E. Jay Saunders to Represent The TCI at Regional Digital Resilience Policy Dialogue in Belize

Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. E. Jay Saunders, will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at a major regional conference on digital resilience and data sovereignty being hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Belize on June 3, 2026.

Hon. Saunders has been invited as a featured panelist at the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Digital Resilience and the Data Embassy Model, an event that will bring together ministers, policymakers, technology experts and regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for protecting critical government data and ensuring continuity of public services during natural disasters, cyberattacks and other disruptive events.

The invitation from ECLAC highlights Minister Saunders’ leadership in innovation, technology and energy and notes that his experience and insights will provide valuable contributions to discussions on strengthening digital resilience across the Caribbean.

According to the official programme, Hon. Saunders will participate in the opening session, titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Digital Resilience: Navigating the Policy Landscape,” which will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The session will explore the policy frameworks, governance structures and national infrastructure investments required to safeguard critical government systems and data in an increasingly digital world.

The minister is also scheduled to take part in a high-level fireside chat on “Political Commitment to Digital Resilience,” alongside senior government officials from Belize, Grenada and ECLAC. The discussion will focus on the role of political leadership in advancing digital transformation, strengthening cybersecurity preparedness and building resilient public-sector digital infrastructure.

The conference forms part of a broader Regional Workshop on Strengthening Digital Resilience, scheduled for June 2-3, 2026. The workshop is designed to support Caribbean countries in developing innovative approaches to protecting government data and maintaining essential services during emergencies.

A key focus of the event will be the Data Embassy Model, a concept pioneered by Estonia that enables governments to securely store critical digital information in another country while maintaining full sovereign control over the data. The model has gained increasing attention among small island developing states seeking solutions to the challenges posed by climate-related disasters, infrastructure vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats.

Topics to be discussed throughout the workshop include digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, legal and governance frameworks, international best practices, data protection standards, and regional cooperation mechanisms. Participants will also examine how strategic partnerships can help Caribbean nations strengthen their digital ecosystems and improve resilience against future disruptions.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has continued to position itself as a regional leader in digital innovation and technology-driven governance. Under the leadership of Hon. Saunders, the country has actively participated in regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting technological advancement, digital transformation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Earlier, the Turks and Caicos Islands was selected to participate in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) AI Accelerator programme, where its proposal was chosen from among numerous submissions across the region. The achievement underscored the country's growing reputation as an emerging player in the Caribbean's digital development landscape.

Hon. Saunders’ participation in the Belize policy dialogue is expected to further strengthen the Turks and Caicos Islands’ engagement in regional technology initiatives while providing an opportunity to share the country's experiences and perspectives on innovation, digital governance and resilience.

The conference is expected to produce recommendations and policy insights that will help Caribbean governments better protect critical digital assets, enhance service continuity and build more resilient and secure digital societies for the future.