CTU ICT Week 2024 – St Kitts and Nevis
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Participation - Event
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CTU ICT Week, the CTU’s signature annual event, has been hosted in many of its twenty (20) Member States. The theme for 2024 is ‘Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future’. The event will promoting ICT development, discuss emerging trends and facilitate meaningful collaboration between various stakeholders in the Caribbean and beyond.
| Date | Event |
| Monday 30th September 09:00 – 16:00 | 22nd Ministerial Seminar |
| Monday 30th September 09:00 – 12:00 | CTU 2nd Caribbean ICT Youth Network Forum |
| Monday 30th September 12:00 – 13:00 | Press Conference |
| Monday 30th September 19:00 – 22:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| Tuesday 1st October 09:00 – 13:00 | 51st Executive Council (EC51) (Closed and by Invitation only) |
| Tuesday 1st October 13:00 – 17:00 | Joint Meeting of 51st EC and 30th GC (Open) |
| Tuesday 1st October 19:00 – 22:00 | Reception – Hosted by Hon. Konris Maynard |
| Wednesday 2nd October 09:00 – 16:00 | 30th General Conference of Ministers (GC30 Closed and by Invitation) |
| Wednesday 2nd October 10:00 – 15:00 | St. Kitts Scenic Railway Tour |
| Wednesday 2nd October 16:00 – 22:00 | Cocktail Reception Hosted by Hon. Mark Brantley – Premier, Nevis |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 16:00 | 9th Caribbean ICT Regulators Forum including a Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA) presentation on Designing and Implementing Regulatory Impact (By Invitation Only) |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 16:00 | CCA Legal Reform and Digitalisation Working Group meeting |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 16:00 | CTU ICT4PWDs Workshops for the Blind, Deaf and Persons with Mobility Challenges |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 13:00 | Caribbean Network Operators Group (CARIBNOG) Special Meeting |
| Thursday 3rd October 13:00 – 16:00 | Secondary School Forum |
| Thursday 3rd October 13:00 – 16:00 | SKN Cybersecurity Awareness Forum |
| Friday 4th October 10:00 – 19:00 | St. Kitts Tech Fest |
|
Monday 30th September |
Tuesday 1st October |
Thursday 3rd October |
||
| 22nd Ministerial Seminar | CTU 2nd Caribbean ICT Youth Network Forum | Opening Ceremony | Joint Meeting of 51st EC and 30th GC | |
CTU ICT Week 2024 – St. Kitts and Nevis
Theme: Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
Official Opening Ceremony
St. Kitts Marriott, Frigate Bay, St. Kitts
Monday 30th September 2024
(By Invitation Only)
| 18:30 | EBJ Harmonics Orchestra | Entrance of Delegates |
| 19:00 | National Anthem | Mr. Nicolas “Starboy Nicolas” Perry |
| 19:03 | Opening Prayer | Pastor Ron Daniel |
| 19:05 | Welcome Remarks | Ms. Cheryleann M. Pemberton
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology and Posts |
| Poem | Mr. Loughlin Tatem | |
| 19:10 | Opening Remarks | Senator, the Hon. Hassel Bacchus
President Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Minister of Digital Transformation Trinidad and Tobago |
| 19:15 | Greetings | Mr. Kareem Bikhit
Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Paradise Mobile, Bermuda Headline Sponsor |
| 19:20 | Cultural Interlude – Okolo Tegremantine Dance Theatre | |
| 19:30
|
Keynote Address | Mrs. Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| 19:40
|
Feature Address
|
The Honourable Konris Maynard
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communications and Technology and Posts |
| 19:50 | Cultural Interlude | |
| 20:00
|
Keynote Address | Hon. Dickon Mitchell
