At the 5th IR Artificial Intelligence conference hosted by the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson issued a stark warning to Caribbean nations.

He unequivocally declared that failing to keep pace with technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), would result in being left behind in what he termed ‘the great separation.’

Professor Robinson backed his warning with historical evidence, highlighting the significant economic shifts that occurred post-1500s.

He emphasized how Europe and North America surged ahead, commanding over fifty percent of the global economy, while China took centuries to catch up after the Industrial Revolution.

Expressing deep concern about the potential consequences of AI adoption, the professor issued a call to action, stressing the urgency of addressing this issue and other pressing challenges faced by the Caribbean, most notably the climate crisis.

Moreover, Professor Robinson urged immediate and collaborative action to ensure that the Caribbean region remains at the forefront of AI and other technological advancements.