Head of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization Urges Greater Investment in Local Talent
Miami, FL, December 6, 2023 — There is a critical need for Caribbean governments to invest in local capacity development for effective digital transformation. This was the view expressed at the recently concluded Connected Caribbean Summit by Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO).
In an address titled “Global Trends Transforming Public Policy Making,” Lewis highlighted the transformative impact of global trends on the formulation and implementation of public policies. She underscored the accelerated pace of technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of building local human resource capacity to effective leverage technology in the region.
“Digital transformation is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Governments must empower their local talent, invest in skill development, and create an ecosystem that fosters innovation,” Ms. Lewis asserted. She emphasized the need for a proactive approach, ensuring that the Caribbean is not merely a consumer but an active participant and contributor to the global digital landscape.
Ms. Lewis addressed the persistent issue of the digital divide within the Caribbean region. She acknowledged the challenges faced by some nations in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and urged a collective effort to bridge the gap. Ms. Lewis proposed collaborative initiatives, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing platforms to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital age.
“The digital divide threatens to deepen existing inequalities. It is imperative that we prioritize inclusivity and work collectively to bridge this gap for the benefit of all Caribbean nations,” Ms. Lewis affirmed.
Throughout her address, Ms. Lewis emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and civil society. She highlighted successful models where such partnerships have driven impactful digital initiatives and contributed to the overall development of the region.
“The challenges we face are complex and interconnected. By fostering collaboration and leveraging collective expertise, we can create a conducive environment for digital transformation to thrive,” Ms. Lewis stated.
Ms. Lewis’ address resonated strongly with summit attendees, sparking discussions on the practical steps governments can take to invest in local capacity. Several participants praised her insights and called for a renewed focus on building a skilled workforce equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Summit organizers commended Ms. Lewis for her insightful address and echoed her call to action. They stressed the need for continued dialogue and concerted efforts to implement strategies that enhance local capacity, drive digital innovation, and position the Caribbean as a leader in the global digital economy.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Connected Caribbean Summit 2023 is a pivotal annual gathering uniting various sectors to explore and devise strategies for expediting transformative action for Caribbean Development. This unique event unites government, business and justice sector leaders along with other key stakeholders and partners to provide actionable insights for collaborative problem solving and accelerated regional development.
The event was hosted by the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), in partnership with the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.
MORE INFO
For media inquiries, please contact: Jesse Deane-Smith, Media Coordinator, ccsummit@connectedcaribbean.org