The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence (MPAAI) has officially launched Trinidad and Tobago’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment.
The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aims to evaluate the country’s preparedness for AI adoption across critical sectors.
UNDP’s Resident Representative Ugo Blanco described the launch as a historic moment for Trinidad and Tobago, calling it “possibly the biggest technological shift we will see in our lifetime.”
“The UN is coming together in Trinidad and Tobago to do something we haven’t done in other countries in the world — that is happening in Trinidad and Tobago — which is adding the capacities of the UNDP to the benefits of UNESCO, who is very strong in terms of ethics and governance of AI.”
In his address, Line Minister Dominic Smith said the Government is committed to building a public service that is agile, trusted, competitive, and delivers citizen-centric solutions, while positioning T&T as a leader in the digital governance space.
“We can enable advanced technology in health, education, agriculture, and justice and most certainly, we can position Trinidad and Tobago as one of the leading small island developing states in responsible AI adoption.”
Minister Smith also noted that Trinidad and Tobago will become the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean region to undertake such a comprehensive AI readiness assessment.
“This collaboration sets a new benchmark for the region and demonstrates what is possible when we work together for a shared digital future. Together, you and I, and everyone sitting here, we will build a modern, inclusive, future-ready Trinidad and Tobago: a nation where technology expands opportunity for every single citizen.”
It was also highlighted at the event that Minister Smith is a trailblazer — the Caribbean’s first Minister dedicated to artificial intelligence and one of only six worldwide entrusted with an AI-focused portfolio.