Trelawny, Jamaica (May 25–27, 2026) — At the Innovation With and For a Purpose (IP) Summit 2026, two signature presentations underscored the twin pillars of AI readiness: infrastructure and talent.
Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., Managing Director of The LEAP Company, called for an integrated national AI strategy where infrastructure, governance, talent, and sustainability are treated as interconnected. He highlighted the need for transparent procurement, stronger data-protection frameworks, and collaboration across universities, industry, and government. His recommendations included apprenticeships, hackathons, pilot projects to build public confidence, and modernized TVET to ensure practical, future-focused skills.
Ms. Celina Lee, CEO and Founder of Zindi, demonstrated how talent ecosystems can convert skills into impact. Drawing on success stories across Africa and the Caribbean, she showed that when young people are given structured access to real-world AI challenges, they secure employment, launch enterprises, and deliver solutions to pressing national problems. Her core argument was clear: barriers are structural, not intellectual, and can be reduced through intentional platform design, partnerships, and making achievement visible and portable.
Panelists reinforced the alignment between infrastructure and talent, stressing that education reform, AI literacy, and equitable access must underpin both strategies. They emphasized that every person impacted by AI should have a seat at the table where decisions are made, data is collected, and solutions are built.
Together, the sessions made clear that Jamaica’s AI future depends on coordinated strategy and inclusive ecosystems: strong governance and infrastructure on one hand, and empowered, connected talent on the other. This dual approach positions the Global South to lead responsibly and effectively in the AI era.
Event Details
Event: Innovation With and For a Purpose (IP) Summit 2026
Dates: May 25–27, 2026
Location: Trelawny, Jamaica (Ocean Coral Spring Resort)
