Basseterre, Saint Kitts, November 13, 2026 (SKNIS): First Lady of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mrs. Diani Prince-Drew, has called for sustained investment in digital education, innovation and technological infrastructure to ensure that Caribbean children and young people are equipped to participate in and shape an increasingly technology-driven world.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Fostering the Future Together: The Caribbean Summit, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on November 13, 2026, Mrs. Prince-Drew emphasised that digital transformation presents an extraordinary opportunity for small island developing states to overcome traditional barriers, expand educational opportunities and develop globally competitive talent.
She noted that while the Caribbean faces challenges associated with limited resources, geographical separation and small markets, the region possesses immense creativity, resilience and ambition that can be harnessed through technology.
"The question before us, therefore, is no longer whether technology will shape the future of our children. The question is whether we will equip our children with the knowledge, opportunities, and protection to shape that future for themselves," Mrs. Prince-Drew stated.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring that access to technology translates into meaningful educational and developmental opportunities, Mrs. Prince-Drew stressed that providing devices alone is insufficient. Reliable internet connectivity, appropriate school infrastructure and adequately trained educators must accompany investments in digital learning.
She pointed to several initiatives undertaken in Saint Kitts and Nevis as evidence of the Federation's commitment to preparing its people for the digital economy. These include the reintroduction of the one-to-one laptop programme, the provision of tablets and other digital learning resources, investments in technical and vocational education, and the advancement of the National Digital Transformation Agenda.
The First Lady also celebrated the accomplishments of local young innovators, particularly the Saint Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, which led the development of a digital health record solution, and students from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College's AI Encoding Club, who earned regional recognition at the 2026 STEM Olympiad for their application of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies to financial education.
She described these achievements as evidence that small states can nurture globally competitive talent and make meaningful contributions to technological advancement.
As the one-day summit brings together regional leadership, educators, technology experts, development partners and other stakeholders, Mrs. Prince-Drew expressed hope that discussions would translate into practical commitments and collaborative action.
She maintained that the Caribbean's geographical size should never limit the aspirations or opportunities available to its children.
"Our geography may be small, but the possibilities we envision for our children must never be," she affirmed.
The summit is hosted by Mrs. Prince-Drew as part of Fostering the Future Together, a global coalition of first spouses and leaders, launched by United States First Lady Melania Trump.
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