News Releases

Free UWI eBook Explores Humans and AI: A Conversation for the Caribbean

For Release Upon Receipt - December 18, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, December 18, 2023 - In an era where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping industries, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a global conversation. Amidst growing concerns, it is crucial to address these fears head-on while highlighting the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human capabilities and creating new opportunities. This is exactly what the Faculty of Humanities and Education of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus has done by launching an innovative outreach project via an eBook entitled “Humans and AI: A Conversation for the Caribbean.” This free e-book which became available online on November 30th is designed as an incisive resource for the public and aims to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Caribbean societies. 

Underscoring the importance of the topic, Professor Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education explained that, "In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping our world, it's essential to examine the dynamic relationship between humans and AI. This e-book presents a variety of perspectives from our UWI teaching staff, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for Caribbean societies.” 

Additionally, throughout the various chapters, spanning areas such as the arts, film, education, history, linguistics, and technology, this e-book seeks to highlight the multifaceted nature of AI's integration within Caribbean communities. Each contribution catalyses fundamental conversations about the transformative potential of AI on how one interacts, learns, works, and creates. 

The e-book covers ideas about identity and asks critical questions such as, “A Caribbean cultural AIsthetic?” by Dr Marsha Pearce. Additionally, it delves into interesting discussions including "Lights, Camera, AI: Reinventing Caribbean Cinema" penned by Dr. Yao Ramesar, "A Teachable Moment: AI in Education" contributed by Dr. Freddy James, and "AI and Linguistics in the Caribbean: A Powerful Tool for Language Preservation and Development" authored by Dr. Jo-Anne S. Ferreira. 

Moreover, the e-book discusses "A New Way Ahead? AI and Caribbean History" presented by Dr. Debbie McCollin, providing a thoughtful view of AI's potential impact across various facets of Caribbean society. Indeed, Dr. McCollin's final remarks capture the paradox at the heart of this debate: the delicate balance between embracing cutting-edge technology that has the potential to reshape our understanding of history versus the risks in adopting these technologies and the question of whether we can afford not to. 

To access Humans and AI: A Conversation for the Caribbean, click here to download or simply scan the QR code below.

 

About The University of the West Indies  

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.   

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.   

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.  

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.   

2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.   

Learn more at www.uwi.edu     

Contact