Cayenne, French Guiana – 21 September 2026 – The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) convened its 24th Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar in French Guiana, bringing together Ministers, policymakers, industry leaders and regional and international experts to examine emerging technologies and the policy priorities shaping the Caribbean’s digital future. The Seminar formed part of CTU ICT Week 2026 convened in collaboration with the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane.
Under the ICT Week theme, “Advancing Resilience, Inclusion, Innovation and Cybersecurity in Caribbean Digital Development,” the Seminar provided a high-level platform for dialogue on artificial intelligence, data governance, digital resilience, universal meaningful connectivity and digital government.
Opening the Seminar, Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTU, introduced the anthem for CTU ICT Week – “One Region. One Rhythm. One Digital Future.” He further emphasised the importance of strategic dialogue and regional cooperation as Caribbean countries navigate a rapidly changing digital environment.
“The pace of technological change requires us to think strategically about how we build resilience, foster innovation and ensure that digital transformation delivers meaningful value across our region. This Seminar brings together the perspectives and expertise needed to examine these issues collectively and to strengthen the Caribbean’s ability to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges,” said Mr. Taylor.
The programme opened with a presentation on AI for Caribbean Transformation – Digital Health, highlighting current applications of artificial intelligence to support innovation in health and other critical sectors.
A high-level panel discussion on AI, Data Governance and Digital Policy Leadership examined AI governance frameworks for small states, data sovereignty and cross-border data flows and ethical AI. Moderating the panel was Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTU, with panelists Dr. Craig Ramlal, Executive Director, AI Innovation Centre, The University of the West Indies, and Chair, CTU Caribbean AI Task Force (CAITF); Sen. the Hon. Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Government of Trinidad and Tobago and President, CTU; Hon. Phillip Jackson, Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Hon. Marie-Lucienne Rattier, Territorial Councillor, Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane; Hon. Alando Terrylong, State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, responsible for Diaspora, Government of Jamaica; and Ms. Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice Chancellor Global Affairs , The University of the West Indies (UWI).
Digital resilience was also a central focus of the Seminar, with discussions addressing resilient telecommunications infrastructure, submarine cable diversity, satellite redundancy, climate-resilient ICT, cybersecurity and business continuity. Participants also considered the role of low Earth orbit satellite technologies in helping to close connectivity gaps across the Caribbean.
The Seminar further explored Universal Meaningful Connectivity and Digital Inclusion, including affordable access, last-mile connectivity, rural and remote connectivity solutions, and accessibility for vulnerable groups.
Discussions on digital economy, innovation and investment examined ICT as a driver of economic diversification, startup ecosystems and innovation hubs, public-private partnerships, and digital trade and cross-border services.
The programme also considered digital government and public service transformation, with discussions focusing on digital public infrastructure, interoperability, citizen-centred digital services, trust, identity and digital ID systems.
The discussions contributed to the broader ICT Week agenda of strengthening regional cooperation and positioning Caribbean countries to respond collectively to rapidly evolving technological and policy developments.
For more information on the CTU and its initiatives, please visit www.ctu.int.
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