Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s transforming classrooms around the world, including in the Caribbean. As nations across Latin America and the Caribbean begin embracing AI-powered education, the potential to:
✅ Close learning gaps
✅ Enhance teaching practices
✅ Improve student outcomes
is greater than ever. However, realizing this potential requires thoughtful integration, ethical oversight, and strategic investment.
Organizations like Dunn, Pierre Barnett & Company (DPBA) are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. DPBA, a Canadian-based consultancy with deep Caribbean roots, specializes in labour market assessments and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) development. Their work assists governments and institutions in aligning educational programs with current and future workforce demands, particularly in the context of AI integration.
In Saint Lucia, DPBA was contracted under the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project, funded by the World Bank, to conduct a comprehensive Labour Market Needs Assessment Survey. This six-month initiative, which began in May 2024, aims to collect data on the current academic offerings of national training institutions and the needs of the Saint Lucian labour market. The objectives include:
✅ Assessing the labour market to increase the relevance of TVET offerings
✅ Addressing issues such as unemployment and skills mismatches
✅ Understanding employer needs to equip the labour market with necessary skills
Similarly, in Guyana, DPBA was engaged by the government to conduct a national skills audit for the Ministries of Education and Labour. Commencing in early 2024, this six-month project seeks to:
✅ Provide data on the current workforce
✅ Analyze skills gaps
✅ Identify potential migrant labour needs
The audit is part of the Guyana Strengthening Human Capital Through Education Project, also funded by the World Bank. It aims to inform policies that enhance workforce capabilities and prepare for investments in education and TVET.
Through these initiatives, DPBA supports the strategic integration of AI in education by ensuring that training programs are aligned with labour market demands. Their assessments help identify areas where AI investment is needed in education, facilitating the development of curricula that equip students with relevant skills for the evolving job market. This approach not only enhances the quality of education but also promotes economic growth and resilience in the region.
1. The Promise of AI in Caribbean Education
According to the World Bank's report, “The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence in Education: What You Need to Know,” AI is driving educational innovations across Latin America and the Caribbean by:
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Enhancing personalized learning
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Streamlining administrative tasks
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Supporting teachers with lesson planning and feedback
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Identifying students at risk of dropping out
Source: The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence in Education – World Bank / ProFuturo Observatory
2. Nine AI Innovations Reshaping Education
The World Bank groups these innovations into three categories: teacher tools, student learning tools, and administrative solutions.
For Teachers
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AI-Powered Mentorship & Training
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AI-Based Feedback
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Lesson Planning Tools
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Automated Admin Routines
For Students
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AI Tutors for Personalized Learning
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Generative AI for Homework
For Administrators
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AI-Powered Assistants
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Early Warning Systems
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Resource Allocation Tools
Learn more from the World Bank and ProFuturo Observatory on how AI supports each category: ProFuturo Observatory
3. Challenges to Implementation in the Caribbean
Despite the potential, Caribbean nations face several challenges:
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Digital Infrastructure Gaps
Many rural and under-resourced schools lack internet access and hardware.
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Teacher Readiness
Not all educators have the training to effectively use AI tools.
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Data Privacy and Ethics
There’s a risk of algorithmic bias and data misuse without proper safeguards.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), improving digital equity is key to ensuring inclusive education.
Source: IDB Digital Skills Platform
4. Roadmap for Responsible AI Integration
To responsibly unlock AI’s power in Caribbean classrooms, policymakers and education leaders must prioritize:
1. Investment in Digital Infrastructure
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Expand internet access in schools
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Provide AI-ready hardware and software
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Support public-private partnerships to fund upgrades
2. Teacher Training and Support
3. Ethical and Inclusive Governance
4. Data Protection and Student Privacy
5. Global Examples the Caribbean Can Learn From
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Singapore: Uses AI to personalize learning journeys and reduce dropout rates.
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Finland: Applies AI to enhance education equity and teacher workload balance.
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South Korea: Invests in AI labs and coding education starting at early grades.
Explore case studies in the World Economic Forum's AI in Education toolkit: AI Toolkit
6. Conclusion: AI as a Catalyst for Caribbean Education Transformation
If harnessed strategically, AI can become a powerful equalizer in the Caribbean, offering:
However, this transformation must be inclusive, ethical, and transparent. It will require collaboration between governments, educators, technologists, and international partners to create an AI-ready education ecosystem.
Sources:
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St. Lucia Labour Market Needs Assessment Survey
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Guyana National Skills Audit by DPBA
Further Reading & Resources
