Jamaica’s Seniors Embrace Digital Future at Inaugural AI Empowerment Workshop

The inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Empowerment Workshop, held recently for more than 2,000 senior citizens, was hailed as a bold declaration that Jamaica’s older adults are preparing to step confidently into the digital era, with national institutions rallying to ensure inclusive support at every stage.

The semi-virtual forum was hosted by the Broadcasting Commission, the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), the Digicel Foundation, and other stakeholder partners committed to advancing digital inclusion.

Seniors across the island gathered at parish libraries or joined online to participate in the event, held under the theme ‘Airwaves to Algorithms: Bridging Generational Gaps, Empowering Senior Citizens in a Digital Age’, in recognition of National Senior Citizens’ Month, observed throughout September.

The workshop was one of eight international satellite activities leading into the Sixth Annual Global AI4IA Conference, organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Information For All Programme (IFAP) Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA).

The Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library served as the live-streaming hub, seamlessly connecting parish libraries islandwide and remote participants to a dynamic programme of expert presentations, hands-on tutorials, and interactive discussions.

The workshop aimed to demystify artificial intelligence and empower senior citizens to engage confidently with technology across key domains, including healthcare, social connectivity, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.

Its practical sessions were thoughtfully tailored to address the distinct needs of older adults.

Digital Services Librarian at the JLS, Tashyon Robinson, introduced the fundamentals of digital media and information literacy, equipping seniors with the skills to identify scams, verify sources, and navigate online platforms with confidence.

Retired teacher, Elaine Corinaldi, who was among the participants, told JIS News that, “I was particularly interested in the section that mentioned reverse image search… this was the first time I heard about it.”

Reverse image search is a digital technique that enables users to discover information about an image by using the image itself as the search input, rather than relying on text-based keywords. This visual query method allows search engines to analyse the image’s features and match it to similar or identical visuals across the Internet.

Ms. Corinaldi described the seminar as very informative, adding, “It is good that the Jamaica Library Service and their partners have not forgotten the senior citizens; we are very grateful.”

Another participant and retiree, Daniel Morgan, said “This was an excellent workshop, delivered in a cordial and approachable manner.

“Even those of us less familiar with technology felt comfortable. The presenters were clear, and the timing was excellent. It was beneficial to all of us,” he stated.

Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission and Vice-Chair of UNESCO’s IFAP WGIA, Cordel Green, emphasised the urgency of digital inclusion for older adults.

“Empowerment in the digital age is not optional, it is essential,” Mr. Green stated during the event.

In her address to the participants, Executive Director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre and keynote speaker, Professor the Most Hon. Denise Eldemire Shearer, provided insights into the challenges faced by seniors and how artificial intelligence might support them.

“The number-one issue older people have complained about, going back as far as 1989 when we conducted our first national survey, is loneliness. It was not finances, not health; it was about feeling lonely; and that is where technology can play a vital role.

“That is why these digital communities, where people can talk to each other, are so important. I cannot emphasise enough, the mental stimulation neurotechnology provides to activate the brain. Even the process of learning to use these instruments offers significant benefits,” she explained.

Professor Eldemire Shearer encourages seniors not to shy away from embracing technology.

“Virtual reality will become part of our lives. Let us not resist it as seniors. Let us view AI and various neurotechnologies as tools that give us independence and help us maintain our autonomy. Provide peace of mind for the young ones and let us work together to make our seniors comfortable,” she said.

Meanwhile, Roxanne Anderson-Linton of the Broadcasting Commission reinforced key lessons with practical strategies for responsible media consumption. Miguel “Steppa” Williams of the Digicel Foundation engaged participants with mobile tech tips delivered in a relatable, hands-on style.

Adding an international perspective, Executive Director of Project GOAL (USA), Debra Berlyn, explored the balance between innovation and accessibility in ageing populations.

Deputy Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, Nicole Walford, captured the essence of the initiative, stating: “Digital media and information literacy are lifelines. Whether accessing healthcare or staying connected, technology helps older adults remain independent and engaged.”

Other stakeholder partners facilitating the workshop included the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC); Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ); National Health Fund, and Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre.