Caribbean Urged to Go Beyond Connectivity
– leaders call for greater focus on digital transformation to unlock economic and social opportunities
The Caribbean has made significant progress in expanding digital connectivity, but the region must now focus on building on that foundation to unlock greater economic and social opportunities.
That was a key message emerging from CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition, which brought together government leaders, regulators, telecommunications providers, technology companies, and other stakeholders to examine the region’s digital future.
Held under the theme “Elevate the Caribbean: From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” the conference highlighted the need for continued investment, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the region fully benefits from its growing digital capabilities.
“Connectivity has transformed the Caribbean, but our ambition cannot stop there,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean.
Liberty Caribbean are the operators of Flow, BTC and Liberty Business.
More than 800 delegates attended CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
(from left) John Winter, Senior VP & Chief Legal Officer, Liberty Latin America; Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Caribbean; the Hon. Charles Cooper of Curacao, Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning; and Waldo Hooker, VP, South Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean.
“We have an opportunity to build on the digital foundations already in place and use them to drive innovation, strengthen our economies and create greater opportunities for people and businesses across the region.”
Smidts said the next phase of the Caribbean’s digital development will require closer collaboration across governments, regulators, industry, and communities.
“We cannot build a globally competitive digital Caribbean in isolation. It will take the courage to invest, the willingness to innovate and a shared commitment to turn ambition into action.”
The conference also explored the growing impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G and cloud computing, alongside the importance of cybersecurity, digital skills, and resilient infrastructure.
“The Caribbean has the talent, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and resilience to compete. Our responsibility is to ensure that potential is matched with the infrastructure, technology and opportunities needed to thrive,” added Smidts.
Liberty Caribbean played a prominent role throughout the four-day conference, contributing to discussions on the issues shaping the region’s digital future, including cybersecurity, 5G, digital transformation, partnerships, and the future of work.
As headline sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, the company also used the platform to engage with government, regulatory and industry stakeholders and reinforce the importance of continued collaboration in advancing the region’s digital agenda.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Caribbean urged to turn digital connectivity into global competitiveness.