French Guiana has taken a major step toward stronger regional digital co-operation, officially joining the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) as an Associate Member.
The move, approved by CTU Ministers, signals new opportunities for collaboration in technology, cybersecurity, and digital governance across the Caribbean.
French Guiana officially signed-on to join the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) as an Associate Member on Tuesday.
This follows a decision in October, in which CTU Ministers approved the membership in Kingston, Jamaica.
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, and CTU President, Dominic Smith, welcomed the move, describing French Guiana as a strong and strategic addition to the Union’s 21 member states.
“French Guiana significant strategic value as a European connected territory, it offers access to advanced digital framework, cybersecurity capabilities, satellite data and growing digital infrastructure. The CTU in turn, brings regional coordination, policy experience and a network of governance committed to collective progress.”
French Guiana’s President, Gabriel Serville, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to advancing technology in the region.
Speaking through a translator, he highlighted the nation’s contributions.
“First of all, our space center that is located in Kourou this spacial base can give access to data and knowledge. In addition we have a project called observatory “SEAS” and this tool is used to observe the earth and we currently have partnerships with Africa, Brazil, Suriname and in the future perhaps with Guyana.”
On his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago, President Serville noted his admiration for youth involvement in politics.
“I was very impressed by the presence of youth in Government. That stands out to me. Yesterday I was speaking to one Ministers and he looked so young. I felt like I was talking to one of my students because I used to be a Math teacher and that is something that inspires me the way that Trinidad highlights youth in politics. I think this is something that we can copy in French Guiana.”
French Guiana’s membership is expected to strengthen regional collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, digital governance, and emerging technologies.