With the recent devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we ask for your support and prayers for the affected countries as we continue to receive and process information and chart the best way forward in this catastrophe.
Several of our members and key stakeholders have suffered insurmountable loss and while they are slowly coming to terms with these unprecedented events we must find a way to offer our assistance as they begin to rebuild homes, businesses and communities.
Image from Caribbean Buzz Helicopters
In the interim, CANTO's Disaster Risk Management and Corporate Social Responsibility Committees have embarked on two initiatives and are seeking your assistance in the following ways:
Volunteering of Services to Assist CDEMA in their Regional Response Mechanism
An urgent request is being made for communication specialists to assist CDEMA in the assessment and response operations in the affected islands. To date, two persons from Cable & Wireless Barbados have been deployed however, there is need for further assistance. Persons with this skill set who are willing to volunteer their services can contact Gail Edwards.
Provision of Educational Packs for students in affected islands
The Secretariat is putting together educational packs for distribution to students in islands affected by the hurricanes. Companies are urged to donate: Pens, pencils, colored pencils, erasers, sharpeners, notebooks, crayons, copy books and backpacks etc for distribution in these countries. Please contact Gail Edwards or Carmen Ramlal at 1 (868) 622-3770/4781
As we continue to pray for strength and fortitude for those affected, let us participate in the restoration process and cherish the opportunity to be a part of this exercise.
About CANTO
CANTO is recognized as the leading trade association of the ICT sector for shaping information and communication in the Caribbean. Founded in 1985 as a non-profit association of 8 telephone operating companies, CANTO has now grown to over 125 members in more than 34 countries. A Board of Directors appointed by the membership directs policy of the Association. This strategy is executed by the staff of a permanent Secretariat based in Trinidad and Tobago.
