Record STMT-W2393C9Advisory

Interim Report: Toward Harmonized AI Policies and Recommendations for the Caribbean

Report Institutional policyLatin America and the Caribbeandraft

This interim report by the CTU Caribbean AI Task Force outlines strategic priorities and preliminary recommendations for a harmonized regional AI framework across CARICOM member states. It addresses critical regional challenges such as the connectivity paradox, data sovereignty, infrastructure gaps, and talent drain while establishing core guiding principles for human-centric, ethical, and inclusive AI development. The document serves as a foundation for broader regional consultations leading up to a final report and Caribbean AI Forum in 2026.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Caribbean Telecommunications UnionIntergovernmental

Lead issuer

Legal forceAdvisory

Under whose authorityInstitutional policy

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

National governmentRegulatorsPublic sector bodiesCompaniesResearchers and academics

CARICOM policymakers, regional regulators, government officials, industry leaders, and researchers looking to understand and contribute to harmonized AI governance in the Caribbean.

Sectors

Cross-sectorPublic administration · public services and governanceAgriculture and food · agriculture and food security

What the document contains

What's covered

The report covers the current state of AI readiness, infrastructure, data governance, industry innovation, and education across the Caribbean. It outlines five core guiding principles and details actionable recommendations for establishing regional model laws, shared data commons, innovation funds, and capacity-building programs.

What's missing

The report is an interim advisory and strategic roadmap rather than a binding legal enactment, so it does not contain formal statutory enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or legally binding obligations for member states.

Key takeaways

The Caribbean currently lags behind global averages in AI adoption and faces a stark choice between remaining a fragmented standards-taker or uniting to shape regional AI norms.
A connectivity paradox exists in the region where high digital user adoption is undermined by fragile infrastructure, high costs, and fragmented data residency laws.
The task force proposes five guiding principles centered on human-centric rights, inclusivity, data sovereignty, regional collaboration, and sustainable resilience.
Preliminary recommendations urge the establishment of a harmonized CARICOM-wide AI policy framework, robust data governance, and specialized regional infrastructure like a Caribbean Data Commons.
Building human capacity through education reform, countering brain drain, and promoting multi-stakeholder engagement via annual forums are vital to the strategy.

Principles it states

Human-Centric, Rights-Based, and Ethical AIInclusivity, Equity, and Sustainable DevelopmentData Sovereignty, Governance and SecurityRegional Collaboration, Harmonization, and IntegrationSustainable Development, Resilience, and Resilient Innovation

Outline

· Our Caribbean
· Our Data & Infrastructure
· Our Innovation & Industry
· Our Capacity & Education
· A Note on External Investment & Financing
· The Need for Regional Governance
· Guiding Principles
· Preliminary Recommendations
· Conclusion

IssuedDecember 2025

Length8,363 words

FormatNot recorded

Scoperegional

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

This framework should define the regulatory architecture for AI model development, deployment, and accountability, ensuring consistency in how AI is designed, procured, and used throughout the region.

Preliminary Recommendations - 1. Establish a Harmonized Regional AI Policy Framework and Governance Mechanism

screening score · 2026-10-23

Fairness

3/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

Align with existing CARICOM human rights norms to protect citizens from bias, discrimination, or misuse of AI systems, while embedding Caribbean cultural and ethical values into governance principles.

Preliminary Recommendations - 1. Establish a Harmonized Regional AI Policy Framework and Governance Mechanism

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Dignity

3/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

In a region where economic vulnerabilities already undermine human dignity AI development must prioritize fundamental rights, cultural integrity, and ethical safeguards to prevent further marginalization.

Guiding Principles - 1. Human-Centric, Rights-Based, and Ethical AI

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Oversight

1/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

civic competencies that help people question, interpret, and guide algorithmic decisions in schools, workplaces, and public services.

Preliminary Recommendations - 4. Build Human Capacity, Skills and Awareness for the AI Age

screening score · 2026-10-23

Enforcement

1/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

This network could host a shared compliance and enforcement unit to assist smaller states with technical monitoring and risk assessment.

Preliminary Recommendations - 1. Establish a Harmonized Regional AI Policy Framework and Governance Mechanism

screening score · 2026-10-23

Impact Assessment

4/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Establish minimum regional standards and codes of practice for AI service providers to govern data stewardship, privacy and security safeguards, documentation and transparency expectations, incident reporting, auditability requirements, evaluation, risk and impact assessments.

Preliminary Recommendations - 1. Establish a Harmonized Regional AI Policy Framework and Governance Mechanism

screening score · 2026-10-23

Topics

artificial_intelligence regional_governance data_sovereignty capacity_building caribbean_integration