Saint Lucia | October 29-31, 2024

Event Highlights

The inaugural AI Global South Summit brought together leading voices from across the Global South to explore how AI and emerging technologies can empower communities, preserve cultural heritage, and support sustainable growth. Held at the beautiful Royalton Resort in Saint Lucia, the three-day event was a landmark gathering, sparking meaningful conversations and collaboration on the future of AI.

EMCEES: TRACY GEORGE, NATALIE JOLIE FANIS

Kem-Laurin Lubin, PhD-c and Dr. Gale TC Rigobert (co-chairs)

Co

Day 1 - Education and Community Building - October 29th

Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert and Kem-Laurin Lubin, co-chairs of the summit, set a powerful tone by highlighting AI’s transformative potential in the Global South.  Their message emphasized AI's capacity to bridge societal gaps and drive equitable growth, setting a collaborative foundation for the summit’s discussions.

Held on the picturesque island of Saint Lucia from October 29th to 31st, the summit offered a unique exploration into how AI and emerging technologies can support cultural preservation and economic growth. The event’s setting aligned perfectly with Creole Heritage Month, creating an inspiring backdrop for discussions on preserving and monetizing Creole culture. Through interactive workshops, panels, and networking sessions, the summit united experts, industry leaders, and cultural custodians to address the intersection of AI with the orange economy, a promising area for the Global South’s future growth. This gathering showcased strategies for safeguarding intangible heritage, like language and traditions, while envisioning sustainable pathways for creative industries to thrive.

This edition of our newsletter dives into the highlights, innovative ideas, and transformative takeaways from the summit, offering insights into how AI can become a force for economic independence and cultural preservation across the Global South.

A Grounding in ancesteral practice - masquerade dance performed

Masquerade in Saint Lucia is a vibrant cultural practice that combines music, dance, and elaborate costumes to celebrate the island's rich heritage. Rooted in African and French traditions, this lively custom is especially prominent during festivals and significant holidays, where communities come together to honor ancestral spirits, folklore, and historical narratives. Performers don colorful masks and costumes, often embodying various characters and mythical figures, to showcase resilience, humor, and communal identity. The practice not only preserves Saint Lucia's unique cultural fabric but also serves as a reminder of the island’s complex history, blending African, European, and Caribbean influences into a powerful, living tradition.

Opening performance by the MAsqueraders from Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy - What a treat!

Address from the Pan African Council - Mr Fabien Anthony

Fabien Anthony, Chairman of the Pan African Council
Fabien delivered a compelling address on the power imbalances that accompany accelerated technological change. He offered a critical perspective on the socio-political dimensions of AI within the Global South, stressing the need for strategies that address AI’s influence in a multipolar world.

talk: Focused Conversation on AI

Michael Anton Dila - “Conversations as the Foundation for Collective Synthesis” Michael underscored the importance of open dialogue in understanding and shaping AI's impact, emphasizing that conversations are foundational for a collective, inclusive approach to AI.

Ian Chalmers - “Designing for Dialogue”
Ian’s presentation focused on the concept of "critical active synthesis" in AI design. He highlighted how fostering an inclusive, dialogue-driven design culture can help create AI systems that serve broader societal needs.

Framing the AI Dialogue

Kem-Laurin Lubin delivered an insightful talk on 'Artificial or Authentic,' which questioned AI's role in shaping future human experiences. Her talk encouraged deep reflection on how AI influences our identity, culture, and the essence of human experience, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancements with authentic human values."
This emphasizes the essence of her talk, highlighting the theme of reflection on identity and culture influenced by AI. Let me know if you’d like to further expand or refine this summary

Ministerial and Prime Ministerial Keynotes

Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, discussed AI’s transformative potential in education and innovation, particularly in youth education and vocational training.
Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre welcomed attendees, emphasizing Saint Lucia’s significance as a host for this essential dialogue on AI and technology.

Research Paper Presentations

Ajibola Adigun, University of Alberta, Canada

Ajibola Adigun and Doyinsola Ibikunle-Adigun presented “AI Tech Determinism and the Fate of the Global South,” addressing AI's labor and ethical implications and advocating for transparency and justice in AI practices.

Alexander Martin examined “Data Flows and Power Dynamics,” critiquing global data exploitation through decolonial theories and calling for data justice and equitable governance.

Speaker Series: The Role of Regional and International Organizations in AI for Development

This series highlighted the role of regional and international leaders, including H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules (OECS), Kina Nia Nicholas (UNESCO), and Edwin Laurent (iDERA), who discussed AI’s applications in public service, capacity building, and regulatory frameworks. They explored how collaborative partnerships can promote sustainable digital transformation in the Global South.

