News Releases

UWI-UNCITRAL Collaboration Explores Harnessing the Potential of Digital Economies

For Release Upon Receipt - December 12, 2023

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. December 12, 2023 – Digital trade has emerged as a vital component of global commerce, presenting vast opportunities for economic expansion and progress. Nevertheless, it is imperative to confront the legal obstacles and gaps that impede the complete realization of this potential. These obstacles and gaps were the focus of attention on November 30th when The Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) came together to host a Seminar aimed at exploring the legal frameworks needed to revolutionize cross-border digital trade. This virtual event brought together top experts in the field who dissected UNCITRAL's robust e-commerce framework and explored legislative efforts to harness the potential of digital economies.

 The event’s discussions centered on the legal complexities surrounding issues such trade and the importance of unified legislation. The UWI-UNCITRAL Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Days Seminar gathering spotlighted these issues and stimulated discussion on how to effectively establish legal frameworks that promote cross-border digital transactions while promoting economic growth and international cooperation.

 During the seminar Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Law, stated that the legal framework for cross-border trade in the digital economy continues to evolve as technological advancements and global business practices change, and as such,  Governments in Latin American and the Caribbean region and international organizations are continually working to adapt and develop regulations that balance facilitating digital trade while addressing concerns such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and fair competition.

 In a compelling revelation, Tira Greene, Attorney-at-Law, Consultant, shared key insights into the amendments made to Trinidad and Tobago's Electronic Transactions Act. In the areas of consumer protection, liability of service providers, and authentication authorities Ms. Greene also expressed optimism that the amendments would be approved and implemented, since they address key outstanding matters in Trinidad and Tobago's electronic transactions laws.

 Making another insightful contribution was, Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, Economic Development Council, who also emphasized the significance of the Electronic Transactions Act as a crucial legislative milestone. This act defines the legal and operational framework for electronic transactions, affirming legality of e-contracts. It addresses key principles such as non-discrimination, technology neutrality, and ensuring parity between traditional paper and digital formats. The act lays the groundwork for global e-commerce trade by standardizing the use of electronic communications in business dealings.

 In citing a usage case in the successful development and implementation of these digital laws in Belize, Mr. Quiroz noted that these strides were made possible through collaboration and stakeholder engagement. In fact, technical working groups comprising representatives from various sectors, including banking, insurance, government agencies, and business associations, were involved in the review and drafting processes to ensure practicality and usability.

 The University of West Indies and UNCITRAL remain committed to further exploring and advocating for the advancement of legal frameworks that transform cross-border digital trade. Through ongoing collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, the shared objective is to assist governments in creating a conducive environment that fully expand the potential of digital economies.

 END  

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu   

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