CAYENNE, French Guiana – President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) General Conference of Ministers, Dominic Smith, is calling on the region to play an active role in shaping its digital future as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies continue to transform economies and societies.
Smith, who is also the Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence in the Trinidad and Tobago government, told the CTU’s ICT Week 2026, said deeper regional coordination could allow Caribbean states to share expertise, strengthen AI and data governance, build common capability and approach global technology partners with a stronger collective voice.
“Our 21 member states and territories cannot afford 21 disconnected digital transformations,” Smith said, underscoring the need to share expertise and coordinate approaches across the region.
Smith said the Caribbean must move beyond simply adapting to the age of artificial intelligence and work collectively to help shape it in ways that reflect the region’s values, priorities and aspirations for its people.
He said Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing work to strengthen national AI readiness and responsible adoption, include the AI Academy, the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology and initiatives to expand AI literacy and capability across the public sector.
“We believe very strongly that AI will be the amplification of technology globally. We believe that essentially, it’s the new industrial revolution,” he said, emphasising that AI adoption must advance alongside responsible governance, with attention to workforce development, skills gaps, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, accountability and appropriate safeguards for citizens.
Smith said forums such as CTU ICT Week provide an important opportunity for Caribbean states to shape discussions on emerging technologies based on the unique circumstances and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
He told delegates that technology must ultimately improve people’s lives, reiterating his view that “technology must not surpass the humanity in which it was meant to advance.”
The event, which is being held under the theme “The theme, “Advancing Resilience, Inclusion, Cybersecurity and Innovation in Caribbean Digital Development” is being held in collaboration with the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane and provides a platform for regional and international stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices and shape digital policy and development across the Caribbean.
The organisers said the 2026 edition is particularly significant as it serves as a strategic prelude to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), positioning the Caribbean to engage more effectively on the global ICT agenda.
They said that it builds on current CTU themes while responding to emerging global challenges, including climate vulnerability, digital inequality, cybersecurity risks and the rapid evolution of digital technologies.
The objective of the CTU ICT Week 2026 is aimed at managing and overseeing the strategic and operational effectiveness of the CTU, advance regional dialogue and cooperation on digital transformation and ICT policy as well as support the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital economies.
It is also intended to promote strategic ICT leadership among Caribbean governments, provide a platform for sharing insights on emerging technologies and global trends as well as strengthen regional coordination and global positioning in preparation for PP-26
“CTU ICT Week 2026 is positioned to serve as a catalyst for regional digital transformation, reinforcing the critical role of ICT in shaping a prosperous and connected Caribbean. The event will contribute to shaping forward-looking policies that increase the region’s competitiveness and resilience in an evolving global digital landscape.
“The CTU, with its members and partners, aim to unlock the full potential of ICTs for innovation, economic growth and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean,” the CTU added.
