The Commonwealth of Learning – Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) launched the Caribbean Multi-country Cohort of the Commonwealth Student Community for AI Governance through a virtual convening held on 20 August 2026, bringing together students from Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Belize, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

In his address, Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, discussed the Caribbean’s emerging AI landscape, including opportunities to use AI for areas such as disaster management, tourism, sustainable agriculture, food security and public service efficiency. He also drew attention to regional challenges including high connectivity costs, limited Caribbean datasets, data governance gaps and the need to address digital, cultural and linguistic barriers.

Prof. Vistasp M. Karbhari, Professor, The University of Texas at Arlington, joined the launch and engaged students around the changing role of higher education in an AI-enabled world. He posed questions on the future role of universities and educators, experiential learning, the responsible use of AI in classrooms, assessment and competency, accountability and traceability, student participation in AI governance, and whether AI can help reduce rather than deepen existing inequalities in education.

Students subsequently discussed these questions and identified AI literacy and accessibility as prominent concerns across the Caribbean. Discussions considered the need to help students use AI as a tool rather than become dependent on it, clearer and more consistent approaches to AI use in education, training for teachers and students, and wider public awareness particularly among communities with less familiarity with AI.

Students also proposed regional approaches to AI regulation, stronger privacy awareness, access to devices and AI tools, AI literacy programmes in schools and universities, library-based access and training, and opportunities to develop Caribbean data and AI solutions based on local needs and contexts. The discussions further explored how students could contribute through research, data development, training and engagement with policymakers and professionals.

The launch marks the joining of five Caribbean nations to the growing Commonwealth Student Community for AI Governance, providing a platform to continue these discussions, develop student-led priorities and connect Caribbean perspectives with the wider Commonwealth dialogue on AI.