Telecoms giant pledges support for storm-hit islands

Leading Caribbean telecommunications provider C&W Communications has reaffirmed its commitment to support communities affected by increasingly severe storms in the region.

The pledge comes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s extensive damage across several Caribbean islands last week. Speaking at the 39th Annual CANTO Trade Exhibition and Conference in Miami, C&W Communications CEO Inge Smidts highlighted the company’s role in disaster response.

“We are a lifeline, a vital link that keeps people connected to their loved ones, to emergency services, and to the information they need in times of crisis,” Smidts said. She described visiting some of the worst-affected islands, noting the “immense” destruction but also the “incredible resilience and spirit of the people”.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to the region, with storms like Hurricane Beryl expected to become more frequent, the telecoms industry’s role in disaster preparedness and recovery is likely to become increasingly crucial.

Smidts said: “I had the profound experience of visiting several of the islands that were hardest hit. The destruction is immense, with homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. However, what stood out most was the incredible resilience and spirit of the people, so our commitment to the Caribbean must go beyond connectivity.”

The conference, themed Towards a Sustainable Digital Economy, saw C&W Communications return as headline sponsor. The company, which operates Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, used the platform to call for industry-wide collaboration in supporting affected communities.

“This is our moment, and together, we can leverage our resources, expertise, and networks to provide much-needed relief and support,” Smidts urged fellow telecom stakeholders. She emphasised the need for “innovative solutions that can withstand the challenges of natural disasters and ensure the sustainability of our digital economy”.

The annual event brings together regional leaders, regulators, and industry figures to discuss policy and best practices in the Caribbean telecoms sector. C&W Communications is set to host several discussions on topics including digital sustainability, cybersecurity, and equitable access to broadband services.

Other key speakers from the company include Kerry Scott, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Liberty Latin America (C&W Communications’ parent company), and Sameer Bhatti, Chief Executive Officer of Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC).

CANTO, the organiser of the conference, is a non-profit association focused on advancing the information and communications technology sector across the Caribbean and the Americas.

(PR)