Prime Minister, Grenada Chair of CARICOM and Lead Head of Government for Science and Technology, CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet |
| 20:15 | Vote of Thanks | Master of Ceremonies |
| 20:20 | EBJ Harmonics Orchestra Cultural item and Official Photo | |
| 20:30 | Cocktail Reception | |
| 22:00 | End of Official Opening Ceremony | |
CTU ICT Week 2024 – St. Kitts and Nevis
Theme: Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
22nd Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar
St. Kitts Marriott, St. Kitts
Monday 30th September 2024
Provisional Agenda
| Time | Item | Presenter |
| 10:00 | National Anthem | |
| 10:03 | Invocation | |
| 10:05 | Welcome and Introductory Remarks | Mr. Rodney Taylor
Secretary-General, CTU |
| 10:10 | Keynote Address: | Mrs. Doreen Bogdan-Martin Secretary-General, ITU |
| 10:20 | Feature Address: | Hon. Dickon Mitchell Prime Minister of Grenada |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break and Group Photo | |
| 11:00 | Presentation: Next Generation Networks for Enhancing Caribbean Connectivity | Mr. Kareem Bikhit Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO)
Paradise Mobile, Bermuda |
| 11:10 | Panel Discussion: Emerging Technology Trends – 6G and Beyond
Q&A |
Moderator: Mr. Nigel Cassimire, CTU
Mr. Francisco J. Soto M. Chief Expert Wireless Solutions Huawei Ms. Natalia Vicente VP Public Affairs |
| 11:50 | Panel Discussion: A Regional Approach to Adoption of Cloud in Government: Benefits and Challenges
Q&A |
Moderator: Mr. Rodney Taylor, CTU
Panelists: Mr. Eamonn Sheehy Director, Public Sector Cloud Carib Mr. Giovanni King, CEO Caribbean Data Center Association (CDA) Ms. Diana Cuevas Jurney Caribbean Representative |
| 12:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 14:00 | Panel Discussion: Strategies for Bridging the Digital Divide in the Caribbean | Moderator: Mr. Gary Kalloo, CTU
Panelists: Mr. Ryan Johnson Senior Director, Global Market Access & Government Affairs Viasat Mr. Sebastian Kaplan Cable and Wireless Mr. Gonzalo de Dios Head Global Licensing for Amazon Project Kuiper Amazon |
| 14:40 | Sponsors’ Lightning Presentations:
|
Moderator: Ms. Nia Nanan, CTU
Panelists: Mr. Hector Gutierrez Territory Manager Cloudflare Ms. Gabriela Lago Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, Echostar Ms. Rebecca Hunter Starlink/SpaceX Sponsor 4: TSTT |
| Q&A | ||
| 15:40 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:00 | Panel Discussion: Data Privacy in an AI-Driven World
|
Moderator: (Regional data Commissioner)
Panelists: Ms. Deborah Galindo Manager Public Policy Central America and the Caribbean Meta Mr. Joel Gooding Fortinet Mr. Philip Victor Partner & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Welchman Keen |
| Q&A | ||
| 16:30 | Panel Discussion: Resiliency in the ICT Sector in the Face of Climate Change
|
Moderator: Mr. Tariq Mohammed ITU Project Office
Panelists: Mr. James Wild Founding Partner & Principal Consultant, Cenerva Mr. Philip Victor Partner & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Welchman Keen |
| Q&A | ||
| 17:00 | Wrap Up | Mr. Rodney Taylor
Secretary-General, CTU |
| Close of 22nd Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar | ||
CTU ICT Week 2024 – St. Kitts and Nevis
Theme: Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
2nd Caribbean ICT Youth Network Meeting (Hybrid)
St. Kitts Marriott, Frigate Bay, St. Kitts
Monday 30th September 2024
Provisional Agenda
| Time | Item | Presenter / Facilitator |
| 09:00 | Welcome and Introduction | Mr. Rodney Taylor
Secretary-General, CTU Mr. Tariq Mohammed |
| 09:15 | Introductions – Youth Representatives | Youth Representatives |
