Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,
For Small Island Developing States like St. Kitts and Nevis, the smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, digital connectivity is not a luxury— it is the lifeblood of our economy, the resilience of our infrastructure, and the empowerment of our people. Yet our vulnerabilities remain stark.
Since 1950, intensifying storms, sea-level rise and climate-driven disruptions have threatened livelihoods, damaged critical infrastructure, and limited sustainable development. These realities reinforce why digital transformation must be both resilient and inclusive.
Since the last WTDC, the Federation has accelerated its efforts to build a sustainable island state anchored in universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity. Through the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and our Universal Service Fund, we have expanded modern telecommunications to schools, hospitals, community spaces, and persons living with disabilities. Fibre-to-home rollouts, strengthened ICT infrastructure, over 100% mobile phone penetration, and improved disaster-resilient networks now ensure our citizens and businesses remain connected—even during crises.
Our partnership with Packet Clearing House to establish a national Internet Exchange Point marks a major step toward digital sovereignty and resilience. The Digital Services Network is expanding secure broadband across government, while plans for a national data centre will enhance availability, cybersecurity, and business continuity.
But connectivity alone is not enough. We are implementing a Whole-of-Government Digital Transformation Strategy, including a secure Digital ID system launching in 2026, alongside strengthened cybersecurity architecture and digital-skills programmes such as our Cyber Nations initiative.
We also champion Green Digital Growth by integrating renewable energy—solar and geothermal— to bolster our ICT backbone, ensuring sustainability for generations to come.
Excellencies, St. Kitts and Nevis stands ready to deepen collaboration with ITU and our SIDS, LDC and LLDC partners. Together, we can ensure that digital transformation delivers opportunity, resilience, and prosperity for every citizen.
Thank you.
