T&T, like other developmental countries in the Caribbean, is still facing some foundational challenges when it comes to implementation and the usage of technology to gain advancements, says Jean-Michel Baudoin, chief information officer and general manager of the Technology and Transformation Department of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an interview with the Business Guardian at the official launch of the IDB’s Emerging Technology Laboratory – TechLab T&T Hub on Tuesday, Baudoin noted that while there are lots of opportunities, what is important is that developing economies like Trinidad, and the rest of the Caribbean, do not get left behind.
Speaking at the IDB’s office in St Clair, Port-of-Spain, Baudoin outlined connectivity as the first challenge.
“We talk a lot about AI and you know, drones and everything, but the basic element is making sure that everybody has connectivity.
“Second one that I see is what we call digital literacy ... I think it’s very, very important that we do not leave anybody behind. So there are some people that are literate when it comes to technology and digital, but there are some people who are not,” Baudoin further explained.
Further, cybersecurity is still an issue facing T&T as well as the rest of the world.
“It’s not something that is specific to the Caribbean or Trinidad. Every institution, every country is attacked by cybercriminals and the more you are moving into this digital journey, the more you get exposed,” Baudoin added.
Fundamental to all this, he emphasised is having proper regulations in place.
“We need regulations, especially when it comes to AI. The problem is not whether or not regulations are going to kill innovation. The problem is the flexibility that we bring to the regulations and the time that it takes to make regulations,” Baudoin said.
These challenges, he said, are not only applicable to T&T but also other Caribbean countries and even the rest of the world.
“It’s just a question of different maturity on those things. But even in developed countries, cybersecurity is a problem. Even in developed countries like the US or in Europe, digital literacy is also a problem and cybersecurity as well. So this is not specific to Trinidad or the Caribbean, but it’s there and it’s just a question of maturity and we have to close the gap. That’s what we have to do,” Baudoin advised.
On his second visit to T&T, Baudoin gleaned some insights into this country’s digital transformation progress thus far, including at the statutory water provider, Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) where that entity is using data and also thinking about using big data and AI to manage water more efficiently.
In other areas he shared, “We discussed education and AI and how that can change education. Digital health as well. We talked about community engagement, so we see that technology is going to change pretty much everything,” he said.
On how he would rate T&T in its digital transformation journey this far, Baudoin said for him, “it’s always difficult to rate,” adding “And I don’t like to rate.”
However, he noted T&T’s “enthusiasm and talent” when it comes to digital transformation and also use of technology.
“I’ve been here for two days so I cannot completely give you a full assessment of everything. But, again the mindset is always very important. When you have the talent, when you have the willingness as well to collaborate with other institutions like the IDB, you have all the ingredients to make that a success.
“Is this going to be a success? You have to come back in two years and ask me again. But at least all the ingredients are here for a successful transformation,” Baudoin said.
In sharing details about the Tech Lab, Baudoin said it is not a funding mechanism but rather “an experiment place.”
“This is a place where we can bring people from Trinidad, the region, private sector, civil society, academia together to be able to experiment and test new technology.
“There is the tech lab in Trinidad, because we wanted to put a flag here but then you have access to some resources that we have in the other regional tech labs and that we have in Latin America and the Caribbean and also the Tech Lab that we have in Washington.
“So you have access to a pool of resources, human resources, skills, assets ... so a set of knowledge that you can use to accelerate your transformation,” Baudoin further explained.
He added there is internal funding from the IDB which will be used to pay for the equipment including robots, 3D printers, drones among other things.
While he could not provide a cost for this, Baudoin stated, “You cannot put a price tag behind testing an idea, making sure that it’s working properly, scaling it and financing it.
“What we are looking at right now is not necessarily the amount, but it’s where do we want to invest and where do we want to make a difference. I think that’s the most important things that we have here. So impact is clearly what we want to do here.”
IDB has been a
long-standing ally of T&T
In March last year, Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles and the President of the IDB Ilan Goldfajn, signed a US$90 million conditional credit line for investment projects, which include a first individual loan of US$42 million to facilitate the digital transformation of T&T by supporting the expansion and enhancement of the digital economy.
In 2022, IDB approved a US$80 million ($544 million) loan to boost the efficiency, quality, sustainability, and resilience of this country’s drinking water supply and water security.
That loan is part of a US$315 million conditional credit line for T&T’s National Water Sector Transformation Programme.
The IDB noted the programme would directly benefit an estimated 1,025,000 residents (310,665 households), plus an additional 279,500 residents (84,705 households) in surrounding communities.
According to the IDB, approximately 16,841 business, agricultural, and industrial customers and charitable institutions in different supply areas will benefit as well.
BOX
The Tech Lab, established in 2017 as the emerging technology laboratory of the IDB Group, is a key part of the bank’s technology department.
Its mission is to utilise emerging technologies to accelerate development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Tuesday’s launch marks the establishment of a digital hub for the Caribbean aimed at:
*Creating transformative solutions to promote sustainable development;
*Improving access to public services;
*Addressing socioeconomic and environmental challenges; and
*Exploring and safely implementing innovative technologies.
About the IDB
Since its creation in 1959, the IDB has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of people in its 26 borrowing member countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Washington, DC the IDB provides financial and technical support to national and sub-national governments and other entities in the region as well as conducting cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions to address development challenges both locally and globally.