| 09:30 | Keynote Address: The Role of Youth in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future | Ms. Blenda Da Silva
International Telecommunication Union |
| 10:00 | Capacity Building Session: AI | GSMA |
| 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 | Capacity Building Session: Cybersecurity | TBC |
| 12:00 | Open Discussion: Strategies to Increase Membership and Promote the Youth Network | Moderator: |
| 12:25 | Next Steps | Mr. Tariq Mohammed |
| 12:35 | Closing Remarks | Ms. Nia Nanan
Senior Research Analyst, CTU |
| 12:45 |
End of 2nd Caribbean Youth Network Meeting |
|
CTU ICT Week 2024 – St. Kitts and Nevis
Theme: Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
Joint Meeting of
51st Executive Council and 30th General Conference of Ministers
St. Kitts Marriott, St. Kitts and Nevis
Tuesday 1st October 2024
Provisional Agenda
(Open)
| Time | Item | Presenter |
| 13:30 | Opening Remarks | Mr. Rodney Taylor
Secretary General, CTU |
| Secretariat Project Updates: | ||
| 13:35 | Re-engineering CTU 2025-2028 | Mr. Rodney Taylor |
| 13:55 | Caribbean Internet Governance 20th CIGF
3rd Caribbean Youth IGF |
Mr. Nigel Cassimire
Deputy Secretary-General CTU |
| Caribbean Spectrum Management | Mr. Nigel Cassimire, CTU | |
| 14:15 | New EC Bill | Ms. Cheryl Hector Fontenelle
Director, Economics and Finance ECTEL |
| 14:35 | Smart Seas Initiative: Update | Mr. Cleveland Thomas
Area Representative, Caribbean, ITU |
| 14:45 | Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade | Ms. Vashti Maharaj
Adviser Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA) |
| 15:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 15:15 | Digital Payments Facilitation (Carib dollar) | Dr. Jan Schröder – Carib Coin |
| 15:30 | CARICOM Gigabit Society:
Working Group Update |
Dr. Patrick Antoine – CPSO |
| 15:45 | Presentation on Digital Inclusion Initiatives | Mrs. Cynthia Reddock-Downes
Chief Executive Officer, TATT |
| 16:00 | Progress under the EU-LAC Digital Alliance | Mr. Félix Fernández-Shaw
Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, European Union |
| 16:55 | Wrap-up | Mr. Rodney Taylor |
| 17:00 | End of Meeting | |
Legal Reform and Digitalization of Global Trade
Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda
Thursday 3rd October 2024 at 9:00am-12:00 AST
Zoom Meeting Platform. Hybrid Meeting
| 9.00 – 9.10 | Welcome & Housekeeping Announcements |
| 9:10 -9:20 | Opening Remarks by Suresh Yadav, Senior Director (a.i.) Trade Oceans and Natural Resources Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat |
| SESSION I: Impact of Legal Reform and Digitalisation in Boosting Global Trade | |
| 9:20 – 9:40
9:45- 9:50 |
· During this Session a Presentation will be made by Niels Strazdins, Trade Specialist, on the Report on the Quantitative Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade, outlining the impact of legal reform. The presentation will elaborate on the establishment of the Commonwealth Working Group on Legal Reform and development of the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade.
· Q & A will be conducted by Niels Strazdins |
| SESSION II: Multi-Sectoral Regional Panel Discussion: Prime Movers for Catalysing Trade & Investment in the Caribbean | |
| 9:50 – 10:20
10:20-10:30 |
This session showcases the multi-sectoral perspectives of representatives from the Government, private sector as well as the Commonwealth in relation to the integration of technology, into trade processes and its transformative impact. The panel will also outline some of the bottlenecks, such as antiquated laws, procedures and the need for adequate sensitisation and change management.
