CTU ICT Week 2024 – St Kitts and Nevis
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Participation - Event
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September 30, 2024 - October 4, 2024
Venue: St. Kitts and Nevis
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 10:00 – 17:00 | 22nd Ministerial Seminar |
| Monday 30th September 09:00 – 12:45 | CTU 2nd Caribbean ICT Youth Network Forum |
| Monday 30th September 12:00 – 13:00 | Press Conference |
| Monday 30th September 18:30 – 22:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| Tuesday 1st October 08:30 – 12:30 | 51st Executive Council (EC51) (Closed and by Invitation only) |
| Tuesday 1st October 13:30 – 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 – 16:30 | 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 19:00 – 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 (Invitation Only) |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 1:00 | CCA Legal Reform and Digitalisation for Global Trade Working Group meeting |
| Thursday 3rd October 08:30 – 12:00 | CTU ICT4PWDs Workshops for the Blind, Deaf and Persons with Mobility Challenges |
| Thursday 3rd October 09:00 – 12:00 | Caribbean Network Operators Group (CARIBNOG) Special Meeting |
| Thursday 3rd October 15:00 – 18:00 | Secondary School Forum |
| Thursday 3rd October 13:00 – 15:30 | SKN Cybersecurity Awareness Forum |
| Friday 4th October 10:00 – 19:00 | St. Kitts Tech Fest |
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)
| Time | Item | Presenter |
| 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 |
| 19:10 | Cultural Interlude – Okolo Tegremantine Dance Theatre | |
| 19:20 | Opening Remarks | Senator, the Hon. Hassel Bacchus
President Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Minister of Digital Transformation Trinidad and Tobago |
| 19:25 | Headline Sponsor Greetings | Mr. Adrian Lee Chin
Investor and Board Member Mr. Kareem Bikhit Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Paradise Mobile |
| 19:30 | Poem | Mr. Loughlin Tatem |
| 19:35
|
Address
|
The Honourable Konris Maynard
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communications and Technology and Posts |
| 19:40
|
Keynote Address
|
Mrs. Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| 19:50 | Cultural Interlude | |
| 20:00
|
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 by Paradise Mobile | |
| 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
| 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, Grenada |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break and Group Photo | |
| 11:00 | Emerging Technology Trends – 6G and Beyond
Q&A |
Moderator: Mr. Nigel Cassimire
Deputy Secretary-General, CTU Mr. Francisco J. Soto M. Chief Expert Wireless Solutions Huawei Ms. Natalia Vicente VP Public Affairs |
| 11:35 | Presentation: Next Generation Networks for Enhancing Caribbean Connectivity
|
Mr. Kareem Bikhit,
Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Paradise Mobile |
| 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
Q&A |
Moderator: Mr. Rodney Lewis
Business Development Specialist, 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:
Panelists: Ms. Deborah Galindo Manager Public Policy Central America and the Caribbean, Meta Mr. Hector Gutierrez Territory Manager Cloudflare Ms. Rebecca Hunter Starlink/SpaceX
Ms. Gabriela Lago Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, Echostar |
| Q&A | ||
| 15:40 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:00 | Panel Discussion: Data Privacy in an AI-Driven World
Q&A |
Moderator: Mr. Marc Girouard
Managing Co-Founder – Purpose Partners Panelists: Mr. Joel Gooding Fortinet Mr. Philip Victor Partner & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Welchman Keen |
| 16:30 | Opportunities and Challenges for Modernization and Digitization of Power Systems within Small Caribbean Economies | Dr. Devon Gardener
Head Technical Programmes, Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency |
| 16:45 | Panel Discussion: Resiliency in the ICT Sector in the Face of Climate Change
|
Moderator: Mr. Tariq Mohammed
ITU Project Officer Panelists: Mr. James Wild Founding Partner & Principal Consultant Cenerva Mr. Philip Victor Partner & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Welchman Keen Dr. Devon Gardener Head Technical Programmes Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency
|
| Q&A | ||
| 17:15 | Wrap Up | Mr. Rodney Taylor, 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
Ms. Gabrielle Johnson Caribbean ICT Youth Network |
| 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
Programme Administrator South America Area Office International Telecommunication Union |
| 10:00 | Capacity Building Session: AI | Mr. Leslie Lee Fook
