PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (August 10, 2026) – A focus on collaboration, innovation and investment to accelerate the Caribbean’s digital transformation will feature prominently as government leaders, regulators, policymakers, technology innovators and telecommunications providers gather for CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana.
For the fifth consecutive year, Liberty Caribbean has returned as headline sponsor of the region’s leading telecommunications and ICT gathering, taking place between August 9 and 12 under the theme “Elevate the Caribbean: From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness.”
The conference will explore how the Caribbean can move beyond connectivity to unlock innovation, strengthen economic competitiveness and create sustainable opportunities in an increasingly digital global economy.
Delivering the sponsor’s address at the opening ceremony, Waldo Hooker, Vice President and General Manager, South Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, highlighted the company’s commitment to helping build a more connected, resilient and competitive Caribbean.
Waldo Hooker, Vice President and General Manager, South Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean.
“Connectivity has transformed the Caribbean, but the opportunity before us now is much bigger,” said Hooker.
Liberty Caribbean are the operators of Flow, BTC and Liberty Business.
“We have an opportunity to use the digital infrastructure we have built to drive innovation, enable businesses, strengthen communities and position the Caribbean to compete on a global stage. Achieving that will require investment, collaboration and a shared commitment across governments, regulators, industry and communities.”
The opening programme also featured remarks from Dr. Delreo Newman, Chairman, CANTO Board of Directors; Teresa Wankin, Secretary General, CANTO; Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC); and Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.
"Connectivity has transformed the Caribbean, but the opportunity before us now is much bigger."
A Pivotal Moment for the Region
This year’s conference comes at an important moment for the region as advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 5G, satellite connectivity and other emerging technologies reshape economies and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
As headline sponsor, Liberty Caribbean will contribute to the conference programme through a series of discussions and engagements focused on some of the issues shaping the region’s digital future including AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, resilient infrastructure, digital inclusion, policy and regulation, and the role of technology in strengthening Caribbean competitiveness.
“The Caribbean has many of the ingredients needed to compete globally such as the expertise, creativity, entrepreneurship and a strong sense of community,” added Hooker.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that technology and connectivity become powerful enablers of that potential. CANTO provides an important platform for us to come together, challenge conventional thinking and turn ambition into action.”
More than 800 delegates are attending CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition brings together over 800 delegates from across the Caribbean and beyond for four days of dialogue, knowledge-sharing, networking and collaboration focused on advancing the region’s ICT sector.
