The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Service Research and Innovation Institute (SRII) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on catalyzing the sub-region’s efforts in the development of a innovation-based ecosystem.

The partnership will explore ways to leverage SRII strategic and technical resources in order to enhance the technical capacity of policy makers, advisors and technocrats of the OECS, and the strategic advisory services in selected technology-based, government-led initiatives.

Rhea Yaw Ching, Head of the Caribbean and Latin America Region for SRII discussed the scope of the MOU during a recent meeting in Grenada attended by Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the OECS, Prime Minister of Grenada and Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in CARICOM; Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS; and Minister of Telecommunications in Antigua, Hon. Melford Nicholas.

Dr. Jules qualified the potential of the partnership to the OECS.

“Our ability to tap into appropriate resources to accelerate our own development is key," he said. "This relationship will provide us with critical training and mentorship resources as well as advisory support in implementation. Our focus will be on core sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy and transportation.”

Yaw Ching, affirmed the opportunity stating: “I believe that the OECS has proven itself to be a transformational force within the region. Its unique single market economy, coupled with its pioneering efforts in the use of technology for public good, makes this a fertile environment for the creation of new local models of innovation.”

The OECS is a nine-member grouping comprising Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; and three British Overseas Territories - the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Anguilla and Montserrat. One of its many functions is to facilitate constitutional, political and economic changes necessary for the successful participation of its member states in the regional and global economy.

SRII is a global organization, whose mission is “to drive innovation for the digital economy." It is headed by senior technology company personnel from Google, Amazon, Apple, Facebook,  Intel, Citrix, Microsoft, IBM, HP, Infosys, eBay, PayPal, and Accenture; and  partners with academia, research institutes, professional societies, venture capitalists and government organizations to implement relevant sector-based solutions.