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At The Forum on the Future of the Caribbean convened at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, academics from across the world, regional thought leaders and policy-makers presented radical ideas and an in-depth outline of practical outcomes around key themes, including Caribbean convergence, the resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the quantity of data for decision making and pathways to a more sustainable future.

Those in attendance include Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi.

The University of the West Indies, the United Nations, the Commonwealth, CARICOM, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the OECS and a number of other organisations have teamed up to host the forum.

Organisers of the forum have cited a need to chart a new course for the region. They say one objective is to “amplify the voices of dynamic young leaders willing to challenge the status quo and champion new solutions” through “disruptive thought and research to identify actions needed to build and transform a sustainable future for the Caribbean”.

Another objective is to “get the reaction of political leaders on adopting disruptive and innovative ideas and ways to avoiding implementation deficit.”