Local media can leverage AI to enhance operations, but human factor still needed – CDB’s Dr Boyce

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day 2025 celebrations, Dr Toussant Boyce of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) highlighted ways Guyana’s media fraternity can harness artificial intelligence (AI) in the years ahead but at the same time, he emphasized that human touch remains essential in today’s digital age.

Dr Boyce, a certified anti-money laundering specialist, was at the time speaking Guyana Press Association organized lecture last Thursday. He told local journalists that he is passionate about leveraging global financial insights and emerging technologies like AI to drive progress in the Caribbean. Through his role at the CDB, he has delivered impactful thought leadership across the region.
During his address at the GPA lecture, Dr. Boyce outlined the possibilities AI presents for enhancing journalism in Guyana—from improving efficiency to expanding reach.
He noted that AI can assist reporters and journalists, particularly when they are assigned to cover stories in outdoor or potentially risky situations.
“In the future, there will be the ability to use AI for things like risk assessments before you go into the field to do a story,” he said.
“You’ll be able to have on your phone, or somewhere nearby, an AI app that will give you as complete a risk assessment as possible of what you’re about to do. You’ll be able to ensure your safety,” he stated urging persons to have their selves abreast of the innovations that AI can bring.
He further added that, in time, media practitioners may even determine whether it is necessary to physically visit a location at all.
From his view, he foresees AI systems capable of leveraging every bit of public information in a space—spanning CCTV footage, directional data, geospatial inputs, and more—to give precise insights before a journalist even leaves home or the office.
According to Dr. Boyce, this innovation could fundamentally change the dynamic of journalism, especially on occasions like World Press Freedom Day, as it relates to the safety of media professionals.
Despite the many advantages AI offers to the media, Dr. Boyce emphasized the enduring importance of the human factor.
“I recommend that young journalists invest time and energy in learning about AI and applying it safely and ethically. I don’t believe AI will replace you. It’s the other young journalists using AI who will replace you. And remember too, things are moving so very quickly—we have to be patient as well.”
He also encouraged seasoned journalists to dedicate time and energy toward learning more about AI.
On that note, he highlighted the unmatched creativity of Guyanese journalists.
“It will never truly replace you either, because you have unique knowledge, insights, nuances, etc. And I think your creativity is unmatched. I have seen the work of Guyanese journalists, and it’s excellent. In some ways, your creativity provides a type of leadership to young journalists that I believe will be very, very hard for AI to replicate.”
He went on to explain that humans have a different way of thinking—one that can gain from disasters, from hurt, from shocks and volatility.
Meanwhile, Dr Boyce recommended that policymakers ensure a level playing field between artificial intelligence and media workers.
“My recommendation for policymakers is to ensure—or at least be aware—that we can achieve a balanced regulatory environment that ensures transparency and accountability, without limiting, to our detriment, the use of technologies like AI. And now is the time, I believe, to establish sovereign AI. I think countries like Guyana are very well poised. As I said, we have a treasury of data that’s indigenous to us, which requires not only protection but also very sensitive and careful use by all concerned.”
He added that the media is at the center of this data ecosystem: “You interact with all that information; you create a lot of that information; and you are also able to act on that information. I believe, from an action point of view, we’ve just scraped the surface of AI’s impact.”
Sovereign AI refers to a nations or region’s ability to control, create, and deploy AI models using its own infrastructure, data, and workforce.