The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence is pleased to announce that Senator the Honourable Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, has been awarded the CANTO Ministerial Award for ICT Leadership & Digital Transformation 2026.
The regional award recognises exceptional ministerial leadership in advancing ICT and digital transformation and celebrates Ministers whose vision and stewardship have contributed to meaningful national and regional progress. Minister Smith’s recognition comes just over a year after assuming responsibility for the portfolio, during which he has championed an ambitious agenda focused on modernising public administration, accelerating digital transformation and advancing the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across Government.
Under his leadership, the Ministry has pursued a whole-of-government approach to transformation, with emphasis on strengthening digital governance, improving the delivery of public services, expanding digital inclusion, developing the country’s technological capacity and building the foundations for a more connected and citizen-centred Government.
The Ministry has also placed significant emphasis on positioning Trinidad and Tobago to respond effectively to the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, with a focus on strengthening the policy and institutional environment for responsible AI adoption and deepening collaboration with regional and international partners.
Minister Smith’s regional and international engagements have supported Trinidad and Tobago’s continued participation in discussions surrounding digital government, artificial intelligence, innovation and the future of public administration.
Commenting on the award, Minister Smith said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from CANTO. I accept it with tremendous gratitude and, importantly, on behalf of the dedicated team at the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence and our many partners who continue to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation. Our work is ultimately about people. We are building a Government that is more modern, connected and responsive, leveraging the opportunities created by technology and artificial intelligence to deliver better services and meaningful benefits for our citizens.”
This award reinforces our commitment to that mission and encourages us to continue working towards a digitally empowered Trinidad and Tobago that can lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the Caribbean’s digital future.”
The CANTO Ministerial Award for ICT Leadership & Digital Transformation recognises leadership across key areas, including digital policy and governance, inclusive digital empowerment, integrated national transformation, regional and global influence, and digital investment and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence congratulates Minister Smith on this significant regional recognition and remains committed to advancing the Government’s digital transformation agenda and building a modern public service that harnesses technology and innovation to better serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago.