On the eve of the AI Global South Summit, set to begin Tuesday in Saint Lucia, concerns are surfacing regarding the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to exacerbate marginalisation, particularly in underrepresented communities.
President of the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari and Pan African People, Aaron Alexander, issued a statement addressing the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption, mainly in the context of the Global South.
“Whilst it is true that such advancements in technology can make life easier for mankind,” Alexander stated, “it does not mean that it will not bring hardships that our people may not be sufficiently prepared to deal with.”
He emphasised that the education system has left the population ill-prepared to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Alexander expressed concern that marginalised voices may be left out of critical conversations, pointing to the high $500 US registration fee as an example of economic barriers that prevent many Saint Lucians from participating in the summit.
“$500 US is beyond the public who is supposed to be present to let their voices be heard,” he said. “Was this a way to keep out certain persons? Will there be town hall engagements with people about AI?”
Alexander’s message highlighted broader issues, likening a top-down AI development model to neo-colonialism.
He argued that historically, the Global North has dictated the path for the Global South, and he warned against a similar power dynamic taking hold in AI. He encouraged Saint Lucians to “remain vigilant” to ensure that AI is applied in a way that benefits rather than controls or marginalises.
In addition to economic and social concerns, Alexander pointed to the potential for AI to influence aspects of life ranging from culture to politics, often in ways that might compromise local identity and autonomy.
He cited recent lawsuits in the United States and the United Kingdom, where artists and creatives are suing companies like Midjourney and Runway AI over copyright issues, claiming these AI systems threaten creators’ livelihoods and intellectual property.
For the Caribbean, Alexander argued, AI brings unique risks, including the possibility of identity theft and the complications of transitioning to cashless societies. “There must be a balance,” he said. “Not everyone will want to participate in this. People should have the freedom of choice.”
With the AI Global South Summit poised to draw international attention to Saint Lucia, Alexander’s comments underscore the need for a cautious, inclusive approach to AI—a call for progress without leaving the most vulnerable behind.
For those interested, everything on the summit is probably available on youtube, from deep fake to voice duplication, class work etc. There are plenty free courses online too. Nothing special here. Truth is, we have been using ai daily for many years now, they just try to make it sound like it is some top secret thing.