Afternoon Keynotes and Panel on AI Futures in Education

Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, Co-Chair of the AI Global South Summit (AIGSS) and Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, hosted a distinguished panel featuring Dr. Jacinth Coultman, Vice President of Academic Technology & General Education at Monroe University; Dr. Johanna David-Tramantano, Director of Educational Innovations and Curriculum Design at Monroe University; Dr. Madgerie Jameson-Charles from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC); and educator Dr. Asha Kanwar. This conversation explored the intersection of AI and education, covering a wide array of topics, including AI-enhanced personalized learning, curriculum innovation, administrative efficiency through AI, ethical considerations, and AI applications beyond the classroom. These academic leaders shared insights on integrating AI responsibly within higher education to shape the future for students and institutions alike.

Networking

The day concluded with a networking session, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration continues beyond the summit.

These highlights capture the rich dialogue and forward-thinking perspectives that made Day 1 impactful.

AI Global South Summit Day 2 Highlights

October 30th

Opening Remarks

The second day of the AI Global South Summit began with opening remarks and announcements, setting the stage for a series of discussions centered around AI’s potential to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Caribbean and beyond.

Keynote: Commerce and Community Development

Honourable Emma Hippolyte
Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs delivered an inspiring keynote on AI's role in boosting commerce and cooperative initiatives. She emphasized how AI-driven solutions could advance business development and strengthen consumer affairs across the Caribbean.

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Keynote on Technology and Security

Javed Samuel, Cybersecurity Expert
Javed highlighted the increasing importance of AI in securing digital infrastructures, emphasizing practical approaches to cybersecurity in the Caribbean context. His talk underscored the need for robust frameworks to protect communities from emerging digital threats.

Research Presentation: Life Data and Economic Transition

Kimani F. Goddard
An intellectual property specialist, Kimani discussed “life data” in the Caribbean, exploring its implications for knowledge and innovation economies. She stressed the urgency of transitioning toward a knowledge-based economy to ensure that economic value remains within the region, amid global data aggregation trends.

Keynote: AI Applications in Key Sectors

Interactive Discussion: ChatGPT in the Caribbean

`Javed Samuel & Rawn Henry (OpenAI)`

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Javed Samuel & Rawn Henry (OpenAI) This session provided an accessible introduction to ChatGPT, covering prompt engineering, applications, and the model’s potential for the Caribbean. Attendees engaged in a live Q&A, gaining insights into leveraging AI to address local needs.

Panel: Human-Centered AI Innovation

Moderator: Kem-Laurin Lubin
Panelists included industry leaders from healthcare, social innovation, and academia. The discussion focused on ensuring that human values—such as empathy, inclusivity, and equity—remain central as AI transforms industries, with a call to integrate diverse perspectives into AI decision-making.

Panel: Technology, Business, and Security in AI

Moderator: Javed Samuel
This session explored the intersection of technology and business within a security-conscious framework. Experts discussed AI applications in health, ICT, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on privacy and data security challenges. The conversation highlighted the Caribbean’s path to secure and innovative AI solutions in various sectors.

Panel: Future-Proofing the Caribbean Economy with AI

Moderator: Karlyn Percil-Mercieca
The panel brought together leaders in standards, e-learning, and export sectors to discuss how AI can fuel sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean. Topics included regulatory standards, digital infrastructure, and workforce development, all essential for positioning the Caribbean as a future-ready region.

Panel: AI Governance for the Global South

Moderated by Michael Anton Dila from Oslo for AI, this panel gathered a diverse group of experts to address the unique AI governance needs of the Global South. Panelists included Joshua Cammie, Inspector with the Royal Saint Lucian Police Force; Kimani Goddard, Intellectual Property & Investment Law Specialist; Dennis Gleeson, Principal at Analytic Insights LLC and former CIA; and Marvio Cooks, ICT Coordinator at the Division of Public Education, MECYS.

The discussion focused on critical themes such as equitable access to AI technologies, data sovereignty, and the socio-economic impacts of AI in developing economies. Emphasizing the importance of adapting AI governance frameworks—predominantly developed in the Global North—to fit Southern contexts, the panel highlighted strategies for collaborative regulation, ethical AI frameworks, and capacity-building to empower the Global South in shaping global AI governance. This insightful session underscored the need for local participation to create inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystems tailored to regional needs.

And guest student added to the

Spotlight Talk: What’s Next in AI?