Automation, AI & Analytics Director INCUS Services Ltd |
| 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 | Capacity Building Session: Cybersecurity | Mr. Pablo Palacios Programme Officer, ITU |
| 11:45 | Opportunities for Caribbean Youth | Ms. Nancy Quiros
ISOC |
| 12:00 | Open Discussion: Strategies to Increase Membership and Promote the Youth Network | Ms. Gabrielle Johnson
Caribbean ICT Youth Network
Mr. Tariq Mohammed Caribbean ICT Youth Network |
| 12:25 | Next Steps and Closing | Mr. Tariq Mohammed
Caribbean ICT Youth Network |
| 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. Tariq Mohammed
ITU Project Officer |
| 14:45 | Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade | Ms. Vashti Maharaj
Adviser Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA) |
| 15:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 15:20 | Digital Payments Facilitation (Carib dollar) | Dr. Jan Schröder
Founder and CSA, CaribCoin |
| 15:30 | Topic: Towards a new regional digital agenda – eLAC2026 | Dr. Dale Alexander
ECLAC Sub-Region Office of the Caribbean |
| 15:35 | Presentation on Digital Inclusion Initiatives | Mrs. Cynthia Reddock-Downes
Chief Executive Officer, TATT |
| 15:55 | 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 | |
CARIBNOG AGENDA
Theme: Collaborating for Digital Resilience
Thursday 3rd October 2024 at 8:00am-12:00 AST
| TIME | ACTIVITY | SPEAKER/ORGANIZATION |
| 8:00 AM | REGISTRATION & NETWORKING | |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome & Agenda Overview | Bevil Wooding (ARIN, CaribNOG) |
| 9:05 AM | Keynote Address – Cloudy Connections – Building Caribbean Digital Ecosystems | Bevil Wooding (ARIN, CaribNOG) |
| 9:45 AM | State of Caribbean IXPs | Brent Mc Intosh (CaribNOG) |
| 10:15 AM | Redundant Peering | Michel Greijmans (Sincere Cloud) |
| 10:45 AM | GROUP PHOTOS & BREAK | |
| 11:15 AM | Tech Watch: Lessons from CloudStrike Incident | Steve Spence (CaribNOG) |
| 11:30 AM | Future Proofing Subsea Connectivity | Giovanni King (Blue NAP America) |
| 11:50 AM | Open Mic and Wrap UP | |
| 12:00 PM | LUNCH | |
Cybersecurity Symposium 2025 Awareness Forum
THEME: Securing Our Digital Future
THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2024
VENUE: ST KITTS MARRIOTT RESORT
Chair: Ms. Ophelia Blanchard, Coordinator of e-Government
Department of Technology, Ministry of ICT and Posts
| Time | TOPIC | SPEAKER (S) |
| 13:00 | Opening Prayer | Mrs. Celeste Henderson
Assistant Secretary |
| 13:05 | Welcome Remarks | Mrs. Cheryleann Pemberton
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology and Posts |
| 13:10 | Opening Address | Mr. Bevil Wooding
Special Advisor Strategic ICT and Digital Innovation OECS Commission |
| 13:20
|
Addressing the challenge of Cyber Resilience in the Caribbean Postal Sector | Mr. Tracy Hackshaw
Chef d’Enterprise, POST Business Management Unit Postal Technology Centre Universal Postal Union |
| 13:35 | PANEL DISCUSSION: Establishing a Cyber Resilient Organization is Imperative
Examine the matters of policy, strategic risk management, robust security controls, compliance and business continuity
|
Moderator:
Mr. Rodney Browne, CEO, e-Caribbean, Ltd – Mr. Quincy Prentice Chief Information Officer MIS Unit, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank – Mrs. Genelle Lake Deputy Director(Ag) Management Information Systems Department Eastern Caribbean Central Bank – Mr. Larry Quinlan Retired Global Chief Information Officer, Deloitte LLP – Ms. Patricia Walters CEO, The Cable |
| 14:30 | QUESTION AND ANSWER SEGMENT | |
| 14:45 | COFFEE BREAK | |
| 14:55 | PANEL DISCUSSION:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cyber Defense: The Implications for the Caribbean Explore how AI and Machine learning can enhance Cybersecurity, focusing on threat detection, automation and proactive defense mechanisms |
Moderator: Enoete Inanga,
IT Professional / Lecturer, CFBC – Ms. Vashti Maharaj (CTU-TBC) Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat – Dr. Ricardo Neil Chairman, IITAE, Ltd Senior IT Lecturer, Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College – Mr. Bevil Wooding Special Advisor Strategic ICT and Digital Innovation OECS Commission – Psyche Southwell Software Engineer Senior Customer Success Engineer, Argyle – Kachi Armony CEO and Principal Consultant MaureTech – Mr. Tony Neate CEO, Get Safe Online, UK |
| 15:55 | QUESTION AND ANSWER SEGMENT | |
| 16:30 | VOTE OF THANKS | |
 Hon. Dickon Mitchell Prime Minister of Grenada and Lead Head for Science and Technology 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. |
 Mrs. Doreen Bogdan-Martin Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union 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. |
