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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 52152, member: 636"] Prime Minister Philip Davis delivered a forceful address about digital dependency during Saturday's opening ceremony of the 40th Annual CANTO Conference in Nassau. The Bahamian leader warned Caribbean nations against becoming subservient to foreign digital platforms and infrastructure. Davis characterized the region's reliance on external servers, communication systems, and financial technologies as a gradual erosion of sovereignty. He emphasized that current technological adoption patterns threaten national self-determination across the Caribbean. The Prime Minister described this challenge as digital colonization that requires immediate regional response. Davis highlighted artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing as transformative forces reshaping global power structures while many Caribbean states lack basic internet connectivity. He stressed that failure to establish digital independence would allow others to determine the region's technological future. The Bahamas demonstrated leadership through the Sand Dollar central bank digital currency and the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act. These initiatives positioned the nation as a regulatory pioneer in digital finance. Davis argued that such achievements prove Caribbean countries can lead technological development independently. The Prime Minister called for investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and educational programs that develop local coding talent. He urged regional governments to create opportunities for young people to become technology creators rather than passive consumers. Davis endorsed Stephen Bereaux as the Caribbean candidate for ITU Deputy Secretary-General, framing this appointment as advancing regional interests within global telecommunications governance. The endorsement represents broader Caribbean representation in international technology institutions. Davis concluded by challenging CANTO members to drive rather than drift into the digital transformation era. [/QUOTE]

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