CARICOM SG warns of tech divide as global African community faces ongoing injustices

…Calls on PFPAD to Prioritise Inclusive Development

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, has warned that as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to develop exponentially, Africans and people of African descent are at risk of being further left behind if education, innovation, and inclusive governance frameworks are not prioritised.
She made this statement during her address at the 4th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

“As Artificial Intelligence continues to develop exponentially, Africans and people of African descent are at risk of being further left behind. Inequitable access to AI tools and training, further widens the digital divide, disadvantaging people of African heritage and their businesses, leaving them ill-equipped to effectively compete in a rapidly evolving global economy in which AI is increasingly a critical factor,” she said.
Amidst these challenges, Dr Barnett proposed strategies to prevent further marginalisation of Africans and people of African descent.
“To navigate these vulnerabilities, it is important for the Permanent Forum to advocate for inclusive policy frameworks and initiatives, and for investments in digital literacy, science and technology, and innovation. If we are to thrive in this era, we must prioritise education and innovation, and advocate for inclusive governance frameworks.”
Meanwhile, she shed light on ongoing issues in Haiti, stating that the upcoming anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention to, and deepen the understanding of, the country’s plight.
“Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim. April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France, as reparations for loss of property—including enslaved Africans—and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence,” she said.
She added, “The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today. As such, I commend the Forum for putting the spotlight on Haiti in your Closing Session. This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti, and serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian, and governance crises in the country.”
Dr Barnett also emphasised Africa’s rich legacy in knowledge and innovation, including contributions to mathematics, engineering, astronomy, agriculture, traditional healing, and philosophy.
“This legacy must now be reclaimed and recognised in development and management, including the regulation of Artificial Intelligence,” she asserted.
She further pointed out that the Forum must also take a stand against the use of AI technologies—through their applications and algorithms—to perpetuate racial discrimination.
In closing, she encouraged participants to use the event as an opportunity to pool collective knowledge and expertise, and to strengthen their commitment to improving the lives of Africans and people of African descent around the world.
“I encourage everyone to continue to work together to eradicate deeply embedded structures of racism and inequality, and to build inclusive societies where the human rights of all people, including African people, are respected. I wish the Permanent Forum continued success and fruitful deliberations,” she concluded.