By Belize Live News Staff: Nearly every young Belizean is on the internet. The question now is whether that access is turning into the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
A new Commonwealth wide study, the Ayre Index, ranks Belize 35th of 56 countries for youth AI readiness. Belize placed below Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Tobago (14th), Jamaica (18th), The Bahamas (30th), Guyana (31st) and Barbados (34th).
The study found that while internet use is high, there was not enough data to measure how well young Belizeans can actually use AI tools or how confident they are with the technology. It also noted that more than half of businesses examined reported internet interruptions.
Belize is already taking steps to close the gap. In October, government, BELTRAIDE and the Inter-American Development Bank celebrated the first graduates of Talent Up Belize, which offers training in AI, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. More than 100 Belizeans completed its first AI course. In September, 41 participants in Corozal also finished training in digital marketing, e-commerce and customer management.
The report sets out five priorities for countries: affordable and reliable access to technology, practical skills based education, stronger links between training and jobs, AI tools suited to local needs and safeguards that let young people question automated decisions.
“Governments now have to decide what they’re going to do about it,” Calvin Ayre said.
With 22.5% of young Belizeans out of work and school, the potential payoff is significant. Researchers estimate AI could add between US$23 million and US$73 million to Belize’s GDP within a decade, if the country makes the right investments now.
