Cyber Security in the Age of AI -

Signing of MOU between the Ministry of E-Governance, the Robotics Federation of Belize, and Vex Robotics

Ministry of E-Governance Hosts International Conference on Cybersecurity and AI

The Ministry of E-Governance, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize, the U.S. Embassy in Belize, and the Central Information Technology Office, held an international conference in Belize City titled “Cybersecurity in the Age of AI” under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF). The event aimed to spark discussion on Belize’s capacity to prevent, protect against, and recover from cybersecurity threats using both conventional and AI-enhanced tools.

Twelve cybersecurity experts from Taiwan, the United States, and Belize gathered to examine cyber affairs within the local environment and discuss how AI has impacted the field as a double-edged sword. The conference brought together more than 100 participants representing the national cybersecurity ecosystem in Belize, spanning government ministries, regulatory agencies, academia, and private sector partners. Sessions addressed the current threat landscape, strengthening cyber defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure, recovering from cyber incidents, and enhancing Belize’s capacity-building efforts.

In his opening address, Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State for Economic Transformation, stressed that digitalized government services improve efficiency and access, while emphasizing the need for stronger cybersecurity measures against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. H.E. Amino C.Y. Chi, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize, underscored Taiwan’s experience in cybersecurity and the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Ms. Katherine Beamer, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States in Belize, emphasized the United States’ focus on practical cybersecurity solutions and its role in supporting regional stability.

Consecutive solutions that emerged from the discussions included establishing cyber threat intelligence sharing among Belize’s critical infrastructure institutions, increasing public cybersecurity awareness through simplified messaging, integrating IT and cybersecurity education into primary and secondary schools, and promoting cyber hygiene and digital rights to help Belizeans advocate for stronger digital protections from both government and private institutions.

This event forms part of the Ministry of E-Governance’s broader engagement with public and private sector partners for cybersecurity efforts in Belize.

John Robateau, Acting Director of the Ministry of E-Governance, will lead the presidency. Belize takes over the leadership from the Dominican Republic, committing to advance regional integration, digital inclusion, and economic competitiveness across Central America and the Dominican Republic.

"Digital transformation is the tool with which Central America and the Dominican Republic face their challenges in security, governance, and economics," stated Robateau. "Belize assumes this responsibility with the firm conviction that technology is not exclusively a technical matter, but a state policy centred on people, their rights, and their development opportunities."

Belize expressed its gratitude to the Dominican Republic for its previous leadership, which established solid foundations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and institutional strengthening. Belize committed to ensuring continuity by following through with the ERDI Action Plan 2024–2026.

During its tenure, Belize's Pro Tempore Presidency will concentrate regional efforts on three core pillars:

Regional Cybersecurity: Safeguarding critical national infrastructure and ensuring citizens can utilize digital technologies with safety and confidence.
Digital Interoperability: Focusing heavily on the cross-border recognition of electronic signatures to streamline administrative procedures and commercial transactions between SICA member countries.
Artificial Intelligence: Developing localized AI solutions tailored to regional data and real human needs, guided by shared ethical principles.

Belize reiterates its commitment to working closely with SICA member states, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to build a future of shared prosperity and digital sovereignty.

Hosted by the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) in partnership with Barbados' Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIIST) and FUTURE Barbados, the Summit convened researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, investors, government leaders, and policymakers from across the Caribbean and the international community to explore how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can strengthen regional economies through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.

Belize was represented by Jamie Lee Usher, Vice Principal of Student Affairs at Saint Catherine Academy and President of the Belize Robotics Federation, whose presentation, "Robotics as a Sport in Belize," demonstrated how the country's approach is using the structure of sport to strengthen education.

The presentation highlighted Belize's historic distinction as the first country in the world to officially declare robotics a sport. Rather than treating robotics solely as a technology programme, Belize's model applies the principles that make sport successful, including coaching, disciplined practice, teamwork, competition, resilience, and continuous improvement, to help students develop technical competence alongside leadership, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.

