PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The landscape of Caribbean digital integration expanded significantly yesterday as French Guiana was officially welcomed as an associate member of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU).
The historic signing ceremony took place on 5 May 2026 at the CTU Secretariat in St Clair, Port of Spain, and coincided with the celebration of the CTU’s 37th anniversary. Presiding over the ceremony was senator the Dominic Smith, minister of public administration and artificial intelligence of Trinidad and Tobago, in his capacity as current president of the CTU.
In delivering the keynote address, minister Smith described the admission of French Guiana as a pivotal moment for regional cooperation in the digital age.
“This moment means that the Caribbean is more united today than it was yesterday,” minister Smith stated. “It means that French Guiana’s voice will now be heard in the councils where digital policy for this region is shaped, and it means that every citizen in Cayenne, Port of Spain, Kingston, Bridgetown, Georgetown, Paramaribo and across our now 21 states and territories is one step closer to a more connected, more equitable and more digitally empowered Caribbean.”
Minister Smith further noted that the ministry of public administration and artificial intelligence remains committed to advancing citizen-centred technology and strengthening regional collaboration through institutions such as the CTU, which continue to play a critical role in the Caribbean’s long-term digital development and sustainability.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Rodney Taylor, secretary-general of the CTU, and His Excellency Gabriel Serville, president of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane (CTG), who expressed French Guiana’s enthusiasm for deeper engagement with its Caribbean counterparts and its commitment to contributing to the region’s technological advancement. Also in attendance was His Excellency Guillaume Pierre, French ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.
The ministry of public administration and artificial intelligence views French Guiana’s admission to the CTU as another important step toward strengthening regional digital cooperation and reinforcing Trinidad and Tobago’s role in advancing innovation, connectivity and modern public administration across the Caribbean.