National identity is one of the most significant manifestations of belonging. A shared sense of identity shapes how nations produce, perform, create and co-create, innovate, manage their affairs, and respond to days of feast as well as famine. There’re countries in the Caribbean where what comes from outside – whether it’s people, ideas, content, culture, knowledge, services, solutions, or innovation – is valued more highly than anything produced from within. And there’re a few places where the reverse is true. It’s easy to see which country falls into each category by observing who and what is allowed to generate wealth in economies where indigenous opportunities are becoming increasingly sporadic. I’ve had decades to observe the technological evolution of many of the member states of the Caribbean Community. If we’re to remain viable in an evolving global order shaped by the technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution, we’re going to have to take a long hard look at how we treat to indigenous value and wealth creation. We can’t continue to privilege what comes from outside while devaluing and belittling the potential we have lying dormant at the core of who we are as a people. We must find ways to ensure widespread economic enfranchisement that enables the working classes to share ownership in the value that innovation and economic growth generate. This is one of the responsibilities of belonging. It’s the next, and perhaps most difficult, leg of the Caribbean’s independence journey. Have a listen to Episode 14, “Commissions: The Responsibilities of Belonging”, the final episode of the My Belonging podcast. As the series ends, I hope I’ve succeeded in encouraging virtual conversations around civic decay, national reconstruction and the idea of digital transformation. I’ll continue to explore these issues in 2024. I have some exciting speaking engagements and assignments coming up, as well as content I’ll be developing based on people’s interests and engagement. I’ll share more in the coming weeks and months. My profound thanks to everyone who has taken time to listen, participate, comment and support this evolving transformational agenda. I appreciate you!