Caribbean News
Caribbean nations signs agreement for digital integration
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
May 30, 2023 – Caribbean nations in keeping up with the times, are making moves to Foster sustainable digital transformation (DT) across the region as nine Caribbean ministers and two senior advisers with responsibility for DT, signed the Port of Spain Commitment on Digital Integration.
The signing took place during the Executive Sessions on Digital Leadership in the Caribbean on May 15th and 16th and is indicative of the commitment of the signees to work towards digital advancement across the region.
During the session, senior DT policy makers from the region and distinguished thought leaders and speakers, had talks and shared information regarding their efforts for DT, their successes, challenges, and interests in leveraging technology to enhance the lives of the people, including the Diaspora.
Additionally, they agreed on actions in accordance with three essential areas of digital advancement namely, Infrastructural Ecosystem, Cybersecurity, and Digital Identity and Interoperability.
They further agreed on activities, as detailed under the Port of Spain Commitment namely:
- 1.Consider the creation of a Regional Government Cloud leveraging existing or. planned government data centres across the Caribbean region.
- Establish a Regional Data Centre to provide a more cost-effective and resilient solution for data storage and management.
- Develop a Regional C-SIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) to coordinate collaboration among national CSIRTS.
- Enhance Cybersecurity Education, Training, and Awareness to build capacity, to address the skills gap in the cybersecurity industry; and to promote safe online practices and educate citizens on the risks associated with cyber threats.
- Develop a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Regional Framework to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats, identify vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
- Pursue cross-border recognition of digital IDs, addressing issues such as data protection, and privacy.
- Establish a shared repository of digital solutions (government-owned source code) allowing governments access to solutions required for their digital transformation efforts.
- Develop a region-wide validation of national forms of identification and credentials based on an interoperable digital identity.
The eleven countries that signed the commitment are Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Suriname, St. Kitts and Nevis; and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Robert L. Le Hunte, Executive Director of the IDB, expressed support for the newly signed commitment.
“There are several things that we can do collaboratively and interactions like these will be instrumental in shaping a more inclusive digital transformation process.”
During Sessions hosted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, partnering with the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union; the Caribbean ministers and senior officials were also presented with IDB’s newest Government Digital Transformation Guide,’ which provides excellent knowledge on transformation topics such as new digital processes and services, key roles for digital government, and cybersecurity.
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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