Assessing the Preparedness of Caribbean Nations for AI and Strategies for Advancement

Caribbean nations are lagging in artificial intelligence (AI) development due to insufficient infrastructure, workforce, and applications. A recent UN ECLAC report highlights the need for investment in 5G networks and AI-ready data centers to support AI industry growth.

The 2023 Government AI Readiness Index ranks the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago as the best-prepared countries in the region, although they still trail behind global counterparts. ECLAC also notes the need for further study on regulatory readiness due to information gaps.

ECLAC emphasizes that Caribbean nations must pass laws to regulate areas affected by AI, such as data protection, privacy, and cybercrime. No national AI laws exist in the region, and globally, AI regulations are still in the early stages.

Some Caribbean countries, including Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, and Jamaica, are exploring AI legislation. Antigua & Barbuda is considering a model based on the EU AI Act, while Jamaica has formed a task force to develop national strategies for AI.

The study also highlights the importance of data centers in supporting AI workloads. While no AI-specific data center projects are underway, Curaçao recently opened a facility advertised as “AI-ready.”

However, it is not clear if this facility can handle the high energy and processing demands of AI. The Caribbean Datacenter Association (CDA) was launched in 2023 to foster collaboration on digital infrastructure, but it is still in its early stages.

Infrastructure development is hindered by high costs, and the region lacks the supercomputers and data centers required to support AI. ECLAC urges governments to collaborate on resilient, climate-smart solutions for data centers. Broadband infrastructure is costly, and advanced networks like 5G may be unaffordable for many citizens.

Workforce limitations also pose a challenge. ECLAC recommends targeted training programs, public-private partnerships, and policies to foster digital skills and attract tech investments. Governments should assess student enrollment in ICT courses and establish strategies to close gender gaps and retain AI talent to avoid “brain drain.”