 Sen. the Hon. Hassel Bacchus CTU President and Minister of Digital Transformation Trinidad and Tobago 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. |
 Hon. Konris Maynard Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communications and Technology and Posts The Honourable Konris Maynard is a dynamic, innovative, passionate and dedicated leader who became one of the youngest parliamentarians ever elected at the age of thirty-one, a reflection of his tenacity and desire to serve the people of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. Currently serving as an elected member of parliament and the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities, Domestic Transport, ICT and Post, Minister Maynard is making significant contributions towards the twin island federation’s march towards a sustainable island state with rapid improvements in the country’s road infrastructure, the water distribution system, energy security and digital transformation. Konris Maynard’s early beginnings up to his outstanding academic, musical, and professional success was a clear indication of the incredible asset he would be to St. Kitts & Nevis, serving at the highest level of representation. From receiving the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Academic Recognition Award and the Basseterre High School Principal’s All Round Student award in High School, to receiving the FirstCaribbean International Bank Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Performance and the Best All-Round Performance for a First year Student at UWI – Cave hill, to making the Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Honour Roll and attaining a First Class Honours degree in BSc Electrical and Computer Engineering at UWI – St. Augustine, Minister Maynard took to heart his parents’ advice from the great Mighty Sparrow of ‘Children go to school and learn Well! Adding to his academic achievement, Minister Maynard completed a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the prestigious Canadian university, University of Waterloo. A true all-round performer and leader, Minister Maynard was also a National Debater, a Youth Parliamentarian, a cricketer, and served as the President of the Leeward Islands Student Association at UWI – St. Augustine. Beyond academics, Minister Maynard proved to be an incredible musical talent. At the tender age of 4, Konris Maynard started performing on stage, going on to write and release his first official calypso at the age of ten, following a few years later to win two consecutive (2) junior calypso crowns. Minister Maynard then as a teenager started producing music for many artistes across the Federation until returning to the stage to become a 6-time undefeated National Calypso Monarch, 3-time Soca Monarch, 3-time Regional Calypso Monarch, 25th Independence Calypso Monarch and Road March Champion, earning him the Federation’s Medal of Honour in the field of Music, the 2009 Independence Youth Award for Excellence in Music and the 2013 St. Kitts Tourism National Champion Award. Professionally, Minister Maynard has lectured at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, led the operations management of the BVI Branch of a leading regional company SOL Petroleum and owned and operated businesses in Computer Systems Consulting and Corporate Services. Community involvement and development is another key facet of the service of Minister Maynard including the long standing Konris Maynard West Basseterre All-Round Student Scholarship Award, being a past PRO and member of the Village Superstars Football Club, mentorship of youths, motivational speaker, major sponsor and contributor to numerous community groups and activities across culture, sports, education and religion. As a devoted husband and doting father of two daughters, combined with his extensive, multifaceted and successful background, Honorable Konris Maynard is uniquely positioned to bring about meaningful structural and technological improvement to his Federation as a true servant of the people and is determined to use his God given talents to advance the cause of St. Kitts & Nevis. |
 Mr. Rodney Taylor Secretary-General, Caribbean Telecommunications Union 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. |
 Kareem Bikhit Founder, Paradise Mobile Built companies and led teams, strategies and systems for global Telcos and Banks, within both retail customer facing and back end provisioning globally. In the startup space, Kareem has been and continues to be active in taking companies from inception, fundraising, delivery through to business development. Collaborated with Executives and Heads of Government on how to leverage and maximize tech to achieve outcomes. |
 Mr. Ryan Johnson Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs, Viasat 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. |
