Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett is hosting members of Congress and business executives in the technology sector Sat, Mar 19, for a series of panel discussions at the Buccaneer Hotel and Resort in St. Croix.
The panels will explore ways to spur innovation and create jobs by closing the digital divide in minority and economically challenged communities. Additionally, the group will also explore ways to expand the political influence of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States.
“These discussions are important in many respects. First, I want to capitalize on the opportunity to give my colleagues in Congress a first-hand look at the needs of the territory. This will help provide a visual connection on how exclusion from Federal provisions and legislation impact our Virgin Islands. It is also an opportunity for the business executives attending to see the massive potential of our expanded broadband capabilities and to connect with local leaders in the technology sector. We are also hopeful that this will lead to future investments in technology education initiatives and the development of a sustainable technology workforce in the territory,” Plaskett said.
Plaskett’s event comes, as the Congresswoman was asked by President Obama to join him and First Lady Michelle Obama on his historic delegation to Cuba scheduled during the same period. The Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress communicated with the President that while she fully supports President Obama’s efforts to encourage further economic and human rights changes on the island, she believes her previously scheduled panels will have a direct impact on the development and growth of the Virgin Islands economy in the near future.
“I regret not being able to join the President and the First Lady in Cuba. There are a number of challenges faced by the local citizens of the Virgin Islands that have gone unnoticed for decades, and it is my belief that our previously scheduled activities will help make inroads in mitigating those challenges and help elevate the needs of the territory in the Washington discourse. I believe both to be chief among my many responsibilities as the Representative for the people of the Virgin Islands. I am, However, honored to have been considered for such an important and historically significant visit and will continue to support the President as he advances his agenda with regard to improving the lives of the Cuban people,” Plaskett said.
The members of Congress attending the panels made arrangements to participate in the activities in the territory at Congresswoman Plaskett’s request prior to President Obama announcing his plans to travel to Cuba.
Attendees and participants in Plaskett’s panel discussions will begin traveling to the territory on Thurs, Mar 17 and remain in St. Croix until Sun, Mar 20. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus along with executives from Google and others will be in attendance.
