Trinidad and Tobago is making significant strides in embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its national development strategy. Under the leadership of Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and AI, the country has launched a National AI Assessment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNESCO. This initiative aims to evaluate the nation’s readiness to adopt AI technologies and ensure ethical and inclusive implementation. The assessment employs two key tools: UNDP’s Artificial Intelligence Landscape Assessment (AILA) methodology and UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). These tools will identify institutional and regulatory gaps while fostering an ethical AI ecosystem. The launch event, held on November 26 at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain, brought together public and private stakeholders, civil society, and international representatives. Smith emphasized the transformative potential of AI, stating that it could modernize public services, enhance productivity, and create high-value jobs. However, he acknowledged challenges such as skills gaps, cybersecurity, and public trust. The government plans to roll out training initiatives to upskill citizens and position Trinidad and Tobago as a leading AI-driven island state. The findings of the assessment are expected to be publicly released in March/April 2026, marking a pivotal step in the country’s digital transformation journey.