Secretary General of the CTU, Rodney Taylor, described the recent launch as a defining moment for the island and the wider region.
“We, at the CTU, are pleased to see Barbados leading the way in this initiative. It’s a tremendous opportunity, not just for Barbados, but for the entire Caribbean. As a Barbadian, I’m proud of that,” Taylor said.
According to Taylor, Barbados’ leadership demonstrates that small island developing states can be early adopters of cutting-edge technology.
“This rollout sets a powerful example for other countries in the Eastern Caribbean and beyond. It shows that our nations can lead in the adoption of next-generation technologies,” he noted.
The advancement of 5G+ aligns closely with the CTU’s mission and ultimately with the goals of the CARICOM Single ICT Space; an initiative aimed at building resilient, harmonised infrastructure, standards, and policies across member states.
“It is meant to ensure that there’s a common infrastructure that facilitates the movement of data, and by extension, the movement of people and businesses. This creates expanded opportunities for investors and drives digital transformation across the region,” Taylor said.
He emphasised that 5G is about more than faster speeds.
“It’s about faster speeds to do what? The technology can drive innovation across all sectors. In Barbados and many of our Caribbean countries, tourism is key to the economy.
Now, we can look at how to innovate in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, even healthcare through telemedicine. The possibilities are limitless,” Taylor said.
The former Chief Digital Technology Officer for the Barbados government recalled how connectivity was a key factor during the COVID-19 pandemic’s Welcome Stamp initiative, when remote workers from around the world asked about country’s telecom infrastructure.
“I’m happy that Barbados will now be able to answer that question with ‘Yes, 5G is available. This will attract innovators across multiple sectors. Even from a little village in St. Lucy, someone can offer a service to the world.
“Whether it’s a professional service or artistic expression, access to technology and awareness of its benefits can generate tremendous opportunities for our people. Barbados and the Caribbean have the talent and the potential; and now, with 5G+, we have the platform to match,” he added, noting that 5G can amplify economic growth.
He also pointed out that the introduction of 5G+ creates opportunities for inclusive digital transformation, a key focus of the CTU.
“We want everyone to benefit, not just those who can afford devices or connectivity. We must ensure that persons with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, women, youth, and low-income households are all included,” he said while praising Liberty Caribbean’s JUMP programme, which targets economically vulnerable communities, as an example of the types of initiatives the CTU supports.
The Secretary General also highlighted the need to develop the next generation of digital leaders and to ensure gender equity in the ICT space.
-ENDS-
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