AI Governance and Regulatory Framework for Education in the Region
Recently a research study was released about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education and workforce development in small island territories. Although there was a particular focus on the Cayman Islands, there was much to be learned. As a British Overseas Territory and sub-national island jurisdiction (SNIJ), the Cayman Islands functions as a de facto Commonwealth country due to its constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom. A similar relationship exists between Curaçao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The research explores AI’s potential to enhance educational outcomes while addressing workforce gaps within the unique socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the Caribbean. It proposes a strategic framework to guide Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and sub-national island jurisdictions (SNIJs) facing similar challenges in economic development and labor market adaptation. By emphasizing early AI adoption, ethical considerations and regional cooperation, the research advocates for the development of resilient, future-ready workforce equipped to navigate an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
The Caribbean stands at an intersection of technological evolution, confronting the essential challenges of navigating AI’s expansion with an ethos of inclusivity, equity, and prudent oversight.
Countries with large minimum wage workforces face a double-edged challenge when implementing AI: rising labor costs push businesses to automate low-skilled tasks, but the transition threatens to displace workers who lack the digital skills needed for new, AI-augmented roles. This dynamic significantly strains the labor market and economic equality. Three areas of concern that need to be addressed in labor laws are accelerated displacement vs skills gaps in the workforce, wage suppression, and economic inequality and the “global divide”.
