Belize is at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution, as highlighted during the Digital Leadership Conference held in Belize City on November 13, 2025. Experts emphasized the urgent need for businesses and individuals to adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain, Managing Director of Chamberlain Consulting Limited, revealed that while AI is projected to displace 70 million jobs globally by the end of 2026, it will simultaneously create over 300 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 90 million jobs. This underscores the necessity for Belizeans to embrace reskilling and digital literacy. Maynor Larrieu, Managing Director at Avant Garde, noted that Belize is still in the early stages of AI adoption, particularly in sectors like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), which employs over 20,000 Belizeans. Christian Junior, CEO of Rhics UK, stressed that effective training can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Sonia Ceballos, Managing Director at Socias Limited, highlighted AI’s potential to optimize repetitive tasks, enabling small businesses to focus on growth. However, the conference also addressed the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water and energy consumption. Susannah Hill, a sustainable computing consultant, warned that AI data centers consume millions of gallons of water daily, raising sustainability concerns. To mitigate these impacts, users are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using chatbots judiciously, leveraging offline features, and advocating for sustainable AI development.
