Call for ‘People-First’ Action at CANTO 2026
Caribbean’s telecom HR strategy brought into sharp focus at CANTO Connect 2026
Port of Spain, TRININDAD & TOBAGO (February 9, 2026) – CANTO Connect 2026 concluded last week with a practical and unified message that connectivity is only the beginning and lasting impact will depend on people, governance and disciplined execution.
The four-day conference, held under the theme “Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” convened telecom operators, regulators, policymakers, and industry partners to move the region’s digital agenda from access to measurable impact.
Dominic Boon, VP, People, Liberty Caribbean, delivered the featured presentation at the Human Resource (HR) Leadership Forum which focused squarely on the human and institutional requirements of that transition. Liberty Caribbean are the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC.
“HR needs to start with business strategy before leading people strategy. Leaders must show up, stand up, and speak up to build workplaces that are inclusive, accountable, and fit for the future,” he said.
Boon outlined Liberty Caribbean’s people-first strategies that are designed to build regional leadership and capacity. This includes a culture of learning, people-centred incentives and rewards, workforce-enabling technologies such as AI, and shared playbooks to accelerate regional adoption.
“Eighty-five percent of our leadership team is Caribbean talent. That reflects our deliberate investment in developing homegrown capability and our belief that regional insight is a strategic advantage,” he said.
“Half of our leadership team are women, which speaks to our commitment to equity and inclusive leadership. Diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and help us build organisations that better reflect and serve our communities. A people-first strategy is what turns infrastructure into long-term competitive strength.”
Boon said the world of work is changing faster than ever, and HR has a critical role in shaping workforces that are ready for what’s next. That means building digital capability, strengthening leadership pipelines, and creating cultures that help people adapt, grow, and lead through constant change.
“Building networks is only part of the equation. Sustained leadership and regional capability come from how deliberately we develop our people, embed governance, and create environments where talent can grow, lead and innovate,” he said.
Panellists and presenters at the HR Leadership Forum found consensus that homegrown talent, modern governance, and people-centred policies are essential if digital infrastructure is to translate into jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.
As CANTO Connect 2026 concludes, delegates expressed an upbeat and determined outlook. The technical groundwork for connectivity in the Caribbean is in place, many said, and the next phase of scaling talent, governance and partnerships can be achieved through deliberate, coordinated action across public and private sectors.