Guyana can earn US$393M GDP boost if it capitalises on AI revolution

(Kaieteur News) – A new Commonwealth study has found that in ten years Guyana’s economy could benefit from US$393 million if the country capitalises on artificial intelligence (Ai), outlining promising levels of youth entrepreneurship but warns that gaps in digital skills could hold young people back.

The Ayre Index was launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, places Guyana 31st out of 56 Commonwealth countries for youth AI readiness – scoring 44.5 out of 100, below the study’s benchmark of 53. Only 15 Commonwealth countries meet the benchmark.

In a statement on Thursday, it was noted that Guyana’s performance is ranked relatively strong for employment and enterprise, scoring 6.0 out of 10 in the Index. The research by the Ayre Think Tank, founded by Antiguan-Canadian philanthropist Calvin Ayre, also identifies encouraging levels of youth entrepreneurship, with relatively high shares of young workers employing others and employed school leavers reporting stable or satisfactory jobs.