 Mr. Philip Victor Managing Director, Welchman Keen 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. |
 Mr. Joel Gooding Systems Engineer, Fortinet 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. |
 Mr. Giovanni King Chief Executive Officer, Blue Nap Americas Giovanni holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Fonty’s University in the Netherlands and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Giovanni has over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, the majority of which is as an executive with telecommunications regulatory authorities in the Dutch Caribbean. Blue Nap Americas currently employs him as Chief Executive Officer. |
 Mr. James Wild Founding Partner, Welchman Keen James is a founding partner of Cenerva and an acknowledged global expert on service switching /number portability and disaster management. With 25 years’ experience across a variety of senior telecoms roles and consultancy assignments in over 30 countries, including advising regulators and service providers across the Caribbean. |
 Mr. Gonzalo de Dios Head of Global Licensing for Project Kuiper, Amazon Mr. de Dios serves as Head of Global Licensing for Project Kuiper, Amazon’s initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). Mr. de Dios’ experience spans across domestic and international regulatory, market access, licensing, compliance, spectrum management, government affairs, corporate/ transactional and business development matters. He has worked in-house as well as with law firms, advising customers on both domestic and international telecommunications and regulatory matters, and is a frequent speaker on international telecommunications regulatory topics. Mr. de Dios serves as a Board member of the United States Telecommunications Training Institute, and has served in the Board of Directors of the US ITU Association, as a member of the Advisory Board of the ITU-D’s Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiative, and as a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy. |
 Félix Fernández-Shaw Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and relations with all Overseas Countries and Territories at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) Félix Fernández-Shaw is Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and relations with all Overseas Countries and Territories at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) since October 2022. He was previously Director for Sustainable Development Policy and Coordination (April 2018-October 2022). He has worked on sustainable development policy and the EU’s external action budget since 2009, including as Expert in the Cabinet of the HRVP Federica Mogherini (where he was also responsible for relations with Africa, 2014-2018), Head of Development Cooperation Coordination Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and as a diplomat in the Spanish Permanent Representation to the EU including chairing CODEV WG in the Council. From 2000 until 2009, he worked on Justice and Home Affairs matters at the Spanish Ministry of Justice as Director General for International Legal Assistance and Legislative Policy, at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Deputy Director General for Justice and Home Affairs in the EU, and as Relex JHA Migration Counsellor at the Spanish Permanent Representation to the EU. He started his career at the Embassy of Spain to Romania. |
 Mr. Tariq Mohammed Project Officer, International Telecommunication Union Tariq holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering with first-class honours from The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he specialized in communications systems and graduated at the top of his class. Currently, he is pursuing an MPhil/PhD in the same field at UWI. Tariq is the lead consultant on a telecommunications project in the Caribbean, working under the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations specialized agency for ICTs. In addition to his consultancy work under UN Projects, Tariq chairs and coordinates the Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF) and serves as one of the region’s representative at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum and Youth Track. He also holds the position of Vice-Chair of IEEE Young Professionals, Trinidad and Tobago. Committed to regional development, Tariq is passionate about advancing digital agendas and supporting universal and meaningful connection for all through inclusive and sustainable practices. |
