12/08/2026
Dominic Smith wins CANTO award for digital transformation leadership
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith has received regional recognition for his leadership in advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation agenda.
Smith was presented with the CANTO Ministerial Award for ICT Leadership & Digital Transformation 2026, an award which recognises ministers who have demonstrated leadership in the use of information and communications technology and have contributed to digital development at the national and regional levels.
The award comes just over a year after Smith assumed responsibility for the public administration and artificial intelligence portfolio.
During that period, the ministry has been pursuing a broad digital transformation programme aimed at modernising government operations, improving public services and strengthening the country’s capacity to adopt emerging technologies.
Among the areas being prioritised are digital governance, greater access to online services, digital inclusion, technological capacity-building and the development of a more integrated public service.
The ministry has also been working to prepare Trinidad and Tobago for the growing impact of artificial intelligence, including efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional framework for responsible AI use.
Smith’s regional and international engagements have also focused on digital government, artificial intelligence, innovation and the future of public administration, while promoting greater collaboration with regional and international partners.
In accepting the award, Smith said the recognition was not only a personal honour but also a reflection of the work being done by ministry officials and other partners.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from CANTO,” Smith said.
He said the ultimate objective of the government’s digital transformation efforts was to improve the lives of citizens.
“Our work is ultimately about people. We are building a Government that is more modern, connected and responsive, leveraging the opportunities created by technology and artificial intelligence to deliver better services and meaningful benefits for our citizens,” he said.
Smith said the award would further strengthen his commitment to the country’s digital agenda.
The CANTO award assesses leadership in areas including digital policy and governance, inclusive digital empowerment, national digital transformation, regional and international influence, as well as investment and digital infrastructure.
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence said the recognition reinforces its commitment to transforming the public service and using technology and innovation to improve the delivery of government services.— Story by I.A.N News
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