MIAMI, FL – December 8, 2023 – Miami was the gathering point for a seminal event as over 150 leaders convened for the Connected Caribbean Summit held on December 5-6, 2023. The summit emerged as a resounding success, defining practical strategies to propel the region toward accelerated development.
Against the backdrop of collaborative discussions on business, justice, and technology, distinguished speakers, including Prime Minister Phillip Davis of The Bahamas, Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, President Adrian Saunders of the Caribbean Court of Justice, and Rodney Taylor of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, led insightful conversations. The summit witnessed a convergence of voices, defining a collective roadmap for the Caribbean’s economic vibrancy, technological innovation, and social equity.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis highlighted the summit’s significance, saying, “The Connected Caribbean Leadership Summit has served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations on the role of technology in addressing societal disparities. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are felt by all, leaving no one behind.”
The Summit was organized by a collaborative consortium comprising the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS), the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU). With a shared vision for fostering regional development, these organizations united to create a platform where leaders from diverse sectors could converge, exchange ideas, and formulate practical strategies for the Caribbean’s future. By bringing together influential voices and fostering collaborative dialogue, the organizers seek to catalyze a ripple effect of positive change throughout the Caribbean region.
Rodney Taylor, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), emphasized the need for local capacity development, 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, President of the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), stressed the importance of collaborative regional action, saying, “A fragmented approach won’t drive us forward. We need more urgent action 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), encapsulated the summit’s essence, stating, “The success of the Connected Caribbean Leadership Summit 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.”
Committed to Action Outcomes
As the summit concluded, the organizers expressed a firm commitment to sustaining the momentum generated during the event. Throughout 2024, sector-specific follow-up activities are planned, designed to delve deeper into the key themes and challenges discussed at the summit. These activities will serve as crucial touchpoints for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and actionable initiatives. The strategic approach is aimed at ensuring that the impact of the summit reverberates throughout the year, paving the way for more targeted discussions, partnerships, and advancements in preparation for the next summit scheduled for December 11-12, 2024.
The summit’s success, enriched by the insights and commitment of participating leaders, resonates with a collective resolve to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities for an accelerated Caribbean development.
About the Connected Caribbean 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 and sponsored by the Unit Trust Corporation.
MORE INFO
connectedcaribbean.org
For media inquiries, please contact: Jesse Deane-Smith, Media Coordinator, ccsummit@connectedcaribbean.org