Senator The Hon. Jonathan Reid, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology, Government of Barbados, engages fellow speakers Luis Marrero (Amazon Web Services) and Esther Callender-George (Guardian Holdings Limited) during the panel discussion ‘Scaling Digital Transformation in the AI Era’.
calls made for bold action on digital transformation and regional resilience
Miami, FLORIDA (May 20, 2026) — Senior government officials, regulators, technology leaders, private sector executives, and regional stakeholders concluded the second annual Amplify Summit with a clear and unified message that the Caribbean must move decisively to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the region’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.
Hosted by leading telecommunications provider Liberty Caribbean, operators of Flow, Liberty Business, and BTC, the Summit convened influential regional and international voices under the theme ‘Elevating the Caribbean’s Digital Future’.
Throughout the day, participants explored practical solutions and actionable strategies aimed at advancing connectivity, strengthening digital infrastructure, scaling innovation, developing local talent, and enabling sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean.
The Summit focused on critical issues shaping the future of the region, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital policy, resilient infrastructure, workforce development, cloud transformation, and the modernization of tourism and public services.
Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Caribbean, challenged regional leaders to move beyond discussion and toward coordinated execution.
“The Caribbean has never lacked talent, resilience, or ambition. What we require now is alignment, decisive action, and the courage to build for the future,” said Smidts.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. It is fundamental to economic growth, national resilience, and regional competitiveness. Amplify was created to bring leaders together not simply to exchange ideas, but to accelerate practical solutions that deliver meaningful impact for our people and our economies.”
Balan Nair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Latin America, the parent company of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in building a stronger digital future for the region.
“The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment where technology can become a powerful driver of opportunity, inclusion, and innovation,” said Nair.
“Realizing the region’s potential will require partnership, long-term investment, and a shared commitment to building secure, resilient, and future-ready digital ecosystems. The conversations at Amplify reinforced that the region has both the capability and the leadership to move forward with confidence.”
Senator The Hon. Jonathan Reid, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Technology of the Government of Barbados, underscored the need for regional urgency and policy alignment.
“The pace of global transformation will not slow down for the Caribbean. We must therefore ensure that our policy frameworks, our education systems, and our digital infrastructure are aligned to prepare our people and economies for the future,” he said.
“What is required now is coordinated regional action that empowers innovation while ensuring no community is left behind in the digital era.”
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, highlighted the importance of resilience and innovation in protecting and diversifying Caribbean economies.
“For small island developing states, digital transformation is not simply about modernization; it is about resilience, sustainability, and economic opportunity,” he said.
“The Caribbean has an opportunity to position itself as a globally competitive region powered by innovation, creativity, and collaboration. But achieving that future will require bold leadership and meaningful partnerships across every sector.”
Throughout the Summit, speakers and panelists repeatedly emphasized that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient. Instead, the region must focus on building digital ecosystems capable of supporting entrepreneurship, improving public services, driving business innovation, and strengthening national resilience during times of crisis.
The event also reinforced the importance of investing in local talent and ensuring Caribbean people are equipped with the digital skills required to participate fully in the rapidly evolving global economy.
The 2026 Amplify Summit featured contributions from regional governments, IDB Invest, Guardian Holdings Limited, Sagicor Bank, Amazon Web Services, SpaceX, Sierra AI, Amdocs, academic leaders, and senior executives of Liberty Caribbean.
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About Liberty Caribbean
Liberty Caribbean (formerly named C&W Communications), operated by Liberty Latin America, is a leading communications and technology provider, with operations in more than 20 markets across the Caribbean delivering broadband, mobile, video and voice services to residential customers through the consumer brands Flow and BTC.
Through its B2B division, Liberty Business, the company delivers enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud, security, and data centre services to businesses and governments — supporting economic growth in an increasingly digital world.
With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, Liberty Caribbean remains steadfastly anchored in the region – providing robust networks, personalised local support, and tailored solutions that truly resonate with the people and communities we serve.