KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica says Caribbean international locations share widespread targets of using info and communication applied sciences to drive financial and social growth.
“However we’re all at completely different ranges of adoption and penetration, and we should discover consensus on how we forge a path that ensures our collective success,” mentioned Minister with out Portfolio within the Workplace of the Prime Minister, with accountability for Effectivity, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, Audrey Marks.
Addressing the primary Excessive-Degree Coverage Dialogue with the Caribbean as companions from the European Union and the Caribbean, which concludes right here on Friday, Marks mentioned that the alliance goals to strengthen bi-regional cooperation on digital points by way of a structured, multi-stakeholder method.
“Small island growing states and neighboring nations share widespread challenges and should work collectively to make sure inclusive digital transformation, regardless of various ranges of digital adoption.”
Marks mentioned international locations of the area share the widespread aim of using info and communications applied sciences to drive financial and social growth, referring to one of many core themes of the talks, cybersecurity, whereas noting the important want for collaboration on this space.
“The cross-border nature of cybercrimes and cyber threats doesn’t enable international locations to work in isolation. Due to this fact, collaboration with public and private-sector organizations nationally, regionally, and internationally turn into extra essential as we develop and develop,” Marks mentioned.
She acknowledged that the Jamaican authorities is absolutely supportive of the Caribbean Group (CARICOM) Cyber Resilience Technique 2030 and expects the EU-LAC dialogue to determine initiatives aligned with that regional and hemispheric imaginative and prescient.
She acknowledged that relating to synthetic intelligence (AI), governments should think about each the alternatives and the potential for hurt.
“Jamaica established a nationwide AI job pressure in 2023 and has accomplished coverage suggestions utilizing UNESCO’s AI Readiness Evaluation. This has knowledgeable the creation of a nationwide AI coverage. Regionally, we assist a focused AI coverage roadmap and the CTU-led initiative to harmonize AI coverage throughout CARICOM, serving to to keep away from fragmentation and enhance our collective voice in international AI governance.”
Marks spoke concerning the efforts being undertaken by the federal government to make sure digital inclusion throughout the island, particularly the nationwide broadband initiative launched in 2020 to construct a resilient, island-wide netw
ork.
She famous Jamaica’s Knowledge Safety Act as proof of labor being accomplished within the thematic space of knowledge governance. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that there’s nonetheless work to be accomplished by Jamaica and throughout the area.
“I, due to this fact, encourage all members to interact within the dialogue, which can happen over these two days, in order that on the finish of this dialogue, there shall be an alignment of priorities throughout the 5 thematic areas and a unified,’ she mentioned, including “Latin American and Caribbean place that displays our digital growth targets.”
The convention right here is co-chaired by the Jamaican authorities and the European Fee in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago authorities.
The coverage dialogue goals to determine concrete EU-Caribbean digital cooperation alternatives within the lead-up to the 2025 Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-EU summit, scheduled for November 9-10.
A press release issued right here mentioned that the area’s distinct geographical traits, cultural range, and heightened vulnerability to pure disasters require particular digital options.
“In consequence, Caribbean experiences associated to digital growth could differ from these seen throughout Latin America. Sub-regional coordination and cooperation with the broader Latin American area and companions just like the European Union are important for addressing these nuances and leveraging context-specific alternatives,” the assertion mentioned, including that the EU is dedicated to supporting Caribbean digital options to deal with Caribbean challenges.
It acknowledged that other than the World Gateway Funding Agenda, European and Caribbean policymakers will maintain discussions on the thematic coverage elements of the Digital Alliance with a Caribbean perspective, together with cybersecurity, e-governance, information governance, and synthetic intelligence.
The European Union Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr. Erja Askola, acknowledged that digital instruments are now not a luxurious however slightly a necessity for growth, local weather resilience, and competitiveness.
She mentioned that digital cooperation has turn into one of many central pillars of the EU’s partnerships within the area.
“I’m inspired once I see that a minimum of 11 Caribbean international locations are already growing digital coverage frameworks. It is a robust sign of their dedication and imaginative and prescient on this discipline. The EU, on its half, seeks to answer the digital wants, and we search to assist fill and shut the connectivity gaps within the area and to enhance digital abilities, inclusive [of] entry to those sources and connections,” the ambassador mentioned.
The diplomat acknowledged that the high-level dialogue will even embrace discussions on how digital instruments can improve the supply of higher climate companies for the Caribbean and Latin America.
“This is essential on this area as a result of it will enhance the best way the international locations can put together for pure disasters and reply to them as effectively. We will even be addressing different essential facets of digitalization, equivalent to gender and startups,” mentioned Askola.
“The dialogue right here builds on the momentum from 2024, when Belize, Guyana, and Grenada joined the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, highlighting the Caribbean’s dedication to bi-regional digital cooperation.
