St Kitts and Nevis has launched a national consultation to modernise its e-commerce and digital trade laws, with technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat. The country is the first in the Caribbean to pilot the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade.
Opened on 24 November in Basseterre, the consultation brings together government ministries, private-sector representatives, civil society, legal experts and regional partners to examine and update the country’s legislative framework for digital trade. The initiative is led by the Ministry of International Trade and the Digital Transformation Unit (DTU).
Mr Sean Lawrence, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Trade, said the consultation marked an important milestone for the country’s digital development:
“This is a significant step in our collective effort to modernise the legislative framework that underpins digital trade in the Federation.”
He thanked national stakeholders and international partners for their collaboration, stressing the need to align domestic laws with global standards.
Delivering the keynote address, the Rt Hon Dr Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of International Trade, highlighted the urgency of legal reform as digital commerce accelerates:
“As e-commerce grows, our laws must evolve with equal speed. This exercise is a development imperative.”
He outlined seven priority areas for reform, including electronic transactions, consumer protection, data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, electronic payments and fintech, intellectual property and cross-border digital trade.
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Commonwealth Secretariat Adviser for Digital Trade Policy, Ms Vashti Maharaj, commended St Kitts and Nevis for its leadership in advancing regional digital trade reform:
“St Kitts and Nevis has demonstrated exceptional readiness and political will to advance digital transformation.”
She noted that the assessment will support the transition toward paperless trade, improved cross-border interoperability and a more enabling environment for investment.
“This week is critical to shaping a modern and globally aligned digital trade ecosystem,” she added.
Closing the opening ceremony, Mr Nigel Carty, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, underscored the value of broad collaboration:
“This consultation is another meaningful step towards building a modern, secure and enabling digital economy for all.”
The consultation marks the first phase of a national effort to align St Kitts and Nevis’ e-commerce and digital trade framework with global best practice. Findings will inform new legislation, policy development and future capacity-building programmes supported by the Commonwealth.
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Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
