The Caribbean Community is moving toward a Single ICT Space to leverage information and communication technologies as drivers of regional socio-economic development. Addressing the digital divide, security threats, cyber risks, and environmental impacts is critical to those efforts. Attention must be paid to equitable connectivity, robust security measures, and collaborative responses to cyber safety and inclusivity in the digital era.

At the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in July 2024, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, the Heads of Government approved the Strategic Framework for Regional Digital Resilience 2025–2030.

The Strategic Framework centres on:

Digital integration

Digital infrastructure and connectivity

Digital skills, workforce development and capacity-building

Digital government, e-services and digital sectors

Policy and regulatory environment

Currently, CARICOM’s digital transformation agenda is focused on deepening regional digital integration through harmonised ICT policies, modernised telecommunications legislation, and coordinated spectrum management to enable seamless cross-border digital services. Priority is being placed on expanding affordable broadband access, strengthening regional internet exchange points, and promoting resilient digital infrastructure capable of withstanding climate-related disruptions.

A key emerging pillar of this agenda is CARICOM’s coordinated approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognising AI as both an opportunity and a risk for small developing states, the Region is advancing principles for trustworthy, human-centred and development-oriented AI, aligned with international best practice. Focus areas include establishing ethical governance frameworks, strengthening data protection regimes, promoting regional data sovereignty, and building local capacity in AI research and application. CARICOM is also encouraging the responsible use of AI in priority sectors such as education, health, agriculture, climate services and public administration, while addressing risks related to bias, misinformation, labour displacement and cybersecurity. Regional dialogue and policy coordination aim to ensure that AI adoption supports productivity, innovation and inclusive growth, without exacerbating inequalities. At the CARICOM Secretariat, a draft AI Action Plan was developed to support responsible and inclusive innovation across priority sectors.

In digital government and public sector transformation, Member States are advancing interoperable e-government platforms, digital identification systems, and online public services to improve efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement. The drive toward a Single ICT Space is also supporting the growth of digital entrepreneurship, fintech innovation, and the creative and knowledge-based industries, positioning ICT as a catalyst for economic diversification.

Developments in the sector include the creation of cybersecurity frameworks and strengthened collaboration through institutions such as the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. Regional capacity-building initiatives have expanded digital literacy and technical training, while enhanced cooperation on cyber security has improved incident response coordination and awareness across Member States.

Through the Strategic Framework for Regional Digital Resilience 2025–2030, CARICOM is consolidating these gains by embedding resilience, inclusivity, and innovation at the core of its digital transformation agenda, ensuring that technology serves as a secure, equitable and sustainable pillar of regional development.