Trini TechCast

Hosted by makeITsimpleTT

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175

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Aug 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

September 16, 2026Episode 1751 hr 18 min

EP175: Can children learn from an AI avatar? | How will they crackdown on child P*ornagraphy? | AI whirlwind updates!

The hosts dive into the Ministry of Education's launch of a new digital learning platform for secondary students, noting that fancy portals are great right up until the internet decides not to work. They question whether these shiny new online tools will actually bridge the learning gap or just give school tech support a perpetual headache. Article: https://www.ttt.live/education-ministry-launches-new-digital-learning-platform-to-support-secondary-school-students/ The government plans to crackdown on child p*ography, but how exactly do the plan to carry this out? And how effective is it in tracking down Telegram messages? Is this just all 'hot-air'? Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/govt-to-deploy-new-technology-in-crackdown-on-child-pornography-6.2.2654872.3a124bc84f So, Anthropic is now sneaking invisible text watermarks into Claude outputs globally to appease EU regulators, using a secret key to subtly bias word choices without actually ruining your text quality. The real kicker for users is that while simple copy-pasting keeps the mark alive, substantive human editing will dilute it, meaning even a light proofread could leave your work tagged as AI-assisted. Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/openai-agents-hijacked-german-website-previously-undisclosed-ai-breakout-this-2026-09-04/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=twitter https://youtu.be/1QNsdr-Qx_I?si=76pGLumUguuFhwjF

September 2, 2026Episode 1741 hr 7 min

EP 174: Interview with Nathaniel Bedassie | Cyber Security expert

In this episode we talked to Nathaniel Bedassie about his journey into IT and how there were many roadblocks and obstacles he couldn't overcome, but he got into cyber security and now, he knows a lot and he may just be able to save your company, or at least poke holes in your website. LinkedIn: https://tt.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-bedassie-31b722159 Instagram: @dr.roket insta

August 27, 2026Episode 1731 hr 9 min

EP 173: Interview with Sinead and Kwasi pt2 | Developers and DHUB

In this episode we talk to Sinead and Kwasi app developers and DHUB winners. We check on the status of their project and talk development in T&T. The ups and downs.

August 19, 2026Episode 1721 hr 13 min

EP172: 5G in the Caribbean makes sense? | What does a tech services company look like? | Anthropic watermarks AI

The hosts dive into the Caribbean’s lagging 5G rollout, highlighting how nearly half the region remains offline despite existing coverage. They point out that while everyone wants lightning-fast data, bridging this massive digital gap will take up to $12 billion that operators and governments are still trying to figure out how to fund. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/agard-region-lagging-in-5g-rollout-6.2.2645135.e61a9f9b15 "So, 800 Tech is basically putting cybersecurity at the absolute center of its growth strategy to keep up with today's wild digital threats," one host might say. The other would add, "Yeah, because nothing ruins a company's expansion plans quite like getting hacked before you even hit your targets." Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/800-tech-puts-cybersecurity-at-centre-of-growth-strategy/article_73cbaa49-8bc5-4125-b7c5-452134f9bf6a.html So, Anthropic is now sneaking invisible text watermarks into Claude outputs globally to appease EU regulators, using a secret key to subtly bias word choices without actually ruining your text quality. The real kicker for users is that while simple copy-pasting keeps the mark alive, substantive human editing will dilute it, meaning even a light proofread could leave your work tagged as AI-assisted. Article: https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-text-watermark

August 12, 2026Episode 1711 hr 1 min

EP171: Why is the solar farm not working? | Are we behind in SEO with AI overviews | Plug in solar? The next big thing?

The hosts dive into the heated debate between energy analysts and T&TEC over Trinidad’s new solar initiative, questioning the logic behind skipping battery storage entirely. They note that while relying purely on daytime sunshine saves immediate cash, it leaves the grid exposed unless everyone collectively agrees to stop using electricity after sunset. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/analysts-push-back-on-solar-blank-by-ttec-no-batteries-needed-6.2.2640787.bfbc0cfa77 Today we are breaking down the great AI debate: is the tech actually taking over the workplace, or are CEOs just using it to cover up some classic pandemic overhiring? While corporate giants slash headcounts under the guise of automation, smaller businesses are quietly using AI to cut down on paperwork rather than cutting their actual staff. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/ai-is-already-in-your-company-6.2.2640780.9a8dbe9c7a So, we're looking at how these plug-in balcony solar panels could actually save the average UK household around £1,100 over 15 years, which sounds great until you realize renters might actually have to talk to their landlords to install them. The government promises they will hit retail shelves within months, but with typical sub-optimal balcony placement cutting outputs by up to 60%, it seems the real issue is whether British weather will even cooperate enough to see that five-year payback. Article: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/much-plug-solar-panels-really-070000782.html

July 30, 2026Episode 1701 hr 8 min

EP170: Can we pivot to tech in T&T? | Pivoting to tech as a nation a risk or an opportunity? | How do we actually ban social media under 16?

