SRC Hosts Online Discussion on AI September 18

Artificial intelligence (AI) will be the focus of the upcoming Scientific Research Council (SRC) Visibility Series online discussions, slated for this Friday, September 18.

The discussion will be held under the theme ‘AI or Be Left Behind: Is Jamaica Ready for the Intelligence Revolution?’. It will begin at Noon, and participation is free.

Interim Divisional Manager for the Information Services Division at the SRC, Carlinton Burrell, said the session will explore how AI is transforming workplaces, businesses and everyday life, while helping participants to better understand how the technology can be used to create opportunities rather than fear change.

“AI today is one of the most topical issues you can find right across the globe, and so it is important that we at the SRC examine that topic,” he told JIS News.

Mr. Burrell noted that the session is designed for members of the public, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators and anyone interested in understanding AI’s growing role in society.

He said the session will also address common misconceptions surrounding AI, including fears that it will take over jobs or become inaccessible to ordinary Jamaicans.

“We don’t need to worry about AI replacing us. What we need to worry about is upskilling and understanding the use and the purpose of AI. Our experts will be talking about the use of AI, some of the misconceptions, and how it works in the productive sector, the educational sector and right across the board,” Mr. Burrell said.

He also stressed that building public understanding of emerging technologies is critical to strengthening Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem and supporting national development.

The quarterly Visibility Series forms part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to make science and technology more accessible to the public.

Interested persons can register through the SRC website, social media pages, or by emailing edu@src.gov.jm.

“We’re looking forward for persons to register, come and be informed,” Mr. Burrell said.