The Caribbean’s push toward deeper digital integration took a step forward this week with French Guiana officially joining the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) as an Associate Member.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony on May 5 at the CTU Secretariat in St Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad, marking the organisation’s 37th anniversary.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith, who currently serves as CTU president, described the move as a meaningful moment for regional cooperation.

“This moment means that the Caribbean is more united today than it was yesterday,” Smith said.

“It means that French Guiana’s voice will now be heard in the councils where digital policy for this region is shaped, and it means that every citizen in Cayenne, Port of Spain, Kingston, Bridgetown, Georgetown, Paramaribo and across our now 21 States and Territories is one step closer to a more connected, more equitable and more digitally empowered Caribbean.”

French Guiana’s addition expands the CTU’s membership to 21 states and territories, widening collaboration on issues such as connectivity, digital infrastructure and technology-driven development across the region.

Secretary-General of the CTU, Rodney Taylor, also addressed the ceremony, alongside Gabriel Serville, President of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, who welcomed the opportunity for closer ties with Caribbean partners.

French Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Guillaume Pierre, was also in attendance.

Officials say the move signals growing momentum around regional cooperation in the digital space, as Caribbean territories look to strengthen resilience, modernise public services and expand access to technology.