Trini TechCast

Hosted by makeITsimpleTT

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165

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Two Trinis talking about tech. Hosted by Andre Charles @makeITsimpleTT and co-hosted by Akeem Deare @redbit_tech Tune in each week as we take you on a journey through the world of technology, from the heart of Trinidad and Tobago to the rest of the globe. Our podcast is your one-stop-shop for all things tech, providing insightful and thought-provoking discussions on both local and international topics. Join us as we explore the latest trends in the tech industry, from groundbreaking innovations to emerging technologies, and discover how they’re impacting our daily lives.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 1631 hr 4 min

EP163: Solar project for farmers making sense | Unipet set to win in e-money? | AI is against my religion?

The hosts explore how Trinidad and Tobago's farmers are catching rays with a new solar project, weighing the benefits of clean energy against the challenge of keeping agricultural land productive. They joke that while harvesting sunlight sounds easier than pulling weeds, balancing food security with the nation's carbon footprint is the real heavy lifting.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/solar-project-lights-path-for-t-t-farmers/article_585d5d4e-ed0a-4641-98a0-c50ce1faf29d.htmlThe hosts discuss the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago's approval of a new e-money provider, questioning if the country is actually ready for a digital cash revolution while still clutching onto paper bills. They weigh the convenience of phone-based payments against the reality of a population that might find "e-money" sounds more like a sci-fi movie than a way to buy groceries.Articles: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/cbtt-approves-new-emoney-provider-6.2.2600469.2ab3482cf6https://conveniencepay.co/We're looking at a fascinating case where a software engineer used religious grounds to avoid AI, and now legal experts suggest the Pope's stance on human dignity could spark a wave of similar exemptions. It’s definitely going to be an awkward Monday morning in HR when employees start citing the Vatican to get out of using the company's new chatbot.Articles: https://gizmodo.com/the-popes-ai-warning-could-help-workers-seek-religious-exemptions-from-using-ai-2000768283https://www.google.com/search?q=Unitarian+Universalist&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

June 3, 2026Episode 1621 hr 20 min

EP162: Is T&T future ready for AI? | Will companies use AI? | The pope has a lot to say about AI

The hosts dive into the Trinidad and Tobago government's new Future-Ready AI programme, questioning if the nation is actually ready for a digital revolution while basic infrastructure still struggles. They ponder whether teaching AI to a population still grappling with dry taps is a stroke of genius or just high-tech window dressing for deep-seated problems.Articles: https://www.ttt.live/government-rolls-out-future-ready-tt-ai-programme/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPLwrxDTD-s&t=93sThe hosts discuss the rollout of the Caribbean's first large-scale AI infrastructure in Trinidad, questioning if the region is truly prepared to maintain such advanced technology. They weigh the potential for economic growth against the reality of integrating high-tech solutions into a landscape that still faces basic developmental hurdles.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/ai-infrastructure-has-arrived-in-the-caribbean-6.2.2594314.f68f04a7daSo, the Pope just dropped a massive encyclical on AI, basically calling it the new industrial revolution and warning that we can't let Silicon Valley "de-humanize" us for the sake of profit or war. It's a bold move, especially bringing an Anthropic co-founder on stage to argue that technology needs a soul—or at least some serious ethical guardrails—before it decides our future for us.Articles: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-xiv-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas-ai.htmlhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DYxo9lwlfSY/?igsh=MXFqc2locHhoZHF5dA%3D%3D&img_index=9

May 28, 2026Episode 1611 hr 19 min

EP161: Why is WASA hiring influencers? | There's hope for fintech? | Is Google going to win AI?

