Governance, sports corruption and the implications of the stunning collapse of crypto-currency exchange FTX are some of the current and topical issues which will be examined by world-leading experts this week when the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) hosts its 2022 Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance and Cybercrime (3Cs 2022) on December 7 and 8.

The free, virtual conference, now in its third year, will be focused on the theme ‘Good Governance for the Sustainable Development of the Caribbean’.

The event will include discussion fora and keynote presentations by thought leaders from the Caribbean and across the world to share and discuss new challenges and solutions for corruption, compliance, and cybercrime in the Caribbean. Speakers from outside of the region will include experts Professor Nikos Passas who will deliver the Main Keynote on the theme, Mr. Bryan Smith Chief, Cybercrime, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Mr. Patrick Killeen, Chief International Anti-Corruption Unit, FBI.  

Dr Toussant Boyce, Head of CDB’s Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability which is coordinating the conference, said:

“Corruption, money laundering and cybercrime are urgent challenges for the Caribbean. They can stymie economic growth and sustainable development, if not addressed robustly.

Unfortunately, the perpetrators of corruption, money laundering and cyber-crime continually update and evolve their methods and tactics. Through 3Cs, CDB delivers free cutting-edge thought-leadership and insights on these critical issues so those on the right side of the fight can continue to keep their knowledge cutting-edge. Anyone can attend and everyone should join to learn more about these challenges, how they are connected and solutions to them.”

Among the highlights will be keynote statements by Professor Trevor Munroe on 'Good Governance and the Judiciary', UK Development Director Mr. Malcom Geere on 'Corruption and Climate Finance', US sanctions expert Mr. Glen Kelley on 'Financial Sanctions',  Microsoft Director Norm Hodne on how 'Technology can help the Caribbean Governments and Private Sector to Curb Corruption' and a roundtable on 'Solutions to De-risking'.

A roundtable comprised of the Directors of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the Cayman Islands moderated by Mr. Calvin Wilson, former Executive Director of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), will cover the 'Critical Work and Role of FIUs in the Evolution of AML/CFT Compliance in the Caribbean'. Power Panels will also cover 'Corruption and its impact on Youth, Education and Culture'.

Two new major panels on current issues have been added. One, ‘Corruption and Sport: Lessons and Solutions for the Caribbean’ will see world renowned retired international footballer and Senior ESPN analyst Mr. Shaka Hislop, and retired WI cricketer, Ambassador Deryck Murray join sports publicist Ms. Carole Beckford, broadcast sports journalist Mr. Andre Baptiste, and sports corruption expert Professor Declan Hill.

The other will cover ‘The FTX Scandal and its Implications for the Caribbean’, following the collapse of FTX the Caribbean-based multibillion-dollar crypto-currency exchange. Speakers on this panel will include Ambassador Gabriel Abed, and Mr. Oliver Gale and senior Attorney, academic and former Attorney General of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Christopher Malcolm.

Over 1000 participants from 46 countries attended 3Cs 2021. Videos of sessions will be available only to registered attendees post-conference. Registration is free and open at http://bit.ly/CDB3Cs2022 .