CARICOM SECRETARIAT 24 TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXHIBITION ON CONNECT THE CARIBBEAN CARICOM 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

Context A 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 Initiatives CARICOM 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?

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