At the 4th CXC Ministerial Summit, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali issued a clarion call for Caribbean nations to embrace digital education and artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge the growing digital gap and address learning loss in the region. He stressed the need for proactive investment in technology-driven solutions to better equip students for the challenges of the modern world.
The summit, hosted in Trinidad and Tobago, brought together education ministers, stakeholders, and academics from across the Caribbean to discuss “Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovations in Shaping Caribbean Education.”
During his virtual keynote address, President Ali emphasized that AI and digital learning hold the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing learning, improving accessibility for students with disabilities, and reducing the administrative burdens on teachers.
“By incorporating AI responsibly, we can empower students to become not just consumers of technology, but active and ethical participants in its development and use,” President Ali remarked. “We must accelerate digital learning, reduce the digital divide, and use AI as a tool of progress rather than fear.”
STEMGuyana Leading the Digital Learning Movement with Pathway Online Academy
In Guyana, STEMGuyana has taken a pioneering role in advancing digital education through its partnership with Pathway Online Academy, which aims to provide accessible, high-quality digital education to students across the country.
Pathway Online Academy is an innovative e-learning platform designed to address learning loss and the digital divide. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with a special focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The platform provides interactive lesson plans, self-paced learning modules, and personalized assessments to meet students at their individual learning levels. In addition, Pathway equips parents and educators with real-time data to track student progress and ensure early intervention when needed.
With Guyana’s economic transformation in full swing, STEMGuyana’s partnership with Pathway Online Academy aligns perfectly with the nation’s vision to create digitally savvy citizens who are ready for both local and global opportunities.
Caribbean Risks Falling Behind
President Ali warned that if digital education is not adopted rapidly, the Caribbean risks falling behind—just as it did in previous industrial revolutions. “The region’s dependence on outdated ‘chalk-and-talk’ methods is hampering efforts to educate the next generation effectively,” he said. “This is not just about access, but about ensuring quality and equity.”
As Caribbean nations integrate technology into their education systems, responsible and ethical use of AI will be paramount. President Ali urged education leaders to adopt proactive strategies to ensure that students develop both technological and critical thinking skills.
“Our goal should be to prepare students to thrive in a complex, evolving world,” he remarked. “We must ensure that technology enhances, not undermines, their skills and analytical abilities.”
The summit featured roundtable discussions with regional ministers and academics, who examined how AI and other innovations can transform Caribbean education. Participants explored strategies to balance technological advancements with the need for equity and quality in education.
With STEMGuyana and Pathway Online Academy leading the charge in digital learning, Guyana is positioning itself as a leader in tech-forward education. As the region embraces AI and e-learning platforms, the Caribbean will need to collaborate, invest, and innovate to ensure that students are prepared for the future.
As President Ali concluded, “The future of education lies in our ability to embrace technology—not just as a tool of convenience, but as a gateway to progress.”