Washington, D.C., November 13, 2025 – The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis was the site of a richly informative forum on ‘Evolving Diplomacy in the Digital Age’, the coordination of which was spearheaded by the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines working in collaboration with the Federal Mission. This robust engagement between the technical experts and affiliates of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), diplomats and representatives of international organizations and civil society was held under the theme “Evolving Diplomacy in the Digital Age.” The event took place on November 12, 2025.
ARIN is the regional Internet Registry for the United States of America, Canada, and many Caribbean and North Atlantic countries. It is a non-profit, member-based organization responsible for administering internet number resources, promoting the development of autonomous networks, encouraging the adoption of IPv6, and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to support the continued advancement of the internet.
The central objective of the forum was to provide a platform for ARIN to outline its offer of support to Caribbean states, with a view to advancing internet development and digital capacity across the region. Featured speakers included:
· Mr. Bevil M. Wooding, Director of Caribbean Affairs, ARIN
· Mr. Nigel Edwards, Executive Director, Unit Trust Corporation
· Mr. Einar Bohlin, Senior Director, Government Affairs, ARIN
· And Ambassador Lou-Ann Gilchrist, Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Organization of American States (OAS) who provided opening remarks
The discussions explored key issues shaping modern diplomacy and national development, including artificial intelligence and governance, data sovereignty and digital rights, finance and the digital economy, and cybersecurity and national defense—topics of critical importance to cross-cutting national interests.
The event brought together CARICOM diplomats, banking executives, and senior government officials, fostering a dynamic exchange among stakeholders committed to strengthening digital capacity across the region.
In speaking with the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, event organizer Mr. Wooding stated, “Your personal engagement, thoughtful remarks, and steadfast advocacy for the Caribbean diplomatic community were instrumental in creating the open, constructive atmosphere that characterized the Forum. We are especially appreciative of the way in which you positioned the discussion within the wider context of regional development, digital transformation, and the needs of small island developing states.”
He further reiterated, “we look forward to working closely with you and your colleagues on future capacity-building initiatives under the ARIN Diplomatic Forum banner in 2026 and beyond, and to partnering with other agencies in the Washington, D.C. area to ensure that Caribbean missions continue to be well-informed and well-resourced on matters related to the Internet and the digital economy.”
In response, Ambassador Henry-Martin expressed her appreciation, stating, “It was my personal pleasure, and that of this Permanent Mission, to engage with you and your collaborators on a matter of such significance to Caribbean States. The forum was both highly engaging and informative, and it is my hope that it will catalyze expanded discussions and proactivity on data and internet security among our missions here in Washington, D.C.”
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis extends its sincere appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for organizing this meaningful forum and to all partners, presenters, and attendees whose participation contributed to the success of this timely and forward-looking forum. The Mission remains committed to advancing regional cooperation, strengthening digital resilience, and supporting initiatives that enhance the capacity of Caribbean states to navigate the evolving global digital landscape.
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