WILLEMSTAD – Minister Charles Cooper has confirmed his participation in the 40th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO), a prestigious regional event taking place from July 13 to 16, 2025 in Nassau, The Bahamas.
This year's conference brings together representatives from 52 countries, 720 delegates, and 14 ICT ministers from across the Caribbean. The central theme, “Towards a Unified and Sustainable Caribbean Gigabit,” highlights the crucial role of telecommunications in driving sustainable development and economic growth throughout the region.
Minister Cooper, joined by his delegation from RAC and BlueNap, began his participation with a planning session following his official registration, preparing to attend various scheduled events and respond to several invitations extended by CANTO.
Spotlight on Curaçao's Digital Leadership
One of the key moments of the conference took place on Sunday, July 13, during a presentation led by Bluenap Americas, showcasing recent developments and digital advancements. Mr. Giovanni King, Director of Bluenap Americas, acknowledged Minister Cooper’s key role in the launch of the ‘Digital Hub of the Americas’ in 2023 and the Caribbean Datacenters Association in 2024. These milestones have positioned Curaçao as a leading force in the region’s digital transformation, with 2025 marking a move toward active implementation of these initiatives.
Five strategic partners also presented their latest projects and visions for regional collaboration:
Gaia-X – Data solutions for digital sovereignty
Bravinci – Data strategy and security
Hitachi Global – Multinational industry solutions
Chunk Works – Technological innovation
Caribbean Datacenters Association – Regional digital expansion and connectivity
Ministerial Roundtable on Digital Strategy
In the afternoon, ICT and digital technology ministers from across the Caribbean convened for a closed-door meeting with the CANTO organizing committee. The day concluded with the official opening ceremony of the conference, attended by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hon. Phillip ‘Brave’ Davis.
Curaçao in the Regional Spotlight
Curaçao continues to receive special recognition as a regional digital leader. Minister Cooper’s strategic efforts have drawn the attention of both private and public sector stakeholders, many of whom are actively seeking collaboration and guidance from Curaçao’s digital transformation model.
With his presence at CANTO 2025, Minister Cooper reinforces Curaçao’s role as a hub for innovation, connectivity, and digital resilience in the Caribbean.
