As artificial intelligence and digital innovation reshape global industries and labor markets around the world, small island developing states face a critical choice: invest in foundational digital capabilities to compete, or risk being left behind by the rapidly accelerating digital transition. Barbados’ Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, has laid out an urgent call to action for the Caribbean nation, emphasizing that closing widespread digital skills gaps is non-negotiable to capitalize on the unique advantages the digital economy can offer to small island economies.