Gustavo Menendez-Bernales, Managing Director Business Transformation - Cisco Systems Ltd
CANTO’s 34th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition day two saw another packed day of discussion of critical issues for the region’s growth and development.
Conference attendees at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Panama started their day with a Digicel/Cisco Ministerial Breakfast on Government ICT Offerings. The presentation led by Gustavo Menendez-Bernales, Managing Director Business Transformation - Cisco Systems Limited looked at how service providers can assist the region’s governments in enabling Country Digitalization.
In his presentation, Mr. Menendez-Bernales identified a number of ways technology should allow countries to grow it's economy. He highlighted the fact that digitalization: creates opportunity for citizens; facilitates export services; creates opportunity for innovation; creates opportunity for new employment; facilitates social inclusion; creates new customer experiences; transforms processes and empowers workforce innovation.
Digital government, smart cities; public safety & law enforcement and cybersecurity were identified as key areas for transformational development in the region. He emphasized the fact that “connected people allows governments to provide better services and to also collaborate across governments for the provision of multiple services”.
Mr. Menendez-Bernales also addressed disaster relief which is of critical importance to the region. He outlined how ICT as a backbone facilitates communication, and provision of crucial services.
Other items on the agenda included “Technology - The Disruptor and Enabler”, “Data Protection/Cybersecurity Trends and Predictions” and a Digicel sponsored Ministerial Round-table on the theme: Connected Government.
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 35 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.