 Eamonn Sheehy Senior Director, Public Sector for Cloud Carib Ltd I am Senior Director, Public Sector for Cloud Carib Ltd., a Bahamian based managed services provider (MSP) providing state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure, disaster recovery and cyber security solutions to both public and private sectors in the Caribbean. My role is to promote the use of managed services within the Caribbean public sector. Since 2006 I have been residing in Barbados, working as an independent consultant on various national and regional government digitisation-related projects. Prior to moving to the Caribbean, I had a of 15-year career working in Brussels, for both the European Commission and the World Customs Organization. I am an advocate for digital and data sovereignty, which I believe is a critical national security issue, particularly as Caribbean governments embark on digital transformation initiatives, which involve the hosting of sensitive information. I am also an advocate for adopting open-source software solutions, particularly for small developing economies as a means of improving sustainability through cost effective use of scarce financial resources. |
 Michele Marius ICT Pulse Consulting Limited An experienced Consultant, Manager, Regulator, Engineer and Author, Michele Marius has 20 years’ experience in the ICT and telecommunications space. She has worked in both the private and public sectors, and in developed and developing countries in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Currently, Michele is the Director of ICT Pulse Consulting Limited, a research and advisory firm that specialises in a broad range of ICT and telecommunications issues, and is based in Jamaica. She is also is the Publisher, Editor and Primary Contributor of ICT Pulse (www.ict-pulse.com), a well-respected and longstanding online publication that discusses topical telecommunications and ICT issues from a Caribbean perspective, which has wide readership across the region and internationally. She also hosts of the ICT Pulse Podcast, through which to deep dive into important ICT/technology issues occurring in the Caribbean, thus enriching the conversation we, in the region, could be having. |
 Sebastian Kaplan Vice President of Government Affairs for Liberty Latin America Sebastian Kaplan has been Vice President of Government Affairs for Liberty Latin America since November 2023, responsible for overseeing Government & Regulatory Affairs for all the company’s operations in the region. Sebastian previously served as Head of Connectivity and Economic Policy for Latin America & the Caribbean for Meta. Before that he was Director of Regulatory Affairs Latam for Millicom and also served as the Director of Institutional Affairs of Claro AUP (Covering Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay). Sebastian holds degrees from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario School of Law, a Master in Laws (LLM) from Northwestern University School of Law and a Certificate in Management (CM) from Kellogg School of Management (Chicago/Evanston, Illinois, USA). |
 Apollo Knights Director of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) Mr. Knights has spent the last two and half decades working in the public sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and specifically around telecommunications development, regulation, and policy. As the Director of the NTRC since 2001 he believes in practical solutions to challenges and has operated within a personal vision of having all citizens consistently connected to the digital economy. He considers the closing of the digital divide, improving digital literacy and inclusion as core pillars in transforming our economies and thereby reaping the benefits that comes with digital transformation. The team he leads at the NTRC is known for its high productivity, quality, and innovative programs all within limited financial resources and with a focus of achieving the 7 specific targets of the UN SDG 9 by 2030. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Networking and an MBA in International Business. |
 Jan Schröder Chief System Architect, CaribCoin Dr. Jan Schröder began his career at CERN in 1991. Transitioning from particle physics to social innovation he is now renowned for his work in network governance, particularly as the architect of Germany’s “Local Alliances for Family” initiative, which connected over 25,000 institutions. Now, as Chief System Architect for CaribCoin, Jan is focused on solving the issues of cross-border payments in the Caribbean by introducing Carib$, a digital Complementary Currency. Built on blockchain technology, utilising experience from the Swiss financial system, Carib$ facilitates low-cost, real-time, peer-to-peer transactions across the region, addressing financial disconnection and promoting economic resilience. Jan’s work at CaribCoin aligns with his passion for scaling social impact through innovation, ensuring that Caribbean economies benefit from inclusive, and digital financial solutions. His belief in collaboration remains central: “Together, we can do more—with fun and the drive to make the world a better place.” |
