The Role of Parliaments in Transforming Digital Economies in the Caribbean
The U.S. Congress convened a regional exchange in Miami, Florida, from September 7-8, titled “The Role of Parliaments in Transforming Digital Economies in the Caribbean.” As digital economies become increasingly vital to global growth, this exchange focused on the significant role of parliamentary leadership in advancing this transformation across the Caribbean, directly aligning with U.S. economic and regional security interests.
The event brought together 25 MPs and Senators from 12 of the 15 Caribbean nations, including Suriname, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
The discussions covered critical topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, legislative frameworks, and e-governance, all of which are key to the development of digital economies in the Caribbean. By focusing on these areas, the U.S. Congress can foster greater regional stability and economic collaboration, which would directly benefit U.S. security, trade, and influence within the Western Hemisphere.
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) attended the exchange and expressed a desire to continue focusing on this crucial area.
