Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is calling for stronger regional cooperation to accelerate digital transformation across the Caribbean Community (Caricom), warning that member states must act collectively to remain competitive in the global digital economy.
Mitchell, who is the Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the Caricom Quasi Cabinet, made the call during the opening session of a meeting of Caricom ministers responsible for information and communication technology (ICT), held under the theme Accelerating Digital Development to 2030.
He said digital technologies have become critical to economic resilience, national security and sustainable development, while highlighting regional initiatives including the advancement of the Caricom Single ICT Space, the Strategic Framework for Digital Resilience 2025–2030 and increased cooperation on cybersecurity.
“If Caricom is to remain competitive and relevant, we need to act collectively and strategically to ensure that our region is not left at the margins of the global digital economy,” Mitchell said.
The Grenadian leader said small states must work together to navigate emerging global challenges, including developments in artificial intelligence (AI), digital trade, data governance and internet governance.
He argued that no single Caricom member state can successfully manage the digital transition alone, adding that the region must move beyond policy discussions towards implementation. “We must move decisively from policy discussions to measurable implementation and outcomes to build a Caricom digital economy,” Mitchell said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to transform public services, increase productivity and create new industries, while cautioning that its adoption must be guided by principles of inclusion, trust and ethical governance.
He said greater investment is needed in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital skills development and regulatory systems capable of responding to rapid technological changes.
Mitchell also stressed the importance of preparing young people to participate fully in the digital economy, noting that the region’s future competitiveness will depend on its ability to build digital capacity.
The meeting reviewed and agreed on frameworks addressing digital cooperation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital skills development.
CMC