 Blenda Silva Programme Administrator, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Blenda Silva is a Programme Administrator for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations. She serves as the Focal Point in the Americas for Youth, Environment, and Communications. She contributes to regional projects for the development of ICT and has over 5 years of experience in implementing digital inclusion initiatives. She is a specialist in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations (Irel-UnB) at the University of Brasília, having graduated from the same university with an English Major. |
 Kachi Armony Founder, MaureTech LLC Kachi Armony is an Information Technology professional who began his career in St. Kitts and Nevis as a young technology entrepreneur. He emigrated to the US in 2011, where he continued providing strategic technology consulting services to small and medium financial services, healthcare, commercial, and non-profit organizations. Today, he owns and operates a boutique IT consulting firm, MaureTech LLC, that primarily serves clients in the Washington DC metro area. Through MaureTech, Kachi is focused on helping his clients manage and secure leading-edge technology infrastructure and cloud platforms that deliver optimal business value. Kachi continues to solidify his reputation as a trusted advisor and innovator in the ever-evolving Information Technology and Cyber Security fields. Despite residing in the US, Kachi remains connected to St. Kitts and Nevis and is committed to contributing to ongoing technological developments in the federation. |
 Diana Cuevas Jurney Sales & Marketing Manager, Google Cloud Experienced Sales & Marketing Manager with more than 12 years of demonstrated history of working in a Fortune 100 company in the computer software industry (Microsoft and Google) and entrepreneur. Experienced in partner and customer business growth on their business transformation to cloud and accelerating sales and opportunities among Latin America and the Caribbean. |
 Mick Buckman Head of Digital Identity Technologies Department, Cybernetica Cybernetica has been part of most of the critical digitalisation reforms and projects in Estonia, the first digital nation in the world. Cybernetica has been an active counterpart in developing crucial e-Government systems, such as the Estonian X-Road, i-Voting, e-Customs and SplitKey. Its seasoned team of consultants, cryptographers, system and software engineers has gathered considerable experience throughout the years. Currently, Cybernetica delivers its systems and services to over 35 countries in the world. Michael leads Cybernetica’s Digital Identity and i-Voting teams providing high quality, impartial consulting services and cutting edge technical solutions for e-Government and enterprise. |
 Javier Zarate Hernandez Communications and Electronics Engineer, Huawei Javier Zarate is a communications and electronics engineer with more than 20 years of experience in telecommunications with an executive MBA specializing in marketing. In charge of the development of mobile communications projects, in this position Javier has developed 4G/5G communications networks across LA Currently dedicated to promote and guide the development of business on 5G networks in Latin America for carriers and governments Javier has had an active participation in the dissemination of the use and future of wireless communications in different forums such as the Mobile Worlds Congress, GSMA, Spectrum Forum, CITEL, ITU and Government. |
 Larry Quinlan Deloitte (Retired Global Information Officer) Larry Quinlan has over 35 years of experience as a digital and technology executive. He served as Global Chief Information Officer for Deloitte, the $50B professional services firm leading over 10,000 IT professionals worldwide. He advised companies on technology and cyber priorities. Larry serves on the Boards of three Fortune 500 companies: ServiceNow, Jones Lang LaSalle and Booking Holdings. He is also Chairman of the Board at Hexaware Technologies. In the nonprofit world, he chairs the NPower Emeritus Board while serving on the Boards of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, United Way of Miami and the ArshtCenter for the Performing Arts. He holds an MBA from Baruch College, CUNY and a BSc (Hons) from the University of the West Indies. He was inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame and The University of the West Indies conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. |
