On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Senator the Hon. Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Digital Transformation welcomed a delegation from French Guiana led by Mrs Marie Rattier, Elected Member and Territorial Counsellor of the Government of French Guiana, responsible for digital development, transformation and innovation, with Ms. Anne Mathieu, Permanent Representative of French Guiana’s Local Government; Mr. Cedric Pradel, Director of the Caribbean Cybersecurity Agency and (online) Mr. Franck Rogier, Director of SPLANG (Société Publique Locale pour l’Aménagement de la Guyane). Accompanying the delegation were the Secretary General Mr. Rodney Taylor and other officials of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU).
The high level discussions between the two parties explored opportunities for collaboration on digital development and cybersecurity. A key issue was the project being undertaken in French Guiana to extend the current fibre optic submarine cable. With a 2026 delivery date, the cable extension will provide a direct connection between the territory and Europe, diversifying and significantly enhancing its Internet connectivity. The visiting delegation noted the possibility of expanding the infrastructure to the wider Caribbean. The potential of satellite broadband as a solution for improving regional digital access was also addressed.
Cybersecurity was keenly discussed, with information exchanged on the respective cybersecurity environments, the challenges being faced and the importance of collaboration in combating and mitigating cyber threats and breaches. Insights were provided on the role of French Guiana’s Caribbean Cybersecurity Agency within the French cybersecurity landscape. Minister Bacchus highlighted his Ministry’s ongoing efforts to develop a national cybersecurity policy and implement standardised security measures across Government. He underscored the importance of continuous monitoring, surveillance, and active collaboration with regional and international partners such as the CTU and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
French Guiana’s interest in becoming an Associate Member of the CTU was noted and welcomed by Minister Bacchus, who is also President of the CTU Conference of Ministers. He noted that the CTU was a strong regional organisation and membership would constitute a significant step towards deeper cooperation, underscoring a commitment, shared by Trinidad and Tobago, to a secure and digitally connected future for the Caribbean Region.