The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis took center stage as it hosted the regional Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on September 11 and 12, with the primary aim of fostering the development of the region’s digital infrastructure. The culmination of this two-day forum marked the official launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Internet Exchange Point (SKNIX).
Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, delivered an opening address during which he expressed the significance of the occasion. He remarked, “Today is a momentous occasion as we proudly welcome 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) to our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Honourable Maynard further emphasized the unique convergence of minds and leadership from across the Caribbean, taking place in the backdrop of the nation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence, celebrated under the theme “Growing Sustainably, Developing Maturely, Building Resiliency: Independence 40.” He drew parallels between the Federation’s goals and CaribNOG’s theme for this special gathering, which was ‘Achieving Digital Independence.’ He stressed that the mission towards digital independence was not merely a technical endeavor but an evolution of the national identity of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Minister Maynard articulated, “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.”
He underscored the importance of achieving digital independence by building a robust digital infrastructure capable of withstanding adversity. “It means ensuring that our communication networks and data remain secure, available, and steadfast during disasters, safeguarding our people, critical infrastructure, and resources,” he added.
During the launch of SKNIX, Minister Maynard extended his congratulations to all involved parties who made this historic occasion possible. He highlighted the significance of reducing the need for internet traffic to traverse the globe before returning, thus enhancing efficiency.
Minister Maynard stated, “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 endeavor 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.”
The forum was jointly 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).