The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the European Union, today formalized a significant step towards regional digital integration with the signing of a €3 million Technical Assistance Grant Agreement.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, was attended by Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; Senator the Honourable Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Digital Transformation; the Honourable Colm Imbert, Minister of Finance; Mr. Gianpiero Leoncini, Executive Vice President of CAF; and Mr. David Mogollón, Head of Cooperation of the European Union to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.
This landmark agreement, facilitated through the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility, will support the development of a comprehensive digital transformation platform. The initiative, aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering digital connectivity and reinforces the longstanding bilateral relationship with Trinidad and Tobago, as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary of cooperation with the EU.
In his address to the gathering, Minister Browne complimented the leadership role of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and he emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, "This collaboration is crucial for advancing the digital agenda of Trinidad and Tobago and the broader CARICOM region. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development and strengthens our valued partnerships with the European Union and CAF."
The grant will fund the development of key digital infrastructure components, including a national electronic identity system, a public data interoperability platform and a secure government data centre. Furthermore, it will support regional workshops focused on facilitating the free movement of people within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and establishing secure data exchange mechanisms between member states. This initiative positions Trinidad and Tobago as a leader in regional digital development and contributes significantly to the advancement of CARICOM's integration goals.
Both Mr. Leoncini and Mr. Mogollón reiterated their organizations’ commitment to supporting the region's digital advancement, highlighting the project's potential to empower citizens and promote regional integration.
Minister Imbert also announced at the event Trinidad and Tobago's upcoming assumption of the Chairmanship of the CAF Board of Directors.