The hosts dive into Trinidad and Tobago's grand AI data center ambitions, weighing the economic hype against severe concerns over connectivity, lack of infrastructure redundancy, and potential resource strain. They note that while having excess power is a great start, it shouldn't mean the state accidentally drains its treasury just to subsidize a tech giant's electricity bill. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/tt-can-become-regions-data-centre-6.2.2633635.6663a79f2d Trinidad and Tobago is rushing to join the global AI race with massive data centers, but the real question is whether the island's infrastructure is actually ready for the power surge. It is the ultimate high-stakes gamble: trying to jumpstart a digital future while desperately hoping the environment and public trust don't pay the price. Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/t-t-s-ai-future-opportunity-or-risk/article_efd0721e-4775-45da-95eb-96b4ce8b80ad.html So, Spain is basically trying to kick anyone under 16 off social media, and the big question is whether tech CEOs will actually face jail time for failing to clean up the digital wild west. It sounds great on paper, but good luck getting platforms to build age verification systems that are more than just an easily bypassed checkbox. Article: https://theconversation.com/spain-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-heres-what-we-know-so-far-and-what-we-dont-275712

July 22, 2026Episode 1691 hr 5 min

EP169: Interview with Brandon James

This week's interview is with Brendon Joseph. He's an author and has worked in the intersection of data science, risk management, energy systems, and leadership in complex environments. Andre sat with him to discuss how tech impacts his life and also how his trini roots shaped him. Website: https://brendonjameswrites.com/

July 15, 2026Episode 1681 hr 25 min

EP168: Data Center in T&T Cons? | Data Center in T&T Pros? | Apple and OpenAI beefing?

The hosts dive into the heated debate surrounding a new US data center MOU, highlighting how the promise of high-tech infrastructure is clashing with serious environmental concerns. They weigh the economic hype against the reality of heavy resource consumption, noting that turning a country into a tech hub shouldn't mean draining its power grid and water supply. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/us-data-centre-mou-ignites-debate-over-environmental-impact-6.2.2624410.1b459adc46 Trinidad is diving headfirst into the AI boom with massive data centers planned for Debe, which has locals naturally wondering if their water taps will run dry just to power the cloud. The government insists a hybrid pond system will protect the public's supply, so let's just hope this tech expansion brings actual economic growth instead of just a massive utility bill. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/govt-says-ai-data-centres-planned-for-debe-water-supply-protected-6.2.2624745.e352a855ee So, Apple is officially taking OpenAI to court, claiming the ChatGPT maker basically treated Apple's hardware division like a free buffet for talent and unreleased tech specs. Yeah, it turns out OpenAI's upcoming AI device might be built on a lot of "borrowed" corporate secrets, unless Apple's army of lawyers shuts the whole operation down first. Article: https://apnews.com/article/apple-openai-lawsuit-trade-secrets-theft-6fff8833f5889d86406b89a02dd8fb16

July 8, 2026Episode 16758 min

EP167: Guyana and Barbados e-ID, yay or nay? | Will WhatsApp usernames affect T&T | PS5 to go disc less!

The hosts discuss how Guyana and Barbados are finally ditching the paperwork for a historic e-ID travel system that makes regional transit smoother than a fresh coat of paint. They weigh in on the tech-heavy upgrade, noting that while it’s a massive leap for integration, travelers will have to get used to their faces being their new passports. Articles: https://guyanachronicle.com/2026/07/02/guyana-barbados-launch-historic-e-id-card-travel-system/ https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/passport-free-caribbean-travel-nears-reality/article_6e245adb-6d86-4cce-a610-7c6843ec827c.html WhatsApp's new username feature is already triggering alarm bells because it makes it way too easy for scammers to snag high-profile handles and impersonate brands. It's like they've handed a megaphone to bad actors before even figuring out how to verify who's actually behind the screen. Article: https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/01/whatsapp-usernames-are-already-raising-impersonation-red-flags/ So, Sony is officially killing off physical discs by 2028, and we’re all left wondering if our game libraries are basically just long-term rentals until a server somewhere gets unplugged. Between the "digital-only" future and retailers like Game and GameFly sounding the alarm, it feels like we're trading the shelf space for a whole lot of corporate control and zero resale value. Articles: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/sony-phasing-out-physical-discs-for-ps5-closes-stores/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ryjyvjq41o

July 1, 2026Episode 1661 hr 10 min

EP166: Is Social Media only for entertainment in T&T? | Where is the AI going in T&T? | AI and government in the US is crazy

The hosts dive into how digital marketing is a massive umbrella that's way bigger than just your Instagram feed, emphasizing that relying solely on social media is like building a house on someone else's volatile land. They argue that while scrolling might feel like the whole internet, a real strategy requires owning your presence through websites and email lists before an algorithm change makes you invisible. Article: https://trinidadexpress.com/business/local/digital-is-far-more-than-social-media/article_ea60eb17-86e6-4b1e-aad1-33db39a8063e.html In today's deep dive, we're looking at Minister Dominic Smith's push to drag Trinidad and Tobago’s public service into the 21st century, though we're still waiting to see if these "Future Ready" plans actually replace the old-school paper trails. It seems the government is banking on AI training and international partnerships to finally make "digital transformation" more than just a buzzword for the 90,000 public servants currently navigating the transition. Article: https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/smith-digitalready-public-service-progressing-6.2.2612863.cee4bfcefe The Trump administration has stepped in to put the brakes on OpenAI's GPT-5.6 release, essentially telling Sam Altman that the new "Sol" model is a bit too powerful for a surprise drop. It looks like the government is finally checking the receipts on these advanced models before they go public, making sure we don't accidentally hand a cybersecurity master key to just anyone. Article: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-administration-asks-openai-stagger-204300837.html