Belize also invited Caribbean nations to consider robotics as a practical national strategy for expanding STEM participation, strengthening workforce development, and creating new opportunities for young people. The proposal generated significant discussion among educators, researchers, policymakers, and innovation leaders seeking practical approaches to educational reform and economic competitiveness.

The presentation reflected many of the Summit's central themes. Throughout the conference, internationally respected leaders including Prof. Cardinal Warde, Interim Executive Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation and Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Dr. Dinah Sah, Co-Executive Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation; Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; and Barbados' Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology, Senator the Hon. Jonathan Reid, emphasized that the Caribbean's future prosperity will depend upon stronger links between education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, investment, and public policy. Their message was consistent: countries that intentionally develop talent and innovation today will be better positioned to create the industries and jobs of tomorrow.

Beyond the formal presentation, Belize participated in strategic networking sessions examining STEM education, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, robotics, financing, and technology commercialization. Discussions highlighted the importance of modernizing curricula, strengthening teacher preparation in emerging technologies, removing barriers to student participation, and building stronger partnerships among governments, education systems, industry, and the Caribbean diaspora. The discussions reinforced a simple but powerful principle echoed throughout the Summit: developing skills is essential to building stronger economies because, ultimately, as Usher reminded, "skills pay the bills".

Belize's growing leadership in robotics reflects sustained collaboration among government, education, and national partners. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Belize became the first nation to formally recognize robotics as an official sport, establishing a policy that continues to receive international attention. Continued leadership from Chief Executive Officer Jose Urbina and the Ministry of E-Governance has strengthened the national robotics programme through digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanded opportunities for young people.

This national progress has also been supported by educational institutions committed to innovation. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Salome Tillett, Saint Catherine Academy continues to demonstrate how schools can prepare students for leadership, service, and innovation by connecting classroom learning with authentic, real-world experiences.

Reflecting on the Summit, Usher noted that the Caribbean has the talent and creativity to compete globally, but lasting progress will depend on aligning education with national development. “Robotics as a sport demonstrates what is possible when education extends beyond the classroom. Students are challenged to think critically, solve real problems, work as teams, communicate effectively, and persevere through failure. These are not only the qualities of successful competitors. They are the qualities of the workforce and leadership the Caribbean will need in the years ahead."

The Caribbean SEED Summit concluded with renewed commitments to regional collaboration in STEM education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Belize's contribution demonstrated that small states can shape regional conversations by aligning national policy with educational leadership and a clear vision for developing the next generation of innovators.

The opening day focused on the technical foundations of digital resilience, including infrastructure requirements, data protection considerations, and governance frameworks needed to strengthen national systems against disruption. These discussions are particularly relevant for Caribbean countries, where natural disasters have historically impacted both physical and digital infrastructure.

Central to the dialogue is the Data Embassy model, an innovative approach that enables countries to securely store encrypted copies of critical government data in partner states while maintaining full sovereignty over that data. This model provides a practical pathway for ensuring government continuity and protecting sensitive information before, during, and after a crisis.

Sessions on the first day explored key topics such as the strategic role of data centers, institutional arrangements for resilience, and legal and governance considerations related to digital sovereignty. Participants also examined international precedents and discussed how such frameworks can be adapted to the Caribbean context.

The workshop will continue with a high-level policy dialogue, where regional leaders and senior government officials will engage in discussions on political commitment, strategic partnerships, and collective approaches to protecting data sovereignty. The event is also expected to culminate in the review and signing of the Declaration of Belize City, reinforcing a shared regional commitment to advancing digital resilience.

The participation of regional ministers, international partners, and technical experts underscores Belize’s leadership in driving digital transformation and resilience initiatives across the Caribbean.

The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation to Galen University for its well-researched and academically grounded interactions, which contributed valuable insights to the discussion. This engagement reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to sustaining inclusive, informed, and meaningful national conversations on critical digital transformation initiatives.

As Belize advances its efforts to modernize governance systems, the Ministry of E-Governance remains dedicated to promoting diverse perspectives, civic participation, and in-depth stakeholder engagement. Partnerships such as this play a vital role in ensuring that the development of the National ID Framework is guided by thoughtful analysis, public input, and a shared vision for national progress.