Digital transformation in the Caribbean is gaining momentum, thanks to the recent Caribbean edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation. Held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from August 12-15, this event marked a significant step forward in equipping policymakers from 12 Caribbean territories with the tools and knowledge to drive digitalization in their respective countries.
This inaugural Caribbean event, co-organized by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), and the Internet Technical Community, brought together regional policymakers, international experts, and professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean. The goal? To address the unique digital challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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Participants from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago engaged in intensive capacity-building exercises. These sessions focused on the latest global digital transformation trends, best practices in the digital economy, and actionable strategies to implement these insights in their home countries.
Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s regional manager for the Caribbean, expressed her pride in the event’s outcomes, highlighting that participants left not only with enhanced skills and knowledge but also with a renewed purpose to drive digital change within their communities. CAF’s commitment to the digital future of the Caribbean is evident, with up to USD 75 million allocated in grants and investments to support digitalization initiatives in the region. In addition, a €3 million grant, in partnership with the European Union, is set to support digitalization in Trinidad and Tobago.
The event centered around three key pillars: the internet ecosystem and its critical infrastructure, the transition to a data-driven economy and its governance, and aligning digitalization with productivity goals. A visit to Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Digital Transformation provided participants with insights into the development of a TIER-IV Modular Data Centre and Developers’ Hub, showcasing practical solutions for public policy issues.
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Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with experts and peers and for the actionable measures they can immediately apply in their own countries. Cheryleann Pemberton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Posts in St. Kitts and Nevis, emphasized the event’s value, particularly as her country prepares its national budget. The insights gained will play a crucial role in justifying the financial resources needed for digital transformation efforts.
With cybersecurity being a growing concern, the training also addressed crucial aspects of cybersecurity and data management. Participants were equipped with tools to measure the progress of digital transformation in their regions, thanks to insights from CAF experts on digital infrastructure, public policies, and sustainable digital finance initiatives.
This initiative has laid the groundwork for a cohesive regional approach to digital transformation, enabling participants to implement innovative strategies tailored to their unique challenges. As the first Caribbean-focused edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation, this event has set the stage for a brighter, more connected future for the region.
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