MIAMI, FL – December 8, 2023 – Action-oriented strategies for Caribbean development were defined at the recently concluded Connected Caribbean Summit 2023, hosted at the Hilton Blue Lagoon in Miami from Dec 5-6. The summit brought together over 150 leaders from diverse sectors, and provided a robust platform for insightful discussions, collaboration, and the forging of practical strategies to accelerate the region’s progress.
Serving as a critical juncture for leaders to converge on a shared vision for the Caribbean’s future, the summit allowed attendees to engage in discussions that spanned the business, justice and technology sectors, facilitating regional collaboration.
Keynote Speakers and Themes
The summit featured distinguished speakers, including the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, who delivered a compelling address on the imperative for technology initiatives to focus on the needs of disadvantaged communities.
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), tackled the ‘web of restrictions’ impeding regional integration, advocating for a more interconnected Caribbean.
Justice took center stage with presentations by President Adrian Saunders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Ian Winder, Chief Justice of The Bahamas, and Ruggles Ferguson, Immediate Past President of OCCBA. These justice sector leaders emphasized the need for justice reform to address root causes beyond the courts.
Voices from the Leaders
Rodney Taylor, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), spoke to the importance of developing indigenous human resources, stating, “Investing in greater local capacity is not just a necessity; it’s a strategic imperative. The summit has reinforced the urgency of this initiative for the sustainable development of our region.”
Petipha Lewis, head of the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), emphasized the need for collaborative regional action, saying, “A fragmented approach won’t drive us forward. We need more urgent action, on both the policy and technology fronts, to implement the free movement of goods and services to bolster regional trade.”
Bevil Wooding, Executive Director of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) and Director of Caribbean Affairs for the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), encapsulated the summit’s essence, stating, “The success of the Connected Caribbean Summit 2023 signals a collective determination to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. The region is poised for a brighter future, equipped with practical steps for prosperity and development.”
General Themes and Outcomes
Several overarching themes emerged, encompassing regional cooperation, technological innovation, justice reform, and economic resilience. By encouraging participants to identify action-oriented strategies for Caribbean development, the summit facilitated discussions on the impact of disruptive technologies, strategies for surviving and thriving amid technological disruption, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of business.
A call for greater action on modernizing outdated policies, removing the bottlenecks to timely justice delivery, reducing the barriers to innovation and entrepreneurship, and eliminating the barriers to regional trade and free movement, echoed through the sessions. Speakers and attendees alike emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to facilitate smoother trade and economic growth. The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions announced the creation of a dedicated technology academy to help build technical capacity for digital transformation efforts across the region.
Defining the Path Forward
The Connected Caribbean Summit also served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations on the role of technology in addressing societal disparities. As the summit concluded, a roadmap for the Caribbean’s trajectory emerged. The outcomes and recommendations that were captured are poised to define the region’s future in terms of economic vibrancy, technological innovation, and social equity. Action items include a focus on local capacity development, pioneering technological innovations, strengthening institutions, and enabling infrastructure.
The Connected Caribbean Summit has not only brought together leaders from diverse backgrounds but has also ignited a shared commitment to the region’s advancement. With the practical strategies for regional development outlined during the summit, the Caribbean is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world, ushering in a new era of prosperity and development. The success of this summit signals an increasing collective determination to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for a brighter Caribbean future.
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