Mr Dennis Gleeson and co-chair, Kem-Laurin Lubin

Dennis Gleeson
Dennis looked beyond today’s AI, exploring what’s on the horizon and how the Caribbean can prepare for the next wave of advancements. He stressed that while current AI tools are powerful, the future of AI will require even deeper consideration of ethical and practical implications.

All-Hands Workshop: AI for All in the Global South

An interactive workshop invited all participants—regardless of AI background—to contribute ideas on AI’s role in the Caribbean. Breakout themes included:

Security and Privacy: Exploring AI in law enforcement and border control.

Creative Arts: Preserving Caribbean heritage through technology.

Agriculture and Food Security: Leveraging AI for sustainable farming.

AI Global South Summit Day 3 Highlights: Youth, Arts & Culture

October 31st

The day began with Tracy George and Nathalie Jolie Fanis, our Emcees setting an energizing tone, followed by a moving spoken word performance by Adriana Langellie that celebrated Caribbean identity and resilience. The final day celebrated Caribbean culture, youth, and the arts. Keynotes from Dr. Winston Phulgence and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules underscored the role of AI in preserving cultural heritage while promoting digital inclusion. Engaging fireside chats and panels focused on how AI can both honor and amplify Caribbean traditions in a digital future.

Keynote on Inclusive Education and Cultural Preservation

Dr. Winston Phulgence, Vice Principal SALCC
Dr. Phulgence emphasized the role of inclusive education in shaping future generations and preserving Caribbean heritage, inspiring the audience to envision a more equitable educational landscape.

H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General, OECS
Dr. Jules delivered a powerful keynote on AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage, exploring themes like Creolization, digital transformation, and the balance between innovation and tradition. His insights highlighted AI’s potential to strengthen Caribbean identity by blending technology with cultural preservation.

Dr. Jules’ presentation and key note .

HE Dr. Didacus Jules

Parallel Fireside Chats

Emotional & Collaborative Intelligence in Leadership
Karlyn Percil-Mercieca, moderated by Kem-Laurin Lubin, discussed the power of emotional and collaborative intelligence in today’s AI-driven world. She introduced KOFA AI, an AI coaching platform promoting inclusive leadership and cultural equity, blending psychological safety with ancestral wisdom.

Decolonizing Caribbean Heritage Through AI
Daisy Anna St. Rose of UWI Global Campus explored AI’s role in decolonizing the Caribbean’s cultural collections, from preserving endangered languages to reimagining cultural narratives. This session underscored the importance of regional collaboration in promoting a digital heritage that reflects the true diversity of Caribbean culture.

Panel & Demonstrations: Somatic Practices and Women’s Health

Michelle Francis-Smith (presented later that day)
Canada’s foremost expert in women’s health, Michelle showcased a fusion of traditional somatic practices with innovative technology to enhance women’s health and empowerment. This demonstration revealed how technology-aided healthcare can support holistic well-being for women across the Caribbean.

Keynote on Tourism and Culture

Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts
Sanovnik addressed AI’s potential in reshaping tourism, arts, and culture, exploring how technology can enhance the Caribbean’s unique cultural offerings while preserving tradition. He also joined the panel of Tourism and Culture

Panel Spotlight: Exploring the Intersection of Tourism, Arts, and Culture through AI

In a dynamic discussion moderated by Shyne Savory, a student from SALCC, this panel brought together industry and community leaders to explore AI's role in bridging tradition and innovation across tourism, gastronomy, and the arts. Panelists included Sanovnik Destang (Bay Gardens Resorts), Rhyesa Joseph (Political Analyst & Community Worker), Louise Victor (Windward and Leeward Brewery), and Dr. Winston Phulgence (Vice Principal, SALCC). Together, they delved into how AI can deepen cultural engagement and inspire new forms of cultural expression while respecting heritage. This conversation provided fresh insights on balancing technological progress with the preservation of tradition, redefining cultural identity in a rapidly evolving world. Attendees left with a renewed vision of how AI could transform the way we experience and interact with culture, enriching tourism and heritage for future generations.

Art Gallery Exhibition - highlight

Featuring artworks by Leslie Lubin, Derick Alexander, and Ted Sandiford, the exhibition celebrated Caribbean artistry and provided a space for attendees to reflect on cultural heritage and creativity in the digital age.

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Thank You to Our Partners & Attendees!

The AI Global South Summit was a success thanks to the dedicated efforts of our speakers, participants, and partners. Together, we have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative future for the Global South. Follow us on social media to stay updated on post-summit reports and upcoming events.