Trinidad and Tobago has emerged as a strategic partner in global artificial intelligence advancement through a groundbreaking collaboration with OpenAI. Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dominic Smith announced the nation’s selection as one of six countries worldwide to pilot OpenAI’s Education for Countries initiative during a post-Cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on January 22.
The partnership places Trinidad and Tobago alongside Estonia, Greece, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and the United Arab Emirates in testing this transformative educational framework. The initiative aims to revolutionize national education systems by integrating advanced AI tools directly into academic institutions, from primary schools to universities.
Minister Smith emphasized that this collaboration represents a pivotal milestone within the government’s official policy framework, positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a regional leader in AI integration. “OpenAI is globally recognized for its mission to ensure advanced intelligence benefits all of humanity,” Smith stated, referencing the company’s creation of ChatGPT, which has significantly enhanced global productivity and problem-solving capabilities.
The partnership focuses on three core pillars aligned with the ministry’s vision: digital services enhancement, smart government efficiency, and progression toward a fully realized digital nation. Through the introduction of capabilities like ChatGPT Edu, the initiative seeks to personalize learning experiences, reduce administrative burdens on educators, and equip the workforce with essential AI-related skills.
Concurrently, the ministry is conducting a comprehensive AI readiness assessment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNESCO, utilizing their specialized assessment methodologies. Additionally, a three-day Data to Policy workshop running from January 21-23 is equipping senior public servants with practical skills in integrating data and AI into policy development.
Addressing concerns about job security amidst AI adoption, Minister Smith affirmed the government’s position that “technology should not replace people” but rather augment human capabilities. The ministry has implemented numerous human development initiatives through partnerships with global leaders in ethical AI implementation to prepare workers for technological transformation through retooling and upskilling programs.
Regarding remote work policies initiated by the previous administration, Smith confirmed the government is actively analyzing the framework through inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Labour Minister, with plans to share further developments publicly once assessments are complete.