PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has officially launched the Caribbean AI Task Force, describing it as a bold and strategic initiative to coordinate the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the region.

The CTU said that this milestone marks a significant step forward in ensuring the Caribbean is not only prepared for the global AI revolution but is actively shaping its direction in alignment with regional priorities, values and development goals.

It said that the task force will focus on four key objectives, namely the harmonising AI policies and regulatory frameworks across Caribbean countries to foster legal certainty and interoperability as well as building regional AI capacity and talent, with a special focus on youth, women and traditionally underrepresented communities.

The task force will also focus on promoting inclusive, ethical and responsible AI to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering cross-sector collaboration and innovation, bringing together governments, academia, the private sector and civil society.

The CTU said that Dr Craig Ramlal, a distinguished academic, AI researcher and head of the Control Systems Group in Electrical and Computer Engineering at St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), has been appointed chair of the Caribbean AI Task Force.

Dr Ramlal was recognised by the United Nations as one of 39 preeminent AI leaders for his expertise in artificial intelligence 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,” said CTU president and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith.

“The creation of this task force is both a response to that opportunity and a recognition of our 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,” Smith added.

Dr Ramlal said that the 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,” he said.