Government to Leverage AI for Labour Force Transformation and Growth

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key component of the country’s strategy for economic growth and workforce transformation. Addressing the Amber Group’s 10th Anniversary Gala and AI Robotics Showcase on October 14, 2025, Holness emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human capacity rather than replace it, positioning Jamaica for a future of innovation, productivity, and sustainable development.

Key Details

Prime Minister Holness said the Government’s approach to technology and automation is centered on empowerment and inclusion, not displacement. He underscored that Jamaica must harness AI to improve national productivity, competitiveness, and skill development in line with global economic shifts.

“The solution is not to hide from technology or fear it,” Holness stated. “The solution is to use technology to increase the level of training and skills in our society so that our people can take on higher-order tasks that bring higher-order pay.”

The Prime Minister further explained that AI presents an opportunity for Jamaica to bridge the skills gap and build a future-ready workforce, provided the technology is adopted responsibly. He added that the Government is investing in digital literacy, infrastructure, and education to ensure every Jamaican benefits from the digital transformation.

“AI is an advantage for us if we embrace it and use it in the right way — not as a displacement of labour, but to ensure our labour force gets the training and experience to take on higher-skilled, more sophisticated tasks that will grow our economy,” Holness said.

Background

The event, hosted by Amber Group, celebrated the company’s decade-long contribution to Jamaica’s technology ecosystem, including initiatives such as the Amber HEART Academy, which has trained hundreds of young Jamaicans in coding and software development.

Holness praised Ambassador Dushyant Savadia, Amber Group’s founder, for partnering with the Government to accelerate Jamaica’s digital transformation. The collaboration between Amber Group and the HEART/NSTA Trust exemplifies the type of public-private partnership Holness believes is critical for building a tech-savvy workforce and expanding Jamaica’s digital economy.

National AI Laboratory Initiative

A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s remarks was the announcement of the National AI Laboratory at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech). This initiative is part of the Government’s broader plan to prepare Jamaicans for an economy increasingly influenced by automation and artificial intelligence.

Holness outlined a long-term vision to establish AI labs across the island, starting from the primary education level, ensuring that future generations become “native” to technology.

“We need AI labs not just at UTech, but across the country, even in our primary schools, so that our children can become native to AI,” the Prime Minister said.

This vision aligns with the Government’s Digital Jamaica framework, which aims to make technology education, access, and innovation national priorities.

Quotes

Holness emphasized that the successful integration of AI into the national economy requires deliberate planning, leadership, and investment.

“The integration of technology does not happen automatically. It requires champions — people who seek out the technology, demystify it, train others, and make the investments. That is how we will achieve our development vision,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of equipping Jamaica’s workforce with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies.

“For Jamaica to remain competitive, our people must be able to perform higher-order tasks that demand creativity, critical thinking, and technological proficiency,” the Prime Minister added.

Analysis

Prime Minister Holness’s focus on Artificial Intelligence reflects a broader recognition of how emerging technologies are reshaping global economies. For developing nations like Jamaica, adopting AI responsibly could lead to a productivity revolution, creating new industries and enabling workers to move into higher-value employment.

However, the challenge lies in ensuring that digital transformation does not widen inequality. This will require continued investment in education reform, technical training, and broadband access across rural and urban communities.

The establishment of a National AI Laboratory is a significant step in this direction. By exposing students to AI early, Jamaica can build a generation capable of innovating, not just consuming, technology. The expansion of initiatives like Amber HEART Academy also demonstrates how private-sector involvement can accelerate digital readiness.

Globally, countries that have successfully leveraged AI — such as Singapore and South Korea — have done so by embedding it into education, research, and public services. Jamaica’s approach appears to be following a similar path, balancing innovation with social inclusion.

Our Opinion

Prime Minister Holness’s stance on Artificial Intelligence as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement is both practical and forward-looking. As the world enters an era defined by automation, Jamaica’s proactive strategy could position it as a regional leader in digital innovation.

However, success will depend on consistent policy implementation, strong collaboration between government and industry, and continuous investment in education and infrastructure. To truly transform the labour force, AI must be integrated not only into classrooms but also into the mindset of national development — encouraging innovation, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

If managed effectively, Jamaica’s embrace of AI could usher in a new era of productivity, global competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth.