Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — 18th July 2025 – The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has officially launched the CTU Caribbean AI Task Force, a bold and strategic initiative to coordinate the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the region.
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.
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 underrepresented communities;
- 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 is pleased to announce that Dr. Craig Ramlal has been appointed Chair of the CTU 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, St. Augustine Campus. He 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 Hon. Dominic Smith, President of the CTU and Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Trinidad and Tobago. “The creation of this CTU Caribbean AI 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.”
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 Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap, the ITU’s AI for Good Global Summit and the CAF Roadmap for National AI Implementation presented at the UWI Five Islands AI Conference in July 2025. These frameworks reinforce the 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 CTU 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.
