National research and education networks (NRENs) are formal entities that use advanced networking technology and services for research and education, knowledge transfer as well as international cooperation. 

The CKLN is actively addressing the lack of NRENs in the Caribbean, as these will be the major users of C@ribNET. Over the past few months, the Tertiary Units of the respective Ministries of Education in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica have begun engaging the relevant institutions in order to develop the nucleus for NREN establishment in the respective countries. These Units have taken on the responsibility of coordinating and working with institutions such as universities, community, technical and other colleges, libraries, as well as health and culture organisations. They are moving ahead with the necessary governance, financing and registration processes with the intention of having their NRENs registered in early in 2012. 

CKLN’s next major initiative in this arena is to facilitate the countries in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to start conversations with relevant institutions in member states towards developing an OECS REN. Initial feedback from government representatives in the OECS, as with the other countries, indicates strong support for this process.

More information on NREN development can be found on this website (under C@ribNET).