The hosts examine the controversy surrounding WASA's hiring of over 400 new employees since the general election, including nine social media influencers brought on to boost the utility's public image. They weigh the necessity of these roles against the public's frustration with water shortages, wondering if better PR is really the priority when the taps are still dry.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/wasa-hires-under-scrutiny-nine-influencers-among-416-employed-since-general-election-6.2.2591467.b4f0783f23In today's episode, we're diving into how stakeholders are praising a new payments bill while simultaneously flagging a laundry list of concerns about its practical implementation. It seems like everyone is happy to finally thread the needle on reform, provided they don't get poked by the fine print along the way.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/stakeholders-praise-payments-bill-but-raise-multiple-concerns-6.2.2591656.e243e50defSo Google I/O 2026 just dropped, and it looks like Sundar is finally trying to turn our phones into actual digital employees with Gemini Spark and these new agentic workflows. It’s a massive jump to quadrillions of tokens and $100 subscriptions, though I’m still not sure if I’m ready for my search engine to start booking my spin classes and talking back to me.Article: https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/sundar-pichai-io-2026/#gemini-models

May 20, 2026Episode 1601 hr 8 min

EP160: 1.5 million on OnlyFans from T&T | We finally have a UPI update | Vibe coding has issues

The hosts dive into the eye-watering US$1.57 million Trinidad and Tobago spent on OnlyFans in 2025, questioning the priorities of a nation seemingly obsessed with digital subscriptions. They debate whether this massive outflow of foreign exchange is a sign of a burgeoning creator economy or just a very expensive way to keep the country's data plans active.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/t-t-spends-us-1-57m-on-onlyfans-in-2025/article_2c50bf48-4a77-4575-85ad-4708fe4dc500.htmlIn today's deep dive, we're looking at how India and Trinidad and Tobago are leveling up their relationship through a mix of UPI digital payments and a shared obsession with cricket. It seems like a fair trade-off: India brings the tech and agricultural grants, while everyone just agrees that meeting Brian Lara is the ultimate diplomatic win.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/digital-payments-culture-and-cricket-strengthen-india-t-t-ties/article_8319930b-a64a-4f75-aab2-f93a24cd9bfe.htmlSo, we are basically watching vibe coding turn "it works on my machine" into "it's broken in production" at record speed, thanks to AI consistently prioritizing flashy features over basic security like RLS or sanitized queries. It turns out that when you let a bot take the wheel without a proper audit, you're not just shipping code—you're shipping a VIP pass for hackers to walk right into your database.Article: https://www.pcmag.com/news/vibe-coding-is-causing-thousands-of-data-security-vulnerabilities-says

May 14, 2026Episode 1591 hr 6 min

EP159: How do we attract influencers? | Did iShowSpeed help us? | Elon and Sam in court but why?

The hosts break down how IShowSpeed’s whirlwind visit to Trinidad and Tobago left the government scrambling to turn viral chaos into an actual influencer strategy. While the streamer racked up millions of views, the conversation turns to whether the country truly gained lasting tourism value or just a very loud, high-octane weekend of traffic jams.Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/maharaj-on-ishowspeeds-visit-govt-working-on-influencer-strategy-6.2.2579401.9006a1a31fSo, we’re looking at IShowSpeed essentially treating the Caribbean like his own personal stage, sparking a massive debate on whether this viral chaos actually helps local tourism or just pads his own view count. It’s the ultimate culture clash where 50 million subscribers get a crash course in Trini energy, leaving leaders wondering if they can turn a five-hour livestream into something more than just a temporary traffic jam.Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/features/local/ishowspeed-stirs-a-digital-debate/article_0f36f587-d78c-4e23-935a-24e79acbfb58.htmlThe high-stakes legal drama between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has officially hit the courtroom, as the duo spars over whether OpenAI "stole the charity" to become a profit-driven giant for Microsoft. It is basically a billionaire's breakup playing out in public, with jurors now tasked to decide if the future of AI belongs to a nonprofit mission or a massive IPO.Article: https://rollingout.com/2026/05/10/how-did-musk-and-sam-altman-end-battle/

May 7, 2026Episode 1581 hr 5 min

EP158: Digital bus tickets will work? | Digital pension payments? | Ticket the driverless cars

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

April 30, 2026Episode 1571 hr 7 min

EP157: VerityTT seems good | AI text books | Bye Tim Cook

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

April 22, 2026Episode 1561 hr 2 min

EP156: TTPS launches a cyber security podcast | Giving the elderly a Samsung phone | Anthropic is the villain now?

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

April 15, 2026Episode 1551 hr 25 min

EP155: Where's my bus? | Interview with Demaria and Joseph

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

April 9, 2026Episode 1511 hr 4 min

EP154: TTPS website down and no one cared | Ministry of AI has a town hall meeting | Attacking data centers is a thing

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