The Caribbean Telecommunications Union marked four decades of operation with its largest gathering at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, drawing more than 800 participants from 52 nations. Secretary General Teresa Wankin characterized the assembly as demonstrating regional readiness to construct a gigabit society benefiting all territories and populations. Two Caribbean prime ministers attended alongside 10 ICT ministers, telecommunications executives and international regulators to address digital transformation strategies under the theme Towards a Unified and Sustainable Caribbean Gigabit Society.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized that technological advancement must extend beyond infrastructure to improve lives through expanded access to education, entrepreneurship, and justice. Grenadian leader Dickon Mitchell called on private telecommunications companies to function as development partners rather than mere service providers, envisioning a 2030 Caribbean where healthcare records transfer seamlessly between islands and students maintain connectivity through satellite systems after natural disasters.
The organization will convene its 42nd annual gathering from February 1 through 3 in 2026, at Hyatt Regency Trinidad and Tobago. Wankin stressed that upcoming efforts will prioritize converting discussions into concrete outcomes through policy harmonization and infrastructure expansion across member nations.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized that technological advancement must extend beyond infrastructure to improve lives through expanded access to education, entrepreneurship, and justice. Grenadian leader Dickon Mitchell called on private telecommunications companies to function as development partners rather than mere service providers, envisioning a 2030 Caribbean where healthcare records transfer seamlessly between islands and students maintain connectivity through satellite systems after natural disasters.
The organization will convene its 42nd annual gathering from February 1 through 3 in 2026, at Hyatt Regency Trinidad and Tobago. Wankin stressed that upcoming efforts will prioritize converting discussions into concrete outcomes through policy harmonization and infrastructure expansion across member nations.
