reminders in

I was impressed enough to download the app and create

our emails of upcoming flights. If you are an avid Gmail

an account even though I have yet to use it, as the service

user like myself, when an airline or travel agent sends a

is not available here.

reminder about your flight, your inbox prompts you to add it to your calendar to be reminded closer to the date and

While I was in Jamaica I needed access to more funds.

time of check-in.

Using the mobile banking app on my phone I was able to transfer funds to my visa debit card, then go to an ATM and

Almost all airlines now allow certain classes of passengers

withdraw in local currency.

to check in online.

On the way back from Jamaica there were several delays.

I travelled on American Airlines and did just that. Upon

I got my usual email notification but this time with a twist.

arrival at the airport I was able to scan my passport at the

I was prompted to add my boarding pass to apple wallet.

kiosk, print my boarding pass and avoid the long line of passengers waiting to do things the conventional way.

This was new for me.

In Miami we went to the mall between connecting flights.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never used apple wallet before, being a bit sceptical of

Instead of hiring a yellow taxi, catching the bus or the mall

surrendering my credit card and account details to an app,

Shuttle, we used Uber. For the first time in my life; yes, I am

but I tried it out.

late, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge and thanks.

It turned out to be the most helpful thing I could do on my Two cars were booked in the app; the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name,

trip. With several delays and bad weather causing a poor

picture and vehicle make and model were sent through for

travel experience all around, with gates changing and

verification. Because of the nature of the app no money

boards not being updated, Apple wallet saved the day.

passed hands; the associated credit or debit card the user has attached to their account was charged, the system

Even before the announcements were made over the PA

received payment and the driver would be paid his share.

system at the airport, a push notification would appear on my screen that there was a change to my flight time and

Paperless. Contactless. Smooth.

gate assignment.

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Within the app, the new gate number and boarding time

Airbnb has been faced with pushback from hoteliers

were highlighted, as if someone had circled them with a

especially in the Caribbean where tourism is a major

highlighter.

mainstay of many local economies. Some cite that by allowing homeowners to rent out rooms or entire homes

Using Apple wallet made what could have easily been an

may devalue the overall tourist product. Then there is the

annoying experience, an easy transition to the right gate.

regulatory issue of zoning for commercial use. Should a property be registered for business use with the authorities

And that’s just one side of travel. With services like Airbnb

or not in order to operate in such a manner? And does it

connecting travellers with those willing to rent space,

stop someone from listing his or her property for rent for

despite the regulatory issues it has faced or created in

the short or long term through a service such as this?

some markets, it has revolutionised the way people search

Should it?

for and book accommodation, especially budget travellers.

The next thing to consider would be who then screens the There can, however, still be challenges with these services;

individuals who list their homes or rooms for rent? Who in

bugs and kinks to be worked out. While in Miami, someone

turn screens the person who takes them up on their offer?

in the group had to keep going back into the airport to get

Is it secure? Do they have the proper hospitality training?

Wi-Fi to access the Uber updates, as they didn’t want to incur hefty roaming charges and the Wi-Fi didn’t work

One thing is for certain: travel and hospitality have been

beyond the terminal or for more than half an hour. If apps

changed by ICT and the world of Apps and smartphones.

are to be integrated more into our lives, a more seamless

There is no going back.

integration would be possible if service providers would make transitioning from local to international networks

But to move forward, these are all questions that would

less painful on your wallet, thus creating a more seamless

have to be answered in our social and cultural context to

experience without having to stand on one spot and milk a

make the integration of apps with travel and hospitality

spotty Wi-Fi connection.

more cohesive, beneficial and safe to all parties involved.

Uber has had it’s share of security issues - that it has been able to for the most part overcome - but faces a cultural and regulatory challenge in the Caribbean as it looks to make in-roads in Trinidad and Tobago. When Uber started it was seen as a status symbol, something the ‘überrich’ did, when they didn’t want to drive. That ethos may compete with the Caribbean notion that one’s car often is considered one’s status symbol. Will Uber be able to cross the cultural divide?

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in-house news

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On Tuesday, October 24th, the press launch for Services Weekend Barbados got underway at the BCSI headquarters. We welcomed Ms Anies Jordan, the Vice President of the Association of Music Entrepreneurs as well as Mr Roger Hennis, senior manager in consulting at Deloitte Barbados. Mr Hennis, who will also be the keynote speaker at the Digital Strategy Seminar, gave a few words on digital strategy and just a taste of what participants should expect at the upcoming seminar.

Executive Director of BCSI, Graham Clarke expressed the need for a digital strategy should a business hope to succeed globally. He encouraged all entrepreneurs to take part in the seminar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Digital Forum will seek to answer the question of not only what needs to be done to improve exports, but how in fact it can be done. This is a forum for all service providers and entrepreneurs.â&#x20AC;?

It was also announced that BCSI will be partnering with PM Splash, BIMHAUS and the Association of Music Entrepreneurs for the cultural showcase Firefly.

