Caribbean AI report calls for stronger cybersecurity, new safeguards and public education

GREAT BAY--Caribbean parliamentarians have agreed on a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening legislation, protecting personal information, improving cybersecurity and preparing citizens for the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The recommendations are outlined in a report following the Caribbean AI Workshop held in Anguilla from June 21 to 24, 2026, which brought together parliamentary representatives from across the region and the United Kingdom, including St. Maarten's Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion.

The workshop, organized through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) in partnership with UNESCO, ParlAmericas and Anguilla's government and House of Assembly, examined how AI is changing government operations, employment, education, public communication and democratic institutions. Representatives from nine parliaments participated, with discussions focusing on how Caribbean countries can benefit from the technology while introducing safeguards to prevent misuse and protect citizens' rights.

One of the principal outcomes was agreement on the need for governments to review existing legislation to determine whether current laws adequately address the risks associated with AI. Delegates identified data protection, privacy, public procurement and access to information as priority areas requiring examination. Rather than immediately introducing entirely new legislation, the report recommends first identifying weaknesses in existing laws and strengthening regulatory systems to accommodate rapidly developing technology.

The report also calls for national AI readiness assessments to help governments determine whether their countries have the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, legislation and institutional capacity to adopt AI responsibly. Using UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology as a possible framework, parliamentarians recommended that these assessments involve government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and civil society. The findings would help countries establish national priorities and guide future policies and legislation.

Education and workforce development emerged as major priorities. Delegates agreed that governments should support public education and digital skills training to ensure that citizens are not left behind as AI becomes more common in workplaces and public services. The recommendations include expanding access to AI education, providing appropriate training for teachers and public sector employees, and ensuring that people with different levels of digital experience can benefit from technological developments. Particular attention was given to the potential effects of AI on employment and the need to prepare workers for changing job requirements.

Cybersecurity was another central concern, with parliamentarians calling for stronger national systems to protect government information, essential public services and critical infrastructure. The report highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, including AI-generated scams, fraudulent websites and manipulated images or videos used to deceive the public. Delegates recommended improvements in cybersecurity legislation, greater public awareness and stronger cooperation among Caribbean countries, recognizing that smaller territories often lack the financial and technical resources to address these threats independently.

The spread of false information through social media and other digital platforms also featured prominently in the discussions. Parliamentarians emphasized the risks that AI-generated misinformation can pose during elections, natural disasters and other national emergencies. Recommendations include improving access to reliable government information, strengthening public media literacy and supporting independent journalism and fact-checking initiatives. The report stresses the importance of addressing deliberately misleading information while protecting legitimate public debate, freedom of expression and journalistic activity.

Another outcome focused on ensuring that AI systems do not reinforce discrimination or exclude vulnerable groups. Delegates recommended further examination of the technology's effects on women, persons with disabilities and communities with limited digital access. The report also raises concerns about the environmental costs of AI infrastructure, including energy consumption, and encourages Caribbean governments to consider sustainability when developing national technology policies.

The responsible use of AI within parliaments was also examined. Delegates explored how the technology could improve parliamentary operations through automated transcription of debates, digital recordkeeping, research support and greater public access to legislative proceedings. Anguilla demonstrated an AI-powered system capable of transcribing parliamentary discussions and linking written records to video footage. However, the workshop emphasized that AI-generated information must remain subject to human review and that parliaments should establish internal guidelines governing its use.

St. Maarten's participation also featured in the report's examination of regional approaches to AI governance. A presentation on the country's efforts referenced a national AI strategy and an established parliamentary AI Working Group, while emphasizing cooperation across political parties, community involvement and the responsibility of government and legislators to ensure ethical use of the technology.

Regional cooperation was identified as essential to addressing the challenges facing smaller Caribbean jurisdictions. Delegates supported greater sharing of technical expertise, parliamentary experiences and legislative approaches, alongside discussions about shared digital infrastructure and regional control over data. The report recommends developing a regional framework for exchanging best practices and advancing cooperation under the UNESCO Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap.

The workshop concluded with nine agreed outcome areas covering parliamentary use of AI, public education, national readiness, ethical governance, legislation, cybersecurity, misinformation, inclusion and regional cooperation. The recommendations provide a framework for participating legislatures to consider as they develop their own approaches to AI, although they do not represent legislation or policies already adopted by the respective countries.

The report also invites organizations including UNESCO, CPA UK, ParlAmericas, CARICOM, CARICOM IMPACS and regional academic institutions to assist participating parliaments in translating the recommendations into practical measures.

For St. Maarten, the findings highlight several issues that could become increasingly relevant to national policymaking, including the protection of citizens' personal data, the responsible use of AI in government, cybersecurity preparedness and the development of digital skills among students and workers. The recommendations also provide a basis for further parliamentary discussions on how the country should regulate and use artificial intelligence while ensuring that the benefits of technological development remain accessible to the wider community.

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