St Kitts and Nevis to host State of the Caribbean Internet Symposium in December

Across the Caribbean, governments, businesses and citizens are trying to find ways to take advantage of the disruptive effect of new technology. An upcoming symposium in Basseterre, St Kitts, explores the issues, trends and opportunities impacting adoption and development of the Internet in the Caribbean. 

The high-level meeting is expected to attract over 150 delegates from across the Caribbean and internationally, including heads of state, private sector leaders, academics, investors and international development partners. 

“Many countries have unwittingly gone down a costly, incoherent digital path that has frustrated technology’s considerable potential for enabling growth and innovation in the region,” said Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.

The inaugural symposium is part of a wider initiative by the OECS Commission and the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN),  to help accelerate development of the Caribbean Internet economy and society. The initiative is being held in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. 

“There are significant and complex issues surrounding the digitalisation of Caribbean economies that are not always well understood or addressed,” said Bevil Wooding, Director for Caribbean Affairs at ARIN.

“This symposium goes beyond dialogue to interpret global trends, identify successful models and catalyse practical action towards Internet-enabled development, with the welfare of Caribbean people and businesses at the core.”

The agenda will explore key facets of internet economy, security, infrastructure, with special sessions focused on building youth capacity, and on the role of the media in shaping public opinion and confidence in the digital era. 

The St. Kitts and Nevis government has launched a range of digital services, including an Inland Revenue electronic licensing and e-payment service, to reduce the cost and improve the quality of public sector service delivery. 

Vincent Byron, Attorney General of St Kitts and Nevis, said the government plans to continue investing in technology initiatives as a means of eliminating costly, paper-based processes and increasing digital services to nationals and residents at home and abroad. 

“The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pleased to stage such an important regional event. This gathering provides a unique opportunity to share ideas and experiences with a diverse group of thought-leaders, change agents and action-oriented peers,” Byron said.

The symposium will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on December 4 and 5. It is open to the public and registration is free of charge.