Services Weekend Barbados press launch

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Services Weekend Barbados 2017 BCSI Secretariat

It’s that time of year again where service providers from all walks of life gather together to share, learn and develop. That’s right, Services Weekend Barbados (SWB) 2017 is right around the corner. This year our celebration of services will take the form of three events aimed at highlighting and developing of our Services Industry. Not only will our participants be given a platform to showcase their skills, but also gain knowledge and tangible rewards centred at uplifting their personal brands.

From November 10th-12th the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) will host three events under the theme “Transitioning Towards a Digital Economy” these are:

A Digital Strategy Forum: 21st Century Barbados is moving away from analogue and venturing deeper into the digital world.

This interactive forum, which takes the form of four separate breakout sessions, will give participants a deeper understanding of how to develop a digital strategy as well as appropriately apply it to their business model to see the best results. With each session being led by an experienced Industry Expert, participants are sure to walk away inspired and ready to take on the digital world. This forum takes place on Friday, November 10th from 9:00 am- 1:00 pm at the Radisson Aquatica Resort.

An Entrepreneurship workshop and Funding Clinic: The Secretariat will host a business development workshop and funding clinic geared towards

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entrepreneurs, entitled, “Access to Finance: Cracking the Code to Business Expansion” on Saturday, November 11th, 2017 at 10:00 A.M at the Radisson Aquatica Resort. This workshop is targeted towards the more vulnerable groups in society, specifically women and youth, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary tools to better access financing options.

Our Cultural Showcase ‘Firefly’: At the peak of SWB 2017 will be our Cultural Showcase, ‘Firefly’.

Firefly is a fresh and creative space for emerging Barbadian visual artists, designers and musicians to showcase and develop their talents. Come out on Sunday, November 12th from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, the George Washington House will transform as Firefly promises to be an unforgettable cultural showcase and best of all, it’s FREE!

Be sure to contact the BCSI Secretariat for any additional information regarding these events including registration.

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Music Workshop: a Review

The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) was fortunate enough to host one of the events in the recently concluded CARIFESTA XIII calendar of events.

BCSI Secretariat

The Conduits to Commerce Music Workshop, which explored the world of music synchronisation, was held in collaboration with CRS Music and the Cultural Industries Development Authority (CIDA). Industry experts Sean Mulligan and Laurence Malpass journeyed from Los Angeles and the United Kingdom respectively to present to an audience of popular local musicians, past and present music executives as well as artist managers.

They all gathered together at the Coconut Court Hotel to learn about all of the opportunities available to them as it relates to music synchronisation.

Also notably present was Minister of Culture, The Honourable Stephen Lashley.

Prior to the start of the workshop, the audience was briefly serenaded by local artiste, David Kirton and then Minister Lashley shared his views on our local artists utilising music synchronisation as a platform to gain

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revenue all the while developing their craft.

not do so due to the uncertainty of who

He noted that “Initiatives such as these

was the legal owner. They also stressed

provide

opportunities

the importance of creating music that was

for service providers within the creative

both understandable and relatable to an

industries. Such activity will prove to be

audience outside of Barbados’ borders.

net foreign exchange earners and will

These songs are played on some of

allow for Barbadians to diversify not

television’s most popular platforms and

only their income portfolio but also the

therefore reach a worldwide audience

export industries of Barbados, making

who need to be able to understand the

the country less susceptible to external

words of the particular song. Artistes

economic shocks.”

were urged not to be shy or wait until they

tangible

export

were approached by sync departments At the close of the press conference, the

but to get ahead of the game by sending

music workshop got underway with a

the songs they wished to be considered

detailed presentation by Sean Mulligan,

beforehand.

the VP creative of Entertainment One in Los Angeles.

Mulligan provided an in-

By the ending of the workshop, it was

depth behind the scenes look into the

clear to everyone present in the room that

minds of music synchronisers and what

music synchronisation could take their

they look for when selecting music to be

music to the next level by exposing them

played within some of the most popular

to large markets that they perhaps would

TV shows, advertisements and movies.

not have been able to access before and

He urged artists to not only create music

also provide them with a source of income.

but to always get ahead of their business,

The workshop created a space for those

especially when it comes to knowing who

within in the music industry to learn from

owns the publishing rights to their songs.

experts while simultaneously networking

Establishing agreements and creating

with their peers. We were pleased to host

paperwork at the beginning could save

such an event as a part of the activities

an artist quite a bit of headache in the

for CARIFESTA XIII and look forward to

future, particularly when faced with the

uplifting our cultural sector even further

opportunity to have their song synched.

during our upcoming Services Weekend

Both experts recounted many stories

Barbados on November 10th-12th.

where clients were interested in placing the song of a particular artist but could

Photo courtesy of Loop News

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girls in ICT

Since its inception, the world of Information Communication Technology (ICT) had been dominated by males, in more recent times however we are seeing more and more females gravitating towards studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Facilitators worldwide are making it a point to close this gap, one of these being the International Telecommunication Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (ITU) Girls in ICT Day initiative.

This is a global effort with the purpose of encouraging young girls to explore studies and eventually careers within the field of ICT. This year the Caribbean came together in their celebrations with a regional hackathon where young women from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados gathered at each Campus of The University of The West Indies (UWI) to create apps geared at solving current problems.

Some of the highlights

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