The Panel will comprise the following representatives: (1) Moderator: Adviser, Digital Trade Policy: Vashti Maharaj (2) International Chamber of Commerce, UK, Secretary General: (3) E-Commerce Legal Specialist: John Gregory (4) Minister of ICT & Digital Transformation [tbc] (5) Private Sector ICT Business Representative [tbc] Q & A will be conducted by Moderator |
| 10:30-11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00-11:45 | Interactive Participant Session: Regional Path Forward
Facilitated interactive activity to engage audience on key focus areas and priorities in transitioning to paperless trade specifically, as well as in digital transformation more generally. The discussion will address: – Identification of Current Priorities in advancing Digital Trade – What are the current legal challenges faced – What would be the greatest impact in advancing trade and investment in the Caribbean – Key Next Steps and the Way Ahead Outcomes will assist participants in articulating and outlining these issues, as in aligning potential areas where technical assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat can be provided. [Conducted by Niels Strazdins & Vashti Maharaj] |
| 11:45-12:00 | Vote of Thanks and Closing |
| LUNCH | |
 Prime Minister of Grenada and Lead Head for Science and Technology Hon. Dickon Mitchell The Honourable Dickon Mitchell is Grenada’s 9th Prime Minister. A man of humble beginnings, Dickon Mitchell’s story is one of success, forged from hard work, determination, and a deep desire for betterment. Dickon Mitchell began his service to Grenada in 1996 as a teacher at his Alma Mater, the Presentation Brothers College. This two-year stint allowed him to appreciate the full spectrum of the educational experience in Grenada and cemented his desire to do more by advocating for the educational advancement of all Grenadians. In 1998, he enrolled at the University of the West Indies in pursuit of a law degree. After completing Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, his commitment to serve Grenada brought him straight home where he commenced his law practice at Grant, Joseph, and Co. and immediately distinguished himself as a formidable lawyer, representing many individuals and business entities. Three years later, he would acquire Grant, Joseph, and Co. In 2016, Dickon Mitchell opened another law firm, Mitchell & Co, a manoeuvre strongly influenced by his vision to create more employment for young and upcoming lawyers. His ambitions have always been tethered to his desire to give back and, as such, he has never divorced himself from the community. Dickon Mitchell’s collective experiences as a teacher, mentor, lawyer and youth advocate shaped his commitment to Grenada and motivated his decision to enter the political arena. On June 23, 2022, only eight months into his political career, Dickon Mitchell led his party to victory. He was sworn in on June 24, 2022. As Prime Minister, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell is working, with his Cabinet of Ministers, to move Grenada forward — building the foundation for an equitable society that takes pride in its culture, heritage and identity. |
 Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin Doreen Bogdan-Martin took office as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023. Ms Bogdan-Martin has held leadership positions in the field of international telecommunications policy for over three decades, with a track-record of brokering innovative partnerships to expand digital inclusion and connectivity for everyone around the world. Following her historic election by ITU Member States in September 2022, she became the first woman ever to head the organization, which was first established in 1865 and became a UN specialized agency in 1947. As ITU Secretary-General, she aims to drive innovative solutions, maximize ITU’s relevance for its 193 Member States, intensify global cooperation on connecting the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of ITU’s programmes with the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Ms Bogdan-Martin has consistently emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives. As Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau for a four-year term starting in 2018, she helped put sustainable digital development at the forefront of international cooperation, including with the private sector and civil society. She actively promoted the Partner2Connect initiative, which has mobilized unprecedented pledges of funding and support for meaningful Internet connectivity in developing countries. Earlier, she was instrumental in establishing the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, serving as its Executive Director for more than a decade, contributed to the success of ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators as the pre-eminent worldwide meeting for digital policy makers, and led in the formulation of ITU’s youth engagement strategy. She also pioneered ITU’s ongoing contribution to the EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age and initiated collaboration with UNICEF on the Giga project to connect every school worldwide to the Internet. Within ITU, she has promoted gender equality and encouraged bringing more women into the workforce, as well as helping women grow professionally and contributing to networks of women pursuing gender-balanced participation in conferences and policy making. From 2008 until 2018, Ms Bogdan-Martin served as Chief of ITU’s Strategic Planning and Membership Department, overseeing corporate communications, external affairs, corporate strategy, and membership. Earlier, she headed the Regulatory and Market Environment Division and Regulatory Reform Unit in the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. Before joining ITU in 1994, she worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Telecommunication Policy Specialist in the National Telecommunication and Information Administration. Ms Bogdan-Martin holds a Master’s in International Communications Policy from American University in Washington, DC, a post-graduate certification in Strategies for Leadership from the Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a certification in Accountability and Ethics from the UN Leaders Programme. She is also a qualified amateur radio operator. Ms Bogdan-Martin is married with four children. |
