Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 12, 2023 (SKNIS): The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the regional Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort from September 11 to 12 to promote the development of the region’s digital infrastructure. At the end of the two-day forum, the St. Kitts and Nevis Internet Exchange Point (SKNIX) was launched.
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Honourable Konris Maynard, during his remarks at the opening ceremony, said, “Today marks a momentous occasion as we proudly host the twenty-sixth regional meeting of the Caribbean Network Operators group CaribNOG and the fifth technical forum of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) right here in our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“This unique gathering of minds and leaders across the Caribbean comes against the backdrop of the celebration of our nation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence under the theme Growing Sustainably, Developing Maturely, Building Resiliency: Independence 40,” said Honourable Maynard.
He also explained that the Federation’s goal aligns perfectly with the theme of CaribNOG’s special gathering ‘Achieving Digital Independence’ and stated that its mission towards digital independence is not just a technical endeavour but an evolution of the national identity of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The transformation of our economy and a reaffirmation of our sovereignty is a journey to maturity, a journey that draws lessons and inspiration from our history and propels us to an era where we take responsibility for our digital destiny,” Minister Maynard said.
“Achieving digital independence means building a digital infrastructure that stands firm in the face of adversity,” he stated.
He added, “It means ensuring that our communication networks and data remain secure, available and steadfast during disasters, safeguarding our people, critical infrastructure and resources.”
At the launch of SKNIX, Minister Maynard congratulated everyone involved, who made the historic occasion possible.
“Internet traffic doesn’t have to go all around the world before it comes back here to increase the efficacy and all this thing associated with that, so I want to congratulate those involved at home here in the Ministry and those at CaribNOG for their input in this particular venture. I want to wish this endeavour success. I also want to commend the stakeholders who are committed to being a part of, and to use the St. Kitts and Nevis Internet Exchange Point for the betterment of everyone involved,” he said.
The forum was hosted by The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) in collaboration with the Latin American Internet Registry (LACNIC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
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