Caribbean countries have strengthened regional cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and telecommunications resilience during CTU ICT Week 2026, held from October 5–9 in Cayenne, French Guiana.
The event, organised by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in collaboration with the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, brought together ministers, regulators, private-sector leaders, academics, civil society representatives, youth and international partners under the theme “Advancing Resilience, Inclusion, Innovation and Cybersecurity in Caribbean Digital Development.”
Guyana was represented by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame Mc Coy, alongside representatives from governments and institutions across the region.
The gathering marked the first time the CTU’s premier annual event and statutory meetings were held in a French territory, highlighting what the Union described as growing cooperation among the English-, French- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, France and the European Union.
Saint Barthélemy admitted
One of the major decisions was the approval of Saint Barthélemy as an Associate Member of the CTU.
The Union said the decision recognises the territory’s existing relationship with the CTU through the Caribbean Internet Exchange project and the Saint-Barth Internet Exchange, while further expanding cooperation across the Leeward Islands.
AI and digital infrastructure take centre stage
The General Conference of Ministers endorsed the final report of the Caribbean AI Task Force, including seven policy pillars aimed at guiding regional approaches to artificial intelligence governance and development.
Member States were encouraged to implement the recommendations as governments across the Caribbean confront the growing impact of AI on public services, economies, regulation and the future of work.
The conference also supported the Regional Digital Infrastructure Plan for the Caribbean, developed with the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank.
The plan identifies opportunities to strengthen international connectivity and data infrastructure throughout the region.
Ministers also called for stronger national and regional strategies to improve telecommunications resilience, including greater submarine cable diversity, early-warning systems and regional cooperation.
New CTU leadership elected
St. Kitts and Nevis was elected to the presidency of the CTU, represented by Minister Konris Maynard.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines was elected vice-president of the General Conference of Ministers, while Grenada was elected chairman of the Executive Council.
St. Kitts and Nevis also secured the vice-chairmanship of the Executive Council.
The officials will serve two-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The conference approved the CTU’s 2027 Budget and Work Plan and reiterated the importance of member states and associate members meeting their financial obligations to support the organisation’s sustainability.
France, EU deepen digital engagement
High-level participation by the Government of France and the European Union featured prominently during the week.
Senior officials addressed the General Conference on artificial intelligence, digital affairs, regional cooperation and EU-Caribbean investment, reflecting the CTU’s expanding role as a platform connecting Caribbean countries with France, its overseas territories and Europe.
Delegates also visited the European Space Agency’s Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, Europe’s spaceport and one of the world’s major launch facilities.
The CTU said the visit underscored French Guiana’s strategic position linking the Caribbean, Europe, space technology and the global digital economy.
The week also featured meetings focused on women’s leadership, youth participation, telecommunications regulation, digital transformation and meaningful connectivity.
The CTU said ICT Week 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing regional digital development under its central message: “One Region. One Rhythm. One Digital Future.”
