Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself as a future leader in artificial intelligence (AI) studies, with plans to develop the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus into a regional hub for AI education and innovation.

Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst told Monday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that the government is supporting efforts to have UWI Five Islands specialise in AI, recognising the technology’s growing influence on global economic and social development.

“We believe AI will define the future of human civilisation over the next 70 years, just as industries like finance and petroleum shaped the post-World War II era,” Hurst said. “Antigua and Barbuda must ensure that its young people are prepared to thrive in this new environment.”

He noted that while UWI’s other campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados have specialised in fields such as medicine, engineering, and law, Five Islands will focus on emerging technologies, particularly AI. The aim is to attract students from across the region and beyond, helping to build a competitive knowledge economy.

The government expects that graduates with AI qualifications will be in high demand globally, offering Antigua and Barbuda new opportunities for economic diversification and international engagement.

Hurst acknowledged that competition will be strong, as many larger universities worldwide are expanding their AI programmes. However, he stressed that size should not deter the country from “running with the wolves” to claim its place in the global technology sector.

Implementation plans for the AI programme are being developed in collaboration with UWI leadership, with further details expected in the coming months.