 CTU President and Minister of Digital Transformation Trinidad and Tobago Sen. the Hon. Hassel Bacchus Senator the Honourable Hassel Larry Bacchus was appointed as the Minister of Digital Transformation on July 12, 2021; after serving previously as Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration and Digital Transformation from August 19, 2020. The holder of an A.A.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology from the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.; and certifications in Leadership Development and Project Management, Minister Bacchus has had a 30-year professional career in the field of Telecommunications. Having begun as a technician, he rose rapidly through the ranks to become Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT). Viewed as an experienced leader and visionary in the technology arena, he is often called upon to lend his expertise and insight to advance the development of practitioners in the field. A son of Tobago, Minister Bacchus willingly accepted the challenge of leading Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation efforts as a critical aspect of the country’s sustainable development journey. Guided by the core principles and values of collaboration, credibility, resilience, responsiveness and transparency, he is unswerving in his quest to enhance the lives of citizens through the provision of end-to-end goods and services using appropriate digital technology. |
 Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communications and Technology and Posts. Hon. Konris Maynard |
 Secretary-General Rodney Taylor Mr. Rodney Taylor was appointed Secretary-General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on March 1, 2021. Prior to this, he held senior positions in the Government of Barbados, serving as the Chief Digital Technology Officer at Barbados’ Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology(MIST) where he led the nation’s digital transformation, focusing on enhancing public sector service delivery through strategic innovation, science, and SMART technology applications. Additionally, Mr. Taylor served as the Head of the Information Systems Unit at Barbados’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, where he oversaw operations at both local and overseas missions. With over 25 years of professional experience in the Public Sector, Mr. Taylor currently supports collaboration amongst Caribbean Governments and other ICT Stakeholders in shaping regional ICT policies and in implementation of national strategies. Mr. Taylor currently chairs the International Telecommunication Union’s Informal Expert Group for the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum 2026 (IEG-WTPF). Recognised as an authority on Technology and Internet Governance, Mr. Taylor holds a Masters in Management and Information Systems and a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management. |
 Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs Ryan Johnson Ryan Johnson is the Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs at the global satellite broadband firm, Viasat. He holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Diplomacy and Internet Governance from the University of Malta, and a bachelors in Political Science. Prior to joining Viasat, he worked for over 10 years in the global technology policy space, with a focus on cybersecurity, development, and connecting the unconnected. His work has been published in academic journals, magazines, and UN publications. |
 Managing Director, Welchman Keen Philip Victor Philip brings over 30 years of experience in the field of information technology and over two decades specifically in the cybersecurity domain. A recipient of the Senior Information Security Leadership Award for his contributions in enhancing public-private partnerships globally, Philip’s role includes spearheading Cyber Risk for Critical Infrastructure practice and engagement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and governments. In Philip’s previous role working with the ITU, Philip assisted governments globally in enhancing their cybersecurity postures through various initiatives and projects including National Cybersecurity Strategy, Child Online Protection, National Computer Emergency Response Team, Capacity Building and International Cooperation. Philip served on Taylor’s University Industry Advisory Panel and the Board of Study for the International Business School at University Technology Malaysia. Philip is a regular speaker at international conferences, forums and seminars on cybersecurity and has written articles for both local and international publications. Philip has also been featured and interviewed in international. |
 Systems Engineer Joel Gooding Joel Gooding is a skilled and certified cybersecurity professional with a strong foundation in information security. With a diverse set of certifications including CEH, CISA, NSE7, Security+ and AZ-900, Joel has over 15 years Cybersecurity experience with demonstrated expertise in a wide range of security domains. His commitment to safeguarding digital assets and data is evident through his certifications, in-depth knowledge and proficiency in these areas. |
Headline Sponsor
Paradise Mobile
Paradise Mobile is a new and innovative mobile network operator (MNO) based in Bermuda. Officially launched in 2024 after several years of development and beta testing, the company focuses on providing high-quality 5G services with competitive pricing. Paradise Mobile positions itself as a disruptor in the Bermudian market by offering cheaper, faster, and more customer-centric mobile services compared to established competitors.
The company’s key offerings include unlimited data plans, competitive pricing, and a feature called Wi-Fi calling, which allows users to make calls even in low-coverage areas using their Paradise Mobile number. Their infrastructure is built from scratch, using modern technologies like Open RAN (oRAN) and a cloud-native system, which improves flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Paradise Mobile’s long-term goal is to expand its footprint beyond Bermuda, with plans to eventually enter other markets, starting with the Cayman Islands. The company aims to capture at least a third of the Bermudian mobile market within a few years, offering unique services and fostering competition.
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