Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, recently took the stage at the prestigious Raisina Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Conclave in New Delhi, India. This major international event gathers Foreign Affairs ministers from across the globe to deliberate on the future of public infrastructure and its digital transformation.
Minister Greene’s participation in the Raisina DPI Conclave follows his co-hosting of a similar event focused on small island states in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this year. During both engagements, he has advocated for the unique challenges faced by Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the broader Caribbean region, in the realm of digital development.
Key Issues Facing the Caribbean’s Digital Transformation
In an exclusive interview with St. Paul’s Weekly News, Minister Greene shed light on three critical challenges hindering the region’s progress towards digital transformation. He highlighted the scarcity of skilled professionals, the limitations of resources, and the insufficient population to drive sustained economic growth. According to the Minister, these barriers present significant obstacles, but also opportunities for collaborative action.
Minister Greene emphasized that building bilateral partnerships, particularly between India and regional educational institutions, could help overcome these challenges. He believes that such cooperation could foster the development of digital solutions in vital areas like healthcare, disaster management, and workforce training, which are crucial for the region’s growth.
Optimism for Caribbean Digital Future
Despite the challenges, Minister Greene expressed optimism that the Caribbean will not be left behind in the global digital revolution. He outlined several strategies aimed at bridging the digital divide, ensuring that the region remains competitive and capable of driving innovation in the coming years.
Minister Greene’s participation in the conclave is seen as a key step toward forging stronger global partnerships that could open doors to enhanced technological solutions for small island nations. His engagement in these international discussions is expected to lay the foundation for future growth and progress for Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
The Minister is set to return home later this week, following the conclusion of the conference, where he is expected to continue his work on advancing digital cooperation in the region
