Welcome to the IKCEST
Antigua and Barbuda Unveils Landmark AI Readiness Assessment Report

On 24 June 2025 a high-level plenary session was held at the Five Islands Campus of the University of the West Indies in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, that took place within the framework of the UWI Five Islands AI Conference, served as the official launch of the country's Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report, developed between the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and the Ministry of Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda’s pioneering efforts to assess its national ecosystem for ethical and inclusive AI deployment were showcased, revealing key strengths, gaps, and strategic pathways toward building an AI-ready country rooted in human rights, sustainability, and digital transformation. Government representatives shared policy reflections, strategic intent, and next steps, while the session emphasized existing priorities and the importance of continued regional dialogue around these issues.

The Honorable Melford Nicholas, Minister of Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda, stated that the Government envisions AI playing a key role in the delivery of education and health services, as well as in the interactions within the Government itself. He emphasized the need for a guiding framework to ensure the ethical use of AI and expressed hope that the report would help identify opportunities and gaps that can be addressed in Antigua and Barbuda.

Dr. Paul Hector, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and Advisor for Communication and Information, emphasized via a virtual address that the launch marked a “national milestone,” reflecting the country’s foresight and commitment to responsible AI governance. He reaffirmed UNESCO’s readiness to support the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in implementing the report’s recommendations through its network of experts and capacity-development tools.

 

Following the report presentation, a panel discussion featuring Ashton Fearon, CEO of TickeTing Inc.; and Andrew Doumith, CEO of AllMart, underscored the importance of creating opportunities for youth to engage with and address AI critical challenges. The panel also called on the public sector to provide greater access to open data streams to foster AI innovation, and to educate about AI sandboxes to ensure safe testing of applications prior to public release.

Original Text (This is the original text for your reference.)

On 24 June 2025 a high-level plenary session was held at the Five Islands Campus of the University of the West Indies in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, that took place within the framework of the UWI Five Islands AI Conference, served as the official launch of the country's Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report, developed between the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and the Ministry of Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda’s pioneering efforts to assess its national ecosystem for ethical and inclusive AI deployment were showcased, revealing key strengths, gaps, and strategic pathways toward building an AI-ready country rooted in human rights, sustainability, and digital transformation. Government representatives shared policy reflections, strategic intent, and next steps, while the session emphasized existing priorities and the importance of continued regional dialogue around these issues.

The Honorable Melford Nicholas, Minister of Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda, stated that the Government envisions AI playing a key role in the delivery of education and health services, as well as in the interactions within the Government itself. He emphasized the need for a guiding framework to ensure the ethical use of AI and expressed hope that the report would help identify opportunities and gaps that can be addressed in Antigua and Barbuda.

Dr. Paul Hector, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and Advisor for Communication and Information, emphasized via a virtual address that the launch marked a “national milestone,” reflecting the country’s foresight and commitment to responsible AI governance. He reaffirmed UNESCO’s readiness to support the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in implementing the report’s recommendations through its network of experts and capacity-development tools.

 

Following the report presentation, a panel discussion featuring Ashton Fearon, CEO of TickeTing Inc.; and Andrew Doumith, CEO of AllMart, underscored the importance of creating opportunities for youth to engage with and address AI critical challenges. The panel also called on the public sector to provide greater access to open data streams to foster AI innovation, and to educate about AI sandboxes to ensure safe testing of applications prior to public release.

Comments

    Something to say?

    Login or Sign up for free

    Disclaimer: The translated content is provided by third-party translation service providers, and IKCEST shall not assume any responsibility for the accuracy and legality of the content.
    Translate engine
    Article's language
    English
    中文
    Pусск
    Français
    Español
    العربية
    Português
    Kikongo
    Dutch
    kiswahili
    هَوُسَ
    IsiZulu
    Action
    Related

    Report

    Select your report category *



    Reason *



    By pressing send, your feedback will be used to improve IKCEST. Your privacy will be protected.

    Submit
    Cancel