MIAMI, Florida – Prime Minister of Grenada and current chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Dickon Mitchell has declared that it is action time for the leaders of the Caribbean political and economic grouping to fully embrace and implement the regional digital transformation agenda.

Delivering the keynote address at the Connected Caribbean Summit 2024 at Hilton Airport Blue Lagoon Hotel in Miami Florida, Mitchell made a clarion call to the region to innovate fearlessly by embracing digital technology as a tool for solutions, not a source of fear, and to act accountably at the highest standards.

“Let us harness the collective power of our shared vision to build a brighter, more connected future, let’s get to work”, said Mitchell, as he underscored his intent to deepen collaboration among his fellow Caribbean Heads of Government, and to engage them in an AI Experts Roundtable in 2025.

“This initiative will ensure that our leadership is prepared to navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence and leverage its potential for the benefit of our societies”, said Mitchell, who also chairs Caricom’s ICT Committee. “We must collaborate boldly to build partnerships that go beyond the ordinary. Work across borders and sectors to transform lives. It’s about combining strengths, bridging differences, and moving forward as one with solutions that need to be real, actionable and what our people need,” he added.

In a stirring address to the gathering of regional leaders and professionals drawn from Government, the Private Sector, Judiciary and Law Enforcement, ICT regulators, tech evangelists, and International Development partners, Mitchell cited the vital role of digital technology in Grenada’s recovery and connectivity efforts after Hurricane Beryl hit the island last July.

“It was the innovative deployment of Starlink technology that allowed us to maintain connectivity and coordinate our response efforts. This experience serves as a powerful reminder of how digital solutions can bridge gaps, empower resilience, and provide hope in times of crisis”, said the Grenadian prime minister.

Mitchell went on to share some specific Caricom initiatives to drive digital technology adoption in the region, such as the establishment of a Caricom Digital Skills Fund to prioritise digital skills development targeting mainly young people across the region.

“In Grenada, collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing digital skills and innovation are already underway. We have already launched a CyberNations pilot programme, and we are spearheading the development of a Centre of Excellence for Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence, which will serve as a hub for training, research, and innovation—a place where the Caribbean can lead in shaping the future of technology,” he affirmed.

Mitchell also pointed out that Caricom’s Digital Transformation agenda includes the establishment of a regional cybersecurity alert system led by Caricom IMPACS, the agency managing regional crime and security matters.

Plans are also in train to set up Caricom e-Payment Platform to achieve seamless cross-broader transactions and reduce the dependence on external financial networks, as well as a Caricom Digital Health Strategy focusing on healthcare access and delivery and telemedicine.

The prime minister’s vision for a digitally transformed Caribbean coincides with specific targets set by the Connected Caribbean Summit for 2025, as pointed out by Summit Convenor, Bevil Wooding.

“We have been intentional in setting specific targets, timelines, accountability, and action plans for 2025”, said the tireless advocate for regional integration and digital transformation.

“We have committed to establishing a Caribbean Digital Knowledge Hub to centralize resources and best practices, initiating mentorship and internship programs to build human capacity across sectors, and tracking the commitments made by partners at the Summit in specific areas of development”, added Wooding.

The Connected Caribbean Summit, now in its third year, is a key annual gathering organised by Bevil Wooding, and a team of progressive regional leaders. The Summit unites various sectors to devise strategies for accelerating transformative action for Caribbean Development. This unique event brings government, business, civil society and justice sector leaders together with other key stakeholders for expedited regional development.

The event was hosted by the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS), the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), in partnership with regional and international organizations, including, the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), Congress WBN, the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and, Arkitechs and the Unit Trust Corporation.