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Advancing Regional AI Collaboration at UNLOCKING AI
 Launch of The UWI St. Augustine’s Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre (AIIC)

 
LINKAGE Q4 (2025) - HSSE 360: INNOVATION FOR RESILIENCE
Leading policymakers, technologists, academics and industry leaders gathered on December 13th, 2025 at the Radisson Hotel, Port-of-Spain for UNLOCKING AI: Collaborate. Create. Transform., a conference organised by the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre (AIIC) and hosted at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. The event underscored the Caribbean’s growing focus on building ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence systems that are aligned with development priorities.
A key highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration. It establishes a framework for shared action around AI, with particular emphasis on supporting small and vulnerable states as they navigate opportunities and risks.
Signing of the MoU. Seated (l–r) are Prof. Bheshem Ramlal, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UWI St Augustine Campus Principal Prof. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and Dr Craig Ramlal.
AMCHAM T&T supported the conference as part of its broader commitment to digital transformation and the advancement of the technology sector. AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie moderated the panel session “AI Future, Partnerships & Challenges”, which examined how Caribbean countries are crafting early AI agendas and piloting use cases before exploring how these efforts can be woven into a coherent regional and international approach. Collectively, the panel underscored the importance of vertically aligned AI governance, where national initiatives reinforce one another.
The discussion was anchored by insights from Kirk Sookram, Working Group Lead of the Caribbean AI Task Force and Deputy CEO of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. He presented key elements of the Task Force’s Interim Report and addressed issues such as harmonised policy frameworks and balancing regional consistency with national capacity and context.
From a global governance perspective, Rebekah Hayoung Woo, Policy Officer with the United Nations Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies, examined the emerging international architecture for AI governance. Her presentation addressed multilateral cooperation and global initiatives such as the UN’s three pillars of cooperation, highlighting how regions like the Caribbean can meaningfully engage in shaping global norms rather than merely adopting them.
The practical implementation of responsible AI was explored by Diya Wynn, Principal of Responsible AI and Public Policy at Amazon Web Services. Her contribution focused on translating ethical principles into operational workflows and safeguards, bridging the gap between policy intent and real-world AI deployment.
“AI Future, Partnerships & Challenges” Panel. L–r: Irwin Williams, Head of Software Development, (iGovTT); Nirad Tewarie, CEO, (AMCHAM T&T); Dr. Craig Ramlal, Executive Director (Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre); Celina Lee, CEO, (Zindi); Diya Wynn – Principal of Responsible AI and Public Policy, (Amazon Web Services); Sherry Mc Millan, Executive Officer Corporate Communications, (TATT); Rebekah Hayoung Woo, Policy Officer, Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies, (United Nations); Kirk Sookram, Deputy CEO, (TATT); Kurleigh Prescod, CEO, (TATT)
Rounding out the discussion, Dr. Craig Ramlal, Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre, provided insight into connecting policy. Drawing on his experience across regional and international AI initiatives, he emphasised the role of AIIC as a practical innovation hub capable of supporting responsible experimentation.
For AMCHAM T&T, participation in UNLOCKING AI and support for the MoU reflect its ongoing commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for Caribbean development. Engagements such as this are critical to the Chamber’s work in supporting its members as they navigate digital transformation. By fostering informed dialogue, the Chamber helps ensure that Caribbean businesses are better equipped to adopt AI responsibly.