With its GDP projected to grow by an astounding 38.4% in 2023, Guyana is poised to become the world’s fastest-growing economy. But can this small South American nation, traditionally reliant on agriculture and mining, also position itself as a leader in artificial intelligence?
The University of Guyana (UG) believes so.
UG has implemented a comprehensive AI in Education Policy, partnered with global AR/VR leader EON Reality, as it aims to rapidly increase its number of graduates over the next four years.
As the country reaches a crossroads point in its development, could these initiatives transform Guyana into a Caribbean hub for AI innovation and education?
Key Points:
- Guyana is developing national AI policies and legislation to manage the integration of AI across various sectors.
- The University of Guyana has implemented a comprehensive AI in Education Policy, setting a precedent for the region.
- UG has partnered with EON Reality to introduce cutting-edge Spatial AI technology to its students and faculty.
- The university's Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE) is leveraging AI for environmental research.
- UG has established an AI Working Group to drive AI integration and research across the institution.
- Challenges such as infrastructure limitations and the digital divide are being addressed to ensure equitable AI access and development.
Guyana's National AI Ambitions
Guyana is taking significant steps to position itself as a regional leader in AI adoption and innovation. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, has announced that the government is working to create a legislative environment to manage AI and digitization. This proactive approach aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s vision that artificial intelligence and digitalization are critical to competitiveness and sustainability.
The country’s efforts to integrate AI into various sectors are gaining momentum. In environmental governance, AI tools are being considered for improved water management and environmental impact monitoring. The Competition and Consumer Affairs body has launched an AI agent to enhance consumer-related services, while a Guyanese AI system has been developed to aid diaspora engagements.
However, Guyana faces challenges in its AI journey. In the 2023 AI Readiness Index, Latin America and the Caribbean ranked sixth out of nine global regions assessed. Within this context, Guyana scored 36.85 out of 100, indicating a need to bolster its capacity in dealing with the rapid advancement of AI. Infrastructure limitations, including internet connectivity and access to computing resources, pose significant hurdles, particularly in rural areas.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to harnessing AI’s potential. Minister Todd emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating, “As democracies, we will have to come together united to ensure that we can confront not only the challenges but united as one to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.”
The University of Guyana is at the forefront of the country’s AI revolution, implementing innovative policies and projects that set a precedent for the region.
University of Guyana: Pioneering AI in Education
In 2023, UG introduced a groundbreaking AI in Education Policy, becoming one of the first institutions in the Caribbean to do so. The policy provides a framework for the responsible use of AI tools in education, addressing issues such as transparency, fairness, and individual accountability.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin explains the rationale behind the policy: “Those of us who are in higher education cannot afford to be technology-averse. This is one of the reasons why the University of Guyana has taken a very bold and dramatic step in creating what we consider to be a dynamic and draft AI policy.”
The policy allows students to use AI tools in their academic pursuits but requires full disclosure and proper referencing. It also provides guidelines for lecturers on how to assess AI-assisted work, including the use of different grading rubrics for AI-assisted and unassisted assignments.
EON Reality Partnership: Introducing Spatial AI
In a significant move to enhance its AI capabilities, UG has partnered with EON Reality, a world leader in AI-driven Augmented and Virtual Reality solutions. This collaboration, announced in November 2023, will introduce cutting-edge Spatial AI technology to UG’s students and faculty.
The partnership will provide AI-powered XR solutions, including the EON AI Assistant, to facilitate immersive and interactive learning experiences. Dan Lejerskar, CEO of EON Reality, highlights the potential impact: “This partnership demonstrates the transformative potential of Spatial AI and EON AI Assistant in higher education. Our state-of-the-art AI solutions could be a game-changer for the university, its students and faculty.”
This initiative is expected to revolutionize education at UG by providing students with access to advanced AI tools and preparing them for an increasingly AI-driven job market.
IMAREE: AI in Environmental Research
The University’s Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE) is leveraging AI to advance environmental research and management. IMAREE aims to produce 500 graduates in specialized fields such as marine biology, law, engineering, and biotechnology over the next four years.
Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin emphasizes the unique approach of IMAREE: “We have included, and it’s the only one in the world that is doing this, rivers along with ocean and coastal work, and it includes ecologies along with studying the economics of these areas.”
The integration of AI in IMAREE’s research is expected to enhance Guyana’s ability to monitor and manage its vast water resources, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts.
AI Working Group and Research Initiatives
To drive AI integration across the institution, UG has established an AI Working Group. This multidisciplinary team, led by a UG AI specialist, comprises volunteers from across the campus and representatives from the Faculty of Education and Humanities and the Inclusion Unit.
The working group is tasked with developing training programs for staff and students, monitoring AI evolution, and ensuring that UG remains at the forefront of AI adoption in education. Ongoing research projects span various disciplines, from computer science to environmental studies, focusing on applying AI to solve local and regional challenges.
Guyana As A Future Hub for AI Innovation
While UG is making significant strides in AI adoption, challenges remain. The digital divide is a pressing concern, with some students lacking access to the necessary computing resources and internet connectivity. To address this, UG is working to provide digital infrastructure and AI technologies through computer laboratories and other facilities.
The university is also grappling with ethical considerations surrounding AI use, including issues of privacy, data protection, and potential biases in AI systems. The AI in Education Policy addresses some of these concerns, but ongoing monitoring and policy updates will be necessary as AI technology evolves.
Despite these challenges, the future of AI at the University of Guyana looks promising. As the institution continues to innovate and collaborate with global partners like EON Reality, it is poised to become a regional leader in AI education and research. This, in turn, will contribute to Guyana’s broader national goals of leveraging AI for economic diversification and sustainable development.
The synergy between UG’s initiatives and Guyana’s national AI ambitions creates a powerful momentum for change. As the country navigates its economic transformation, the University of Guyana’s AI projects are ensuring that the nation’s workforce is prepared for an AI-driven future, potentially positioning Guyana as a hub for AI innovation in the Caribbean and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
UG has implemented a comprehensive AI in Education Policy that allows students to use AI tools with full disclosure and proper referencing. The policy provides guidelines for assessment and aims to promote transparency and fairness.
Through a partnership with EON Reality, UG is introducing AI-powered XR solutions, including the EON AI Assistant, to provide immersive and interactive learning experiences across various disciplines.
The Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE) is leveraging AI for advanced environmental research, particularly in studying and managing Guyana's water resources.
UG is working to provide digital infrastructure and AI technologies through computer laboratories and other facilities to ensure equitable access for all students.
Guyana is developing national AI policies and legislation to manage AI integration across various sectors, aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability while addressing ethical considerations and data privacy.
To stay updated on innovative approaches to climate resilience, subscribe to the Innovation Report newsletter.
University Profile
University of Guyana
Share
Search by Category
Republish This Article
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. Click the republish button above.
