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We have realised that we can work effectively from our Special mention and recognition must be given to the
homes, as millions of workers now log into their day Government and people of Cuba, who once again, are
jobs from home. School-aged children are attending sharing their medical expertise worldwide, through the
“school” remotely via the internet. Educators have been provision of doctors and nurses, in the fight against
scrambling to move instruction online. the Covid-19 pandemic. The CANTO Secretariat and
membership applaud your service.
Yet many consumers in our Region and further afield are
encountering the challenges of the ever-present digital We, at the CANTO Secretariat, also take this opportunity
divide. Covid-19 is not only highlighting the necessity to remind our members, that in the fight against the
of connectivity; but also exposes the reality and hard COVID-19 crisis, we have established the “CANTO
truths of the digital divide. Particularly hard hit are our Covid19 Task Force.” The Task Force has been
students – those in rural areas where the broadband operationalised to support the industry, engage
infrastructure simply does not exist, or where lower Governments and Regulators and share best practices
incomes and poverty may result in the non-availability during this global pandemic.
of broadband services at home, putting these students
at a grave disadvantage in the coming weeks or even Chaired by the Secretary General, the Task Force
months ahead. consists of telecom operators, industry experts and other
key stakeholders from the Region and internationally.
Caribbean Governments have acknowledged that The Task Force will focus on guidance for citizens,
technology has transformed how citizens work, live employers, employees and governments in dealing
and play. They have noted that exponential change and with this crisis. It will collect and record initiatives
success for our communities must be driven by digital undertaken by the telecoms industry to support customers
technologies, in a manner that will improve interactions and governments during the pandemic. The Task Force
among citizens and with government. Covid-19 may agenda also features a series of webinars on topics
become the catalyst that fast tracks words to action. ranging from best practices for working from home;
The CANTO Secretariat stands ready to facilitate virtual meetings and conferences; the future of the
partnerships between and among our members and work force; promoting responsible use of networks and
Regional Governments, to scale up e-resilience and ensuring network resilience.
inclusive broadband in our communities and countries
so that none, especially our children, are left behind. The CANTO Covid19 Task Force will work closely
with the Disaster Recovery Management Committee,
Several Operators in the Caribbean - while ensuring the which has activated its Disaster Plan, for the duration
safety of their own employees - are already playing a of the pandemic.
significant role in countering the debilitating effects of
Covid-19 on their customers. As many of us enjoyed New Year fireworks displays;
very few who heard the news of a virus identified in
Offerings of extended package periods, double data, Wuhan, China ever considered that we were to become
double credit, free SMS, free lines to Educational part of an event which will forever be recorded in our
institutions and Health Ministries and the promotion of history books.
free educational sites; have allowed Caribbean citizens
to stay connected and in touch with family and friends At CANTO, we remain, virtually, at your service. We
during an intensely emotional period in human history, urge you to Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stay Connected.
for which most of us are not prepared.

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