ST JAMES, Jamaica — Government workers are to receive mandatory training in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to improve public-sector efficiency and modernise service delivery.

Trevor Forrest, senior advisor to the minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, outlined the initiative during a plenary session on ‘Harnessing Diaspora Talent to Build Jamaica’s AI and Digital Future’, at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, on Wednesday.

Forrest said the programme is intended to equip public-sector workers with a better understanding of AI and its potential applications, while helping to foster greater efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.