In a landmark achievement for technology-enhanced education, Barbados has unseated four-time defending champions Trinidad and Tobago to capture the Caribbean Title Trophy through an artificial intelligence-driven virtual stock market competition. The victory marks a significant breakthrough in financial literacy development across CARICOM nations, signaling a transformative shift in how students engage with economic concepts and market dynamics.
The five victorious students—Loki Clarke, Noah Clarke, Theon Birkett, Sarrayah Yearwood and Ajani Webster Worrell—were honored at Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation amidst gathering of educators, financial sector leaders, and regional stakeholders. Their triumph in the WizdomCRM Virtual Stock Market Game from September to December 2025 represents both national pride and educational innovation.
Barbados Stock Exchange CEO Marlon Yarde characterized the achievement as revolutionary for Caribbean financial education. “This moment truly signals a new era in financial education in the Caribbean,” Yarde stated, emphasizing that Barbados had secured “a first for our country and an achievement of which we can be immensely proud.” He credited regional collaboration and technological innovation for driving this educational breakthrough.
The AI-driven platform employed generative artificial intelligence and gamification techniques to simulate real-world financial decision-making. Participants managed virtual portfolios across regional and international markets, developing critical analytical skills through hands-on experience with market risks, data interpretation, and investment strategies.
According to competition data, Barbadian students demonstrated remarkable engagement levels, executing 128,960 trades on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and 27,379 trades on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange. Their investment focus concentrated primarily within transportation, consumer products, and travel and leisure sectors.
Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw described the victory as a historic turning point that reflects Barbados’ broader educational reform agenda. “We have officially claimed the Caribbean Title Trophy, ending four consecutive years of Trinidad and Tobago’s dominance,” she announced, adding that such initiatives position students as “global digital citizens ready to make their mark in a rapidly evolving world.”
Several schools were recognized for their outstanding performance, including Alexandra, Queen’s College, St Michael’s, Combermere, Frederick Smith Secondary, Harrison College and Grantley Adams Memorial. Individual excellence was particularly noted in Loki Clarke, who executed 113,873 trades to secure top position, followed by Noah Clarke with 34,286 trades.
The program originated during COVID-19 pandemic response efforts when WizdomCRM Caribbean Limited developed innovative remote learning solutions at the Ministry of Education’s request. Participants receive US$25,000 in virtual funds to practice budgeting and investing across multiple cross-border exchanges while benefiting from integrated AI tutoring systems.
“We believe that every child should have an AI assistant at the palm of their hands,” said Country Manager Charielle Plowden, noting the platform’s expansion across additional Caribbean territories including Cayman Islands and Bahamas. The initiative continues to strengthen collaboration among stock exchanges, government ministries, and regional education bodies.
Ethan Knowles, Regional Communications Supervisor at RF Merchant Bank and Trust, underscored the program’s significance for youth development: “We’re very pleased to support this programme which is empowering young people across the Caribbean to pursue flourishing financial futures.”
For participants like Loki Clarke, the experience proved transformative: “My career path has been completely altered. The game has really helped me with this AI platform in developing my skills and also financial literacy.” While maintaining confidentiality about his specific strategy, Clarke acknowledged focusing primarily on Jamaican and Trinidadian markets with daily trading activities.