Caribbean Turns to IP as New Engine for Economic Growth

Belize is taking center stage this week as the Caribbean rallies around one big goal, protecting the region’s creativity and turning it into real economic power. Leaders and EU officials are here launching the next phase of the CarIPI project, and over the past three days they’ve been digging into how stronger intellectual property systems can help local products shine on the world stage and put more money into the pockets of small entrepreneurs. From safeguarding cultural heritage to giving iconic items like Saint Lucia’s rum and Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan international recognition, the discussions point to one thing: IP isn’t just paperwork, it’s a pathway to growth.

 

Kay King, Deputy Registrar, BELIPO

“The aim of this project is basically to assist CARIFORUM countries in modernizing and harmonizing their intellectual property system. So this three-day workshop is basically to launch the second phase of the project. The first phase started off in 2019 [and] it lasted for four years. And so, this second phase started April 2025 and it will run for forty-eight months which is another four years. So the purpose of this three-day workshop is to launch that event, as well as to launch a GI mentorship program where our producers here in Belize will have the opportunity to network as well as to learn more about Geographical Indication. As you may be aware, we have a draft Geographical Indication Bill that is about to go to Cabinet for approval and passed into law. And so, geographical indication will eventually be an intellectual property right that can be protected in Belize. And then we have the final day which is Day Three and that will focus on the International Intellectual Property System, so the treaties that we signed on to, specifically the Madrid System, the Lisbon Agreement, as well asm the Hague Agreement.”

 

In short, the Caribbean is gearing up not just to protect its innovations, but to turn them into engines of growth.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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