BY ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) — During his Official Remarks at the University of The Bahamas-Partanna-King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intensive Micro-Course Graduation Ceremony on May 22, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip E. Davis said that he believed that those involved had accomplished “something very special.”
“I see this as the start of what will hopefully be an ongoing initiative, as we embrace the of strategic partnerships and innovative ideas that can empower our people for success,” the Prime Minister said, during the ceremony held at Choices Restaurant on UB Main Campus.
Among those present included UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; UB Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi; Dean of the UB College of Business Dr. Marlo Murphy-Braynen; UB Chair of the School of Business Daniel Thompson; Dr. Dematee Mohan of the Office of the Prime Minister; and Director-General of Bahamas Information Services Elcott Coleby.
A number of podium guests also assisted in presenting five micro-course graduates with scholarships to KAUST.
Prime Minister Davis stated that the world was currently going through an era of “rapid, and, I dare say, epic change.”
“They are calling it the triple transition, which includes climate change, demographic change, as well as digital change,” he noted. “The Bahamas is experiencing each of these changes in profound ways.”
He added: “Climate change represents the biggest threat we have ever, ever faced, as well as the biggest opportunity to re-align our society with our values to make the world cleaner, healthier, more prosperous, and more just. And then there is digital transformation, which requires tremendous investments in infrastructure, and, of course, education in digital skills so that our workforce can remain competitive in this new era.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the impact of that global transition was so broad that embracing those changes as opportunities required the integration of climate resilience and digital innovation into every aspect of The Bahamas’ national development models.
“That is why I am so proud of what we have accomplished today,” he said. “We have opened the eyes of these young Bahamian scholars to the vast world of digital transformation through AI and machine learning.”
“We have placed this great potential at their fingertips so that they can go on to be, not just consumers of digital technology, but also digital producers, disruptors, and innovators,” Prime Minister Davis added.
He pointed out that they lived in a time when AI had become commonplace. Universities, Prime Minister Davis added, were grappling with the ethical implications of natural language algorithms, like Chat GPT, which produced essays with just a few prompts.
“Programmers and writers are using open-source AI apps to become more efficient and productive,” he said. “We are seeing the widespread application of AI in every sector that is redefining how we work.”
“The AI revolution has already made waves here in The Bahamas,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Local businesses are using AI to collect data and empower their marketing initiatives.”
He continued: “My administration has pioneered the use of AI at the Ministry of Tourism, where AI chatbots are facilitating more efficient customer service and AI algorithms are helping us to identify and target likely visitors. Even the Water and Sewerage Corporation has begun using AI to detect leaks. But this is just the beginning.”
Prime Minister Davis said that AI was still in its infancy. In the near future, he added, AI will take over repetitive, everyday tasks in fields as vast as engineering, programming, law, accounting, marketing, and healthcare administration.
“We also anticipate using AI in our current efforts to fight climate change and make our nation more climate resilient,” Prime Minister Davis noted. “With these changes, some current jobs may become obsolete, but new jobs within data science and AI will emerge.”
“We will need a robust supply of well-trained, well-educated professionals to ensure that The Bahamas continues to keep pace with global economic developments,” he added. “And we want those professionals to be Bahamians.
“Today, we have taken steps toward building that future-focused workforce with 20 bright young scholars here at UB.”
Prime Minister Davis thanked KAUST, with special mention to Director Albarakati and Professor Khan for “partnering with us on this groundbreaking initiative.”
“I hope this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership that will enrich our students and allow for the exchange of knowledge between faculty to strengthen our institutions,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis also thanked Partanna, and its CEO, His Excellency, Ambassador Rick Fox, for helping to make the partnership happen through its funding and support.
“Thank you, as well, for your continued commitment to the environment through your groundbreaking carbon-negative concrete that will transform the global construction industry,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“Ambassador Fox, you are truly a proud son of our soil, and you continue to inspire us all,” he added.
Prime Minister thanked the faculty and staff at the University of The Bahamas for “their support in making this happen.”
“They often say if you can make it at UB, you can make it anywhere,” he pointed out. “This saying has proven true, not just because of the academic integrity and rigour of UB’s programmes, but because of UB’s willingness to embrace change and opportunity.”
He added: “Thank you to UB’s dynamic leadership team, President Hodder, UB’s Chair Mrs. Maynard Gibson, the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Marlo Murphy Braynen, Dr. (Woodside-) Oriakhi and your team for making this possible. Most importantly, thank you to the students who enrolled and committed to completing this course as an investment in your future and your future prospects.”
For those students who go on to continue their studies in AI, either at King Abdullah University or through other avenues, Prime Minister encouraged them to continue exploring their interests and talents.
“Continue adding in-demand skills to your repertoire and continue being trailblazers in your respective fields,” he said. “Congratulations to all of you.”
“We will need bright, young leaders to take on the challenges that lay ahead of us,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Based on what I am seeing today, I am confident that the future is in good, good hands. Godbless you all and may He continue to bless our nation.”
