LEADING trade association of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Caribbean, CANTO, will soon host its 35th Annual General Meeting and Mini Expo in Guyana to be attended by some 200 high-ranking members and stakeholders.

The individuals will visit from some 30 countries, including from within the Caribbean, to attend the event’s hosting at the Marriott Hotel from January 27-30, 2019.

One of CANTO’s founding members, is the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), which will collaborate along with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the success of the venture.

On Monday, GTT hosted a press conference at the hotel to mark the official launching.
It was revealed that a pivotal aspect of this event will be the Emerging Technologies – Mini Expo which will showcase emerging technologies from global suppliers.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines, Secretary General of CANTO, Teresa Wankin said that the expo presents an opportunity for local ICT experts to become internationally known.

“Everyone who has a stake in ICT in the region, all of the vendors, the suppliers of telecoms services will be here…we expect about 20 to 25 cutting edge technology exhibitors,” she stated adding:
“We don’t know the number [which will attend] from Guyana but what I’m hoping is that every single ICT company will be able to come and showcase whatever they do here in Guyana to the rest of the world and the Caribbean.”

In her remarks, she commended GTT for taking the lead in Guyana as a “phenomenal partner” even as it works towards its own goals of digital transformation in the country.
“For this region to benefit from digital transformation there must be a common platform driven by vision, leadership, innovation and partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society. This can only happen if we work together with all stakeholders to adopt, prosper and reap greater benefits,” she said.

Remarks also came from GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd who stated that GTT is honoured to host the AGM in 2019.

He added that the partnership forged will aid in the development of the ICT sector even as the company plows ahead despite existing challenges.

“As we continue to do more, GTT welcomes CANTO to our shores…to help us, Guyana, into a new realm of shaping information and communication. With the impending [liberalisation] of Guyana’s telecommunications sector, we eagerly anticipate a level playing field for all involved,” he said.

Speaking briefly on behalf of the Public Telecommunications Ministry, Consultant Andre Griffith stated that CANTO, along with its stakeholders, has the full support of the ministry.
At the AGM, the conference segment of the event will see entrepreneurs, knowledge experts and business leaders discussing pressing matters guided by the theme ‘Transitioning to a Digital Region: Opportunities and Challenges’

Meanwhile, capacity building training will be provided by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd. (GMSA) through a workshop themed ‘Unlocking Rural Mobile Coverage.’

It will also allow governments and industries to work closer together to bridge the present gaps.

In displaying some of the technological advancements in Guyana, partner of GTT, Intellect Storm, was invited to promote its soon-to-be-launched cashless payment system for users and businesses.

Designed off of MMG, the app will allow customers to utilise a safer way to make purchases and pay for services.

Similarly, Vision75 Solutions informed the media about its highlights since establishments such as the Nexus Hub, HackSolve and its ongoing Paid Apprenticeships programme.
CANTO was founded in 1985 and has grown to have over 130 members and its presence in more than 35 countries. Its last AGM was held in Trinidad and Tobago in January 2018.