Jamaica’s first artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory will be launched on September 1,

As the brainchild of founder Dushyant Savadia, and through a Government project, the AI Lab will be managed by the Amber Group and the University of Technology (UTech).

Minister of Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Senator Audrey Marks, addressed the audience at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston last Friday (June 6) at the event, entitled ‘Jamaica Tomorrow: Unveiling the future of AI‘.

Below is her full speech:

Let me begin by underscoring the critical role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in shaping Jamaica’s future. AI is no longer just a tool of convenience—it is a powerful driver of economic transformation, job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness.

With the global AI market expected to reach nearly US$3.6 trillion by 2034, Jamaica must position itself as a serious contender. We have the talent, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial spirit, and with partners like the Amber Group, we are taking concrete steps to build an AI-driven digital economy, and if done right, AI could become one of our most valuable export sectors. We can build solutions right here in Jamaica and deliver them to Governments and businesses around the world. That is the power of digital transformation and AI.

Government’s vision and policy framework

To seize the opportunities AI offers, we must invest strategically in infrastructure, education, smart regulation, and innovation. In 2023, we established the National AI Task Force, which has submitted comprehensive policy recommendations to ensure a successful rollout of AI Technologies. 

AI and jobs: Reskilling for the future

With that said, there are valid concerns about job displacement due to the rapid rise and advancement of AI technologies. But our research has shown that, used properly, AI is here to empower, not replace people. As roles evolve, our focus must be on reskilling and upskilling our workforce, which is why I am happy that HEART/NSTA Trust is playing a vital role in this initiative. 

Global studies predict AI could contribute over US$15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with US$1.2 trillion expected in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

AI-driven innovation can lead to the creation of new products, services, and business models. AI has therefore given Jamaica the grand opportunity to create innovative AI-based high-value products and services for both local and global markets.

Education and talent development

Minister, turning to education and upskilling, AI literacy must be integrated at every stage of Jamaica’s education system, from early childhood to high schools, to tertiary levels. Through initiatives like the Building Opportunities for Outstanding STEM Talent (BOOST) programme, the Government is taking the deliberate step to support emerging talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

I strongly believe AI literacy must be embedded across our education system, and I am happy to note and share in these four transformative initiatives

1. Established the Landmark National AI Lab – A collaboration with the University of Technology and Amber Group, this lab will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and support tech startups – as it provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including funding for product development, office space, business coaching and marketing resources. With an initial US$7 million investment, it’s a major step in our digital transformation journey.
2. The Jamaica Learning Assistant (JLA) – A groundbreaking AI-powered educational platform offering 24/7 personalised learning to students and reducing administrative workload for teachers. This groundbreaking AI-powered platform is designed to personalise learning for all students. It will adapt lessons to each student’s unique learning style, be it detailed explanations, humour, poems, mind maps, AI-generated animated stories, interactive questions and answers, quizzes or by conversing with a human-like AI tutor. The rollout is expected to begin in September 2025 with Grades 3 and 9.
3. Amber HEART/NSTA Coding Academy – The Amber Group’s investment in the AI Lab complements the Amber/HEART NSTA Coding Academy, a partnership between Amber Group and HEART/NSTA Trust, which provides coding and digital skills training to young Jamaicans. This public-private partnership (PPP) has certainly helped to accelerate the Government’s vision to deliver robust, intense and in-demand training to our young people. The establishment of this coding institute demonstrates the Government’s commitment to action and is as an example of innovative thinking in training and development.
4. Amber UTech Launchpad – A startup incubator aiming to support 100 tech startups in 1,000 days, providing funding, coaching, and resources to entrepreneurs, is another significant initiative that has the potential of transforming Jamica’s economic and business landscape. 

These initiatives align with national programmes such as Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT)and Community Action for Rewarding Engagement (CARE), which are a series of initiatives announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, designed to equip Jamaicans with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market, particularly in high-demand fields like technology, construction and hospitality.

As I conclude today, as the Minister of Efficiency, I want to highlight the fast pace at which this AI Lab was conceptualised and made a reality for us to be here today.

It took only three months from the prime minister’s announcement on March 20 for UTech, HEART and Amber Group to collaborate, design and come to an agreement so that we can be here today at this phenomenal event. And in a few months from today, the doors of the new academy will be opened, and the AI-Powered Jamaica Learning Assistant will be in the hands of our students.

Ladies and gentlemen, this speed is unprecedented, and we will continue to ensure that the Government moves and gets things done because the solutions to address the challenges we face are here now and this is the time.

So, I commend the teams from Utech, Heart/NSTA and the Ministry of Education who worked tirelessly in achieving this milestone. Let me thank the Amber Group for its pioneering work and unwavering commitment to national development. Their investments in AI, IoT, and digital transformation continue to set the bar for innovation in Jamaica.

With these collaborations, Jamaica is preparing our people for AI opportunities which have the potential of transforming lives and bringing financial freedom and independence to many.

As we embrace digital transformation, the Government remains steadfast in its mission to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.

Thank you.