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24TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXHIBITION
ON CONNECT THE CARIBBEAN
CARICOM SECRETARIATCARICOM SECRETARIAT
ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND,
BAHAMAS
JULY 13 – 16, 2008
Context
CSM&E• In the face of relentless global competition,
small countries and developing countries bear the risk of being smothered.
• We share a common goal – – the achievement of a civilized society– Social, cultural and economic prosperity for the
people of the region.– MDG– WSIS Plan of action
ContextA SINGLE DEVELOPMENT VISION • There is broad consensus that a single vision for sustainable
development should be holistic, encompassing development in all its dimensions. Here we have singled out the economic, social, environmental and governance dimensions; grouping these into six broad elements:– Self-sustaining economic growth based on strong international
competitiveness, innovation, productivity, and flexibility of resource use;
– A full-employment economy that provides a decent standard of living and quality of life for all citizens; elimination of poverty; and provision of adequate opportunities for young people, constituting an alternative to emigration;
– Spatially equitable economic growth within the Community, having regard to the high growth potential of those Member States with relatively low per capita incomes and large resources of under-utilised land and labour;
– Social equity, social justice, social cohesion and personal security;– Environmental protection and ecological sustainability;– Democratic, transparent and participatory governance.
» Girvan Report – Towards a Single Economy (2007)
Driving Forces for integration
• TECHNOLOGY– seen as the single most important factor
shaping employment and economic growth
• GLOBALISATION– seen as leading to qualitative changes in the
form and effects of the exposure of countries to foreign competition.
• ~ viewed as interrelated
CSME four pillars
• Security
• Foreign policy coordination
• Economic integration
• Functional cooperation
Vision of a Connected Caribbean
• Barriers become invisible• ‘Perceived increased capacity’• Maximises the flow of information and
knowledge• Gateway to global knowledge resources• Access to networks
– Telemedicine– Education– Tourism promotion
• Efficient, effective Government services
Concept of a Connected Caribbean
Different layers of connectivity:– Language– Markets– Economies– Culture– Technology– Roles / mandates– Policy
Regional InitiativesCARICOM Secretariat • Policy
– Revised Treaty – Connectivity Agenda– ICT for development Agenda ( 6 flagship areas0– Draft Framework ICT/IS Document
• Action plan by October 30
• Operational– Sector specific Steering Committee– ICT4D programme– Regional ICT steering Committee– Task force on Interconnection (CARIFORUM, DOMs, OCTs)– Secretariat to the Heads of Gov’t
Regional Initiatives
• CARICAD ( E – Government + Public Service)• CKLN ( E-Learning + Network )• CARTAC ( Tax )• UWI ( Research , Open U)• CTU• CANTO• CBU / CMC• CIVIC ( online group)• CARINFO• CDB
Challenges• Access• Connectivity – technology layer• Leadership• Governance Model (s)• Communication (pratical level)
– Sharing information ( schedules, studies)• Strategic collaboration• Diluted resources
– Eg. Planning meetings• Various Divides ( incl. Generational)• Population• Little inclusion• ‘Perception of disconnected visions’• Relevance• Trust
Closing thoughts…• Take responsibility for outputs
– Ask ourselves –What have I done to ensure the successful implementation of ‘x’?
– Continuity / follow-up / ‘full-circle communication– Ensure all are on-board– Environmental issues– Allow time for change but ensure that change occurs
• Take ourselves less seriously– E.g. Civil society meetings (WSIS)– Teach ourselves to learn
• Fixed timeline ( 2015) – no time for spectators• Stay Engaged with the regional process
• How do we make all this relevant to the young people of the region?
