Caribbean AI Task Force launched to guide ethical, inclusive AI development in Region

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has officially launched the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force—an ambitious and strategic initiative aimed at coordinating the development and governance of AI across the region.
This milestone represents a significant step towards ensuring the Caribbean is not only prepared for the global AI revolution, but is also actively shaping its trajectory in line with regional values, priorities, and sustainable development goals.

According to the CTU press release, the Task Force will focus on four key objectives: harmonising AI policies and regulatory frameworks across Caribbean countries to foster legal certainty and interoperability; building regional AI capacity and talent, with a special focus on youth, women and traditionally under-represented communities; promoting inclusive, ethical and responsible AI to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs); and fostering cross-sector collaboration and innovation, bringing together governments, academia, the private sector and civil society.
The CTU announced that Dr Craig Ramlal has been appointed Chair of the Caribbean AI Task Force. Dr Ramlal is a distinguished academic, AI researcher and Head of the Control Systems Group in Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus. He was recognised by the United Nations (UN) as one of 39 pre-eminent AI leaders for his expertise in AI and machine learning theory and applications for Caribbean development. Dr Ramlal is also a leading advocate for the ethical and responsible use of digital technologies across the region.
“We must recognise that we are stepping into a new era; one where AI must be seen not only as a technological tool but as a transformative force. If guided ethically and inclusively, it can help us tackle some of our most urgent development challenges,” Dominic Smith, President of the CTU and Minister of Public Administration and AI, Trinidad and Tobago, said.
He pointed out that the creation of the Task Force was both a response and a recognition of responsibility. “It represents a unified Caribbean commitment to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in ways that reflect our shared values, address our unique challenges and advance our vision for inclusive, resilient growth,” he added.
Dr Ramlal echoed this sentiment, stating, “This Task Force represents an essential platform for the Caribbean to shape its own AI agenda, one that prioritises ethics, equity and empowerment. I look forward to working with regional stakeholders to chart a path forward that reflects our shared values and aspirations.”
The initiative builds on momentum from several recent developments, including the UNESCO Caribbean AI Policy Roadmap, the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit, and the CAF Roadmap for National AI Implementation—all presented at the UWI Five Islands AI Conference in July 2025—underscore the growing need for coordinated, ethical, and locally relevant AI strategies in developing regions.
The CTU also commended the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for its recent articulation of a vision for an AI-powered public service, highlighting the importance of national leadership in digital transformation.
The Caribbean AI Task Force will comprise experts and representatives from across the region and is expected to deliver policy recommendations; develop model legislation; and support pilot projects that demonstrate the value of AI for sustainable development in the Caribbean.