The recent announcement that E. Jay Saunders’ company DSS and Huawei are teaming up could mark a turning point for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Imagine a single mother in Providenciales, juggling work and family. At long last she can pay her bills or send money to her child’s school with just a tap on her phone. It’s more than just a business deal. It’s a moment when modern technology, fairness, and opportunity might finally meet.
Picture a system that makes handling money easier for families and small merchants. Fishermen in South Caicos could receive instant payments from buyers in Grand Turk. Farmers in North Caicos could sell their produce to restaurants with zero delays. No long trips to the bank. No struggling with outdated methods. Instead, imagine tapping a simple app on your phone and getting your payments done immediately. That kind of access could lift many people up. It could help them start small businesses or support their children’s education without delay.
We owe a special thanks to Hon. E. Jay Saunders for making this progress possible. He has helped guide us toward these digital advances with a steady vision and clear purpose. By championing this partnership, Hon. Saunders has shown he understands what it takes to move our country forward. By bringing in these new partnerships, he has shown that he understands what our people need most. His efforts reflect a deep respect for everyday struggles and a firm belief that we can do better.
In my travels to other countries, I’ve seen how people in Nigeria and friends in Kenya rely heavily on similar technology to improve their daily lives. I’ve watched small vendors and local families manage their money with just a few taps on a screen. I’ve seen people send funds across borders and plan for tomorrow. I've also seen them grow their businesses without getting stuck in old systems. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about freedom, empowerment, and growth.
Building on this foundation, we will unlock benefits that extend far beyond financial services. If we can harness cloud technology for money matters, what’s stopping us from using it for smarter schools or better travel between islands? For instance, digital tools could improve access to online education for children in remote areas or streamline travel bookings for tourists and residents alike. The following steps can, in the long run, develop a stronger economy and provide our citizens with more influence over their futures.
We should accept this partnership as a great opportunity to stand out in the region. By embracing this technology, TCI can position itself as a regional leader in digital innovation, attracting investment and creating new jobs. Thus, following these tools, the country will be able to demonstrate to the world that we are forward-thinking and ready to grow. This is our time to shed the old ways of the past and welcome equality, speed, and flexibility in every aspect of life.
There are some who may have concerns about privacy or the price of such a system. With the right leadership and proper governance measures, such tools should be useful rather than harmful. Let’s welcome this change. Let’s find out what new ways these tools can bring us. This is a chance to update the outdated approach in our organization and to become a pioneer in the field. If we grab this chance, we can build a future which brings a feeling of connectedness and positivity among our people.
In 10 years, TCI could lead the Caribbean in digital commerce, education, and governance, proving that small islands can dream big and deliver. The future is knocking—let’s open the door together.
Comments