A new era in Caribbean telecommunications has been ushered in by liberalization in the late 1990s and early 2000s marking the emergence of many Caribbean countries from an era of monopoly control over the networks, broadband Internet, and cable television. Mobile phones have become more ubiquitous than toilets, and have sparked social and economic transformation, and given risen to robust diaspora communities. Here to discuss Caribbean telecommunications and beyond cel technology, is Denis O’Brien, Founder and Chairman of Digicel Group, a full-service communications and entertainment company operating in the Caribbean, Central American and Asia Pacific.

The blue economy and digital technology are emerging as strong pathways for economic and sustainable growth in the Caribbean.  Both hold promise to diversify the economy, create jobs, and leapfrog development in the region.  The World Bank is betting on this strategy and has invested millions in novel digital projects and blue economy programs. Tahseen Sayed, Director of the Caribbean at the World Bank, is responsible for maintaining a solid partnership with the region to address its development and financial challenges.  She has over 20 years of operational and leadership experience at the Bank serving also in Europe, and in the Central and South Asia Regions. She holds a Master's degree in Law and Diplomacy specializing in Development Studies from Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA, and she joins me to talk about these new frontiers.

Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, are three islands known as the Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.  A global financial center, Grand Cayman, the largest of the three, is approximately 76 square miles, and home to about 50,000 residents.  These islands pack a financial punch and international attraction that set them apart from the rest of the region.  Joining me to talk about Cayman’s place in global finance and foreign investment are Charlie Kirkconnell, CEO, Cayman Enterprise City.  Mr. Kirkconnell is a Caymanian attorney and well-respected businessman. Prior to joining Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), he was an Associate at a leading Cayman Islands law firm that focuses on corporate and international finance law, with an emphasis on investment funds, private equity, structured products and capital markets. He earned his law degree with honors from the University of Liverpool.