PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD – Senator Dominic Smith, minister of public administration and artificial intelligence, has stated broadband connectivity as essential infrastructure for national development, noting that reliable internet access has become as critical as roads, electricity and clean water in today’s digital economy.
Minister Smith was speaking at the launch of new broadband infrastructure in Navet under TATT’s Universal Service Programme, marking another significant step in expanding reliable internet access to underserved communities across the country.
“This investment is about far more than infrastructure. It is about opportunity. No citizen’s future should ever be determined by their postcode,” minister Smith said. He emphasised that expanding broadband access will empower residents to access education, healthcare, government services, employment opportunities and digital markets, while enabling entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen and small businesses to compete more effectively in an increasingly connected economy. Minister Smith noted that World Bank research has consistently demonstrated that greater broadband penetration supports economic growth, job creation and innovation.
The minister noted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment, under the leadership of the Kamla Persad-Bissessar, prime minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to ensuring that every citizen can participate fully in the digital age, regardless of geography. Communities such as Navet and Matelot are benefiting from targeted investments designed to close the digital divide and expand access to education, economic participation and government services.
Minister Smith noted that the broadband initiative forms part of the ministry’s wider digital transformation agenda, which is modernising public services, expanding digital infrastructure, advancing artificial intelligence education and creating greater opportunities for citizens to participate in Trinidad and Tobago’s growing digital economy.
“The future should never depend on your postcode. It should depend on your potential, your determination and your willingness to seize opportunity,” minister Smith added. He also commended TATT for its continued leadership in implementing the Universal Service Programme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to the digital infrastructure needed to thrive.
Also in attendance were Cory Belfon, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence (MPAAI); Nariya Baksh, director, Public Management (MPAAI); Karen Ramkissoon, director, Public Management (MPAAI); Cris Seecheran, chairman of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT); Kurleigh Prescod, chief executive officer of TATT; and Kirk Sookram, deputy chief executive officer of TATT.
As Trinidad and Tobago accelerates its digital transformation, investments such as the Navet broadband expansion are helping to build a nation where geography is no barrier to opportunity and every citizen can participate fully in the digital economy.