Recently, my 11-year-old daughter asked me, “Daddy, with how fast Artificial Intelligence (AI) is replacing jobs, will there be any left for kids my age when we grow up?” As someone immersed in technology, I found myself stumped. Despite my expertise, I couldn’t provide a confident answer.
This uncertainty reflects a much larger issue. While I often argue in my articles that our educational system remains stuck in the 1990s, an even more pressing concern looms: our national digital transformation is lagging, creating potential national security risks.
Transformation takes time, but on the global stage, the world seems to be running a marathon while we in Barbados are merely strolling. Our persistent cultural belief that technology is optional rather than essential risks undermining our national motto of “pride and industry”. This complacency is troubling, especially as the pace of technological advancement continues to reshape economies and societies.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides valuable insights into the ongoing shifts in the global labour market. This Swiss-based organisation, which brings together leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society, examines key trends, challenges, and opportunities expected between 2025 and 2030. According to the report, technological advancements are both creating and displacing jobs, with AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity identified as critical areas of growth. Notably, 86 per cent of employers anticipate that AI and information processing technologies will transform their operations, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise technological literacy and adaptability.
However, with our educational system still rooted in the 1990s—focused on traditional skills rather than digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability—we are facing a crisis of our own making, akin to the regional security risks posed by climate change. The Caribbean, with its reliance on sectors like tourism, agriculture, and financial services, has much to gain from the efficiencies offered by technologies like AI.
This is particularly evident in the hotel industry across the region, where many properties have yet to adopt mobile apps to enhance guest experiences. Features such as pre-check-in/check-out, real-time billing notifications, and streamlined access to services remain underutilised, limiting their ability to meet evolving customer expectations.
A similar lack of technological integration is apparent during recent Barbados Agrofests, the country’s premier agricultural exposition. Despite being one of the most widely attended national events, it consistently misses the opportunity to showcase and integrate technological innovations that could revolutionise the agricultural sector. A dedicated section or theme focused on demonstrating how technology can drive efficiency and growth in agriculture is a glaring omission year after year.
Yet, the workforce—and this includes executive management—remains underprepared. Many of us share similar formative experiences, having attended the same primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions, which continue to lag in equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a digitally driven economy.
The 2025 report highlights a significant shift in the job market over the next decade, driven by technological advancements, automation, and the changing nature of work. According to the report, the global labour market will experience 97 million jobs created and 85 million jobs displaced, with clear trends emerging in the types of roles affected.
Likely Jobs Displaced:
These tend to involve manual tasks or repetitive administrative processes:
Clerical/administrative workers: Roles like data entry clerks, administrative assistants, and secretarial positions are at high risk of automation.
Manual labourers: Low-skilled manufacturing jobs will decline as industries adopt automated systems and robotics.
Repetitive service roles: Positions in areas like retail and customer service that rely on predictable, routine tasks will also see displacement.
Jobs in Demand (Created):
These roles emphasise critical thinking, innovation, and technological expertise:
AI specialists: Experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning will be vital as AI becomes integrated across industries.
Data analysts: Professionals who can interpret and apply insights from big data will be essential for decision-making and strategy.
Automation engineers: Specialists in designing and implementing automation solutions for various industries will see growing demand.
Digital transformation specialists: Experts who help organisations integrate digital technologies to streamline operations and adapt to new markets will be highly sought after.
This shift underscores the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce to prepare for jobs requiring technological literacy, creative problem-solving, and adaptability.
Despite the lack of digital transformation needed to fully participate in the new global economy by key industry leaders, small and innovative businesses like PickUP Barbados, a taxi-hailing app, are forging new ways of doing old business. Such initiatives demonstrate that with creativity and adaptability, the Caribbean can leverage technology to modernise traditional sectors and compete on a global scale.
To thrive in an AI-driven world, the Caribbean must transform its education system to emphasise STEM education, digital literacy, and critical thinking. A crucial part of this transformation involves understanding and applying skills like prompt engineering—the practice of crafting precise and strategic instructions (prompts) to guide AI tools in producing specific, intended outcomes.
Prompt engineering is not just for technologists; it has become an essential skill for creatives, researchers and industry professionals looking to maximise the potential of AI tools. Crafting effective prompts demands critical thinking to clarify goals, anticipate potential outputs, and refine instructions for accuracy and relevance. Integrating such skills into education, alongside coding and AI courses, hands-on training with tech companies, and lifelong learning opportunities, will ensure that individuals across professions are prepared to navigate and excel in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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