The classification, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which includes most Caribbean countries, has far-reaching implications with respect to not only the broad range of vulnerabilities such countries face, but also the extent to which they can be competitive. Tracy Hackshaw, a longstanding advocate for greater SIDS recognition, helps us better understand why it is so important to focus on SIDS, the impact on ICT, and what we can do to improve the situation SIDS face.

 

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Although the Caribbean comprises diverse islands and land masses, in terms of size, geography, population, climate and culture, to name a few, commonalities still exist. In addition to sharing similar colonial histories, virtually all Caribbean countries share similar vulnerabilities and challenges, which not only affect their economies, but also the quality of life of their citizens. However, these vulnerabilities are common to many developing countries, especially islands, and has resulted in the classification of those countries as Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).

List of SIDS in the Caribbean (Source; Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform)

The challenges SIDS experience also extend to the degree to which they can harness telecoms and ICT to drive their both their economic and social development. However, although many people may understand what the term ‘SIDS’ means, and also have a fair idea what is needed for countries to more fully unleash the Internet, the implications of being a SIDS within that context is not always understood.

To that end, allow us to introduce Tracy Hackshaw, a Digital Economy Strategist, who is also the Chairman of the Internet Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Tracy has been a longstanding advocate on the international stage for greater recognition and discussion of SIDS, and recently successfully led the establishment of a Dynamic Coalition on SIDS under the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, which we cover in our chat with him.

Tracy Hackshaw

Having said this, Tracy is a busy man. We were able to catch up with him between sessions at an the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Policy Forum, which was held in Panama at the end of June. Although we sought to find a quiet spot at the meeting venue, and a quiet time, to record the interview, there was still quite a bit of background noise. Our apologies.

In addition to the Dynamic Coalition, in our interview with Tracy, we discussed a broad range of topics, including:

  • Understanding of what SIDS really means, and why is it so important
  • Understanding some of the concerns as it relates to SIDS and ICT
  • Discussing whether SID countries truly understand the challenges they face, from a policy perspective
  • Understanding why it is important for greater attention to be paid to SIDS and ICT, particularly at international fora
  • Learning whether there have been any specific requirements, or special considerations, that have been requested in relation to SIDS and ICT
  • Identifying what we, either individually or in our communities, can do to improve the situation SIDS face.

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that were mentioned, or might be useful:

 

Image credits:  vanleuven0 (Pixabay);  Mark Lyndersay

Music credit:  Ray Holman