The Caribbean region must treat digital infrastructure with the same level of urgency and coordination as it does tourism, according to Giovanni King, Chair of the Caribbean Data Centre Association. Speaking at a virtual forum hosted by the Small Business Association (SBA) titled ‘Business in the Age of Gen AI,’ King emphasized the critical role of data gateways in driving economic growth. He likened these digital entry points to airports, describing them as shared, neutral, and essential for regional development. King highlighted that while Caribbean nations routinely invest in tourism-related infrastructure such as airports, hotels, and entertainment, similar attention must be directed toward the digital economy. Cable landing stations, which serve as the primary hubs for internet data, are as vital to digital services as airports are to tourism. These gateways enable efficient information flow through competitive local networks, enhancing business operations. However, much of the region’s data traffic is routed internationally, even for intra-island communication, leading to increased costs and slower connectivity. King advocated for better utilization of existing infrastructure, keeping local traffic within the region and reserving international connections for necessary cases. He praised the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) for supporting this transition. King also stressed the importance of neutral governance for digital gateways, drawing parallels to airports managed to accommodate multiple carriers. He warned that without neutrality and regional collaboration, Caribbean states risk stifling digital growth, resulting in limited access, higher costs, and reduced competition. As small businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, King urged vigilance in data protection, outlining four pillars: sovereignty, infrastructure, governance, and human awareness. He emphasized the need for data sovereignty, questioning whether Caribbean states are prepared to ensure local or regional control of data, especially in cross-border scenarios. King also highlighted the human element as the weakest link in data security, calling for staff training and robust consent policies to maintain customer trust.