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 The convergence of human insight and machine intelligence may dominate today’s headlines, but the concept of people and technology working together is far from new. 

While popular culture explored the relationship decades ago, today’s conversation has shifted decisively from caution to collaboration, emphasising the complementary strengths of Social Intelligence (SI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

That collaboration, captured in the theme “Human Hearts, Digital Minds,” defined the sixth Organisation Development Transformation Conference, which opened on Tuesday, June 23, at Summit Kingston.

Hosted by the Caribbean Centre for Organisation Development Excellence (CARI-CODE) and the Caribbean Organisation Development Network (CODN), this year’s conference expanded on previous discussions of harmonising SI and AI for regenerative, sustainable change. Against the backdrop of Hurricane Melissa’s lingering impact and the start of another Atlantic hurricane season, the opening sessions focused on three interconnected priorities: Recovery, Resilience and Resurgence.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay outlined a comprehensive post-Melissa national security agenda, arguing that modern security extends well beyond traditional crime-fighting. Instead, she advocated a broader framework encompassing energy security, health security, environmental and climate resilience, food security and economic stability.

Highlighting the leadership required during times of crisis, SSP Lindsay cited Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s immediate response following Hurricane Melissa and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s continuing transformation in communications and operational effectiveness, supported by the strategic deployment of technology.

The conference also emphasised that rebuilding communities requires more than restoring physical infrastructure.

Psychologist Corent McDonald of Beyond Relief, a CARI-CODE initiative, stressed that psychosocial recovery must be treated as an essential component of disaster response.

“You cannot put concrete over trauma,” McDonald observed, noting that many Jamaicans continue to carry the cumulative psychological effects of repeated natural disasters that have never been fully addressed.

Private-sector leaders shared similar lessons from their own recovery efforts.

Ryan Matthew, Corporate Director of Human Resources at Sandals Resorts International, reflected on the company’s post-Melissa response, describing both the challenges faced and the unexpected successes achieved. Among these was a staff care package initiative that gained widespread public attention after a team member’s video went viral online.

 “Effective leadership during crises must be visible, authentic and consistently present to restore confidence and meet the diverse needs of employees,” Matthew emphasised. 

He argued that the private sector has a vital role to play in national recovery and resilience.

Representing the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), Gina Tomlinson Williams shared a deeply personal example from the utility’s emergency response, recalling a routine operational check-in that took an unexpected turn when a team member revealed he could not locate his mother in the storm’s aftermath.

Although the situation ended positively, Williams said the experience reinforced valuable lessons about authentic communication, coordinated action and compassionate leadership during emergencies.

Human Wisdom & Technology 

The conference then shifted its focus toward the future of human-centred technology.

University of Technology, Jamaica President Dr Kevin Brown opened his presentation with a compelling scenario: a nurse using artificial intelligence and telemedicine to diagnose and save the life of a critically ill patient while working alone in a health facility at 2 a.m.

The example framed a broader discussion on the relationship between human wisdom and technology, with Dr. Brown outlining five pillars of AI readiness: clarity, maturity, agility, ethical deployment and courage.

As organisations confront growing complexity and increasing demands for speed, trust and purpose from both customers and employees, he argued that thoughtfully integrating social intelligence with artificial intelligence, supported by clear governance and ethical policy, offers the most sustainable path forward.

In her opening remarks, CARI-CODE Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chair Ilsa duVerney described organisation development as “more than a profession—it is a movement,” she said.

 According to the CARI-CODE Founder, the movement is grounded in dignity, inclusion, justice and a belief in humanity’s capacity to grow, thrive and transform. Referencing the work of organization development pioneer Kurt Lewin, duVerney reminded delegates that while technology is a powerful enabler, lasting progress depends on people.

“Technology alone cannot create a better future,” she said.