THE potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and save time is rapidly gaining recognition in Jamaica, with one stakeholder now examining how the technology can positively transform the local labour force.

Speaking at the 2025 Labour Market Forum held recently under the theme ‘AI and Us: The New Machine-Human Partnership’, director general of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Dr Wayne Henry said that AI is poised to be a key driver of economic transformation.

He noted that AI not only offers tools to increase efficiency and productivity, but also unlocks new economic opportunities. Beyond contributing to Jamaica’s Vision 2030 goals and enhancing global competitiveness, the technology, he said also presents a viable pathway to higher-value employment, particularly in digital services, data science, and advanced analytics.

“Artificial intelligence offers immense opportunities to boost productivity, unlock entrepreneurial potential and to create new and higher-value jobs in the Jamaican labour market and it is already transforming significant aspects of our society. For instance, AI could help farmers to predict weather patterns and manage crops using prior data, while in tourism, it could improve customer service through AI-powered data,” Henry stated.

“AI has proven and continues to be a remarkable technological tool that is both fascinating and transformative in its far-reaching influence and impact on the labour market,” he further noted.

As a powerful force reshaping global industries, Henry said that AI also presents immense opportunities for social improvement, economic growth and advancement in finding solutions to the myriad of problems that was once perceived to be beyond human comprehension.

He, however, noted that while AI presents unprecedented possibilities, there are also some risks and dangers that must be considered.

“One of the significant concerns is the displacement of jobs, especially sectors which are exposed to AI-driven automation, such as the business process outsourcing sector. AI is most likely to adversely impact jobs which are routine and repetitive in nature, for example data entry and customer service growth,” he said, as he called for issues such as bias in algorithms, data privacy and the potential for increased inequality to be carefully managed.

“It is critical that we ensure that our labour force is equipped to reap all the benefits in this new age.”

Pointing to the demographic shift taking place locally, Henry also said that as the country is faced with aging population and a shrinking working-age cohort, these threaten to negatively impact long-term labour productivity and to strain social services.

“As AI continues to be developed and improve, its full long-term impact on the labour market remains difficult to predict. This dynamic landscape underscores the critical importance of lifelong learning and adaptability for the workforce. Our education and training system therefore needs to adapt to ensure that our workforce is able to meet the demand for skills such as creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence,” the director general also said.

With artificial intelligence emerging as both a strategic opportunity and a potential disruptor, Henry underscored the importance of preparing the labour force, regulating the technology effectively and aligning national economic strategies with the realities of the rapidly changing global landscape.

Highlighting the work of Jamaica’s National Artificial Intelligence Task Force — which has submitted recommendations for a comprehensive policy framework including legal and ethical guidelines and support for public-private partnerships to drive innovation and workforce development — Henry likewise emphasised the importance of equipping the labour force with the skills needed to navigate the digital era.

“Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the Jamaican labour market and by embracing its potential and proactively addressing its challenges, we can build a labour market that is more efficient, innovative, and inclusive,” he stated.