Cable & Wireless also believes that the introduction of a world-class Pan-Caribbean provider focused exclusively on the Caribbean will also benefit economies in which the business operates, particularly as it will allow the company to operate a Caribbean sourcing programme – taking all the goods and services it needs from regional suppliers wherever possible.

C&W said that its reshaped business will be focused on ensuring that Caribbean customers receive levels of customer service comparable with the very best telecoms operators in the world.

The move is part of Cable & Wireless International’s business-wide strategy to give a much higher degree of autonomy to regional businesses, so decisions are taken closer to the customer and the right actions can be taken in individual markets to deliver what those markets need.

Cable & Wireless International (the parent company of Cable & Wireless Caribbean) will, in future, act as a financial investor allowing local management to invest in services for their local customers.

Commenting on the announcement, Cable & Wireless Caribbean CEO Richard Dodd stated: “Delivering just enough is not good enough; customers in the Caribbean are sophisticated users of telecoms services and deserve the very best, that’s what we’ll deliver. By combining the skills, resources and vast experience we have across the region, we’ll create the first (and only) truly Caribbean telecoms company…an organisation that makes delivering a great customer experience its top priority.”

He added: “We will achieve this by streamlining and focusing our business on the best of products and services available to our customers and by empowering and developing even further our greatest resource, our colleagues who already serve you across our many businesses. I repeat, ‘Great customer experience is our top priority.’”