Senator the Honourable Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, has called for a new era of collaboration among government, industry, academia and civil society to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence and digital transformation for the benefit of all citizens.
Speaking at the AMCHAM T&T Tech Hub Islands Summit earlier today, Minister Smith said Trinidad and
Tobago has reached a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey, where success will be measured by the impact technology has on people’s lives. “The question is no longer whether we should embrace technology, but whether we are using technology to create meaningful change. Technology has value only when it delivers meaningful outcomes for people,” he said.
The Minister highlighted VerifyTT as a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enabling trusted digital identities and laying the foundation for more seamless, secure and integrated public services. He said this work forms part of a broader agenda to modernise government and improve the citizen experience.
He also outlined plans to digitise more public services, including applications for birth certificates, certificates of character, passports, and other high-demand government services, making interactions with the State faster, simpler and more convenient.
Minister Smith reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce through the Future Ready TT initiative, a partnership between the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence and the Ministry of Education. Through the initiative, citizens will gain practical digital and AI skills needed to participate and compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Referencing World Economic Forum projections that nearly 40 per cent of workers’ core skills will change by 2030, the Minister stressed the importance of lifelong learning and responsible AI adoption.
Minister Smith also highlighted strategic partnerships with international organisations and governments,
including the European Union, Estonia, Denmark, India and the United Arab Emirates, describing international cooperation as essential to accelerating Trinidad and Tobago’s digital transformation while learning from global best practice. He noted that a recent AI pilot programme within the public service increased productivity by approximately 75 per cent across selected workflows, demonstrating AI’s ability to improve efficiency and enhance public service delivery.
As the first Caribbean nation to establish a Ministry dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Trinidad and Tobago continues to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and the responsible adoption of AI.
Concluding his address, Minister Smith urged government, industry, educators and innovators to work together to build a digitally enabled Trinidad and Tobago. “Technology must never surpass our humanity. People must always remain at the centre of technology.”