Experts from across the region will convene in The Bahamas to discuss the Internet which is now a critical information and communications technology (ICT). Managing this resource has become a priority for the Caribbean’s development specifically as it relates to the Caribbean Single ICT Space which would provide the digital basis for regional integration.
Within this framework, the Government of The Bahamas and its Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) will host ICT Week – The Bahamas at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas from 27th November to 1st December 2017. The event is themed Internet Imperatives for the Caribbean Single ICT Space.
Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the CTU mentioned that the Week is appropriately themed as it seeks to raise awareness and educate on the important role the Internet, its current limitations and what must be done to ensure that it supports Caribbean development. Ms. Lewis added that in the light of the recent natural disasters in the Caribbean, an expert panel would be dedicated to examining the role of ICT in disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery.
Senator the Hon. Carl Wilshire Bethel, Q.C., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister with relations with the Utilities Regulations and Competition Authority (URCA), said that the hosting of the CTU ICT Week is yet another opportunity for The Bahamas to demonstrate its commitment to the integration of ICTs into the country’s national development plan and everyday living”. “ICT Week”, he continues, “will be a successful culmination to a yearlong of learning and education as to the best use of technology to improve the lives of Bahamians and visitors alike as we continue our work towards a SMART Bahamas”. The government of The Bahamas looks forward to the hosting of a very successful ICT Week.The week’s activities include the CTU’s statutory meetings, the 16th Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar, Workshops on IT-enabled Services and the Internet of Things.
The ITES Workshop, which will take place on 28th November, will explore the present opportunities for developing an IT-enabled Services (ITES) industry. The policy and regulatory framework will be discussed and perspectives on regional collaboration to create an enabling environment for private investment presented by representatives of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
The 16th Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar, to be held from 29th to 30th November, will explore the tremendous opportunities available in cyberspace; the challenges currently experienced by Caribbean users in seizing them and identify appropriate solutions. The Seminar will also consider ICT in disaster management.
Finally, on 1st December, the GSMA-facilitated Workshop on the Internet of Things (IoT), will explain the mechanics of the IoT and its potential to bring social and economic benefits to governments, citizens, end-users and businesses.
This event will bring together Government Ministers and other senior government officials, C-Level executives from the private sector, Network Operators and other ICT organisations, executive representatives of development agencies, civil society and academia.
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