Kingston, Jamaica — 30 September 2025: A dynamic Caribbean technologies landscape supported by a modern legal framework, featured prominently on the agenda as the Caribbean Telecommunications Union wrapped up a packed ICT Week 2025 in Jamaica recently.
Robust discussions on the topic Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA): legal reform and digitalisation of global trade, raised key issues including the deepening of the integration of Commonwealth frameworks and enhancing digital trade in the Caribbean.
Stakeholders witnessed the launch of the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade offering a harmonised legal framework for electronic communications, digital contracts, signatures, records, and cross-border data flows. The law is intended to reduce legal friction, promote regulatory certainty, and encourage greater participation of Caribbean businesses in digital trade across Commonwealth markets.
“The adoption of a common legal foundation across the Commonwealth is a game changer unlocking possibilities for trade, growth and inclusion,” observed Mr. Rajiv Babooram, Adviser and Head Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda from the Commonwealth Secretariat during the session. “This move is critical in aligning trade reforms and paving the way for increased investment, strengthening cross-border e-commerce, and enhancing our region’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,” he added.
The session also featured a multisectoral panel discussion on Trade and Investment Catalysts during which representatives from government, the private sector, and the Commonwealth Secretariat engaged in dynamic dialogue on the technological enablers and institutional reforms needed to drive trade, investment, and competitiveness. Participants highlighted the challenges posed by outdated laws, procedural bottlenecks, and the need for stakeholder sensitisation and change management to expand the digital footprint.
The examination of the economic impact and discussion and crafting of a Roadmap for Reform also formed a part of the well-attended and interactive session which also analysed how digital trade reforms can enhance efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and strengthen regional trade resilience. A data‑driven presentation was presented on the economic gains of paperless trade in the face of global shocks. technical assistance.
