The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has launched a significant regional initiative, the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force, aimed at guiding the ethical, inclusive, and responsible development of AI across the region. This strategic move positions the Caribbean to actively shape its AI trajectory, ensuring alignment with regional priorities, values, and development goals. The establishment of this task force marks a pivotal moment for the region as it prepares for the global AI revolution.
Guiding Principles and Objectives
The CTU Caribbean AI Task Force is mandated to achieve four primary objectives. Firstly, it will focus on harmonizing AI policies and regulatory frameworks among Caribbean nations to ensure legal certainty and interoperability. This harmonization is crucial for fostering a cohesive approach to AI development and deployment. Secondly, the task force aims to build regional AI capacity and talent, with a particular emphasis on empowering youth, women, and traditionally underrepresented communities. This objective underscores a commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to AI’s benefits. Thirdly, the initiative will promote inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI practices that support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, the task force is dedicated to fostering cross-sector collaboration and innovation by bringing together governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society stakeholders.
Leadership and Expertise
Dr. Craig Ramlal, a distinguished academic and AI researcher, has been appointed as the chair of the CTU Caribbean AI Task Force. Dr. Ramlal leads the Control Systems Group in Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. His expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning theory and applications for Caribbean development has been recognized globally, including by the United Nations, which named him one of 39 preeminent AI leaders. He is also a strong advocate for the ethical and responsible use of digital technologies across the region.
Four prominent Jamaicans have been appointed to serve on the task force, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise. Christopher Reckord, a seasoned technology entrepreneur and advisor with nearly four decades of experience in business strategy, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, also chairs Jamaica’s National Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Dr. Sean Thorpe, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at the University of Technology, Jamaica, is a leading researcher in areas such as cloud computing and information security. Cordel Green, an attorney-at-law and Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, brings extensive legal and regulatory experience, particularly in media and information accessibility. Deidre Cousins, Chief Information Officer at GraceKennedy Limited, is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in IT governance, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Context and Implications for the Caribbean
The establishment of the Caribbean AI Task Force comes at a critical juncture for the region. While AI presents immense opportunities for economic growth, improved public services, and addressing development challenges, it also poses risks, including exacerbating existing inequalities and privacy concerns. A recent UN study highlighted that many Caribbean countries are in the early stages of AI policy development, with limited AI-specific legislation. The Oxford Insights’ 2024 Government AI Readiness Index also noted that Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the least prepared regions for AI globally, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated strategies.
The task force is expected to deliver tangible outputs, including model legislation, policy recommendations, and support for pilot projects that demonstrate AI’s value in sustainable development and regional growth. This initiative builds upon existing regional efforts, such as the UNESCO Caribbean AI Policy Roadmap and the CARICOM Security Strategy’s focus on AI. By harmonizing policies and fostering collaboration, the task force aims to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in ways that reflect the region’s shared values, address its unique challenges, and advance its vision for inclusive, resilient growth, positioning the Caribbean as a proactive participant in the global technology landscape.
The initiative signifies a unified Caribbean commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence responsibly, ensuring that this transformative technology serves the needs and aspirations of its people.